More than 20 local employers in a variety of vocations are seeking new employees

Yavapai Community College’s Regional Economic Development Center and the city of Cottonwood will hold a Verde Valley Job Fair, Tuesday October 1 from 3:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the Cottonwood Recreation Center, 150 S. Sixth Street in Cottonwood. Admission is free to all job seekers. Early 3 p.m. admission is provided to veterans 55 and older, and those with disabilities.

The Fair brings a wide range of local employers and possible vocations into one place, including: Abrio Home Care, Ambiente Sedona, Angels Care Home Health, Angels Care Hospice, City of Cottonwood, Cottonwood Police Department, Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District I, the Department of Corrections, Foothills Bank, Hilton Grand Vacations, Jones Ford Verde Valley, Mold In Graphics, NACOG-EWD, NACOG Head Start/Early Head Start, Northern Arizona Healthcare, Rainbow Acres, Steps to Recovery Homes, Verde Valley Humane Society, Yavapai College, Yavapai County Government, and Y.E.S. The Arc.

Attendees will meet potential employers and receive  the latest information about careers. They may be able to apply for part-time, full-time, temporary and seasonal employment. Job seekers are encouraged to dress for success.

Food pantry, plus special programs such as  partnering with  St. Mary’s Food Bank and Manzanita Outreach seek to reduce the stress of food insecurity

Yavapai Community College is addressing the significant issue of food insecurity among its students. One key initiative was the establishment of a Food Pantry on the Prescott Campus in 2019. This past academic year the Food Pantry served 897 students and their family members. The pantry is available to any student enrolled in at least 3 credit hours who is facing food insecurity.

In addition to its regular food offerings, the Prescott Campus Food Pantry occasionally hosts special events. For instance, on September 9, students had the chance to pick up freshly harvested  vegetables on a first-come, first-served basis from the Pantry.

Tackling food insecurity is a top priority for Yavapai Community College President Dr. Lisa Rhine. During the August convocation, she emphasized, “Our college cannot be a pathway out of poverty if we are not willing to support our students while they are in poverty.”

On September 27, the college will hold another special event in partnership with St. Mary’s Food Bank and Manzanita Outreach for students and the Prescott community. Thousands of pounds of non-perishable food will be distributed on the Prescott Campus. As per the Community College’s press release, “Everyone who could use some extra food in their home is welcome to participate. Participation will be easy! All area residents need to do is drive onto Yavapai Community College’s Prescott campus via North Washington Avenue, open their trunks or backseats to volunteers loading bags and boxes of food, and drive off, exiting via Marsten Avenue onto Sheldon Street.”

The drive-through food distribution will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., or until supplies run out, so organizers encourage participants to arrive early.

Students attending the Sedona Center, Verde Valley Campus, and Chino Valley Center are advised to utilize local food shelf organizations, as these campuses do not currently have food pantry programs similar to the one on the Prescott Campus in place (as far as the Blog is aware).

“We are a community college,” Verde Valley Campus Dean Dr. Irina Del Genio said. “It is important that we remain connected to our community.”

Yavapai Community College’s Verde Valley Campus announced in a press release on September 12, 2024, that it is already preparing for its second annual Wine and Wags event as part of its open house program. The inaugural event, held Thursday, August 8, successfully combined the Campus Open House with the Wine & Wags celebration.

For a $25 admission fee, attendees could access the College pavilion, where they enjoyed live music, a glass of wine, and a charcuterie boat. Alternatively, guests could choose to relax outside near the pavilion and listen to the live music.

The event featured programs on dog grooming and pet photography plus an opportunity to adopt an animal from the Verde Valley Humane Society. In addition there were  efforts to inform residents and potential students of the academic opportunities and scholarships offered at the Campus.

The event also raised $2,000 for the Verde Valley Humane Society, according to Dean Irina Del Genio. In the press release, she emphasized the college’s commitment to community, stating, “We are a community college, and it is important that we remain connected to our community.”

Despite somewhat threatening weather, the turn-out was good

The combination of wine, good food, canines, and music helped make the Yavapai Community College Open House on the Verde Valley campus a success on August 8.  Thanks  must go to Bobbi Evans, the Verde Valley Humane Society, the Southwest Wine Center, the Sedona School of Culinary, vendors and Once Bitten musicians for making the event happy, delightful, and informative.

The canine visitors stole the show as is obvious from some  of these (edited) photos from the Community College’s Facebook page.

Experts will be available to answer questions about fees, scholarships, residence halls, courses, certificates and more

Yavapai Community College will hold an Open House at  the Prescott Campus Community Room, Bldg. 19, Room 147, from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 20.  The campus is located at 1100 East Sheldon Street in Prescott..

Experts will be available to answer a host of questions including:

•  Scholarships, financial aid, and how to pay for college, courses, certificates, and more.
•  How to submit your free admission application to the Community College.

Refreshments will be served, and prizes will be available, including a Chrome Book, Amazon gift cards and more. 

“Evening of Recognition,” Nurse Pinning Ceremony; Commencement, CTEC open house with car show all scheduled in  April, and  May

Yavapai Community College is entering the period of the year when it recognizes the major accomplishments of its students, faculty, staff and others.  One of the first major events is an “Evening of Recognition” set for Tuesday, April 23, 2024 on the Prescott Campus.

The “Evening of Recognition” typically honors outstanding achievements and contributions of students, faculty, staff, and community members. The event usually  includes awards ceremonies, speeches, performances, and presentations highlighting the accomplishments of individuals and groups within the college community. It’s a celebratory occasion where achievements in academics, research, community service, leadership, and other areas are acknowledged and celebrated.

The date and times for the remaining events can be found in the table below:

Sedona Performing Arts Center will hold event for Sedona Center/Verde Campus degree recipients at 9:00 a.m. and certificate recipients at noon.  Live streaming of the ceremonies will be available at yc.edu.

Yavapai Community College will hold two student recognition ceremonies on May 6, with the degree recipients event scheduled for  9:00 a.m. and certificate recipients event scheduled for  12:00 p.m.

Nearly 100 graduates who either completed their degree or certificate in fall 2022 or who are on track to complete in spring 2023 or summer 2023 are expected to attend.

Overall, 620 YC students are on track to complete 807 degrees and certificates this spring. Additionally, 448 students completed 544 degrees and certificates last fall.

Mr. Ekklesia Breed, R.N., Verde Valley Medical Center ICU, 2022-23 Yavapai College Alumnus of the Year, will address the graduates and guests as the keynote speaker for the 9:00 a.m. ceremony.

Mrs. Amanda Vivanco, B.S.N., Director of Nursing, Haven Health Sedona, 2022-23 Yavapai College Alumna of the Year, will address the graduates and guests as the keynote speaker for the 12:00 p.m. ceremony.

Other speakers include Ms. Tina Luffman, Yavapai College English Professor, and graduating student Ms. Cheyene Gabbard.

Students and parents are encouraged to use the hashtag #YCGradJoy on social media to share their photos and celebrate with the college.

Live streaming of the ceremonies will be available at www.yc.edu.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

9:00 a.m. Ceremony

Mr. Ekklesia Breed, R.N. Ekklesia had a strong aspiration to work in healthcare for many years, and he longed to be an innovator in this field. After exploring various avenues, he discovered his true calling. Yavapai College provided him with the opportunity to pursue his goals and become a leader in healthcare. Thanks to the College’s support, he is now equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Ekklesia is grateful for the chance to pursue his passion and to lead others in providing high-quality care.

12:00 p.m. Ceremony

Mrs. Amanda Vivanco, B.S.N. Amanda began her journey as an LPN eight years ago and quickly realized that caring for others was her true calling. Becoming a registered nurse was no easy feat. Five years ago, she stumbled upon Yavapai College and decided to uproot her entire life to attend. Looking back, it was one of the best choices she’s made. Yavapai College played a significant role in helping her achieve her goals. Thanks to the College’s support, Amanda now has the opportunity to serve her community and pursue her passion for nursing alongside her husband. They both feel grateful for the chance to work together doing what they love in a place they call home.

FACULTY SPEAKER

Ms. Tina Luffman, English department faculty, first began teaching at Yavapai College in June of 2002. She has also taught Student Success Skills, Reading, and Writing courses; she previously has worked as the Learning Center Coordinator and as a part-time academic advisor and instructor for the Adult Basic Education program. Tina has lived in the Verde Valley area since 1982. She received her bachelor’s degree and her Master’s degree from Northern Arizona University. Her husband Mark has taught CNT and CSA classes at Yavapai College for over 30 years, and all four of her children have taken classes here, worked on campus, or both.

STUDENT SPEAKER

Ms. Cheyene Gabbard is graduating with the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree. She is a first-generation college student and a military veteran. Cheyene’s future plans include earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and to become a Nurse Practitioner. Cheyene intends to make a positive impact on the healthcare system.

Source:  Yavapai Community College Press release of May 2, 2023 (Link)