FOCUS 2019 - 2020 Jessica McDonald

PHOENIX COLLEGE 2019-2020

JESSICA McDONALD

PC ALUMNA & WORLD CUP SOCCER CHAMPION

TABLE OF CONTENTS LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

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GO FAR CLOSE TO HOME: STUDENT AND ALUMNUS CONNECTED ACROSS DECADES

2-3

STUDENTS SEEK SOLUTIONS TO GLOBAL WATER CONTAMINATION PROBLEM

4-5

THE HUNGER EPIDEMIC

6-7

GRIT & PEANUT BUTTER: THE JESSICA McDONALD STORY

8-9 & 17

NEIGHBORHOOD COLLEGE

10-11

PHOENIX COLLEGE CELEBRATES ITS CENTENNIAL

12-13

LIFTING BARRIERS FOR OTHERS ROYAL NORMAN’S PC CONNECTION

14 & 17

ENGAGE WITH PC

15

PC RESOURCES

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PHOENIX COLLEGE | FOCUS MAGAZINE

DEAR BEARS AND FELLOW PC SUPPORTERS!

For the past 100 years, Phoenix College has nurtured entrepreneurship and innovation and fostered teamwork and collaboration. We have been leaders in elevating equity, inclusion, and diverse perspectives.

In this theme, we have so much to share with you in this issue of Focus Magazine.

This past year, we launched a concept we call the Neighborhood College. The vision of this idea centers on the Achieve 60AZ initiative wherein 60% of Arizona adults, between ages 24-64 will achieve a postsecondary degree by 2030. In order to close workforce gaps, we applied an equity lens by removing transportation barriers and making it convenient for students to pursue their education. Read how we are helping local employers meet their needs of developing a flexible workforce.

In this issue, you’ll read about our partnership with St. Mary’s Food Bank. In a study from Wisconsin Hope Lab, research indicates that 42% of community college students are food insecure. Hopefully, you will feel inspired by our mission to support our students who live with food insecurities by providing them with nutritious supplemental food (lunches and weekend food), so they can focus on school.

You will also read about Jessica McDonald, who attended Phoenix College from 2006-2007 and who was chosen by Team USA to participate in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France in June 2019. There are so many more stories like Jessica’s.

As we enter into our 100th year of service I am asking for your support for the My Future Scholarship. Your support honors the importance of education as a fundamental value of our society and PC’s role as an educational and economic engine in Phoenix, Arizona. We also invite you to come back to campus and celebrate with us. To see a list of campus events visit phoenixcollege.edu/100 Thank you,

Dr. Larry Johnson, Jr. President, Phoenix College

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GO FAR,

CLOSE TO HOME

Rey Bujan Figueredo, a Cuban-born, Phoenix College student, walked the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh, Scotland; the cool July evening stood in sharp contrast to the sweltering heat of the Arizona desert.

In his hands was a very special letter, a note from Greg Adams, the man responsible for Rey’s life-changing summer experience overseas. As Rey strolled through the foreign city on his way to dinner with his travel companions, he reflected on the twists and turns of his life.

Only four years prior, Rey had been living in Cuba under tough conditions. His father had been gone for many years, leaving the family to find a better living situation in Arizona. This left middle-schooler Rey to fill his father’s shoes as head of the house. He had to watch out for his little brother, make meals, and keep up the pig breeding business his father had started to sustain the family.

After finishing his high school equivalently (pre-universitario), Rey started his mandatory military service, a prerequisite for studying at a Cuban university.

He left his large, close family and hometown in Jobado, Las Tunas, to go to La Havana’s military base. There, he spent a long year mitigating sanitary problems, especially focusing on mosquito control and the spreading of dengue fever. The days were long and the conditions were rough, but Rey’s outlook on life always tended to the sunnier side, even in gloomy circumstances. He managed to cope by looking for the positives in his situation.

He would soon go to the university, and luckily his aunt lived in nearby Playa.

There, he enjoyed some respite, relishing in better cooking, clean clothes, and fresh air. Finally, his time in military service was at an end and he was able to return to his family. His life; however, would not stay quiet for long. It was about to upheave again, but in a much more positive circumstance!

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“I came to the United States a little more than three years ago, without knowing the language, without resources, but with a very clear goal of what I wanted to accomplish. I feel really proud of what I have done in these last years, from mastering the language and maintaining academic excellence, being involved on campus and participating in numerous extracurricular activities.”

- REY BUJAN Rey had not been at Universidad more than a month before his father sent for Rey to come to Arizona! Rey had always dreamed of becoming a doctor and knew he could achieve this dream in the United States. With that, Rey said a bittersweet goodbye to his Cuban family to start a new life in the desert.

Although Rey had taken English classes in Cuba, the first year in the United States was a painful adjustment. The culture shock and language barrier proved extremely challenging. Since he could still not speak English fluently, Rey’s first job was one of hard manual labor.

“Establishing this scholarship has been a long-held dream of mine, going back almost 50 years. During my sophomore year at PC, I read an article about summer study abroad scholarships, and applied. I ended up getting one of the scholarships – and spent four wonderful weeks living in Spain.

The experience changed my life; I served in the Peace Corps, and had a 31-year career as a diplomat with the U.S. Department of State.”

Always one to encounter hardships as an opportunity, Rey soon enrolled in English classes at Rio Salado College while working as a janitor at a local McDonalds. He took every opportunity to begin English conversations with his coworkers to master his new language. Finally, he was able to achieve his General Education Diploma (GED) and start the college process over again in his adopted country.

Rey cast his thoughts back to the first time he arrived at Phoenix College. As he walked the grounds of PC with his father, surveying the historic red-brick buildings and mature towering trees, Rey spotted the phrase, “Go Far. Close to Home” etched under the Phoenix College sign. It was at that moment that he knew he was home.

A few years after that fateful day on PC’s campus, Rey was now, by all accounts, an exemplary student. In addition to juggling a heavy load of science classes, he was part of the International and Pre-Med student clubs, a participant in leadership retreats, a member of the Honors Program and a student Ambassador, working with the enrollment team, providing campus tours and serving as a new student orientation leader.

Walking down the street in Edinburgh, Rey was proud of the educated, man of the world, he was becoming.

- GREG ADAMS

50 years prior, Greg Adams was making the same discovery. It was 1969, and Greg was a sophomore at Phoenix College. He had recently applied, and was granted, a summer abroad scholarship through PC and was headed to Toledo, Spain. There, he would spend four wonderful weeks living with a local family and soaking up the language and culture.

That experience forever altered Greg’s destiny. After returning home, he graduated from PC and enrolled at Northern Arizona University as a Spanish major. He later served in the Peace Corps and enjoyed an impressive 31-year career as a diplomat with the U.S. Department of State.

Greg was forever grateful for the opportunity to visit a foreign country during his time as a Phoenix College student. Looking for a way to honor his experience at PC, Greg connected with the PC Development Office to create a new scholarship to help students study abroad.

“It felt good to finally pay PC back by ‘paying it forward’; making it possible for others to have the same life-changing experience that I did.”

– Greg Adams, ’70.

Rey Bujan Figueredo is the first student to receive the Adams Study Abroad Fellowship at Phoenix College. Throughout the journey of awarding the scholarship, Rey and Greg connected several times through letters that crossed both countries and languages. They are now connected, not only by their love of Phoenix College and international travel, but by sincere appreciation of the other’s contributions.

Scholarships like the Greg Adams Study Abroad Fellowship provide PC students with life-changing experiences. If you would like to learn more about starting a scholarship at Phoenix College, call 602.285.7667 or email development@phoenixcollege.edu.

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STUDENTS SEEK SOLUTIONS TO GLOBAL WATER CONTAMINATION PROBLEM

As part of several grant programs, PC students are being paid to conduct undergraduate research. The students are studying the levels of microplastics (plastic fragments) in a local water treatment facility to determine if a tiny microbe might aid in biodegrading the plastic particles.

According to recent studies, 140 million tons of plastic are produced every year, and 94 percent of tap water in the US contains microplastics. The World Health Organization recently reported that there is not enough evidence to conclude if microplastics pose risks to human health, but does affirm that microplastics are ubiquitous; being found in fresh and salt water, food, and even bottled water.

Through three National Science Foundation (NSF) funded grant programs, PC students receive financial support ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per semester to perform the research. Each semester, students and faculty conduct research in PC’s microbiology laboratory, collecting samples, establishing study protocols, and reporting on their findings.

Students say that the stipend is great, but it’s the research experience that is invaluable. Amanda Morrison, who graduates from PC in May, says that exploration has made her more confident in her capabilities and she knows that she wants a career in science.

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“When we visited the City of Surprise wastewater treatment facility to collect samples, I gained valuable hands-on experience with scientific sampling. Then, as we analyzed our data, I gained a deeper understanding of the implications of the research we are conducting and how important the project is.”

- RUBEN GOMEZ

“Participating in this research project encourages me to think outside-of-the-box and apply myself in a greater capacity.

Working alongside like-minded peers provides the opportunity to develop collaboration and teambuilding skills; strengthening workforce critical skills.”

- DAVID SMITH PC freshman Lisa Cadrel said that her ‘aha’ moment was realizing that the research could help solve the global water contamination problem. “This experience is not only preparing me for a career in a STEM field, it is propelling me towards achieving my degree in ways far greater than I ever expected.”

Last spring, PC students won first place at the Arizona-Nevada Academy of Science meeting in Yuma, Arizona with their research project. Each year, the Academy of Science hosts an interdisciplinary gathering to discuss science, mathematics and engineering. Faculty, graduate and undergraduate students present their research in all areas of science and mathematics during oral paper sessions or a combined poster session. The Phoenix College team knocked it out of the park – winning first place.

Roberto Martinez Jr. says “People are often surprised when they learn that PC has a research team. It is important for all science majors to be exposed to research opportunities because it really teaches us how to fail and make mistakes, which is a natural part of the scientific process and life in general. Working alongside my team members enhances cross-disciplinary skills as we learn from one another.”

PC faculty member and undergraduate research mentor Robin Cotter says that “Many of the STEM faculty at PC come from research backgrounds, so we know that helping our students make connections with industry and university partners is key to their success as they move along their career pathway. Through undergraduate research, we are empowering students to find creative solutions to the environmental issues we face. PC students are the next generation of scientists, engineers and healthcare providers and they are definitely up to the challenge.”

To learn more about undergraduate research opportunities at Phoenix College, visit phoenixcollege.edu.

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THE HUNGER EPIDEMIC In the fall of 2016, students in an English 102 class researched food insecurity across the United States, and decided it was important to assess the epidemic at the Phoenix College campus. The University of Wisconsin - Madison HOPE Institute surveyed Phoenix College students and found that 64 percent of students could not afford balanced meals. The study also revealed that 53 percent of students could not afford three meals a day, and this is a continuing trend across college campuses nationwide.

These results inspired professors Eric Burge and Bob Gibney to sponsor a student club whose mission was to feed hungry students. The next semester, students from the Honors course developed a constitution and club charter for the PC Pantry Club with the help of Student Life & Leadership. In the beginning, the Club solicited donations of noodle soup, granola bars and water bottles, which were assembled as brown bag lunches, and given away to students needing an emergency lunch solution.

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Very quickly, more students and faculty joined the cause; hosting noodle drives and collecting thousands of cup-o-noodles. As enthusiasm grew, a Food Pantry advisory council was formed. The council discussed how to sustain the Pantry, track impact, and how to provide more nutritious food offerings.

A partnership with St. Mary's Food Bank was developed, which resulted in thousands of pounds of food being distributed at the Phoenix College campus monthly.

Soon, the food distributions became more frequent, and the Food Pantry expanded, serving hundreds of students and families.

Last year, the Pantry team converted a storage space in the back of the Student Union into a full-fledged food pantry. With the help of St. Mary's Food Bank, Phoenix College became an official certified Food Bank partner, and with that came the ability to shop for food items at St. Mary's to stock the PC Pantry shelves.

PHOENIX COLLEGE | FOCUS MAGAZINE

Phoenix College hosted In September 2018, Phoenix College hosted the official PC Food Pantry Grand Opening and invited the entire campus to celebrate. The Pantry now serves hundreds of students weekly, and is having a significant impact on addressing food insecurity at the Phoenix College campus.

“Our goal is to support PC students with food insecurities by providing them with nutritious supplemental food (lunches and weekend food), so they can focus on school – not hunger,” said PC president Dr. Larry Johnson.

For the first time last November, a friends-giving celebration was hosted with food donated by Albertsons and Safeway. The College plans to make this an annual tradition of fellowship and support for PC students.

To further raise awareness across campus, the Student Life and Leadership department conducted a "Defeat Hunger Games Food Drive," with teams created across campus to collect food for the pantry. In less than four weeks, the campus community collected more than 4,000 food and toiletry items.

16 food distribution events in 2018-19, with more than 700

student, faculty & staff volunteers, providing

128,000 pounds of fresh produce.

PC’s Pantry supported

7,060 individuals in 2018-19.

If you would like to support the PC Food Pantry, call 602.285.7667, or visit phoenixcollege.edu/waystogive.

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GRIT & PEANUT BUTTER: THE JESSICA McDONALD STORY

Champions are never born: They are made – of blood, sweat, perseverance, and sometimes, peanut butter.

Like many students who attend Phoenix College (PC), Jessica McDonald’s story is one of resilience, tenacity, and hope. By the time Jessica arrived at PC, her family had endured several struggles, and she and her older brother were living with their grandmother.

While her parents had not been able to provide a secure home life, they had bestowed extraordinary athletic ability upon Jessica and her brother.

At an early age, Jessica immersed herself in basketball and track. The sense of belonging to something bigger than herself, having a shared goal, and releasing energy acted as a panacea. She was able to transcend her struggles by building an extended family of friends, coaches, and teachers.

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Trouble only came when the track and basketball seasons were over.

When Jessica was not grinding on the court or track, she would find herself losing motivation. Jessica’s older brother, Brandon, had made a name for himself on youth national soccer teams and would go on to become a professional soccer player. In large thanks to her grandmother’s determination to keep her granddaughter out of trouble, Jessica was encouraged to take up soccer in the basketball offseason. Jessica started club soccer at age 12 and was on a youth national

“Without guidance from all these people, I feel like my time [at PC] would have been more difficult. The feeling of being able to approach people, no matter the reason, made it more comfortable. The friendships that I made are special as well; I have best friends to this day from PC.” - JESSICA MCDONALD PHOTO BY: BRAD SMITH/ISIPHOTOS

team by sophomore year of high school. She was now balancing her time between three competitive sports and excelling at all three.

The decision to attend Phoenix College had been an easy one. PC’s Head Track Coach at the time, Owen McGregor, had been one of Jessica’s trainers during high school. It was comforting to know she had “family” at PC. She met the Woman’s Soccer Coach, Morgan Lee, and received the all-important approval from her grandmother. In time, she would meet more coaches and staff who would offer her guidance and mentorship.

While at PC, Jessica continued to hone her skills on the basketball court, track, and soccer field. She not only played with the women’s team, she also trained with the men’s soccer team. The Woman’s Soccer Coach, Morgan Lee, understood Jessica’s desire to grow as an athlete.

“David Cameron, the men’s soccer coach, and the boys were very welcoming from the start. They respected me and I respected them. I wanted to push myself to a higher level and the men’s game is just a little bit quicker.”

However, carrying a full college course load and holding the title of a three-sport-athlete was not without its costs. Jessica practically lived at Phoenix College. There were many days when she would arrive before seven in the morning and only pack up to leave after sundown.

Keenly aware of her potential, Jessica’s coaches enrolled her in the athletic study group at Phoenix College. It was here that she focused on her coursework in between practices and games. Through this support, Jessica realized athletics and scholarship were not mutually exclusive. While juggling three college sports, she was also a member of the PC Honors Program.

Jessica’s energy grew from her passion to excel.

She fueled herself on sheer grit and peanut butter, sometimes packing three PB & J sandwiches to carry her through the day.

Her school days took on a predictable, if not grinding, routine. Many weekdays consisted of morning practice, study group, PB&J, soccer drills, PB&J, class, study group, class, training, PB&J, and class once more before she could finally swing her heavy backpack over her shoulder, go home, crawl in to bed, just to do it all over again the next day.

While at Phoenix College, Jessica McDonald was named a first-team junior college All-American in soccer and the National Junior College Player of the Year. She began to

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Continued on page 17.

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NEIGHBORHOOD COLLEGE

The City of Phoenix and Phoenix College have established a “Neighborhood College” partnership, which provides onsite courses for City employees. The intention of the program is to expand city employees’ careers; by obtaining educational experience in various business-related areas, employees will be better equipped to apply for advanced positions within the City.

Subjects offered include accounting, web development, communication, and customer service, though employees have access to all of the Phoenix College’s business courses.

The partnership was developed after PC president Dr. Larry Johnson met with City manager Ed Zuercher to discuss the needs of the City’s workforce, and how they could eliminate the need for students to physically travel to the College campus.

“The partnership allows City employees to pursue an education at their workplace. And, upon successful completion, allows employees to compete for higher positions within the City of Phoenix,” said Dr. Johnson.

110 employees have utilized the program since its creation, and the City is hoping to see an increase in the number of employees participating in an upcoming session. When employees pass the courses, the City reimburses the cost of tuition.

“Our employees want to do the best job they can, and we want to do everything we can to help them succeed,” said City Manager Ed Zuercher.

“The City encourages continuing education for employees, and our partnership with Phoenix College helps us make education available in a way that is flexible and accommodates a variety of work schedules.”

“This partnership helps the City of Phoenix bolster its workforce while providing advancement opportunities to employees. And, the tuition assistance is an added benefit and motivator for participants,” Johnson said.

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“My experience with Phoenix College has been great! The tools they provide make it really easy to learn and retain the information. They have videos, learning tutorials, and interactive reading material. It has worked wonders for me and motivates me to keep pushing. The professors are really nice and communicate well what the expectations are, and also respond to questions pretty fast. I always tell people about the program because of the success I’ve had so far, and how easy it is to get started!”

- STEPHANIE, City of Phoenix Finance Department

“We hope this allows folks who might not have the time or opportunity to come to campus the ability to pursue new credentials and certifications,” Johnson added.

According to a 2016 Gallup poll, 87 percent of millennials rated “professional or career growth and development opportunities” as important to them in any job.

Employers like the City of Phoenix are taking note of this, and creating partnerships like the Neighborhood College to fill this need. In 2014, just 18 percent of companies provided onsite professional development programs. As of last year, this figure increased to 69 percent, according to the Society for Human Resource Management.

Dr. Johnson highlights equity in education as one of Phoenix College’s central goals and one of the primary drivers of the Neighborhood College concept. “Since 1920, the College has provided lifelong opportunities for a diverse student population and workforce, and this partnership aligns well with the College mission, goals and strategic priorities,” Johnson said.​

“When I found out the city of Phoenix was bringing Phoenix College courses to the city, I thought to myself how much easier could it get, taking a college course that would only take an hour and a half of my time after work, in my own building, while earning college credits towards a degree?

This class has helped me a great deal in my job duties.”

- DENISE, City of Phoenix Information Technology Services

If you would like to learn about the Neighborhood College, call 602-285-7466.

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PHOENIX COLLEGE

CELEBRATES ITS CENTENNIAL

On September 13, 1920, Phoenix College officially opened its doors, forever changing the educational and workforce landscape of Phoenix. PC’s founders adopted a non-segregation policy, offering unparalleled access to all who sought to improve their lives through education. A multicultural and diverse student population has become one of the hallmarks of Phoenix College.

As a vital part of a thriving community, Phoenix College plays a significant role in raising the skill level of the workforce and in closing the equity gap. PC alumni are making their mark on the world in countless ways, and PC proudly counts state and national leaders, corporate CEOs, artists and entrepreneurs as alumni of the College.

Phoenix College is more than a school – we’re part of the community. We invite you to learn more about PC’s Centennial by visiting phoenixcollege.edu/100.

SIGNATURE CENTENNIAL EVENTS Centennial Kick-Off & Time Capsule Unveiling

100 Year Affair Evening Celebration*

January 28, 2020

November 21, 2020

Hacienda Room (Building F), Phoenix College

Arizona Biltmore Resort, 2400 E Missouri Avenue, Phoenix, AZ

• 9:30 am – Time Capsule Unveiling, History of PC Display & Student Performances

• 10:30 am – Alumni Reunion & Campus Tours Join us to kick off PC’s Centennial year, to share PC memories for the Centennial time capsule, unveiling of the 75th anniversary time capsule, to enjoy student and alumni performances, and for an alumni reunion and campus tours.

Centennial Founders’ Day

An evening celebration of Phoenix College’s history as a pioneering institution of inclusion, equity and access through student and alumni performances and stories. * This is a ticketed event. Visit phoenixcollege/edu/100 to learn more.

Centennial Open-House

September 14, 2020

March 10, 2021

Hannelly Center

• 9:00 am PC has been a pioneering institution since its inception.

Founders’ Day commemorates Phoenix College’s founding and first classes on Sept. 13, 1920. Join us for a reading of the Mayoral Proclamation, student performances, history of PC display and a reception.

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• 5:30 pm – Check in & Reception • 6:30 pm – Programmatic Displays & Demonstrations • 7:00 pm – Dinner & Program

College-wide campus open house, showcasing PC’s programs, students, faculty and staff. Internment of PC’s Centennial Time Capsule.

• 10 am – 1 pm – Student Success Fair • 4 – 6:30 pm – Classroom, Department & Program Open House

PHOENIX COLLEGE | FOCUS MAGAZINE

We believe everyone deserves access to an affordable education.

PC’s long history as an inclusive, diverse institution will be honored and sustained through creation of the MY Future Scholarship to increase educational equity, access, and opportunity for underrepresented students.

Proceeds from all Centennial signature events and fundraising will support creation of this new scholarship.

Show your PC Pride, and help ensure future students access to quality affordable education! With a donation of $100 or more, you may receive a commemorative Centennial gift. Visit phoenixcollege.edu/pcgives to make a donation to the My Future Scholarship – and secure your commemorative Centennial item!

PHOENIXCOLLEGE.EDU/STORIES-OF-IMPACT

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LIFTING BARRIERS FOR OTHERS ROYAL NORMAN’S PC CONNECTION

“Phoenix College gave me a fresh start”, says Arizona Family’s (3TV) Chief Meteorologist, “It was the place that said yes when everywhere else said no. I owe PC a big debt of gratitude.”

Royal Noman has always been a man to pursue his passions. Enthusiastic for a career on the air, Royal supported himself as a disc jockey (DJ) at a local radio station while a student at Illinois State. Like many students eager to start their career, college classes took a backseat to experience in the field. It was not until a few years later, when Royal applied to Arizona State University for a degree in meteorology; he was informed that he neglected to formally withdraw from his last semester at Illinois State. The university suggested that he attend a local community college to improve his grade point average.

Royal spent a year at Phoenix College, bringing up his grades and discovering his potential. “I was an average student through high school. PC made me realize I could be a better student. I was pretty much a straight-A student at PC and then moved on to Arizona State University as a straight-A student.”

As an alumnus and donor, Royal has reconnected with Phoenix College students, staff, and faculty. He volunteers his time as a member of the PC Alumni Association Advisory Council and connects with members of the Physical Sciences Department.

Now, back on campus, he is flooded with memories. “It reminds me of being young and of how passionate I was about learning. I was scared about whether I

could do it or not. I spent hours in the library. It was a place to get homework done, research done, or just a quiet place to read; it was my sanctuary.”

In the fall of 2018, Royal was a speaker at the Physical Sciences Grand Re-Opening Ceremony. This fall, he is collaborating with faculty to be a guest lecturer in geology and other physical science classes. “I hope to inspire students to find their passion,” he says. “I was lucky enough to find my passion in meteorology.

If you can find something that challenges you and makes you happy every day, that’s what I hope to spark.”

Royal is not only passionate about the sciences, but also about lifting others up and removing barriers to education. To support his goals, he contributes to the Phoenix College Emergency Fund on a monthly basis. “I was stunned to find out that there are students on campus who struggle with hunger and everyday bills. I wanted to help.” With a twinkle, Continued on page 17.

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ENGAGE WITH PC

JOIN US TO CELEBRATE PC’S CENTENNIAL

REVIEW STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS

We invite you to join us for PC’s Centennial celebrations. Visit phoenixcollege.edu/100 to learn about signature events and supporting the Centennial.

Reviewing student scholarship applications is simple and rewarding! Please consider serving as a scholarship reviewer. Each semester, hundreds of students apply for scholarships through the online portal, and each application must be read and scored.

MENTOR A STUDENT You can make a positive impact on a student’s life by becoming a mentor.

PC students need your help. By simply offering to talk with a student on the phone, via e-mail, or in person you are providing a much-valued gift to PC students. To learn more about mentoring a student, please email alumni@phoenixcollege.edu or call 602-285-7652.

Typically reviewers read 20 applications, which can be done 100 percent online from any computer with Internet access. Applicants answer three short essay questions (max 10 sentences each) that reviewers score using a provided rubric. If you are willing to serve in this important role email us at alumni@phoenixcollege.edu.

TEACH @ PC Phoenix College is hiring adjunct faculty. Specific qualifications and required experience vary depending upon the program and classes taught. Disciplines include Communication, Medical Lab Sciences, Accounting, Reading, Fashion Design, STEM, English and more. To see a complete list, go to: maricopa.edu/about/careers/ adjunct-faculty

VISIT CAMPUS Phoenix College maintains its rich history, while providing state-ofthe-art learning environments for students. If you haven't visited campus in a while, come see what's new by scheduling a golf-cart tour (approximately one hour). Email alumni@phoenixcollege.edu to schedule a tour.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) Statement: It is the policy of Maricopa to promote equal employment opportunities through a positive continuing program. This means that Maricopa will not discriminate, nor tolerate discrimination, against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status (including document abuse), age, disability, veteran status or genetic information. Additionally, it is the policy of Maricopa to provide an environment for each Maricopa job applicant and employee that is free from sexual harassment, as well as harassment and intimidation on account of an individual's race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, citizenship status (including document abuse), age, disability, veteran status or genetic information.

Non-Discrimination Statement: The Maricopa County Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.

Tax Deductible Statement: Phoenix College (PC) is affiliated with the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation (MCCF), a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. All gifts to PC via MCCF are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. Please consult with your tax advisor to determine the tax treatment of your contribution.

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PC RESOURCES

ATHLETICS

COMMUNITY FITNESS CENTER

FANNIN LIBRARY

PC has seven award-winning sports teams: men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, baseball, softball and volleyball. We invite you to cheer on the PC Bears at an upcoming game.

Visit athletics.phoenixcollege.edu for PC sports schedules.

Weight training & various classes offered. Discounts for seniors, students & alumni. Call 602-285-7295 to learn more.

The PC Library provides access to a variety of resources and services to promote information literacy, encourage lifelong learning, and meet the changing information needs of students, faculty, staff and the community. For library hours and more information, visit phoenixcollege.edu/library.

CAREER SERVICES The Career Services Center provides personal guidance in career development and planning.

The Maricopa CareerLink portal provides job and internship exploration, details about upcoming career events, resume sharing and career assessment tools. Visit phoenixcollege.edu/students/ career-services to learn more.

CHILD CARE Southwest Human Development Early Head Start and Head Start program provides low-cost or nocost child development services at PC’s Osborn Location. All children who participate in the program gain access to highly trained staff, and low child-to-teacher ratio. The program provides developmentally appropriate activities for toddlers (ages 1-3) and school readiness skills for pre-school children (ages 3-5.)

DENTAL CLINIC A variety of low-cost oral health services provided by students under the guidance of licensed practitioners. Call 602-285-7323 to learn more.

ENROLL IN CLASSES View class schedule, learn about financial aid opportunities, and enroll online at phoenixcollege.edu/ enroll. Call 602-285-7777.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL) INSTRUCTION The ESL program offers students one of the most diverse language learning programs in Arizona. To learn more visit phoenixcollege.edu or call 602-285-7966.

ERIC FISCHL ART GALLERY The Fischl Gallery hosts various art shows throughout the year. Visit phoenixcollege.edu to review the current schedule, or call 602-285-7277 to learn more.

Visit swhd.org to learn more or call (602) 560-0000 for more information.

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PHOENIX COLLEGE | FOCUS MAGAZINE

MUSICAL PERFORMANCES A variety of musical performances are offered throughout the year by PC jazz ensembles, community orchestra, solo vocal and musical recitals, percussion groups and choirs. Call 602-285-7273 to learn more.

THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES The PC Theater Program offers four productions annually. Visit phoenixcollege.edu to learn about the current season and to purchase tickets. Tickets may also be purchased at the door. Call 602-285-7303 for more information.

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE CLINIC Students provide services under guidance of licensed therapists.

One-hour massage = $20.

Call 602-285-7323 to learn more.

VETERANS SERVICES One-stop academic and referral services for veterans and their families. Call 602-285-7342 for more information, or email pc-veteranservices@phoenixcollege.edu.

GRIT & PEANUT BUTTER: THE JESSICA McDONALD STORY | CONTINUED attract the attention of large universities.

By her sophomore year, she transferred to the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and joined the Tar Heels. She found success in North Carolina, winning two national titles, and joined the ranks of Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS).

Jessica’s journey to the 2019 FIFA Women’s National Soccer Team World Cup Championship would not come without setbacks and hardships. To get there, she had to endure an almost-career-ending knee injury, becoming a single parent, and several trades within the WPS. By World Cup standards, Jessica, at the age of 31, was considered geriatric. Not only was she the only mother, she was nearly a decade older than most of her U.S.A. teammates. Jessica’s passion, dedication, and love for her son, Jeremiah, carried her through when many others had chosen retirement from the sport.

“My parents were both multi-sport athletes and they had children at a very young age.

My mother had a full-ride to college to play basketball. She was an outstanding athlete.

My father also had a full-ride to play college

sports. They sort of threw that all away. At the end of the day, they used us as an excuse to quit on their dream. The reason I kept pushing, even when days were hard and I wanted to give up, I would think about my son. I didn’t want him to have the same feeling of disappointment that I felt about my parents. My child is who I am working for. He is my motivation. I want him to know it’s going to take hard work. It’s going to take sacrifice. It’s going to take dreadful days to be successful. I want to inspire him for his future for whatever he chooses to do with his life. He’s going to remember being at the World Cup and I want him to use that as motivation and just run with it.”

By her own admission, Jessica has fulfilled her life-long dream, but that is not the end of the story. In her role as a public speaker, she strives to teach younger generations that they need to push themselves to the next level, keep grinding away at their goals even when it feels that the whole world is against them, and to rely on support networks to carry them through tough times.

While Jessica McDonald’s rise to fame may be extraordinary, her story of grit and determination are not novel to Phoenix College.

Every day, students from all walks of life pursue their dreams within PC’s red-bricked walls. Many of the students who take classes at PC have similar stories of hardship, family sacrifice, and a gut-wrenching desire to rise higher. Phoenix College staff, faculty, and coaches meet this need with supportive services, including academic advising, career assistance, counseling, and yes, even a peanut butter and jelly sandwich from the PC Pantry.

LIFTING BARRIERS FOR OTHERS | CONTINUED he continues, “I set up my contribution through auto pay so I wouldn’t forget about it.”

He challenges others in the community to connect with PC. “Spend a couple of hours on campus, take a tour, and see how active and vital it is. You’ll want to be part of it.”

Alumni donors like Royal Norman play a critical role in student success and persistence by providing financial support for emergency and basic student needs. If you are interested in supporting students or PC programs, please email development@phoenixcollege.edu or visit phoenixcollege.edu/waystogive.

PHOENIXCOLLEGE.EDU/STORIES-OF-IMPACT

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HELP IDENTIFY “LOST” ALUMNI

In 2020, Phoenix College will celebrate its Centennial anniversary! We want to invite all alumni to join in the celebration, but we need your help identifying friends and family who are not in our alumni database.

Did your mom, dad, brother, neighbor, etc. – attend Phoenix College? Help us connect by sending their name and contact info to alumni@phoenixcollege.edu. We’ll send them a Heart of the Bear alumni pin, and you’ll both be invited to signature Centennial events.

FOCUS magazine is produced by the Alumni & Development Depar tment. The mission of FOCUS magazine is to engage alumni, friends, par tners, suppor ters and the Phoenix College communit y.