Focus Magazine - Phoenix College 2018-19

FOCUS PHOENIX COLLEGE 2018-19

DR. LARRY JOHNSON Making a difference through diversity and inclusion

TABLE OF CONTENTS FROM HOMELESS TO HEALED

2

FOCUS ON EQUITY

4

THE BIG DOCTOR

6

PLAYING IT FORWARD

9

BLENDING HISTORY WITH MODERN TECHNOLOGY 10 BREAKING DOWN BORDERS AND BARRIERS

12

A LEGACY OF GIVING

14

PC RESOURCES

16

ENGAGE WITH PC

17

DEMOGRAPHICS 17

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT HELLO, BEARS! The success of a college relies on various factors; innovative strategy, dynamic instructors, dedicated staff, and engaged students are critical. But, just as essential to our continued success are our alumni and the support of our community.

Our focus on transformation includes seeking out partnerships that work with opportunity youth, refugee and immigrant populations, Hispanic, Asian, Native American populations and adult learners. So, you are important to helping us with this mission. Because, when our community, including our alumni get involved — whether through mentoring students, donating to scholarships or participating in events — we are making an impact on the future of this college.

As president, I want to ensure that my leadership team and I are listening — to students, to the community, and to you, our alumni. I dedicated my first 100 days at PC to listening, and I learned more about what makes Phoenix College special.

I believe these ongoing conversations will lead to new ideas that will benefit our campus and students.

As I read success stories about our alumni, I am filled with pride. You and your peers are making a difference in your professions and communities — and you’re giving back to current students.

If you haven’t done so already, please follow us on social media @phoenixcollege Enjoy this issue of FOCUS magazine, and I look forward to sharing more updates about PC and our direction in the future.

Sincerely,

Dr. Larry Johnson President

PHOENIXCOLLEGE.EDU P H O E N I X C O L L E G E F O C U S // 1

In 2017, Jillian was selected as a recipient of the Phoenix College Alumni Association Bear Scholars Program. Through the program, Jillian receives a substantial scholarship and is matched with an alumni mentor.

Sensitive to the needs of others and passionate for social justice, Jillian pays it forward through her leadership in PC’s Women Rising Club, where she mentors and supports disenfranchised and minority female students on campus.

HEALED STUDENT PROFILE

JILLIAN HERNER “What would it be like to belong somewhere?

To fit in and be part of something truly good?” Jillian Herner pondered this often as she walked past the Phoenix College (PC) campus while struggling to find stability.

Jillian had a difficult childhood, growing up in a family plagued by addiction and abuse. She was passed around from family member to family member as they struggled to survive.

By the time Jillian was in her teens, she was staying at friends’ houses simply to stay in school.

Unfortunately, the people in these homes had their own domestic violence and addiction issues. At the end of her senior year in high school, Jillian succumbed to the temptations surrounding her, becoming addicted to drugs herself.

Jillian graduated from Corona Del Sol High School in 2007 as an honor student despite the challenges she faced with homelessness and addiction.

After high school, she began taking classes at a state university.

2 // P H O E N I X C O L L E G E F O C U S

Unfortunately, the pressures of living in domestic violence shelters, working several jobs, and relying on food and clothing banks began to take its toll. The final straw came when she needed to provide residency documentation to continue qualifying for in-state tuition rates. Years of sleeping on other people’s couches with no permanent address left her unable to provide adequate tax records, compelling Jillian to drop out of college.

In 2015, she enrolled at Phoenix College. Jillian is studying to become a nurse with plans for a medical degree in her future.

Through a partnership with Northern Arizona University (NAU), Jillian is co-enrolled in the PC nursing program, while also pursuing a bachelor’s degree at NAU. Jillian carries a heavy course load while working two jobs, waitressing at a local restaurant and as a laboratory assistant in PC’s Physical Sciences department.

Several years later, as Jillian stood on Thomas Road near the PC campus, she made the decision to disprove the labels she and society placed on her, recommitting herself to attend college.

Jillian has access to the resources and support she needs to succeed at Phoenix College.

After she enrolled, advisors and counselors at the College directed her to apply for various financial assistance to help pay for tuition and make ends meet.

Having battled her way back from challenging circumstances, Jillian credits PC with giving her more than an education.

“PC gives me the opportunity to advance and pursue a rewarding career, but more significantly, attending college has healed me. When I’m here, I can talk about my dreams and I’m encouraged to pursue them.”

For Jillian, PC truly is home.

She encourages others dealing with their own struggles to find hope that things will get better through education.

“It doesn’t matter what you’ve done or experienced.

Don’t accept the labels that society and others place on you.

We are all worthy of belonging as contributing members of society.

College is for you if you want it.

All you need is the desire to do it.”

Jillian takes great pride in the contributions she is making to the PC community and looks forward to serving as a nurse or doctor in the near future.

She believes strongly in paying forward the blessings she receives to help achieve her dreams.

I lead by example and pray that my healthy lifestyle and direction in school will set an example for my younger brothers, cousins, and nephews; that they too can make wise choices and have a fulfilling life.”

The Bear Scholars Program is a multi-faceted program supporting first-generation students. Students accepted into the program are awarded an academic scholarship and matched with an alumni mentor while pursuing their associate’s degree. If you’d like to mentor students, get started by visiting phoenixcollege.edu/alumni/ get-involved.

“ P H O E N I X C O L L E G E F O C U S // 3

A FOCUS ON

“

EQUITY

A R O L E M O DE L AND ADVO CATE Dr. Johnson believes faculty and administrators play an important role in reaching and understanding all students.

PRESIDENT PROFILE

DR. LARRY JOHNSON

As a college and community leader, Dr. Johnson sees an opportunity to be a catalyst for social justice.

Larry D. Johnson Jr. understands hardship.

As president of Phoenix College, Dr. Johnson believes his past helps him better understand — and be a role model — to PC students.

“Diversity, inclusion, and equity are important to me,” he says. “I’m not here for the title. I want to serve at an institution where my values and passion can shine through and where I can make a difference.”

“My mom was a single parent. After she and my dad divorced, she was the sole provider for my brother, sister, and me,” he says. “And it was hard. So, I know what it means to struggle and to go without.”

As president, he’s looking for ways to help close the gaps for all students, working to ensure students leave PC with the skills needed to be marketable in the workforce or to transfer to four-year colleges or universities. “There are several students, at Phoenix College, who have faced similar circumstances as me and my siblings,” he says. “I am here to advocate for them, and I believe Phoenix College is a place where they can excel.”

Then, when he was just 11, Dr. Johnson lost his mother.

After his mom passed, he was a victim of physical and emotional abuse — trauma that could have been the catalyst to a life of destruction. But he chose, instead, to live a life that would make her proud — a life of purpose and service to others.

Today, Dr. Johnson is Phoenix College’s sixth president — and its first African-American president. His background has made him a president who cares deeply about issues of social justice and equity.

VA LU I NG D IVERS ITY AND I NC LUSI ON Recognizing that men of color are over-represented in the criminal justice system and under-represented in college, Dr. Johnson — who has a bachelor’s degree from Florida A&M University, a master’s degree from Florida State University, and a doctor of arts from Clark Atlanta University — has made it his mission to give a voice to the voiceless.

“I chose to become a teacher and build a career that allows me to be an advocate for marginalized members of society,” Dr. Johnson says. “I want others to hear my story and be inspired. I want them to see a person who struggled and prevailed in the face of adversity, and I want them to realize they can too.”

4 // P H O E N I X C O L L E G E F O C U S

“As educators and leaders, we need to be highly attuned to our students,” he says.

“We need to be more intentional about working with our minority students to develop programming that will increase retention and completion. We must ask ourselves: What drives our students? We need to understand their perspectives and speak to their motivations and invite them to have a seat at the table. And, we need to constantly ask ourselves: What more can we do to ensure we are providing equitable opportunities for all?”

Dr. Johnson can be found on @phxcollegeprez

I’m not here for the title.

I wanted a job where my values and passion can shine through and where I can help make a difference.”

P H O E N I X C O L L E G E F O C U S // 5

THE DOCTOR

BIG

DONOR PROFILE

SIMON MYINT Growing up in Japaneseoccupied Burma during World War II, Simon and his mother were forced to flee to a Methodist missionary school in the countryside after the bombing at Pearl Harbor.

DR EAMS O F A DE G R E E Even before seeing the yearbook, Simon had dreams of going to college. As a boy, he almost died of malaria.

He vowed to himself then that, if he survived, he would become a physician.

“I did recover, and so my mind was set,” he says. “I wanted to be a doctor.” However, at that time in Burma, universities were shuttered, and Simon had limited educational options.

In 1945, Simon wrote to then — College dean Dr. Harry Wyman to inquire about enrolling.

He was cut off from the rest of Dean Wyman responded the world with little to read with registration and tuition except old issues of Reader’s Digest information. Simon wrote back and Fortune magazines and the declining the offer because he head missionary’s 1930 Phoenix couldn’t afford the $100 tuition.

Union High School Annual.

Instead, Simon moved to India and began his studies there.

In that old yearbook, Simon saw a Phoenix College (then Simon tried to forget about Phoenix Junior College) Phoenix College, but Dean advertisement, which altered Wyman had not forgotten the course of his life — and the about him. Unbeknownst to lives of countless others.

6 // P H O E N I X C O L L E G E F O C U S

Simon, Dean Wyman asked the local Methodist pastor to help Simon attend Phoenix College.

Dean Wyman again wrote to Simon offering him admission, but the letter went to his family in Burma. Simon’s family forwarded the letter to Simon in India via telegram telling him not to re-enroll in classes there.

“It was so reassuring to receive such a letter from someone I had never met,” he says.

C O MIN G TO A ME R ICA In 1946 at the age of 18, Simon set off for the United States on a freighter — a turbulent 46day sea voyage. After landing in Savannah, Georgia, Simon traveled another three days by train to Phoenix, Arizona and was dropped by taxi at 9:30 p.m. on Dean Wyman’s doorstep.

Although the Dean hadn’t received Simon’s telegram about his arrival, Dean Wyman greeted him, “Come in. We’ve been waiting for you.”

The Dean arranged for Simon to stay with a pediatrician and his wife who lived on Encanto Boulevard, about a 20-minute walk from the PC campus. They gave him room, board, and spending money in exchange for cooking and chores.

Simon attend his own graduation ceremony. He had not planned to go, but she personally picked him up, took him to graduation, and made sure he joined the procession.

Simon wasn’t sure what to expect when he arrived in the U.S. During his travels, he was surprised to see that some establishments refused to serve people of color even if they had money to spend, which was very different from Burma, where people would offer food and water to anyone in need, even strangers.

After graduating from Phoenix College in 1949, Simon earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona, then earned his medical degree from Northwestern University.

Simon enrolled in the pre-medical program at Phoenix College.

At PC, Simon found a diverse, welcoming community, and met fellow pre-medical students with whom he liked to study and hang out.

He also found engaging, caring professors who were helpful, accessible, and even asked to be called by their first names — something that was unheard of in Burma. One of his fondest memories is of his German teacher, who insisted that

H EA L I N G A N D H E L P I N G OTH E R S

In 1959, Dr. Myint returned to Rangoon, Burma, and was the first cardiac surgeon there to perform open heart surgery.

Because of the political events at home, it became apparent that he would not be able to stay in Burma, and he soon came back to the United States.

After additional surgical training at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Myint settled in Los Angeles, California — working and teaching at the Los Angeles County Hospital and Martin Luther King Hospital in Los Angeles.

He proudly served in the first Gulf War as a citizen of the United States of America.

Continued on page 8

At 90, I still make trips to Nepal, where I am known by the villagers as ‘The Big Doctor’.

P H O E N I X C O L L E G E F O C U S // 7

PAYI NG IT FORWAR D Dr. Myint has never forgotten how his journey started or the people who helped him along the way: the caring dean who committed to giving him an opportunity to succeed, the pastor willing to lend a hand, the pediatrician and his wife who housed and fed him, the classmates who befriended him, the teachers who mentored him.

In turn, he led the way for two of his brothers and several classmates from Burma to make the trek to study in the U.S. Dr. Myint has spent much of his career as a doctor giving back to his home country (Burma) and neighboring, Nepal. Dr. Myint continues to travel the world, providing medical services to under-resourced populations.

Now in his 90s, Dr. Myint still visits Burma and Nepal regularly to provide medical aid to families that cannot afford or gain access to good medical care.

In 2006, he established the Dean Harry Wyman and the Simon Myint Burma Memorial Scholarships for Science and Health to pay forward the kindness and generosity that helped him achieve his dreams and care for so many others.

Dr. Simon Myint was honored for his dedication and service to the community at the 2007 Phoenix College Alumni Association Hall of Fame. The American Association of Community Colleges honored Dr. Myint in 2013, and, in 2016, he was honored as Phoenix College’s Hero of Education.

Phoenix College is proud to recognize and honor Dr. Simon Kyaw Myint for the good works he accomplishes daily for PC students and the international community.

To learn more about establishing a scholarship to help deserving students, contact Deborah Spotts at 602.285.7667, deborah. spotts@phoenixcollege.edu, or visit phoenixcollege.edu/ waystogive.

PLAYING IT FORWARD ALUMNI PROFILE

JAMES MALLARD James Mallard has always had a passion for music. He was introduced to audio-visual production during high school in Indiana, where he produced newscasts and radio shows.

After graduation, he moved to Chicago and enrolled in a music college. When his first child was born a year later, James had to quit school and find a job to support his family.

While driving a truck for an automotive company, James fueled his passion for music by managing local bands and composing electronic music.

Tired of the Midwestern winters and truck driving, James vowed to relocate somewhere warmer and sunnier — and to seek a career in music production.

Six months later, he quit truck driving and settled in Phoenix. James knew that he needed formal training, so he researched schools and discovered that Phoenix College (PC) had an Audio Production Technology Program. At the age of 27, James enrolled at PC to pursue his passion.

Dr. Simon Myint with his daughter Mary Myint at the Hero of Education Awards, 2016.

8 // P H O E N I X C O L L E G E F O C U S

James was impressed with PC’s music program teachers: “All of the instructors had real-world experience, and they were very willing to mentor and nourish

students looking to dive into the subject matter.” He also appreciated the hands-on learning he received.

“Within the first few weeks of classes we were using audio production equipment”.

James’ hard work began to pay off. Before studying at PC, all of the music he had submitted to publishing companies had been rejected.

After learning technical production and music theory at PC, he built an extensive catalog of published music for which he receives royalties.

James was also exposed to different career paths and applications for his degree at PC. He took a course in live sound engineering and was invited by his teacher, James May, to intern at live music events. James discovered that, although he enjoyed audio production and studio recording, he could generate a good income doing lighting, video, and live sound for concerts, festivals, weddings, and corporate events.

Today, James is ‘playing’ his education forward; visiting music classes, mentoring students, and providing realworld advice. In his many roles, including as a PC Alumni Association volunteer, advisor and mentor, James emphasizes that it takes grit and perseverance to succeed:

PC is a launching pad, with lots of resources to help you achieve whatever it is you’re shooting for.”

“You’ve got to make sacrifices.

The sacrifice might be time away from your family, or taking financial risks. People can achieve whatever they want, if they’re willing to commit to it.”

James gives back to the community, too, through his production company’s nonprofit arm, Brickhouse Cares, which helps bring educational initiatives to urban communities. He is dedicated to inspiring young people and adults, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

If you would like to learn more about the music production program or the Alumni Association, visit phoenixcollege.edu.

P H O E N I X C O L L E G E F O C U S // 9

BLENDING HISTORY WITH MODERN TECHNOLOGY

Designed by renowned Phoenix architect Ralph Haver, it and other Haver buildings on the PC campus represent the rich history of the Valley and the College.

After extensive and collaborative planning, the building has undergone a complete internal redesign, preserving the original exterior structure. The renaissance of the Physical Sciences building focused on efficient and adequate space for programs; with student-centered collaborative learning environments, enhanced natural lighting, and modern sustainable building systems.

The new science building contains classrooms and laboratories, as well as support and office space for a broad and expanding range of physical science programs. The three-floor facility houses chemistry, physics, astronomy, engineering, cultural and physical geography, and sustainability programs. The renovation also provided space for a 75-seat lecture hall and adjacent outdoor collaboration areas. Student engagement is enhanced by combining all of the physical sciences into a single location. The building was designed to optimize students’ needs and use.

An open-house and ribbon-cutting ceremony was hosted in early November, 2018 to showcase the newly renovated building to students, alumni, partners, and the community.

“For many months, faculty, staff, and contractors worked diligently to reinvent and re-imagine the learning environment, exemplifying PC’s commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.” — Dr. Larry Johnson, Phoenix College President, at the grand opening celebration.

To view a virtual tour of the Physical Sciences building, visit bit.ly/ pc-virtual-tour. To schedule a tour of the Physical Sciences building, please call 602.285.7652, or email christina.flora@phoenixcollege.edu.

Originally constructed in 1969, the Phoenix College (PC) Physical Sciences “C” Building served students of nursing, allied health and chemistry programs for almost 40 years. With its soaring columns and waffle deck floors, the building is an excellent example of the Mid-Century modern design prevalent in Phoenix during the 1960s.

10 // P H O E N I X C O L L E G E F O C U S

“The renaissance of the Physical Science Building focused on efficient and adequate space for programs, student-centered learning environments, enhanced natural lighting, and modern sustainable building systems,” — Doug McCarthy, PC Director of Facilities Planning Development

P H O E N I X C O L L E G E F O C U S // 11

B EYO N D TH E STAG E Dr. Marín is passionate about learning and student outcomes both in the theatre and across the campus. Since arriving at Phoenix College, she has been impressed by how open faculty and staff are to ideas of extending theatre beyond the classroom and stage and into the community and workplace.

BREAKING DOWN

BORDERS AND BARRIERS FACULTY PROFILE

DR. CHRISTINA MARIN As a young person, Dr. Christina Marín saw how theatre could change a community, even beyond the stage.

Marín came to Phoenix College (PC) in August of 2017 as the new Program Director of Theatre & Film.

12 // P H O E N I X C O L L E G E F O C U S

Prior to her tenure at Phoenix College, Dr. Marín was an assistant professor of educational theatre at both New York University (NYU) and Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts.

Dr. Marín sees theatre and theatre education as a means of enriching and empowering students and the community, as a tool to combat social injustice, and as a vehicle for interdisciplinary learning.

In her brief tenure at PC, she has already introduced several initiatives reflecting those values, or what she calls “pride theatre”.

During her debut season at Phoenix College, Dr. Marín was excited to direct Anon(ymous) by Naomi Iizuka, a woman of color

playwright, with students from numerous programs across the campus.

P LAYS T H AT C R O S S B O R D E R S In the 2018-2019 season, Dr. Marín, along with her colleagues and students, opens the hearts and minds of theatregoers with a diverse blend of planned productions.

Dr. Marín is proud to show how theatre can build community and empathy as a script comes to life in the hands of theatre-makers.

Even before joining the faculty at Phoenix College, Dr. Marín was no stranger to the John Paul Theatre. In 2005, she directed Teatro Bravo’s Spanishlanguage production of Las Mujeres de Juãrez here to soldout crowds for three weekends.

She is teaching a Creating, Performing Solo, Collaborative Works course in which students develop and perform original works at theatre festivals and other venues. Students in a recent class created and performed a theatrical piece dramatizing a refugee’s personal narrative at the Refugee Resettlement Summit and performed student-written and directed works at the Phoenix Veterans Hospital.

She is also collaborating with the Office of Student Life and Leadership and other academic disciplines to create an interactive “Tunnel of Oppression,” where participants walk through scenes of theatre students dramatizing

the oppression of marginalized groups, and is preparing to cast a production of “The Vagina Monologues,” in which members of the PC community can speak out on women’s issues.

Dr. Marín is even developing an interdisciplinary program between the theatre and nursing program, where theatre students will serve as patients in simulation exercises. The nursing students benefit from experiencing a realistic patient simulation, and the acting students get to hone their character development and improvisation skills.

D E G R E E S A N D DA B B L E R S While Dr. Marín is thrilled when students choose PC for its wellrespected theatre program in pursuit of an Associate of Fine Arts in Theatre degree, she equally welcomes students just dabbling in theatre courses.

Some students come seeking a creative outlet. Then, there are those students who may be second-guessing their path — and exposure to PC’s theatre program

provides opportunities to blend multiple interests they might not have known existed.

Plus, she notes, theatre presents opportunities to develop skills like public speaking, time management, collaboration, and organizational skills.

Whether on stage or off, Dr. Marín is proud to teach at PC, where the first priority is the student experience. She constantly strives to maximize the student experience, both in the classroom and everywhere else students play a starring role.

There are multiple ways to be involved with the PC Theatre Program. Audition for a role in an upcoming production or attend a performance. The theatre department is also looking to expand its cadre of set, costume, and theatrical designers.

For more information, contact Dr. Christina Marín at christina. marin@phoenixcollege. edu, call 602.285.7303, or visit phoenixcollege.edu/theatre.

Pluralistic, multicultural, multilingual, intergenerational, and communitydriven theatre is my passion”.

P H O E N I X C O L L E G E F O C U S // 13

first in the dietetics department and then in the pathology lab.

He later transitioned to office administration at a major mining company, then relocated to California, spending two decades at an international steamship company. Wanting to challenge himself even in retirement, Jay went to court reporting school to become a certified California State court hearing reporter.

A LEGACY OF

GIVING LEGACY PROFILE

JAY FAULKNER Jay Faulkner grew up in the 1940s on a farm near the Grand Canal in downtown Phoenix. Although neither of his parents went to college, they understood that hard work resulted in success.

Jay’s father was a man of many talents. The Faulkners raised and sold livestock on the family farm, and Jay’s father opened a painting contractor business and conducted a five-piece orchestra — which played at local dance halls.

As a boy, Jay spent his days on the family farm milking cows, irrigating and cleaning irrigation ditches, painting with his father — all while biking a few hours each day to and from school.

Jay attended Alhambra School through 8th grade, then North Phoenix High. Unlike the working class population in his grade school, Jay never felt as comfortable with the more affluent classmates he met in high school. Despite his family’s meager beginnings, Jay’s exposure to music and culture 14 // P H O E N I X C O L L E G E F O C U S

made him long for something more than life on the farm.

Those early impressions shaped what would become a lifetime commitment to helping others.

To do that, however, Jay knew he needed an education.

Jay started Phoenix College (PC) in 1944 and immediately felt right at home: “PC was a small campus, which drew us together.

Students and faculty alike were very friendly. The class sizes were small, and we had robust discussions with the deans and professors.”

After feeling like an outsider in high school, Jay thrived in the intimate, inclusive atmosphere of PC, joining and eventually leading the President’s 13 Club where the dean and 12 students met on the 13th of each month to bond and exchange ideas.

Jay enrolled in the Business Administration Program to give himself a solid foundation for his career. Having been exposed to people from all walks of life and wondering what made them tick, Jay’s passion was social sciences.

He realized what was important to him in life was to help people who were not as fortunate as he had been.

After graduating from PC in 1947, Jay took his civil service exam and embarked on an industrious career path. Jay realized early in life that it is helpful to associate oneself with top management.

Doing so, he reports, allows leaders to recognize unique skills, helping advance one’s career.

Jay’s first job out of college was a clerical role at the city of Phoenix Tax Assessor’s office. From there, he took a position at the new Veteran’s Administration Hospital,

To high school students trying to figure out their next steps, Jay advises, “If you have a strong inclination for one path, follow it.

Figure out what is important to you, how you can support the life that you choose, but most importantly, try to find something that you like.

This is what worked for me.”

Reflecting Jay’s love of people from all walks of life, and a desire to help young people follow their dreams, he started the Jay Faulkner Endowment for ACE (Achieving College Education) students in 2004. The ACE Program is a nationally

recognized program for motivating financially at-risk underrepresented students to complete high school and pursue a college degree.

Faulkner’s recent gift to the named endowment brings his lifetime giving to more than half a million dollars, establishing him as the largest individual donor in Phoenix College history. Thanks to Faulkner’s generosity, local high school students participate in programming to make a smooth transition from high school, to community college and university.

Jay wants others to benefit from the PC experience he enjoyed.

“The notion that sticks with me from my time at Phoenix College is the feeling of camaraderie.

The entire faculty and staff knew the students, and we knew them.” Jay reports there was a great sense of camaraderie and friendliness, and encouragement at PC.

As one of PC’s eldest and most revered alumni, Jay has had the opportunity to know and work with three of PC’s early leaders: Dean John Laird, Dean Harry Wyman, and Dean Robert Hannelly (whom the PC One-Stop Student Center is named for), and three of PC’s most recent leaders: President Anna Solley, Interim President Christina Haines, and current President Dr. Larry Johnson.

In 2017, Jay was honored

by Phoenix College and the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation as PC’s Hero of Education for his dedication and support of students.

From meager beginnings, but with big dreams, Jay expanded his life with the help of the education he received at Phoenix College, and in turn, is lifting others so they too can become a part of Phoenix College’s extended family.

The entire faculty and staff knew the students, and we knew them.”

P H O E N I X C O L L E G E F O C U S // 15

PC RESOURCES AT H L ET ICS

PC’s has 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.

CA REER S ERVICES

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.

COM M UNITY FIT N ESS C ENTER

Weight training & various classes offered. Discounts for seniors, students & alumni. Call 602.285.7295 to learn more.

D E N TAL CL INIC

A variety of low-cost oral health services provided by students under the guidance of licensed practitioners. Call 602.285.7323 to learn more.

16 // P H O E N I X C O L L E G E F O C U S

ENGAGE WITH PC ENR OL L IN C LAS S E S

View class schedule, learn about financial aid opportunities, and enroll online at phoenixcollege. edu/enroll. Call 602.285.7777.

ENGLI S H AS A S E C O N D LANGUAG E ( E S L) IN ST R U CT IO N

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.

ER IC FIS C H L A RT GA LLE RY

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.

FANNIN LIB R A RY

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.

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.

There are many ways you can engage with Phoenix College!

You can mentor a student, visit campus, review student scholarship applications (from the comfort of your own home), or share your expertise with PC students by becoming an adjunct faculty member.

T H EAT R ICA L P E R F O R M A N C E S

M E N TO R A STU D E N T

MU S ICAL P E R F O R M A N C E S

The PC Theatre 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.

T H E R A P E U T IC MASSAG E C L I N I C Students provide services under guidance of licensed therapists.

One-hour massage = $20. Call 602.285.7323 to learn more.

VET E R AN S S E RVIC E S

One-stop academic and referral services for veterans and their families. Call 602.285.7342 for more information or email pc-veteran-services@ phoenixcollege.edu.

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 contact Christy Flora at christina.flora@phoenixcollege. edu or 602.285.7652.

V I S I T CA M P U S

Phoenix College maintains its rich history, while providing state-of-the-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 (takes approximately one hour).

Please contact Christy Flora at christina.flora@phoenixcollege. edu or 602.285.7652.

DEMOGRAPHICS R EV I EW STU D E N T S C H O LA R S H I P A P P L I CATI O N S

Reviewing student scholarship applications is both 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.

Typically reviewers read 2030 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 please contact Christy Flora at 602.285.7652.

TEAC H @ P C

Phoenix College is looking to hire Adjunct Faculty. Criteria and experience vary depending on the class taught. Some classes we are looking for adjunct faculty include Medical Lab Science, Accounting, Reading, Medical Assisting, Interior Design, Fashion Design, and more. To see a complete list, go to: maricopa.edu/about/careers

54+24+9427 ETHNICITY 2%

4%

7%

9%

54%

23%

Am. Indian

Hispanic White Black

<1%

Hawaiian

Not Specified

Asian

STU DE NT INTE NT 40% Transfer 32% Enter or Advance in Job Market

5% Undeclared 10% Personal Interest 12% High School/ Dual Enrollment

P H O E N I X C O L L E G E F O C U S // 17

PHOENIX COLLEGE 1202 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85013 | phoenixcollege.edu | 602.285.7777

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage

PAID

Phoenix, AZ Permit 321

Phoenix College and the Maricopa County Community College District are EEO/AA Institutions

TALK TO US We want to hear what you think about the new PC FOCUS magazine. Tell us what you like and what you would like to see in future issues.

Email: development@phoenixcollege.edu Phone: 602.285.7667

PHOENIXCOLLEGE.EDU Focus magazine is produced by the Institutional Advancement Department. The mission of FOCUS magazine is to engage alumni, friends, partners, supporters and the Phoenix College community.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District.

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: +1-480-731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.