SCC Momentum Spring 2014

Momentum ISSUE V - SPRING 2014

A Designing

Woman

L ETTE R FROM PRESIDENT GEH LER As I write this, we are in the midst of a very busy and exciting time of year, with many events and activities showcasing our fabulous students and faculty. In this edition of Momentum, you will once again find many stories and photos highlighting SCC faculty, students, staff and alumni.

I know you will enjoy the cover story, which highlights Lynne Beyer, an alumna of our Interior Design program who has achieved great professional success and is now giving back through an endowed scholarship to support other outstanding students.

In addition to her financial support, Lynne also gives of her time as an adviser and guest speaker for the program. In fact, she was a guest speaker at the Interior Design program’s celebration of 35 years of excellence, which also is highlighted in this edition.

In case you haven’t heard, I have wonderful news. Scottsdale Community College was the WINNER in the Big Business category of the 28th Annual Sterling Awards presented by the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce. You can read more about this wonderful accomplishment in the story on the next page.

On the heels of our success in winning the Sterling Award, it was announced that SCC also is among six Maricopa Community Colleges that have been recognized by the Aspen Institute as being among the nation’s 150 top community colleges. That means we can compete for the 2015 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence and the $1 million prize. The award, given every two years, recognizes institutions for exceptional student outcomes in student learning, certificate and degree completion, employment and earnings, and high levels of access and success for minority and low-income students.

I hope you share my pride in SCC and consider it, as I do, among the many gems the great city of Scottsdale has to offer its citizens and visitors. The stories in this magazine are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to highlighting the many great things happening on our campus and being accomplished by our students, alumni and faculty.

I encourage you to visit our website often and follow us on social media to get the most current news and promotion of the many wonderful free events that are open to the public. One such event was the successful two-week run of Little Shop of Horrors, which “sold out” nearly every performance. And, most recently, we had a wonderful night of entertainment at the annual Music Department Showcase featuring the Honorary George Benson Music Scholarship, presented to winning student Noah Simpson by Mr. George Benson himself. (Story on page 9-10) The spirit of the Artichoke is alive and well, and is ever present.

Jan L. Gehler

SCC President

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Momentum is published by the Office of Institutional Advancement and Community Engagement at Scottsdale Community College.

_________________ ED I TO R /W R IT E R Nancy Neff C O N T R I B U T IN G W R IT E R S Kristine Burnett Jonathan Higuera GRAPHIC DESIGNER Magdalena Soto PH O TO GR A P H Y Provided in part by: Mark Skalny Jonathan Higuera Justin Johnston Wade Richardson Nancy Neff O N TH E C OV E R SCC Interior Design Alumna Lynne Beyer at Jade bar in Scottsdale.

Story on page 5. _________________

C O N TA C T Nancy Neff Nancy.Neff@scottsdalecc.edu 480.423.6567 _________________

STAY CONNECTED WITH SCC www.scottsdalecc.edu

SCC President Jan Gehler accepts the Sterling Award from Tom Sadvary, CEO of Scottsdale Lincoln Health Network.

Scottsdale Community College was named the 2013 Sterling Award Winner in the Big Business Category by the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce at the 28th annual Sterling Awards celebration held Nov. 14 at Chaparral Suites Resort.

The Sterling Award is one of the most coveted business awards in the Valley, with a rigorous application, judging and selection process. Four teams of 6 judges each conduct an initial review of all applications and narrow the field to three finalists in four categories: Micro Business, Small Business, Big Business and Non Profit. The panel of judges then conducts a site visit and inperson interview of each finalist before selecting the winner in each category.

SCC hosted the judging panel for lunch at the Desert Oasis Dining Room, with a four-course lunch prepared and served by Culinary students. In addition to interviewing members of the Executive Team, the judges were entertained by music student Josh Aguirre’s guitar performance and heard from student Anthony Dykstra, who found career success from his education and experience at SCC. The Sterling Award for Big Business recognizes a large company with more than 100 employees that is making a significant impact on the lives of its employees and the economic fabric of the community. The factors judges consider when selecting the winner include: growth, success, creativity, innovation, uniqueness, corporate culture, adaptability to economic change, and contributions to the community.

SCC President Dr. Jan Gehler said, “All that we do could not and would not be possible without the stellar work and commitment to excellence displayed each and every day by all of our faculty and staff who work tirelessly on behalf of our students and the community.”

Joining SCC as finalists in the Big Business category were Magellan Health Systems and Homeowners Financial Group.

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Members of Dr. John Nagy’s advanced research teams did field research work on dispersal and population dynamics of American pikas in the Sierra Nevada mountains. From left to right: Easton White, Kody Holmes, Sabrina Jones, Dr. John Nagy, and Chalet Taylor.

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH:

Reaching New Heights

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aston White is a Fulbright Scholar currently researching shark populations at the University of Victoria in Canada. Joseph Juliano is studying glioblastoma, one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer in humans, at Northwestern University. Scott Bickel researches how cancer evolves in humans as he works toward earning his biology degree at Arizona State University. Sabrina Jones is in her last semester at SCC and is focused on becoming a biologist.

Three are graduates of Scottsdale Community College and one will be graduating this May. They all attribute a major part of their academic and professional success to their participation in SCC’s Biology Undergraduate Research Program.

Established 15 years ago by Dr. John Nagy, a faculty member of SCC’s Life Sciences Department, the program has trained many students in research, in particular applying mathematical models to vexing evolutionary biology questions. During that period, Dr. Nagy’s students have participated in numerous international and national conferences, where they have presented their research, earned accolades and awards, and learned the skills to become respected researchers.

The program is one of SCC’s most effective in helping meet the nationwide call to create more students proficient in science, technology, engineering and math, which are referred to as STEM fields.

Dr. Nagy says the success of the program is rooted in the belief that undergraduate students are capable of this level of work when given direction and opportunity. “Big research schools are focused on undergraduate teaching to the extent required,” he says. “The reward system doesn’t reward teachers for being excellent in the undergraduate classroom.”

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It’s even less frequent to see students at a two-year school receive these types of research opportunities. In addition to field work, the students have presented their findings at conferences in Vancouver, Switzerland and U.S. cities.

At any given time, the program has about eight students serving on Dr. Nagy’s advanced research teams. They study and research topics as varied as cancer rates in whales, treatment of prostate cancer in humans, population dynamics of sharks, malaria and HIV epidemics in South Africa and population sustainability of the American pika, a small mammal that lives in mountains of the western U.S. “SCC and Dr. Nagy’s program gave me the confidence and toolset to be an independent scientist,” says Easton White, the Fulbright Scholar. White will begin work on his Ph.D. at the University of California-Davis in September as a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow.

To become a member of a research team, students must do well in their core biology or other science and math courses. From there, they are invited to take a research methods course. Those who display an aptitude and interest in research are invited to join the advanced teams.

Sabrina Jones says the opportunity to do field research work has been invaluable. “I’ve wanted to be a biologist forever and now I get to do it. It’s really cool for an undergrad.”

Each semester, students present their findings and research at a symposium. In addition to giving students the opportunity to share their work, students gain important presentation skills.

“I’ve learned more about various topics and life skills from this research team than any class,” says Scott Bickel, undergraduate biology student at Arizona State University and SOLUR fellow.

“I owe a large portion of my academic success to research.”

Alumni of the program have gone on to prestigious universities to continue their work. They also return to mentor other students and continue working with Dr. Nagy.

“I would never trade my SCC experience for the world,” says Joseph Juliano, who graduated from ASU with a biology degree in May 2013 and has served internships at Harvard and Northwestern universities. “Dr. Nagy is always someone I hope to be in touch with.”

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or Thomas Williams, sustainability is a way of life and he has big dreams for growing the sustainability movement at Scottsdale Community College. But, he realizes he can’t do it alone. It will take hard work and the help and support of others to make it happen.

Luckily, dreaming big and working hard are nothing new for Williams.

After all, he left a small town in Germany at age 22, knowing little English and having little money, so he could pursue his dream of going to college and building a better life in Arizona.

Not that life in Germany was bad for Williams…he had a wonderful childhood. “Neither of my parents had good childhoods, Thomas Williams so they made sure my brother and I did, and that we had education opportunities, even though we were considered a working-class family,” said Williams. “In Germany, if you’re from a working-class family you’re steered toward a trade rather than higher education. You have to have excellent grades and work extremely hard to get into a secondary school.”

Williams is no stranger to hard work. Currently, he is Coordinator of Sustainability Programs at Scottsdale Community College, while also cochairing the Sustainability Action Council, teaching three sustainability courses, representing SCC on

external boards and committees, and supporting Maricopa Community College District sustainability initiatives. And yet, he wonders if it’s enough.

“My problem is that I never feel like we’re doing enough, especially if I don’t see immediate change,” said Williams.

The sustainability movement at SCC is a work in progress that has seen steady growth, and is making big strides.

Recycling alone has grown significantly since the program was launched in 2007. When the program began there were recycling containers just for paper. Now, the recycling containers on campus come in threes: one for paper, one for plastic and one for aluminum cans. There also is metal, media and cardboard recycling. For its efforts, the college was named Recycler of the Year (Education) in 2011 by the Arizona Recycling Coalition.

But, for Thomas and the Sustainability Action Council it’s not just about the physical environment. They adopt the triple bottom line model, which represents a more holistic philosophy, embracing environmental and economic sustainability and social justice. “All three need to be nurtured to have true sustainability,” said Williams.

See SUSTAINABILITY on page 11.

POIN TS OF P R I D E S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y IN ACTION AT SCC • Recycling program launched in 2007 • Purchase only Sustainable Forestry Initiative certified paper for office copiers and printers • Use green-certified cleaning products for custodial needs • Color paper in Copy Center is 30 percent recycled • Established annual $1,000 RECYCREATION Scholarship in 2008 • Increased bus and light-rail ridership 400 percent with offer of 50 percent discount • SCC named Recycler of the Year (Education) in 2011 by Arizona Recycling Coalition • First LEED Silver Certified Building (Film School HUB – October 2012) • Recycled more than 23,000 pounds of metal in 2012 • Added Sustainability courses to the SCC Curriculum in 2012 • Reduced paper consumption on campus by nearly 10 percent between Oct. 2011 and October 2012 • Established battery recycling program in 2013 • Installed three filtered water filling stations in high traffic areas on campus in 2013 • Installed five electric vehicle charging stations on campus in 2013

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“

I am honored to be able to make this gift” -Lynne Beyer on establishing a $10,500 endowed scholarship

“Most of our students begin the program with a basic understanding of the impact of color and how colors work together along with having some great design ideas,” said King. “We give them the skills and resources to translate those ideas to paper and computer, so they can effectively communicate with clients, architects and builders.”

While the field of interior design is a relatively new one for which King says formalized education programs weren’t launched until the 1960s, there is no denying that SCC plays a prominent role in the industry. Alumni success stories serve as a testament to a program that, for the last 35 years, has withstood the ebb and flow of the economy, elegantly navigated industry trends and helped students perfect design practices with the utmost style.

SCC President Jan Gehler with Lynne Beyer.

Lynne Beyer, Allied member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and SCC Interior Design alum who graduated with an associate degree in 1986, is one such success story. A second generation designer and owner of Phoenix-based Lynne Beyer Design, Inc., she remains a faithful friend to the college and program she credits with giving her the educational base and footing for what has certainly been an exciting and rewarding career.

“I am very blessed in that my design firm is and has been successful for over 20 years and I have so much fun doing what I love,” said Beyer. “What’s even more wonderful is that I know the best is yet to come!”

S

cottsdale, Ariz. is, by all accounts, one of the country’s most noted interior design hubs. Home to two comprehensive interior design centers, a host of design studios, and a vast assortment of furniture manufacturers and distributors, it could be argued that the “West’s Most Western Town” also happens to be one of the nation’s most well-appointed cities. Fittingly, Scottsdale Community College, situated in the center of this design mecca, boasts an interior design program that has earned a reputation for being an elite learning environment for those with an eye for design and a desire to excel in the industry.

Established in 1979, the Interior Design Program at SCC is the oldest of its kind in Arizona. Gera King, Interior Design Program chair from 1995 to 2008 and current program adviser, describes it as a program steeped in design theory, communication and practical application.

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Originally from Wisconsin, Beyer began studying interior design at the University of Wisconsin-Madison while working at a design firm owned and operated by her mother, Diana Van Hecke, ASID. When her mother relocated to Phoenix and began practicing interior design in Scottsdale, Beyer decided to trade snow shoveling for sun worshipping and moved to the Valley of the Sun shortly thereafter.

Though she continued to gain a wealth of hands-on experience working alongside her mother, Beyer was determined to continue her education.

“I initially planned on going to ASU, but ultimately chose SCC based on its reputation and the flexibility it offered so I could continue interning and working in design at the same time,” she explained. “The smaller, more focused classes meant I wouldn’t have the same distractions that come with a large university setting.”

One aspect Beyer found particularly beneficial was the industry experience each instructor brought to the classroom. Chuck Cooper, director of the Interior Design Program, says that standard remains.

“Our program is unique, both in the Valley and across the country, in that all faculty have in the past or currently practice in the interior design field,” he said. “This ensures our students are taught the

practical aspects of the industry. It also means there is an overarching thread of realism in everything they learn. Some students even have the opportunity to work directly with clients on real design projects as part of their coursework.”

Beyond the exposure and applied experiences she gleaned as a student at SCC, Beyer highlights lasting friendships as another meaningful takeaway.

“The program was thriving and my classes were all full when I was a student,” she remembered. “Some of my most treasured friendships are people I met at SCC. Many of today’s biggest names in Arizona’s interior design community also went through the program.”

To commemorate the program’s 35th anniversary, SCC in October featured the Interior Design Program as part of its homecoming celebration. Beyer, whose award-winning work, thriving business and continued success signifies the best of what a career in interior design has to offer, was asked to speak about the immense value of a solid interior design education and what she feels sets SCC apart. The event also served as an unveiling of sorts to formally announce Beyer’s commitment to the college with a $10,500 donation to create an endowed scholarship fund for the Interior Design Program.

“Lynne has had an incredibly fruitful career and she has been so generous in her continued support of the program and our students,” noted King. “She’s Seeing a at a point where she can give former student back financially and we’re so fortunate that she chose to recognize do so in a way that will help our most deserving students. and respond This is a true reflection of her in this way is character.”

Beyer is definitely a big name. Known for her work with many residential clients, leading home builders, commercial developers, and hospitality companies, she is a recognizable figure in the Valley’s design community. Included outstanding.” among the more than Cooper, who joined the college 20 ASID awards she roughly 10 years after Beyer -Chuck Cooper, has earned, Beyer has Interior Design graduated and has come Program Director garnered Best in Show to know her as a working distinction for both professional and friend of the residential and commercial design college, expressed his appreciation of work. Her portfolio was bolstered in Beyer’s generosity saying, “We [SCC] 2013 when she created and designed try so hard to support the interior furniture with Century Furniture, one design industry through excellence of the world’s largest privately owned in education. Seeing a former student furniture manufacturers. recognize and respond in this way is outstanding.”

“I was asked to do the restaurant expansion of Elements at Sanctuary on With the encouragement of her Camelback Mountain and the private husband, R. Nicholas Loope, FAIA, dining room Table XII a few years an architect and former professor in ago,” explained Beyer. “Last year I was the Master of Architecture Program at awarded the remodel of the Jade bar ASU, Beyer established the endowment as well, and it is a huge success for the as an expression of gratitude for a resort.” college experience that helped launch a successful career.

Though Beyer’s career keeps her busy, she continues to make time for the “I am honored to be able to make this school that remains close to her heart. gift,” Beyer said. “I am excited and plan Over the years, she has served as a to be very involved in selecting the guest lecturer, sharing her insight and scholarship recipient each year. I’m a inspiring more than a few students to big believer that being successful in this follow in her footsteps. industry requires true talent and strong business skills.”

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To learn about how you can support student achievement at SCC, call Development Director Charles Silver at 480.423.6424.

Chuck Cooper and Gera King

35 Y E A RS O F I NTE RI OR D E S I G N

Excellence

The economy often drives career choices and, therefore, education.

Interior design is one industry that has repeatedly proven its economic ties.

Today, the Interior Design Program at Scottsdale Community College has roughly 130 full-time students with another 50 or so taking some level of interior design coursework. At its peak in May 2007, 240 students were enrolled.

“We had constant phone calls from designers and firms seeking trained graduates,” explained Gera King, Interior Design Program chair from 1995 to 2008 and current program adviser. “We couldn’t produce enough skilled graduates to keep up. Then the economy waned.”

When the Great Recession took hold in December 2007, the program’s student base dropped by almost half.

“The entire interior design industry shrank by about 70 percent during the recent economic downturn,” King said. “We had a huge drop in students, but as the economy continues to improve, so does enrollment.”

See INTERIOR DESIGN on page 11.

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FROM HOMECOMING TO BOWL GAME, FIGHTING ARTICHOKES WIN BIG The SCC football team had a break-out season that ended with a 10-1 winning record and included a key win at the Homecoming game against the Glendale CC Gauchos. It led to hosting and winning the Valley of the Sun Bowl in a matchup with Dodge City Community College in December. To cap off the successful season, Head Football Coach Doug Madoski was named WSFL Coach of the Year, and 14 SCC football players signed with Division 1 NCAA football programs on National Signing Day, the most among all MCCCD schools.

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N

oah Simpson started playing the trumpet in the 4th grade, following in the footsteps of an older brother who dabbled in it and a grandfather who played the cornet in marching bands.

“I’m 19 years old so I have no idea how my life will turn out,” said Simpson. “But this is something where I see progress and see something good coming out of it. So I want to make every effort to see where it goes.”

Simpson has taken his musicality to heights he could not have possibly known about when he first picked up an instrument.

On Feb. 13, he received the George Benson Honorary Scholarship, awarded annually to the top SCC Music student.

He received a $1,500 scholarship and a crystal trophy from the legendary singer and guitarist during the annual Music Showcase in the Performing Arts Center.

While he has not decided which school to attend to pursue his four-year degree, it could be one of five schools that have offered him scholarships or invited him to auditions. Right now he is leaning towards Portland State University.

“My family thought it would be a hobby for me like it was for my brother and grandfather. But I’ve taken it to a more serious level,” Simpson said.

Simpson started playing in jazz combos as a sophomore at Cactus Shadows High School in Cave Creek, his hometown.

He’s been a mainstay on the SCC jazz scene since arriving in 2012.

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His decision to come to SCC after high school came after meeting Eric Rasmussen, SCC’s director of Instrumental Music, at a jazz club in downtown Phoenix where Simpson and his high school combo performed.

Rasmussen, an accomplished saxophone player, told Simpson he thought SCC would be a good fit. Simpson agreed on one condition – that Rasmussen provide him with a weekly private lesson. All music majors receive a weekly private lesson but Simpson wanted Rasmussen to provide his lesson.

The arrangement has worked well. Rasmussen has become Simpson’s mentor and supporter, helping him develop his jazz improvisational skills.

“He’s one of the most talented students I’ve ever had,” said Rasmussen. “Not only is he talented, but he’s also an extremely hard worker. He has the drive to be the best he can be.”

Simpson acknowledges he was hesitant at first to begin his college career at a community college but says the move has worked out best for him.

“It’s a good option if you make the most out of it,” said Simpson, whose influences include Miles Davis, Nicolas Payton and Roy Hargrove. “I have friends (at four-year schools) just finishing their second year who will be $25,000 in debt.

That makes no sense to me. I have no debt and had a great experience.”

In April, Simpson will be performing in the Chandler Arts Festival followed by a trip to Nevada to play in the Reno Jazz Festival with Rasmussen’s combo.

The scholarship is a great capstone to his community college experience. “It’s definitely something I’ll be putting on my resume. And the money will come in handy too.”

Noah Simpson accepts the George Benson Honorary Scholarship award from Mr. George Benson.

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INTERIOR DESIGN from page 6

SUSTAINABILITY from page 4.

But the program’s growth extends beyond enrollment. Once limited to a two-year associates degree, interior design students at SCC now have the opportunity to expand their training via an optional certificate program.

According to Chuck Cooper, director of the Interior Design Program, students can now earn a Certificate of Completion in Interior Design: Professional Level through a third year of instruction.

“This third-year, post associate degree certificate for national accreditation is unusual,” he said.

“It’s a great way for students to enhance their skill set. It is particularly appealing to those who already have four-year degrees in others fields and want to ensure they have enough credits to qualify for the national exam [National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) Exam] without requiring a full four years of study.”

Regardless of whether a student plans to earn an associates degree, opts for the third-year certificate or ultimately plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree, King says SCC develops education plans to meet the individual needs of each student.

“We have a suggested sequence of courses, but the program can be tailored,” she explained.

In addition to studying the varied design theories and philosophies along with the organizational techniques to manage design projects, students learn and become proficient in computer aided drafting (CAD), now a requirement for interior designers.

The school’s proximity and relationships within the local design community also afford students unique learning opportunities.

From classroom assignments that enable them to work directly with clients creating actual design plans, to internships with area design and architecture firms, SCC delivers on all elements of interior design education.

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Members of the Sustainability Action Council gather around one of five electric charging stations installed on campus.

Williams credits the growth of sustainability at SCC to President Jan Gehler, who he describes as a strong proponent. Under her leadership, SCC is the first Maricopa Community College, and the first in the state to create a sustainability office and the sustainability coordinator position.

“Dr. Gehler is a strong advocate for sustainability, not only at SCC, but across the District,” said Williams.

And, Gehler places responsibility for sustainability squarely on the shoulders of – everyone.

“Sustainability isn’t the responsibility of one office or one person. It’s important to have the office and the position housed in Administration, sending the strong message that this is important and we’re going to work together to make sustainability a top priority at SCC,” said Gehler.

Lucas Messer, co-chair of the SCC Sustainability Action Council, agrees.

“I am very proud of being part of a team that works together to create and follow through on goals that will truly benefit our employees and students,” he said. “I am honored to work on a council with such a diverse range of employees and students who are committed to the future of this campus and our adjacent communities, including the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and the city of Scottsdale.”

As SCC continues to lead in sustainability, the ultimate dream is for a Sustainability Center that will include classrooms, meeting spaces and showrooms to showcase sustainability in action. It may be a dream now, but, at SCC, dreams have a way of coming true.

P E R S E V E RA N C E

From Developmental Education to Student Tutor & Mentor

M

ichael Minjares’ military experience and personal drive have served him well in navigating and persevering through coursework that, at times, seemed daunting for the 30-year-old father of four.

Following his military service from 2005-2011, Minjares knew he wanted to attend college and pursue electrical engineering.

He also had his sights set on Scottsdale Community College, which he had been told is top notch, particularly for math and science related coursework.

During his admissions process, Minjares tested into developmental education courses and was told it could take him three to four years to get his associate’s degree. Also, when he attended the Spring 2012 Welcome Week kickoff event he remembers feeling overwhelmed and thinking to himself, “I’m not sure I can do this.” But, true to his positive nature, Minjares didn’t let his doubts or disappointment stop him.

Minjares took Reading, English, and Math Dev Ed courses his first semester along with the CPD 150 course…and passed them all with a 4.0 GPA. After that first semester of getting through the developmental ed courses, he knew the rest of his college experience would be possible.

“Testing into developmental ed courses can be disappointing, but don’t let that stop you from pursuing your dreams,” he said. “The faculty and staff at SCC are very helpful and will get you through it at a pace that’s right for you. I’ve worked really hard and I took advantage of every opportunity to earn credits toward my degree, including taking summer school.”

Minjares said the best thing he did was take the CPD 150 class, which is required when you test into developmental ed. He said, “It’s totally worth it because it really teaches you how to study and how to be a successful student.”

Minjares also availed himself of the math tutoring, even though he was nervous when he first walked into the tutoring center.

“College is not easy, but if you put the work in it can be life changing. I went from being intimidated by the math tutoring center to now being a peer mentor and tutor in that same center. I know how students feel and I want to help others like me.”

Michael Minjares

Minjares went from being nervous and overwhelmed to now being someone other students can learn from and gain confidence.

Michael Minjares helps students in the Math/Science Tutor Center

“I was really scared and intimidated when I first started at SCC,” he said “It can seem overwhelming, especially coming out of the military, but the people here are fantastic. My advice is for students to take advantage of the small campus, go meet with your professors and get to know them. Let them know you want to be here and you want to learn and they will go above and beyond to help you reach your goal.”

That’s what has happened for Minjares. It’s only been two years since he started his SCC journey and he’s already been accepted to the ASU Engineering program. Also, he has accepted an internship at the ASU Research Park doing research and development of the photovoltaic process.

“I’ll be working with a grad student and be assigned to a million dollar machine and learn how to work it, understand it, and record data from it,” he said. “I am really excited about it.”

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Remembering Pat Medeiros…

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valued colleague, friend, teacher

hen beloved SCC faculty member Patricia Medeiros passed away following a long battle with cancer, her family, friends and colleagues knew exactly what to do to ensure Medeiros’s long legacy of enriching students’ lives would live on – they established a scholarship in her name. The Pat Medeiros Excellence in Learning Scholarship will be awarded to two qualified students each year and will enable her generous spirit and giving nature to continue to help students succeed at SCC. “Pat was a model faculty member and true mentor and leader on this campus,” said Daniel Corr, vice president of Academic and Student Affairs. “She will be greatly missed and can never be replaced, which is why it is so incredibly heartwarming that so many people have given generously to a scholarship that will do exactly what Pat would want – help deserving students in need succeed.”

A celebration of Medeiros’s life was held on campus following her passing and one by one her colleagues, family, friends and former students stood at the microphone to share the joy of having her in their lives.

Close friend and SCC colleague Darrell Copp shared the following: “If life is indeed a banquet, Pat was for us its hostess, chief cook and caterer. She was a revered and beloved friend to so many of us because, by example, she showed us how to live.

An unflappable, dignified, respectful, almost unfathomably wise role model, Pat set a tone and created an environment around her that made this place seem a whole lot like Rabbi Haim of Romshishok’s version of heaven. By consistently reaching across the table, long

SUPPORT STUDENT SUCCESS What: The Pat Medeiros Excellence in Learning Scholarship When: Awarded annually to two qualified students Why: To enable Pat’s generous spirit and giving nature to continue to help students succeed at SCC Send checks payable to: Scottsdale Community College, (write Pat Medeiros on the memo line);

Institutional Advancement 9000 E. Chaparral Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85256

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spoon outstretched before her, Pat nourished us. Over the course of a week of grieving that we could have endured in hellish isolation, the LC building has, instead, resembled the Rabbi’s proverbial heavenly banquet as we have nourished each other with outstretched arms through a time of grieving, around a table set by Pat.” Patricia McClintock was born in May 1944, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. She earned a scholarship to Wake Forest University, where she completed the first of her three degrees, eventually earning her doctorate from The University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She married in 1969 and, while her teaching career got off the ground, she gave birth to her beloved sons, Steve in 1974, and David in 1976. She moved to Arizona in 1988.

Almost immediately upon arriving as a residential faculty member at SCC in 1989, Medeiros began her rise up the SCC ranks, stepping up to confidently and competently handle leadership positions, including chairing the campus-wide Student Learning Outcomes Project, serving as president of the Faculty Senate, overseeing SCC’s Higher Learning Commission accreditation process, becoming chair of the department of English in 2000, and Chair of the division of English, World Languages and Journalism in 2005.

In 2008, her long-deferred dream came true when she became a grandmother to Xander, who was soon followed by Juliet in 2010 and Maddie in 2012. In the past few years, Medeiros’ friends got to see a different side of the previously careerfocused colleague, as she relished the role of Nana…a role she was born to play.

Rest in peace Pat Medeiros and thank you for the legacy you leave.

By the Numbers

SPRING

2014

LEARN. GROW. ACHIEVE.

TOTAL STUDENT ENROLLMENT:

26.7% Full-time

9,764

53.3% Female

73.3 Part-time

46.7% Male

74% of SCC students come from Scottsdale, Phoenix, Mesa, and Tempe.

77 international students from 32 countries

AVERAGE CLASS SIZE:

19 STUDENTS

13.6% online classes 65.9% day classes 20.4% evening classes

* Students may take more than one type of class

AWARDED CERTIFICATES & DEGREES:

1,939

Top Occupational Certificates: • Nursing Assisting • Culinary Arts • Film Production • Editing

Top Occupational Degrees: • Nursing • Interior Design • Hospitality and Tourism Management • Motion Picture/Television Production

FACULTY 67% Faculty have master’s degrees 28% Faculty have doctorate degrees

EDUCATIONAL

PLANS

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SCOTTSDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE 9000 E. Chaparral Road Scottsdale, AZ 85256

The college of you.

An EEO/AA institution.

Lectures, discussions and events by distinguished survivors, scholars, politicians, activists, artists, humanitarians and law enforcement along with a premier film and a theatrical production. www.scottsdalecc.edu/genocide

Save the date for these

upcoming events:

DATE TIME EVENT

LOCATION

April 11 & 12 7:30 p.m. Annual SCC Cabaret PAC April 16 7:00 p.m. Excellence Under the Stars Two

Waters Circle April 24 5:00 p.m. Best of Artists Reception

APRIL 7-12, 2014

Opening Night • April 7, 2014 • 6:30 p.m. • SCC - PAC 9000 E. Chaparral Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85256

Scan QR Code with your smartphone to view the full schedule.

Art Building

April 25 & 26 8:00 p.m.

Kinetic Connections Dance

April 28

7:30 p.m.

Jazz Showcase PAC

May 1

7:30 p.m.

Choral Concert PAC

May 2

7:30 p.m.

Orchestra & Trombone Choir PAC

May 9

7:30 p.m.

Commencement Gymnasium

For all events at SCC visit: www.scottsdalecc.edu

PAC