The Artichoke

SPRING 2022 Volume 4

Celebrating Success Stories

wih Equie Sciece

Volume IV Spring 2022

LETTER from

the president

Publisher: Scottsdale Community College, Visual Communication Instructor: Peggy Deal, Program Director, Visual Communication Editor-in-Chief: Felicia Cook, ART281, Graphic Design III Veronica Hipolito, Interim President

Content Editor: Christina McGarvey, ART281, Graphic Design III

Printed by: ART293 Instructor: Bernie Fritts Students: Erika Cooper Jeremy Guy Christina McGarvey Mathieu Neysen On the Cover: Madison Florence and Diesel Printed on: BizHub C1070 Press with Fiery Controller, SCC Print Lab Printed on 80# Digital Silk Text With appreciation to: Cindy Kiefer and Kim Sabin for their proofreading skills.

Eric Sells and the SCC Marketing team for its support and guidance.

SCC Development Team for their support.

Thanks to George Deal, Nathan Deal, Jennie Kale Long, Marketing team and Osteen Shatzberg for photography. ©2022 Scottsdale Community College 9000 E. Chaparral Road Scottsdale, AZ 85256

Howdy!

One of the many purposes of a community college is to provide career and technical education that directly aligns with the needs of local employers. That’s why our college leadership and faculty members regularly saddle up and meet with local employers about the occupational skills their employees need now and well into the future.

At Scottsdale Community College, we enthusiastically embrace Scottsdale as “The West’s Most Western Town,” and our important role in training tomorrow’s workforce here!

The local horse industry plays a vital role in supporting Arizona’s vast number of agricultural, tourism, veterinary, and law enforcement operations. It’s no wonder why our great city hosts the world-renowned Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show every February. According to the University of Minnesota Extension website, the total economic impact of the horse industry in the U.S. is $122 billion, creating an estimated 1.7 million jobs.

To help keep this industry galloping along, employers are seeking out individuals with specialized training in horses. SCC proudly offers an Equine Science associate’s degree program which helps prepare students for various careers in the equine industry using a broad-based curriculum of equine science classes with practical hands-on experiences. I am excited to share this important program, and the people behind it, with you in this issue.

Giddyup!

Veronica Hipolito

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table of CONTENTS LETTER from

the editor

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FEATURE Saddle Up with Equine Science

Felicia Cook, Editor-in-Chief

Dear Reader,

INDUSTRY PARTNERS Horse Power: Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show

My first semester of community college started with the pandemic. There were many hurdles for students and teachers to overcome, but we persevered.

HISTORY & HERITAGE SCC and the Arabian Horse

It finally feels like things are getting back to normal.

SCC re-opened campus this semester for the first time since the beginning of Covid. What a grand feeling it was seeing everyone in person!

ANNOUNCEMENT Dr. Eric Leshinskie: Next President of SCC

Being a part of SCC has been one of my life’s greatest experiences. Not only have I made friends, I have a lifetime of connections that will forever make me grateful for my education here. Peggy Deal and all of her colleagues are an outstanding group of caring, knowledgeable, supportive individuals that drive SCC’s excellent visual communication program.

The skills and knowledge that Christina McGarvey and I have learned in this program are present within the pages of this issue of The Artichoke. I am extremely thankful for the knowledge I have gained from Peggy and Christina during the making of this publication and know it will benefit me for years to come.

TRENDING The Social Cause Connection

BLOOMS Celebrating Student Success Stories Michael Albright Ashleigh Woolwine Clinton Stevens

This issue showcases SCC’s wonderful Equine Science Program, run by Jay Clements, and the many ways it is involved in the equine community. Jennie Kale Long, an instructor for the Visual Communication Program, shares her personal connection to the Equine program and renowned Arabian horse show in Scottsdale, AZ. Get your boots on and saddle up for a fascinating journey into SCC’s Equine Science Program of talented instructors and the students’ educational experience.

Felicia Cook Editor-in-Chief

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Studns Take t

fo

REINS EDUCATION

Scotsdal Comuniy Colege’s Equie Sciece Program hs ben t “bet kept secrt” fo moe ta 45 yers lot of people go through a phase of being horse crazy,

but few make a career of it and even fewer carry that passion into their classrooms and infuse students with excitement, energy, and confidence! Equine Science Program Director Jay Clements is a passionate advocate for students and learning, Scottsdale Community

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College, and horses. With both a Bachelor of Science in Equine Science and Masters of Science Agriculture in Animal Science/ Equine Science, she has trained colts, competed at the Pro Rodeo level in barrel racing, is an Equine Sports Therapist, and teaches for the American Board of Animal Acupuncture with Dr. Gene Bruno.

Together with her team of equine professionals, including a graduate of the program, Clements brings this unique and expansive combination

of skills and experience to her students, offering broad-based equine science curriculum and practical hands-on experience.

veterinarian, or wildlife biologist.

The articulation of the program is seamless to many four-year equine programs, including Post University, William Woods and soon, Hartpury in England.

The Equine Science program at SCC has existed for more than 45 years, but spent much of that as the “best kept secret” on campus. Not any more! This growing program is bursting at the seams. “We had 56 brand new students enter the program this year,” says Clements.

As the only comprehensive Equine Science Program in Arizona, the standards are set really high. The depth of the curriculum is unequaled, especially for a two-year program.

To prepare students for almost any horse-related career, the Equine Science Program provides instruction and hands-on experience in equine breeding, training, showing, therapy, veterinary technician skills, and event management. Some entrepreneurial students have even started their own businesses.

They can also transfer to a fouryear program and pursue a career as a zoologist, equine scientist,

The strength of the program lies in its uniqueness and robust foundation. Covering all aspects of science behind the horse, the students study how to manage a horse, how horses communicate, health and disease, reproduction, anatomy and physiology, how to take care of a horse including myo-manipulation therapy, and yes, even dentistry. “These animals are athletes,” exclaimed Clements, “and we need to help them do their jobs.”

Make no mistake, this is a completely hands on program. The students work with horses every day. They learn something, then walk right out to the barn and apply that knowledge. Partnering with a facility in Chandler, the students work with 15-20 horses. Owned by one of the adjunct instructors, the horses come in all varieties and backgrounds. “It’s a big ask to have the students go from Scottsdale to Chandler to be with the horses, but right now that is the option.

Our program is growing, consistently and rapidly,” declared Clements, clearly frustrated, “we need our own facility!”

Previous page Top Left: Sarah Linford and Rosie Bottom Right: Taylor Stapleton left, and Kristin Moore with Fuzzy.

Top Left: Arrow with Sayda Ramirez and Clements Top Right: Cori Morris and Dalia Bare with Crock Below Left: Reagan Gilmore and Frankie Vega Below Right: Alyssa Ragsdale and Easy Keeper

Strongly connected to this $1.2 billion (yes, with a “b”) industry, there are many experiential learning opportunities for students. Required for occupational programs, the Equine Advisory SPRING 2022

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Wht i next fo t Equie program?

Board is an impressive list of community specialists in the field who support and encourage the growth and enhancement of this unique program. With members from a variety of areas, including the Arabian horse world, well-known farms that breed, train, and show, equine law, and the medical fields, there are a lot of internship options for students.

According to Clements, “the students treat their internships like a job interview every day, and they often get offered jobs before the internship is even complete.”

The City of Scottsdale is certainly no stranger to horses and the horse community. Located at Westworld, just up the street from SCC, the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show attracts hundreds of thousands of people each year. Using that connection, SCC students are right in the middle of the mix, managing a booth during the show to promote their program. Additionally, SCC partners with the AQHA Sun Circuit

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Show, the Scottsdale Reproduction Center, and many service learning options at area farms and therapy centers around the Valley. “It’s all about the students,” says Clements, “giving them amazing opportunities to discover their potential in the industry.”

It isn’t hard to see why SCC’s Equine Science Program is spectacular.

When you talk to Clements, you hear it in her voice.

Her passion fuels her students’ passion. It is a big commitment to work with horses, and students must have a strong work ethic.

These animals are magnificent, strong, and yet fragile, and there is so much to know and learn. You can find the students any day, doing everything from studying a real equine skeleton for anatomy and physiology to managing horses and their daily care. They do it all, with enthusiasm and pride.

Top: Kira Hoo (left) and Kelci Martinez (right) lead Miss Piggy Middle: Dalia Bare picks Crock’s hoof Right: Annika Kenley and Arrow

“We’ve got a lot of momentum going,” explained Clements. “Even during Covid the students just kept enrolling.” Looking to the future, Clements describes exciting plans and ideas to expand the program. These include adding more certificate options and a shoeing school, increasing the transfer articulations to a new group of schools around the globe, and expanding course offerings to meet the needs of the program’s increasing enrollment. And these are just a few of the plans Clements is working toward. “It is just so limiting without our own, nearby facility,” she explains. “The students have to go back and forth between Scottsdale and Chandler, creating a challenge in scheduling their classes and for some, a hardship in transportation.

We’re a high standard program, turning out qualified students with a competitive edge. Imagine what we could do with our own facility.”

So, what do they need? As the only comprehensive and accredited Equine Science program in the state, SCC needs two acres for a ten-stall barn, arena, round pens, tool and equipment sheds, and a shoeing area. Scottsdale alone has over 118,000 acres. “Just give me two acres for a premiere facility to continue our growth to support education and the community,” laughs Clements. “Just two acres.”

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Jay Clements

Clements has worked in the horse industry as a professional her entire life. From managing large ranches, packing in the mountains, training colts, and working/riding 5000 miles on a wagon train to training mustangs with at-risk youth, coaching college rodeo, competing at the Pro Rodeo (PRCA) & (WPRA) levels in barrel racing, working as an equine sports therapist, and teaching both English and Western riding, Clements’ career experience in the industry is vast.

Clements holds a Masters of Science Agriculture in Animal Science/Equine Science from Murray State University in Kentucky.

She coached the women’s college rodeo team there and developed the reproduction manual used in the Veterinary Technician program. Clements received her Bachelor of Science in Equine Science from Sul Ross State University in Texas. Clements has been a member of the Equine Science Society for many years. In addition to her role as Program Director and teaching, Clements owns her own business “Equi-Sports,” trains outside horses, and works as a consultant and Equine Sports Therapist.

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Equine student, Chelsea Priscak, saw that the classroom horse Dobbin, needed a new halter. She asked Jay Clements, Director of the Equine Science Program, if she could make one.

“Te halter was so cool that I suggested she start a business,” joked Clements. And she did! Now the proud owner of “Whatever the Leather,” Chelsea is making halters for horse lovers everywhere.

When asked what has the EQS program done for her, Chelsea was quick to say: “Te Equine Science program has made me feel like I was in a family from the second I started the program. I’ve learned more in the past 6 months than I have in 10 years working with horses.

Tis is the best college program I have ever been a part of, and I have been to three other colleges. Tank you Ms. Jay!” Visit Chelsea’s website at whatevertheleather.care

Top: Jay Clements Middle: Madison Florence and Jay Clements stretch Rosie.

Bottom: EQS175 Introduction to Equine Therapies class

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“Our relationship with the Scottsdale Community College Equine Science Program has been important because they do an amazing job educating individuals that support the vibrant equine community in Arizona.”

–Taryl O'Shea, Executive Director of the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona

Horse Power Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show highlights the history and athleticism of the Arabian breed

W

hat began as a conversation among fellow Arabian horse enthusiasts at the Hotel Westward Ho in 1952 has become the most talked-about Arabian horse show in the world. From its humble roots in Phoenix, the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show has grown from a competition of 50 horses to one of nearly 2,400.

Now celebrating its 67th year, the Scottsdale show invited all to WestWorld last February, where they celebrated the Arabian horse’s magnificent beauty, athleticism, and agility as this versatile breed took the stage.

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“We are thrilled to announce the partnership with Scottsdale Community College Equine Sciences Program again this year,” states Taryl O’Shea. “The Arabian Horse Association of Arizona always looks forward to working with SCC students. They add so much value in many different areas to the horse show. Many of the students volunteer to get their work experience, and they get to dive in and learn the ropes of how horses operate and what is involved with equestrian sports competitions.”

RICH HISTORY, BRIGHT FUTURE The Arabian horse is often considered the oldest breed of

horse in the world. For thousands of years, Arabians served as faithful companions to their original breeders and caretakers, surviving long treks in harsh desert conditions on the Arabian Peninsula. The breed has expanded around the globe and appears throughout history, with Arabian horses once owned by historical figures like Genghis Khan, Napoleon, Alexander the Great, and George Washington. The modern Arabian horse is known for its unparalleled endurance, forming close bonds with its caretakers and contributing to virtually all sport horse breeds today.

For the Scottsdale show founders, location was vital to establishing

a showcase in the U.S.—the Sonoran Desert mimics the breed’s natural habitat perfectly, honoring the heritage and legacy of the remarkable Arabian horse.

First held at the grounds of the Arizona Biltmore Hotel back in 1955, the annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is now much more than a local show—it’s world-renowned.

These days, top owners, trainers, and breeders from across the globe enter the competition for a chance at a prestigious title, which can be a career-maker.

For exhibitors, the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show represents an unprecedented showcase opportunity to compete center stage.

Competing in the big arenas at WestWorld means abundant marketing opportunities for breeders and the possibility of cash prizes of up to $4 million. Promoting the breed and boosting economic development of the region, the AHAA founders and early show organizers looked to the future—propelling the horses and the city into the national and international spotlight.

ARABIANS TAKE CENTER STAGE IN 2023 The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show routinely attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators to experience the beauty and power of the Arabian horse. The competition encompasses 11 days of events for the world’s finest Arabian and Half-Arabian horses, their owners, breeders, trainers, and exhibitors—all pursuing the coveted “Scottsdale Champion” title.

With more than 1,000 classes, there is always something exciting to see.

A new class showcasing 2-year-old horses, which will compete for a $10,000 prize, has been added to the event. And ranch-horse categories will test the Arabians’ ability to

perform ranch tasks, proving the versatile nature of this unique animal.

For horse lovers, the Scottsdale show is a “must-attend event,” organizers say. As the mecca for the Arabian horse, spectators get an up-close view of Arabians. Plus, as intended by its founders, the event includes a multitude of activities that help promote the breed.

much to see and do in this great vacation destination— and, of course, a pony or two.

At the event, guests also have the opportunity to stroll the decorated stables and attend various familyfriendly activities, including: “Meet an Arabian Horse,” behind-the-scenes barn tours, educational seminars, “Paint a Pony,” along with many other games.

Gala parties are also a staple of the nearly two-week extravaganza. An international cuisine court provides an indulgent feast and a shopping expo, showcasing more than 350 commercial exhibitors, offers everything from lavish jewelry, clothing, boots, and saddles to artwork and luxury gifts.

In addition to top-notch competition and beautiful amenities, the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show also benefits charitable organizations.

Some beneficiaries are the Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund, Friends of Vail Foundation, Healing Hearts Animal Rescue and Refuge, Horses Help, March of Dimes, Scottsdale Community College Equine Program, and Youth For Troops.

And if horse enthusiasts needed one more reason to attend the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, consider the breathtaking backdrop: the Sonoran Desert. There is so

Owners, trainers or exhibitors interested in entering the 2023 show can check out the schedule, prize list, and official entry form. Find out more about attending the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show today by visiting www.scottsdaleshow.com/ shows/scottsdale-arabian-horseshow.

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Page 8: Osteen Schatzberg Photo credit Above: Photo credit: Osteen Schatzberg

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&

History Heritage:

Scottsdale Community College and the Arabian Horse train and sell at auction. The sale money would benefit the students and program. That particular program no longer exists, but as the only accredited equine program in Arizona, it still provides great value whether you take individual classes to further your knowledge or pursue a degree.”

Above: Jennie Kale Long on champion Dorian

“What’s not to love about the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show?,” says third-generation Arabian horse breeder and Scottsdale Community College instructor Jennie Kale Long.

“Soak up the Scottsdale sun, enjoy magnificent Arabian horses, and support SCC at the same time.

Perfect!” (See “Horse Power,” Page 8 for more information).

She should know: the Kale family has the oldest privatized Arabian horse breeding program in the United States and over 70% of the world’s champions have some Kale connection. They are also longtime supporters of the many facets of Scottsdale Community College.

“In the 1980s we used to donate two-year-old geldings for students to

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The equine program is not the only department to benefit from the Arabian Horse. A professional photographer pass for Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show costs upwards of $1,500, but for the last several years, the Kale family has secured tickets for Visual Communication students to attend the show and practice their photography skills for free.

“We’re grateful to Taryl O’Shea and the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona for their generosity. Horses are the perfect subjects on which to hone your craft,” says Kale. “They’re beautiful and they’re moving, so if your technical skills are on point, you end up with a beautiful image for your portfolio. If not, you end up with a blurred mess,” she laughs. “Plus, it is an honor to support the vision at SCC. Like the Equine Program before it, the Visual Communication Program is the first to offer a branding tract—cutting edge and industry driven. Who wouldn’t want to support that?”

I

am honored and humbled

to be selected to serve as the next president of Scottsdale Community College,” said Dr. Eric Leshinskie.

“SCC’s faculty and staff care deeply about students and the impact of the college on the community.

I am excited to work alongside such talented and dedicated individuals to help our students to achieve their goals. As Scottsdale Community College is located on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, I look forward to enhancing the relationship with tribal leaders to grow this rich partnership.”

Dr. Leshinskie is a collaborative leader with more than 25 years of experience in education. He currently serves as the Interim Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost for MCCCD, providing system-level leadership to improve student outcomes. Prior to serving in his current role, Dr. Leshinskie was the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) where he partnered with “SCC cares deeply about our faculty and students and our community. staff to advance PVCC’s mission We are committed to creating of student supportive and dynamic learning success. He focused on experiences to help our students promoting achieve their goals”. teaching excellence,

DR. ERIC

LESHINSKIE

Named the Next President of SCC

fostering inclusive learning environments, championing innovation across the college, and developing strong internal and external partnerships to support students. Prior to PVCC, Dr. Leshinskie served as Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs at Glendale Community College (GCC), where he provided leadership to the college’s academic departments and collaborated with faculty and staff to advance GCC’s mission.

Most recently, in 2019-2020, Dr. Leshinskie was one of 40 academic leaders across the nation to complete the Aspen Presidential Fellowship for Community College Excellence, a leadership program aimed at preparing the next generation of community college presidents to transform institutions to achieve higher and more equitable levels of student success, both in college and in the labor market.

“Dr. Leshinskie is an advocate for our students and will be a great addition to Scottsdale’s community,” said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, MCCCD Interim Chancellor.

“I look forward to welcoming him to his new role. I would also like to thank the search committee for their excellent work, collaboration, and input. As well as the community partners, faculty, and staff, all of whom participated in the process and provided feedback as I made the decision for this important recruitment.”

Leshinskie earned his Doctorate of Education in Leadership and Innovation in May 2017, from the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers’ College at Arizona State University (ASU). He also received his Master of Education in Learning and Instructional Technology from ASU and completed his undergraduate work at the University of Richmond, in Richmond, VA, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in English.

Dr. Eric Leshinskie will assume the role of President of Scottsdale Community College starting July 1, 2022.

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New Event Connects Students to Big Things

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hat connects social issues, Fields of Interest, and service learning? The answer is an exciting new event at Scottsdale Community College: The Social Cause Connection. This semesterly experience showcases student work on social issues through the lens of their Fields of Interest, then connects them to relevant service learning opportunities.

The event has featured topics like food deserts (Health Sciences), cybersecurity (Computer Information Systems), murdered and missing indigenous women (Behavioral Science and Human Services), and many more. Through presentations and artifacts, attendees learn about the causes, effects, and solutions for such issues. Attendees can then perform service learning right at the event and connect to further service learning opportunities throughout the semester.

The event, according to SCC’s Service Learning Team, shows students how their fields connect to the world beyond the classroom and how their efforts can improve our community. Students already care deeply

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about social issues, and we want to engage that potential and inspire their ability to get involved.

Students who attended the most recent event agree.

One stated the issues “touched my heart. I cannot wait to learn more and get involved.”

The Social Cause Connection represents the next step in innovative service learning. Designed for flexibility, it accommodates any discipline, allowing students and faculty from every Field of Interest to collaborate or attend.

The Service Learning Team points out that this event will connect to every Field of Interest at SCC, empowering students and faculty alike to create meaningful change.

As one student aptly put it, “We really need to always come together and fight for what is right.”

The Social Cause Connection is hosted by the Indigenous Cultural Center at the beginning of every semester. Learn how your students can attend or present by contacting matthew.healy@scottsdalecc.edu.

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Top right: Annabelle Flowers and Ethan Brigstock present their research. Bottom right: Taryn Pearson provides information to those coming in. Unsplash.com (center), Priscilla Gyamfi

You can tell the caliber of an institution by the triumphs of its learners. Students at Scottsdale Community College (SCC) benefit from the unrivaled programs and opportunities, many of which are nationally and even internationally recognized for their curriculum and successes. The College provides top-tier learning in an environment that is friendly, comfortable and affordable. SCC’s culture is one of student success—always.

Here are some of the outstanding achievements by our...

ARTICHOKE BLOOMS.

What would you say to convince someone to come to SCC? To anyone considering SCC, I would say that you owe it to yourself to see the difference that an education at a smaller, but thriving and forward-thinking campus can make! The staff are wonderful and truly care about your success. The campus is beautiful and has everything you need to learn, study, be social, and even relax between classes! Plus, students are friendly and it’s easy to make friends, even life-long connections! There plenty of opportunities for personal growth and the atmosphere is one of both learning and inspiration. If I had to do my education over again, SCC would still be my top choice!

Clinton Stevens, MS, RDN Graduated 2017 | Associate in Arts (ASU Dietetics MAPP) What made SCC the right fit for you?

I began my nutrition career at SCC, taking my very first nutrition course with Robert Martin, whom I am proud to work alongside today as both a colleague and a friend. Robert and the other staff at SCC played a pivotal role in not only motivating me to pursue a career in nutrition, but also to become engaged in campus, initiatives, join the Honors program, take on leadership roles, and even work past my fear of public speaking through club activities and unique presentation opportunities at events like the World Hunger Breakfast.

During my final year at SCC, I became the President of the Fitness and Nutrition Club, which gave me valuable skills that served me very well after I transferred to ASU and even now, as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC. My absolute favorite memory at

SCC is definitely the time I spent as a member of the Fitness & Nutrition Club. Even before I became the club’s president, it was an incredible experience that allowed me to connect with my fellow students and engage in amazing initiatives both on and off campus.

leader. It also showed me the importance of networking and building lasting relationships.

Beyond academics, the life skills I gained while attending SCC truly transformed me and paved the way for me to become the successful professional I am today!

Have you visited SCC since you graduated?

What are you doing now and for whom?

Not only have I returned to the SCC campus since graduating, but I am now an instructor here! While the classes I currently teach are primarily online, I still get the same great, welcoming feeling when I step on campus today as the very first time I visited! Few campuses are as inviting and beautiful as the SCC campus!

I became inspired to succeed by my time at SCC. I had attended other community colleges out of state, but SCC was different. The staff truly cared and supported me in my goals. There were also opportunities for personal growth that I never experienced at any other college.

As I already mentioned, professor Robert Martin was key to getting me interested in nutrition, but he also motivated me to be a better version of myself and that has had a lasting, positive impact.

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and or career?

My experience at SCC taught me everything from time management to what it really means to be a

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What would you say to convince someone to come to SCC? I work in accounting, so at the end of the day, everything boils down to dollars and cents. Knocking-out your first two years of college at SCC is definitely going to save you loads of cash. A few years after graduating NAU, I actually ended up supervising a recent grad from another Arizona state university who was nearly $60K in debt. They couldn’t believe how much less I spent on my degree than they did on theirs. At the end of the day, we were both accountants and were both just as qualified to do the job. The difference was the amount of student debt we had and the return on investment.

Michael Albright What made SCC the right fit for you?

SCC was the only campus to have a hospitality and tourism program, so that made the choice pretty straightforward. Its location near the main resort drag on Scottsdale Road sweetened the deal even more. While there were hospitality and tourism programs at other colleges in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, SCC was the best choice for me ultimately because of the program content, class schedule, and campus location.

Tell us about your time at SCC My time at SCC was characterized by a lot of hard work, a lot of grit, and a lot of energy drinks from the vending machine behind the Applied Science building! I appreciated the mix of morning and evening classes which was conducive to my “moonlight” work schedule. I enjoyed having the fitness center on site too because I was able to reach my goals for education and physical health without having to drive all over the place. The buildings were modern, the grounds were well kept, and the technology was up to date.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC. My favorite memory was spending time with my friends after class ended. The SCC campus provided lots of areas for unwinding and

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Graduated 2014 | AAS Hospitality & Tourism/Hotel Mgmt. networking. The IT Building, Two Waters Circle and the Natural Science Building were some of my favorites. The human touch of my in-person classes really helped me network with others and bounce new ideas off them. With our postCovid world and the advent of new technology like Zoom classes and VR classes, I am most appreciative of those face-to-face moments.

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and or career?

On a personal level, I am the first person in my family to earn an associate’s degree and a bachelor’s degree, so that makes me pretty thrilled. On a professional level, attending SCC has earned me the opportunity to apply for jobs that I wouldn’t be qualified for. I appreciate the content of the program which goes hand-in-hand with on-thejob training. I think there are times when things are done completely differently in real life than in a textbook, but at the end of the day, you can’t apply for the job without the degree.

What are you doing now and for whom?

I am currently the Hotel Accounting Manager for Ensemble Real Estate Solutions & Investments which is a real estate development company located in the Biltmore area of

Phoenix. In this role, I manage the financial reporting and compliance of 13 hotels ranging from Doubletree Hotels and Autograph Collection Hotels to Residence Inns and Best Westerns. It’s a huge challenge, especially during post-Covid financial performance expectations, but very rewarding, too, to see hard work paying off!

After leaving SCC, did you get a job or did you transfer to a university?

While attending SCC full-time, I worked full-time as a security agent on the moonlight shift at the W Scottsdale. I was awarded an internship opportunity with Starwood Hotels, now Marriott Hotels, during my last semester.

After graduating, I quickly received a job promotion at my hotel and went from working the security job to working in the accounting department as a staff accountant.

I also transferred to the NAU@ SCC program where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management two years later.

Tell us about your time at SCC I absolutely loved attending SCC! I was working full time for a large corporation and also taking 10 credit hours every semester. Although it was difficult and there were many times I wanted to quit, professor Jay (Clements) and my friends in the equine program made it worth the challenge! They picked me up when I was down, pushed me when I was struggling, and encouraged me to keep moving forward to achieve my goals! They became my extended family, and I’m so grateful for each and every one of them!

Ashleigh Woolwine

Graduated 2020 | Associate of Science: Equine Science

What made SCC the right choice for you?

so much fun helping her students learn more about horses!

SCC was the right choice for me because I was originally thinking about going straight to a big university, but then I quickly realized how costly that was going to be.

So instead, I went to speak with Professor Julie Begonia in the Equine Science Program at SCC and found that it was a much wiser beginning to my education journey both financially and academically.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

After leaving SCC, did you get a job or transfer to a university?

After leaving SCC I transferred to Colorado State University (CSU) as a recipient of the WUE scholarship.

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and or career?

SCC has brought a lot of great things to my personal life! My professors gave me a safe learning environment where I was able to ask questions and be myself, as well as provide me with ample knowledge about horses that has benefited me greatly at CSU and in the equine industry.

Have you visited SCC since you graduated?

Yes! Last summer I was able to attend a couple of Professor Jay’s (Clements) summer veterinary technician classes as a guest. It was

My favorite memory at SCC was our end of year banquets! Professor Jay Clements set them up for us with the Culinary program at SCC, and we had a full night of amazing food, friends, awards, and it was such a fun way to meet people who were in different classes! The family-type atmosphere was a huge theme while I was in the program, and so I really loved having that night to build those new bonds with freshmen students. I also always had a blast laughing and spending time with my fellow equine friends, as well as supporting the Culinary program in the process. It was an amazing night to take a deep breath after final exams and to also kick-start summer break. I hope to be able to come back and attend a future banquet soon!

with professors who care so much about your success truly made all the difference in my own education.

I don’t think I would be as prepared or successful at CSU without attending SCC beforehand.

What are you doing now and for whom?

I am currently interning at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute as a seasonal veterinary technician this spring semester, and then will return to CSU to obtain my bachelor’s degree in equine science next spring.

I am confident that my time at SCC in the Equine Science program gave me the edge I needed to be accepted into this prestigious and competitive opportunity. I’m really grateful to Professor Jay for challenging me and making me the best that I could be so that I would be confident and prepared outside of school.

What would you say to convince someone to come to SCC? As someone who was a working professional and student during my time at SCC, and now as a student at CSU, I would try to share the financial benefits of attending a community college before a major university. Outside of the financial benefits, the smaller classrooms SPRING 2022

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“At Scottsdale Community College, our faculty and staf are committed to providing challenging, supportive, and exceptional learning experiences. This directly impacts student success, whether someone is transferring to a university or investing in their career.”

Veronica Hipolito, SCC Interim President

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SCOTTSDALE

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.

_co_M_M_U_N_I_TY_C_O_L_LE_G_E __ A MARICOPA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

9000 E. Chaparral Road Scottsdale, AZ 85256

www.scottsdalecc.edu

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 www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.