Commencement to be celebrated in Sierra Vista on May 17

Cochise College will hold its 59th commencement ceremony on the Sierra Vista Campus at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 17.

The nurses’ pinning ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. on May 16 on the Sierra Vista Campus. Over 60 students will participate, with first-year students recognized for earning certification and second-year students honored for earning their associate of applied science degree, making them eligible to take the exam to become a registered nurse.

Commencement will feature faculty, staff and alumni marshals. Marshalls: Angie Bowling, Jason Bowling, David Gowan, Brian O’Brien, Faculty Emeriti: Rebecca Richardson and Teresa Vernon.

This year, Cochise College will award approximately 1384 diplomas and 646 certificates for the current academic year. Some candidates will receive an occupational certificate and be recognized during the commencement program. About 430 students are expected to participate in the commencement ceremony.

Isabella “Belle” Knipp will take the stage as the student speaker at this year’s commencement ceremony, bringing a unique story of perseverance and community service. Knipp is set to receive an associate of applied science degree in nursing, a significant milestone she shares with her mother, who is also graduating.

Knipp, an active volunteer in the community, has made a notable impact through her work in rescuing and re-homing lost animals. Her commitment to helping others extends beyond her local community; she has performed the National Anthem at various events, including major league sports games and First Responder ceremonies. Looking ahead, Knipp aspires to further her studies by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing, with the ultimate goal of becoming a nurse practitioner. 

Live online streaming, accessed at www.cochise.edu, will allow friends and relatives to see everything from the processional to the last graduate crossing the stage. Offices at all campuses and centers will close at 3 p.m. on commencement day.

Motorists should be aware of heavier-than-usual traffic in the area. All traffic will enter the Sierra Vista Campus, located on Colombo Ave., through the north entrance, follow the loop around campus, and exit through the south entrance.  Cochise College strongly encourages graduates and their guests to carpool to commencement. Parking is available but limited. 

Commencement exercises begin at 7 p.m., but the campus will start to fill with cars around 5 p.m. Both ceremonies will be tobacco-free, including e-cigarettes.

For information and updates regarding this year’s commencement, visit www.cochise.edu.

Summer hours begin on May 20

Cochise College will start summer hours from May 20 through August 9. Offices at all campuses and centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday (Arizona Time).

Summer classes begin May 28. View the Academic Calendar to find out more.

Dr. Perey named among Aspen Fellows

Dr. James Perey, executive vice president for academics at Cochise College, has completed the 2023-24 Aspen Rising President’s Fellowship. The fellowship prepares college leaders to implement transformative changes, enhance student outcomes, and contribute to broader educational reform. This is critical, especially as many presidents are reaching retirement age, creating vacancies that may be challenging to fill. Dr. Perey was one of 35 leaders selected from around the United States for this fellowship.

“Over the last year, I have had the opportunity to learn from national leaders in higher education, build a network of forward-thinking peers, and explore innovative and groundbreaking strategies focused on meeting student success challenges,” Dr. Perey said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to have this life-changing experience. Although the formal fellowship ends, the great work begins.”

Many Aspen Fellows become college presidents within a few years of completing the fellowship. They join a network of over 300 peers, including 155 current college presidents, implementing innovative strategies to enhance student success in their institutions.

Dr. Perey’s completion of the fellowship marks a significant achievement and underscores his commitment to advancing educational leadership and student success. 

CyberPatriot Camps offered in July for middle and high school students

Cochise College is hosting two CyberPatriot Camps in July for middle and high school students to learn about the growing field of cybersecurity.

“Students attending the CyberPatiot Camp will learn how to protect personal devices and information from outside threats,” said Dan Guilmette, director of the CIS/Cybersecurity Programs at the college. “They will also develop cyber defense skills and participate in team competitions.”

The Camps are provided free of charge thanks to the support from the Center for the Future of Arizona. 

Details:

Standard In-Person Camps

• July 8 to 12
• July 22 to 26

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Location: Cochise College Sierra Vista Campus, 901 N. Colombo Ave. Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

Spots are limited. Sign up today: bit.ly/3MQ1qMe

For more information, email Angela at moretza@cochise.edu or Dan at guilmetted@cochise.edu.

Mural transforms Oscar Yrun Community Center

Art students from Cochise College have brought a new look to the Oscar Yrun Community Center, painting a large-scale, multi-wall mural that is set to be unveiled on Tuesday, May 14, at 11 a.m. The project, part of the ART 292 Special Topics in Art: Mural course, was led by JenMarie Zeleznak, Instructor of Art at Cochise College.

The mural, designed and executed by students, enhances the community center’s Art Studio exterior with a magical, whimsical desert dream theme. This transformation was a collaborative effort involving research, conceptualization, design and execution stages.

“At the beginning of the semester, students met with Art Studio staff to discuss the desired subject matter, style, and themes for the mural,” Zeleznak said. “They took measurements and began brainstorming ideas inspired by the space and its potential.”

The initial weeks of the course focused on studying contemporary murals across Arizona, emphasizing the use of visual elements to create unity and harmony in large outdoor spaces. Students explored flora and fauna as their subject matter, incorporating playful, curious, and wondrous elements into their designs. “A recurring motif in the mural is the San Pedro River, symbolizing how it is essential to Cochise County by nourishing and giving life to one of the most important riparian areas in the Desert Southwest,” added Zeleznak.

Working in small groups, the students generated ideas and visuals. Later coming together to refine the designs with a focus on unity and flow. Areas of emphasis at the forefront of critique were moments of playfulness, curiosity, and wonder.

The project not only provided students with practical experience but also demonstrated how artists can engage with and contribute to their community. “The mural offers the public an opportunity to experience art in daily life while also fostering Sierra Vista as a community that supports the appreciation and pursuit of creative activity,” Zeleznak said.

Student artists include Natalie Andres, Ethan Benton, Kimberly Boatner, Liliana Hernandez, Kristy Hom, Malachi Johnson, Amy Le Bel Schorremans, Lee Pereda, Aevah Rios and Skye Robinson.

The Neighborhood Partnership Grant Initiative, facilitated by the City of Sierra Vista, awarded $2,486.52 to support this project. The public unveiling and ribbon-cutting ceremony will celebrate the student’s accomplishments and the mural’s addition to the community center.

The event is open to the public.

Cochise College student awarded prestigious national transfer scholarship

Daniela Escalante Mtz, a dedicated student at Cochise College, has been named one of the 60 recipients of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. This highly competitive national scholarship is designed to enable scholars to complete their undergraduate education with minimal debt. The award, which serves as last-dollar funding after all institutional aid, can provide Escalante with up to $55,000 annually to complete her bachelor’s degree.

“I chose to enroll at Cochise College because it was close to home, and my brothers greatly influenced my decision,” said Escalante. “All three of my brothers attended Cochise, which means I was familiar with the college environment from a young age. They always spoke highly of the supportive staff.”

Escalante plans to transfer to Northern Arizona University to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. “I have really enjoyed the friendly faculty and student life at the college,” Escalante shared. “During my three years here, I have been an active member and officer of PTK-Alpha Beta Zeta and the TRi Club. My involvement in student clubs has provided me with valuable experience in volunteering and building connections.”

Research from the Community College Research Center highlights the significant role of transfer pathways from community colleges in enhancing enrollment and diversity at four-year institutions.

“Community college students remain far too underrepresented at our nation’s top institutions, despite clear research demonstrating their success once they arrive. Our scholarship is one way we aim to ensure that high-achieving students have the opportunity to complete their degree where they want, regardless of their financial background,” said Seppy Basili, executive director of the Cooke Foundation.

In addition to financial support, scholars receive comprehensive educational advising, which is essential for navigating the transition to four-year colleges and planning their career paths. Cooke Scholars also gain access to internship opportunities, study abroad and graduate school funding, and a dynamic network of over 3,300 Cooke Scholars and alumni.

This year’s competition attracted nearly 1,700 applications from over 380 community colleges. Applicants were evaluated based on their academic excellence, financial need, perseverance, community service, and leadership qualities. A complete list of the 2024 Cooke Transfer Scholars and their respective community colleges is available here.

Adult Education Graduation Ceremony

On Wednesday, May 15, Cochise College will honor graduates who have achieved their General Educational Development (GED) diplomas through the Adult Education program. The recognition ceremony, open to the public, is scheduled for 5 p.m. in the Community Room at the college’s Student Union on the Sierra Vista Campus.

Throughout the past year, these persevering students have successfully navigated the challenges of adult education and passed all five required GED tests. The ceremony will officially award them High School Equivalency diplomas, marking a pivotal moment in their educational journeys.

This year’s celebration will be especially significant for three students receiving the Wick Scholarship, recognizing their outstanding dedication and academic excellence. Additionally, the ceremony will highlight a student recognized by the local Sierra Vista Rotary as its 2024 scholarship recipient. This student, honored for their exemplary performance and community involvement, will also deliver a speech at the event.

For more information about the adult education program at Cochise College, visit www.cochise.edu/adult-education. 

Governor announces Arizona community college workforce scholarship program

Governor Katie Hobbs announced the launch of the Arizona Community College Workforce Scholarship Program in partnership with the state’s ten community college districts. The initiative is designed to boost Arizonans’ access to higher education credentials, degrees or skills that lead to employment in high-growth sectors.

With an initial allocation of $4.5 million in EANS federal funding, the program aims to support 9,000 to 10,000 students, including working adults, in upgrading their skills or retraining for new careers during the upcoming summer and fall semesters. The state’s Achieve60AZ education attainment goal, which seeks to increase the number of residents with postsecondary credentials, is a key motivator for this scholarship initiative.

The scholarships will focus on sectors identified as high-wage and high-growth, including healthcare, IT, cybersecurity, broadband, data analytics, education, defense, and various trades such as construction and HVAC. These fields were chosen to align with state and local industry needs identified by each participating community college.

Eligible students must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher, meet with an academic advisor regularly, qualify for in-state tuition, and be enrolled in relevant programs that prepare them for careers in these critical sectors.

Participating institutions include Arizona Western College, Central Arizona College, Cochise College, Coconino Community College, Eastern Arizona College, Maricopa Community Colleges, Mohave Community College, Northland Pioneer College, Pima Community College, and Yavapai College. 

Collectively, Arizona Community Colleges serve 250,000 students annually.

For more details about the scholarship program, contact the financial aid office at Cochise College or visit the college’s website at www.cochise.edu/fa.

Cochise County celebrates Community College Month

April has been designated Community College Month in Cochise County, aligning with the nationwide observance dedicated to recognizing Cochise College’s role in providing accessible education that supports meaningful careers and lifelong learning. Ann English, Chairperson of the Cochise County Board of Supervisors, announced the proclamation during the board’s April meeting, spotlighting the many contributions of Cochise College, noting the time when she was an educator.

This annual celebration underscores the significant impact that community colleges have on Arizona’s economic, academic, and social landscape, particularly within Cochise County. As colleges of accessible and affordable education, these institutions are essential in preparing students for a dynamic workforce while providing vital resources and support to a diverse student body.

Community College Month serves as a grassroots campaign to enhance public understanding and appreciation of community colleges’ value. It addresses the economic and academic benefits these institutions provide and challenges the outdated stigmas associated with two-year public colleges.

Community colleges are often the primary educational facilities for crucial fields such as nursing and other healthcare professions, playing a critical role in training professionals who are fundamental to the community’s well-being. They also cater to adult students, many of whom balance their studies with work and family responsibilities, providing them with opportunities for advancement that might otherwise be unattainable.

For more information about Cochise College, visit www.cochise.edu. 

Cochise College student recognized on ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll 

Aidyn Durazo is among 137 college students recognized for their nonpartisan democratic engagement work during the 2023 election cycle.

Cochise College and the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) announced that Aidyn Durazo, Democracy Fellow, has been recognized as part of the 2024 ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll. The ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll awards college students who are doing outstanding work to advance nonpartisan democratic engagement at participating campuses. Durazo joins a group of 137 students recognized for their voter registration, education and turnout efforts during the 2023 elections, which featured critical ballot measures and local and state races. 

“We are incredibly proud of Aidyn for their contributions to advancing Civic Engagement and Voter Education at Cochise College,” said Andy Espinoza, the Director of Student Leadership & Activities & Civic Engagement Committee Chairperson at Cochise College. “Whether it’s an election year or one with state and local races on the ballot, students have an active voice are engaged in the campuses and willing to participate in our democracy. Our students will continue to make a difference.”

Studies show that voting and democratic participation are habits that are built and strengthened over time. A recent survey from CIRCLE showed that 86% of under-35 youth who voted in 2022 and 72% of those who voted in 2020 consider themselves extremely likely to vote in 2024. Colleges and universities have an important role to play in encouraging their students to become active and engaged citizens at the ballot box and beyond.

The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge empowers colleges and universities to achieve excellence in nonpartisan student democratic engagement. With the support of the ALL IN staff, campuses that join the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge complete a set of action items to institutionalize nonpartisan civic learning, political engagement and voter participation on their campus. The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge engages more than 1,000 institutions, enrolling over 10 million students in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Campuses can join ALL IN here.