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ANIMAL IMAGERY
Public Relations Jeanette Stephens 10/00 |
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THE MARICOPA COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION AWARDS TO OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEES 1999-2000The Foundation extends congratulations to these Outstanding Employees and thanks all who took the time to submit nominations for consideration. Each of the recipients received a $1,000 scholarship to be given in his/her name. These scholarships were awarded to students enrolled in a Maricopa Community College for the 2000-2001 academic year.
Judi asked that her scholarship be given to a high school or college student with a 3.0 GPA and enrolled in fine arts classes at PVCC. "Education," Judi stated, "should be accessible and affordable for all those who seek to extend their learning and self-improvement. Education should be high quality and in step with today’s global society." Judi has Associate Degree from Gogebic Community College, Ironwood, Michigan, a BA in business education from the University of Wisconsin-Superior and a MBA from Northern Arizona University. Originally from Texas, Judy has enjoyed different careers – real estate, the travel industry, city government and hospital administration in Michigan, Colorado and Arizona. She was also a business instructor for a community college in West Virginia and returned to Arizona following husband John’s career in community college administration. She and John have been married for 25 years and reside in Carefree.
Anna named the scholarship "The Luis and Anna Chavira Scholarship" and designated it be given to a full-time, first generation Hispanic Phoenix College student with a minimum high school GPA of 3.0. As a scholarship recipient herself, she knows the benefits and encouragement a scholarship may give. "I believe," Anna said, "we are life-long learners, whether in school or in the workplace. I have always been very fortunate to have supportive supervisors in every job. Along with husband and family, these mentors have always encouraged me to continue my educational, personal and professional goals. I’m pretty fortunate to work with such wonderful people where I am appreciated and acknowledged for the work I love doing."
Whether it’s teaching by hands-on-training on manual or computerized numerical controlled machines or introducing students to trigonometry and the importance of a good understanding of math in the workplace, Tom’s commitment and dedication to vocational education is readily felt and appreciated. It is also demonstrated in his networking with the machining industry and the partnerships he has developed with them in hiring our graduates. It is seen in the community service projects that he and his students do such as repairing bikes for needy children and making parts for an ASU satellite. This satellite, by the way, is now headed for outer space. Tom requested his scholarship go to a MSC Machine Trades student. "We know," he said, "there are potential students who are only held back by money."
Her scholarship, named for her father, was designated for students who are seeking careers in teaching or nursing. "I named this scholarship for my father," she said, "because it causes us to remember a man who believed education opens doors to many opportunities for students, particularly women. My late father passed that philosophy on to all of his children. My husband Ray and I have passed that tradition on to our daughter, Traci." She encourages all students to choose the career they can learn to love "for they will experience the joy that comes from work for many years," Pearl concluded. |
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Judi K. Anderson, Director of Continuing Education and Community Services, Paradise Valley Community College
Through the visionary leadership and efforts of Judi Anderson, the Division of Continuing Education at Paradise Valley Community College has grown from a small self-supporting Community Education program to an innovative and comprehensive division that includes community education, professional continuing education and workforce development. The Division has become an integral part of PVCC because of Judi's close work with business leaders, community members, and faculty.
Anna Chavira, Phoenix College, Office Coordinator in the Career Center.
Anna Chavira is an exceptional woman. Her unyielding standard of quality and her continuous focus on excellence, coupled with her innate sense of team-building and tenacious spirit bring superior service to both staff and students. These traits distinguish her as someone who stands "head and shoulders" above the rest. This was evidenced by her capable coordination of the annual Career/Job Fair. This job was literally dropped in Anna's lap and by using her highly effective organizational and communication skills, Anna competently directed this event into the finest ever sponsored by Phoenix College.
Gary L. Filan, Mesa Community College Downtown Center
Gary Filan has tirelessly directed the Chair Academy for ten years, training the district's emerging leaders, not just by talking about leadership, but by modeling the traits embraced in training. Because of his efforts, 180 Maricopans have completed or are enrolled in a leadership program that has gained international acclaim. Each of these Maricopa employees has a strategic plan and an individual Professional Development Plan to guide their professional growth. His positive effect on the district will be systemic and long lasting.
Tom Lowe, Machine Trades Instructor, Maricopa Skill Center
Almost anyone will tell you Tom Lowe is an energetic, vocational education advocate who has made entry-level education his avocation as well as his vocation. He is new to teaching, joining the Maricopa Skill Center after a distinguished machining career, owning his own shop, working for America West and Modern Industries. He has expanded the scope and vision of the MSC machining program by developing community service projects, receiving an innovative grant to explore team-building between vocational programs, and becoming an educational liaison for the Arizona Tooling and Machining Association. Over 90% of his graduates get good jobs with benefits!
Pearl Williams, Division Chair for Developmental Education, Estrella Mountain Community College
Pearl's character is forged of equal parts faith, grace, kindness and courage. Her father taught Medgar Evers, and she chose to carry on the family tradition by becoming an educator. With a firm belief in the value and possibility of every human being, she has dedicated her life to helping others. Pearl creates and continually improves her teaching methods so that everyone can learn. She quickly utilizes new technology and innovative learning environments in order to accommodate a broad spectrum of learning styles. She shapes programs that respect cultural values while enabling lifelong learning across a widely diverse population of students.