Profiles - About Alumni

Alumni in the News for November 2009

Our alumni are spread out across the globe leading interesting lives. Many remain right here in Prescott benefiting our community. This page will feature alumni news, stories, and photos that you submit. If you don't see your news posted right away - don't worry - it will appear soon.

Featured: 40th Year Reunion of Nursing Education

Dorothy Carothers, Director of the Nursing Program from 1977-1988, left; Wanda Plumstead Burkhart, founding faculty member of the YC Nursing Program, center; and Joanne Alegre, right (nursing faculty in Obstetrics in the 70s & 80s). Dr. James Horton, Yavapai College President, stands behind.

Here is a follow-up story for the 40 yr. Reunion for the Nursing Program held October 24, 2009.

During a reunion to celebrate 40 years of Nursing Education in Yavapai County, founding faculty member of the Yavapai College Nursing Program, Wanda (Plumstead) Burkhart, joined former Nursing faculty and students for an evening of reconnecting, laughter and memories on October 24th at the Prescott Resort. The event was most successful, raising over $4600 for the new Yavapai College Nursing Student Support Fund. Graduates of the Nursing Class of 2008 established this fund as a Class Gift.

Since the inception of the Nursing Program in 1969, Yavapai College has strived to develop competent, caring, holistic and ethical practitioners who value lifelong learning and adapt to continuous changes in the health care system. Founding faculty member, Wanda (Plumstead) Burkhart, developed the curriculum, supervised, and taught classroom and clinical portions of the program. The first class of eight students graduated in 1971. The program achieved accreditation by the National League for Nursing in 1980, and continues to be accredited by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and the National League for Nursing.

To date the YC nursing program has graduated more than 1500 nurses, the majority of whom remain right here in Yavapai County when they graduate. The College is grateful to the regional hospitals and various medical facilities that provide clinical experiences for nursing students and hire graduates. Yavapai College is proud of this excellent Nursing Program and of its graduates, who provide health care locally, nationally, and in international settings.

By the year 2010 it is estimated there will be a significant shortage of nurses. Yavapai College’s Nursing Program has recently grown because of a one-time infusion of federal and state grants aimed at increasing nursing enrollment. These one-time grants were successful, but did not provide for a mechanism to sustain our nursing program once funding ended. The Yavapai College Foundation is now launching the Community Nursing Initiative to ensure sustainable funding for a stable nursing program that can meet our community health care needs now and in the future.

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Lisa Morris, 2005 Career Skills Program; 2008 Associate of Fine Arts Degree

Lisa was an Student Support Services participant who worked with Linda Evans on the Verde campus from 2006-2008.

Hi, my name is Lisa Morris, I attended the Career Skills Program at Yavapai College in 2005. I had been out of school for about seven years. It was a wonderful program that really helped me gain the skills I needed; feel confident in myself. It inspired me to go to college.

I took my first photography class in 2006, which was a free class from graduating the Career Skills Program. I had always loved photography so I decided to take a class. I loved it so much that I knew photography was what I wanted to do as my career. I decided to start classes to obtain my Associate of Fine Arts degree. From 2006-2008, I went halftime and took English and math as well as continuing my photography classes.

I decided in 2008 to transfer from Yavapai College to a professional photography school. My photography teacher Ryan Belnap at Yavapai College really inspired me to believe in myself and turn my dream into a reality. Ryan is a unique caring professional. I have never met anyone quite like him. I would recommend him to anyone that is interested in photography to take his class. It changed my life.

I am now attending Antonelli Institute in Pennsylvania. I started in September of 2008. I have completed my first year, I have one year left. I will receive an Associate of Specialized Technology degree in May of 2010.

I recently won first place in the “Alternative” category at my college at the Annual Print Competition. What an incredible feeling. I am so proud of myself for following my heart. It is never too late to get an education or do something you love. I have learned so much about myself and that anyone can accomplish anything if they set their mind to it. Do something you love and enjoy your life. The world awaits you.

Blessings,
Lisa

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Alum Update: Terry Kassien, Class of 1979

Terry Kassien was the featured Alum for August 2008.

'78 Roughrider Baseball, left to right: John Lee, Peter Otero, David Nenad, George Gohde, Scott Paterson, George Chadwick, Steve Lawrence, Terry Kassien, Kevin Janssen, Dave Heckerl, Ray Etchebarron, Jay Irons. Not pictured: Bart Day.

Former Yavapai College baseball players created “the '78 Roughriders” to play in the 50-over World Series in Phoenix last week October 19 to the 24th. The squad was made up of members who finished second in the nation in 1978 and third the next season for YC.

Terry Kassien sent an email that humorously read; “Like I said, ‘this seemed like a good idea at the time’. We won our first game against team New Era at the Phoenix Municipal Stadium, then lost our next 5. We lost our first and only playoff game on Friday. We finished 1 win and 6 losses. Ouch. But, we had a BALL!!!!"

"We did not know how serious these teams are and how much they train, workout, and play. They travel and play year round. We had not played individually or as a team in 30 years so little did we know there was not too much of a chance at victories."

"We are all very tired and sore. 7 games in 5 days including 2 double headers. Some games were played in over 100 degree heat so I think we'll need a lot of rest."

"I'll pass along more details and some photos soon. I'll be in touch!!"

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