Alumni Stories

To say I am grateful for this opportunity is an understatement…. this is a real full-circle moment for me. When I started at YC almost 15 years ago, as a single mom of two young children, I never imagined what that would lead to.

“It’s never too late and you’re never too old,” said Michell, a first-generation college student who shared her mid-life accomplishment in a comment on a YC social media post. “The window is open for everyone. There’s no time limit on what you want to do.”

Published Author of The Ready Room shares an update with the YC Alumni Office

First Certified Nurse Midwife in the Verde Valley, Board Certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and Founder of Bella Vita Healthcare shares her story with YC

From an AAS at YC to an doctorate of education leadership from UC Davis and beyond

"Yavapai College has been absolutely unlike anything I ever expected." - Kari

YC students celebrate community college success during traditional commencement ceremonies

"I love, love, LOVE YC and am so grateful for the role it had in my life." - Theresa

I am immensely grateful and unquestionably blessed that Yavapai College is where I chose to start my academic career over.

"College Algebra teacher Jim Bostwick wrote a Letter of Recommendation that I still use to substantiate employment applications." - LuAnn

Sarah Ireland, ICU Nurse, Making a Difference in our Community "I can be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it." – Maya Angelou. Sarah is clearly making a difference in our community and we are truly fortunate to have her.

YC helped me transition back to civilian life, both by getting my education underway and by learning how to work in a safe civilian environment.

"He was so generous with his time and energy," friend and former classmate Lisa Russell said. Now Manager of the SWC's Tasting Room, Russell recalls how Neal put fellow students at ease.

"Jessica has made it her priority to serve the residents of the Arizona Pioneers' Home," said Governor Ducey.

As a high school drop-out, and a teenage mom, college was never on my radar. I worked hard and had little time to do much of anything. As my kids got older, I realized that helping people was my passion, and my sister inspired me to pursue nursing.

Writer of fanciful and musical children's books, trans fiction for teens, and science fiction for adults. Drummer and drum teacher in San Diego. Teacher of tiny humans. Avoider of pronouns. Cat charmer.

Optimism and a can-do spirit characterized every facet of Russ Rusing's life, including Julie Ann's Bakery, the iconic Prescott landmark Russ and his wife, Rosemary, opened in 1961.

Member of the Qalwungwa Clan, a YC alumnus and an award-winning artist teaching about the Hopi People

The education we received at Yavapai College; Viticulture & Enology program exceeded our expectations. We started taking VEN classes to learn a little more about the wine industry, and we were learning so much, we took all available classes. We appreciated the instructors and the students.

"I knew I could [get the degree] because I could pay for it out of my own pocket," - Ashley

"I would not be where I am today without the support of the Yavapai College Foundation." - Kari