Alumni Stories
Breeanya Hinkel
My favorite part about education at Yavapai College was the lifelong connection you made with both students and teachers. Living in a small community you get to revisit those connections on a peer level later in life.
Read Breeanya's story hereDylan Schoch
YC has given me all of the certifications and schooling I needed to be able to obtain an EMS career and make the most out of it. I then went on to become an EMS instructor to pay it forward for all newer generation of EMT and Paramedic students.
Read Dylan's story hereRobert Altmanshofer
After graduation, Robert began his new career in Yavapai Regional Medical Center’s Radiology Lab. “I have a great deal of empathy for patients coming through.” He said. As one who nearly died from a congenital bowel obstruction, he can honestly say, ‘I know how you feel.’ “I share a little of my story.”
Read Robert's story hereAmanda & EK
This inspired couple is on a mission to improve the standard of long-term care in rural Arizona. The pair of YC Nursing Program alumni are pursuing the mission separately – as nursing directors at care centers in the Verde Valley -- and together as a soon-to-be married couple with a shared passion for improving the lives of people dependent on nursing care.
Read their amazing story hereApril Rhodes
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.
More on AprilMichell Hacker
“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.”
More on MichellLaura Flecha
Published Author of The Ready Room shares an update with the YC Alumni Office
More on LauraStephanie Purinton
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
More on StephanieKaitlin Woytus
A recipient of the Lady Aviator of the Day award, First Officer Kaitlin Woytus' interest in aviation was sparked by her grandfather who was a KC-135 pilot for the USAF and an active member of our local EAA chapter.
More on KaitlinTheresa Winn Lode
"I love, love, LOVE YC and am so grateful for the role it had in my life." - Theresa
More on TheresaHeather Dodson
I am immensely grateful and unquestionably blessed that Yavapai College is where I chose to start my academic career over.
More on HeatherLuAnn Lind
"College Algebra teacher Jim Bostwick wrote a Letter of Recommendation that I still use to substantiate employment applications." - LuAnn
More on LuAnnSara Ireland
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.
More on SaraCarol Beard
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.
More on Carol BeardNeal Baltz
"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.
More on Neal BaltzLook, after all we've experienced together, we don't want to lose touch with you
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Kari Warne
"Yavapai College has been absolutely unlike anything I ever expected." - Kari
More on KariCommencement 2021
YC students celebrate community college success during traditional commencement ceremonies
More about the commencementJennifer Bergstad
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.
More on JenniferBritt Powitz
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.
More on Britt...Russ Rusing
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.
More on Russ RussingFilmer Kewanyama
Member of the Qalwungwa Clan, a YC alumnus and an award-winning artist teaching about the Hopi People
More on Filmer KewanyamaDaniel and Valerie Wood
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.
More on the WoodsAshley Knister
"I knew I could [get the degree] because I could pay for it out of my own pocket," - Ashley
More on AshleyKari Warne
"I would not be where I am today without the support of the Yavapai College Foundation." - Kari
More on KariDr. Steven Crow
From an AAS at YC to an doctorate of education leadership from UC Davis and beyond
More on Dr CrowJessica Sullivan
"Jessica has made it her priority to serve the residents of the Arizona Pioneers' Home," said Governor Ducey.
More on Jessica