Yavapai College honors local philanthropists for decades of support
Prescott, Arizona (October 21, 2025) – Yavapai College is honoring a couple whose steady support and long-term benevolence helped the College evolve into an economic and cultural force within our community. Local philanthropists Jim and Linda Lee have been named the latest recipients of Yavapai College’s Key to the College Award.
“The support Jim and Linda Lee have provided to Yavapai College has enabled the college to grow and provide top-quality educations to our students. They are well deserving of this honor,” said Dr. Lisa Rhine. “I extend my sincerest thank you to Jim and Linda Lee for their continued support of Yavapai College and their contributions to our community.”
The Key to the College is a legacy award, honoring the Lee’s decades of support. College officials honored the Lees, whose work creating and developing upscale residential and commercial developments in Prescott has fueled the area’s economic growth and prosperity.
As builders and philanthropists, the Lees have forged a 48-year legacy that has transcended real estate and shaped the Prescott community, creating iconic locales like The Ranch at Prescott, the Prescott Gateway Mall, and Touchmark, as well as benevolent ventures like the Yavapai Symphony and the Jim & Linda Lee Planetarium at Embry-Riddle.
In 2023, Yavapai College renamed its performance hall the Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center for the couple’s support of College artists and programming through the Jim & Linda Lee Endowment.
The Lees are the fifth party honored by the Key to the College Award. Prior recipients include Arizona State Representative and former Yavapai College Nursing Instructor Selina Bliss; former Arizona Secretary of State and Yavapai College alumnus Ken Bennett; Arizona State Representative Quang H. Nguyen, and District Governing Board member and former District Governing Board Chair Ray Sigafoos.
Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over one hundred degrees and certificates, four baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about YC, visit www.yc.edu.
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