Verde Valley News – Yavapai College is planning a Commencement event this year for the Verde Valley Area, and it is exciting that the ceremony will once again be held on the Verde Valley Campus. An estimated 85 graduates are expected to attend this event. These are students who either completed their degree or certificate in Fall 2023, or are expected to complete in Spring 2024 or Summer 2024. Overall, 418 students completed nearly 500 degrees and certificates last fall, and 655 YC students are currently on track to complete degrees and certificates this Spring.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Representative Quang Nguyen, Verde Valley Area Commencement
Representative Quang Nguyen’s journey from a Vietnamese refugee to a dedicated public servant embodies the American Dream. Despite early challenges and doubts about his future, he taught himself English, worked tirelessly to support his education, and eventually graduated with a bachelor’s degree in industrial arts while working full-time. After successful careers in the aerospace industry and entrepreneurship, he now proudly serves as the AZ House Legislator for Legislative District 1, advocating for conservative values and ensuring the preservation of freedoms for future generations.
Representative Nguyen resides in Prescott Valley with his wife Mai and their two children. Their son, Casey, graduated from the University of Portland in 2017, and their daughter, Sarah, is currently serving as a Naval Officer aboard the USS New Jersey, a Virginia Class fast attack nuclear submarine.
FACULTY SPEAKER: Dr. Andrew M. Winters, Verde Valley Area Commencement
Andrew is Professor of Philosophy, Humanities Chair, and Co-President of the Faculty Senate at Yavapai College. He has taught courses in Humanities, Philosophy, and Religious Studies at YC since 2018.
A product of the California community college system, he received a Doctorate in Philosophy from the University of South Florida; a master’s in philosophy from the University of Colorado, Boulder; a master’s in philosophy and religion from the California Institute of Integral Studies; and a bachelor’s in philosophy from California State University, Chico. He has published and spoken on issues dealing with science, religion, beauty, the nature of reality, and the meaning of life.
STUDENT SPEAKER: Ms. Taidyme Mae, Verde Valley Area Commencement
Taidyme began taking classes at Yavapai College in 2016, while she was still in high school. She was accepted into the YC Nursing Program in 2022, and she has been President of the YC Student Nurses Association for the last 3 semester. After graduating with her Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, she plans to complete her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, also at Yavapai College! While working toward her bachelor’s degree, she hopes to be employed as an RN in one of the area hospital emergency departments. She has played softball since the age of 9 and enjoys attending concerts and hiking. in the area. Taidyme lives in Prescott Valley with her dog, Koda, and her sulcata tortoise, Tiny.
Students and parents are encouraged to use the hashtag #YCGradJoy on social media to share with their family and friends. Live streaming of the ceremonies will be available at yc.edu.
Yavapai College operates six campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, two baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities.
To learn more about YC, visit www.yc.edu.
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