News from the Front: Produced by the Office of Institutional Advancement PVCC
 
Campus News  | Faculty & Staff News  | Student News  | Projects
 
In This Issue … November 6, 2009
PVCC Closed for Veterans Day Nov. 11... Veterans Day Celebration... Emerging Artist Series Exhibition... “Fools” is Simple Fun... Faculty Musicians Play Homage to Composer... Change is Inevitable. Are you Ready for it?... The Future of Journalism... Find Opportunities at PVCC Job Fair... RSVP for the Festival of Tales... Upcoming Lifelong Learning Seminars...2010 Relay for Life Kicks off Nov. 18... PVCC Presents Prelude to a Kiss... High School Senior Night... College Blood Drive Saves Lives... Student Handbook Web Link... PVCC in the News... Grant Helps Somali Bantu Refugees... Patterson Endows UA Scholarship... Students Discuss Global Leadership... Got Books?... Puma Women Capture ACCAC Soccer Title... Four Pumas Named All-ACCAC... Men’s Cross Country Team Defends National Title... Men’s Baseball Fall Scrimmages... 
 
Campus News
 
PVCC Closed for Veterans Day Nov. 11
Paradise Valley Community College, including administrative offices, testing, financial aid, the library and Computer Commons, closes Wednesday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day. The Union Hills campus and PVCC at Black Mountain return to regular hours Thursday, Nov. 12.

Navajo Code Talker Visits PVCC
Navajo Code Talker Joseph Kellwood and student veterans Rachael Briggs and Richard Imhoff are featured in PVCC's Veterans Day Celebration sponsored by the Native American Students Association, the Veterans Service Office and the Veteran Students Association. Kellwood, 87, is one of the few remaining veterans of the Navajo Code Talkers, whose unbroken coded messages on the Pacific battlefields played a pivotal role in saving lives and ending World War II. For information, contact Cheryl Moore at cheryl.moore@pvmail.maricopa.edu or 602-787-7045.
     11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.,  Tuesday, Nov. 10
     Kranitz Student Center


Emerging Artist Series Exhibition
The PVCC Visual Arts Department presents a free exhibition of recent artwork by advanced students Nov. 7 through Dec. 12 in the Center for the Performing Arts Lobby. The Emerging Artist Series 02 features works in painting, drawing and ceramics by advanced visual art students Rose Ann Colamartini, Cherie Buck-Hutchison and Paul Klasek. For information, call 602-787-7738.
     Opening Reception
     5:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 12
     CPA Lobby
 “Fools” is Simple Fun
The Arizona Jewish Theatre Company presents the Neil Simon play “Fools,” Nov. 7 to 22 in the PVCC Center for the Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre. Directed by Ben Tyler, "Fools" is about a 19th century Russian village of simple-minded, delightfully silly and honest folks who are laden with a curse. Guffaws and groans are encouraged! Contact the AJTC box office at 602-264-0402 for tickets and show times or go to www.ezticketlive.com/.

Faculty Musicians Play Homage to Composer

Forty musicians, including PVCC music faculty, will perform 10 musical compositions during a free concert dedicated to the music avant-garde American composer John Cage. The concert features performances by Crossing 32nd Street, Duo 46, the Glendale Community College Percussion Ensemble and the Paradise Valley Community College Percussion Ensemble. This show is sponsored
in part by the Maricopa Center for Learning and Instruction, ASU School of Music, Glendale Community College and Paradise Valley Community College. Seating is limited. Call 602-787-7738
to reserve a seat.
     7:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 7
     Phoenix Urban Research Laboratory
     ASU Downtown – 8th Floor
     234 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85003
    
www.asu.edu/tour/downtown/purl.html

Change is Inevitable. Are You Ready for it?
Are you open or resistant to change? PVCC Employee and Organizational Learning can help you be prepared for the changes we all face in our personal and professional lives. This employee learning session helps assess personal change readiness traits and develop ideas for dealing with the most common resistances to change. To enroll, log in to HRMS Self Service and click on the “Request Training Enrollment” link under Learning & Development. Then, enter the section number of the program. For information, call 480-731-8763.
     Are You Change Ready?
     Section # 001064 0011
     9 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10
     KSC 208

The Future of Journalism: A Discussion at Black Mountain
The media shift from print-based to digital news is changing the face of journalism as newspapers across the country fold or drastically cut editorial staffs. Tim McGuire, the Frank Russell Chair for the business of journalism at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism will discuss how these changes impact the news business and what lies ahead for journalism. This event is part of the Foothills Community Foundation’s MindQuest program in which learners actively engaged in intellectually stimulating lectures and discussions. FCF is a community partner with PVCC and the YMCA at the new Black Mountain Campus.
     7 to 8:45 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 10
    
FCF-Holland Community Center at the Black Mountain Campus
    
34250 N. 60th St. (south of Carefree Highway)
    
Tickets: $15 event| $40 for season | $35 FCF members
     Information: www.azfcf.org

Find Opportunities at PVCC Job Fair 
Federal agencies and local employers will be on hand to accept resumes and discuss employment opportunities at the Third Congressional District Job Fair at PVCC, presented in collaboration with Congressman John Shadegg. Attendees can participate in free seminars on topics such as resume writing, interviewing skills, searching for jobs and accessing unemployment benefits. For information, contact PVCC Career Services Manager Norma Chandler at Norma.Chandler@pvmail.maricopa.edu.
     9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Nov. 14

     PVCC Learning Resources Complex

RSVP for the Festival of Tales
Plan on attending the Festival of Tales storytelling event sponsored by The Art of Storytelling class, the Cultural Diversity in Education class, Club Ed and H.A.N.D.S. (Helping to Advocate for New and Diverse Students). “Exploring Our World” is the theme, and there will be free, story-related arts and crafts, a Read and Tell parenting workshop, music-in-motion activities and more. Food is available for purchase. RSVP by Nov. 1 via e-mail to Meggin Kirk at meggin.kirk@pvmail.maricopa.edu or call Harriet Betts at 602-787-6562.
     10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 14
    
KSC Student Union

Upcoming Lifelong Learning Seminars
The Adult Re-Entry Program wraps up its fall Lifelong Learning Seminar Series. The bi-monthly seminars on a variety of topics are designed to meet the special needs and interests of re-entry adults. They are free and open to the public. For information, call 602-787-6540.
      Sexually Transmitted Diseases 101
      Deidre Wilson, D.O., of the Life Choices Women’s Clinic
      12:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 17
      KSC208.

      Building Leadership Skills
      Jim Rubin, Ph.D., Division Chair, PVCC Counseling
      12:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 19
      KSC208

2010 Relay for Life Kicks Off Nov. 18
It’s time to get your teams together and start training for the April 2010 American Cancer Society North Valley Relay for Life. Invite your friends, families, co-workers and fellow students to join you in the fight for the cure. PVCC is kicking off the annual community event with cake, fun and motivation. Learn more at http://www.relayforlife.org/northvalleyaz.
      6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 18
      KSC208
      Cost: $50 per team

PVCC Presents Prelude to a Kiss
The PVCC Theatre Department’s production of "Prelude to a Kiss" is directed by Humanities Faculty Gary Zaro. It’s the story of pessimistic girl and an old man whose souls magically exchange bodies on her wedding day, testing the newlywed’s love beyond the superficial. Tickets are available through the Center for the Performing Arts Box Office Tuesdays through Fridays, noon to 5 p.m., and one hour prior to show time.
     7:30 p.m., Nov. 19, 20 and 21; 2 p.m., Nov. 22
     $10 adults|$8 seniors & staff|$5 students|$3 Children
     Center for the Performing Arts Studio Theater
    
www.paradisevalley.edu/cpa

High School Senior Night
Students and parents are invited to High School Senior Night to meet faculty and staff. Find out about career programs, transferring to universities, a wealth of financial aid options and much more! For information, contact Ivette Quintero, 602-787-7176.
     6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 9
     PVCC Studio Theatre
     M Building

College Blood Drive Saves Lives
Thirty-three people donated blood this week during the PVCC blood drive. It is estimated that 60 percent of the population will need blood or blood components sometime during their lives, and one pint of blood can save three lives! To donate any time, call 1-877-448-GIVE (4483) or go online at www.UnitedBloodServicesAZ.org.

Student Handbook Web Link
A link to PVCC’s student handbook has been added to the Student Resources drop-down menu on the home page of the college Web site. IT Tech Marc Varner added the link per requests to make it quicker and easier for students to find the handbook in the site’s navigation.

PVCC in the News
A news article about PVCC’s growing relationship with the Paradise Valley Unified School District was published Oct. 26 in the NE Valley Republic. The article notes the involvement and success of PVUSD students at PVCC with comments from Denise Digianfilippo, interim dean of academic affairs.

The Foothills Focus newspaper announced to the Anthem, Carefree, Cave Creek and North Scottsdale areas that registration has begun at PVCC for spring 2010 classes.

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Faculty & Staff News
 
Grant Helps Somali Bantu Refugees
St. Luke's Health Initiatives has awarded a $53,400 grant, written by PVCC Anthropology Faculty Stephanie Bjork, to the Somali Bantu Development Community of Phoenix. The Community Partnership Grant, “Social Networks as a Resource: Improving Health and Empowering Somali Bantu Refugee Women,” will support Somali Bantu refugee women's health through a partnership with SBDC, Mountain Park Health Center in East Phoenix and Maricopa Integrated Health System's Refugee Women's Health Clinic.

Dr. Bjork began her research on the displacement of Somali people in 1999. She has published and presented numerous papers internationally on this topic. During 2010-2011, she will carry out an independent research project among Somali Bantu women to gather information on their traditional medical beliefs and practices to share with the partnership and other medical professionals who serve the community. In spring 2009, she designed a service-learning project for students in ASB 202: Ethnic Relations in the United States, and ASB 211: Women in Other Cultures, to help facilitate the integration of Somali Bantu youth and adults in Phoenix.

Patterson Endows UA Scholarship
Paradise Valley Community College Faculty James Patterson has endowed a scholarship for PVCC students with associate degrees who transfer to the University of Arizona in Tucson. He started the endowment with $50,000 in honor of his late parents, James G. “Doc” and Aniceta “Ann” Patterson, who he says gave him the love of learning.

Patterson, a UA alumnus and avid fan of Wildcat sports, is a professor of business and information technology at PVCC. He also is the college’s online learning coordinator and an adjunct professor of business and professional communication for Northern Arizona University on the PVCC campus.

"The University of Arizona was a place I grew up and became an adult," the Michigan native said of his decision to attend Arizona's first university. "I want to help PVCC graduates broaden their horizon and have the experience of going away to a world-class university in their own state."

Tax-free donations may be to the UAF/Patterson Endowed Scholarship Fund by contacting:
     Kristin Rennels
     UA Foundation Donor Relations
     1111 N. Cherry Ave., PO Box 210109
     Tucson, AZ 85721-0109
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Student News
 

Students Discuss Global Leadership
PVCC students Vladimir Jordonov, Yazmin Avila, Martin "Fro" Valdovinos, Scott Markowitz, Laurinda Reynolds, Justin Schmitz, Dereck Crowell and peer mentor Jazmyne Lyons attended the Maricopa Global Leadership Retreat held at the Desert Outdoor Center at Lake Pleasant Oct. 30 to Nov. 1. They were among 70 students who attended sessions on conflict resolution from an intercultural perspective, developing solutions for international social issues, and cultural diversity. 

Michele Marion, PVCC director of international education, said students described the retreat as very enriching, both in understanding differing world views and especially in making connections with other students on campus and from the other MCCs. “The bonding that occurred between the students was really amazing to watch,” she said.

Got Books?
Club Ed is collecting books, DVDs and games for their upcoming Club Ed Book Fair. The book fair is an annual fund raiser to support PVCC's storytelling festivals. Books are donated by faculty, staff and students and then sold for 25 cents to $3. Donated items may be dropped off Nov. 12 and 13 at designated tables outside the bookstore in KSC. 
     ClubEd Book Fair
     8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nov. 16 to 18
     KSC Student Union


Puma Women Capture ACCAC Soccer Title
PVCC's women's soccer team shut out Phoenix College 1-0 last Saturday to win the 2009 Arizona Community College Athletic Conference Region 1 Championship. Caiti Currey netted the lone goal, assisted by Nicole Acosta, with 26 minutes left in the game. Mimi Salazar recorded another shutout after playing all 90 minutes in goal with two saves.

“It is the first region championship for our Pumas, who have been in the region finals three of the last four years. This is a huge accomplishment for our team,” said PVCC Athletic Director Greg Silcox.

Coach Kacey Bingham praised her squad’s performance, which included 20 shots on goal and great defense to give PC few scoring opportunities and keep them scoreless. “I’m very proud of all the girls on the team,” Bingham said. “Nicole Acosta was the MVP of the game. She made an amazing run to PC’s end line to catch the ball before it went out of bounds and served it back across the goal (to Currey) to score.”

The women face Western Texas College in the district playoffs Nov. 7 in Dallas, Texas. The winner will advance to the 2009 NJCAA Women's Soccer National Championships in Tyler, Texas, Nov. 19 to 22. The 10 a.m. game will be broadcast via audio webcast web at: www.wtc.edu.

Four Pumas Named All-ACCAC
Nicole Acosta, Alyssa Flores, Sami Palmer and Holly Benson have been named all-ACCAC players. Acosta and Flores received All-Region First Team awards and will be All-American nominees
as well.

Flores is the conference’s second leading scorer with 13 goals and seven assists while Acosta had nine goals and five assists. Palmer was selected to the ACCAC All-Conference Second Team and Benson received an All-Conference Honorable Mention award. Amy Eyden and Caity Curry also ranked among ACCAC top scorers with 16 and 15 points respectively in conference play.

Men’s Cross Country Team Defends National Title
The Puma Men’s Cross Country team is having a stellar fall, winning three-straight races at the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference Championships, the Illinois Border Wars and the Mesa Thunderbird Classic. As the defending champions of the National Junior College Athletic Association, the men are ranked No. 2 in the nation.

At the Oct. 22 Mesa Thunderbird Classic, seven Pumas placed in the top 10: George Alex finished third with Tailhar Hasson behind him by only two-hundredths of a second for fourth place. Solomon Bennett, Humberto Gonzales, Denis Patrick, Aaron Sherf and Luis Figueroa finished sixth through 10th places respectively. The Pumas return to action today at the NJCAA Region I Championship at Villago Park in Casa Grande. The women’s race will begin at 10 a.m. with the men following at 10:45 a.m.

Men’s Baseball Fall Scrimmages
The Puma Men’s baseball team takes the field at PVCC for a fall scrimmage at 11 a.m. Saturday,
Nov. 14, in preparation for their second season. Head Coach Victor Solis led the college’s inaugural baseball team to the playoffs last season and was named Coach of the Year by the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference. In addition, centerfielder Isaiah Brown was selected by the New York Yankees in the 43rd Round of the 2009 Major League baseball draft and 12 players were named ACCAC All-Stars.

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Do you have an interesting program, or outstanding accomplishment or student to highlight?
If so, e-mail the institutional Advancement Office at institutional.advancement@pvmail.maricopa.edu.

A publication of the Paradise Valley Community College Office of Institutional Advancement
2009 © Maricopa County Community College District
link to the Maricopa Community College District