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News Articles From This Year (2008)

Free Job Hunting Seminars and Fair Oct. 6 to 8

PHOENIX, 2008-10-01 –

When the economy gets tough, the tough fine tune their skills during Career Week, hosted by Career Services Oct. 6 through 8 at Paradise Valley Community College.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 8, meet with employers at a Job Fair on campus featuring the Phoenix Police Department, Target, U-Haul International, The Boulders Resort, Cox Communications, Safeway, Home Depot, Golden Door Spa, Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Westin Kierland Resort, Desert Schools Credit Union, USAA, Glendale Volunteer Fire Department, ChildCare Careers, The HOPE Group, KSLX Radio and The Tungland Corp.

Make certain you compete well in the job market by taking advantage of the following free workshops being conducted by PVCC faculty from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Kranitz Student Center (KSC), Room 212:

Monday, Oct. 6 Find Your Career Passion –
Professor Marianne Roccaforte
Tuesday, Oct. 7 Honing Your Resume Writing Skills – Professor Roccaforte
Wed., Oct. 8 Improving Interviewing Skills –
Norma Chandler, Career Services

For details, contact PVCC Career Services at 602-787-7073.

Community Forum for MCCCD Governing Board Candidates Oct. 8

PHOENIX, 2008-09-30 –

Paradise Valley Community College, as part of its civic engagement mission, is hosting a public community forum for Maricopa Community Colleges District 3 Governing Board candidates Pam Petty and Debra Brimhall Pearson from 7 to 8 p.m., on Wed., Oct. 8 in the Kranitz Student Center (KSC-208). An informal reception with light refreshments, from 6:30 to 7 p.m., precedes the forum.

Greg Stanton, City of Phoenix Councilman, will moderate the discussion as both candidates respond to pre-written questions and written questions submitted by audience members. Members of the public may submit questions in advance for possible inclusion by the moderator to: institutional.advancement@pvmail.maricopa.edu.

Crimes of the Heart onstage Oct. 9 to 19

PHOENIX, 2008-09-30 –

The Pulitzer Prize winning comedy "Crimes of the Heart" will be onstage at Paradise Valley Community College's Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 9 to 11; 2 p.m. Oct. 12; 7:30 p.m. Oct 17 and 18; and 2 p.m. Oct. 19.

This dark but amusing tale about the Magrath sisters of Mississippi is directed by PVCC faculty member Gary Zaro. It is a hilarious look at a small-town, dysfunctional family and the struggles of sisters Babe, Meg and Lenny to leave their pasts behind.

Performances are at the arts center located on campus at the intersection of 34th Street and Union Hills with easy access from the SR 51/101 interchange. Ticket prices are $12 general admission/$8 students and seniors. For more information call the box office at 602-787-7738.

Empty Bowls Benefit at PVCC Oct. 14 and 15

PHOENIX, 2008-09-29 –

PVCC's Partners in Art Club is hosting its semi annual Empty Bowls fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 14 and 15, just outside the Kranitz Student Center on campus at 32nd Street and Union Hills. Buy a handmade ceramic bowl for $5 – funds go to the Foothills Family Food Bank. For info: Professor David Bradley – 602-787-6615.

Alarm System Testing 5 to 7 a.m. Sept. 29

PHOENIX, 2008-09-26 –

Testing of the Alarm Systems in the Kranitz Student Center and in buildings E, C and N will take place from 5 to 7 a.m., Monday, Sept. 29 in conjunction with an inspection by the City of Phoenix Fire Department. David Matus, PVCC director of facilities services, says that the early morning times were arranged to minimize inconvenience to students, faculty and staff. Questions may be directed to facilities services at 7-7870.

my.maricopa.edu unavailable 6 p.m. Sat. to 6 p.m. Sunday

PHOENIX, 2008-09-24 –

The Student Center (SIS/my.maricopa.edu) will be unavailable from 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 28 for system upgrades. This includes SAT, MAW and SPAT for student support, and AT and PAT for employee support. LDAP authentication for Blackboard will continue to function as normal.

Students: Participate in Online Marketing Survey and Win an iPod or iTunes Gift Certificate

PHOENIX, 2008-09-22 –

Would you like to win a free iPod Nano or $150 iTunes gift card? Maricopa Community College District invites you to participate in a survey about how you use the media and spend your time. Your participation in the survey will help Paradise Valley Community College with our future marketing plans.

The college has hired Interact Communications to conduct the survey. All responses are confidential. Your name will not be connected with your answers and the college will not know if you participated in the survey. (If you decide to enter the drawing for a free iPod or $150 iTunes gift card you will be directed to a different web site to leave your personal information. The personal information that you provide for the drawing WILL NOT be linked to the survey data that you provide.)

To participate in the survey, go to: www.interactresearch.org/mp56/
Enter Username: maricopa and Password: arizona

Thank you for participating!

Note: This survey will take 25-30 minutes to complete.

Shipping & Receiving Relocates

PHOENIX, 2008-09-18 –

Paradise Valley Community College’s Shipping and Receiving Department is temporarily relocated to the north parking lot adjacent to the Center for Performing Arts. The move is to accommodate renovations to PVCC’s Central Plant (HVAC & Electrical Equipment) compound, which will experience intensified traffic congestion during this construction period. Several relocation options and solutions were considered. The adopted plan was developed to minimize the impact to parking capacity and financial resources.

David Matus, director of Facilities Services, says that any future planned shutdowns during renovations to the Central Plant will be scheduled during off hours, weekends and class breaks so as not to disrupt the teaching and learning environment or negatively impact students and employees.

Through the coordinated efforts of Facilities Services and property control technician David Vise, maps and signage identifying possible detours and the temporary Shipping and Receiving location are currently in development. Beginning Sept. 17, hours for the temporary Shipping & Receiving area are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., for the duration of the project.

Under the Maricopa Community College 2004 Bond initiative, the Renovation Project was designed in phases with minimal shutdowns required to the existing plant. Presently, the existing chiller plant provides 1,350 tons of total cooling capacity. After the renovation, the new plant will provide an improved cooling capacity of 2,200 tons. New cooling towers will be constructed of stainless steel, which is anticipated to double the service life when compared to the typical galvanized cooling towers. The new chillers are state-of-the-art in efficiency with variable speed drives, providing the ability to control cooling capacity and load with maximum energy efficiency. In addition, all pumps and cooling tower fans will be controlled through variable frequency drives, maximizing their respective operating points with campus demand.

Once the current chillers are removed, they will be relocated to other campuses within the Maricopa Community College District, where they will serve as backup units in the event of other equipment failure. The Renovation Project also includes the installation of a plate and frame heat exchanger to provide cooling in the winter months without operating the chillers; this is known as a water-side economizer, intended to provide free cooling for approximately 2.5 months each year.

Director Matus adds that as the college looks toward future renovations, infrastructure for the Central Plant is designed to permit equipment upgrades that may increase cooling capacity to 3,000 tons without major impact. Pipe extensions for PVCC buildings will also be constructed in preparation for future bond programs.

The new chiller plant is anticipated to provide an increase in efficiency of approximately 40 percent over the current chiller plant. As such, Arizona Public Service (APS) provides rebates for upgrading mechanical systems to new systems that incorporate the most efficient equipment available. PVCC will apply for a rebate of approximately $100,000 through this program.

Statistics provided courtesy of Monte Sturdevant, Sr. Vice President, Energy Systems Design, Inc.

Kolakowsky and Bendotti Receive NISOD Excellence Awards

PHOENIX, 2008-09-16 –

Nancy Kolakowsky, PVCC mathematics professor, and Robert A. Bendotti, recently retired Vice President of Academic Affairs at the college, have been honored with 2008 NISOD Excellence Awards by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development. Bendotti now works in the Office of Academic and Student Affairs at the District Office on an active-retiree assignment.

Since 1978, NISOD has been dedicated to the professional development of faculty, administrators and staff. More than 700 community colleges worldwide are NISOD members. The Excellence Awards, first given in 1989, were bestowed this year on 400 faculty and staff from 120 community colleges in 15 states.

Still Time to Sign Up for Fall Late Start Classes

PHOENIX, 2008-09-04 –

Regular registration may have come and gone, but there is plenty of time left to enroll in hundreds of “Late Start” at Paradise Valley Community College.

Classes cover a broad range of subjects, and some accept registration as late as November. They include Accounting, Anthropology, Art, Computer Fundamentals, Dance, Fire Science, Political Science, Psychology, Real Estate Principles, Theatre Performance, Wellness, and many more.

Also available for “Late Start” entrants are PVCC’s individualized study programs in GIL (Guided Independent Learning), in which students work with experienced faculty in self-designed mentor situations; and OEO (Open Entry Online) computer classes.

For a detailed look at these and other late-entry classes and/or programs, see PVCC’s Fall 2008 class schedule, available on campus or online. To register by phone, call (602) 787-7000.

Tuition is affordable at $71 per credit hour for in-state tuition, plus a registration fee of $15 per semester.

Appointments/Calls Restricted 11 a.m to 4 p.m. at Financial Aid Office

PHOENIX, 2008-09-04 –

The Financial Aid Office at Paradise Valley Community College will not be available for appointments or phones calls between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Dr. Shirley Green, Interim Vice President of Student Affairs, says that Paradise Valley Community College's Financial Aid Office, along with others in the District, is experiencing an unusually heavy volume of financial package processing for students. To expedite and to ensure both accuracy and completion of all student files, the office staff will focus entirely on that task and will not be available for walk-ins or phone contact from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students may submit information to the office via its door mail drop in the Kranitz Student Center on campus during that time.

The Financial Aid Office will be available for appointments and phone contact Monday through Friday from 8 to 11 a.m. and Monday through Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m.

Be A Hero - Give Blood TODAY Sept. 4

PHOENIX, 2008-09-03 –

The United Blood Services Bloodmobile will be on campus 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4. Sign up NOW for the Blood Drive by:
1. Going to the Blood Drive Table in KSC;
2. Calling Ryan Martin at 602-787-7242 to setup an appointment or to get more information;
3. Stopping by the Student Life Center, KSC 135.

This blood drive is open to everyone. We need a minimum of 35 people. Be a hero -- sign up today!

Here are some quick donation reminders:
* Don't forget your ID. You cannot donate without it.
* Hydrate!!! Drinking plenty of water the day of and the day after will make your donation experience much better.
* Eat a hearty, low-fat meal before donating.

Important Notice for Financial Aid Students

PHOENIX, 2008-09-02 –

Important Notice for Students Receiving Financial Aid with Book Voucher Eligibility:

The book voucher process is extended until Wednesday, September, 3, 2008, 7:00 pm.

Questions: please visit the Office of Student Financial Assistance in the Kranitz Student Center.

PVCC Film Festival Features Italian and German Classics

PHOENIX, 2008-09-02 –

The Film Festival at Paradise Valley Community College showcases films from Italy and Germany. Explore love, life and the turbulent times of World War II to the present day. Admission is free of charge and all showings are in the College's Center for the Performing Arts. The Film Festival is sponsored by the Center for International Studies. Contact the CPA box office for details at 602-787-7738.
ITALIAN FILMS
• 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct, 22, “Divorce Italian Style,” directed by Pietro Germi. (1961, Rated PG-13)
• 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 12, “The Conformist,” directed by Bernardo Bertolucci. (1970, Rated R)

GERMAN FILMS
• 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009, “The Lives of Others,” directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck. (2006, Rated R)
• 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 11, “Good Bye Lenin,” directed by Wolfgang Becker. (2003, Rated R)
• 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 25, “The Marriage of Maria Braun,” directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder. (1979, Rated R)
• 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 4, “Wings of Desire,” directed by Wim Wenders. (1987, Rated PG-13)

The Center for the Performing Arts (CPA) is located at 34th Street and Union Hills at the east end of the campus of Paradise Valley Community College in North Phoenix.

PVCC Child Center Earns Top Quality Recognition

PHOENIX, 2008-08-30 –

Paradise Valley Community College’s Child Development Center has become one of the first early childhood programs in the country to earn accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) under its new set of standards. The Children’s Center at PVCC offers a developmentally appropriate care and education program for 3- to 5-year-old children of students enrolled in classes on the Paradise Valley campus.

“We’re proud to have earned this mark of quality from NAEYC and to be recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards,” said Rosemary Hooper, supervisor of the Center. “NAEYC Accreditation assures families that their children in our program are getting the best care and early learning experiences possible.”

To earn NAEYC Accreditation, the Center went through an extensive process measuring the program against 10 new NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards and more than 400 related Accreditation Criteria. PVCC's Children's Center also received accreditation under NAEYC's previous standards. Find out more about the Child Development Center at www.pvc.maricopa.edu/childcare/ or by calling 602-787-7150.

Jazz Quintet Celebrates Herbie Hancock Sept. 13

PHOENIX, 2008-08-25 –

The Faculty Jazz Quintet of Paradise Valley Community College, as part of their series celebrating the greats of jazz, presents the music of Herbie Hancock, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13 in the Center for the Performing Arts. Admission is $12 for adults, $8 for students and seniors.

A composer and pianist with a career that spans 50 years, Hancock most recently won a 2008 Album of the Year Grammy Award for “River: The Joni Letters,” a dramatic tribute to the lyrics and music of Joni Mitchell. Building on his wide-ranging styles over the years, Hancock is an artist who moves freely among many genres of music, successful both critically and commercially.

Brett Reed, vibraphonist for the Faculty Jazz Quintet, says, “This season the group looks at current artists and trends . . . and, in January, a concert of jazz versions of pop tunes. We want this series to also reflect that jazz is a living art." The group also includes Scott Zimmer (saxophones), Dan Delaney (piano), Ted Sistrunk (bass) and John Lewis (drums).

The Center for the Performing Arts is conveniently located at 34th Street and Union Hills at the east end of the campus of Paradise Valley Community College in North Phoenix. For additional information call the CPA box office at 602-787-7738.

Rock Band Auditions Sept. 19

PHOENIX, 2008-08-20 –

The PVCC Student Rock Band is holding auditions for the 2008 to 2009 season from 1 to 4 p.m., Friday, Sept. 19 in the Center for the Performing Arts, CPA 115. Audition songs are: Are You Gonna Go My Way by Lenny Kravitz; Separate Ways (World’s Apart) by Journey and Oh! Darling by The Beatles. Call 602-787-6595 to schedule an audition. All band members are required to register for MUP 181-14358 for the Fall 2008 semester. Please contact Dr. Chris Scinto for additional information at 602-787-6686.

No Friday Fire Alarm Testing

PHOENIX, 2008-08-14 –

David Matus, director of Facilities Services, reports that due to scheduling adjustments by the Fire Marshall, there will not be testing of the system this Friday as previously reported.

Fall Registration Aug. 6 at PVCC at Black Mountain

PHOENIX, 2008-07-30 –

Paradise Valley Community College at Black Mountain, located at Cactus Shadows High School, is registering students for the Fall 2008 semester from 3 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 6, in room 304 at the high school campus located at 5802 E. Dove Valley Road, Scottsdale.

Credit and non-credit courses are available. Classes, which begin Aug. 23, include Spanish, ballroom dancing, art/ceramics composition, computers, guitar and beginning bird watching.

Students can also register for PVCC classes by phone at 602-787-7000, online at www.pvc.maricopa.edu/pvccnorth or in person on the college’s main campus located at 18401 N. 32nd Street (SR 51 and Union Hills).

-- 30 --

Fall Open House In Student Center Today

PHOENIX, 2008-07-30 –

Paradise Valley Community College is hosting its Fall Session Open House daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., July 31, in the Kranitz Student Center on campus just west of SR 51 at Union Hills and 32nd Street. The public is invited to stop by and ask questions of the PVCC Ambassadors, take a walking tour of campus, pick up class schedules, meet with financial advisors and enjoy refreshments. Find out more at 602-787-7411 or www.paradisevalley.edu.

Former Puma Athlete Vaults to Olympics

PHOENIX, 2008-07-17 –

April Steiner Bennett, Paradise Valley Community College student in 2000, earned her first Olympic berth by placing second in the women's pole vault at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials in Eugene, Ore. She cleared 15 feet, 1 inch.

"I never gave up, even though I've encountered lots of obstacles," said Steiner Bennett, who finished fifth in the 2000 U.S. Olympic trials.

Steiner placed third at 4.50 meters to qualify at the Olympics and leaped to eighth place at the finals behind silver medalist and teammate Jennifer Stuczynski who topped off at 4.80. Russian Elena Isbinbaeva took the gold with a record-breaking 5.05.

	Click on photo to see original
	Attending the Atlanta PBL conference are (l to r) Taniel Agnerian, Ken McElwee, Professor Bahman Maneshni, Aaron Gliner, and Matthew Charnell.

PVCC Phi Beta Lambdas Recognized Nationally

PHOENIX, 2008-07-01 –

For the fourth consecutive year, PVCC’s Phi Beta Lambda Club was recognized at the PBL National Leadership Conference in Atlanta. Representing the college at the June event was Taniel Agnerian, Aaron Gliner, Matthew Charnell and Ken McElwee. Professor Bahman Maneshni attended as the group’s advisor.

Gliner ranked ninth among 10 finalists in Economic Analysis and Decision Making, considered the toughest among the Economics tests given at the conference. McElwee ranked fourth among 10 finalists in Job Interview Skill Performance.

More than 1,700 members and advisers from colleges and universities throughout the nation attended. In addition to PVCC, Arizona was represented by Arizona State University, University of Arizona, Central Arizona College, DeVry University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Yavapai College-Verde.

“I am honored to be an adviser to all of our hard working PVCC PBL members who strive to excel in Business/IT competitions at the state and national levels,” says Professor Maneshni. “On behalf of the club, I would like to thank Dr. Mary Kay Kickels, Dr. Paul Dale, Bob Bendotti, Patti Marsh and the entire faculty and staff of PVCC's Business/IT Department and Norma Chandler for their continued support and help.”

View the national PBL awards ceremony at www.nlc2008.com/nlc2008/

Campus Closed July 3 and 4 for Independence Day

PHOENIX, 2008-06-30 –

Paradise Valley Community College is closed July 3 and 4 in observance of Independence Day.

	Click on photo to see original
	PVCC
	The Secret Garden

The Secret Garden Enchants through June 29

PHOENIX, 2008-06-26 –

The enchanting children’s classic, “The Secret Garden,” will be charming audiences of all ages at Paradise Valley Community Colleges Center for Performing Arts at 2 and 7:30 p.m., June 26; 7:30 p.m., June 27; 2 and 7:30 p.m., June 28; and 2 p.m., June 29.

Directed by Gary Zaro with musical direction by Dan Kurek, both PVCC faculty, this Tony Award winner is the tale of an 11-year-old girl who, after being orphaned in India, returns to Yorkshire to live with an embittered, reclusive uncle and his invalid son at an estate with a magic, locked garden. Flashbacks, dream sequences, a strolling chorus of ghosts and some of the most beautiful music ever written for Broadway is featured in this compelling tale of regeneration.

Performances will be at the PVCC Center for Performing Arts, located on campus at the intersection of 34th Street and Union Hills with easy access from the SR 51/101 interchange. Ticket prices are $12 general admission/$8 students and seniors. Call the box office at 602-787-7738.

FALL TUITION DUE TODAY, JUNE 25

PHOENIX, 2008-06-25 –

Don’t Get Dropped! If you have registered but not paid your Fall Tuition, you must pay by today, Wednesday, June 25 by 7 p.m. or your registration will be dropped.
You’ve got the classes you want, at the times you want. DON’T LOSE THEM!

Check out how much you owe and when it’s due at:
www.maricopa.edu/portal/new/student-center/index.php

You will NOT receive an invoice. At the end of the day, Wednesday, June 25,
7 p.m., if you haven’t paid, you’ll be purged from the system.

PAY YOUR TUITION:
• Online using a credit card or sign up for an interest-free payment plan at www.pvc.maricopa.edu/eCashier.html
• On campus at the Cashier’s Office
• By phone with a credit card at 602-787-7350

Having trouble paying?
Paradise Valley Community College’s
Financial Aid Office has a wealth of information about grants, scholarships, work-study programs and loans.
Stop by their office in room KSC-101, call 602-787-7100
or go to www.pvc.maricopa.edu/finaid/

CALL 602-787-7412
VISIT campus at 18401 N. 32nd St. , Phoenix 85032
CLICK www.my.maricopa.edu or www.paradisevalley.edu

Pay for print launched

PHOENIX, 2008-06-24 –

There is now a fee to print documents from the Library and Computer Commons computers. The cost is 10 cents per side of each black/white page and $1 per side of each color page.

Your College ID card number is your printing account number and acts as a debit card. Stop by the Computer Commons for details and a demonstration. For FAQs, go to www.pvc.maricopa.edu/printing/faqs.html

Also effective immediately, PVCC'S Computer Commons’ $15 per semester lab fee is eliminated, bringing it in line with the Library’s no charge status for computer use. And, the Library joins the Computer Commons in having Microsoft Office software available.

Summer 2008 Registration Continues -- Summer Session I Underway

PHOENIX, 2008-06-02 –

Registration for Paradise Valley Community College Summer 2008 is on-going for all Summer sessions. You have until the end of the day Tuesday, June 3, to register for the first Summer Session. The class schedule is available for pick-up on campus. Or browse the online interactive schedule of classes at www.paradisevalley.edu/sc.html .

Summer Session I is underway and Summer Session II begins Monday, July 7. Hundreds of classes are available; courses are offered in 5- and 8-week formats.

Registration is available by phone, fax or mail, or in person. Classes fill quickly, so register now! To register by phone, call (602) 787-7000. To register online, visit www.my.maricopa.edu .

Tuition is affordable at $71 per credit hour (for in-state tuition) plus a registration fee of $15 per semester.

Think SUMMER and get ahead on your educational goals!

Summer Session 2 Tuition Due THIS FRIDAY June 6

PHOENIX, 2008-05-29 –

Don’t Get Dropped! Summer Session 2 Tuition is due Friday, June 6.

You’ve registered for the classes you want,
at the times you want. DON’T LOSE THEM!

Check out how much you owe and when it’s due at:
www.maricopa.edu/portal/new/student-center/index.php

You will NOT receive an invoice. At the end of the day, Friday, June 6, if you haven’t paid, you’ll be purged from the system.

PAY YOUR TUITION:
• Online using a credit card or sign up for an interest-free payment plan at www.pvc.maricopa.edu/eCashier.html
• On campus at the Cashier’s Office
• By phone with a credit card at 602-787-7350

Having trouble paying?
Paradise Valley Community College’s
Financial Aid Office has a wealth of information about grants, scholarships, work-study programs and loans.
Stop by their office in room KSC-101, call 602-787-7100
or go to www.pvc.maricopa.edu/finaid/

Fall Semester Tuition is due June 13

CALL 602-787-7412
VISIT campus at 18401 N. 32nd St. , Phoenix 85032
CLICK www.my.maricopa.edu or www.paradisevalley.edu

	Click on photo to see original
	Larry Rubino
	Commencement 2008 Speakers (l to r): Violetta Papadakis, student; Bob Bendotti, Vice President of Learning; Paul Dale, Vice President of Learning Support Service; Dr. Mary Kay Kickels, President PVCC; Hon. Dennis DeConcini, former United States Senator from Arizona; Jeffery Lace, Faculty Senate President; Dr. Steven Helfgot, Vice Chancellor of Maricopa Community Colleges; Ana Terminel-Iberri, Student Leadership Council Chair; and Gardenia Lamadrid Coleman.

PVCC Graduates Record Number of Students

PHOENIX, 2008-05-21 –

The Honorable Dennis DeConcini, former United States Senator from Arizona, was the keynote speaker at Paradise Valley Community College’s 18th Annual Commencement Ceremony, Friday, May 9. A cool, gentle breeze carried the excitement in the air as more than 100 of the 865 graduating students took to the stage to celebrate their successful completion of their degrees and certificates. This is a record number of graduates. There were 849 last year and 716 in 2006.

Dr. Mary Kay Kickels, President of Paradise Valley Community College, officiated at the presentation of degrees. Dr. Steven Helfgot, president and chief executive officer of the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation extended greetings from the District Office. An address followed by Faculty Senate President Jeffery Lace.

Gardenia Lamadrid Coleman and Violetta Papadakis delivered the student commencement speeches. Vice President of Learning Bob Bendotti provided the closing comments.

A reception with refreshments and entertainment was held in front of the Center for Performing Arts building immediately after the commencement ceremony.

Students Speak Out Via Library Survey

PHOENIX, 2008-05-08 –

The PVCC Library User Survey, Fall 2007 was completed by 443 students who indicated that they not only use the facility for studying and homework, but they felt welcome to socialize, relax and access the Internet. Many indicated that the new leisure lounge and coffee cart have helped make the learning space atmosphere even more inviting. More than 80 percent characterized it as a place where they felt safe and comfortable.

Make no mistake, academic work was the top activity reported for visiting the library. Two-thirds of the students responding said that they use the library at least once a week and a third access it from off campus. More than half were pleased with the library database, book collection, print periodicals collection and career/college resources. Staff received a big thumbs up with nearly 80 percent of the students satisfied with the library customer service workers’ knowledge, approachability, competency and willingness to provide individual attention.

As a result of the survey, the library is in the process of or has taken a number of actions including loading Microsoft Office Suite on the computers, purchasing partitions to increase sound proofing, adding more bean bag chairs and acquiring new/used popular movie DVDs.

The complete survey will be posted on the Library’s homepage – www.pvc.maricopa.edu/library/.

Summer Session 1 Tuition Due TODAY

PHOENIX, 2008-05-05 –

Don’t Get Dropped!
Summer Session 1 Tuition is DUE this Tuesday, MAY 6
You’ve registered for the classes you want,
DON’T LOSE THEM!

Check out how much you owe and when it’s due at: www.maricopa.edu/portal/new/student-center/index.php

You will NOT receive an invoice.
At the end of the day, Tuesday, May 6,
if you haven’t paid, you’ll be purged from the system.

PAY YOUR TUITION:
• On campus at the Cashier’s Office
• By phone with a credit card at 602-787-7350
• Online using a credit card or sign up for an interest-free payment plan at www.pvc.maricopa.edu/eCashier.html

Having trouble paying?
Paradise Valley Community College’s
Financial Aid Office has a wealth of information about grants, scholarships, work-study programs and loans.
Stop by their office in room KSC-101, call 602-787-7100
or go to www.pvc.maricopa.edu/finaid/

Summer Session 2 Tuition is due June 6
Fall Semester Tuition is due June 13

North Valley Battle of the Bands, 7:30 p.m., May 2

PHOENIX, 2008-04-30 –

The North Valley Battle of the Bands takes place at 7:30 p.m., Friday, May 2, on the Mainstage of the Center for the Performing Arts. (CPA) An eclectic mix of local bands will perform, including past winner and this year's headliner Sweet Sin, as well as Click 60, Town Fire and PV's student band, the PV House Band.

Prizes include free studio time, a slot on the final presentation concert and having their music included and available for purchase on a compilation CD.

Battle of the Bands not only benefits the winning bands but serves as a project for PVCC's commercial music courses for students in studio recording, live sound and music business.

General Admission $5. Open to the public.

Free Intl. Business Camp for High School Students Reg Deadline May 2

PHOENIX, 2008-04-28 –

Paradise Valley Community College, the Western Maricopa Tech Prep Consortium and local businesses are sponsoring the 2008 International Business Summer Camp at PVCC, 8 a.m. to noon, Monday through Thursday, June 9 to 26, 2008.
High school juniors, seniors and 2008 graduates can earn college credits. And the price? It’s free. Registration forms are available at www2.pvc.maricopa.edu/bus/intlbuscamp.htm and are due no later than May 2. Students selected for the program must attend an orientation meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. on June 4 with parents or guardians and take a reading assessment before completing registration for the course of study. Students will be notified of their selection in writing by May 9.
Paradise Valley Community College faculty will teach students about doing business locally and internationally including learning about cultures, researching on the Internet, becoming part of a community college environment and discovering career opportunities in international business.
For further information, contact Professor Patti Marsh at 602-787-6723, patti.marsh@pvmail.maricopa.edu or Marsha Foster at 602-787-6726 marsha.foster@pvmail.maricopa.edu.

Chiller Lines Detour Campus Traffic

PHOENIX, 2008-04-18 –

To construct the chiller line to the Q building, the college’s center sidewalk from the blue pillars to the end of E building is fenced off until May 26. Phase II excavation, from May 21 to July 23, will run from G building along the tennis courts and softball field to Q building. Construction activity takes place from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Find a detailed map of the pedestrian and vehicular detours at:

Chiller Map

PVCC Students Win Web Category at Tech Games

PHOENIX, 2008-04-17 –

PVCC students John Murphy and Richard Ricketts, coached by CIS faculty Jon Storslee, took top honors the "Microsoft Build A Business Web Site" category at the third annual Avnet Tech Games held in Tempe this month. They competed within the nine-events program against 150 students in 56 teams from Arizona State University, University of Advancing Technology and Maricopa Community Colleges. Sponsors of the Avnet Tech Games include Microsoft, Accenture, Belking, AMD and Avnet. Each winner receives a $1,000 scholarship.

Rebecca Martos Named Top Scholar by USA Today

PHOENIX, 2008-04-07 –

USA Today newspaper announces that Paradise Valley Community College’s Rebecca Martos, 23, is one of the top scholars in the nation. Selected from 1,600 nominations, she was named to the Third Team for community and junior colleges. The article posted the names of the newspaper’s three All-USA Academic Teams and honorable mentions.

This national honor comes with a college scholarship. To be named to one of the three teams, a student must first be nominated by her college president for competition on the community college level. The competition then moves on to the state level, where Martos was named to the All-Arizona Academic Team, receiving a cash scholarship and a two-year tuition waiver to any Arizona university.

This spring, Martos is graduating from PVCC with two associate degrees -- audio production and music business. She plans to attend Arizona State University to earn an interdisciplinary arts degree with a focus on media technologies and performance.

Her accomplishments shine particularly bright in light of her past. A high school drop out at 16 and mother at 19, Martos says that domestic violence was a part of her challenges. Song writing was her escape and she came to PVCC to learn how to record her songs. It changed her life.

In addition to academic excellence, Martos is vice president of Phi Theta Kappa, a club representative to Student Leadership Council, a member of the Student Honors Advisory Board and a facilitator for S.L.I.C.E., an initiative of Service Learning.

This is the third year in a row that a PVCC student has been honored on the national level. In 2006, PVCC’s Josh Brox was named to the Second Team and last year Katie Gault was named to the First Team.

USA Today, the American Association of Community Colleges and Phi Theta Kappa, an honors organization of which Martos is a member, sponsor the All-USA Academic Team.

-- 30 --

Dual Enrollment Testing -Cactus Shadows HS Students May 15

PHOENIX, 2008-04-03 –

Cactus Shadow High School Students
Sign Up for College Classes Testing

Cactus Shadow High School Students can take college courses at their high school. Paradise Valley Community College is testing CSHS students interested in the college’s dual enrollment program from 2:45 to 6 p.m., May 15; and from 3 to 7:30 p.m., Aug. 6 at the high school. College assessment tests will be given and students will receive applications for high school approval.

CSHS students can take up to 7 college credits per semester, depending on their high school class load and year of graduation. Courses available are English 101; Geology 101 and 103; and Political Science 220. Classes are taken during regular school hours on the CSHS Campus. For more information visit: www.paradisevalley.edu/pvccnorth or call 602-787-7223.

Phi Beta Lambda State Leadership Conference, April 4 and 5.

PHOENIX, 2008-04-02 –

PVCC hosts the Phi Beta Lambda State Leadership Conference on April 4 and 5. More than 60 representatives are scheduled to attend from Arizona colleges across the state. Winners of competitions held during the conference will qualify to attend the National Leadership Conference held this June in Atlanta. Future Business Leaders of America, Phi Beta Lambda, is an organization for students preparing for business-related careers.

Participate in Survey on Student Use of Technology

PHOENIX, 2008-03-31 –

Students are invited to participate in our survey and help Paradise Valley Community College understand how to provide you with better information technology services. You will also be eligible to win either $50 or $100 gift certificates to Amazon.com!

This survey is being conducted by a group of colleges and universities that are all concerned with improving student use of IT. The results of this survey are very important to us as we work to improve the student educational experience at PVCC. Your participation in the study is voluntary, and your responses will be completely confidential.

We encourage you to participate. Completing the Web-based survey should take only 15 minutes or so. The survey ends on April 7.

Please go to the following URL to complete the survey:
http://survey.educause.edu/ecar/student/

If you have any questions or problems, please contact:

Judy Caruso at judy.caruso@doit.wisc.edu
Dr. Gail Salaway at gsalaway@educause.edu
or Dr. Veronica Diaz at veronica.diaz@domail.maricopa.edu.

Thank you very much for your participation!

Dr. Jennifer Strickland
PVCC Technology Services

Continuing Education Summer Schedule Available

PHOENIX, 2008-03-27 –

The Continuing Education Summer 2008 Class Schedule is available on the Paradise Valley Community College campus and online at www.paradisevalley.edu/ce . The summer schedule is filled with classes where you can:
* Let your child explore new adventures in Kids College;
* Discover a new interest such as painting or jewelry making;
* Learn more about a favorite subject like Tai Chi, business or photography;
* Deepen your appreciation of the arts.
For more information, contact the Division of Continuing Education at 602-787-6800.
You can register at my.maricopa.edu or mail in a form, or call 602-787-7000 or walk into the Admission and Records Office in the Kranitz Student Center.

Transfer Week 2008 Underway

PHOENIX, 2008-03-25 –

All this week, Maricopa Community Colleges spotlight transfer opportunities for students during the fifth annual Transfer Awareness Week, with information sessions for faculty, staff and university partners at Rio Salado College.

Maricopa Community College students can visit with more than 45 of Maricopa's transfer partners Tuesday through Thursday, March 25 to 27, at a trio of Maricopa Community College locations.

Transfer Awareness Week 2008 is designed to provide information about transfer and create opportunities for students, faculty and advisors to meet with Maricopa's transfer partners. All sessions are free for Maricopa students, faculty and staff.

Maricopa Community College students have the opportunity to learn about programs and services provided by Maricopa's transfer partners on Tuesday, March 25 at Estrella Mountain Community College; Wednesday, March 26 at Mesa Community College; and Thursday, March 27 at Glendale Community College.
Find out more at www.maricopa.edu/transferweek/2008/index.php.

PVCC Names Soccer Co-Coaches

PHOENIX, 2008-03-10 –

PVCC Names Rico and Kozul
As Men’s Soccer Co-Coaches

Paradise Valley Community College names Edson Rico and Mate Kozul as the new co-head coaches of the Men’s Soccer program. The pair replaces Timothy Marchisotto who successfully coached the Pumas to the playoffs in 2007.

PVCC Men’s Soccer enters its 10th season of intercollegiate competition in the fall of 2008. The Pumas compete in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference and the National Junior College Athletic Association.

Rico and Kozul started their playing careers together at Yavapai College. The two were on the Roughrider inaugural team in 1989 and again in 1990 when the team won their first NJCAA National Championship title. Edson, who was named to the NJCAA Hall of Fame in 2006, was their star forward and all-time leading scorer; Mate played defense.

Both Edson and Mate played professional soccer in Europe. They returned to the United States in the late 90s with Mate as head coach, assistant general manager and defensive player for the USISL Arizona Saguaros, earning USISL Pro League Coach of the Year honors in 1998. Edson assisted Mate with coaching duties and was the lead forward player. In 2000, Kozul and Rico moved their coaching and playing talents to the Tucson Fireballs. Kozul also coached several club teams.

In 2007, Edson and Mate formed the Sonoran Foothills Soccer League, which focuses on the development of soccer and team skills for children between the ages of 3 to 11.

Coaches Edson and Mate say that they are confident they can develop the PVCC Pumas in to one of the top contenders in the county and conference.

“Edson and Mate are really enthusiastic about joining our program,” said Athletics Director Greg Silcox. “Their ability to relay their professional and personal experience will be a big asset to our students.”

The Pumas are recruiting for the 2008 season. For details, go to www.paradisevalley.edu/athletics/ or call 602-787-7173.

PVCC Names Victor Solis Head Baseball Coach

PHOENIX, 2008-03-10 –

Paradise Valley Community College names Victor Solis of Phoenix the head baseball coach for the most recent intercollegiate addition to the Puma athletics program. Baseball, PVCC’s 12th sport, begins competitive play in the spring 2009, competing in the Arizona Community College Conference and the National Junior College Athletic Association.

Solis is an Arizona native and graduate of Brophy College Preparatory. He played baseball at Glendale Community College and Grand Canyon University where he and the Antelopes competed in the NAIA National Championships. He served as assistant baseball coach at Oklahoma University where he completed his Master of Business Administration.

He has coached baseball for more than 15 years including at Brophy, GCC, University of Arizona and West Point. In 2006, Solis built the inaugural GateWay Community College team and, in his second season, was able to bring the new team to a 21-34 overall record.

“Victor is ideal for this position given his knowledge of Arizona and the conference as well as his ties to local high school programs,” says PVCC Athletics Director Greg Silcox. “He has really hit the ground running and builds the level of excitement surrounding our program.”

Field construction of the new Puma baseball facility is underway and should be completed in time for fall practice this September. Potential players are invited to contact PVCC athletics at www.paradisevalley.edu/athletics/ or 602-787-7173.

Avnet Tech Games - Opportunity for Students to Participate

PHOENIX, 2008-02-28 –

Avnet Tech Games
The Avnet Tech Games will be held at the University of Advancing Technology on Saturday, April 5, 2008. Teams of students will compete to win prizes and scholarships in nine different events: AMD Build the Fastest Computer, Accenture Tech Challenge, Belkin Patch Panel Madness, Defense in Depth, Design and Build a Digital Device, Invent a Technical Product, Multimedia Fast Break, Robot Maze Navigation and Microsoft Build a Business Web Site. Spots are still open for several of the games.

Want to learn more?
Visit: www.avnettechgames.com

Interested in participating?
Contact PVCC CIS Faculty Member Dr. Jon Storslee
jon.storslee@pvmail.maricopa.edu
602-787-6734

Registration deadline is March 7, 2008.

Set Up Your New Student Account at my.maricopa.edu

PHOENIX, 2008-02-19 –

www.my.maricopa.edu

Your online toolbox for student services.
Sign up for your personal log-in to Interactive Student Services and Records.

On Feb. 19, 2008, the Maricopa community college district launched a new student information system,
www.my.maricopa.edu

All students need to sign up and create their own individual student accounts. Through its self-service features, this powerful system will give you control over a number of functions. With www.my.maricopa.edu, you'll be able to:
1. Search for classes
2. Register for classes at PVCC or any Maricopa Community College
3. View your personalized schedule of classes
4. Drop or Withdraw from a class
5. Make a payment and view charges to your fiscal account
6. View your grades
7. Request Official Transcripts
8. Update your contact information

Go to www.my.maricopa.edu to download a Quick Reference Guide or to view a video overview about the system.

Early College Program for High School Students

PHOENIX, 2008-02-17 –

PVCC is preparing to welcome up to 50 students from Paradise Valley High School and North Canyon High School into the college's inaugural Early College Program. The new high school outreach program begins with the first classes this fall 2008.

In an agreement between Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) and Paradise Valley Unified School District (PVUSD) reached this month, Early College students will begin in their junior year of high school, and continue into their senior year, earning as many as 35 college credits by the time they graduate from high school. These credits will transfer as the lower division general education course requirements established by Arizona’s three state universities. When they complete the program of study and receive a grade of C or higher, Early College students will automatically be accepted into their choice of Arizona public universities.

Dr. Shirley Green, Dean of Students at PVCC; Bob Bendotti, Vice President of Learning at PVCC; PVUSD Superintendent Dr. John Kreikard; and Assistant Superintendent Dr. John Weimer led the development of the project. Green said, “This is an exciting new opportunity for our area high school students. It gives them one more choice in their academic career path. Early College empowers them to move ahead and—through their hard work—be successful.”

PVUSD’s Weimer said, “College-ready students will be recommended by their high school counselors, and must pass proficiency tests in college-level reading, English and Math. This is one of many flexible offerings available to PVUSD high school students. Motivated students will be rewarded by getting a jump-start on their college education and by being challenged with college-level academic work.”

All classes will be on the Paradise Valley Community College campus at 32nd Street and Union Hills Drive, and will be taught by the regular college faculty. The program differs from dual-enrollment, in that students are not receiving high school and college credit for the same classes. They separately take distinct classes at the high school and at the college.

# # #

Desert Dance Theatre: Sister Moses: The Story of Harriet Tubman

PHOENIX, 2008-02-11 –

On Saturday, Feb. 16, in celebration of Black History Month, Desert DanceTheatre will present “Sister Moses,” a beautiful story of a courageous woman’s determination to free her people from slavery through the Underground Railroad.
The performance is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in the Center for the Performing Arts on our campus. Tickets are $12 for adults, and $8 for students, staff, and seniors.

This powerful dance drama features Desert Dance Theatre with Renee Davis as Harriet Tubman, dramatic narration by Renee Morgan Brooks, African drumming and music direction by Step Raptis, accompaniment by String Sounds and traditional spirituals sung by a choral ensemble featuring baritone soloist, Greg Dansby. “Sister Moses” promises to entertain and enlighten audiences of all ages.

BOX OFFICE PHONE: 602-787-7738
BOX OFFICE HOURS: Tuesday through Friday, 12pm to 5pm, and one hour prior to curtain.

Register now for PVCC’s “Late Start” classes

PHOENIX, 2008-02-10 –

Regular registration may have come and gone, but there is plenty of time left to enroll in almost 200 “Late Start” classes at Paradise Valley Community College.

These classes cover a broad range of subjects, and some accept registration as late as April. They include Accounting, Anthropology, Art, Computer Fundamentals, Dance, Entrepreneurial Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Real Estate Principles, Theatre Performance, U.S. History, Yoga, Weight Training, Women in Transition, and many more.

Also available for “Late Start” entrants are PVCC’s individualized study programs in GIL (Guided Independent Learning), in which students work with experienced faculty in self-designed mentor situations; and OEO (Open Entry Online) computer classes.

For a detailed look at these and other late-entry classes and/or programs, see PVCC’s Spring 2008 class schedule, available on campus or online using the link at the left-hand side of this page. To register by phone, call (602) 787-7000.

Tuition is affordable at $65 per credit hour for in-state tuition, plus a registration fee of $15 per semester.

New Student Information System Launched

PHOENIX, 2008-02-08 –

Our new Student Information System was launched on Tuesday, February 19, to support our colleges and provide students with new and improved self-service features.

Implementation of the online system is part of our commitment to a strong teaching and learning environment. The excitement has been building for both students and employees. The new system will, for the first time, link all 10 of the Maricopa Community Colleges.

Students lives are about to become easier with the new online Student Center. They will be able to perform a variety of tasks and inquiries, such as apply for admission, search for and register for classes, check grades, make payments, and request transcripts all from the online Student Center. The system will allow student information to travel with the student from one college to another.

With the debut of the new system, years of front-end planning at the college and district levels, computer programming, testing and training will come to fruition. We anticipate a successful roll-out and we are prepared to respond quickly to any students who may need assistance during and after the conversion. A new 24-hour help line will also be available for students to call for immediate support. Say good-bye to waiting in lines. We are looking forward to a new and improved way to serve our students!

For more detailed information about this New Student Information system, please visit www.pvc.maricopa.edu/nss/

Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society Award

PHOENIX, 2008-02-03 –

PVCC’s chapter of the international honors society Phi Theta Kappa has received the Pinnacle Award from the national headquarters organization. This award recognizes chapters whose membership has grown ten percent or greater over the previous calendar year. This is the third time our chapter, Alpha Omicron Chi, has won this recognition. The actual prize is a fee waiver to attend the national PTK convention. This year, we will be sending one advisor, Dr. Paula Vaughn, and five students. The students attending will be: Scott Mason, Marina Haley, Laurie Bachand, Rebecca Martos, Cynthia Fuqua. Furthermore, our PTK chapter has reached the “Five-Star” chapter designation for the second year in a row. This is the highest level granted by the national organization, and symbolizes the attainment of higher standards in quality programming and accomplishment of goals.

Student Survey, Tell Us Your Ideas

PHOENIX, 2008-01-31 –

PVCC’s Strategic Planning Committee is developing goals for the College’s future and values the ideas of our students. Please help us by answering four questions at the following web site: www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=RB8H7I4fTVSHF70dM_2bW8rA_3d_3d

PVCC Band to Perform at Superbowl Block Party Feb. 1, 2

PHOENIX, 2008-01-31 –

The Destinee Brook Project (DBP), a subset of the PVCC student cover band, will be performing at the Scottsdale Superbowl Blockparty on Friday, Feb. 1st and Saturday, Feb 2nd at 7:00pm on the main stage. The main stage is loacted at Craftsman Court in Old Town Scottsdale. The DBP will perform cover songs from the 70s, 80s and 90s.

Stop by and join in the celebration!
www.scottsdalesultimateblockparty.com/cl_bands.html

The Destinee Brook project members are:
Destinee Brook - lead vocals (PVCC student)
Adam Gonzales - lead guitar (GCC student)
Jason Winkler - rhythm guitar (PVCC student)
Andrew Molever - bass (PVCC student)
Piano - Christopher Scinto (PVCC Faculty)
Drums - Andrew Butler (PVCC student)

Phoenix Experimental Arts Festival, Feb. 8,9

PHOENIX, 2008-01-31 –

WHAT: 3rd Annual Phoenix Experimental Arts Festival
WHERE: Center for the Performing Arts at PVCC
WHEN: Friday, February 8, 2008 & Saturday, February 9, 2008
Lobby Gallery opens at 6:00pm
Lobby Gallery performances begin at 6:30pm
Box Office opens at 6:30pm
Mainstage performances begin at 7:30pm
WEB: www.phoenixXfestival.com
ADMISSION: $15 general admission for each night. $25 festival pass for both nights.

FESTIVAL DESCRIPTION:
Dr. Christopher Scinto, chair for the Performing and Fine Arts Division at Paradise Valley Community College, has announced a third year to showcase the edgier,avant-garde artists who are pushing the boundaries in the visual and performing arts in Phoenix.

The PHOENIX EXPERIMENTAL ARTS FESTIVAL, co-sponsored by the Phoenix New Times, will be presented February 8th and 9th, 2008, at Paradise Valley Community College’s Center for the Performing Arts in North Phoenix. This year’s festival includes the work of several local and regional dance troupes, music ensembles, performance art collectives, theatre companies and visual artists. The lobby gallery opens at 6:00 p.m. with lobby/gallery performances at 6:30p.m. and main stage performances at 7:30 p.m.

Highlights of the performances on Friday, February 8th include two performances by experimental chamber music ensemble CROSSING 32ND STREET, who will present Michael Gordon's percussion solo XY and also perform live music in collaboration with CONDER dance on Moving Target. Newly formed performance art collective OFFICE OF PECULIAR SCENES will present an interesting take on an overly commercial beauty pageant in Miss Representation. Next, performance artist/actress KRISTEN LOREE will perform a selection from her one-woman theater piece, VIXIN, which she describes as a work of queer theater to be spoken and sung in 8-inch heels, in a red dress, and with a giant red high heel shoe/chair. The evening continues with two inspiring dance works that incorporate video projection and interactive video technology in works performed by VIA CORPO DANCE RESEARCH and ARMADILLO DANCE PROJECT.

THEATRE IN MY BASEMENT kicks off Saturday’s performance with (dis)solve, an interdisciplinary performance work using a live media as a laboratory for dehydration. Using the idea of metaphorical drying out, (dis)solve mixes video and sound for an interactive performance. CROSSING 32ND STREET returns to the stage to perform the world premiere of Phoenix-composer Eric Schultz’s Everything is at once transgressed, overtaken, and nothing did yet arrive, a work based on the paintings of French artist Jean Miotte for video and three percussionists. Then dance companies 32 FLAVORS, KAREN SCHUPP DANCE, and MARY FITZGERALD DANCE round out the evening presenting new works of contemporary dance.

PVCC students named to All-Arizona Academic Team

PHOENIX, 2008-01-31 –

Top grades and dedicated community service are already bringing rewards for two PVCC students. They have been selected as Paradise Valley Community College’s representatives on the influential All-Arizona Academic Team. Only two students from each of Arizona’s community colleges are chosen to receive this honor. This year’s celebratory luncheon will take place on Feb. 21 in Mesa. Students are nominated based on their grades, leader qualities, and community service. This year, PVCC’s representatives are Rebecca Martos and Michael Bouey, Jr. Rebecca placed on the first team and will receive $1,000 in addition to the scholarship. Michael placed on the third team and will receive $350 n addition to the scholarship.

Rebecca Martos may be an award-winning, classically trained singer who’s as familiar with opera as most folks are with rap or rock, but that doesn’t stop her from belting out Led Zepplin tunes with the PVCC Cover Band.
“My real love, though, is multi-media,” she says.
An Audio Production and Music Business major, Rebecca was recently chosen to represent PVCC as a member of the All-USA Academic Team. Team members are chosen based on their grades and service to the community. Besides the Academic Team honors, she was selected as one of only five students from the Maricopa Community College District to participate in the Arizona Town Hall; is an officer of Phi Theta Kappa, a member of the Student Honors Advisory Board, is co-producer of the Student Multi-Media Project, is the recipient of the Eliot and Arlene Kauffman Memorial Scholarship, and many other honors.
Rebecca already has a head start on her chosen profession. Currently employed with PVCC Media Services, she is also a freelance sound engineer. She made a film for the PVCC Percussion Ensemble, will make another one for Get Back!, the upcoming Beatles concert, and is producing The Vagina Monologues for PVCC.
Although Rebecca has much to be proud of, she says, “I’m proudest of the fact that I’m pursuing my dream.”

When Michael Bouey, Jr. was chosen to represent PVCC as a member of the All-Academic Team competition, he said, “It’s one of the biggest honors I’ve ever been blessed to receive.”
And that’s saying something, considering what Michael has already accomplished. A graduate of Moon Valley High School, he enlisted in the Army, and was stationed at NATO headquarters for more than two years. From there, he was deployed as a paralegal to Abu Ghraib. “I tried to ensure that the detainees received due process,” he says.
When Michael’s deployment was up, he enrolled in PVCC, where he also became a physics and math tutor. After graduation, he plans to transfer to ASU, and eventually to UCLA or MIT for advanced degrees in math and civil engineering.
Although he works hard, he believes in having fun, too.
“My hobby is fire juggling,” he says. “I took it up a few years ago to impress a girl, who was a fire juggler at the time. She got bored in four months and married a non-juggler, but I kept right on. Yeah, every now and then I get burned a little, but that’s the price fire jugglers pay. It’s fun!”
In what little spare time Michael has left from his studies, tutoring job, and fire juggling, he takes part in various charitable activities, such as building a tutor center for at-risk young adults.
“What you do for others is as important as what you do for yourself,” he says.

This annual All-Arizona Academic Team awards ceremony was created in the 1990s to recognize top scholars from Arizona’s community colleges who also are members of local chapters of the Phi Theta Kappa Society, the national community college honors organization.

Teams are divided into first, second and third place, with cash awards. In addition, the Arizona Board of Regents provides all the students tuition waivers to the Arizona state university of their choice.

First team members are also automatically eligible for the All-USA Academic Team, sponsored by USA Today and announced in the spring. Students named to the All-USA Academic Team are also awarded cash and are honored at the annual American Association of Community Colleges convention.

Last year for the first time ever, a PVCC student, Katie Gault, made First Team in the nationals, and was featured in USA Today newspaper.

College Goal Sunday Feb. 10, Financial Aid

PHOENIX, 2008-01-29 –

College Goal Sunday is for students seeking financial help
WHAT: College Goal Sunday
WHEN: 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, February 10, 2008
WHERE: Studio Theater, Paradise Valley Community College
HOSTED BY: PVCC’s Office of Student Financial Assistance
INFORMATION: Kenneth Clarke at (602) 787-7100 or www.pvc.maricopa.edu/finaid

Students needing financial aid are sometimes baffled by all those complicated application forms. That’s why PVCC, along with other colleges around the U.S., is holding COLLEGE GOAL SUNDAY, a day when financial aid professionals and high school counselors will be on hand to smooth out the process. Computers will be provided, as well as bi-lingual counselors.

“This is really going to be big, says Kenneth Clarke, assistant director of PVCC’s Financial Aid office. “We’ve been on the radio about this, and all over, so we’re expecting a very large turnout. College Goal Sunday is the gateway to opportunity for students who dream of attending college. In fact, College Goal Sunday can actually make the difference between attending college or not.”

Clarke says that College Goal Sunday will teach prospective students how to master every aspect of the financial aid process, from helping them fill out the initial application applications, to navigating their way through the maze of scholarships, grants and loans.

“The first thing we teach them is that they are not alone!” he stresses. “We will walk beside them every step of the way, helping them build relationships with those financial organizations. These are tough economic times, so it’s more necessary than ever before to show students all the help financial help that’s available out there.”

High school students and others attending College Goal Sunday will fill out and receive a line-by-line review of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Since 1997, approximately 30,000 students have received help at this annual event.

Financial aid is especially important for minority and first generation college applicants, as well as students from other low-income families. In fact, 52% of the families seeking aid have an annual income less than $40,00, which can stress family budgets. But investing in college makes financial sense, because college graduates will go on to earn as much as 73% more than those with a mere high school diploma. And a college degree means the difference between getting a job and building a career.

“Today’s college students are investing in themselves and their future, and learning exactly how to do that at College Goal Sunday will put them way ahead of the game,” Clarke adds.

ITEMS TO BRING TO COLLEGE GOAL SUNDAY:
• Student’s 2007 income data (W-2’s or a pay stub and/or 2007 tax return)
• Parent’s 2007 income data W-2’s or a paay stub and/or 2007 tax return)
• If student is age 24 or older, he/she should bring 2007 income data (W-2’s or a pay stub and/or 2007 tax return).

For additional information, log onto www.collegegoalsunday.com

Invitation to Attend Student Forum

PHOENIX, 2008-01-23 –

PVCC’s Strategic Planning Committee is developing goals for the College’s future. We value your ideas as students. Please help us by attending a student forum on Tuesday, January 29 at 12noon or 5pm in KSC208. Pizza will be served. The forums will last 1 hour 15 minutes. Please RSVP at

www.paradisevalley.edu/ie/forum_rsvp.html

with your name, email address, and phone number, and indicate which session you will attend.

PVCC adds new competitive sport: Men's Baseball

PHOENIX, 2008-01-23 –

After considerable dialogue and planning, Paradise Valley Community College will add intercollegiate men’s baseball to its athletics department programs. On Tuesday evening, Jan. 22, the Governing Board of the Maricopa Community Colleges voted to approve awarding a contract in the amount $1,195,700.00 to Paul R. Peterson Construction for a two-part construction project—both a new baseball field and connecting walkways to Q Building (the former County Library) at Paradise Valley Community College.

Baseball is PVCC’s 12th sport. The last sport to be added was women’s softball, which began in 2003. The baseball Pumas will begin competitive play in the spring of 2009, competing within the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference (ACCAC) and the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).

“We are thrilled to be moving forward,” said Athletics Director Greg Silcox, “our community has expressed a strong desire for baseball here for quite some time. Baseball is very strong in our geographical area; many of our feeder high schools have perennially strong programs. We are looking forward to providing additional opportunities for young people to grow and learn as they continue their academic and athletic careers.”

The process to hire a full time coach is underway. “Plans are to have our coach in place by the end of January, so that we can recruit players as strongly and successfully as possible this spring,” Silcox said. An on-campus playing field has been approved and will break ground in March. The field is scheduled to be ready for fall practice in September.

Potential players or those interested in the program may contact PV Athletics via the web at: www.paradisevalley.edu/athletics/ or by phone at 602.787.7173.

# # #

Students: Sign up now for PVCC Announcements Email List

PHOENIX, 2008-01-14 –

PVCC wants to keep you -- our students -- informed! This email distribution list is used for the communication of official business, services and activities of the college and to connect our students to timely and relevant information. This tool is a great way to share important campus-wide messages with you, and we encourage all students to subscribe. Postings may include programs, services, events, activities and information related to PVCC and the Maricopa Community Colleges District.

We hope that you will enjoy receiving timely announcements that will help you stay in touch, be in the know and get the most out of your PVCC experience. We look forward to keeping you informed!

To join the list, simply go to this link and scroll to Subscribe Here:

www.paradisevalley.edu/emailme

Or click:

Email Me

Late Registration for Spring Semester

PHOENIX, 2008-01-14 –

Classes for Spring Semester have already started (on Jan. 12), but it's still not too late to enroll. Late registration is open until Friday, Jan. 18. Act now, and you can still get into a class!

And--if your schedule doesn't permit you to begin right now---PVCC offers classes starting each month through April. See the spring schedule of classes, page 109, for a complete month-by-month listing.

Cash flow a problem right now? Check out our convenient "eCashier Tuition Payment Plan," with reasonable monthly payments. More information can be found on our home page.

Registration at PV-North on Jan. 10

PHOENIX, 2008-01-09 –

On Thursday, Jan. 10 we will hold a special registration for students at the PV North campus, located at Cactus Shadows High School in Cave Creek.

Cactus Shadows is located at 5802 E. Dove Valley Road. The special registration will be from 5-7 p.m. this Thursday in Room 302. For further information, contact Lily Fultz at (602)787-7223.

Student Services Open on Saturday, January 12

PHOENIX, 2008-01-03 –

A special Saturday registration date for Spring 2008 enrollments will be held on
Jan. 12. The following offices will be open for your convenience from 8 a.m. until 12 noon.

* Admissions and Records
* Advising
* Financial Aid
* Fiscal (Cashier's)
* Testing

Feb. 7 Lecture: Does God So Love the Multiverse?

PHOENIX, 2008-01-03 –

World Renowned physicist Don N. Page to lecture for first time in U.S. on controversial new Multiverse Theory: “Does God So Love the Multiverse?”

Dr. Don N. Page, a world renowned physicist and cosmologist mentored by Stephen Hawking, will be presenting a lecture he first delivered this past October at Shandong University in Jinan, China. This will be the first time his lecture “Does God So Love the Multiverse?”, which explores the intersections between physics and religion, will be presented in the United States prior to being published by Blackwell Publishing and in Chinese by Peking University Press. Dr. Page’s lecture will take place on Thursday, February 7, 2008 at 7 p.m. in the Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) Library.

This free public lecture is part of the Canyon Institute for Advanced Studies (CIAS) 2007-2008 Public Lecture Series and is a joint effort between CIAS and PVCC to provide leading-edge scholarship offerings to residents, students, and scholars in local communities. The Phoenix Astronomical Society is also a supporting partner for this community-based learning opportunity for persons of various faith perspectives and persons of no faith perspective to come together around a meaningful dialogue about controversial theories of the multiverse.

Monotheistic religions such as Judaism and Christianity affirm that God loves all humans and created them in His image. However, we have learned from Darwin that we were not created separately from other life on earth. Some Christians opposed Darwinian evolution because it undercut certain design arguments for the existence of God. Today there is the growing idea that the fine-tuned constants of physics might be explained by a multiverse with very many different sets of constants of physics.
“Some Christians oppose the multiverse for similarly undercutting other design arguments for the existence of God,” explained Dr. Page. “However, undercutting one argument does not disprove its conclusion. In this lecture, I will argue that multiverse ideas, though not automatically a solution to the problems of physics, deserve serious consideration and are not in conflict with Christian theology as I see it.”

Dr. Page received his bachelor’s degree in physics and mathematics from William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri. He completed a Ph.D. in physics and astronomy in 1976 at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, California, under the supervision of Kip Thorne and Stephen Hawking. Page was a postdoctoral researcher under Hawking at the University of Cambridge in England 1976-79. He served as Professor of Physics at Penn State University before moving to the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada where he presently holds the position of Professor of Physics.

Canyon Institute for Advanced Studies is a Christian interdisciplinary research and learning center, bringing together creative minds and information as resources for the communities of thoughtful Christians and others who are trying to better understand the substance and challenges of our rapidly changing world and how to better engage them meaningfully and responsibly. Canyon Institute for Advanced Studies is also the administrator of the prestigious Templeton Prize for Progress Toward Research of Discoveries about Spiritual Realities. For more information on Canyon Institute for Advanced Studies, visit their Web site at www.canyoninstitute.org.
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The Phoenix Astronomical Society (PAS), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, was founded in 1948. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, PAS’s aim is to provide educational activities in astronomy at all levels. General PAS meetings feature professional astronomers and scientists from universities and observatories around the state, as well as amateur specialists from local astronomy clubs. For more information about PAS events and membership opportunities, visit the PAS Web site at http://www.pasaz.org.