Yavapai College Celebrates Graduates

As a college president, there isn’t any other day that is more special, exhilarating or fulfilling than Commencement Day. For those of us in higher education, it’s the biggest event of the year! It’s where we see the fruits of our labor and our mission fulfilled.   

And for all of our students and those who love them, it’s a day where all of your hard work, perseverance and sacrifice have paid off.

This May, Yavapai College celebrated its graduates with two beautiful commencement ceremonies at its Verde Valley Campus and the Findlay Toyota Center.

This year, a remarkable 1,750 students graduated from Yavapai College with 1,981 degrees or certificates.

1,750 individuals now enter the county’s workforce or have upskilled their careers to provide a better life for their families and contribute to the county’s economy. A total of 65% of Yavapai College’s academic programs lead to living wage jobs in Yavapai County, and one out of 33 jobs in the county are supported by the college and its students.

The college’s average age of students is 30. The youngest graduate this year was 15 years old from Yarnell and the oldest graduate was 79 years old from Prescott Valley. In fact, YC had 120 graduates under the age of 18 and 54 graduates over the age of 55.

We also celebrated a remarkable moment – YC’s first bachelor’s degree recipient walked across the stage with her degree, signifying a truly transformational moment in the traditional community college expectation.

I applaud all 1,750 of YC’s graduates for their hard work and perseverance and for choosing Yavapai College as the place for them to reach their educational goals. Yavapai College has been blessed by your presence and engagement with us, and we are humbled and proud to be part of your story. QCBN

By Lisa B. Rhine

In February 2019, Dr. Lisa B. Rhine became the 10th president of Yavapai College, bringing to the institution over 30 years of leadership experience across a number of leading colleges and universities in Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia. Dr. Rhine assumed this role with a commitment to advance the mission of the college while ensuring access and support to those for whom opportunities may have been historically limited or denied.

Yavapai College offers over 100 degrees and certificates, student and community services, and cultural events and activities at six locations throughout Yavapai County, including campuses in Prescott and Clarkdale, and centers in Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Sedona and the Prescott Airport.

Courtesy Photo: Lauren Mitchell, flanked by YC Provost Doug Berry and YC President Lisa Rhine, is the first student to receive a bachelor’s degree from the college.