Yavapai College Commencement Ceremonies Celebrate Achievements of More than One Thousand Students

As a college president, there isn’t any other day that is more special, more exhilarating or more fulfilling than Commencement Day. For those of us in higher education, this is the biggest event of the year! It’s where we see the fruits of our labor and our mission fulfilled. And for our students and those who love them, it’s a day where hard work, perseverance and sacrifice have paid off.

Commencement is about dreams realized for our graduates. Never let it be said that dreaming is a waste of one’s time. Dreams are our realities in waiting. In dreams, we plant the seeds of our future. Dreams motivate and inspire. Dreams cause us to persevere under difficult circumstances and dreams create a focus in our lives.

More than 1,000 dreams were realized this year at Yavapai College’s spring commencement ceremonies. Two ceremonies were held at the Sedona Performing Arts Centers on May 6 for Verde Valley graduates, and another ceremony was held at Prescott Valley’s Findlay Toyota Center on May 7 for Prescott-area graduates.

Overall, an astounding 1,068 students, the majority of whom reside in Yavapai County, received a combined 1,351 degrees and certificates from YC this past year. This is a massive cohort of students and further shows that Yavapai College is completing its mission of providing accessible and affordable education to its residents.

The beautiful thing about Yavapai College is the diversity in age and the types of students who attend. Our youngest graduate this year was born in 2007. He is 15 years old, resides in Paulden and graduated with his Automotive Technician Certificate.

Our oldest graduate resides in Cottonwood, was born in 1938, and is 84 years old. She completed her associate of arts degree and Arizona General Education Certificate-A.

YC had 120 graduates under the age of 18 this year and 36 graduates over the age of 55.

All of YC’s students have found the strength to persevere under trying circumstances. They now know that no matter what challenges may come their way, they have the strength to prevail.

I’d like to salute Yavapai College’s graduates one more time. YC has been blessed by your presence and engagement with us, and we are humbled and proud to be part of your personal story. QCBN

By Lisa Rhine

Lisa B. Rhine, Ph.D., is the president of Yavapai College.

In February 2019, Dr. Lisa B. Rhine became the tenth 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.