PC Hosts Talk by University of Arizona Chicano Literature Expert

(PHOENIX, Ariz., Feb. 29, 2012) – Dr. Charles Tatum, a professor of Spanish at the University of Arizona and the school's former Dean of the College of Humanities from 1993 to 2008, will give a lecture Tuesday, March 6 on "The Latino/a Presence in U.S. Literature: From Neglect to Recognition."

The free event is open to the public.

During the noontime lecture at Phoenix College’s Osborn campus, Dr. Tatum will trace the contributions Latino/a writers have made to the U.S. literary tradition beginning in the 16th century to the present, with an emphasis on the first part of the 21st century. He also will comment on the contributions of contemporary Arizona writers.

“He’s a renowned expert on Chicano literature,” said Dr. Albert Celoza, chair of PC's Liberal Arts Department. “He’s written several books and edited other volumes of work.”

Dr. Tatum currently serves on the advisory board of the Recovering the U.S. Hispanic Literary Heritage Project and as editor of the three-volume “Encyclopedia of Latino Culture.” He has published several books, including "Chicano Popular Culture" (2001), which received a Best of the Best of The University Presses from the American Association of American Presses, "Chicano and Chicana Literature: Otra voz del pueblo" (2006), and "Lowriders in Chicano Culture: From Low to Slow to Show" (2011).

The discussion is presented by the Phoenix College Liberal Arts Department as part of the ongoing Liberal Arts Lecture Series.

For more information, call Walida Hicks at 602.285.7651 or send an email to liberal.arts@pcmail.maricopa.edu.

When: Tuesday, March 6, 2012
noon - 1 p.m.

Where: Willo Room, PC Osborn Campus, 11th Avenue and Flower

Public Safety Update/Summary of Incidents/February 13-19, 2012

6 February; 5:37pm; late report:  A campus police officer responded to a minor non-injury motor vehicle accident in the west parking lot.  Parties involved exchanged insurance information.

13 February; 10:00am-1:15pm:  A student reported the theft of a cellular phone from a locker in the men's locker room.  The bottom latch on the locker was broken.  The phone is valued at $100.00.

14 February; 3:55-4:20pm:  A student reported the theft of a cellular phone from a locker in the men's locker room.  Access to the locker was gained by lifting the floor of a locker above the one from which the theft occurred.  Athletic staff was informed of the condition of the lockers.

15 February; 11:35am:  A campus police officer responded to the B building on a report that a student was experiencing dizziness and difficult breathing.  Paramedics responded and treated the student.  The student was not transported to a medical facility.

15 February; 11:38am:  Shortly after the above report, a student in the B building experienced numbness in his left arm and hand.  The same paramedics in the above incident treated the student.  He was not transported to a medical facility.

15 February; 2:30-5:00pm; reported 16 February:  A student reported the theft of her bicycle from the bike rack located near the LC building.  The bike had been secured by a cable and lock.  The bicycle was valued at $175.00.

16 February; 8:30am:  A campus police officer responded to the LC building on a report that a student was unresponsive.  Paramedics responded and the student was transported to Saint Joseph's Hospital for further treatment.

15-16 February; 3:00pm-10:00am:  A maintenance employee reported criminal damage to buildings A, B, C, E, and Dalby.  Person(s) unknown had written graffiti in each of the buildings.

13 February; 9:50pm; reported 16 February:  A campus police officer documented concerns made by a faculty member regarding some correspondence she had received from one of her students.  The report was forwarded to the Dean of Students.


NOTE:  Faculty members are encouraged to share the safety updates with their students.

End of update.  

Two Phoenix College Students Named to All-Arizona Academic Team

(PHOENIX, Ariz., Feb. 16, 2012) – Two Phoenix College students have been selected to be members of the 2012 All-Arizona Academic Team, which recognizes the top community college student scholars in the state. As part of the honor, Kathryn Banning and Jose Guzman, Jr., will receive scholarships and tuition waivers to an in-state university of their choice continue their education.

They will be formally recognized at an awards luncheon on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at the Hilton Phoenix East in Mesa.

The program recognizes top scholars from Arizona’s community colleges for their academic performance, leadership and community engagement. Team members also must be 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 of $1,000 for those named to the first team, $750 for the second team and $500 for the third team. In addition, the Arizona Board of Regents provides all team members with tuition waivers to the in-state university of their choice. Banning was named to the second team and Guzman placed on the third team. Both honorees will pursue their studies at Arizona State University.

Banning is pursuing a four-year Nursing degree with plans to continue on and receive a master’s degree in the field. Guzman is seeking a bachelor’s of science in Biochemistry as a prelude to medical school.

Banning cited her experiences at Phoenix College as helping propel her into a second career. A mother of six, she and her husband ran a successful small business in Illinois before the 2008 recession forced its closure. The couple and their children moved to Queen Creek, Arizona, shortly thereafter.

Banning initially took classes at Chandler-Gilbert Community College but came to PC to become a nurse. She currently has a 4.0 grade point average and received the 2011-2012 Maricopa Community College Foundation Scholarship . She also volunteers at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center in its Maternal Child Health Department and as well as with youth sports activities.

She enjoyed the PC environment so much that she has continued to take all her coursework at the central Phoenix campus. In addition to receiving scholarships, Banning started a scholarship to benefit fellow PC students. Her goal for the “Making a Difference” Scholarship is to eventually provide $1,000 annually to a PC student.

“This school has completely changed me as a person,” she said, citing its family-like atmosphere and the support she’s received from her professors and others.

She said becoming a member of the All-Arizona Academic Team will give her a greater ability to balance her time between parenting and her academic studies.

For his part, Guzman says the financial benefits of being on the team will help him realize his dream of attending ASU.

“Now I have the opportunity to move forward with my education,” he said. “I feel strong and passionate about my schooling.”

The son of a retired Army Staff Sgt., Guzman said he hopes the honor will improve his chances of going to medical school. “When I applied for this, I didn’t realize the extent of all that it provided. I’m excited now as I realize the benefits.”

In addition to his academic performance, Guzman, who maintains a 3.82 grade point average, has spent many hours volunteering. Currently he works full-time as a medical courier at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, where he also volunteers his time. Prior to that, he accumulated more than 1,500 hours of volunteer time doing neighborhood cleanups and other community activities in central Phoenix as a junior volunteer for the Phoenix Revitalization Corporation.

“When I started volunteering, I was fulfilling requirements,” he recalled. “But after I started doing it, I felt this sense of being needed and making a difference. It just fell into place.”

Public Safety Update/Summary of Incidents/February 6-12, 2012

6 February; 11:00am:  A Public Safety staff member responded to the south gymnasium on a report that a student had become weak and dizzy.  The student declined medical attention after she was given some water and a cold towel for her head.

7 February; 5:00-9:20pm:  A student reported that she left campus with two males and asked one of the males to carry her laptop computer in her backpack.  The student said when she asked the male to return her laptop, he refused to do so and ran away on foot.  The laptop is valued at $600.00.  Since the theft occurred off campus, the student filed a theft report with the Phoenix Police Department.

8 February; 11:00-11:15am:  A staff member reported that she left her campus keys in the restroom on the 3rd floor of the B building.  When she returned, the keys could not be found.

8 February; 7:40pm:  A campus police officer and a police aid responded to the A building on a report of a drunk student.  The student was located and was indeed intoxicated.  He was escorted to the bus stop with instructions not to return on this date.


NOTE:  Faculty members are encouraged to share the safety updates with their students.

End of update.  

NAU Phoenix College Connection Day 2/21

Connection Day featuring NAU partnerships

Learn how to earn a Northern Arizona University bachelor’s degree in Maricopa County without having to put life on hold.

Convenient and affordable transfer programs from Phoenix College to NAU will be featured and celebrated during Connection Day, Tuesday, February 21st, on the Phoenix College campus. Visit us in Sophomore Square between 9am and noon to learn what NAU options will best serve you as you work towards your bachelor’s degree.

The Connection is a partnership between the Maricopa Community Colleges and NAU in which students can transfer up to 90 credits in some degree programs or enroll in a Connect2NAU joint admission program.

Connect2NAU encourages community college students to complete both an associate’s and bachelor’s degree, emphasizing the importance of earning a bachelor’s degree in order to increase workforce competitiveness.

Connect2NAU students are jointly admitted to a community college and NAU. Students receive intensive guidance from both institutions in exploring and preparing for career options while completing their community college curriculum. Students save money by completing their first two years at the community college tuition rate.

“These students clearly see the benefits of beginning their college careers closer to home in an environment that is supportive and affordable,” said Fred Hurst, senior vice president of the Extended Campuses at NAU. “The 2NAU approach serves students and the state by making a four-year degree more attainable.”

In addition, 2NAU students receive a waived NAU application fee, an NAU ID card, e-mail address, Cline Library privileges and more. Students who complete their associate’s degree with a 3.5 GPA or better qualify for an NAU scholarship for up to $4,000.

The program recently won a statewide award for helping students earn college degrees. The Arizona College Access Network, a program of the Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education, presented a 2011 Pathways to Postsecondary Education Award to NAU in November.

For information, visit the NAU-Extended Campuses website or speak with the NAU Phoenix College Program Coordinator at (602) 285-7148.

Phoenix College Hosts Feb. 10 Town Hall on Arizona's Emerging Latino Vote

(PHOENIX, Ariz., Feb. 6) -- “Arizona’s Emerging Latino Vote” will be the focus of this year’s annual ALRE/RCI Town Hall on Friday, February 10, 2012 in Bulpitt Auditorium at Phoenix College.

The town hall is presented by Arizona Latino Research Enterprise and the Raul H. Castro Institute of Phoenix College.

Election experts say Latino voters played a pivotal role in at least four races in Maricopa County last year, including the Phoenix elections for mayor and two city council seats, as well as the recall of former State Senate President Russell Pearce.

“Major elections were decided in large part by Latino voter turnout in 2011, and we believe that trend will continue in the year to come,” said James Garcia, chairman of Arizona Latino Research Enterprise, a Phoenix-based Latino advocacy organization.

The Town Hall will feature panels and speakers examining the increasing influence of the Latino electorate on local, state and national politics. In particular, panels and speakers will address the growing contributions and achievements of Latino youth, both at the voting booth and as active participants in creating greater civic engagement among Latinos.

“You will be able to hear in real numbers about the voter registration and get-out-the-vote activities from those directly involved,” said Roberto Reveles, a founding member of the RCI and an RCI Advisory Committee member. “You’ll also hear about the near- and long-term outlook for Latino voter participation. Dramatic opportunities and challenges for civic engagement await our community.”

Among the panels to be presented:

• Getting Out the Vote – Triumphs and Challenges
• The State of the Latino Electorate
• Counting Latino Votes
• A newsmaker luncheon interview

A noon press conference will bring together a wide array of non-partisan, Latino and non-Latino community groups dedicated to civic engagement and increasing the political clout of Latinos. They will sign on to a statement of commitment to continued civic engagement efforts and responsible citizenship.

The daylong event begins at 8:30 a.m. with registration and the first panel starts at 9:30 a.m. The event is scheduled to end at 4 p.m. and will be followed by a “Young Voters Celebration” from 4 – 7 p.m. on the lawn of the Bulpitt Auditorium in Pastor Plaza.

The Town Hall is free and open to the public and boxed lunches will be available for purchase.

The event sponsors are Arizona Public Service, Salt River Project, Magellan Health Services, Univision Arizona, Arizona State University’s Center for Community Development and Civil Rights and the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

For more information on the Town Hall, send email to info@alre.org.

Public Safety Update/Summary of Incidents/January 30 - February 5, 2012

16-23 January; 7:00am-12:00pm; reported 31 January:  An employee reported the theft of a back-flow preventer from the 11th Avenue and Thomas Road parking lot.  The cost to replace the preventer is $450.00.

30 January; 11:45am:  An employee reported that she had been suffering a number of ailments related to her office duties.  An Industrial Injury report was completed.

31 January; 2:35pm:  Safety staff responded to the B building on a report that a student was having medical issues.  Paramedics responded but the student refused treatment.  A report was filed and forwarded to the Dean of Students.

1 February; 9:30-11:30am:  A student reported the theft of his bicycle from a light pole on the corner of 11th Avenue and Thomas Road.  The bike had been secured with a cable type lock.  The student valued the bike at $150.00.

1 February; 4:15pm:  An employee reported that he had been stung by a bee near the cafeteria.  The employee was transported to Concentra for medical treatment.

1 February; 2:30pm:  An employee reported that she injured a knee while exiting the elevator in the library.  An Industrial Injury report was filled out.

2 February; 9:40am:  A campus police officer responded to a non-injury vehicle accident on the upper level of the parking garage.  The parties involved exchanged insurance information.

2 February; 11:20am:  A campus police officer responded to a non-injury vehicle accident in the west parking lot.  The parties involved exchanged insurance information.

NOTE:  Faculty members are encouraged to share the safety updates with their students.

End of update.  

Arizona Latino Research Enterprise-Raul H. Castro Institute present free community forum at Phoenix College Feb. 10

(PHOENIX, Ariz., Feb. 2, 2012) – “Arizona’s Emerging Latino Vote” will be the focus of this year’s annual ALRE/RCI Town Hall on Friday, February 10, 2012 in Bulpitt Auditorium at Phoenix College.

The town hall is presented by Arizona Latino Research Enterprise and the Raul H. Castro Institute of Phoenix College.

Election experts say Latino voters played a pivotal role in at least four races in Maricopa County last year, including the Phoenix elections for mayor and two city council seats, as well as the recall of former State Senate President Russell Pearce.

“Major elections were decided in large part by Latino voter turnout in 2011, and we believe that trend will continue in the year to come,” said James Garcia, chairman of Arizona Latino Research Enterprise, a Phoenix-based Latino advocacy organization.

The Town Hall will feature panels and speakers examining the increasing influence of the Latino electorate on local, state and national politics. In particular, panels and speakers will address the growing contributions and achievements of Latino youth, both at the voting booth and as active participants in creating greater civic engagement among Latinos.

“You will be able to hear in real numbers about the voter registration and get-out-the-vote activities from those directly involved,” said Roberto Reveles, a founding member of the RCI and an RCI Advisory Committee member. “You’ll also hear about the near- and long-term outlook for Latino voter participation. Dramatic opportunities and challenges for civic engagement await our community.”

Among the panels to be presented:

• Getting Out the Vote – Triumphs and Challenges
• The State of the Latino Electorate
• Counting Latino Votes
• A newsmaker luncheon interview

A noon press conference will bring together a wide array of non-partisan, Latino and non-Latino community groups dedicated to civic engagement and increasing the political clout of Latinos. They will sign on to a statement of commitment to continued civic engagement efforts and responsible citizenship.

The daylong event begins at 8:30 a.m. with registration and the first panel starts at 9:30 a.m. The event is scheduled to end at 4 p.m. and will be followed by a “Young Voters Celebration” from 4 – 7 p.m. on the lawn of the Bulpitt Auditorium in Pastor Plaza.

The Town Hall is free and open to the public and boxed lunches will be available for purchase.

The event sponsors are Arizona Public Service, Salt River Project, Magellan Health Services, Univision Arizona, Arizona State University’s Center for Community Development and Civil Rights and the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

For more information on the Town Hall, send email to info@alre.org.

Mayor Stanton Appoints Phoenix College Faculty Member as Sr. Policy Advisor on Education

(PHOENIX, Ariz., Feb. 1, 2012) – City of Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton has appointed Phoenix College faculty member Trino Sandoval to serve as his Senior Policy Advisor on Education.

In the advisory role, Sandoval will convene and facilitate stakeholders around the Mayor’s education agenda, which includes strengthening pre-school programs, expanding afterschool programs, improving secondary and post-secondary alignment and collaboration, and seeking a greater university presence in Phoenix. He began his part-time role today. Dr. Sandoval will continue to teach a class at Phoenix College.

“Support for our schools and the future of our city go hand in hand, which is why I have made education a key priority in my administration,” said Mayor Stanton. “With his vast experience and community connections, Dr. Sandoval is the perfect person to lead our education initiative.”

Not only will Dr. Sandoval advise the Mayor and City of Phoenix management on strategies to implement the agenda, he will coordinate with local and national education leaders and other stakeholders on all issues related to education.

“I’m honored to be chosen for this position and I’m looking forward to working on these challenging issues,” said Dr. Sandoval. “Creating successful educational outcomes for our youth is the best investment the city can make because it will pay off tenfold in the future.”

Since 1996, Dr. Sandoval has taught Spanish and Latin American literature classes in the college’s Department of Liberal Arts. During his tenure at PC, he has held many roles and assignments, including serving as Associate Dean of Continuing Education and Community Service, Chair of the Department of Foreign Languages, Interim Director of the Raul H. Castro Institute and Director of Title V, Department of Education Grant to Hispanic Serving Institutions.

Dr. Sandoval received his Ph.D. in Spanish from Arizona State University in 2003 and also has a Master’s of Arts in Spanish from ASU. He received his bachelor of arts in Spanish and Latin American Studies from California State University, Chico.

“The Mayor made an excellent choice in naming Dr. Sandoval to this position,” said Dr. Anna Solley, president of Phoenix College. “He has been an invaluable member of our college and he’ll bring great insight on what can be done to improve the education levels of our city’s young people.”

In November 2011, the City of Phoenix, Phoenix College, and Phoenix Union High School District received a $600,000 grant from the Lumina Foundation for “Degree Phoenix,” a program aimed at Latino youth that supports and enhances pathways from high school to college and college to workforce. In his policy advisor role, Dr. Sandoval will serve as a coaching fellow for the Lumina Grant, a liaison to education funders such as the Lumina Foundation and Gates Foundation, and liaison for the Mayor’s Futures Forum on Education with other Arizona mayors.