Yavapai College will honor graduates during the Verde Valley Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 4, at 10 a.m.

Verde Valley News – Yavapai College is planning a Commencement event for the Verde Valley Area this year, and it is exciting that the ceremony will once again be held on the Verde Valley Campus. An estimated 85 graduates will attend this event. These are students who completed their degree or certificate in fall 2023, or are expected to complete it in spring 2024 or summer 2024. A total of 418 students earned nearly 500 degrees and certificates last fall, and 655 YC students are currently on track to earn their degrees. and certificates this spring.

CHIEF SPEAKER: Representative Quang Nguyen, Beginning of the Verde Valley area
Rep. Quang Nguyen’s journey from Vietnamese refugee to dedicated public servant epitomizes the American Dream. Despite early challenges and doubts about his future, he taught himself English, worked tirelessly to support his education, and eventually graduated with a bachelor’s degree in industrial arts while working full-time. After successful careers in the aerospace industry and entrepreneurship, he now proudly serves as the AZ House Legislator for Legislative District 1, advocating conservative values ​​and ensuring the preservation of freedoms for future generations.

Representative Nguyen lives in Prescott Valley with his wife Mai and their two children. Their son, Casey, graduated from the University of Portland in 2017, and their daughter, Sarah, currently serves as a naval officer aboard the USS New Jersey, a Virginia-class fast nuclear submarine.

FACULTY SPEAKER: Dr. Andrew M. Winters, Beginning of the Verde Valley area
Andrew is Professor of Philosophy, Chair of the Humanities, and Co-Chair of the Faculty Senate at Yavapai College. Since 2018, he has taught courses in Humanities, Philosophy and Religious Studies at the YC.

A product of California’s community college system, he received a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of South Florida; a master’s degree in philosophy from the University of Colorado, Boulder; a master’s degree in philosophy and religion from the California Institute of Integral Studies; and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from California State University, Chico. He has published and spoken on issues related to science, religion, beauty, the nature of reality and the meaning of life.

STUDENT SPEAKER: Ms. Taidyme Mae, Beginning of the Verde Valley area
Taidyme started taking classes at Yavapai College in 2016 while she was still in high school. She was accepted into the YC Nursing Program in 2022 and has served as president of the YC Student Nurses Association for the past three semesters. After graduating with her Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, she plans to complete her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, also at Yavapai College! While she works on her bachelor’s degree, she hopes to work as a nurse in one of the area’s hospital emergency departments. She has played softball since she was nine and enjoys going to concerts and hiking. in the area. Taidyme lives in Prescott Valley with her dog Koda and her sulcata tortoise Tiny.

Students and parents are encouraged to use the hashtag #YCGradJoy on social media to share with their family and friends. Live streaming of the ceremonies is available at yc.edu.

Yavapai College operates six campuses and centers in Yavapai County and offers more than 100 degrees and certificates, two baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities.

For more information about YC, visit www.yc.edu.