Four students from CGCC named to All-Arizona Academic Teams

Recognized for academic achievements and distinguished leadership

CHANDLER, Ariz. –  March 20, 2017 --Four Chandler-Gilbert Community College students were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements and distinguished leadership at the 2017 All-Arizona Academic Recognition Ceremony on March 9 at the Hilton Phoenix/Mesa Hotel. Students Yessica Avitia, Danielle Jones, Adrian Ruiz and Rachel Torne joined 22 other Maricopa Community College District students to be honored for their success.

“Congratulation to Yessica, Danielle and Adrian and Rachel’s on being named to the All-Arizona Academic Team,” said William Guerriero, interim president at CGCC. “We commend you on your hard work and determination needed to receive this distinguished honor. We are honored to have you as part of the CGCC community and know you will go on to achieve great success in your academic and professional careers.”

To be considered for an All-Arizona Academic Teams, students must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale, be in good academic standing, be working on an associate degree, demonstrate leadership and be involved on campus and/or volunteer in their communities.

In addition, Phi Theta Kappa, American Association of Community Colleges, Arizona Community Colleges, Arizona Board of Regents and USA TODAY help these exceptional students reach their educational goals by awarding scholarships and issuing tuition waivers to Arizona’s three universities: Arizona State University, University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University.

Judging to select the recipients consisted of three rounds. In the first round, a group of local businesses, civic, education and government leaders reviewed applications and chose the recipients of the award. Only two students are selected from each college campus. The selected recipients’ applications were then forwarded to Washington, D.C., for second and third rounds of judging and scoring by representatives from various federal agencies and national education associations. Those scores were used to rank the students for first, second or third state teams. First Team members receive a $1,000 scholarship, Second Team members a $750 scholarship and Third Team members a $500 scholarship to one of Arizona’s state universities.

Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Williams Campus

Danielle Jones - Third Team

Transferring to: Arizona State University -- Major: Power Plant Engineering
Jones plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in power plant engineering at Arizona State University. Her 12-year commitment career goal is to earn the Designated Engineering Representative (DER) certification through the Federal Aviation Administration.

 

Adrian Ruiz - Second Team
Transferring to: Arizona State University -- Major: Nursing
Ruiz plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing at Arizona State University and become a registered nurse at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and later continue his service to the military and veteran community as a registered nurse at the Phoenix VA Healthcare System.

Chandler Gilbert Community College, Pecos Campus

Yessica Avitia Santos - Second Team
Transferring to: Arizona State University -- Major: Business
Avitia plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in business at Arizona State University and become a CEO of an international company while continuing to volunteer for organizations such as Boys and Girls Clubs and StreetLight USA.

Rachel Torne - Second Team
Transferring to: Arizona State University -- Major: Early Childhood Education/Special Education

Torne plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and special education
at Arizona State University and become an early childhood teacher for kindergarten-third graders or for an early childhood autism program. Torne plans to simultaneously earn her master’s degree, endorsements for her teaching certificate and be highly involved in the education community.

CGCC VP Named Man of the Year Award Among Men of Action

The Chandler Men of Action (CMOE), an African American youth empowerment organization, awarded the 2016 Coy Payne Man of the Year Award to CGCC Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. William H. Crawford III.  This award, which recognizes men who embody the CMOE mission of creating an environment of hope and opportunity for African-American youth, was given to Dr. Crawford for his commitment to educational leadership and the academic success of students in and outside of the classroom.  The presentation took place at the CMOE 4th Annual Banquet and Fundraiser last Friday, February 26 at the Chandler Community Center.

"Dr. Crawford exemplifies leadership in the educational community and beyond through his support, encouragement, and participation in activities and programs that promote educational equity which aligns with the mission and goals of both the Maricopa Community Colleges District and the Chandler Men of Action", said Pastor Victor Hardy, President of the Chandler Men of Action.

Dr. Crawford’s success in education is fueled by his own background as a proud product of the community college system.  He is passionate about student success and the mission of the community college system to respond to the needs of our communities and its residents.  One of the many ways Dr. Crawford helps to fulfill this mission is through frequently speaking to students, parents, and community leaders about the impact of the community college system on his life.
"Bill is an invaluable leader both at Chandler-Gilbert Community College and in the community. He is a consummate professional and a mentor to many at the college, ensuring that every action and activity taken at the college contributes to student success. The college is appreciative that he is being recognized with this honor,” said Dr. William Guerriero, Interim President of CGCC. 
Dr. Crawford offers a unique perspective forged through years of active involvement and a diverse set of experiences.  He is currently Chair of the City of Chandler Merit System Board; Chair of the Si Se Puede Foundation’s Board of Directors and a board member of the East Valley Partnership, East Valley NAACP, and the Chandler Men of Action.  Before transitioning to higher education, William Crawford was employed with the Phoenix Police Department for more than 23 years where he held numerous leadership positions and served with distinction. 

William Crawford holds both Doctorate and Master of Education degrees from Northern Arizona University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Justice Studies from Arizona State University.

About Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Chandler-Gilbert Community College is one of ten Maricopa County Community Colleges, the largest community college system in the country. CGCC serves the higher education needs of over 19,000 students at four locations in the Southeast Valley of the Phoenix metropolitan area - the Pecos Campus in Chandler, the Williams Campus in Mesa, the Sun Lakes Center in Sun Lakes and at the Communiversity in Queen Creek. CGCC offers degrees and certificates in a variety of fields, university transfer, workforce development programs, and continuing education, along with nationally recognized programs in service learning, learning communities, and civic engagement. For more information, visit cgc.edu or call 480-732-7000.