CGCC Alumni News

Chandler-Gilbert Community College alumni Derek Lull and Martine Garcia are making local headlines for their service to their communities and commitment to academics.

Derek Lull

Derek, a graduate of CGCC’s Law Enforcement Training Academy, currently works as a police officer in Coolidge serving the safety needs of his community.

Martine Garcia

Martine, a dual master’s degree graduate in management and legal studies from Arizona State University is passionate about people, community and education and has spent the past year and a half applying these passions by mentoring and advising student leaders at Arizona State University's Changemaker Central.




Read more about Derek and Martine’s journey after CGCC.

Behind the Scenes with CGCC Alumni Turned Children’s Author Kathy Peach

Kathy Peach and President Bill Guerriero

We sat down with Kathy Peach former Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) student and successful children’s author for a brief Q&A to chat about her recent visit to CGCC’s Children’s Literature class, her new children’s book The Tiniest Tumbleweed and the inspiration behind her pages.

Connections (CX): You recently visited Chandler-Gilbert Community College to talk about your first children’s book The Tiniest Tumbleweed. Tell us more about the event and what it meant for you as former student to come back and share your book with the CGCC community.

Peach: The purpose of my visit to Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) was twofold. First, it was my desire to dedicate a copy of The Tiniest Tumbleweed to the CGCC library. It was my privilege and pleasure to meet and present a copy to CGCC interim president Dr. William Guerriero.

CX: In addition to your book reading, event attendees were able to learn more about your relationship with CGCC. Can you explain your book’s connection to your time as a student at CGCC?

Peach: During my visit to CGCC, I had the good fortune to spend time with the future teachers attending Professor Sharon Fagan’s Children’s Literature class. It was when I was attending professor Fagan’s Children’s Lit class that I learned of the components of literature that define a piece of children’s literature as quality. In writing The Tiniest Tumbleweed, I referred to the handout we were given in class where each component was explained. I literally compared my manuscript to the handout, over and over again to ensure I was incorporating as many of the concepts as was possible.

CX: In addition to your book reading, event attendees had the opportunity to hear from your book’s publisher and author. Tell us more about their involvement.

Peach: The students in attendance had the opportunity to meet the publisher of the book, Mrs. Linda Radke. Mrs. Radke is owner and president of Five Star Publications, Inc. a local and award winning publishing company located in Chandler. The Tiniest Tumbleweed is published through Little Five Start, the children’s division of Five Star Publications, Inc.

As an additional treat, Alex Lopez, the illustrator, joined the class via Skype. The students heard how Mr. Lopez envisioned and drew the artwork for the book. Mr. Lopez stated that he enjoyed the story and easily formed an emotional connection with the characters, the tumbleweed and sparrow parents wishing the best for their children, as his own triplet daughters, too, were small at birth.       

CX: What influence did CGCC have on your desire to become a children’s author?

Peach: I moved to Chandler, AZ in March of 2009 and enrolled at CGCC as a first time college student in May of 2009. Three life changing events happened while I was in attendance. The first occurred in Sharon Fagan’s Children’s Literature class. I had always wanted to write a children’s book. Based on the information in Fagan’s class, the goal changed. No longer did I want to write a children’s book. I wanted to produce a piece of quality children’s literature. There is a difference. Time will tell whether or not I will have fulfilled my goal.

Second, I was introduced to Dr. Albert Bandura’s work in the concepts of self-efficacy during Dr. Karen Hardin’s Psychology 101 class. The Tiniest Tumbleweed rests on the foundation of Dr. Bandura’s work. His work also served as the basis for the scientific research required to complete my thesis at Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University. Third, I received an invitation to apply to Barrett Honors College during my final semester at CGCC.  The rest is history.

When I enrolled at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, my oldest daughter, Tiffany, said, “Mom, the world is going to open up to you in ways you will have never thought possible. That’s what college does for people.” Little did I realize how prophetic her words would become and my “world opening up” experience all started at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. I am delighted to be able to give back a small portion of what the institution has given to me. 

Book info
The Tiniest Tumbleweed released on January 8, 2016 and is already in its second printing. It became an award winning book two times in March 2016 recognized as honor awardees at both the 2016 Southwest Book Festival contest and the Los Angeles Book Fest contest. Through Eileen Bailey and KidsReadUSA, a copy of the book was placed into the hands of every third grader in the Balsz School District. The Washington School District recently bought copies for their Special Education Department and their Head Start teachers. There have been several sold out author signings at Sibley’s West, The Chandler and Arizona Gift Shop located in downtown Chandler, AZ. You can purchase the book the Chandler-Gilbert Community College bookstore, Chandler, AZ and through www.tiniesttumbleweed.com, Amazon.com, and Barnes and Noble.com. I am also available for school visits. Please contact Little Five Star Publications at 480.940.8182 for details.     

CGCC Honors Alumnus for Major League Debut

Last Friday, January 29th Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) baseball program honored alumnus and current New York Yankees pitcher James Pazos for his Major League Baseball debut and CGCC athletic accomplishments. A sign with Pazos’ name was hung on the on outfield fence during a pre-game recognition ceremony attended by the local community.

Pazos, a 2009 graduate of Highland High School in Gilbert, pitched one season for the Coyotes in 2010 before transferring to University of San Diego where he pitched for an addition two seasons. He was drafted in the 13th round of the Amateur Major League Baseball® (MLB) draft in 2012 by the New York Yankees.

"James had an immediate impact on our program as a freshman.  From day one he had foundational belief in himself and an unending willingness to work," said Russell Luce, Head Baseball Coach at CGCC. "He was an amazing teammate and leader in his time with CGCC, and we are proud of him and his accomplishments. We are excited about his baseball MLB future."

While at CGCC, Pazos posted a 9-4 record with a 1.94 ERA helping the team earn runner-up honors in the Region I playoffs. He also threw a no-hitter against Salt Lake Community College on February 17, 2010 walking three and striking out nine players in a 2-0 win. Pazos made his MLB® debut in 2015 with the New York Yankees against the Tampa Bay Rays.

CGCC to Honor Alumnus for Major League Debut

Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) baseball program will honor alumnus and current New York Yankees pitcher James Pazos on Friday, January 29 at 6:00 p.m. during a pre-game recognition ceremony on the college’s baseball field. A sign with Pazos’ name will be hung on the field's outfield fence in recognition of his major league debut and professional accomplishments.

Pazos, a 2009 graduate of Highland High School in Gilbert, pitched one season for the Coyotes in 2010 before transferring to University of San Diego where he pitched for an addition two seasons. He was drafted in the 13th round of the Amateur Major League Baseball (MLB) draft in 2012 by the New York Yankees.

While at CGCC, Pazos posted a 9-4 record with a 1.94 ERA helping the team earn runner-up honors in the Region I playoffs. He also threw a no-hitter against Salt Lake Community College on February 17, 2010 walking three and striking out nine players in a 2-0 win. Pazos made his MLB debut in 2015 with the New York Yankees against the Tampa Bay Rays.

"James had an immediate impact on our program as a freshman.  From day one he had foundational belief in himself and an unending willingness to work," said Russell Luce, Head Baseball Coach at CGCC. "He was an amazing teammate and leader in his time with CGCC, and we are proud of him and his accomplishments. We are excited about his baseball MLB future."

CGCC James Pazos Called Up To Major Leagues

James Pazos,  CGCC

James Pazos who pitched for the 2010 Region 1 runner up team at CGCC, has been called up to the big leagues.
James transferred to the University of San Diego from CGCC and was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 2012 draft in the 13th round.

Congratulations to James and his family!

See the announcement here. 

Visit New York Yankee Player Profile.

Two alumni earn prestigious veterans scholarship

CGCC alumni Joe Schiavo and Russ Good

The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society (AVHOF) awarded two of three state scholarships to Chandler-Gilbert Community College alumni. In addition to being honorably discharged, veterans are selected based on their academic scholarship, patriotism and service to their country and community.

Army vet Russ Good '13 and Air Force vet Joe Schiavo '14 both attended CGCC prior to advancing to Arizona State University, where they are now pursuing bachelor degrees. 

 Good, who is also a former Tempe police sergeant, is pursuing a secondary education degree and wants to become a high school science teacher in low-income areas. He has assisted with distributing medical supplies, building houses and drilling clean water wells in Central America and Morocco.

After his goal of earning a two-year degree in one year at ASU, Schiavo plans to enroll in the physician assistant graduate program at A.T. Still University. He is currently a volunteer at the Phoenix Allies for Community Health clinic in downtown Phoenix.

The scholarship winners were honored at the annual AVHOF Patriotic Gala on Saturday, Mar. 21 which was attended by, among others, Gov. Doug Ducey, Rep. Martha McSally and Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton.

Mom and daughter end up going to college together

Sandy Balazik, right, and her daughter
 and classmate, Stephanie.

The Washington Post ran a story by Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) alumna Sandy Balazic titled, "I went to college with my daughter. Nothing has made us closer." As a single parent, she put off her own education while raising four daughters and ended up attending CGCC and Arizona State University with one of them, sometimes in the same class.

Engineering alum first undergrad to graduate from MasterCard Foundation Scholars program

Arizona State University news highlighted the accomplishments of CGCC alumnus and soccer player Ibrahima Diop as the first undergraduate student to graduate from the $500-million MasterCard Foundation Scholars program. Diop credits engineering faculty Bassam Matar for his guidance, advice and for “being a good father figure” who helped him excel and reach his goals. Read the article.

Basketball alum goes pro

An article in the July 25 issue of Alaska News-Miner notes that Andrew Kelly '12 of the Alaska Nanooks has signed to play one year with Club Sindri in Hofn, Iceland. Kelly was the 2013-14 Great Northwest Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Club Sindri is one of 18 teams in the Second Division of the Icelandic Basketball Federation.

CGCC honors 12 with Teal & Silver award for dedication and support

From left: Steven Fox, CGCC President Linda Lujan, Linda Czarnecki,
Tom Gariepy, Chief Frank Milstead, Terri Kimble, Lisa Avalos, Kristi
Robertson, Jace Hermanson, Amanda Shepherd, Bill Crawford, Jon Terpay.

(This event was also covered by the East Valley Tribune. Read the article.)

Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) honored their 10th Annual Teal & Silver award recipients during a breakfast event at the college's Williams Campus on May 6. Twelve winners were recognized for their dedication and support of CGCC students, employees, programs, services and the college community.

The 2014 Teal & Silver award recipients are:

• Lisa Avalos, Desert Ridge High School who, through her commitment, increased dual enrollment participation by 48 percent in one year.
• Linda Czarnecki, Doherty Foundation, who has donated more than $132,000 to over CGCC 250 students on behalf of the foundation.
• Steven Fox, Ph.D. Licensed Psychologist for his contributions to the academic success and persistence of CGCC students through his volunteer service to the Psychology Club. 
• Officer Derek Fritsche, Mesa Police Department, who not only serves as a reserve police officer but has volunteered for CGCC’s law enforcement training academy and had had numerous accomplishments.
• Jace Hermanson, Arizona Sun Sales, who has consistently shown his passion for the electric utility technology program following his graduation from the program through his participation as an adjunct faculty member, volunteer, lineman’s competition judge and scholarship donor.
• Terri Kimble, Chandler Chamber of Commerce, who recognizes the important role education plays in the region’s economic prosperity and is supportive of the unique contributions of community colleges to the community’s future.
• Jeanine Masumura, Higley Unified School District who has coordinated more than 200 service-learning opportunities, providing approximately 5,000 hours of extra help in the Higley district’s classrooms. 
• Chief Frank Milstead, Mesa Police Department, who, through his assistance and leadership, has helped the CGCC law enforcement training academy build an outstanding reputation.
• Robert Richter, Roberts Catering, who has played a significant role in many events hosted by the Office of Student Affairs over the past 15 years.
• Kristi Robertson, AdMix Social, who has helped grow CGCC’s Facebook fans by more than 5,000 and increased Twitter followers by more than 2,100 as well as increased reach and engagement in those channels.
• Amanda Shepherd, Gilbert Senior Center, who enabled 195 CGCC students to experience deep and meaningful service-learning opportunities interacting with seniors.
• Staff of the Marketing and Communications Department, Maricopa County Community College District for saving CGCC considerable resources through their professional support of the college’s marketing and communications efforts.

"This year's Teal & Silver award recipients have made a significant difference in our college community through their contributions and commitment to the CGCC students, faculty and staff," said Linda Lujan, Chandler-Gilbert Community College president. "None of us do this alone. It truly takes all our partnerships and friendships for CGCC to serve our students and communities, and we are truly grateful for their efforts."

The Chandler-Gilbert Community College Teal & Silver Awards Program was created to recognize the contributions of individuals who support Chandler-Gilbert Community College through various efforts. This year's recipients positively impact the college by assisting with the program or service improvements, supporting creative and innovative ideas, improving the quality of the college experience, support the delivery of instruction, providing resources or assisting with cost-saving measures and advocating for the college in media, with elected officials and the in the community.

Student heading to Harvard following graduation

ABC15 news and the East Valley Tribune covered the story of Chandler-Gilbert Community College sophomore Maria Romero-Morfin who was accepted into Harvard for the second time in two years. She'll be headed to the ivy league university to study kinesiology following her graduation in May. Read more.

Former student receives Maricopa's Officer of the Year award

Officer Arielle Cohen, who received the Officer of the
Year award, shakes the hand of Maricopa Police
Department Commander James Hughes.
Photo by Kyle Daly.

Officer Arielle Cohen, a graduate of Chandler-Gilbert Community College's Law Enforcement Training Academy, received the Officer of the Year award from the Maricopa Police Foundation last year. The event was reported by online news site InMaricopa.com. Read the full article.

Food blogger, author and CGCC grad Tessa Arias graces cover of Go Gilbert!

The April 2013 issue of Go Gilbert! features Tessa Arias, a CGCC grad who transferred to Northern Arizona University. Read about her successful business venture and her upcoming cookbook, Cookies & Cream, being released online at Barnes and Noble in May.

Read her blog at handletheheat.com.