Welcome Alumni
The Arizona Western College Alumni Association will work to develop pride in Arizona Western College and promote the educational, professional, and personal development of alumni and friends of AWC. The Alumni Association operates to increase resources by raising funds for scholarships and creating partnerships that support the mission of AWC.
Featured Alum

Lisa Males
Owner, The Artsy Fartsy Studio
Education:
Associates in Business, Aizona Western College, 2005
Bachelor's in Business Management, Northern Arizona University, 2007
Lisa is the proud owner and creativity coach at The Artsy Fartsy Studio in Yuma, AZ. She loves teaching art and seeing people tap into their creative side. Her studio offers kids classes, private parties, and much more.

Bengie Molina
2017 Hall of Fame Recipient
Education:
High School in Puerto Rico
Arizona Western College 1991-1992
Before Bengie Molina was an Angel, a Blue Jay, a Giant, or a Ranger – he was a Matador. After graduating from high school with honors in Puerto Rico, Molina played shortstop and pitched for Arizona Western College in 1991 and 1992. From there Molina went on to become a catcher in the Major Leagues where he won two World Series rings (Anaheim Angels in 2002, San Francisco Giants in 2010). He was also awarded a Golden Glove as the top defensive player at his position in both 2002 and 2003. Molina’s baseball career includes a rare feat of hitting for the cycle in one game. On July 16, 2010, Molina hit (in order) a single, a double, a grand slam home run, and a triple. He is the first catcher in Major League history to hit for the cycle with a grand slam. After retiring from the majors, Molina went on to coach with the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers, and made a third trip to the World Series with St. Louis. Molina is also a published author, having written the New York Times bestselling book “Molina: The Story of the Father Who Raised an Unlikely Dynasty.”

Thu Pham
Student
Thu Pham attained her Associate of Science in Biology in 2013 from AWC. She has been accepted to a dual degree program, Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Public Health. She is enrolled in the Master of Public Health program at the College of Public Health, University of Arizona and is seeking a master degree in Health Policy and Management.
She will start her first semester at the College of Pharmacy this coming Fall at the University of Arizona, in order to pursue the Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

Charlene Fernandez
Democratic Leader of the Arizona House of Representatives
Education:
Northern Arizona University
Arizona Western College
State Representative Charlene Fernandez currently serves Legislative District 4 -- which includes parts of Yuma, Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal Counties -- in the Arizona legislature, and is the Democratic Caucus Leader of the House of Representatives.
Charlene is one of the legislature's strongest advocates for public education, frequently pushing for more school funding from her position on the appropriations committee.
Prior to being elected to the legislature, Charlene worked in a variety of policy and constituent service roles for Congressman Ed Pastor, Governor Janet Napolitano and Congressman Raúl Grijalva. Charlene also served for more than 12 years on the Yuma Union High School Board.
Charlene was born and raised in Yuma, Arizona. She attended Yuma High School where she graduated, and went on to attend Arizona Western College before transferring to Northern Arizona University earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. We are proud to say that she got her start at AWC! Once a Matador, always a Matador!!

Kim Seh
Principal
Education:
Master's in Educational Leadership, Northern Arizona University-Yuma
Bacheror's in Elementary Education, Northern Arizona University-Yuma
Associate's, Arizona Western College, 1993
Kim chose AWC due to its convenience and quality of education. She was able to complete all her degrees and certifications in the town where she grew up. She enjoyed all her professors and the support given.
As an educator in the community, Kim felt AWC prepared her for NAU by offering rigorous educational courses. Her counselors were supportive and helped her map out an educational course plan that was smooth and successful. She has served Yuma County education in various capacities: 6 years as a teacher, 4 years as an instructional coach, 5 years as district curriculum director, and 10 years and counting as principal.
The biggest lesson learned at AWC was perseverance and taking responsibility for her own education. Woven into this lesson was the ability to build relationships with the faculty and learning organizational skills that have supported her career to this day.
AWC is a great place to begin and achieve your educational goals! The faculty and course offerings are supportive to any stage of life you may be in: working parent, high school graduate, or mature student coming back to earn a degree- all are welcomed and can find success at AWC. The Yuma area is always in need of educators that are passionate for the children in our community and AWC can set you on the right track towards success as an educator.
Interested in joining the Alumni Association?
Frequently Asked Questions
Go to foundation.azwestern.edu and click on Alumni. Complete the online registration form and pay $20 fee for the Alumni Perks Card. We’re thrilled to welcome former students and recent graduates alike into our AWC Alumni Association. Get excited, because you’re a part of a BIG community with amazing accomplishments. Expect to receive various discounts on goods and services, Constant Contact newsletter with networking and upcoming events, and involvement opportunities that will keep you connected. Be sure to submit your current contact information, and update it if you move. With your support of $20 a year, keep your pride and appreciation for the College alive by sharing your story with others.
To obtain a new copy of your diploma, visit the College's Student Records and Registration Department to fill out a back order diploma form.
AWC has authorized the National Student Clearinghouse to provide transcript ordering online. You can order transcripts using any major credit card. Your card will only be charged after your order has been completed. Visit Student Records to request your transcript.
The College's Student Records department handles degree verification. AWC has authorized the National Student Clearinghouse to provide enrollment and degree verifications to employers and student loan servicers. If you have a specific form that needs verification of enrollment, you will need to contact the Admissions and Registration office to obtain verification.
If you are an employer or background screening firm requesting this information, visit www.degreeverify.org.
Contact Info Email: records@azwestern.edu
Phone: (928) 344-7550
Fax: (928) 344-7543
Location: 3C - Top Floor
Hours: Monday - Thursday: 7:00am - 5:00pm
Make a gift online or visit our website for more information about ways to give.
Call the AWC Foundation Office at 928-344-1720 for information about Named Scholarships, Gifts of Stock and Planned Giving.
Email the following contact information to awc.alumni@azwestern.edu
Name, Address, Date of Birth, Program of Study, Years attended
The AWC Alumni Association (AWCAA) works to develop pride in AWC and promote the educational, professional, and personal development of alumni and friends. AWCAA operates to increase resources by raising funds for scholarships and creating partnerships that support the mission of AWC.
An AWC alumnus is a graduate or former student of Arizona Western College.
Any other questions?
AWC.Alumni@azwestern.edu
928-317-7620