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.
Lorena ‘Nena’ Zendejas
Teacher at Gary Knox Elementary School
Education:
Masters in Educational Leadership
at Grand Canyon University
Nena is a coordinator for the ASU/Yuma County Early Literacy Project and a member of the Arizona School Boards Association. And participates in community committees and activities such as YES for Somerton Kids, Somorton School Board, Somerton Planning and Zoning Commision and the Somrton Future High School Committee.
Lucila Sedano
Caterfit Yuma Executive Chef and Owner
Education:
Associates of Culinary Arts, Arizona Western College, 2009
Associates of Dietary Management, Arizona Western College, 2009
Bachelor's of Business Management, University of Phoenix
My education allows me to help others. After studying Dietetics and practicing in local care centers, school kitchens and several locations with AWC programs, I noticed that my passion was on cooking and making people enjoy their meals. I decided to take on another degree and went for Culinary Arts. For several years, I enjoyed cooking and learning new cooking techniques. I loved empowering trainees to feel passion for this career as well. After finishing a Bachelor's degree in business management, I followed my teacher’s advice and created a business, CaterFit, where I offer a wide variety of meal plans to suit different lifestyles: Paleo, vegan, gluten free and vegetarian diets, just to name some of them. The best part is that I can creatively put menus together and have fun cooking while teaching people how easy it is to prepare delicious and healthy meals. In addition to managing CaterFit, I still hold my full time position as executive chef at a local Living Center.
Olivia Zepeda
Associate Superintendent, Gadsden Elementary School District
Education:
Master's in Bilingual and Multicultural Education, Northern Arizona University
Bachelor's in Elementary Education, Northern Arizona University
Associates, Arizona Western College
Olivia Elizondo Zepeda, an immigrant child and binational migrant farm worker from the age of 10 moved from Mexico to San Luis, AZ when she was 14. With over 39 years of experience in education, Zepeda has taught elementary through university levels and served as the Associate Superintendent of the Gadsden Elementary School District for 17 years. She has a passion and track record for service and education. Zepeda was appointed to the AWC District Governing Board in March, 2012 and has worked to support successful student outcomes and a college-going culture. Her diverse board service includes Learning Forward, the Yuma Education Foundation, Campesinos Sin Fronteras, the Yuma Education Access Council, Arizona Community Foundation Board, American Beginnings Board, Arizona TESOL, and Yuma Fine Arts. Zepeda is frequently called upon to give national and international presentations on the successes of the students in South Yuma County. In 2012, Zepeda received the OHTLI award, a designation of distinction for a successful Latino/a by the Mexican Consulate in the United States. Zepeda has made a lasting contribution to the communities she serves, especially in the South Yuma County, by transforming student learning opportunities.
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!!
Alumni Activities
Alumni Perks
20% off threading services
10% off food purchases
15% off salon services
5% discount on membership
Membership (Single $29, Joint $47, Family $57)
Free admission to sporting events
10% off purchase
Interested in joining the Alumni Association?
Frequently Asked Questions
An AWC alumnus is a graduate or former student of Arizona Western College.
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.