Meet Dave Riek

Sometimes extracurricular involvement can be highly influential in helping us find our path in life, and that statement couldn’t be any truer for Dave Riek, the general manager for the KAWC radio station.

Mr. Riek initially had an interest in politics and law and he had the opportunity to exercise examining and discussing these subjects in his high school debate team, but it wasn’t until he got into debate in college that his plans changed.

“I got my scholarship to NAU because I was involved with the debate team [at college] and at NAU, I continued to do that,” said Mr. Riek, “. . . A friend of mine said, ‘Hey, you should check out this radio thing’ and when I tried it, I was doing the exact same stuff but on a radio and it was a lot more fun. So I decided I wasn’t going to become a lawyer, I was going to become a radio guy, and it’s been a natural fit and I’ve really enjoyed it ever since.”

For Mr. Riek, that discovery and involvement wouldn’t have been possible without his degree, which he was able to finish thanks to his scholarship. Today, he remains thankful for the help he’s received and pays it forward by having $10 from each of his paychecks sent to the AWC Foundation and assisting in the yearly “Radio Active Variety Show” fundraiser in addition to the La Cosecha scholarship that he and his wife, Dr. Ellen Riek, currently fund.

“The main thing is that, especially as somebody who’s been through college and knows how much it’s affected your life and improved your life,” he said, “to be able to pass that on to other people, I think that makes you feel good.”

Mr. Riek is the KAWC general manager and has a bachelor’s of science degree from NAU.

Jacque Dampier Memorial Scholarship for Culinary Students

Jacque retired from the US Army after serving his country for 27 years. After his retirement, he spent many years as a computer analyst. He eventually found that he loved to bake and went to school in San Diego, earning a certificate in Baking and Pastry. His bread making skills were amazing. When a position came available at Arizona Western College for a baking instructor, he jumped at it. Eventually he also taught basic culinary skills. His students respected him and considered him a friend. When he became too ill to teach, it devastated him. He loved what he did. He passed away on July 8, 2014 from cancer. He would be thrilled to know that scholarships in his name are being awarded to students interested in pursuing a career in something so close to his heart.

Jacob Louis Daily Memorial Scholarship

Growing up Jake was the pesky brother who drove his other three siblings crazy at times. To his parents, Jake was the dependable one who could always be trusted to do some of the heavy lifting around the house. Jake loved playing sports and was quite athletic. Jake was also incredibly smart but never came off as a know-it-all. He was just one of those naturally brilliant people who could recall facts or trivia with ease. While in high school, Jacob was involved in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) program all four years and served as chapter treasurer.

Jake's friends were people he'd known since grade school. Jake was very loyal and would do anything to help a friend in need. He was someone that everyone loved and no one had an ill word to say about him. He had an amazing work ethic and was always willing to help when needed. Jake was a quiet person... until you got him talking and then you couldn't make him stop. He would tell jokes that cracked his family and friends up.

Jacob passed away in March 2009 from injuries sustained from a work-related truck accident. He had just turned 24, and his family made the decision to donate his organs knowing it was what he would have wanted. Jake died a hero as he was able to give the gift of life and save many people by donating his liver, both kidneys, pancreas, corneas as well as being a tissue and bone donor. This Jacob Daily Memorial Scholarship was created to honor Jacob's legacy. His family is grateful to the Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association for honoring Jacob in this way by giving back to deserving students to fulfill their higher education goals.