Transfer students to be honored at La Cosecha
May 1, 2024Students awarded with scholarships during event
Yuma, AZ (May 1, 2024) – Arizona Western College students transferring to a university after graduation will be celebrated as part of the annual La Cosecha event.
This year’s celebration will take place on Thursday, May 16, in the Schoening Conference Center, located in the 3C Building of the AWC Yuma Campus, 2020 S. Ave. 8E. Registration begins at 5:45 p.m. and the dinner and program will begin at 6:30 p.m.
The event is intended to recognize AWC graduates transferring to a four-year university in the presence of their families, college officials, staff, and community guests. Graduates are encouraged to continue their education in hopes they will return to the community as professionals and serve as a catalyst for others to do the same.
These individuals have demonstrated extraordinary persistence in order to receive their education. In addition to pursuing a transfer degree, students honored at this event must have also met at least one of the following criteria to apply for the recognition:
• First Generation (neither parent has a bachelor’s degree from the U.S.)
• Relied/depended on financial aid to complete a degree
• Students with a disability
• Experienced unusual/extenuating circumstances during degree completion (i.e. illness, loss of income, death in the family)
All honored graduates will receive a certificate of recognition and a commemorative sash to signify persistence in the attainment of their educational goals. Five students will also be featured as speakers during this event.
Scholarships will be awarded during the celebration. Donors include AWC staff, faculty, and graduates as well as community members. An average of 12 to 15 scholarships are awarded each year.
The event is also designed to give graduates the experience of a professional event they might encounter in the future. In 1997, by the suggestion and financial support of Candy Camarena, what was a simple reception was transformed into a banquet. As an AWC alumnus, Candy Camarena set an example of paying it forward by facilitating this collaborative opportunity for students to take part in.
“For 26 years, Candy Camarena’s dedication and support to AWC reminds us that our community thrives because of individuals like him. We are forever grateful for his continued support as he handed off the reigns of La Cosecha to Mr. Jimmy Esparza,” said Gladys Anaya, AWC Foundation Development Manager.
Last year, Jimmy Esparza, CEO of Renewable Power USA, assumed the mantle by becoming the latest contributor to the collaborative efforts with Arizona Western College. His commitment ensures the continuation of the tradition of recognizing and honoring students through this esteemed banquet.
Visit azwestern.edu/lacosecha to learn more about this event.
The media is invited to attend.
Contact:
Angela Amezaga
Transfer Services and Program Coordinator
Arizona Western College
Angela.Amezaga@azwestern.edu
928-344-7630
Contact:
Martha Cordova
Director of Transfer Services
Arizona Western College
Martha.Cordova@azwestern.edu
928-344-7601