Remembrances

From Don Burns: (1969-1971)

I graduated from YC in the first graduating class. After 13 years in my chosen field, I enrolled at ASU taking night classes when I could and then 14 years later received my Bachelors degree. I am now retired after 32 years in computer programming and have moved to the Verde Valley where I took a position as an adjunct faculty for YC teaching computer classes.

Learning programming at YC was a bit challenging to say the least. The college did not have a computer so we students would write our programs, key them in to punched cards and then every weekend would drive to Phoenix and run and madly debug our programs at Maricopa Technical College where YC leased computer time until we got our very own IBM model 25 - it had 24k of memory, what a monster.

From Elaine (Barnes) Farr: (1973-1975)

I loved attending Yavapai. I was able to play volleyball and basketball with the women's teams while there. I met my husband at YC as well; we've been married 30 years. Our favorite activity was attending the men's basketball games. A large group of us 'borrowed' metal trash can lids, and joyfully clashed them in unison to support our team. We were nicknamed 'tin pan alley' by the local press. One student-Frank, would jump onto the court between quarters, dancing to the band and rousing the crowd. It was easy to meet people, and kids came from all over the state, but mostly northern Arizona, so we found people we knew from high school sports and things.

From Lindsey Jastrzab: (1997-1999)

I played volleyball as a Roughrider during my two year stay at Yavapai. I continued on to play at the University of Portland as a Pilot. I received my Bachelors in Arts in 2002. I moved back to Scottsdale to take prerequisite classes for California State - Dominguez Hill's Prosthetics program. I graduated from CSUDH in 2005. Most recently I attended Northwestern to earn my Orthotics education. I am currently working as a certified Prosthetist in South Scottsdale at Prosthetic Orthotic Associates while completing my orthotics residency.

During the Spring of my Freshman year, the volleyball team signed up as a team for a Backpacking Class. The class consisted of a weekend of backpacking at the Verde River. Being quite the outdoor's woman ;) this trip was quite memorable. We crossed through the freezing river 6 times to find the best camping spot, spotted a rattle snake, and lost 2 tents down the river. We had a great time and definitely bonded. The weekend was a great memory. I have also maintained many friendships since Yavapai. I was lucky enough to make lifelong friendships.

Fay Matsumoto definitely impacted me positively while I was at YC. She was our assistant VB coach and always pushed each individual girl to get the most out of us. She was very dedicated and always a ton of fun to be around. I must mention Dalton Overstreet (our head Coach) because he was wonderful too. He put a great team together. These two people will always be held in high regard in my mind.

From Yolande LaFontaine

What I remember most about my time at the YC library is the friendly atmosphere and helpfulness of every staff member. The state of the art of the library where current information is always available. The layout of the library which is very inviting and where one can easily find what they are looking for and if not, the well informed staff members at the reference desk who is always available.

I have come across several libraries since I have left and have yet to encounter one as well setup, maintained and staffed. I really miss the atmosphere of the YC library which made it a pleasure to come to work. Being there was always a pleasure and a welcome change of pace. Interfacing with both the students and faculty members was interesting and fun.

From John Summers:

I continued to gain mechanical design knowledge in the years since I gained my AAS degree at Yavapai in various career positions over the years. I now am using my skills with a wind engineering firm here in Colorado. Also recently was awarded a Professional level certification using Solidworks.

My most fond memories would have to be working in a team environment in the manufacturing program under Dr. Larry Strom. He was a mentor to many of us that went through his excellent program. It was very difficult as I was working 50-65 hour work weeks while going to school but well worth it in the end.

From Mollie Gugler:

I've worked at the College for 20 years and have taken classes off and on since 1973 so I have many memories. I remember hanging out with my friend in the glassblowing area in the mid-1970’s where she was taking a class. It was amazing to feel the heat from the glass furnace and watch the students blow and shape the glass. I also remember taking a solar energy class. The College seemed to me to be a lively, happening place. Of course, the memories that stick out the most in my mind are of the changes that have taken place in the Library.

When I first started, the Library still had its catalog on microfiche. The patron's records had been put into a computer system, CLSI but everything else was done manually. We very quickly moved from that into using computers for as much as we could. The Director at that time, Charlotte Brennan, was very forward thinking and always seemed to know where we should be technologically before we even knew of the need. We started with 4 Apple computers for student usage.

The library used to be on the bottom level of Building 3. In Dec. 1989 the back wall of the building was knocked out and the building was extended out into a small parking lot. It was great to have more space in the library but I missed the back parking lot--I used to take a nap there in my car on my lunch break. Opening the Library at 7 a.m. every day could be tiring at times. Anyway, everything in the library needed to be moved when the expansion took place--what a job that was. We finished in time to open up for the start of Spring Semester 1990.

From Bruce Hart II:(1972-1974)

Hi, Thanks for looking me up. I'm a psychologist in private practice, and live in Yuma, Arizona. After graduating from Yavapai College in 1974, I attended NAU receiving a B.S. in psychology in1976. I then attended Kent State University from 1976 until receiving a Ph.D. in psychology in1982. I hold a diplomate in forensic psychology, and a fellow with the American College of Forensic Examiners. I've published in the areas of PTSD and psychological testing for the courts. I live with my wife Janice, and our son attends AWC.

I was a member of the Brotherhood, a non-traditional fraternity, and we enjoyed cheering on the Rough Riders Basket Ball team as well as the community service projects we completed.

I really appreciated the college professors, and the personal relationships which we were able to establish. John Haynes and Ron Adams helped cement a solid academic foundation in English and math respectively.