Yuma, Arizona - Arizona Western College is inviting alumni to help kick off Homecoming week at the AWC Alumni Breakfast and Hall of Fame Celebration on Thursday, October 20, in the Schoening Conference Center from 8:00-9:00am. AWC’s 2016 Hall of Fame Inductees, Mrs. Olivia Zepeda and Mr. C. Candy Camarena, will be honored at the breakfast, as well as at the Homecoming game on Saturday, October 29th.
Renee Smith, AWC Director of Institutional Advancement said, “Over the years, AWC has produced many outstanding graduates who are leaders in our community. It is an honor to recognize the 2016 Inductees for their outstanding service to our community.”
2016 Hall of Fame Inductee Olivia Zepeda
Olivia Elizondo Zepeda, an immigrant child and binational migrant farm worker from the age of 10 moved from Mexico to San Luis, Arizona when she was 14. After two years at Kofa High School, she enrolled at Arizona Western College, where she earned an Associate in Arts degree. She received a BA in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University and later her Master’s degree in Bilingual and Multicultural Education. 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. Zepeda has been an ardent supporter of expanding educational opportunities and immigrant advocacy.
2016 Hall of Fame Inductee C. Candy Camarena
C. Candy Camarena’s determination and consistent efforts to achieve success have firmly established his solid reputation as an attorney and community benefactor. Camarena has been instrumental in the development and sponsorship of the La Cosecha Banquet at Arizona Western College, where graduates from all walks of life are recognized for their perseverance in attaining an Associate’s degree in the face of obstacles. After studying Criminal Justice at AWC, Camarena majored Eonomics and Business at ASU, and was later admitted to the ASU Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. Camarena says, “I learned early to work hard to sustain myself, but also to accept help when I needed it, and to help whenever someone else needed it."
For more information, please contact the AWC Foundation Office at (928) 344-1720