SCC Alumni Newsletter - edition #11
September 2024
Celebrating 25 Years: The Center for Native and Urban Wildlife
25 Years of Biodiversity, Education, and Conservation
SCC is proud to celebrate 25 years of biodiversity, education, and conservation through its award-winning Center for Native & Urban Wildlife (CNUW). Founded in 2000 as a hands-on learning gateway within the Biology department, CNUW has grown into one of Arizona’s most innovative environmental education programs. Through outreach, habitat restoration, citizen science, and the on-campus nature center, CNUW has served over 50,000 students and community members since its founding.
To mark this milestone, the college will host a 25th Anniversary Dinner on Friday, October 24, at SCC’s Two Waters Circle. The event will celebrate CNUW’s impact and raise support for the next generation of programming across three key initiatives: Urban Rewilding, Restoration and Preservation of Natural Habitats, and Sharing the Beauty and Wonder of Native Wildlife. Read More.
FIGHTING ARTICHOKE ALUMS!
Corey Lycopolus Plied his CNUW Experience to Become National Park Service Ranger
The extracurricular activities and opportunities at SCC for on-the-job, real-world training set Corey Lycopolus up for success. "The experiences I had while working at the Center for Native and Urban Wildlife (CNUW) and the connections I made with faculty and staff were instrumental in providing me with the skill set and leadership experience that enabled me to secure subsequent professional work experiences." Read More.
Alumna Lisa Tower's Degree was the Spring Board for her Role as a Behavioral Health Counselor
"SCC prepared me for my Bachelor's degree and provided opportunities to give back to the community and fall in love with people of all backgrounds, cultures, orientations, and ages. It taught me to see things from so many different perspectives." Lisa Tower went on to complete her Master's degree and currently serves others as a Behavioral Health Lead. Read More.
We’re proud of you and want to know about your journey, whether you graduated decades or just months ago. Brag about those milestone achievements and your success by submitting your alumni story.
Go to this link to share your SCC Alumni Story:
SCC NEWS
You Are Invited: American Indian Program Open House
SCC invites students, families, and community members to attend its American Indian Program (AIP) Open House on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Indigenous Cultural Center (ICC 221/222) on campus.
SCC Library Offers Author Talks
The SCC Library and the Library Speakers Consortium have partnered to present a series of free virtual talks featuring bestselling and award-winning authors from around the world. The featured writers and thought leaders cover a wide range of fiction and nonfiction genres. Participants have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss the author’s work in more detail. You also have access to past speakers. Read More and Register.
Explore AZ - Free Admission with Culture Passes
Beat the heat and explore the arts for free. Check out a Culture Pass to visit one of Arizona’s cultural treasures. The Pass provides free general admission for 2 people at participating organizations. Passes to over a dozen museums, gardens, and zoos are available at the SCC Library.
SCC Planetarium Reopens with Public Events This Fall
The SCC Planetarium is once again welcoming the public under the dome, offering a new series of free, live astronomy shows this fall as part of its re-opening season. One of the hidden gems of the Valley, the SCC Planetarium is a unique educational space that brings the wonders of the night sky to life—and it’s ready to inspire a new generation of stargazers. View the Fall Schedule.
JobFest - September 24, 2025
You won’t want to miss this opportunity to connect with 30+ hiring employers looking for talented professionals to fill a variety of roles! This event includes free professional headshots, raffle prizes, and more! Read More.
SCC Recognized with Sustainability Leadership Award
SCC’s ongoing efforts to make campus life more environmentally conscious and to support sustainability initiatives across the Maricopa County Community College District were honored with the 2025 Sustainability Leadership Awards during this year’s E.A.R.T.H. Forward event. SCC employee and alumna Natalie Case was celebrated for her leadership on the Sustainability Committee and her involvement in campus-based sustainability projects. Read More.
SCC Expands Popular Yoga Instruction Program with Advanced Level II Certification
SCC is launching its Yoga Instruction: Level II Certificate of Completion – a comprehensive, 500-hour advanced training program designed for aspiring yoga instructors looking to deepen their practice and expand their teaching skills. The new Level II program builds on the success of the college’s initial Yoga Instruction: Level I certificate, which has helped yogis across the Valley launch fulfilling, movement-based careers. Read More.
Financial Services Programs at SCC Open Doors to Thriving Financial Sector
SCC is proud to spotlight its growing suite of programs designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in the financial services sector. From fast-track certificates to a newly launched four-year degree, SCC offers multiple on-ramps into a rapidly expanding field while providing a reliable pipeline of qualified talent for local employers. Read More
Visual Communication: Turn Your Creativity into a Rewarding Career
Visual Communication courses are a powerful way for alumni to sharpen their creative edge and stay competitive in today’s fast-moving workplace. Tailored for working professionals in marketing, HR, design, and data, these evening classes cover high-impact skills like brand identity, layout design, color theory, typography, the visual side of social media, and refining AI-generated visuals to meet professional standards. Whether you're leveling up your current role or exploring a new creative path, these courses connect visual thinking with real-world opportunities and translate design fluency into measurable, lasting career growth. Learn More.
Exploring Careers? Maricopa Pipeline AZ is the Tool for You!
If you are considering a career change or exploring new paths, get started with Maricopa Pipeline AZ. By registering and building your profile with Maricopa Pipeline AZ, you can connect and apply to local opportunities.
Pickleball Courts and Classes
Can't get enough Pickleball? The SCC Pickleball courts are open to the public daily from 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM. SCC has 6 courts available, and open play is on a first-come, first-served basis. Take a Pickleball class! Multiple classes and round robins will be available during the Fall semester. For more info, visit this link.
Support 25 More Years of CNUW's Commitment to Biodiversity, Education, and Conservation
For 25 years, the SCC Center for Native and Urban Wildlife (CNUW), has championed the Sonoran Desert, a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot. Join us in celebrating our 25th anniversary by investing in the next chapter of conservation and education. Give $25 to celebrate 25 years of biodiversity, education, and conservation. Your tax-deductible gift and/or sponsorship is a direct investment in the future of the Sonoran Desert, ensuring its vibrant wildlife and natural beauty endure for generations to come. Make your impact today.
ARTICHOKE ATHLETICS
Artichoke Student Athletes Post Impressive Academic Numbers - GO CHOKES!
The 2025-26 season is just around the corner. Visit Artichoke Athletics for the schedules and latest news on the athletic pursuits of the Fighting Artichokes.