AWC event to examine future education needs

SAN LUIS — Arizona Western College is offering area residents the chance on Friday to take part in AWC’s strategic planning to meet the future educational needs of Yuma County.

The college is hosting the Horizon Symposium, a workshop that will bring noted speakers to Yuma and will allow residents to take part in focus groups to help the college plan for the future.

The symposium will take place at the Schoening Conference Center on AWC’s Main Campus in Yuma, with livestreaming of the workshop provided at AWC’s San Luis Learning Center, 1340 N. 8th Ave.

“The community is invited to participate in the symposium, to express themselves and speak with us as part of a team and a family, so that we know what it is that all of us aspire for the college to offer our communities,” said Susanna Zambrano, associate dean of educational services in the south county.

The symposium, held as part of AWC’s strategic planning process, will consist of two sessions. The first session, taking place from 8 a.m. to noon, will feature presentations by prominent speakers addressing the relationship between education and economic and community development.

Ray Suarez, a noted author and journalist who has worked for NPR an PBS, will speak on “Uplifting Stronger, Safer, Healthier Communities through Educational Equity.”

“Design Thinking for Student & Community Success” will be the subject of a presentation by Jen Chotiner, chair of the Biological Sciences Department at Mount St. Mary’s University in Los Angeles.

Randy Kimmens, associate vice chancellor for workforce development for the Maricopa County Community College District, will speak on the theme “Aligning Economic Development & Education to Enhance the Region.”

“Leveraging Consumer Trends for Regional Development” will be addressed by Anita Bhappu, associate professor of retailing and consumer sciences at the University of Arizona.

The second session, from 6 to 8 p.m. will be conducted by AWC President Daniel Corr and Liz Murphy, chief executive officer of the CampusWorks, a consulting firm that serves colleges and universities.

Zambrano said she is hoping south county residents will participate in the workshop, given the growing demand for residents in that area for higher education opportunities.

Participation in the symposium is free, but registration is required. To register on line, visit AWCSanLuisHorizon.eventbrite.com.

For more information about the symposium, visit www.azwestern.edu.