More than 1,200 graduate from local colleges

More than 1,200 Yumans became college graduates Friday. Commencement ceremonies were held for the Classes of 2006-07 from Arizona Western College, Northern Arizona University-Yuma and the University of Arizona's extension program.

The ceremonies were conducted jointly at AWC's Margaret Page Amphitheater.

The majority - about 1,000 - of those graduates come from AWC's associate degrees and certificate programs. "This is a record number of graduates for us," said Michelle Sims, spokeswoman for AWC.

This class features the first graduation of radiologic technology students, with 28 students earning their degrees. The program is a partnership effort with Yuma Regional Medical Center to grow a local pool of radiology professionals.

AWC's programs will continue to expand next year, particularly with increased offerings in engineering and science.

NAU-Yuma awarded 237 degrees this spring. According to university officials, it was the most diverse field of graduates in NAU-Yuma's 19-year history. Degrees were awarded in 36 fields, including the university's first local bachelor's degree in secondary education with an emphasis in earth science.

Dr. Krista Rodin, vice president and campus executive officer for NAU-Yuma, spent the early part of Friday practicing her Spanish for the evening ceremony. Rodin came to Yuma from Connecticut in January to take over leadership of NAU-Yuma when it was designated a branch campus.

Status as a branch campus has given NAU-Yuma more freedom to expand its programs and develop as an independent academic institution. However, Rodin said, local graduates still get the same value from an NAU degree.

"It doesn't make any difference where one gets it. It's the experience of getting it in Yuma that we hope to provide better services for people here."

Among those graduates are two local education professionals who received their doctoral degrees: Vicki Ardisana, in education, curriculum and instruction; and Gerrick Monroe, in educational leadership.

Five UA graduates received their degrees during Friday's ceremony. The local UA program is focused on agricultural research and development.

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Sarah Reynolds can be reached at sreynolds@yumasun.com or 539-6847.