YVC Voice

I’m pleased to welcome you to the inaugural edition of YVC Voice. I know many of you have eagerly read the college’s previous magazine, Campus Update, for years. This fall we’re excited to launch a new format that will enable us to include more photos and video content, allow us to tell our community’s stories in new ways, and make it easier for you to read and share these stories with friends and family.

The launch of YVC Voice is one of many ways in which our college is continually innovating to better serve our students and community. In this issue, you’ll read about some of those efforts. One of our feature stories showcases how Yakima Valley College is a leader among community colleges in providing undergraduate research experiences — experiences that have a substantial impact on student success while also providing valuable service to the Yakima Valley. You’ll also read how one student’s creativity helped her move closer to her dream of becoming a dermatologist by winning a national scholarship contest by using duct tape to create a folklórico flower gown celebrating her Mexican heritage.

In this fall’s edition, you’ll also learn how our faculty continue to adapt as the COVID pandemic evolves and about the outstanding achievements of our students, faculty and staff. Our annual report to the community includes data regarding student demographics, course completion rates and other information about the college. And finally, I encourage you to read more about two new features, our “Class Notes” and “From the Archives” sections, which will highlight content submitted by our alumni, students, faculty and staff in subsequent issues.

As always, we are grateful to each of you for your support Yakima Valley College and your dedication to making higher education opportunities available to everyone in the Yakima Valley. I wish you all the best as we approach the holiday season.

Sincerely,

Linda Kaminski, Ed.D.

President