President’s Letter | Summer 2022
This June, the Yakima Valley College community gathered for our first in-person Commencement ceremony in three years. Seeing the joy of our graduates and their families and friends as we celebrated their achievements was especially meaningful this year knowing the special challenges that the Class of 2022 had to overcome.
At YVC, faculty and staff are dedicated to providing the support that students need to overcome whatever challenges they face in pursuing a better life for themselves, their families and their communities. In this Summer 2022 edition of YVC Voice, you’ll find a number of stories highlighting members of this year’s graduating class, individuals and organizations honored during Commencement, and the college’s ongoing work to be a place where anyone in our region can get the education they need to thrive.
You’ll read about one of our 2022 graduates who, after being released from prison, found an opportunity to change the direction of her life at YVC and a new grant that is enabling the college to support more formerly incarcerated individuals who want to pursue further education. You also will learn about new educational offerings from the college such as a Sterile Processing Technician certificate that will help meet an essential need in our healthcare workforce. And you’ll discover about recent efforts to support the success of STEM students, particularly those underrepresented in the field.
I’d also like to note we are excited to continue reinvigorating our vibrant community with this fall’s return of face-to-face classes and full, in-person student services to our Yakima and Grandview campuses. Our faculty and staff have long known that supporting students goes beyond the classroom. Returning to a more regular on-campus experience will play an essential role in helping students feel they belong and are part of a community committed to their success.
In closing, I extend my congratulations to YVC’s Class of 2022. Know that you are well-prepared from your time here at YVC and have demonstrated the strength to overcome adversity. We wish you success and are confident that you will make a positive impact in our community.
Sincerely,
Linda Kaminski, Ed.D.
President
