La Cosecha to celebrate the determination of transfer students
May 1, 2025Students awarded with scholarships during event
Yuma, Ariz. (May 1, 2025) – Arizona Western College students transferring to a university after graduation will be celebrated as part of the annual La Cosecha event.
This year’s celebration will take place on Thursday, May 15 in the Schoening Conference Center, located in the 3C Building of the AWC Yuma Campus, 2020 S. Ave. 8E. Registration begins at 5:45 p.m. and the dinner and program will begin at 6:30 p.m.
The event is intended to recognize AWC graduates transferring to a four-year university in the presence of their families, college officials, staff, and community guests. Graduates are encouraged to continue their education in hopes they will return to the community as professionals and serve as a catalyst for others to do the same.
These individuals have demonstrated extraordinary persistence in order to receive their education. In addition to pursuing a transfer degree, students honored at this event must have also met at least one of the following criteria to apply for the recognition:
• First Generation (neither parent has a bachelor’s degree from the U.S.)
• Relied/depended on financial aid to complete a degree
• Students with a disability
• Experienced unusual/extenuating circumstances during degree completion (i.e. illness, loss of income, death in the family)
All honored graduates will receive a certificate of recognition and a commemorative sash to signify persistence in the attainment of their educational goals. Five students will also be featured as speakers during this event.
Scholarships will be awarded during the celebration. Donors include AWC staff, faculty, and graduates, as well as community members.
The event is also designed to give graduates the experience of a professional event they might encounter in the future. In 1997, by the suggestion and financial support of Candy Camarena, what was a simple reception was transformed into a banquet. As an AWC alumnus, Candy Camarena set an example of paying it forward by facilitating this collaborative opportunity for students to take part in for the first 26 years.
Jimmy Esparza, CEO of Renewable Power USA and AWC Foundation Board Member, is the major sponsor of the banquet, further supporting the collaborative efforts with Arizona Western College. His dedication guarantees the ongoing tradition of celebrating and honoring students at this renowned banquet.
“Graduating is not just a personal achievement—it's a triumph for all the first-generation students who dared to dream beyond their circumstances and for every one of us who struggled, persevered, and turned obstacles into stepping stones,“ said Director of Transfer Services Martha Cordova. “This event proudly offers recognition to those students who have defied the odds and proven that with resilience and determination, anything is possible."
Visit azwestern.edu/lacosecha to learn more about this event.
The media is invited to attend.
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Contact:
Angela Amezaga
Transfer Services and Program Coordinator
Arizona Western College
Angela.Amezaga@azwestern.edu
(928) 344-7630
Contact:
Martha Cordova
Director of Transfer Services
Arizona Western College
martha.cordova@azwestern.edu
(928) 344-7601