By Mira Radovich, Senior Contributing Writer
In 2014, Rio Salado College opened its newest location at Southern Avenue and the 101 freeway in Tempe.
On Sept. 26, 2024, the college hosted a 10th anniversary celebration marking a decade of serving students and the local community.
Dr. Tamara Cochran, Dean of Instruction and Community Development, kicked off the celebrations with her welcome remarks.
“I am pleased to welcome you to Rio Salado College Southern as we recognize the teams and partners for 10 years of service to the community,” Cochran said. “I served as the location’s director for two years back in 2016, and had the pleasure of working with a fantastic group of people then and now.”
Greg Pereira, the college’s vice president of student affairs, recognized the students and staff at the Southern location and those who came before during his address at the event. “I just want to say thank you so much for putting in the hard work, even on the hard days,” he said. “Thank you all, and congratulations on 10 incredible years.”
Dr. Nuria Sanchez, Instructional Services Director at Rio Salado College, recognized the contribution of Rio’s dedicated administration, staff, and instructors over the years.
“As we reflect on the past decade, I want to pay tribute to the dedicated instructors, staff, and students who have helped shape Southern into the community it is today,” Sanchez said.
One of those staff members is RSC Southern’s Instructional Services Supervisor Aliza Dodell, who started at Rio in 2013 as a GED math instructor and has served at Southern since it opened.
“The past ten years have been a decade of excellence and continual improvement,” Dodell said. “The Southern team has empowered its learners through innovative education and dedication in every situation, including the pandemic. As we can see today, all the hard work has resulted in our students’ success.”
In addition to Dodell, three long-time Southern employees were recognized for their dedication and contribution to the location’s success: Patricia Camden, Chris Darr, and Svitlana Lewis.
RSC Southern offers classes in GED test preparation, English as a second language, career training and Adults Achieving a College Education (ACE). Students also have access to college services including tutoring, testing, career counseling, technology and disability resources.
Seven Southern staff members who started out as students at the location were also highlighted: Voiden Johnson, Alejandro Lara Rivera, Misaki Matsuzaki, Malu Otsuka, Gonenc Uygur, Luciana Velasquez Fins Vaz de Mello, and Qiujia Wu.
Current Adult ACE student Jarom Agustin spoke about his experience at Southern.
“Two years ago, my brother and I began our journey in this marvelous institution,” Agustin said. “We were welcomed by the wonderful staff of Southern and enrolled in the high school equivalency (HSE) program. Our success coach helped us with the paperwork and all the other technological and academic materials that we needed to continue our studies.”
Agustin went on to be inducted into the National Adult Education Honor Society. He and his brother both received their HSE diplomas and completed the Retail Foundations industry-recognized certificate.
“My journey as a student does not end there,” Agustin said. “I am currently in the Adult ACE program and will continue my education with Rio Salado College. … All of these classes are helping me achieve my final goal which is to obtain a Ph.D. in horticulture. I am currently working as a landscaper to learn about the diverse ecosystem that is found in our wonderful state of Arizona.”