Read about the exciting things going on with our current students and alumni. Learn about job changes, professional achievements, a marriage or new addition to their families, gatherings with other YVC alumni or other significant news.

Do you have news to share with your classmates? Submit your news and photos by emailing communityrelations@yvcc.edu.

Peters earns history award

Running Start student Whitman Peters who was awarded the 2022-2023 Herodotus-Gedosch Award. First given in 1994, this award was created in the spirit of Herodotus, the “Father of History,” and Robert Gedosch, a former YVC history instructor, to recognize exceptional history students. As this year’s award recipient, Peters received several books selected by faculty and tailored to his personal interests. Books included “The Ugly American” by William J. Lederer and Eugene Burdick, “Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al-Madinah & Meccah,” volumes 1 & 2 by Sir Richard F. Burton and “Notes on a Foreign Country: An American Abroad in a Post-American World,” by Suzy Hansen. His name will also be included on a plaque that hangs in YVC’s Glenn Anthon Hall on the Yakima Campus.

Peters with his family during the award presentation.
Peters with his family during the award presentation, from Right: Dan Peters YVC English Instructor, Whitman Peters, Ella Peters, and Amy Peters, former YVC Community Relations Director.

Elkins and Hellum earn scholarships

YVC Automotive Service Technology students Kathryn ‘Kat’ Elkins and Josh Hellums were each awarded at $1,000 scholarship from the Vintiques of Yakima during the program’s End of the Year Car Show held on June 6.

Josh Hellum and Kathryn 'Kat' Elkins pose for a photo during the End of the Year Car Show.
Josh Hellum and Kathryn 'Kat' Elkins pose for a photo during the End of the Year Car Show.

Students attend Town Hall Series

Students in YVC’s Substance Use Disorder program recently attended the Yakima Town Hall Speakers Series featuring Amanda Knox. Knox is an exoneree, journalist and author of the New York Times best-selling memoir “Waiting to Be Heard.” Between 2007 and 2015, she spent nearly four years in an Italian prison and eight years on trial for a murder she didn’t commit. She now produces, writes and hosts the podcasts Labyrinths and The Truth About True Crime.

From left to right Steven Anderson Ridgeway, Cheyenne Clapper, Deylene Gonzales, Nancy Arzaga and Douglas Stahl.
From left to right Steven Anderson Ridgeway, Cheyenne Clapper, Deylene Gonzales, Nancy Arzaga and Douglas Stahl.