This June, our community celebrated the graduation of nearly 900 Yakima Valley College students. Throughout their journeys, our newest alumni faced the challenges that stood in their way with resilience, determination and adaptability. Those traits, combined with the knowledge and skills developed during their YVC education, will help the members of the Class of 2024 achieve much in the years to come. 

In our Summer 2024 edition of YVC Voice you’ll have an opportunity to read the stories of some of these graduates. You’ll learn how Horacio Hernandez learned English at YVC after immigrating from Guatemala, and then went on to earn his Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology Networking – System Administration. You’ll also hear the story of Michael Hammett, who struggled with drug addiction for several years before enrolling in our Substance Use Disorder program in order to help others overcome their addictions. And you’ll read about three Running Start students whose experiences at YVC have prepared them to continue their education at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology this coming fall. 

Along with these inspiring stories, our latest edition includes stories focusing on work being done to continually enhance the learning experiences available to our students. You’ll read about YVC faculty incorporating research activities in their courses so that more students can engage in these life-altering experiences. In another story, you’ll hear how an economics instructor’s sabbatical travel to coffee plantations in Costa Rica will contribute to his teaching. And you’ll learn about our inaugural Yak Family Nights this spring, which brought more than 500 students and family members to our Grandview and Yakima campuses for a celebration of our community and opportunity to explore the many YVC resources available to support student success. 

Our world needs the critical thinking, creativity and empathy of our Class of 2024 to create meaningful change here in the Yakima Valley and beyond. Thank you to our alumni, faculty, staff, trustees and other friends who together have supported and will continue to support their success in the years to come. 

Sincerely,

Linda Kaminski, Ed.D.

President