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Pima Community College Celebrates National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week with Special Event Honoring HSI Designation

TUCSON, AZ – Pima Community College is proud to join the nation in celebrating National Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Week, as announced by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU.) This special week, observed from September 9-15, 2024, leads into National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 to October 15, 2024.

“National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week is a time to celebrate our commitment to uplifting Hispanic and Latinx students, especially those who are the first in their families to attend college,” said Jennifer Madrid, Dean of Students. “This week, we reaffirm our dedication to creating an inclusive environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive and achieve their goals.”

PCC is particularly proud of a recent partnership with Excelencia in Education to advance Latino success in higher education.  

"We are committed to servingness and intentionality," said Dr. Dolores Durán-Cerda, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. "Our journey has been one of continuous self-reflection and strategic focus, ensuring that our efforts align with the needs and aspirations of our students. We are excited to further discuss our commitment to servingness, transformative strategies, and leadership perspectives during National HSI Week."

"As Director of the Office of the Provost and Assistant to the Provost and proud Pima Community College Alumna, I am deeply committed to the values of familia and servingness that are at the heart of Pima Community College, said Dr. Vanessa Arellano, Director of the Office of the Provost and Assistant to the Provost. “Our journey is guided by the Excelencia Framework, which emphasizes the critical alignment of data, practice, and leadership. By intentionally focusing on these elements, we are not only improving Latino student success but also ensuring that every student at Pima feels supported, valued, and empowered to succeed.”

On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, the College will be holding a “PCC Celebrates Excelencia: Honoring Our Hispanic-Serving Institution Designation” event, a celebration of our HSI status and our shared commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and thriving environment for all students and the diverse PCC community. The event takes place at the Desert Vista Campus from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The event includes an “Esteemed Panel of Latinas in Higher Education” who have made significant contributions to higher education.

Panelists:

  • Dr. Dolores Durán-Cerda, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Pima Community College
  • Dr. Irene Robles-Lopez, Vice Chancellor for Student Experience, Pima Community College
  • Dr. Francisca James Hernández, Head, Dept. of Ethnic, Gender & Transborder Studies/Sociology (EGTSS); Faculty, Anthropology & Mexican American Studies, Pima Community College
  • Dr. Marla Franco, Vice President of Hispanic Serving Initiatives, University of Arizona
  • Bettina Celis, Vice President of Student Affairs, Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Contact:
Vanessa K. Arellano, Ed.D.
Director of Provost Office Initiatives & Assistant to the Provost
520-206-4912
vkrichards@pima.edu
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