Alumni News

Maxwell Sweet once thought that his academic journey would follow a traditional path—graduate high school, attend a prestigious university, and begin a professional career in a well-defined field. But like many students, life had other plans for him, and it wasn't until he found himself at Phoenix College that his true potential and passion began to unfold.

Janie Rhoads Riddle's journey to become a pioneering entrepreneur began with humble roots at Phoenix College, where she not only earned her associate's degree but also discovered her passion for community and leadership.

Phoenix College graduate in Fall 2024, Mistura "Mimi" Owolabi found her time at the Student Union, working at the Welcome Desk or leading the Black Student Union, gave her the experience and confidence for an easy transition to the University of Arizona.

To celebrate his 65th birthday, Phoenix College alumni Harold Bennett visits Heritage Plaza to visit the inscribed legacy brick with his mother's name.

Phoenix College (PC) alumnus and Vanguard Award winner Francisco Garcia lives at the intersection of social entrepreneurship and public art, finding his voice as an activist and artist.

In December, PC alumna Nicole Day graduated Cum Laude from the Arizona State University Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications.

Reed Mettler’s path to New York City traces back to Phoenix College (PC). As a part of
PC’s Honors Program, Reed discovered the Model United Nations (UN) and then again
when taking Albert Celoza's World Religions course. Reed went on to lead PC’s
delegation to conferences in Chicago, Illinois and Ventura, California, and he served as
Secretary-General at a conference, igniting Reed’s passion for diplomacy.

Francisco Enuf Garcia graduated from Phoenix College, and then from Arizona State University. While at PC, he was a selected as a recipient of the Vanguard Award in 2008 by fellow PC alum Eric Fischl, and was a City of Phoenix Mayor's Art Award recipient.  He is a social entrepreneur creating public art that contain empowering themes of immigration, justice, faith, and Chicano culture.

After working odd jobs across the country after graduation, Marty Manning came back to Phoenix in 1965 and enrolled at Phoenix College (PC). He participated in numerous stage productions, both behind the scenes and as a performer and began his work in radio in 1970, which lasted almost 50 years. He retired from KEZ in 2019.