PC Releases Coffee Table Book Highlighting a Century of Equity, Access and Opportunity

Wednesday, September 23, 2020
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Presale is available now, and the book ships in October. Proceeds from the book fund a student scholarship.

PHOENIX, September 23, 2020 —  The first-ever book to memorialize Phoenix College’s century-long history in the Valley is now available for pre-sale purchase. The coffee-table book titled, “Our Past. Your Future. The History of Phoenix College” is written by Phoenix College celebrated author and alumna, Stella Pope Duarte. 

The book highlights significant milestones from Phoenix College’s 100-year history, including the civilian pilot training program, early computer-aided instruction, social justice programming, and decades-long traditions like Bear Day, collegiate athletics, and other important educational innovations.

“Phoenix College has been a cornerstone in the community since 1920,” said Dr. Larry Johnson, Jr. President of Phoenix College. “This beautiful tribute to our history is both an inspiring reminder of where we’ve been and a beacon of hope for what the next 100 years may hold.” 

The coffee-table book includes a foreword from Arizona State Historian Marshall Trimble and a chapter about the future of the school by President Johnson. Proceeds from book sales fund the new My Future Scholarship. The award was created to ensure educational equity and opportunities for generations to come. 

Stella Pope Duarte is a multi-award winning author, educator, dynamic speaker, and community activist. The Irish-Latina author is a Phoenix College graduate who went on to earn a B.A. in Education, a Minor in Sociology, and a Masters in Counseling. She is a Phoenix native who has won countless awards and has been nationally recognized for her transformational works. 

Upon completion of the book, Stella Pope Duarte said "As a former alumna of Phoenix College, I never dreamed I would one day write the history book, Our Past. Your Future, in collaboration with PC's Alumni Association, to commemorate PC's Centennial Celebration! It's been a long journey from Founders' Day on September 13, 1920, to 100 years later. Phoenix College remains for us all the "Diamond in the Desert."

To read a free chapter, or pre-order the exclusive book visit: https://www.phoenixcollege.edu/100/pc-history 

For additional information about how Phoenix College is celebrating its 100-year anniversary and further Centennial news, visit: http://www.pc.maricopa.edu/100/.

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Please contact Marketing & PR Manager, Erika Keenan to coordinate interviews or with any questions by emailing erika.keenan@phoenixcollege.edu or by calling 602-285-7842.

About Phoenix College

Phoenix College, the flagship of the 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District, one of the largest community college districts in the nation. Phoenix College will be celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2020. The college offers academic courses leading to associate degrees, university transfer, certificates, and short-term job training to more than 17,000 students annually.