Phoenix College Alumni Association Announce Hall of Fame Inductees

Chief Jack Harris, PC Alums to be Inducted Into Hall of Fame

PHOENIX, AZ – During the late 1990’s, the Phoenix College Alumni Association (PCAA) sought to formally recognize alumni and employees who have achieved excellence in their career and/or made significant contributions of service to the community or Phoenix College. This led to the creation in 1999 of “Phoenix College Alumni History Makers: Scholarship Dinner & Auction.” In the past decade, close to 100 individuals have been inducted into the hall of fame.

Alumni and community members will gather together to honor this year’s Hall of Fame Inductees at the Eleventh Annual Phoenix College Alumni History Makers Scholarship Dinner and Auction on November 19, 2009 at 6 p.m. at The Hilton Garden Inn, 4000 N. Central Ave. in Phoenix.

The evening will include a silent auction, dinner catered by Master Chef Scott Robinson and Phoenix College Culinary Studies students, and a program during which the outstanding alumni will be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

In addition, the Phoenix College Alumni Association will present the Exemplary Partnership Awards, recognizing three corporate partners who have contributed to the success of the PCAA and Phoenix College through key collaborations impacting students, the college and the community:

Arizona Professional Land Surveyors Association
Price Kong & Company
Law Offices of Robert Wisnewski

Tickets are $50 per person, and proceeds benefit the PCAA Scholarship Project, which helps financially deserving students attend Phoenix College.

Signature Award Recipients
Fred Amador ‘89: Phoenix College Counselor Fred Amador has dedicated countless hours to positively impact the lives of young people and families across the Valley. He devotes his time to several organizations, including the Arizona College Scholarship Foundation (ACSF), Valley Big Brothers, and the Phoenix College Alumni Association (PCAA); and has been named to the AZ Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s 40 under 40.

John Driggs ’47: Former Arizona Mayor and U.S. Navy Veteran John Driggs has had a successful career in business for more than 30 years. He has supported many high profile civic and community projects, including the restoration of Rosson House/Heritage Square. Driggs has served as member of the Advisory Board of the Arizona Women’s Heritage Trail and as chair for the Phoenix Heritage Commission Tovrea Castle restoration project and the Development Subcommittee of the Arizona Historical Advisory Commission.

Catherine Eden ’70: Catherine Eden has distinguished herself as both a public service administrator and volunteer for over two decades. She has served in several key leadership positions under Governor Rose Mofford, Governor Jane Hull and Governor Janet Napolitano. Eden was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives, and has been a leader in the community through the Dougherty Foundation, City of Phoenix Healthcare Benefits Trust Board, and the Supreme Court Judicial Review Board and Emergency Medical Services for the City of Phoenix Fire Department.

Tom ’50 and Marianne ’50 Fannin: The Fannins have enjoyed highly successful careers as business executives, and have always placed a priority on civic and community service, chairing numerous boards and committees across the Valley, including the Phoenix College Alumni Association’s Half Century Club and the Maricopa Colleges Foundation. In 1996, the Phoenix College Fannin Library was named in their honor, along with the Honorable Paul J. Fannin, for their contributions to higher education, community, state and nation.

Elizabeth “Beth” Bogus Fike ’93: Beth Fike, a quadriplegic, never allowed her physical condition to become a barrier to living her life to the fullest. She established herself as a working artist and entrepreneur, designing her art using a pencil in her mouth or a stick to navigate the computer keyboard. Her work has been displayed in local galleries across the Southwest and has caught the attention of governors, celebrities, authors and educators.

Jack Harris ’73: Jack Harris was named Phoenix Chief of Police in 1994, and has served the citizens of Phoenix through the Phoenix Police Department for nearly 40 years. Throughout his career, he received numerous commendations and awards for his service. Among many notable officer positions, he has served as commander of the SWAT team, Desert Horizon Police Precinct and Professional Standards Divisions.

John “Dick” Houser ’51: Arizona native and U.S. Navy veteran Dick Houser spent a 50-year career in the insurance business, first as an entrepreneur, then as an independent agent and contractor. In addition to serving on the Phoenix College Alumni Association Half-Century Board for several years, Mr. Houser has been active with the Arizona Livestock Show, Phoenix Quarterback Club, Arizona Athletics Association, and the Phoenix Jaycees.

Garry Walter ’71: Garry Walters is Administrator of Consumer Affairs for Southwest Gas, Central Arizona Division and is an active community leader, serving on several organizations, including the Phoenix Rotary 100, Corporate Volunteer Council, and the African American Strategic Leadership Group. During his career, he has been recognized for his outstanding work and has been awarded the Community Spirit Volunteer of the Year and Silver Jubilee Award.

Legend Award Recipients
Joyce Geller ’77: Joyce Geller has provided extensive volunteer time to the community, and was a key part of helping establish the Phoenix College Alumni Association in the early 1990s, serving as past president. Additional organizations she supports include Women’s Lions Club, Hadassah Women’s Organization, Brandeis Women’s Organization, and Temple Beth Israel.

Agnes Phillips ’55: Agnes Phillips spent most of her career as a teacher and counselor, inspiring countless young people to pursue an education. In the past five years, she has served as president of the Half-Century Club, and has served on committees ranging from events to fundraising. In 2008, she was recognized by Phoenix College President Dr. Anna Solley with the Golden Bear Award for her efforts on behalf of Phoenix College.

Heritage Award Recipients
David Dalby, Faculty (1973-1990): David Dalby was a faculty member in the Phoenix College Psychology department from 1973 until his untimely death in 1990. During his time at Phoenix College, he was known for his generous assistance in support of student success. At the time of his death, Dalby left the entirety of his retirement savings to the students of Phoenix College. In 1990, this was the largest single gift ever made to the college for scholarships. Today, between 10 and 20 Phoenix College financially deserving students receive $1,000 from the Dalby Scholarship.

Scott Robinson (1996-Present): Since 1996, Scott Robinson has served as Director of Culinary Studies and Food Service Administration at Phoenix College, building it into one of the most successful degree and certificate culinary programs in the nation, and creating a self-sustaining program. He has served as Executive Chef at some of the Valley’s most notable restaurants and resorts, has owned his own catering company, and has raised the profile of Phoenix College by establishing the Culinary Café, one of the Valley’s best kept secrets for a luncheon experience in fine dining.

Champion Award Recipient
Don Jensen-Bobadilla ’85: Bobadilla has served the Maricopa Community College District for more than 20 years and currently works as the Assistant to the Directors for Phoenix College Downtown Custom Training and Education and the Raul H. Castro Institute. He has served on several community service boards, and has coordinated projects benefiting such organizations as St. Mary’s Food Bank, St. Vincent de Paul, and the Back to School Drive Association.

To purchase tickets or to request more information about the Eleventh Annual Alumni History Makers Scholarship Dinner and Auction, contact Frank Luna at (602) 285-7667, or visit the alumni web site at www.phoenixcollege.edu/alumni.

Published on behalf of Phoenix College Alumni Association
The mission of the Phoenix College Alumni Association (PCAA) is to preserve the rich heritage of Phoenix College; provide an environment for Phoenix College Alumni to share experiences, opportunities, and fellowship; and, to offer a forum for the alumni of Phoenix College and the students through financial and non-financial programs.

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