For everyone of us that succeeds, it’s because there’s somebody there to show you the way out. The light doesn’t always necessarily have to be in your family; for me it was teachers and school.
- Oprah Winfrey

Mesa Community College Partnership with IBM Creates Online Software Quality Assurance Classes

A dynamic partnership between Mesa Community College and IBM has created three convenient online classes for both seasoned professionals and students who seek to expand their knowledge of Software Quality Assurance and increase job marketability.

James Cox, a lead engineer for The Boeing Company, took all three classes to improve his quality assurance expertise and increase his ability to communicate with other software engineers.

“The classes rounded out and expanded my knowledge of software quality assurance,” Cox said. “The information covered all the details I need to do my job and work in a virtual collaborative environment with a diverse group of software engineers. It’s really important to be able to talk the same language.”

MCC’s Business and Industry Institute offers the following three online courses in an 8-week format, with the first course offered in August of the 2008 fall semester:

* Software Quality: Introduces the methods used to achieve bug free software during implementation. Begins 8/25/08.
* Engineering Quality in Software Development: Covers advanced concepts in designing software to avoid problems later. Begins 10/20/08.
* Software Testing for Quality Assurance: Completes the software life cycle by showing how to verify that the software is stable and meets requirements. Begins 10/20.

ASU Training helps Arizona high school students learn and showcase their video game design and development skills.

After six weeks of intense, hands-on training in video game design and development, Arizona high school students participating in the CampGame summer program offered by Arizona State University’s Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering want you to experience the awesome video games they’ve created.

WHEN: Friday, July 18, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

WHERE: ASU SkySong, 1475 N. Scottsdale Rd. (southeast corner of Scottsdale Road and McDowell Road), Room 195

The public is invited to play the students’ video games from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. CampGame graduates will present final projects until 6 p.m., followed by the CampGame awards ceremony and reception.

Phoenix School of Law student graduation.

Elated Students from Across the Valley Receive Law Degrees from Phoenix School of Law

Phoenix School of Law, Arizona’s only privately-owned law school, is proud to announce that after three years of hard work, volumes of reading, numerous written papers, and difficult exams, 34 graduates received their Juris Doctorate degree at 6 p.m. on May 20th.

The medley of graduates included many working professionals, who without a part time program to attend, would not have been be able to pursue a law degree. The next hurdle for the new graduates will be sitting for the Arizona State bar exam in July.

Some other Phoenix School of Law Articles:

Phoenix School of Law is pleased to announce that Dean Dennis J. Shields has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the YWCA  Maricopa County.

Phoenix School of Law is pleased to announce that Dean Dennis J. Shields has been appointed Chair of the Board of Directors of the Greater Phoenix Urban League. The appointment was made by the Urban League’s Executive Committee.

James D. Griffith, a second year student at the Phoenix School of Law had an opportunity few other law students have – he worked on a patent infringement case that resulted in a $185M verdict in favor of the client.

Phoenix School of Law Receives Provisional ABA Accreditation - Arizona’s first private law school passes major hurdle

34 Students, Three Years, First Graduating Class Phoenix School of Law Celebrates Major Milestone. For the first time, Arizona will welcome a graduating class made up of both full and part-time law students. Phoenix School of Law, Arizona’s only privately-owned law school, is proud to announce their inaugural graduating class. A medley of graduates, including working professionals, who otherwise could not pursue a law degree, will receive their Juris Doctor degree on May 20th.

Phoenix School of Law Professor Joins Local Literacy Board - Phoenix School of Law is pleased to announce Assistant Professor, Daniel J. Dye was elected to the Board of Directors of Literacy Volunteers of Maricopa County (LVMC). LVMC teaches adults to read and write English and prepare for the GED exam.

Scottsdale Job Network

Passions Workshop Rescheduled

Seminar - Finding Your Passion

Putting it to Work.

Join us on Tuesday May 27, 2008 for a special workshop for job seekers titled “Exploring Your Passion – Putting It To Work”

NOTE: THE DATE FOR THIS WORKSHOP WAS RECENTLY CHANGED FROM TUES, APR 29, 2008.

NEW DATE: TUES, MAY 27

9 AM - 4 PM at Temple Chai

4645 E. Marilyn Road

Phoenix, AZ 85032-4839

Passion Workshop Description:

“Do you love what you do?” If you’re one of those “lucky ones” who can answer a resounding “Yes!” to this question, then this seminar is not for you. But, if you’re not, then you’ve probably asked yourself if there’s a job or career out there that’s a better match than what you’ve experienced - one that can be more satisfying and have more meaning in your life - and how you might go about finding it.

This workshop is designed to help people who have asked themselves those questions. Job seekers often limit themselves to what they “have always done” because it was the career that defined them for many years. They tend to lose sight of their many gifts, interests, strengths, and wealth of skills developed through life experience. This workshop utilizes proven tools to help individuals identify their strengths, talents and preferences - what they’re basically good at and really enjoy doing, and can prove to be useful in opening up job search options.

Presenter

Maria Wojtczak has 20+ years of organization development (OD) experience and worked with a wide range of organizations. She has worked with Chris Vicari, Director of the Scottsdale Job Network, offering the Passions workshop and Job Transition workshops for the last five years. She currently serves on the SJN Board and is a member of the Curriculum Development committee. Maria is a graduate of the University of Michigan. She is also the owner of DrivingMBA, a driver tutoring facility here in the valley http://www.drivingmba.com

Register via Internet by May 26

Seating is limited to 30 participants and there is a minimum enrollment of 12 participants to run the workshop. Because SJN provides assessment booklets, binder and printed materials, there is a fee of $25 for this event. To register and make payment: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/106918797

Lunch/Snack

Bring a sack lunch and beverages for the day. If possible bring something to share with the group as a breakfast treat in the morning or a snack in the afternoon.

General Inquiries

Contact: David Bell, chicagoman419@yahoo.com

Attend our regular meetings to learn more about the Job Search Process and about Phoenix Arizona Jobs

We do not require membership dues or meeting fees to allow everyone who is in job transition to be able to participate. Since our program is unfunded, we suggest that participants make a voluntary donation of $5 per meeting. When we have an all-day workshop, we do need to pass the costs along to participants.

Meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday mornings:

9-9:30 Networking, resume reviews, contact with recruiters

9:30 Welcome, announcements, introductions

10:00 Speaker begins

11:15 Speaker ends, feedback collected

Networking continues until 11:30

We meet at and use space provided by Temple Chai, 4645 East Marilyn Road, Phoenix, AZ 85032-4839. Temple Chai is located just east of the Piestawa Freeway (Route 51) and South & West of the loop 101 (PIMA FREEWAY SECTION). Marilyn Road is on the west side of Tatum Blvd. between Thunderbird and Greenway Roads

Scottsdale Job Network (SJN) is a non-profit community group of business leaders and volunteers. We are not a job placement forum, and we do not match candidates to openings nor do we send resumes to employers or recruiters. There is no guarantee of employment either directly through this group or as a result of association with SJN. We do, however, provide education in the job search process and all attendees have the opportunity to meet and work with people who offer support and guidance during employment transition.

The value of SJN lies in the skills, business networks and personal passions of our members. Membership is open to everyone willing to share their skills and anyone interested in local networking or in need of employment transition support.

Email: | Scottsdale Job Network | Voice Mail: Phone: (480) 513-1491

Environmental News and Issues about the Environment

ScrapComputer.com Earth Day Recycle Drive

April 12 , 2008 by Editor

On April 22, Scrap Computer .com is holding an Earth Day Recycle Drive at Cambridge Academy East – 9412 E Brown Rd. Mesa, AZ 85207 giving residents the chance to remove their clutter and clean up the environment.

During ScrapComputer.com Earth Day Recycle Drive, individuals are encouraged to bring in all unwanted electronic items to Cambridge Academy East. Items recycled or disposed of through eco-friendly methods. Hazardous and controlled substances are prohibited.

ScrapComputer.com Earth Day Recycle Drive

A free dump day for Maricopa residents will be held on Saturday, April 19 at two locations.

The Butterfield Station Landfill (map) will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Residents can take any unwanted furniture, bulk trash and other household waste to this landfill free of charge on Saturday, April 19. This location will not accept commercial loads, tires, appliances, oil, paint, televisions or computer monitors.

Recycling Association of Maricopa location (map)will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Waste not, want not: free dump day in Maricopa

Cambridge Academy East School to Host Earth Day Festival

April 04 , 2008 by Editor
Join Cambridge Academy East School to celebrate Earth Day, April 22nd, 2008. The Earth Day Festival runs from 12:00a.m. until 6:00p.m. The theme is “I can make a difference”, so stop by and learn how we are all in this together and what you can do to make a difference.

Admission to this great event is FREE, but you are encouraged to bring in any nonperishable food item for the second grade class canned food drive.

Addictions Soothe Self and Numb Emotional Pain; Not Conducive to Healthy Relationships

March 02 , 2008 by Ask Amy

Hi Amy - I am in a relationship with a man who has been separated from his wife for many years (more than 5).  They have an 11-year-old son and his son means the world to him.

Addictions Soothe Self and Numb Emotional Pain

New Media Entrepreneurship Job Available at Arizona State University

Dan Gillmor wrote:

“We have an opening at Arizona State for someone to work with me at the new Knight Center for Digital Media Entrepreneurship. Here’s the official listing (feel free to pass it around):”

Business Development Coordinator, Digital Media

The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication seeks a business development coordinator for the Knight Center for Digital Media Entrepreneurship. The center, which was established this year, is devoted to the development of new media entrepreneurship and the creation of innovative digital media products. It is funded by grants from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. The ideal candidate will have experience as a new media entrepreneur and possess a solid understanding of business planning and principles. He or she will work closely with the Center’s director, Dan Gillmor, and with students from journalism, business, engineering and other schools, singly and in teams, to plan, prototype and, if possible, launch new-media projects. (This is not a fundraising position.) The business development coordinator will report to the director of the Knight Center and will hold the faculty rank of lecturer in the Cronkite School.

Minimum qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and experience in the business development of digital media.

For more information on the Knight Center, click here.

To apply: Submit cover letter, resume and three (3) professional references and contact information to:

Search Committee – Knight Center
Walter Cronkite School of Journalism
PO Box 871305
Tempe, AZ 85287-1305

Applications may also be submitted via email at jjobs@asu.edu.

Applications must be received by 5:00 PM, March 1, 2008.

Arizona State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Dan also wrote about the creation of the Center for Digital Media Entrepreneurship when he first got the job:

Moving into New Arenas

Wednesday, November 7th, 2007

Dan Gillmor, an internationally recognized author and leader in new media and citizen-based journalism, will be the founding director of the new Knight Center for Digital Media Entrepreneurship at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Arizona State University announced today.

Gillmor, director of the Center for Citizen Media, will start Jan. 1 as Knight Center director and Kauffman Professor of Digital Media Entrepreneurship. He will hold the faculty rank of professor of practice.

Dan has been invited to attend the next LinkedIn Live event on April 10th but we have not seen a response yet.

Whoever tried to get the word out about this was a bit slower than I would generally like. The job posting expired March 1 and I just learned of it today. I guess I will have to subscribe.

LinkedIn Live Phoenix Arizona

Note: LinkedIn is a trademark of the LinkedIn Corporation.

The April live face to face meeting of Greater Phoenix Arizona area Linkedin users (LinkedIn Live - Phoenix) has been announced.

This event will be held on April 10, 2008 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in the Party Gras Building on the far South West corner of the Fairgrounds. The Maricopa County Fair begins on April 9th and runs through April 13th and all attendees of the LinkedIn Live event will get free admittance to the Fair that day.

From the invitation:

LinkedIn® Live!
Phoenix Event

Maricopa County Fairgrounds
Party Gras Building

1826 W McDowell Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85007
April 10th, 2008

5:30 - 7:30 PM

It’s that time again!

If you’ve already registered, no need to register again. If you’re putting it off - please register now.

This is no ordinary networking event. Not with LinkedIn® as a backbone for your relationships. Remember - it’s not just who you meet; it’s about the impact it has on your LinkedIn® Network!

We are committed to growing a unique event that matches the LinkedIn® demographic and leverages the power of LinkedIn® right here in our community.

Our goal is to bring together LinkedIn members with key members of the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Community (who should be Linkedin® users) facilitating introductions in a social environment.

We are pleased to announce the next LinkedIn® Centric event is being co-produced Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona and hosted by the Maricopa County Fair.

You will receive FREE ADMISSION to the Fair ($7 per person Value) so bring your family.

Parking is $7 on the fairgrounds

Join us as we reconnect with old connections, strengthen current connections, and build new connections that fortify our businesses and communities.

LinkedIn Live - RSVP Now!

LinkedIn Live! is a Free Event with appetizers and a Cash Bar.

So, look into your network and bring one or two of your most connected connections!

Together we will unlock the power of the extended Metro Phoenix network!

This is becoming a very popular search phrase.

Living in Phoenix Arizona

It could be the tourism.

It could be the golf.

It could be the jobs.

It could be the climate.

It could be the lifestyle.

It could be the educational institutions.

It could be the winning sports teams.

It could be the business opportunities.

It could be the opportunistic Real Estate prices.

Could the Super Bowl, The FBR Open, Spring Training, Barret Jackson Auto Auction, Arabian Horse Show, Parada del Sol Rodeo and all the other recent events and activities finally be taking their toll on the psyche of people in other parts of the world and they are beginning to look for ways they can move to Phoenix Arizona?

That is certainly what it looks like when you consider the geographic distribution of those searches for the phrase “Living in Phoenix Arizona.”

They all seem to be from places that are cold and wet and snowy and icy.