San Carlos College

June 2020 Nnee da'ółtad hí baa goząą

“Here is where we pursue an education.”

Congratulations to Our Graduates of 2020! To watch our Commencement online, please visit apachecollege.org/commencement.

BIGCOAT ANTONIO (AA BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION)

Hi, my name is Bigcoat Antonio, and I go by “BC.” I would like to thank my mom and my son. Those two helped me a lot to stay on course with the College. And after this, I am going to ASU for my Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Thank you!

Dagot’éé. Shíí Michelle Sneezy gonszee. Deschíídn nshłįį. Shí chaghąshé táági. Ishkiin nakih. Na’ilín dáła'á. Peridotyú gonshlįį. San Carlos Apache Collegeyú oshtad. Hello, my name is Michelle Sneezy. I come from the Dis cheen clan (Red Band People) I reside in Peridot, Arizona, but I am actually from Gilson Wash, and I have three children, two boys and one daughter and I attend the San Carlos Apache College. I was one of the first students to attend when the college first opened in 2017 with only 58 students. Today there are 185 students attending our college. Although initially I was only going to go to school for one semester, I am proud to say I will receive a certificate in Social Services and I intend to go further to pursue my AA degree in Social Work. There were times I got frustrated and actually wanted to quit, but I thank those who encouraged me to keep going. I would also like to give thanks to the San Carlos Apache College staff and all of my instructors for all their support and encouragement. Losing my aunt Nellie was a big impact to me because she was like my mother, sister, and best friend, but I know she wouldn’t have wanted for me to MICHELLE SNEEZY give up because she too was one of my main encouragers. (CERTIFICATE IN But most of all, God gets all the glory because of what I have gone through SOCIAL SERVICES) while attending Apache College. I stayed in prayer asking God to continue to give me strength and guidance. And because of God I am where I am today. I, Michelle Sneezy, am proud to say that I am happy to be one of the first Graduates of 2020 from The San Carlos

Apache College. Ahiyiee/Thank you.

ARICA DOSELA (CERTIFICATE IN SOCIAL SERVICES)

Looking back at my time at SCAC, it has been a fun experience for me. I didn't see myself graduating but here we are... The college looked nothing like the way it does now! I remember when classes first started – construction was still going on and Wet Paint signs were everywhere – I can’t believe we've come this far, and in the future I can see the college expanding more. It sounds so exciting and I'm happy to be a part of the first 4 graduates. I believe this semester has been the most challenging for me and I'm so glad I got through it with the support of my family and, of course, the SCAC staff. I'd like to thank my mom, dad, sister, boyfriend and all of my instructors. It was your words of encouragement that kept me going, always reminding me to never give up. I plan on going to ASU to continue my education in Social Work. I'm excited and scared at the same time, but with my family's support I know I can do it. To the Class of 2020: We did it! Yay! MELISSA COSEN (AA LIBERAL ARTS)

Good morning, I am honored to be selected as a speaker for the very first graduating class of the San Carlos Apache College 2020. My name is Melissa Cosen, of Peridot, and my husband Orren and I have raised two children who we have high hopes that they will continue their education beyond High School. Growing up on the San Carlos Apache reservation, I am extremely grateful for my identity and Heritage as a San Carlos Apache. Though I have struggled throughout life, I possess a quality of “Perseverance” which I believe to be handed down by generations. The Apache people suffered tremendous hardship, betrayal, and Injustice. My ancestors were strong and stood up for what they believed to be right. No matter the adversities or struggles, they persevered overcoming all difficulties. That Apache resiliency was in every one of us that’s part of why we got through this journey. Upon graduating today, I would like to recognize that my ancestors instilled the “I can” attitude in me which I will pass on to Generations after me. Graduating college is a huge success for me. I cannot say I have done it alone. I would like to thank my support system. My husband, our children, friends, family, coworkers, and classmates who have sacrificed time and encouraged me every step of the way. I am grateful for the San Carlos apache tribe in chartering this college. I cannot forget about the amazing professors at the San Carlos Apache College. What a support network of amazing professors who took a special interest in me. One thing I know is that we would not be here without your shared wisdom and interest to inspire our community. Thank you. Attending college I learned what self-determination means. At the beginning I had a glimpse of what my future can hold. I took that Glimpse, that image, and I chased it. In our community determination was an empty term because Apaches were always told no. Now we have our college, and I and it woke up a part of my heart. What I thought I couldn’t, wouldn’t, or never do, I did it, and I did it courageously. This college opened up avenues for our community members. I stand here thanking everyone who contributed to our success And I encourage our future to continue to take risks, to continue to dream big, and use that self-determination and achieve those gains, that diploma, that certificate, that degree. Lastly, I give thanks to our Divine Creator who bestows courage and comfort on each and every one of us. The Holy Spirit fueled my ambition to transform me to become an educated individual so I can serve my people. We are all children of God, our divine Creator. In the Holy Scriptures God gave us not hearts of cowards but hearts of Courage. He didn’t give us feeble Minds to go through our lives but he gave us minds of wisdom so that we could do wise things which are good. I pray that the future classes will have Open Hearts and Minds that the Divine Creator will grant a fruitful outcome. Again thank you all and God bless. Congratulations to the class of 2020 The very first graduating class at the San Carlos Apache College. Thank You.

Contact Us Street Address: 1 San Carlos Avenue, Bldg 3 (for GPS, UPS or FedEx) Mail to: PO Box 344, San Carlos, Arizona 85550 (US Postal mail must use PO Box)

San Carlos Apache College (SCAC) operates as an accredited site of Tohono O’odham Community College (TOCC). SCAC is a Tribal College in Arizona which provides students quality education, access to federal financial aid programs and transferable course credits.

Open Door Policy – SCAC is not just for Native American students! Need Help?

Visit apachecollege.org regularly for important updates about campus safety, academics, technology, and graduation as the situation continues to unfold this semester.