Alumni Success

What made SCC the right fit for you?

During my campus visit, I felt the campus community’s passion for making students successful. I noticed the peaceful campus environment and was met with positive energy, kindness, and generosity. This atmosphere carried through my entire time at SCC. I always felt appreciated and valued. At every turn, a faculty member promoted something that could help my life or make me great. The environment felt honest and caring, and I was right. This school brought opportunities for my growth; it gave me a space to work hard and strive to be the best. I could not recommend SCC more, and for this school and its staff, I am forever grateful.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

One of my favorite memories is the virtual meeting with the Math department faculty and staff congratulating me. The acknowledgment and validation of their accolades provided were amazing. My mentors and those who inspired me gave me an extraordinary source of praise. Another highlight I recall is lunch with the scholarship donors. This opportunity to acknowledge my gratitude for their support was very impactful. A highlight of each day on campus was spending time at Two Waters Circle near the Math department. This was an incredibly fulfilling experience and an opportunity for reflection. I measured my degree timeline from those moments spent there.

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and/or career?

SCC spoiled me. Being in such a professional-strengthening environment, I expected this culture elsewhere. SCC took the strongest parts of what I learned and furthered my overall well-roundedness. I fondly recall the physics classes I took as being the most rewarding and challenging classes I have taken. I still stay in touch with people from that class.

Tell us about your involvement at SCC. What role did that involvement play in your overall SCC experience?

I was a member of the Robotics club. As the club president, it was challenging during Covid to develop a plan for the team to remain engaged. I wanted to nurture the ambition of others and engage the membership in volunteer community service with St. Mary’s Food Bank on Saturday mornings. This was not an easy sell, yet proved to be rewarding for all involved.

Outside of class, I owned a candle business. This proved to be a great hobby during COVID. I see value in the intersection of STEM and the arts, and I am committed to continuing to nurture my artistic side and keep it thriving.

Tell us what degrees or certificates you earned or what types of classes you completed at SCC.

I completed an associate's degree in Applied Science. At SCC, I flourished in the Math department as I strived for excellence. Patricia Dueck told me about the NASA Community College Aerospace Scholarship opportunity. Her course was one of my toughest courses. I plan to continue in the ASU 4+1 Master’s program and am considering focusing on cybersecurity. I am yearning to return to the academic environment as I took a break due to employment.

List any scholarship(s) you received while attending SCC.

Receiving a scholarship meant everything at the time it was received, and I have those same feelings now. This financial support lifted such a weight from my shoulders and enabled me to focus on academics. I felt as though I had a support system. I wanted to embody the values of the scholarship donor in what I did in and out of the classroom. I wanted to make donors proud, and I felt propelled forward by their support in the constant pursuit of success.

Tell us about your journey after graduating from SCC. Where did you start and where are you now?

I am currently a Security Analyst for United Airlines. I am phasing out an old software program used at hubs nationwide and developing a new one. My goal is to be a security architect working with one of the big four technology companies.

What advice would you give others embarking on their college journey? What would you say to convince someone to come to SCC?

One of the things students struggle with is fear. They are afraid to make the wrong decision. You are never losing anything when improving your education and your sociability. Being around people who want the best for you is an amazing opportunity. People at SCC want you to grow. Try everything. Seek out opportunities.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

Scottsdale Community College felt like the right place for me because it offered a supportive environment where I could really explore my interests. I appreciated that SCC had strong academics but also a creative energy. It was a place where I felt comfortable figuring out who I was and where I wanted to go.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

My experience at SCC helped shape who I am today. The classes challenged me, and the professors cared about helping students succeed. It was a place where I felt encouraged to think creatively and push myself academically. The community atmosphere on campus made it easy to stay motivated and connected.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

One of my favorite memories was attending a class seminar with KJ Sawka, a producer and drummer for Pendulum. Hearing him talk about his career and experiences in music was fascinating. After the seminar, he actually took a small group of students out to dinner, and we got to hear more of his rock-and-roll stories firsthand. It was one of those moments where you realize how inspiring it can be to learn directly from someone who has lived the life you’re curious about.

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and/or career?

SCC helped me build confidence in myself and my abilities. It taught me how to stay curious, work hard, and keep learning. Those lessons have carried into every part of my life, especially my creative work. The foundation I built at SCC helped me feel prepared to take risks and pursue my passions.

Please describe your involvement at SCC. What role did that involvement play in your overall SCC experience?

While attending SCC, I was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. It reinforced the importance of staying committed to your goals and taking pride in your academic work.

Tell us which degrees or certificates you earned or which types of classes you completed at SCC.

I earned an Associate of Arts degree from Scottsdale Community College in 2018 and was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society during my time there.

Tell us about your journey after graduating from SCC. Where did you start, and where are you now?

After graduating from SCC, I continued pursuing music and creative production, earning college degrees in audio production technology and the highest Pro Tools certification. That path eventually led to my project, Staytus. Through Staytus, I create industrial and electronic music that explores emotional and cinematic themes through sound and visuals.

One of the most exciting moments along the way has been seeing my music connect with people. The music video for my single “Suburban Gothic,” part of my Twisted Frames series inspired by films featuring actor Matthew Gray Gubler, has now surpassed one million views on YouTube. Watching something that started as a creative idea reach that many people has been incredibly rewarding.

My latest single, “The God, The Artist & The Creator,” was engineered by Grammy Award-winning producer Mikal Blue (OneRepublic, Colbie Caillat, Jason Mraz, Five for Fighting) and features drummer Jeff Friedl (A Perfect Circle, Puscifer, DEVO). The song explores ideas about creativity, faith, and surrender, blending melodic vocals with cinematic production.

Before that, I released songs like “Kiss N Tell,” which dives into themes of obsession and secrecy, as well as “Heart Attack” and “Headache,” produced by Sean Beavan, known for his work with Nine Inch Nails. I also created the Twisted Frames collection—songs inspired by the films 68 Kill, Suburban Gothic, King Knight, and How To Be A Serial Killer— each track captures the emotional tone of a film.

Music has become my way of turning personal experiences into something creative and meaningful, and I continue to build on that vision through new music, videos, and collaborations.

You can learn more about my music here.

What advice would you give others embarking on their college journey? What would you say to convince someone to come to SCC?

Stay curious and take advantage of the opportunities around you. College is a time to explore new ideas, meet interesting people, and figure out what excites you.

SCC is a great place to start that journey. The campus community is welcoming, the professors are supportive, and there are so many opportunities to learn and grow. It’s a place where you can build a strong foundation while discovering what you really want to pursue.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

My favorite memory of attending SCC was the ability to work part-time on campus while attending classes. I got to learn a great deal about the community college environment and the supportive faculty and staff. I made many friends who influenced me along the way.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

I decided to attend SCC after graduating high school because of its proximity, convenience, and the ability to work on campus while attending school.

What would you say to convince someone to come to SCC?

SCC provides quality education in a personalized setting at a relatively low cost. Additionally, it offers a pathway for students to transfer to universities.

What are you doing now and for whom?

I serve as the chief of police for the city of Chandler. I started my career in policing in 1986 serving with the Scottsdale police department until 2014 when I became police chief in Chandler.

Have you visited SCC since you graduated?

Yes, many times.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

Coming out of high school, I thought I had a clear plan: pursue business through Arizona State University. But SCC gave me something even more valuable – the freedom to explore. I took classes in music, humanities, and environmental science while completing my Associate’s degree, which helped me discover where my true interests lay. That flexibility ultimately led me to wildlife studies and set the foundation for my career.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

I started at SCC right after high school, working toward my Associate’s degree while building a pathway to wildlife management. Russ Haughey, Dr. John Nagy, and Dr. John Weser were especially influential. Russ Haughey helped structure my academic plan, and SCC offered courses that aligned seamlessly with ASU’s wildlife management program, making the transfer process smooth and purposeful.

What’s your favorite SCC memory?

Hands down, working with wildlife at the Center for Native and Urban Wildlife (CNUW). I also loved the canyoneering classes and participating in pika research. Through Dr. Nagy’s class, I gave my first professional presentation – an experience that led to presenting at symposiums and helped build my confidence as a young scientist.

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and career?

Mentorship made all the difference. Having Russ Haughey as a guide helped me understand what to expect in a career in wildlife. SCC also played a key role in landing my first internship with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, where I assisted with projects including snaring mountain lions in the White Tank Mountains. I continued that internship for two years while attending SCC and ASU. Today, I’m proud to serve as a Wildlife Specialist II with Arizona Game & Fish.

How were you involved on campus?

I was active in The Wildlife Society club and spent much of my extra time at CNUW. After transferring to ASU Polytechnic, I continued my involvement through the Wildlife Restoration Student Association, which focused on career development, mock interviews, and expanding job opportunities. These experiences helped me build professional skills and lasting connections.

What did you study at SCC?

I completed my Associate’s degree and followed a transfer track toward my wildlife degree at ASU. I was also part of the MAP program and took SCC courses that directly applied to my university studies.

Tell us about your journey after SCC.

I began as a student exploring courses in the humanities, music, and environmental science. Once I realized wildlife was the right fit, I committed fully and pushed myself in the field – leading to internships, professional presentations, and ultimately my current role.

What advice would you give future students?

Don’t rush into a university path without knowing if it truly fits your career goals. SCC is a great place to explore different subjects, talk with instructors about real-world careers, and find what genuinely excites you. I encourage high school students to test out classes, ask questions, and use SCC as a launchpad to discover their direction.

What made SCC the right fit for you?

Scottsdale Community College was the right fit for me because it offers a supportive, flexible learning environment that aligns with my goals and lifestyle. I like that the class sizes are smaller, which helps me feel more comfortable asking questions and getting to know my instructors. Another reason it stood out to me is the variety of programs and resources available to help students succeed, especially with balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities. Most importantly, SCC was a place where I grew both academically and personally while working toward my future career.

Tell us about your time at SCC.

My experience at Scottsdale Community College was fully online, and that worked really well for me. Taking classes online helps me feel less overwhelmed and gives me a more comfortable space to learn, which is important for my mental health.

I like that I can work at my own pace and create a schedule that fits my life. It helps me stay more consistent because I’m not dealing with the stress of being in a crowded classroom. When I start to feel stressed, I can take short breaks and come back to my work, which helps me stay focused. Even though my classes were online, I still felt supported by my instructors. They responded to messages and gave helpful feedback, which made me feel not alone in the process. Overall, doing school online at SCC has helped me balance my education and my mental health. It has made it easier for me to stay on track and keep working toward my goals.

Tell us about your favorite memory of SCC.

My favorite memory at Scottsdale Community College was when I finished a big assignment online and actually understood it. I felt really proud because sometimes school can be hard for me, especially with my mental health.

What value has SCC brought to your personal life and/or career?

SCC has helped me a lot in my personal life and my future career. In my personal life, it has helped me become more organized and responsible. It also helped me take better care of my mental health by learning how to balance school and my own needs.

In my career, SCC helped me build skills I will need in the future, like staying consistent, completing my work, and learning new things. Overall, SCC has made me more confident and helped me believe that I can succeed if I keep trying. It might not seem like a big deal, but it meant a lot to me.

Please describe your involvement at SCC. What role did that involvement play in your overall SCC experience?

I have been involved in Phi Theta Kappa, an honor society for students who do well in their classes. Being part of this made me feel proud of myself and my hard work.

Even though I do school online, being in Phi Theta Kappa still makes me feel connected to the college. It shows that I am staying committed to my education and doing my best, even when things are hard. This involvement has played a big role in my overall experience, as it gave me confidence and motivation to keep going. It reminds me that I am capable of success and that my efforts matter.

Tell us about your journey after graduating from SCC. This can include information about your education, service, and career paths.

After graduating, I continued working toward my goals in early childhood education. I started by volunteering at a preschool, which helped me learn more about working with young children and made me realize how much I enjoy it. After that, I became a teacher’s aide at the preschool. That was a big step for me because it showed that my hard work was paying off. I get to help take care of children and support their learning.

Now, I am continuing to grow in my career and build more experience. I feel more confident working with children and more sure about my future. My journey started with volunteering, and now I am working in a job I really care about, which makes me proud of how far I’ve come.

What advice would you give others embarking on their college journey? What would you say to convince someone to come to SCC?

The advice I would give to someone starting college is to take things one step at a time and not be too hard on yourself. It’s okay if things feel hard at first. What matters is that you keep trying and ask for help when you need it.

I would also say it’s really important to take care of your mental health while you’re in school. Try to stay organized, take breaks when you need to, and don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone learns at their own pace.

I recommend Scottsdale Community College because it is a supportive place where you can grow and feel comfortable. The classes are flexible, especially online, and the professors are helpful and understanding. SCC makes it easier to balance school and life and still work toward your goals.

Overall, I would tell someone that SCC is a great place to start because it helps you build confidence and gives you a strong foundation for your future.