Helping students succeed, one conversation at a time. Meet SCC's first Career Coaches.
Scottsdale Community College recently celebrated an exciting milestone with the launch of its new Alumni Career Coaching Program, an initiative designed to connect students with alumni and community professionals who are passionate about helping the next generation succeed. This marks the first formal Alumni Career Coaching Program in SCC’s history, creating a new opportunity for alumni and community professionals to play an active role in student success beyond the classroom.
On June 23, the SCC Career & Workforce Center, in partnership with the Alumni Engagement Program, welcomed the inaugural cohort of volunteer Career Coaches during an onboarding session held in the Career Center.
What makes this first cohort especially meaningful is that nearly every volunteer is an SCC alumnus or alumna who has chosen to give back to the college that helped shape their educational and career journeys. Their commitment reflects the lasting impact of a community college education and the strength of the SCC community.
We are also honored to recognize Roger Lurie, the Career Center's first volunteer Career Coach and an early champion of this initiative. His enthusiasm and support helped lay the foundation for this exciting new program.
The inaugural Career Coaching cohort includes:
- Adam Rostan – Hospitality professional with a background in film and career exploration.
- Brian Schubert – Marketing, data, and automotive professional with AutoIQ.
- Deborah Lehker – Retired nursing and military professional dedicated to supporting the next generation.
- Dr. Liv Stull – Founder of Learning with Dr. Liv, specializing in counseling psychology and support for neurodivergent students.
- Heather Charles – IT and software professional in the mining industry with Komatsu.
- Jeanne Alspaugh – Luxury travel advisor specializing in tourism and equine science pathways.
- John Fritz – Semiconductor industry professional with STMicroelectronics.
- Kathie May – Retired Maricopa faculty member with expertise in business communication, storytelling, and industry partnerships.
- Roger Lurie – The Career Center's first volunteer Career Coach and an early champion of the program.
Together, these volunteers represent an impressive range of industries, experiences, and perspectives. They will serve as valuable resources for SCC students by offering career
guidance, sharing real-world insights, expanding professional networks, and helping students develop the workforce readiness skills needed to thrive in today's evolving job market.
The SCC Alumni Career Coaching Program is built on the belief that alumni are uniquely positioned to support the students who follow in their footsteps. By sharing their experiences, lessons learned, and professional expertise, Career Coaches help students make informed decisions about their educational and career paths while strengthening the SCC community.
The experience is equally rewarding for the coaches. As students bring fresh ideas, emerging industry knowledge, and new perspectives to each conversation, meaningful relationships are formed that benefit both mentor and mentee. This exchange of knowledge creates lasting connections across generations and reinforces the value of lifelong learning.
Whether helping a student explore career possibilities, prepare for an interview, build confidence, or navigate their next steps, these volunteers are making a lasting difference. Their generosity of time and talent demonstrates the power of alumni engagement and the impact one person can have on another's future.
Thank you to our inaugural Career Coaches for investing in the future of Scottsdale Community College and the students who will follow in your footsteps. Your leadership, encouragement, and commitment are already making a difference.
Together, we are creating pathways that empower SCC students to achieve their full potential—one conversation, one connection, and one career journey at a time.