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William Tate was studying mechanical engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, when he realized his passion for the profession was quickly waning and he opted to return to his hometown of Irvine.

A local author who found her wings at Irvine Valley College (IVC) has just published her debut novel to critical acclaim.

Mary Camarillo also drew on her experiences as a postal service employee and a Huntington Beach resident to craft her novel, The Lockhart Women, which explores what happens when everything a woman knows and trusts is torn asunder.

Camarillo has a long history with publication, including in IVC’s own The Ear literary journal, along with other prestigious journals like Lunch Ticket.

IVC Senior Administrative Assistant Amy Hunter was selected as a California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO) Classified Employee of the Year late last month. This prestigious honor has been awarded annually since 2009 to community college employees who demonstrate the highest level of commitment to the Vision for Success. This year, five employees from across the state were selected for this award based on their leadership and commitment to equitable student outcomes.

Three siblings’ success at Irvine Valley College (IVC) is a testament to their hard work, their family’s belief in the power of higher education, and the help of key faculty members who encouraged them along the way.

Monica, Caleb, and Melissa Perez all grew up in Irvine, attending University High School. “I always knew that I would go to college and get a bachelor’s degree since education is important in my family,” Monica says. “Education as a value was instilled at a very early age.”

IVC students DeAngelo Hunter and Rosio Rodrigues are recipients of the 2021 Lt. Col. Thomas U. Wall Scholarship. Each year, the Greater Irvine Chamber grants scholarships to students enrolled at IVC in memory of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas U. Wall.

Hunter, who is studying administration of justice, is a United States Army veteran. He was recently elected President of the Associated Students of Irvine Valley College (ASIVC). He is also a member of the IVC Online Education Task Force.

Some people discover their true passion early in life. For others, like Raissa Lee, it takes a little longer. She happened on her love of early childhood education a decade ago, after being laid off from her job in the finance industry. Irvine Valley College helped her along her journey, giving her the knowledge needed to grow in her new role as a home-based preschool owner and director.

When Iris Saint Jean enrolled at Irvine Valley College, she was new to the United States. She needed to learn English, and though she had already earned college degrees in other countries, she wanted to learn practical skills that could be applied in any job she landed.

It wasn’t her first time having to acclimate to a new country. She had moved to Germany prior to coming to the U.S., and she learned that taking classes not only resulted in new knowledge, but it helped build relationships within the community.