(PHOENIX, Ariz., Aug. 22, 2003) – From a fashion design major to an Air Force ROTC cadet, Phoenix College introduces its newest group of ambassadors. Eleven unique individuals - some overcoming major obstacles in their life - others traveling over international waters to study at Phoenix College, are among this year’s line up.

Established in Fall 2002, the Phoenix College Ambassador Program gives selected individuals an opportunity to shine as leaders by recruiting and orienting potential, new and current students to Phoenix College.

"Phoenix College Ambassadors provide information to new students and their families about the college and its programs and services," said Rebecca Valenzuela, Director of Recruitment and Retention. "These leaders will play a vital role in facilitating the adjustment of new students to the campus and community. Overall, this position allows students an outstanding opportunity to gain leadership skills and enhance their marketability for future leadership positions."

Although working with the new student orientation is a major component of this unique program, ambassadors will also be responsible for giving campus tours and recruiting potential high school students through onsite campus visits.

Phoenix College is pleased to announce the 2003-2004 ambassadors.

Heather Arko
Major: General Theatre
Favorite food: ice cream

Heather is a graduate of Westview High School and came to Phoenix College thanks to her sister’s recommendation. She currently works in Dean Morris Johnson’s Office and is a member of the Honors Program. For the last semester, she has maintained a 4.0 G.P.A. while studying and working two jobs.

Michael "Mike" Barrera
Major: Psychology
Favorite food: Mexican

Mike graduated from Agua Fria High School and came to Phoenix College on a baseball scholarship but due to injuries he was unable to continue on that path. He made the National Dean’s List and credits Dr. Albert Celoza and Dr. Pete Dimas for his success. Mike is also an Air Force ROTC cadet.

Serena Marie Dawkins-Hughes
Major: Pharmacology/Bio Medicine
Favorite food: French

Serena is a mother of three children. She came from Bank One and became a full-time student. She is also a model and secretary for Tenacity Models. The modeling troupe is striving to make an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show.

Amina Hadziomerovic
Major: Fashion Design
Favorite food: pasta

Amina comes to Phoenix College from Bosnia. She is the former president of the International Club and is the alternate ambassador. She is an alumni scholarship recipient and an URSA recipient. Currently, Amina works in the Career Office as a student worker and contributes her success in understanding and speaking English to Pam Rogers, ESL instructor.

Sabeen Kheiri
Major: Criminal Justice
Favorite food: Pakistani food

Sabeen comes to Phoenix College from Pakistan and is the only returning Phoenix College ambassador from last year. She is studying Criminal Justice because she wants to be a lawyer. Sabeen is a past president of the International Club and currently works in the Learning Center.

Giao-Thuy Thi "Twee" Phan
Major: Cellular/Molecular Biology
Favorite food: ice cream

"Twee" arrived in the U.S. from Vietnam in 1994. She graduated from Central High School with an intent to pursue art. When she came to Phoenix College she fell in love with Science and Math. She is a member of the Honors Program.

Gileaña Raheem
Major: Communications
Favorite food: Vietnamese

Gileaña currently works in the Communications, American Sign Language, Theatre and Film Department. Although she began her new course of study after serving in the Army during Desert Storm and after 10 years of practicing massage therapy, she is now an Honors student and recently made the National Dean’s List. She currently holds a 4.0 G.P.A.

Arcadio "Cisco" Juacisco Ramirez
Major: Culinary Arts
Favorite food: sautéed salmon in a marsala butter sauce

Once a former dropout who enrolled himself back into high school, Cisco is now an Honors student and vice president of Phoenix College Phi Theta Kappa, Mu Sigma chapter. He is also the vice president of communications for the Arizona Regional Board of Phi Theta Kappa – Mu Sigma.

Dakeitha "Shõn" Rivera
Major: Nursing
Favorite food: pizza

Shõn graduated from Phoenix College with Honors and is currently pursuing her degree in Nursing. She is a Phi Theta Kappa member and made the National Dean’s List. She is also a temporary employee in the Cashiers Office.

Aaron Schmidt
Major: Classical Studies
Favorite food: pizza

Aaron graduated from Greenway High School and is currently pursuing a degree in the Classical Studies Program. Aaron is an Honors student and is a member of the Voices of Phoenix College. He also received the Presidential Scholarship.

Nina Renee Ward
Major: Psychology
Favorite food: Steak and Veggies

Nina transferred to Phoenix College from Yavapai Community College. She is an honors student and a member of Phi Theta Kappa. Nina made the National Dean’s List and Presidents List. She contributes her decision to pursue psychology as a major to Dr. Amy Marin.

"I am so excited that we were able to recruit such dynamic students to represent Phoenix College," said Diana Martinez, Financial Aid Outreach Specialist and PC Ambassador Coordinator.