(PHOENIX, Ariz., Oct. 1, 2004) - Mr. Jay L. Faulkner, Phoenix College Class of 1947 graduate, is a dedicated advocate for volunteerism and education. After graduating from Phoenix College he has led a life as an administrator, volunteer and champion for successful education programs. His work and generosity has touched the lives of many, as he is truly a remarkable champion for student success.

He was born in Phoenix in 1926. He attended North High School and graduated from Phoenix College (PC) in 1947. Jay spent 20 years working as an administrator for a large steamship company on the west coast, American President’s Lines, a passenger and freight line based in San Francisco. After retiring from American President’s Lines in 1976, Jay moved to a 200 acre secluded ranch in the Redwoods of Mendicino County where he created a retreat center. After 25 years of running the center, Jay returned to his native Phoenix in 2002.

Jay is a kind, caring and generous man. In describing his character, one can easily refer to Jay as being the epitome of helping others, particularly those who are less fortunate.

“I believe volunteer service is something we should all do…it is important to give of ourselves,” says Jay, who has always been an active volunteer throughout his life. During the years when he operated his retreat center in California, Jay assisted in running a local food bank for 15 years in Gualala, California. Jay continued his service work upon his return to Phoenix in 2002, and presently volunteers with Agustana Lutheran Church Food Bank and Mount of Olives Lutheran Food Bank, both in Phoenix, and the Open Door Food Bank of Prescott.

According to Jay, his life mantra can be summed up in a quote from Marian Wright Edelman: “Service is the rent each of us pays – the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time or after you have reached your personal goals.”

Another priority of Jay’s is his commitment to the education of young people. As an alumnus of PC, Jay has stepped forward to join the growing number of alumni who are championing the success of the college’s ACE Program (Achieving a College Education) through the Jay L. Faulkner/PC-ACE Scholarship.

ACE is an exciting and innovative program that targets inner city youth that are at-risk of not completing high school and moving on to college. Students enter ACE in their junior year of high school by attending a number of weekend and summer classes at Phoenix College. The PC ACE schedule is rigorous, as it is above and beyond their regular daily schedule of high school classes. By the end of their senior year, students not only graduate high school, but because of their participation in ACE, they have accumulated between 18 and 24 college credits and in essence have a jump start on their college degree. After graduating from high school, students move on to college as full time students.

Jay hopes others continue to support the growing needs of PC’s ACE Program through scholarships.

He states, “I believe in the mission of the ACE program and am pleased to support our students with scholarship assistance – especially if you consider that Arizona’s high school dropout rate among our inner city, minority youth is disastrous. I feel it is our responsibility to reach out and help our kids stay on a path towards higher education before it is too late; after all, the welfare of our community will rest on the shoulders of these youth and future generations of youth to come.”

For more information on how to participate in the “ACE Alumni Bridges Scholarship Campaign,” or to learn about other ways to assist Phoenix College students, please contact Frank Luna at (602) 285-7667.

 

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