Scottsdale Community College, is located on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community in Scottsdale, a suburb/rural area of Phoenix, Arizona. Scottsdale Community College is a two-year college located on the eastern boundary of the city of Scottsdale, Arizona, on 160 acres (650,000 m2) of land belonging to the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. The lease was taken out in 1970 and will expire in 2069. The school is part of the Maricopa County Community College District.
History
Scottsdale Community College opened in the fall of 1969 and moved to its present location in the fall of 1970 with an enrollment of 948 students. The College's enrollment has mirrored the population growth in the area, and it currently serves approximately 10,000 students each semester.
While the College has traditionally focused on a service area within six miles, increasing numbers of students from outside that area call SCC "their" community college. With a student population that closely mirrors the diversity of SCC's service area, the College attracts students from 100 different countries. On campus walkways, one sees people of all ages and numerous cultural backgrounds.
An important part of the College's history is encapsulated in the name of its football team and their mascot. During a period of campus unrest in the early 1970s, many in the student body felt the administration was funneling far too much money to the school's sports teams and not enough to academic needs. The student body was asked to vote on a new name and school colors for the football team; the vast majority of participants opted to call the team The Fighting Artichokes, and chose team colors of pink and white. The administration chose to ignore the election and continue with the 'Drover' mascot and colors of red, white and blue. The students were furious. Since the election was facilitated by the League of Women Voters, the results were binding and could not be overturned except through another election. A second election followed and the student body overwhelmingly kept "Artie the Artichoke" as their representative. Some 30 years later, the colors were changed to green and gold. Artie the Artichoke was adopted as the school mascot; originally intended to be a source of embarrassment, Artie has been embraced by students, athletes, staff, and the community as a beloved character.
Campus
Unique among colleges, SCC is the only public community college located on tribal land. The college also hosts NAU-Scottsdale, which offers several undergraduate programs, as well as the SCC2NAU program. SCC2NAU is a joint admission program between Scottsdale Community College and Northern Arizona University.
Programs available:
- SCC2NAU
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with Early Childhood Endorsement
- Bachelor of Science in Hotel/Restaurant Management
- Bachelor of Science in Interior Design
- Bachelor of Science or Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies - Justice Administration 90/30
- Bachelor of Science or Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies - Emergency Services 90/30
- Bachelor of Science or Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies - Public Management 90/30
Academics
Scottsdale Community College offers associate degrees, as well as Certificates of Completion.
- The top degrees earned are Associate in Arts, Associate in Applied Science and Associate in Business
SCC also offers several degree options for university transfer, including:
- Associate in General Studies â€" This degree is recommended to students whose educational goals require flexibility. The AGS allows students to choose any elective courses numbered 100 or above to complete the degree.
- Associate in Applied Science (AAS) â€" An AAS degree is recommended for students who wish to gain a depth of technical expertise by completing an occupational program.
- Associate in Science (AS)
- Associate in Fine Arts (AAFA)
- Certificate of Completion (CCL) â€" The CCL is awarded upon completion of a specific occupational program (fewer credits required than degree programs).
Occupational Programs
Program Degrees and Certificates
- Applied Sciences Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts
- Business and Information Systems
- Language and Communication
- Fine Arts Mathematics and Sciences
- Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Health Science
The college has also garnered local and national press for offering the first accredited DJ and Turntablism classes at a publicly funded college in the Music Department. A DJ degree and Certificate of Completion is offered.
Notable alumni
- Scott Emerson, Major League Baseball pitching coach
- Ryneldi Becenti, the first Native American to play in the WNBA
- Tim Esmay, former Arizona State head baseball coach
- Robert Garrigus, PGA Tour professional
- Bill Hader, actor (Saturday Night Live cast member (2005â€"2013), Trainwreck)
- Josh Miller, former NFL football player
- David Spade, actor (Saturday Night Live, Just Shoot Me!, Rules of Engagement, The Benchwarmers)
- Terry Wright, former NFL football player
- Will Tukuafu, Samoan-American NFL football player for the Chargers
References
2. http://library-answers.scottsdalecc.edu/a.php?qid=1485 (history of the Artichoke)
External links
- Scottsdale Community College
