AWC Foundation Opens 2026 Hall of Fame Nominations; Deadline March 14

Arizona Western College Foundation has opened the nomination window for its 2026 Hall of Fame, inviting residents of Yuma and La Paz counties to propose alumni, faculty, teams, or community leaders for recognition. Nominations must be completed by March 14, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Arizona Time, and late applications will not be accepted.

The Hall of Fame was established in 2011 to honor individuals and groups who “have made a significant contribution to the mission of the college or distinguished themselves in service to the larger world.” The roll now counts 33 honorees, and the 2025 class included Maria Chavoya and Moses Camarena. The 2026 inductees will be recognized during the AWC Foundation’s signature fundraising event, the Schoolhouse Soirée on Friday, October 2. A photo from last year’s Soirée shows AWC President Dr. Daniel Corr standing between Chavoya and Camarena.

AWC Foundation Development Director Gladys Anaya urged broad community participation, saying, “We are excited to announce the AWC Hall of Fame nomination window is open for 2026! Each year, members of our community are invited to nominate individuals or teams whose lasting contributions have strengthened education and enriched our community. Yuma and La Paz counties are filled with remarkable people devoted to making our region an exceptional place to live and learn. We encourage everyone to once again recognize these inspiring leaders by submitting a nomination.”

Nominations are accepted in four categories: Student, Faculty or Staff, Teams, and Community Leader. Students and community leaders are generally eligible after three years of separation or service; faculty and staff must be separated three years and have at least 10 years of active service; teams qualify if they won a state or national championship. The nomination form requests contact information for nominators and nominees, including a separate contact for deceased nominees, and a “Basis for Nomination” narrative. The online form also provides prequalifying notices so nominators can see if a candidate meets eligibility rules, and the foundation asks that nominators refrain from contacting the selection committee about applications that do not qualify.

For residents looking to nominate a colleague, coach, teacher, volunteer, or team, the foundation’s Hall of Fame nomination page on the AWC Foundation website hosts the application and eligibility details. Media or follow-up questions may be directed to Lorraine Stofft, Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of the AWC Foundation, at lorraine.stofft@azwestern.edu or (928) 314-9595.

What this means for Yuma County is straightforward: the Hall of Fame remains a local mechanism to preserve civic memory and celebrate service that strengthens education and community life. Nominations now will shape the roster honored at October’s Schoolhouse Soirée, so residents who know a standout leader or team should prepare submissions before the March 14 deadline.