Get ready to recharge at Paradise Valley Community College’s upcoming Fall Convocation. Set to the theme “Paradise 4.0 – Fresh Start, New Energy, Same Purpose,” this year’s event promises to ignite excitement, renew connections, and rally the Puma community for another year of progress and possibility.
Back for her second year at the helm, PVCC President Dr. Jana Schwartz is doubling down on the momentum she sparked last year bringing a fresh perspective, high visibility, and a leadership style that’s anything but business as usual. With her signature campus walkabouts, social media “Puma Talks,” and a deep commitment to community building, Dr. Schwartz is setting the tone for a new era at PVCC, one grounded in tradition, but energized for transformation.
“Paradise 4.0 is more than a theme—it’s a call to action,” said Dr. Schwartz. “It’s about remembering who we are and why we’re here, while embracing innovation, new ideas, and each other. We’re building on a strong foundation, but we’re not standing still. The energy on this campus is shifting—and it’s only the beginning.”
A Legacy of Purpose and Possibility
PVCC’s story began in 1982 when local community leaders formed the Greater Paradise Valley Community Council as a task force. Chaired by Beth Koehnemann, the goal was to explore the need for a local community college. Their vision quickly gained traction and by 1984, voters approved a $75 million bond, allocating $19 million toward the future campus. First classes were offered in 1985 under the name Northwest Valley Education Center (NVEC) at Paradise Valley High School and Temple Chai, and two years later, the permanent campus officially opened with Dr. John Cordova as founding president. President Cordova, who served from 1983 to 1992, left an enduring impact on PVCC’s culture, and his legacy lives on at the Union Hills Campus Cordova Plaza, dedicated in 2022 to honor his transformative leadership.
In 1990, PVCC earned its independent accreditation, followed by its first graduation ceremony in May of 1991. Since then PVCC has continued to expand in both campus size and enrollment.
PVCC’s Convocation, however, did not begin until the late 1990s, evolving as a cornerstone of Learning Week—a weeklong series of development sessions for faculty and staff held at the beginning of each semester. Over the years, Convocation has served multiple purposes from simply welcoming employees back to campus and presenting new college initiatives to celebrating institutional achievements and spotlighting programs that advance student success. At times, the event has also featured renowned guest speakers, both local and national, to offer fresh perspectives on education, equity, and leadership.
One of PVCC’s most influential leaders, Dr. Paul Dale, who served as PVCC president for 25 years, from 1997 to 2022, helped to move the institution forward. Under his tenure, the college flourished academically and culturally. A staunch advocate for student success and leadership development, Dr. Dale believed deeply in the power of education to transform lives and promote positive social change.
Now, under Dr. Schwartz, “Paradise 4.0” signals more than just the start of a new semester—it’s an invitation to push forward with passion and purpose. As the college builds on a legacy more than 35 years strong, this fall’s convocation asks the PVCC community to bring fresh energy to familiar values. Together, students, faculty, and staff will continue shaping an inclusive, supportive campus environment where innovation thrives and every voice matters.
To learn more about PVCC, visit our website.