If my Mom can do it – so can I.” This note and accompanying photo were prominently displayed in Bonnie’s daughter’s college dorm room. What a testimony to the example Bonnie set for her family when she returned to college committed to finish what she had started. Bonnie “wanted to be authentic to her word and her family.” As a “multiple-role adult student,” Bonnie got her “chance” to go back to college full-time and she jumped in with both feet. PVCC was in the neighborhood and the proximity enabled her to finish her degree and provided a wonderful foundation for what she does now.
Bonnie worked on the school newspaper and loved writing feature stories. She participated in the Honors Program and says “you don’t have to come directly from high school to be an Honors student.” While at PVCC, Bonnie learned about teaching as well. Bonnie fondly recalls a host of instructors that positively influenced her career trajectory: Judy Galbraith, Sherry Adams, Linda Knoblock, Marilyn Christiano, Peter Thiel and Jon Storslee. “The investment they made in me drives me to give back to others every day. They were careful teachers who demanded great work.”
Bonnie thinks of PVCC mentors Marianne Roccaforte-Gardner, Lois Roma-Deeley and Marianne Auten and shares, “All it takes is for someone to take an interest in a student; to be a mirror to the student and show them their potential.” Bonnie learned you don’t have to know everything to go back to school. Bonnie’s successes at PVCC were recognized with accolades. She was on the Arizona Academic First Team and was awarded a full scholarship which covered her tuition at ASU. Bonnie shares, “Life happens and you have to be able to navigate through life. Community colleges make this easier to do.”
Bonnie came to PVCC with a background in Human Resources and Business and left ready to continue her education with a focus on communication. Bonnie attended the ASU West Campus to complete her Bachelors and Masters degrees. Bonnie helped other students who were attending college at “nontraditional times.” Bonnie shared, “Communication is helping others tell their story and advocate for what they need.”
Bonnie is in her tenth year at ASU as a Senior Lecturer in Communication Studies and Director of CommLabASU, the Communication Lab on ASU’s West campus. Bonnie’s teaching philosophy is holistic and her leadership philosophy is inclusive. Bonnie “thinks about people all along their educational journey.” Although voted “most talkative” in high school, she too had to overcome the anxiety associated with public speaking. She believes that “public speaking is not just about talking. When you make a connection with the audience, that helps alleviate fears.”
In closing, Bonnie reflects on her educational journey. “Maybe getting a degree is more about starting, rather than catching up.” She encourages those who follow in her footsteps, “Get in your car and start! – Just start! – PVCC is a great place to start your educational journey. It’s attainable. It’s affordable.