Â鶹ĘÓƵ is celebrating the achievements of six remarkable individuals whose contributions reflect the heart of the college’s mission to empower, educate and uplift the Yakima Valley community.
This year’s Distinguished Alumnus, Faculty Emeritus, Sherrie and Daryl Parker Faculty, Distinguished Service, Robert M. Leadon Excellence in Teaching and Darlene Koch Classified Employee of the Year awards recognize the lasting impact of those who have shaped YVC’s legacy and continue to inspire its future.
Distinguished Alumnus Award
Yesenia Navarrete Hunter
Yesenia Navarrete Hunter
“As a student at YVC, I was also working full time and, together with my husband, was raising our four young children,” says artist, musician and scholar Navarrete Hunter. “It wasn't easy to fit my education into our already busy lives, but YVC offered workable schedules and supportive professors who challenged me to succeed.”
Navarrete Hunter, a first-generation college student, was born in Mexico before coming to the U.S. as a child as part of the migrant farm working community. After YVC she earned a bachelor’s degree from Heritage University and master’s and doctoral degrees in history from the University of Southern California. She now is an assistant professor of history at Heritage University.
“My advice to current students is to find joy in their learning and to build community, because our histories are connected just as our futures are.”
— Yesenia Navarrete Hunter, artist, musician, scholar
She credits her experience at Â鶹ĘÓƵ as a catalyst for her success.
“I remember my history professor inspiring me with his lectures and my English professor pushing me to write fully and succinctly — skills I now practice as a professional historian,” said Navarrete Hunter. “As a professor working with a diverse body of students, I hold YVC with gratitude for their important work in our community.”
Faculty Emeritus
Ben Mayo
Ben Mayo in YVC's Glenn Anthon Hall.
Reflecting on his 34-year teaching career at YVC, retired math instructor Mayo shared “If you are fortunate enough to make a living following your passion, you are greatly blessed.”
A life-long resident of the Yakima Valley, Mayo graduated from Â鶹ĘÓƵ before earning a bachelor’s degree in music. He spent several years traveling the country and working as a professional musician. In 1982, he returned to YVC and pursued a degree in civil engineering. During this time, he began tutoring physics and discovered his love of teaching.
After earning his teaching certificate from Central Washington University, Mayo began teaching math part-time at YVC. He later earned his master’s degree and was hired as a full-time math instructor at YVC’s Grandview Campus, transferring to the Yakima Campus in 1995.
“My family is very connected to YVC. I met my wife at YVC, our children attended YVC and my son also met his wife at YVC. This institution has been fundamental to our story.”
— Ben Mayo, retired mathematics instructor
Mayo's dedication to teaching was evident in his every action. His genuine enthusiasm for his work transformed the classroom into a vibrant space where learning felt effortless and enjoyable.
“I’m so thankful to the students that I had the privilege of teaching during my career,” said Mayo.
In addition to his work inside the classroom, Mayo also wrote two textbooks, which the math department used for many years in their classes. As a humorist, he also authored a series of 11 books of puns (“What’s the Difference Between…?”) while also developing a game based on these works.
Now retired, Mayo focuses on hobbies such as making music and writing. He and his wife have also enjoyed traveling to Hawaii and road trips to national parks.
Darlene Koch Classified Employee of the Year Award
Cheryl Mills
Cheryl Mills poses for a photo in YVC's Palmer Martin Hall.
Mills, a native of the Yakima Valley, graduated from West Valley High School and attended Trend College, earning two diplomas. She later earned an associate of applied science degree in accounting from Â鶹ĘÓƵ in 2023.
Before joining YVC’s staff in 2020, Mills held various roles in bookkeeping, banking, retail and childcare and spent several years as a stay-at-home mom, caring for her two children.
In her current role, Mills supports nine federal grants aimed at promoting student success, including those for STEM programs, the College Assistance Migrant Program, TRIO Student Support Services and Upward Bound. Her responsibilities are diverse, encompassing budget and planning, requisitions and purchasing, time and effort reporting and processing stipends.
“I really enjoy being part of a nurturing environment,” said Mills. “I like helping students with forms and paperwork so they can participate in events, feel more engaged on campus and overall have a more enjoyable experience here at YVC.”
“Her ability to mentor others, while balancing her own responsibilities, speaks volumes about her generosity and leadership skills.”
— Julie Swedin, interim dean of College and Career Readiness
“Cheryl’s work ethic is exemplary,” said Tammera LeRoue, grants director. “She approaches her responsibilities with diligence and ensures that all tasks are completed accurately and promptly. Her attention to detail and commitment to meeting deadlines have been instrumental in maintaining the smooth operation of our department.”
Beyond her technical skills, colleagues appreciate Mills for embodying the spirit of collaboration and support.
“Cheryl is a kind and gentle friend to all who have the privilege of working with her,” said Lynn Hennessey, director of the HSI Relevance Project grant, another grant supported by Mills.
Outside of work, Mills enjoys swimming, reading, arts and crafts, and collecting dolls. She is married to longtime YVC security sergeant Jim Mills and together they have two grown children.
Distinguished Service
HLA Engineering and Land Surveying, Inc.
ABOVE: HLA staff hosts YVC students during a recent fieldtrip. BELOW: YVC students listen to a presentation of different career pathways during a recent visit to HLA Engineering and Land Surveying.
(HLA), this year’s recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, has a long-standing history of supporting Â鶹ĘÓƵ’s mission and students. One recent example of this support by HLA was its hosting of several YVC students for job shadowing opportunities that introduced them to careers in engineering and land surveying.
Cristy Rasmussen, STEM director at YVC, emphasized the importance of partnerships with community organizations like HLA for supporting student success.
"We deeply appreciate HLA for their dedication to supporting our STEM students,” said Rasmussen. “This partnership empowers our students to excel in their studies and pursue successful careers in engineering."
“It is an honor to be recognized for this award. We’re committed to developing and inspiring the next generation of engineers and land surveyors and genuinely enjoy engaging with students as they lay the groundwork for their future careers.”
— Mike Battle, president of HLA
Biology Instructor Matthew Loeser also commented on the many ways in which HLA creates opportunities for students to learn, launch and build their careers close to home.
“HLA Engineering is committed to growing STEM talent in the Yakima Valley,” said Loeser. “HLA staff lead seminars with YVC students, train our students through internships and ultimately hire our students into some of their first engineering jobs.”
In addition to supporting student success, HLA has also contributed their expertise to the footprint of YVC’s campus through many projects, most recently the buildings on West Campus and Palmer Martin Hall.
"It is exciting to see Â鶹ĘÓƵ transform its facilities to create an excellent learning environment for students. HLA is proud to have contributed to recent expansions that have made the campus more beautiful and functional for the entire community," said Battle.
Robert M. Leadon Excellence in Teaching Award
Matt Lewis
Matt Lewis outside Glenn Anthon Hall on YVC's Yakima Campus.
Lewis, who grew up in Oregon, developed a passion for mathematics at a young age, describing it as a “puzzle, the language of our universe.” He holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s in teaching from Eastern Oregon University, as well as a master’s in mathematics from Western Washington University. His interest in teaching as a career was sparked during his undergraduate years when he tutored mathematics.
"I realized I enjoyed helping people understand math," Lewis said.
In 2010, he relocated to Yakima after being hired to teach full-time at Yakima Valley College. He currently teaches various mathematics courses, including statistics and STEM-focused courses.
“I enjoy helping students through the process of learning, from the discovery of a new concept and the excitement that goes with that, to the hard part where they are struggling, and finally, coming out at the other end,” Lewis said. “It’s rewarding showing students that they can be successful and have what it takes.”
“Whether incorporating technology into his lessons or using real-world applications to make math more relatable, Matt is at the forefront of educational innovation.”
— Matthew Loeser, biology instructor
Colleagues admire Lewis for his teaching approach and contributions to campus.
“His classes incorporate a multitude of innovative teaching strategies,” said Martin Meister, a fellow math instructor. “Matt spearheaded the revamping of our current math sequences, transforming disjointed courses into a series which complement each other and allows students more time in class.”
Lewis is also known for his support and mentorship to his peers, consistently being a friendly and approachable colleague who often shares materials and resources.
“Whenever a classroom or advising issue arises, Matt is one of the colleagues I seek out for problem-solving ideas because he is an excellent listener and consistently looks out for what is best for students,” said Anna Pascoe, math instructor.
Sherrie & Daryl Parker Faculty Award
Deniele Fleming
Deniele Fleming stands in front of "Flora Nova," by artist David Griggs in the lobby of Deccio Higher Education Center.
“I’ve always wanted to be a teacher,” said Fleming, a substance use disorder instructor who grew up on the Yakama Nation Reservation near Wapato before relocating to Yakima and graduating from Eisenhower High School.
As a first-generation college student, Fleming began her higher education journey at Â鶹ĘÓƵ, earning an associate in arts degree with dreams of becoming a teacher at Central Washington University. However, her path was far from easy.
“I made a lot of poor choices,” said Fleming of her time at CWU. “I partied too much, struggled with substance abuse and was in an unhealthy relationship.”
Eventually, she took time off and started a family. In 1999 Fleming began working as a house manager (support staff) at Sundown M Ranch, a substance use disorder residential treatment center located along the Yakima River Canyon — an experience that reignited her passion for helping others.
“I love seeing the potential in students, whether they see it or not, just like someone saw in me. I get so much joy from teaching. It doesn’t feel like work to me.”
— Deniele Fleming, substance use disorder instructor
Her time at Sundown M Ranch became a turning point. She returned to YVC, earning a degree from the Substance Use Disorder program, and later earned a bachelor's degree in sociology and a master's degree in addiction counseling from Grand Canyon University.
“I realized that substance use disorder professionals are really just educators,” said Fleming. “We can’t make people change, but we can educate, support them, and provide hope that life can be better.”
When the chance to teach part-time at YVC came up in 2019, Fleming seized it. She transitioned into a full-time instructor position in 2022. Despite her full-time teaching role, Fleming remains active in the local community.
“Yakima County has a tight-knit community for SUD professionals,” said Fleming. “Once you’re in, you’re in. As others have retired, I’ve taken on more leadership roles. It’s an honor to be the voice for those that need to be served and providing them with hope.”
All awardees were presented with their awards during YVC’s 96th Commencement Ceremony held June 13.
Story by Stefanie Menard, AA-DTA ’05, communications consultant. Photos by Menard, Matt Barton, graphic designer/multimedia content producer and Dustin Wunderlich, director of community relations.