Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) raised $43,000 for the Dr. Ernest Lara – EMCC Veterans Scholarship Fund during the 12th annual 5K & 1-Mile West Valley Vet Run held Nov. 11 on the Avondale campus. That’s more than four times the amount raised last year, which totaled about $10,000.
“The event has gotten bigger and bigger over the years, and more businesses and organizations want to be a part of it, which is amazing,” said Jonathan Robles, Associate Vice President - Community, Alumni, and Foundation Relations.
Indeed, sponsorships alone counted for about $32,000.
“Our sponsors, like COSIC, really stepped up for our veteran students, investing in the students’ future and our community,” Robles said.
Around 1,000 veterans attend EMCC annually. The EMCC Veterans Scholarship Fund helps ensure financial barriers don’t stand in the way of a veteran’s education. Veteran students may receive up to $1,000 per year to cover essential expenses such as rent, meals, course materials, or delays in VA benefits. The scholarship bridges the financial gap, empowering veterans to stay on track, achieve their goals, and thrive at EMCC.
“When veteran students encounter financial barriers to continuing their education, the Veterans Scholarship Fund is there to provide critical support during their time of need,” said Nate Kelley, Student Services Manager for Veterans Services. “We see firsthand how hard our veteran students work to balance school, family, and often employment, and the scholarship fund allows us to step in with emergency support when unexpected financial hurdles arise, because no veteran should have to put their education on hold.”
EMCC’s annual Veterans Day event has grown considerably since it debuted in 2014. What started as a run followed by a ceremony now includes interactive activities with the Avondale Fire and Police Departments, martial arts displays, and free snacks and drinks from local businesses.
Around 250 people signed up for this year’s 1-Mile Fun Run and the 5K, which was chip-timed for the first time ever. Another first for the annual event: awards were given to the top finishers in several categories.
The 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run were followed by the annual Veterans Day Ceremony featuring Avondale Police Officer and Marine Corps Veteran Russell Stewart Jr. as the Keynote Speaker. EMCC President Dr. Rey Rivera and Avondale Mayor and EMCC Professor Mike Pineda also shared remarks.
“Our West Valley Vet Run is more than a race; it’s a reflection of who we are as a community,” Kelley said. “Every step our runners take helps ensure that veteran students facing financial hardship can stay in school and keep moving toward their goals. This event shows the power of gratitude in action, honoring service by supporting success.”