Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) has announced Marisha Geraghty as the 2025 recipient of the Beth Koehnemann Community Impact Award. This award recognizes her significant contributions to student success, community collaboration, and educator development through the Volunteer in Paradise College Corps (VIPCC) program at Paradise Valley Unified School District (PVSchools).
The award is named after Beth Koehnemann, who was instrumental in founding what is now PVCC in 1985. It honors individuals who make a lasting impact on the Greater Paradise Valley area through education and service.
“Beth Koehnemann believed in the power of education and the importance of community-driven change. Marisha embodies that legacy in every sense,” stated Education Faculty Meggin Kirk during the award presentation to Geraghty. “Her leadership and dedication have shaped one of PVCC’s most impactful programs, supporting both our students and our local schools.”
Geraghty’s recognition comes from her role as coordinator of VIPCC, which partners PVCC with PVSchools to enhance field service experiences for students enrolled in specific education courses. The program provides hands-on classroom experience for college students while offering support and incentives for educators.
Geraghty commented on the strengthened relationship between PVSchools and PVCC since VIPCC’s creation in 2013: “Through this program, we’ve built a true strategic partnership over the past 12 years that provides meaningful field service experiences.” In just one academic year, 95 students contributed over 2,200 volunteer hours within local classrooms.
“With guidance from Meggin Kirk and other PVCC instructors, VIPCC has helped develop some of the finest future educators,” added Geraghty. She emphasized its dual benefit—building a strong teacher pipeline while providing current teachers with support.
VIPCC includes various elements such as orientation sessions, classroom observation trips, access to teacher development resources, mentor placements, coaching sessions, professional event invitations, and recommendation letters for employment prospects.
As PVCC continues to focus on community-based educational initiatives, this award serves as a testament to how individual vision can influence future generations positively.
For more information about PVCC’s Education programs or VIPCC details are available online at their respective websites.
