Pima Community College to Honor Student Heroes at Second Annual Pima Heroes Award Ceremony
TUCSON, AZ -- Pima Community College will celebrate students who have made a difference through service to the community during the second annual Pima Heroes Award Ceremony, Friday, October 16, at PCC’s West Campus.
Up to 10 Pima Heroes will receive $1,000 each in recognition of their community service. One honoree will be named the “Hero of Heroes” and may receive up to an additional $5,000.
“Growing up in Malawi, I learned early on that food security is a privilege, not a given,” said PCC Heroes Award honoree Emanuel Kandulu. “Many in our community struggled to secure a daily meal – not for a lack of hard work, but for a lack of resources, knowledge, and support. Witnessing this, laid the foundation for my life’s work and my commitment to service, compassion, and community empowerment.”
To be eligible for the award, students must have completed at least 12 credit hours and participated in uncompensated volunteer work during the 2025–26 academic year. Applicants were required to provide a reference letter from the organization where they performed their community service. Recipients were selected by a committee of PCC faculty and staff.
“The Pima Heroes Award recognizes students whose commitment to service reflects the very best of Pima Community College,” said PCC Chancellor Dr. Jeffrey P. Nasse. “These students are making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, and their compassion, leadership and dedication strengthen our entire community.”
The Pima Heroes Award was established by Tucson philanthropists Carmen Bermudez and Tom Feeney to recognize and encourage PCC students who give back to their communities through service. Bermudez established a similar award at the University of Arizona in 2023, the inaugural ceremony in 2025 at PCC honored 10 students for their community service.
“Expanding the Wildcat Heroes Award to Pima Community College has been a resounding success,” Bermudez said. “PCC has proven to be an ideal partner, and its Pima Heroes Award recipients embody the selfless service we aim to recognize. This award allows us to say thank you, validate their contributions to the community, and set a powerful example for their peers.”
Event Details:
- What: Second Annual Pima Heroes Award Ceremony
- When: Friday, October 16, Ceremony: 5 p.m. (Reception: 6 p.m.)
- Where: Proscenium Theatre, PCC West Campus, 2202 W. Anklam Road, Tucson, AZ 85709