El Paso, Texas, April 4, 2024- Mary Yanez is celebrating 50 years of service, leadership and fun at El Paso Community College (EPCC). She has worked in a variety of roles at the institution but is best known for her more than 30 years leading the Senior Adult Program and hosting the EPCC-TV program “Mature Living.” Reflecting on her tenure at EPCC and how it’s impacted her, Yanez said, “EPCC has taught me never to give up, that there’s always something more to strive for, and to be the best you can be at what you chose to do. I believe in the power of one, so be that one to start something good for your family and for your community. I graduated from the UTEP at age 50 and earned a masters from Webster University at 56. It’s never too late to start and finish. Just go for it!”
Mary Yanez, along with employees celebrating their 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50-year anniversaries with EPCC, were honored on Friday, April 26, 2024 in the EPCC Boardroom at the Administrative Services Center. Yanez is the first 50-year employee in EPCC history, which began in 1969.
Yanez began her EPCC journey at the early days of the college before any campuses were built. Instead, classrooms and offices were in converted Army barracks in Logan Heights on Fort Bliss when Yanez was hired in September of 1973 to be the Duplicating Center Supervisor. In that position, she remembers the original college logo being designed. She printed it and the first color version of the Spring Arts Festival poster. Yanez also remembers working with other young and enthusiastic administrators as she participated in Planning Charrettes to design and build the college campuses. Yanez has worked under the pleasure of all EPCC Presidents.
Yanez continued to progress in different roles in EPCC printing services, eventually becoming the Manager of the whole Print Shop, before she transitioned to Senior Adult Program in 1989. The Senior Adult Program provides educational and cultural opportunities as well as support services to improve the quality of life of senior adults in our diverse community. The program assists senior citizens 55 and older with personal enrichment classes or prepares them for employment if considering re-entering into the workforce. It also continues to serve our senior population by contributing to their wellbeing and quality of life through non-credit online classes.
Blayne Primozich, Associate Vice President of Workforce and Continuing Education, said, “Through her leadership of EPCC’s Senior Adult Program, Mary Yanez established herself as a champion for El Paso’s senior adult population. Her work with the TV show Mature Living has been dedicated to ensuring that senior adults are informed, active and engaged within the community.”
In 1991, Yanez was approached by Danny Mata, Director of the EPCC-TV station, to co-produce and host “Mature Living,” a new show for the college. Yanez accepted the offer, and more than 30 years later, it’s still running and recently recorded its 1500th episode! The show focuses on promoting topics and events that are geared towards senior adults. Over the years, the show has featured many notable guests, including television personalities like Lupe Ontiveros, who played Yolanda Saldivar in Selena and Mexican singer and actress Lucha Villa. Yanez is a passionate advocate for senior adults and loves to highlight the contributions they make to our community by featuring them as guests on her show. When considering the impact of “Mature Living” on an episode that was recorded on its 25th anniversary, Yanez said “The legacy that we have built will go on because of the people that have walked through these doors and have sat on these couches. They have shared beautiful, touching stories and I will always have that in my memory. The experience of working with the college community and also having the opportunity to serve my community though my job is the greatest.”
“My life improved tremendously as I think about the many people I have met, my colleagues here, my students, the faculty and the thousands in the community whose path we have crossed. This educational institution has given me a chance to serve others through education, be proud to be a graduate of EPCC and God willing am continuing to be of service after 50 years.”
