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Building dedicated to Bracamonte for years of service

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On Saturday, April 28, the Nursing Lab building was dedicated to Margo Bracamonte for her 33 years of educational service to the college in Gila County, and her contribution to the community.

Margo Bracamonte began work for Eastern Arizona College, Gila Pueblo Campus on June 1, 1974. She had many titles throughout her career and in 1999, she became the Senior Dean over the campuses in Globe, Payson, San Carlos, Hayden-Winkelman and the four satellite centers.

In her first year as Senior Dean, she accomplished the following:

• She started the Wellness Center Programs on three campuses in Gila County;

• She increased dual enrollment classes at the local high schools;

• She began renovations at the Gila Pueblo Campus;

• She and her staff doubled the student enrollment in Gila County.

On June 30, 2002 the Gila County Board of Supervisors canceled the education contract with EAC and services were discontinued in Gila County.

In 2005 the Gila County Board of Supervisors and Eastern Arizona College once again contracted for educational services with Gila County and Margo was again appointed as Senior Dean to bring back affordable education opportunities to the citizens of Gila County and under her leadership, enrollment once again increased.

All programs were re-established and in July 2006, the Nursing Program became a reality. The first class of nursing students began their training at Gila Pueblo and the program was later expanded to the Payson Campus. This program continues to provide nurses to fill the medical needs in Gila County.

Margo is well respected by her colleagues in the educational field and in the community, and was very active in community affairs and service organizations, which included:

The Lions Club;

The Chamber of Commerce Board;

Four years as the Chair of the Historic Home and Building Tour;

Economic Development Committee;

10-year governing board member of Liberty High School

Provided GED classes

Received the Globe-Miami Educator of the year award

In January 2007, after 33 years as an educator, Margo retired to spend more time with her husband Robert, who she has been married to for 30 years.

For her many achievements and contributions to Gila Community College, the Nursing Lab Building was dedicated to Margo and the dedicatory plaque reads as follows:

“This building is dedicated to Margo M. Bracamonte for her 33 years of leadership at Gila Community College District April 28, 2018.”