MOHAVE COUNTY – Angel Soto has been working at Mohave Community College since 2017 when he decided to return home to Bullhead City from Flagstaff. Since then, he has had a positive impact on students as a Science Laboratory Technician on the Bullhead Campus.
This year he was selected as the 2024 Ellen Licari Service to Students Award recipient. The award recognizes employees who go above and beyond to put students first. The Ellen Licari Service to Students award was named in honor of former employee Ellen Licari, who was dedicated to helping students succeed. Licari was an MCC Student Advisor who passed away in 2011. The award is presented annually to an MCC employee who represents the values Ellen showed in helping students.
“I was surprised when notified that I had been selected to win this award. I’m happy to have provided spaces to create valuable experiences and memories for anyone and everyone,” Soto said. “This is something that really can’t be attained without teamwork and I have to really thank the science faculty team that has supported any endeavors to upgrade the student experience.”
As a science laboratory technician, he enjoys being the overseer of a space where experiments and innovation occur. As a technician, he inspires students through reassuring students in their work, and making them feel confident in their ability to learn through the assignments.
The excerpt below is from an MCC student who nominated Soto for the Ellen Licari Service to Students Award:
“Angel truly goes above and beyond. He works around the clock to ensure that students receive a positive lab experience. He’s always there to guide students step-by-step, checks that every student understands instructions and procedures, and is happy to answer any questions. He doesn’t hesitate to help when an unexpected problem arises. He’s quick on his feet and eager to help when preparations for a lab do not go as planned, and always seeing that every student has access to a quality education. Beyond his role in the lab, Angel always encourages students to achieve their dreams, whether it is taking the time to explore research ideas or supporting and inspiring students in their own roles on campus. In my time at MCC, Angel has always been very involved in campus events outside of his realm in the lab. He’s always happy to volunteer at campus events and put in the effort to have a fun day for the students. Overall, if you have had the pleasure of meeting Angel, you know what a great person he is, and if you have had the pleasure of working with him you know he’s more than dedicated.”
Soto graduated from Northern Arizona University with his bachelor’s degree in engineering with a concentration in mechanical engineering. He grew up in Bullhead City and is an alumnus of River Valley High School. In his spare time, he enjoys disc golfing, hiking and playing various types of games.
Soto will be recognized at MCC’s 53rd Commencement Ceremony which will take place at 3 PM Friday, May 10 at Anderson Auto Group Fieldhouse, 3663 Bullhead Parkway, Bullhead City, AZ.