Two men inducted into the AWC Hall of Fame

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Arizona Western College (AWC) says Luis Barajas and Richard H. Schuman have been inducted into the 2026 AWC Hall of Fame.

AWC said the Hall of Fame is honor alumni, faculty and community leaders across Yuma and La Paz Counties "who have made a significant contribution to the mission and goals of the college or distinguished themselves in service to the community and beyond."

Barajas served as AWC's Director of Financial Aid, dedicating 40 years to expand educational access at the college, secure more than $120 million in aid, scholarships, loans and work-study opportunities, AWC said.

Schuman, who passed away in 1993, not only championed the creation of AWC, but he also was a member of the Arizona State Junior College Board, helping "secure voter approval for the district and established a legacy that continues to benefit generations of students and the community."

"Both of this year's Hall of Fame honorees – Richard and Luis – each helped spark the transformation for our communities when AWC was just a great idea, or an early effort," said Lorainne Stofft, Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of the AWC Foundation. "Each of them in their own way paved the way for hundreds of thousands of learners over a 63 year history. It's a great honor to induct them into the college Hall of Fame."

The AWC Foundation will recognize the inductees during their annual Schoolhouse Soiree Friday, October 2.