Polytechnic alumnus, student pursue public offices

MESA, Ariz. - Former and current students from programs of Arizona State University's Polytechnic campus are finding politics or civic service to their liking during this election year.

ASU Alumnus Venessa Whitener, a secondary-level educator and currently an ASU graduate student, announced her candidacy for the Higley School Board election Nov. 7.

Whitener, who was born and raised in Gilbert, says she knows about growing pains, and adds that she taught in inner-city Philadelphia, suburban and blue collar communities, and right here in Mesa. She is currently pursuing a Master in Education in Educational Administration and Supervision at ASU's Polytechnic campus.

So why does she want to play a role on the school board?

"I believe it's important to bring the 'educator's point of view' as well as finance experience to the school board position," says Whitener, "and I have both. I am and will always stand for what is best in the pursuit of educating children."

In addition to Whitener, Corinne Armstrong, an alumnus who received bachelor's degrees in industrial technology/air transportation management and environmental resources at ASU, is running for a seat as a representative in New Hampshire.

She formerly was an engineer with Honeywell Aerospace in Arizona before relocating to New Hampshire.