Robby Findlay, director of operations for the Findlay Auto Group, has been selected as the 2021 recipient of the Coconino Community College Distinguished Service Award. Courtesy photo.
FLAGSTAFF — Despite a global pandemic, he and his staff were instrumental in getting Coconino Community College’s Automotive Technician program running.
That’s why Robby Findlay, director of operations for the Findlay Automotive Group, has been selected as the 2021 recipient of the prestigious Distinguished Service Award at CCC.
“What an unbelievable honor,” he said. “I know how much the college has done for the community, and it’s such an honor CCC is commending me and our auto group.”
CCC President Colleen A. Smith, Ph.D., said, “As soon as I arrived at Coconino Community College, I started receiving requests for the College to start an Automotive Technician Program. Due to the challenges in funding, the College previously thought there was no way possible to develop this program. Robby Findlay has been encouraging us and asking how he could help since day one. This partnership is amazing, and we would never have been able to offer this program without the help of Findlay Automotive Group. Robby has also consistently reached out to the College and helped in other ways by sponsoring tables at events that support student scholarships and so much more. We will be forever grateful for his support!”
Findlay donated a bay and a room to hold classroom instruction at Findlay Honda of Flagstaff to hold the first class – Introduction to Automotive Technician – in the Spring 2021 semester. Since that time, more advanced courses have been added so students can achieve more knowledge toward certification in automotive technician field. Students who have completed the Auto Tech courses have gone on to land jobs in Flagstaff at a variety of businesses – including Findlay Honda.
“In every dealership, we always have a shortage of technicians, and I know what a great career it can be,” Findlay said. “I realized how important it is for the students to get hands-on training, and once somebody learns the trade, they realize what a great career it is.”
Findlay credited the work of the staff at Findlay Honda, particularly the General Manager Jacob Lundie, at making the program happen in the middle of the pandemic.
“I think, even during some tough times, there was a great start up and there’s only room for expansion,” Findlay said.
The CCC Distinguished Service Award recognizes outstanding service, leadership and support to the College and to the educational enrichment of Coconino County. Nominees must have affected or substantially contributed a major accomplishment for the benefit of CCC and the educational enrichment of district residents. The award is normally given to one recipient annually, and any resident of Coconino County may nominate a person for the award. Current members of the CCC District Governing Board and individuals employed by the College are exempt from nomination.
About Coconino Community College
CCC has served residents across 18,000 square miles of Coconino County since 1991. The College has the goal of improving the lives of our residents through workforce development and higher education.
CCC provides affordable tuition and offers certificate programs and two-year associate degrees in academic and career fields. CCC also has programs that ease student transition to any of the three state universities, including the award-winning CCC2NAU.
CCC reaches out to the more rural portions of the County and Tribal Lands. Instructional sites offer classes through online, in-person and Zoom video conferencing classes to meet the needs of students in rural and remote areas. Nearly 20 percent of CCC’s students are Native American learners.