Welcome to Valdez: A New Year Begins at PWSC

We’re thrilled to welcome our newest and returning students from across the country and around the world to our beautiful corner of the planet — Valdez, Alaska! Orientation Week is officially in full swing at Prince William Sound College, and the campus is buzzing with new faces, big dreams, and the excitement of a new academic year.

Students are diving into college life — meeting new friends, exploring programs and resources, and discovering what makes Valdez such a special place. Spoiler: it’s the people… and the breathtaking scenery.

This Sunday, we’re taking the adventure to the next level with a Stan Stephens Glacier and Wildlife Cruise through Prince William Sound. It’s an unforgettable way to kick off the year — with glaciers, sea otters, puffins, and maybe even a whale or two, all in one incredible day.

A huge thank you goes out to the fantastic members of the Valdez community who joined us during New Student Orientation to help students feel welcomed and informed. We’re grateful to Katey Connell from the Valdez Job Center; Mike Clupper, Chief Animal Control Officer; Aaron Baczuk, Emergency Manager; DL Womble from the Valdez Consortium Library; Matt Wardsworth from Sound Mental Health; Terri Donaldson from the Alaska Department of Health & Social Services; Ed Magena from Providence Valdez Counseling Center; Summer Wesson from Providence Valdez Medical Center; and Jillian Fleming from the City of Valdez Parks & Recreation.

Your time, knowledge, and support help connect our students not just to PWSC but to the broader Valdez community. Thanks to you, our students are starting their journey with a strong sense of belonging and support.

To our new students: welcome to your home away from home. We’re so glad you’re here. Let’s make this year unforgettable.