The T-Bird Times is a digital newsletter, which is published on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month by the Office of Student Life & Leadership. If you'd like to have your event or announcement included, please click this button to be directed to a Google Form

Graduation 2025: Deadline to apply - March 1

Are you ready to graduate? Congratulations! Don't forget--you have to apply for graduation. Deadline: March 1.

Please review answers to common questions about graduation and commencement by visiting this link. You can also contact ceremonies@mesacc.edu to answer your questions. 

Date: Friday, May 9, 2025

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: Desert Financial Arena | Arizona State University

600 East Veterans Way, Tempe, AZ 85281

Honors Open House

January 27-31

Honors Achievement Award: Open House Learn more about the scholarship program, meet the Honors Staff, and enjoy FREE SNACKS! Earn up to $500!

Southern & Dobson Office: Building: KSC 35S, 175 (480) 461-7079

Red Mountain Office: Building: DW 135 (480) 654-7820

Questions? Visit the Honors website (www.mesacc.edu/honors), stop by our offices, or contact us.


Honors Contract Workshop

Do you need help with your Honors contract? The MCC Honors Program is offering workshops to help you find a topic, understand project requirements, and fill out your contract.

Please note: you must have the instructor's permission to do an Honors Contract in their class.

Questions? Visit the Honors website (www.mesacc.edu/honors), stop by our offices, or contact us.

STUDENT SUCCESS WORKSHOPS

The Foundations for Student Success is offering student success workshops during the fall semester. Workshops are free and are conducted both online and in person. These sessions are open to all students. For more information, please visit this site.  

*The Thunderbird Think Tank is located adjacent to the Testing Center on the Southern & Dobson campus.

Topic: Making Your Brain Work for You

1/28/25 | 12:00 pm | Thunderbird Think Tank (S/D)

1/31/25| 10:00 AM PM | Online: Click here

Topic: P.O.W.E.R. of Math Study Skills

2/12/25 | 1:30 pm | Thunderbird Think Tank (S/D)

2/14/25| 10:00 AM PM | Online: Click here

Monarch Tagging Workshop

Tuesday, January 28 | 11 am-12:30 pm | Southern/Dobson Clocktower

Join us for our workshop! Learn about how and why monarch butterflies are caught and tagged! (By doing it yourself!)

This event takes place on Tuesday, January 28th, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm, and we'll be meeting at the Southern & Dobson Clocktower. See you there!

Presentation: U.S. Presidential Assasssinations

Wednesday, January 29 | 12:00-1:00 pm | SC-11E (SoDo campus)

Virtual link to join

Join us for an engaging discussion on the history, politics, and security challenges of presidential assassinations, exploring their immediate and lasting impacts on national policy, public perception, and global relations.

Together, we'll explore the history behind presidential assassinations, the political fallout, and the security challenges they raised.  Don’t miss out on this chance to engage with a topic that blends intrigue, history, and global politics!

Presenters: Dr. Brian Dille, Political Science

Courtney Smith, History

Zee Mamela, Administration of Justice Studies

Club Rush & Volunteerfest

Red Mountain: January 30 | 10 am-1 pm (M200)

Thunderbirds, start your engines!

The Spring 2025 Club Rush was a big hit at Southern and Dobson, but if you missed it, you have another chance! Join us at the Red Mountain campus for another Mario Kart Race! Students will zoom around the Mario Kart tracks as they explore student-led clubs, campus resources, and volunteer opportunities through the Center for Community and Civic Engagement and off-campus agencies.

Participants will enjoy complimentary pizza from "MCC Luigi Pizza Kitchen" by completing their "Race Map," spin the prize wheel for MCC swag, and will also have the chance to win a gift card to Fat Cats. 

John Lewis & Malcolm X: Profiles in Peace and Nonviolence

The Arizona Interfaith Movement and Mesa Community College Present:
A Black History Month Celebration: Honoring the Lives of Congressman John Lewis and Malcolm X

Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring distinguished speakers, including MCC faculty member Professor Rod Golden, as we celebrate the legacies of the late Congressman John Lewis and the legendary Malcolm X.

Event Details
Date: Monday, February 3rd
Time: 9:00 AM 12:00 PM
Location: Southern & Dobson Campus, Room SC11E
This session will also be streamed and recorded via Zoom.

RSVP: Visit AZIFM.org to reserve your spot today!

Don't miss this opportunity to reflect on their impactful contributions to civil rights, leadership, and social justice.

Speakers include: Rev. Dr. Helen Hunter, Ahmad Daniels, Mark Klym, John Akram, Rod Golden

February Blood Drives

February 4 | 10 am-1:30 pm | Bloodmobile at Red Mountain

February 11-12 | 10 am-1:30 pm | Student Lounge at SoDo

Blood donations are critical need in our community. You can help by donating blood at any of our blood drives at MCC. Sign up to donate at either Red Mountain or Southern & Dobson. Sign up for your appointment at www.bloodhero.com using location code MCC. Walk-in appointments may also be available. 

Astronomy Nights at MCC

MCC Astronomy Nights are held on the first Friday of the month during February, March, April, & May and September, October, November, & December. Cost is $6 per person, with some free family shows found at this link.

MCC Astronomy Nights include planetarium shows and telescope viewing. Planetarium shows occur rain or shine, but telescope viewing of the night sky is only offered when the sky is clear.

Planetarium shows run from 5:00-10:00 PM, with shows starting every hour. Click the links below to purchase tickets for the show in advance (required).

The Hot & Energetic Universe: February 7th, 2025

Spark: The Universe in Us: March 7th, 2025

Two Small Pieces of Glass: April 4th, 2025

Tour the Universe w/ Pink Floyd: May 2nd, 2025

Study Abroad Deadlines

Study abroad application deadlines are rapidly approaching! Anyone 18+ years of age is eligible to participate!

San Jose, Costa Rica - Application deadline: February 2, 2025

Fukuoka, Japan - Application deadline: February 2, 2025

Athlone, Ireland - Application deadline: March 1, 2025

England/France - Application deadline: March 1, 2025

Puerto Peñasco, Mexico - Application deadline: March 1, 2025

Namibia (Africa) - Application deadline: March 1, 2025

Apply early to avoid getting on a waitlist!!

Late applications will be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

For information on all of the summer study abroad programs, visit mesacc.edu/study-abroad.



Gilman Scholarship Workshops 

The U.S. Department of State's Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program enables American undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding to study and intern abroad through scholarships of up to $5,000. Students studying critical need languages are eligible for scholarships up to $8,000.

The next application deadline is Thursday, March 6, 2025 with awards announced in mid-May. Application will open in mid-January.

Learn about the eligibility requirements, benefits, and essay advising tips for the Gilman Scholarship Program!

Tuesday, February 4, 2025 | 1:30 pm
Google Meet: meet.google.com/ofr-piyd-jtn

Workshop Facilitators: Yvonne Schmidt, International Education & Nicole Bradley, Writing Center

For more information, reach out to: studyabroad@mesacc.edu!

We Care Wednesday 

Wednesday, February 5 | 10 am-12 pm | Navajo Room

The next distributions of the semester takes place February 5 at the Southern & Dobson campus. All food distributions are free and open to the public. Distribution begins at 10 am and runs until 12 pm (while supplies last).

This distribution takes place in the Navajo Room and is walk-up service only. The next distribution at the Red Mountain campus is on February 19.

For a full schedule of WCW distributions for the spring semester, click here. 

Pow Wow 101

February 5 | 12:00-1:30 pm | LB 145


Join us for the Pow Wow 101 Workshop and learn about the cultural traditions and significance of Pow Wows, proper etiquette, and the meaning behind various dances. Engage with student voices as they share how the Pow Wow contributes to their success. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Native American culture! This workshop serves as preparation for the MCC Thunderbird Pow Wow, scheduled for Spring 2025. Everyone is welcome-Lunch will be served while supplies last.

Register for zoom link: http://bit.ly/3ScysI2. CAH takes place every Tuesday from 12-1:15 pm. See below for information about the upcoming workshops.

Center for Community and Civic Engagement

Working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference; promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes. 

Know Your Resources: I Voted....Now What?

February 4 | 12:00-1:15 pm on Zoom | Click here to register for upcoming sessions

Presenter: Fair Elections Center-Emma Burns

Know Your Rights: Civil Disobedience

February 11 | 12:00-1:15 pm on Zoom | Click here to register for upcoming sessions

Join us for an inspiring and resource-packed event designed to empower students in their academic, personal, and professional journeys! Attendees will gain access to interactive workshops covering key areas such as financial literacy, self-advocacy, mental health, academic success and career readiness. Whether you're looking to build your personal brand, strengthen your resume, or master networking, this event has something for everyone.

This is more than just an event-it's an opportunity to find your purpose, grow your confidence, and build a supportive community to help you succeed in college and beyond. Don't miss out on the chance to invest in your future!

Student Empowerment Summit: Invest in Yourself-In the Class and Beyond

Friday, Feb 7 | 8 am-3 pm | Navajo Room at Southern/Dobson

Click here to register

What to Expect:

Event is open to all students and lunch will be provided.

Thunderbird Athletics

Support the MCC Thunderbird Athletes at one of their upcoming HOME games

Celebrating 60 years of MCC

Let the celebration begin! Mesa Community College is celebrating its diamond anniversary in 2025, marking six decades of student success, academic growth, and community impact.

Commemorating this milestone, MCC has launched a dedicated website, mesacc.edu/60, featuring historical photos, success stories, and information about upcoming anniversary events and activities.

Throughout the 2025 calendar year, we invite you to continue to celebrate the 60th Anniversary and participate in honoring our legacy in the community.


Throwback Thorsday 1/9/25

Did you know that MCC’s roots go back to 809 W. Main Street in Mesa, where it operated as an extension of Phoenix College? The building on the left was built in 1911 and served MCC until 1965. The basement had classrooms, and the main room was a library. These days, it’s a gorgeous wedding venue.

Throwback Thorsday 1/16/25

Let's take a look at MCC's very first semester! What was it like? Well, on September 11, 1963, 330 students registered for classes at the Mesa Extension, marking the beginning of something amazing.

MCC started with a solid foundation in areas like Science & Math, Social Sciences, Business, Language Arts, and Physical Education. Students also had access to language courses including English, German, French creating the groundwork for the diverse programs we offer today.

It’s incredible to think how far we’ve come, and yet the same dedication to student success that started in 1963 still thrives today. Here’s to the legacy of all those who helped shape MCC into the vibrant community it is today!


Throwback Thorsday 1/23/25

Check out this stunning photo of the now MCC Theatre, recently shared with us by retired faculty member, taken inside a local Jason’s Deli!

Originally opening in 1978 as the Theatre Outback, the facility derived its name from the lack of buildings on the southern part of the campus at that time, making the area “out back” in regard to the S&D campus. No longer “out back," as the MCC campus has grown in size over the years, the facility is now simply known as the MCC Theatre. For more than 40 years, the 270 seat theatre has fostered the budding careers of thousands of students, welcomed community forums, hosted a President of the United States and two Region VIII Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Conferences -- a third will be hosted Feb. 11-15, 2025.

Immerse yourself in the Arts at MCC -- learn about our programs, venues and shows at mesacc.edu/arts

ONGOING PROGRAMS, SERVICES, AND EVENTS

We are always grateful for donations to the Mesa Market! Feel free to drop off your donations to the Mesa Market at either campus. 

We Care Wednesday is a fresh food distribution that takes place on the first and third Wednesday of each month at Southern and Dobson and Red  Mountain respectively. Click here for the dates and time of each distribution. 

MESA MARKET

FOOD & HYGIENE PRODUCTS FOR STUDENTS

The Mesa Market is a food and hygiene pantry for MCC students. Any student is eligible to visit the Mesa Market for food and hygiene products for free.  Hours may vary throughout the semester. Please call for specifics.

Southern and Dobson Campus

The Mesa Market at Southern/Dobson campus is located in KSC 35S, and can be reached at 480-461-7948

Red Mountain Campus

The Mesa Market at Red Mountain is located in Palo Verde 111, and can be reached at 480-654-7775. 

MCC Fitness Center Memberships

Start the new semester STRONG! Did you know you can sign up for a membership to the MCC Fitness Centers? They provide membership access to students, employees, and the community, and a membership gives you access to both the Southern and Dobson and the Red Mountain campus fitness centers.  Membership includes cardio and strength training equipment, fitness tools/accessories, access to drop in group fitness classes, personal training consultation and 1 complementary session, knowledgeable staff, day use lockers, clean facilities, and no crowds!

Also available: Community Ed memberships, PED 101/PED 115 classes for credit and a variety of fitness classes. Visit the Fitness Center website for a schedule and more information.

For a FREE ONE WEEK Guest Pass to the MCC Fitness Center, click this link.

Follow the Student Life Instagram for your chance to win Thorsday prizes! @mccthunderbirds


What is THORSDAY?

Wear your favorite Thunderbird gear every Thorsday, greet your friends with "Happy Thorsday," and find your own ways to celebrate your Thunderbird pride.  Do you have your Thorsday shirt? Stop by Student Life!

For more information on Student Life, visit our website

STUDENT LIFE & LEADERSHIP

Student Life is here to help you GET ENGAGED and GET CONNECTED at MCC. 

Getting involved makes a HUGE difference in your MCC experience. Check out Student Life for more information on these opportunities. Visit us in KSC 35S at the SoDo campus or in Mesquite 210 at Red Mountain, or check out our Virtual Student Life Center for more information.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. The Maricopa County Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.