Celebrating moments
From the 1960's to Today
From the 1960s to the present day, Mesa Community College has been part of the fabric of the city of Mesa and the Southeast Valley. We’ve grown up with the city and surrounding areas, now bustling with more than 515,000 residents, the second-largest city in Arizona. MCC has grown from 330 students who enrolled for the first semester in 1963 to serving more than 25,500 learners annually. We invite you to explore our history.
1963
Expanding Forward
Phoenix College - Mesa Extension
Mesa operated as an extension campus of Phoenix College and was located at 809 W. Main Street in Mesa. This building, built in 1911, was used by MCC until 1965. The main room was the library and classrooms were in the basement. Today this site is wedding venue.
1963
The First President
Start of a legacy
John Riggs was appointed Executive Dean of the Mesa Extension. Once Mesa became a full college, he served as President until 1974.
1963
The First Semester
Registering for the future
330 students registered for classes the first semester at the Mesa Extension on Sept. 11. The full time teachers that first semester were: Bob Reid, Division Chair of Science and Math; Joe Shirley, Division Chair, Social Science; Leon Kearney, Business Division Chair; Margaret Allison Watkins, Language Arts Division Chair; Jeanette DePriest, Library Division Chair; Lot Christensen, Division of Health and P.E. Chair; John Morris, Social Science; Sherry Little, English and Business; Bill Kendall, German and English; Lee Wallis, French and English; Marsha Head, Women's Physical Education.
1964
Welcome the Hokams
MCC athletics begins
Mesa students voted Hokams as the nickname for their athletic teams. The name originated from the ancient Indian tribe, the Hohokam, who lived in the Salt River Valley.
1964
A New Home
Planting roots in Mesa
Capital funds from the bond election enabled Mesa Community College to purchase 120 acres with an option to purchase an adjoining 40 acres for the new campus at Dobson and Southern Roads in Mesa.
1965
The First Yearbook
Publishing history
Mesa Extension published its first yearbook called Jacali. The name is the Spanish word for the Hohokam Indian dwelling. This tied the yearbook to the MCC mascot, the Hokam. Jacali was published 1965 – 1979.
1965
The Great Divide
Mesa Community College finds its identity
On April 12th the Maricopa Junior College District Board named Mesa Community College and Glendale Community College as separate institutions from Phoenix College. Dr. John D. Riggs, Dean of the Mesa Extension, became Executive Dean of Mesa Community College. Other MCC administrators were: Keith Breon, Dean of Admissions; Jinnett Kirk, Dean of Students; and Theo Heap, Associate Dean of Students.
1965
The Governing Board Officially Changed the Name
On July 1, 1965, the Governing Board officially changed the name to Mesa Community College.
1965
Breaking Ground
It's official
Mesa Community College's ground breaking ceremony on October 15th was conducted by Student Body President “Jeep” Anderson.
1966
A Grand Opening
Southern & Dobson Campus opens
Mesa Community College opened at its new site on the corner of Dobson and Southern. The buildings: the student center, the science building, the maintenance building and 26 portable classrooms - giving MCC the nickname “portable university.”
1966
Rainy Day Orientation
Delayed - but not deterred
Student orientation day on the new MCC campus was held on September 14th. It rained hard all day. The parking lots had not yet been paved. The area where the math science (MS) building now stands was under water. The huge puddle was named “Lake Hokam” and a jeep was needed to tow cars to solid ground. Classes were delayed another 3 days, but began with a record enrollment of 2,053 students.
1966
Horlbeck, Hickman & Associates was the architectural firm for the new campus.
Did you know
Horlbeck, Hickman & Associates was the architectural firm for the new campus.
1966
Campus Dedication Day
Registration in record numbers
Mesa Community College campus dedication day was held October 30. The program was held in the area north of the student union and west of the flagpole. Fall registration was 3,850.
1968
The First Graduation on Campus
Leading the way for future generations
Mesa Community College graduated its first class on its new campus in ceremonies May 29, at 8 p.m. 253 students graduated. The 1966 and 1967 Commencement Ceremonies were held at Rendezvous Park in Mesa.
1968
Preparing for Gold
MCC takes its athletics to the next level
MCC became a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), enabling our athletic programs to compete on the national level. Twenty-one National Championships and more than 144 Conference Titles won since 1968.
1968
Going the Distance
Track and field shine
MCC men's outdoor track and field won the national championship in 1968 and 1969. Ernie Bullard was their first head coach, followed in 1969 by Coach Carvel Jackson, who won 5 national titles. MCC track and field has produced more than 127 All-Americans including Mark Murro, who competed in the 1968 Olympics for javelin throw.
1969
Touchdown HoKams
A cornerstone for MCC Athletics
Dedication of the football stadium
1970
National Championships
Racing towards the future
Men's Outdoor Track & Field brought home 4 national championships: 1970, 1973, 1974, 1975. All-American Ron Semkiw earned a shotput record.
1970
Hitting a Home Run
MCC's baseball team finds success
The Hokams win the National Baseball Championship for three successive years (1970, 1971 and 1972). Jim Brock becomes MCC’s first baseball coach, followed by Jim Frye with a 334–172 record in eleven seasons. Frye was inducted into the NJCAA Baseball Hall of Fame in 1996 for his work in community college baseball.
1970
Professional Baseball Contracts
Did you know
More than 70 former MCC stars signed professional baseball contracts, including 1988 World Series hero Mickey Hatcher, 1986 American League play-off MVP Marty Barrett, Mike Devereaux, Dave Collins, Hubie Brooks, Paul Single, and Brett Merriman.
1972
The Golden Slam
MCC's tennis team has the perfect serve
MCC won the National Tennis Championship. Coach Lot Christensen is considered the “Father of Tennis.” In his 21 years as coach, MCC scored an unbelievable 409 wins to only 50 losses.
1973
Touchdown
MCC climbs the ranks
Football won national championships in 1973 and 1975. The 1973 team played in the Sunkist Bowl in Yuma, Arizona. Football Coach Paul Widmer took the team to 2 National Championships and 5 Conference Titles during his decade of leadership with an 83-14-1 record. MCC's football program produced more than 50 All-Americans, 30 Academic All-Americans and 29 professional football players including: Bobby Thomas (1968) LA Rams; T.C. Wright, San Diego Chargers; Mike Johnson, British Columbia Lions; Trevor Cavanaugh, Edmonton Eskimos; and Jerold Jeffcoat, NY Giants.
1974
Switching it Up
A change in identity
MCC’s mascot changes from Hokam to Thunderbird.
1974
MCC won the national championship in men’s indoor track and field
In ‘74, MCC was the men’s indoor track and field national champs
1974
Howe for President
The successor to John Riggs
Helena Howe was appointed MCC President and remained in the position until 1978.
1976
Career Fair
Did you know
In 1976, MCC began hosting Career Fairs to assist students in seeking employment.
1977
Bump, Set, Spike
Volleyball brings home the National Championship
In seven years the volleyball team compiled a 199–11 record, a national championship, and six conference titles under the leadership of coach Lynn Bedford.
1978
Soaring High
A monumental occasion
Erected in 1978, the stained glass Thunderbird monument was presented to the college as a gift from the Evening College Student Government Association. Originally located on the corner of Southern and Dobson, it was relocated in 2016 near the Thunderbird Student Success Center east of the Clock Tower.
1978
A Proper Venue
MCC's performers get their stage
Theatre Outback opened in 1978. Previous performances had been held in a portable that was “outback” on the south side of campus.
1978
A Change in Leadership
Preparing for a new decade
Theo J. Heap was appointed MCC President.
1979
On the Run
Women's Track and Field beats the competition
Women’s Outdoor Track and Field races to success and earns the National Championship.
1980
Stellar Strides
Champions once more
Men's Outdoor Track and Field won the national championship.
1982
A Healthy Addition
Teamwork proves vital
Completed construction of the Health Improvement Center. A weight room was added in 1983. Dedication ceremonies and an Open House were held Oct. 12. The Health Improvement Center was built by MCC coaches and employees on evenings and weekends; it was built without tax or government dollars.
1982
MCC Led All of the Maricopa Community Colleges
On January 1st, 1982, MCC led all of the Maricopa Community Colleges in enrollment with a head count of 14,674.
1984
The Simpson Era
Propelling MCC onward & upward
Wallace A. Simpson was appointed MCC President.
1985
Rotary Registration
The beginning of something special
MCC offered telephone registration for the first time, limited to one course that did not require advising or testing.
1985
Full Steam Ahead
MCC's education in demand
Chandler-Gilbert Education Center began its first year of operation as an extension of Mesa Community College.
1986
The Legacy of Theo Heap
In honor of MCC's past
The MCC east gymnasium was named after Theo Heap, former President, Athletic Director, and Coach, during Dedication Ceremonies on December 19.
1987
Biblio Barcoding
Innovation at MCC
Bar code technology came to the library as part of a new automation system. Bar codes were assigned to every item in the library’s collection, and appeared on student ID cards for the first time.
1987
A Dean's Proud Moment
Recognizing one of MCC's greatest
Jinnett B. Kirk, MCC’s first Dean of Students, was honored with the Don Carlos Humanitarian Award on February 20.
1987
MCC's Telephone Number Changed
MCC’s telephone number changed with the advent of an upgraded telephone system that encompassed all of the Maricopa Community Colleges. The older (827)-3000 number was changed to (461)-7000, which remains to the present day. The Red Mountain campus brought a new prefix of (654)-7000.
1988
A Presidential Introduction
Ushering Mesa Community College into the 1990s
Larry K. Christiansen served as Mesa Community College's President for nineteen years - leaving in 2007.
1989
A Silver Jubilee
MCC celebrates 25th anniversary
T-Bird Corner at Southern and Dobson received a facelift for the 25th anniversary. Erected in 1978, the Thunderbird monument was presented to the college as a gift from the Evening College Student Government Association.
1990
Big Time
Celebrating the Alumni Clock Tower dedication
MCC’s Clock Tower, designed to be a focal point on campus, received conceptual approval from the district's governing board. At the time, the 60-foot high structure was valued at $90,000. The Alumni Clock Tower dedication was held on October 18th.
1995
Open for Business
The Commission on Excellence in Education
President Christiansen created the Commission on Excellence in Education which included 530 business leaders, government officials and Arizona residents.
David Udall, Commission Chair from 1990-1993
1996
The First InterSession
Classes offered in a one-month mini-session
MCC offered its first InterSession on Dec. 26. 32 classes were offered and 379 students enrolled.
1997
1st Annual Assessment Week
Faculty members assess student performance
Numeracy, problem solving, critical thinking, scientific inquiry, information literacy, cultural diversity and workplace skills were analyzed by the Office of Research and Planning and an annual report was prepared.
1997
Coming Up Roses
Public rose garden opens
Dedication of the MCC and Mesa-East Valley Rose Society Rose Garden was held on April 30th. The garden is still the largest public rose garden in the southwest.
1997
MCC East Campus
New opportunity at McKellips and Power Roads
700 students began their journeys to success in temporary facilities.
1998
Timeless
The Alumni Clock Tower gets an upgrade
The word “MESA” was added to the Alumni Clock tower.
1999
Supporting Our Future
MCC sponsors its 1st High School Model UN Conference
The high school students posed as UN delegates and discussed issues such as terrorism, AIDS/HIV, and human rights. Distinguished delegates received a $1,000 MCC scholarship.
1999
Honoring Weston Letter
MCC hosted its 1st Water Safety Day
This community event educated the public about water safety issues and honored the memory of Weston Letter, who drowned in the family swimming pool on May 31, 1998.
2000
A Groundbreaking Event
The beginning of the Red Mountain Campus
Phase I construction began for Red Mountain Campus, which included four buildings: the Desert Willow Bldg. (library & commons), Mesquite Bldg. (student & administrative services), Palo Verde Bldg. (classrooms & laboratories), and the Ironwood Bldg. (central plant). A groundbreaking ceremony was held in April.
2000
Going Wireless
Red Mountain campus advances with a webcam
The MCC Southern and Dobson campus Social Cultural Building, Physical Science Building and the Diesel/Welding and Physical Education portables all install wireless technology to support classroom laptops.
2000
Providing Tools for Teaching
Dedication of the MCC Center for Teaching and Learning
The Center for Teaching and Learning leads and inspires the advancement of innovative teaching and learning for student success. The dedication was held on October 5th.
2001
MCC reached an enrollment of 44,000 students
2001-02 MCC reached an enrollment of 44,000 students with classes offered in facilities across the East Valley.
2002
Fun With Science
First MCC Science Day was held on April 9th
Local schools were invited to participate in science activities on campus.
2002
MCC became an authorized center for Microsoft Office User Specialist Certification
Did you know
In 2002, MCC became an authorized center for Microsoft Office User Specialist Certification.
2004
National Recognition
Presidential visit prompts governor's applause
President George W. Bush visited Mesa Community College to discuss his proposal for a $250 million federal grant for job training programs in community colleges across the nation. The next day, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano recognized MCC for achieving national recognition at the East Valley Breakfast with the Governor.
Photo courtesy of Michael Cooper
2004
Helping Hands
Sculptor begins production outside the Theatre Outback
Chinese artist Xiaoping Luo’s The Hands sculpture is 12 feet long and symbolizes the nurturing of the student body. It also offers a unique and inspiring seating area.
2004
Maricopa County Votes
$951 million bond approved and issued
A more than 2-to-1 margin by Maricopa County voters secures the new bond. MCC's portion of the proceeds was set at $111 million: $60 million to Southern and Dobson, $20 million for Red Mountain, $21 million for technology, and $10 million for the Downtown Center.
2006
Highest Honors
MCC named to U.S. President's Higher Education Honor Roll
The U.S. President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll highlights the role colleges play in solving community problems and placing more students on a lifelong path of civic engagement.
2006
Hall of Fame
MCC's Inaugural Sports Hall of Fame inductees
MCC celebrates twenty athletes, coaches, administrators, and community leaders who contributed significantly to the success of MCC athletics with induction into its inaugural Sports Hall of Fame.
2007
MCC Alumnus Mark Millron Received 2007
Did you know
MCC alumnus Mark Milliron received the 2007 National Leadership Award from the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).
2007
Recognition of Progress
Award designed to highlight institutional efforts
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), a leading Washington-based, private, nonprofit organization, awarded the 2007 CHEA Award for Institutional Progress in Student Learning Outcomes to Mesa Community College.
2008
The Next Chapter
MCC welcomes a new president
Dr. Shouan Pan became the sixth president of MCC.
2008
Rise of the Thunderbird
Football team debuts new Thunderbird logo
The football team was first to don a newly redesigned Thunderbird athletic mascot logo on their helmets for their homecoming game against Scottsdale CC. The new bird, designed by Shachi Kale, is represented in Mesa's colors: scarlet, white, and southwest blue.
2009
Soleri Bells
Refurbished and reinstalled
The Paolo Soleri Bell sculpture was reinstalled in the new Elsner Library after employee donations paid for a refurbishing. The original sculpture was a gift of the class of 1968 and was installed in MCC's original library.
2010
Central Courtyard Cienega
Red Mountain campus dedicates native wetland
Used as a demonstration project that illustrates how reclaimed water can be used to create a riparian habitat for native species – as well as mitigate storm water runoff to protect Arizona's natural riparian areas. The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured the release of the initial stock of Arizona-native Longfin Dace minnows into the cienega.
2012
Chapter of the Year
MCC's Upsilon chapter of Sigma Chi Eta recognized
MCC's Upsilon chapter of Sigma Chi Eta was recognized as the National Chapter of the Year 2011-12, 2012-13, and 2013-14. Sigma Chi Eta (SCH) is the official community college honor society of the National Communication Association (NCA).
2012
Coming Up Roses
Grant bestowed for garden updates
The Rose Garden at MCC received a grant from the Stanley Smith Horticulture Trust resulting in up to $40,000 for a variety of garden projects including bridges so students can safely cross the retention area near the corner of Southern & Dobson, rose arbors, benches, a trellis, and other artistically designed enhancements.
2013
Mesa Counts on College
Grant draws to a close with impressive results
The Mesa Counts on College grant, funded through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, drew to a close. Along with partners Mesa Public Schools and the City of Mesa, MCC implemented several new initiatives, such as the Pathways to Completion Project, GED to MCC, the Mesa Community Outreach Center, and Explore What's In Store.
2013
PTK Chapter Wins International Award
Ranks Second Worldwide
Did you know
MCC’s Phi Theta Kappa Omicron Beta Chapter was named First Finalist for Most Distinguished Chapter at the 2013 Phi Theta Kappa Conference. The international award ranks MCC as second out of 1,280 chapters worldwide.
2013
National Recognition
A spotlight on success
Bob Samson of MCC's Network Academy was recognized as one of the top 20 Cisco Trainers in the U.S.
2014
Slam Dunk
Women's basketball team shoots and scores
The Mesa women's basketball team captured the NJCAA Division II national championship with an 82-72 win in overtime over second-seeded Highland (Kan.). The victory capped a fantastic career for the MCC sophomores, who posted a 55-12 record over their two years, won two Region I titles, took second place nationally in 2013, and capped it all with a national title in 2014.
2014
Thrilling Victory
A home run for men's baseball
Men’s baseball claims the national championship with a thrilling 9–7 win in 11 innings over Hinds (Miss.). The championship caps a season with a 52–13 record and adds a fourth baseball championship in school history. The 1970–72 teams all won NJCAA crowns.
2014
Performing Arts Pledge
A gift for the musicians
Dr. Ruth Tan Lim pledged $1 million for the naming rights of the Performance Hall in the new Performing Arts Center (PAC) at MCC. The gift was deposited with the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation (MCCF) for exclusive use of the Music Program at MCC. Income from the interest will be used for scholarship awards and to support the music program.
2015
Community Engagement
Students serve 530,088 hours
MCC is one of only 16 community colleges nationwide to receive the Community Engagement Classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Since 2002, MCC’s Center for Community & Civic Engagement has formally tracked service-learning students and their hours. From 2002 to 2015, 17,346 students served a total of 530,088 hours.
2015
Conserving Desert Flora and Fauna
Red Mountain Celebrates Completion of Final Phase of Cienega
Years in the making, the reconstructed oasis has become one of the most impressive outdoor desert displays in the Valley. The cienega is home to native plants and animals, including several endangered species, some of which are already reproducing.
2016
Garden for Wildlife
MCC Red Mountain Awarded National Wildlife Certification
The Red Mountain Campus was recognized by the National Wildlife Federation with a Certified Wildlife Habitat designation as part of its Garden for Wildlife program for a garden space that improves habitat for birds, butterflies, frogs and other wildlife.
2017
Subaru and MCC
MCC partners with Subaru of America
Subaru of America partnered with the college to train the next generation of Subaru technicians by integrating its Web-Based Training (at no additional charge to students or MCC) into the college’s existing curriculum.
2018
Art History Library
Dr. Carole Drachler Library of Art History grand opening
A ribbon cutting celebrated the opening of the library launched with a $250,000 donation and more than 3,000 books and rare historic items from past faculty Dr. Carole Drachler and husband Dr. David Drachler.
2018
Turquoise Uniforms Revealed
MCC is first two year college to don Nike N7 turquoise uniforms
The uniforms represent harmony, fellowship and friendship and are a Nike initiative celebrating Native American Heritage Month. They were revealed at the college’s Sixth Annual American Indian Recognition Day basketball games.
2020
Species Recovery
Endangered fish from MCC replenish wild populations
MCC Red Mountain Campus supported the recovery of the endangered, native Gila Topminnows species. The population in the college’s cienega reached a level healthy enough to serve as a source to stock other bodies of water throughout the state.
2021
Mesa College Promise
Mesa high school graduates apply now for Mesa College Promise Funds
City of Mesa and MCC announced the first Mesa College Promise eligible high school graduates to receive funding to attend the college beginning with the fall semester.
2022
AII Celebrates 35 Years
MCC American Indian Institute celebrates 35 years of service to indigenous students
The MCC American Indian Institute celebrates its 35th anniversary by honoring the founders of the AII, student leaders, athletes and Native American staff and faculty.
2022
Robots and Cobots
MCC offers classes in working with robots and cobots: AIT program fast tracks industrial technology careers
An Automated Industrial Technology program offers certificates and degrees for students wanting to learn to work with robots, including cobots, which work alongside humans.
2023
Rose Garden 25th Anniversary
MCC celebrates Rose Garden 25th Anniversary
A celebration to commemorate the 25th anniversary of The Rose Garden was attended by Mesa City Council members, community leaders, MCC faculty and staff, the garden’s architect and officers, and volunteers from the American Rose Society and the Mesa East Valley Rose Society.
2023
A Visit From the First Lady
Information: First Lady Jill Biden visits MCC, recognizes success of Mesa College Promise
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona met with MCC President Dr. Tammy Robinson, City of Mesa Mayor John Giles, and other elected officials and educational administrators, to recognize the collaborative success of the Mesa College Promise.
2023
Terry O’Banion Award
MCC iBelong Initiative nationally recognized with prestigious Terry O’Banion Award
MCC's iBelong Student Success Initiative was named a silver winner of the prestigious Terry O’Banion Award by the National Council on Student Development.
2024
First Lady Speaks at Commencement
Special guest Dr. Jill Biden to speak at Mesa Community College 20232024 commencement ceremony
The First Lady of the United States, Dr. Jill Biden, Ed.D., delivered remarks as special guest speaker at the spring commencement ceremony.
Please note that the milestones on this timeline are highlights, and do not represent all activities in MCC’s history because of the volume of items and space limitations.
