MCC Celebrates 60 Years
Since 1965 Mesa Community College has evolved from a small institution to a vibrant community hub serving thousands of students annually. Through our unwavering commitment to accessible, high-quality education, we remain an integral part of the city of Mesa, with a positive impact extending far beyond its borders.
Success Stories
For more than half a century, students have charted their path to success at Mesa Community College. Here we feature a compendium of their inspiring stories and Q&A reflections, cataloged together to celebrate MCC’s 60th anniversary.
Timeline
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
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.