Barbara Thelander, while director of MCC Continuing Education and Community Service, guided New Frontiers for Lifelong Learning to become a significant attribute for the college and a valuable education and activities resource for the community. This robust organization offers an admirable array of noncredit classes, programs, and community service activities for the adult community.

In the early 80s, Barbara partnered with East Valley Adult Resources on a number of projects offering lifelong learning community classes. She was involved with the Council for Lifelong Learning in the 90s, which was a precursor to New Frontiers for Lifelong Learning. Her leadership in that group was critical not only for the formation of New Frontiers but also for its initial success. In the early 2000s, she worked on a project funded by the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust -- Mesa Life Options -- to expand opportunities for Boomers.

Barbara was one of the early pioneers of what has now become a hallmark of MCC -- partnering with businesses and industry to meet their skilled workforce needs. As the MCC/Motorola Training Partnership program administrator, she collaborated with college administrators and Motorola University to plan, manage, and deliver the services and classes necessary to upskill employees and offer new opportunities.

Since Barbaras retirement from the active workforce at MCC, she has continued to work diligently to enhance awareness of New Frontiers by leading marketing and communications, while strongly advocating for MCC and maintaining student scholarships in New Frontiers budget. Connecting with MCC faculty has resulted in some of the organizations most popular classes. Now supposedly retired, she continues to be an inspiring driving force for New Frontiers for Lifelong Learning.