Ed Bufford is a respected marketing and education professional as well as notable community activist. After serving in the Army, he attended MCC, which he says set the stage for his career and subsequent leadership positions. Edward explains that his path began with Professor Louis Giallonardo’s marketing class, which inspired him to be president of DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), an international organization for students in marketing, finance, hospitality and management, and to become Sophomore Class president, 1972 Outstanding Male Graduate and involved in Phi Theta Kappa on a national scale.

He founded the DECA chapter at ASU and was selected national president and eventually received the national organization’s Honorary Life Membership award.

Edward was Arizona Sales and Marketing Executives Salesman of the Year but says his passion was teaching. He taught at Phoenix College and Rio Salado as well as in maximum security at the prison in Florence for Central Arizona College. Department chair at Phoenix Union High School District for 12 years, his many organizational affiliations and awards include national president and executive director of the Marketing Education Association, Arizona State Vocational Education Teacher of the Year, president Phoenix Union High School District Teachers' Association, national president of Collegiate DECA as a student, DECA director in the AZ Department of Education, and board member of the Arizona Democratic Party.

Since retiring he has become a tireless advocate for animal welfare, leading efforts that achieved reforms at Maricopa County Animal Care and Control and serving as an expert consultant with business groups, governments,

For a link to the full video of the ceremony, please visit MCC Hall of Fame 2021.