Dear Alumni,

I am honored to serve as President of Mesa Community College and look forward to getting to know you this academic year. Throughout my career I have experienced the important contributions that engaged alumni offer and the motivation students find in the achievements of our former scholars. The stories of time spent on the paths of achievement at MCC give voice to the transformative legacy of education.

This college has given many Thunderbirds that first, firm educational footing toward an exemplary life. Some of you, the first in your family to attend college or even graduate from high school, were given a foundational opportunity at MCC to reach your dreams. Be assured that the challenges you faced are deeply understood by myself and our three new executive leaders -- Mr. Robert Budach, VP of Administrative Services; Dr. Jeannetta Hollins, VP of Student Affairs; and Dr. Joanne Russell, VP of Academic Affairs. We are all first in our families to attend college.

I am proud to lead MCC as it continues its commitment to support students in overcoming challenges to success. Dedicated staff and an exceptional faculty inspire our scholars to establish careers they might never have dreamed of, which have led to earning life changing scholarships from prestigious organizations such as the Fulbright Foundation, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, and the Benjamin A. Gilman International Program.

MCC was recently recognized by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge for its nonpartisan democratic engagement efforts. MCC received the ALL IN Silver Seal for its voting rate and the 2022 Arizona Campus Voting Challenge Highest Registration Rate in the Community College category. For the November election, MCC's Southern & Dobson and Red Mountain campuses are official voting sites, serving the community and educating our students in civic engagement and public service. On the ballot this November is Proposition 486, the Arizona Expenditure Limit and Maricopa Community Colleges. This initiative would update a formula established in 1980 regarding Maricopa Community Colleges' finances. You can find details at maricopa.edu/about/expenditure-limitation or send questions to expenditure.limitation@domail.maricopa.edu.

I urge you to volunteer your expertise to our clubs, classrooms, and career festivals. We welcome your participation in the colleges 60th Anniversary Celebration with festivities starting in January 2025. I hope to meet you at some of MCC's athletic games, festivals, workshops, and cultural entertainment.

Adelante!

Richard Daniel, Ph.D.
President
Mesa Community College