On-campus activities are a cornerstone of life at MCC. Fellow Thunderbirds and community members truly create a special environment. Here are some highlights from last semester. We invite you to return to MCC’s campuses for exciting events this semester!
President’s Advisory Council Meeting
MCC welcomed members for the President’s Advisory Council meeting of 2023 in December. Community members and MCC employees united to highlight their shared commitment to the college’s success.
The meeting focused on the 2023-24 vision of “Reimagining MCC: Growing, Learning, and Belonging.” Renowned international artist and alumna Antoinette Cauley shared her MCC story with the council, and her works were on display in the MCC Art Gallery.
Speakers provided highlights on topics such as allied health programs at the Red Mountain Campus, credit for prior learning, student engagement, and philanthropy. Community members engaged in conversations regarding potential bachelor’s degrees offerings for MCC to consider.
Halloween
After a 4-year hiatus, the MCC Halloween Extravaganza returned to our Red Mountain site, bringing over 1500 community members to the campus. This community tradition has been hosted at Red Mountain since 2011, and allows the community to celebrate the holiday in a fun and safe environment.
This community trick-or-treat welcomed alumni, families, current students, and friends. Over 30 creatively-themed booths were sponsored exclusively by student and college groups, featuring decorations, fun costumes, and various activities. Volunteers from the community truly make events like this possible. We hope to see you there next Halloween!
Performing Arts
MCC Performing Arts supported 132 events, performances, and staged rehearsals in Fall 2023 in MCC’s premiere venues – the Performing Arts Center (PAC) and MCC Theatre. Over 10,000 patrons were served over the course of the semester.
We anticipate to more than double that in the Spring, with the potential to be hosting nearly 300 events, performances, and staged rehearsals. That’s anywhere between 20,000 and 25,000 patrons before the month of July!
As our award-winning performances receive regional acclaim from the Region VIII Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, as well as the county-wide recognition from the AriZoni Awards of Excellence, spectators receive incredible value and quality in the performances at MCC.
Interested in attending? Visit mesacc.edu/arts for information on the upcoming season.
Athletics
We thank all spectators who attended Athletics events for the Fall semester. Men’s and women’s soccer, women’s volleyball, and fall baseball and softball each were met with success and excitement for players, coaches, and fans of the sports.
MCC’s annual alumni baseball game was held in November, celebrating past players, coaches, and teams. Longtime Head Baseball Coach Tony Cirelli was awarded a plaque commemorating his induction into the NJCAA Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame.
In the Spring, MCC is very excited about our 16th ranked Women’s Basketball Team. In addition, Track and Field returns with 93 student-athletes, a program that broke 17 records last season. For more information on schedules and stories, visit mesatbirdsports.com.
Mark your calendars for March 2, 2024 to attend our alumni homecoming at an MCC basketball game. Let’s support T-bird Athletics!
Hall of Fame
The 2023 Hall of Fame reception was held in the MCC Theatre on November 2, 2023. Thirteen individuals were inducted into this year’s class, and their supporters came in full force. Over 200 people attended the event and showed support for distinguished alumni, outstanding achievements in athletics, recognition for staff and faculty, and service.
The MCC Alumni Association hosts the annual Hall of Fame event in the fall.
The 2024 nominations open April 1. Nominations are due July 1. For more information, please visit mesacc.edu/alumni/hall-fame.
Interested in getting involved or coming to an event? Contact alumni@mesacc.edu or call 480-461-7200.
For a full list of upcoming functions, visit mesacc.edu/events.