Dear Alumni and Community Colleagues,
The 2023 Mesa Community College Commencement celebration was a joyous benchmark to my first exciting and productive year as president. More than 2,000 students earned Certificates of Completion and Associate’s Degrees during the 2022-2023 academic year. The graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 13, 2023, brought together students, families, and friends to celebrate accomplishments that will be life changing. Graduation is always a rewarding and treasured experience for the faculty and staff who have taught, nurtured, and supported students through the work leading to their successes. Ms. Elizabeth Ward-Harris along with members of the MCC Alumni Association Advisory Board welcomed our graduates into the association, reminding them, “Once a Thunderbird, always a Thunderbird.”
In March, MCC revitalized the President’s Advisory Council. I had the pleasure of beginning to work with distinguished members of our community that included elected officials, Mesa Public Schools leaders, donor partners, and other community members who share a commitment to the success of Mesa Community College. The Advisory Council contributes insights and participates in shaping future initiatives and strengthening the connections between MCC and the community we serve.
A February 13th visit to MCC by First Lady of the United States Dr. Jill Biden and U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona brought the Mesa College Promise Program into the national spotlight. This partnership between MCC and City of Mesa, along with numerous corporate and private donors, provides funding and resources to students in the program. In March, the First Lady spoke at the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference again mentioning MCC’s students “getting great jobs in their area with companies like Intel.”
MCC continues to reach venues and areas where community colleges are not typically found. MCC was part of the 3rd National HBCU Blockchain and FinTech Conference, which connects university leaders, faculty, and students to shape the future of Financial Technology education and research. Also, I took a team to The Conference Board’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion session. This global platform allows attendees to share their work and discuss topics such as race, social justice, neurodiversity, women’s health, and disability.
Mesa Community College alumni continue to bring pride and acclaim to their alma mater. For example, Sacramento Kings head coach and former MCC student athlete Mike Brown was named the 2022-23 NBA Coach of the Year. Brown was inducted into the Mesa Community College Hall of Fame in fall 2022. However, it was in the middle of the NBA season and he was unable to attend the Hall of Fame ceremony. MCC staff presented his award in Phoenix just before the first Kings game with the Suns. Find details of the presentation at mesacc.edu/alumni-hof-brown and video at youtube.com/watch?v=kpV--ecRpMA
Excitement for Fall 2023 at MCC is already building as students are registering for classes, including the historic offering of bachelor’s degrees. I wish you, and your families, good health and fun over these coming summer months.
Tammy Robinson, Ed.D.
President
Mesa Community College
Mesa Community College alumni continue to bring pride and acclaim to their alma mater.