MCC graduate Elliott Adams MESA, Ariz. – On May 9, Mesa Community College (MCC) will recognize the accomplishments of its graduates for the 2013-14 academic year at a commencement ceremony in the campus courtyard of MCC’s Southern and Dobson campus. The processional begins at 7:15 p.m., followed by the program at 7:30 p.m. The general public is invited.

Paul Luna, President and CEO of the Helios Education Foundation will be the commencement speaker. The Helios Foundation works to increase the number of young adults successfully completing postsecondary education. Luna has more than 25 years of public and private professional experience and is responsible for cultivating strong community relationships and initiating strategic partnerships in Arizona and Florida.

Joining Luna at the podium will be student speaker Heather Smyth. Smyth is a psychology major, plans to transfer to Arizona State University to pursue a career as an educational or counseling psychologist. A member of Phi Theta Kappa and Psi Beta Psychology Honors Society. Smyth's accomplishments include being a 2014 All-Arizona First Academic Team Scholar, a 2014 Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Gold Scholar, and a recipient of the Chancellor’s Scholarship.

Smyth said, “One of the most powerful actions you can take to change this world is to be a role model for goodness, success and compassion.”

2013-14 Graduation Statistics:
Total number of graduates for the summer, fall and spring semesters: 2,789
Number of graduates participating in the commencement ceremony: 566
Number of degrees issued: 4,906

Top 5 degrees and certificates:
Arizona General Education Curriculum Certificates: 1,541
Associate in Arts Degrees: 1,176
Certificates of Completion within an occupational field: 934
Associate in Applied Science Degrees: 695
Associate in General Studies Degree: 202

Specialized Ceremonies:
Nursing Ceremony, May 5, 7 p.m., Mesa Arts Center.
Dental Hygiene Ceremony, May 7, 6:30 p.m., Red Mountain Campus, Community Room.
Mortuary Science Ceremony, May 8, 10 a.m., Southern and Dobson, Event Tent.

A website about MCC’s Graduation Ceremony is available at http://www.mesacc.edu/graduation/ and includes information about the event such as maps, parking, photography and special accommodations.

Although every graduate has a tale to tell of the path that led them to this moment, we’ve shared a few special success stories here: http://www.mesacc.edu/graduation/graduation-success-stories/spring-2014-stories

Event photos will be posted online at: http://www.facebook.com/mesacc

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