MESA, Arizona — Nov. 1, 2021 — Twelve notable alumni, employees and faculty members are being inducted into the Mesa Community College (MCC) Hall of Fame in recognition of their professional and personal accomplishments, and significant contributions to the college and the community.

The traditional induction ceremony, postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic, begins with a reception at 6 p.m., Nov. 4, 2021, on the MCC Music building patio, 1833 W. Southern Ave., Mesa 85202. The celebration is free and open to the public but R.S.V.P. is required. Ceremony and inductee details at mesacc.edu/alumni/hall-fame

The following are being honored during the traditional Hall of Fame ceremony:

Alumni Achievement: Edward Bufford, Shela Levante, Jeffrey M. Mendoza, Ph.D.; and, Mark David Milliron, Ph.D.

Excellence in Teaching: Wynn Call, Ph.D.; Mona Scott Figueroa, Ed.D; and, Elizabeth (Betsy) Hertzler, E.D., M.A., M.C. Counseling

Outstanding MCC Athlete: Rashad Armstrong and Hakeem Rollins

Outstanding Coach: Steve Jacobs

Distinguished MCC Staff: Ken Costello and Jonathan Valpey

The Alumni Achievement honorees have each achieved distinguished levels in their chosen professions and were selected based on professional accomplishments such as leadership and impact, innovation, mentoring, awards and honors, as well as service and volunteerism.

	Edward Bufford, a respected marketing and education professional, he taught at several Maricopa Community Colleges and was department chair at Phoenix Union High School District for 12 years. In retirement he has become a tireless advocate for animal welfare.
	Shela Levante, from a childhood in foster care to Director of Development at Berkshire Community College, she is a strong advocate for community colleges and a champion for education.
	Jeffrey M. Mendoza, Ph.D. an aerospace scientist with more than 25 years of developing innovative technologies has earned awards from organizations such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Raytheon Technologies.
	Mark David Milliron, Ph.D., senior vice president of Western Governors University and executive dean of itstheir Teachers College, the largest college of education in the nation. Note: Dr. Millron is a 2019 honoree, attending this year to accept his award.

The Excellence in Teaching category recognizes residential faculty members who, over a number of years, have distinguished themselves as exceeding expectations in their contribution to the classroom, the college, the Maricopa County Community College District, the profession, and the community.

	Wynn Call, Ph.D., a professor for 30+ years, chair of the MCC Psychological Sciences Department, a leader at MCC and in his field.
	Mona Scott Figueroa, Ed.D., an award-winning professor and educational innovator advocating for indigenous and underrepresented communities.
	Elizabeth (Betsy) Hertzler, Ed.D., M.A., M.C. Counseling, more than 25+ years of teaching and a founding member of the MCC Center for Teaching and Learning.

This year’s Outstanding MCC Athlete honorees were chosen based on their contributions to sports while at MCC, including earning All-American honors as well as All-Conference and All-Region; helping teams to national honors and earning NJCAA All-Academic recognition; and for athletic accomplishments post MCC.

	Rashad Armstrong, the 2001 NJCAA football Offensive Player of the Year who placed third in the nation in rushing yardage and earned athletic honors at Baylor University.
	Hakeem Rollins, the 2003 lead Arizona Community College Athletic Conference (ACCAC) scorer, First Team all conference with the Washington Huskies and an international basketball player.

Steve Jacobs is the 2020-21 Outstanding MCC Coach.

Steve Jacobs, an Arizona Community College Athletic Conference Coach of the Year, has produced 43 national champions and 507 All-Americans, consistently ranking Mesa Community College Track and Field as one of the top teams in the nation.

Distinguished MCC Staff honorees are recognized for sustained, outstanding contributions in areas such as development of programs at MCC, enhancement of the college’s reputation, excellence in serving students and their commitment to shaping the future.

	Ken Costello, for going beyond expectations in teaching and leading educational technology innovations.
	Jonathan Valpey, an award-winning scenic designer, professor and cultural venue creator.

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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, MCC, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized as an Aspen Prize Top 150 U.S. Community College and is known for service learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to education. For more than 50 years, the college has served as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 30,000 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses, additional locations and a combination of online formats. Through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, MCC is transforming how it champions student success, college completion, university transfer and career attainment and advancement. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution and nearly 50% of its students are the first in their families to attend college. Its American Indian Institute serves students from the 22 federally recognized tribes of Arizona as well as out-of-state tribes. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges. The diverse student body includes more than 300 international students from 55 countries. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to successfully transfer to a university or compete in the workforce. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional territories of the O'odham, Piipaash and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.

Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) -- hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.