MCC libraries selected for National Library of Medicine traveling exhibition

MESA, Ariz. --Sept. 30, 2024 -- The National Library of Medicine has selected Mesa Community College (MCC) libraries to host a traveling exhibition, Promising Future, Complex Past: Artificial Intelligence and the Legacy of Physiognomy.

The exhibition can be viewed through Oct. 11 at the Southern and Dobson Campus library, 1833 W. Southern Ave., Mesa. Hours are 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday,

Then the exhibition can be viewed Oct. 14-Oct. 25 at the Red Mountain Campus library, 7110 E. McKellips, Mesa, from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday. The library is closed Saturday and Sunday.

In addition, the exhibition can be viewed on the National Library of Medicine website.

Presenting the history of physiognomy, the practice of assessing one’s mental character based on physical attributes, the exhibition explores its influence on contemporary artificial intelligence and computer science technologies that gather and interpret body data. While today it has been debunked as pseudoscience, physiognomy enjoyed periods of legitimacy and popularity over millennia. It was discredited in the 20th century but efforts to gain information from physical characteristics continue with modern technologies, which have positive potential.

Further information is available here.

# # #

Media contact: Julie Ruiz, julie.ruiz@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7283

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, service-learning and innovative approaches to education. On average MCC students provide 23,000 hours of community service annually. For more than 50 years, the college has served as a resource for education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 25,400 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations through a combination of modalities. MCC is transforming how it champions student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution with nearly 50% of its students being the first in their families to attend college. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges; its American Indian Institute serves students from the 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes as well as out-of-state tribes. The diverse student body includes hundreds of international students from around the world. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to attain their goals. 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.

MCC 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.