MESA, Arizona – May 12, 2022 -- Mesa Community College (MCC) recognizes the accomplishments of Spring 2022 graduates, along with members of the classes of 2019-20 and 2020-2021 who were unable to participate in an in-person ceremony due to the pandemic. For the 2021-2022 class, preliminary data indicates the college honors 1,644 graduates who collectively earned more than 2,290 degrees and certificates.
Date: Friday, May 13, 2022
Time: Ceremony starts at 9 a.m. Doors open at 8 a.m.
Location: Arizona State University, Desert Financial Arena (formerly Wells Fargo Arena), 600 East Veterans Way, Tempe, AZ 85281
Event information: mesacc.edu/graduation/event
The public is invited to the ceremony in which more than 250 graduate candidates plan to participate.
MCC confers associate's degrees and certificates of completion.
The largest number of associate's degrees being bestowed this year are Associate in Arts Degrees (262), Associate in Business-General Requirements (69) and Associate in Science Degrees (54).
The top certificates of completion are from Nursing Assisting (37), Organizational Leadership (10) and Computer Aided Drafting (7).
MCC Interim President Dr. Lori Berquam will recognize the new MCC graduates during the ceremony.
“I am thrilled and honored to congratulate all of our graduates who have worked hard for this achievement,” Berquam said. “I also want to congratulate the spouses, partners, children, families, extended families, friends and faculty who celebrate this accomplishment with you. The college is proud of your accomplishments and extends best wishes as you embark on the next chapter of your life.”
Vicente Ortiz, president of the Associated Students of Mesa Community College (student government), who plans to attend the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University to continue his studies, will welcome graduate candidates and guests.
This year’s class honors speaker Gabriela Mansilla, who moved from Guatemala to the United States at age 25 seeking a college degree, said she chose MCC and was pleased to discover the college fit her needs in multiple ways, with a staff deeply committed to helping students. While on campus, Mansilla became a member of Psi Beta (Psychology Honor Society), ASMCC (student government), Phi Theta Kappa (International Honor Society), the Student Success Foundation, and worked part-time in the MCC New Student Welcome Room.
“Believing that I could one day get here regardless of all of that is what kept me going,” Mansilla said. “As a woman in STEM, I know that I will need that discipline, work ethic and resilience in order to succeed in my field.”
2021-22 Preliminary Graduation Statistics
Number of individuals earning a degree or industry certificate, for the summer, fall and spring semesters: 1,644
Graduates participating in the commencement ceremony: approximately 250
Number of degrees and certificates issued: 2,920
Degree and Certificate Awards –Transfer
Associate in Arts Degrees – 262
Associate in Arts–Elementary Education – 13
Associate in Arts–Fine Arts Degrees (Arts, Dance, Theatre) – 7
Associate in Business–General – 69
Associate in Business–Special Requirements – 5
Associate in General Studies – 29
Associate in Science Degrees – 54
Arizona General Education Curriculum Certificates (AGEC): Arts – 363
Arizona General Education Curriculum Certificates (AGEC): Business – 72
Arizona General Education Curriculum Certificates (AGEC): Science – 55
Academic Certificates – 7
Degree and Certificate Awards – Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Associate in Applied Science (AAS) – 238
Certificates of Completion (CCL) – 210
Top three Career and Technical Education (CTE) Degrees:
- Associate in Applied Science in Nursing
- Associate in Applied Science in Construction Management
- Associate in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene
Although every graduate has a tale to tell of the path that led to this special moment, we’ve shared a few success stories here: https://www.mesacc.edu/graduation/graduation-success-stories/spring-2022...https://www.mesacc.edu/graduation/graduation-success-stories/spring-2022-stories.
We congratulate the many students reaching this significant milestone in their lives in the midst of a pandemic. Graduates are urged to take pride and strength in all they have accomplished.
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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, 480-461-7892, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu
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.
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 maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.