Strengthening communities through excellence in education
MESA, Arizona – January 16, 2015 – Mesa Community College enters a golden year in 2015 as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
From the 1960s to the present day, MCC has been a vital part of the fabric of the city of Mesa and the Southeast Valley. MCC’s role in the education of thousands of students has influenced generations of families and positively impacted surrounding communities.
From its beginnings in 1963, as an extension campus of Phoenix College in what is now known as The Landmark Restaurant, MCC has grown from an initial 330 students to more than 40,000 learners annually. Correspondingly, the number and variety of programs has increased to meet demand, with a focus on teaching and learning in every physical or virtual classroom, with a continuous commitment to updating and enhancing student’s learning experiences. Individual student success stories are numerous, varied, and include CEOs, teachers, judges, professional athletes and artists.
In 1966, the college opened its 160-acre campus at Southern and Dobson Roads, with four permanent buildings and 26 portable classrooms. Thirty-five years later it pioneered the “one college, two campus model” with the opening of MCC at Red Mountain, located at McKellips and Power Roads. MCC added specialized programs housed at the Downtown Center and the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Center. The college’s eLearning options, including online degrees and certificates, reflect MCC’s commitment to innovation and cutting-edge instruction.
Approval of the 2004 bond paved the way for the latest enhancements on MCC’s Southern and Dobson campus, the heart of the Fiesta District. Major building projects include the Performing Arts Center (PAC), which opened to the public in the fall of 2014; Enrollment & Student Success Centers, which will open this spring; and an Art Gallery, slated to open fall 2015.
For five decades MCC has not only responded to, but anticipated dramatic shifts in explosive growth, new technology and emerging industry. The breadth of MCC’s programs is directly correlated to community need as it changed over the years; however, student success has remained the focus.
Student success is reflected in the number of awards, honors and accreditations MCC and its students have earned throughout the years.
For decades MCC’s chapters of the national Phi Theta Kappa and Sigma Chi Eta organizations have received top honors.
On the playing field, MCC’s athletics program, first named the Hokams in 1964 and known as the Thunderbirds since 1974, consistently place in the top ranks of NJCAA competitions and academic honors.
First accredited by the Higher Learning Commission in 1967, the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association will send an accreditation team to MCC in March 2015, the college’s first comprehensive visit by the HLC since it earned the 10-year maximum continued accreditation in 2005. Additionally, individual programs receive accreditation in their respective professional areas.
Nationally recognized for its high-quality educational programs, which include university transfer, career and technical, workforce development, and life-long learning, MCC recently added the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching’s Community Engagement Classification and the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll to its list.
The college launched a new website -- mesacc.edu/50 -- to demonstrate its commitment to student success, spirit of life-long learning, and community and civic engagement. The community is invited to participate in campus events and celebrations throughout the year. In April, the colleges ‘birthday month,’ a number of special events, including a Birthday Celebration, Gala and Silent Auction, Golf Tournament and Rose Garden Tea are planned. Learn more online at mesacc.edu/50/events.
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Contact
Dawn Zimmer (480) 461-7892, Dawn.Zimmer@mesacc.edu
About Mesa Community College
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for its high-quality educational programs, which include university transfer, career and technical, workforce development, and life-long learning. Host to 40,000 students annually, MCC offers more than 200 degrees and certificates at its two campuses and additional locations. Our diverse student body hails predominantly from the East Valley region of metropolitan Phoenix, and international students from 50 countries enrich the learning experience. Award-winning faculty dedicated to student success provide the education and training that empower MCC students to compete locally and globally. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2015, MCC is one of 11 colleges that comprise the Maricopa County Community College District. For additional information, visit www.mesacc.edu.
The Maricopa County Community College District is an EEO/AA institution and an
equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.