Stories of Success
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Do you know of a Mesa Community College student or alum doing great work? Are you one of them? Please let us know.
For more than half a century, thousands of students have charted their path to success at Mesa Community College. Here we feature a compendium of their inspiring stories and reflections. Check back occasionally to see new stories featuring the impact MCC has had on lives and the communities we serve.
Time management is now one of Jonathon Van Ormer’s strongest skills as he prepares to transfer to Northern Arizona University this summer to complete his Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Industrial Leadership degree.
Van Ormer, a mining applications engineer at Empire Southwest, is participating in the MCC/NAU 90/30 Bachelor Degree Completion Program. Empire Southwest, Northern Arizona... Read more about Jonathon Van Ormer
When Mesa Community College student Josh Malone was diagnosed with a learning disability, he never dreamed he’d be able to succeed in college-level honors classes such as calculus, chemistry and biology. But thanks to his determination, coupled with assistance from MCC professors, tutors and peers, he will graduate in May with a nearly 4.0 grade-point average and a solid plan to complete a... Read more about Josh Malone
It’s often a challenge to be a first-generation college student. Coming from a family without a college-going tradition can bring additional challenges and open the door for participation in supportive groups or programs.
Mesa Community College student Amanda Camacho, a 21-year-old resident of Tempe, has experienced firsthand the ups and downs of college life as a first-generation student.
“I... Read more about Amanda Camacho
Mesa Community College alumna Jacy Smith, class of 2008, works hard to help people “bridge the gap” when it comes to technology. Her business, ReFresh IT, assists business owners in understanding what they need and helps implement a specific plan to accomplish their goals.
Jacy began her career in IT at MCC in 2006 when she took web design and art classes at the Southern and Dobson campus. She... Read more about Jacy Smith
Kyana Young said she was not prepared for her first year in college but Mesa Community College gave her a second chance to launch a successful engineering and college faculty career focusing on global water quality issues. Reflecting on her own education challenges, the MCC Class of 2005 graduate has made it a mission to serve as a mentor to help underserved students achieve STEM (Science,... Read more about Kyana Young
Mia Haas persevered through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to complete her Associate in Arts Emphasis in Counseling and Applied Psychological Science from Mesa Community College.
“The fall semester was the hardest,” said Haas, 20, of Mesa. “Switching to doing everything online was a big adjustment, but MCC has been great with the transition.”
For Haas, overcoming difficulties is... Read more about Mia Haas
Nawaf Faie successfully launched his academic career during one of the most challenging and tragic chapters in global history. Far from his home in Saudi Arabia, he met the countless challenges triggered by Covid with dignity and determination. Today Nawaf is a proud Mesa Community College Spring 2023 graduate earning an Associate of Applied Science in Public Relations.
An international student... Read more about Nawaf Faie
Motivation comes naturally for this teen who began his academic career at Mesa Community College when he was just 13 years old, while attending middle school at Sequoia Charter School in Mesa. At first the eighth-grader was unsure about attending college at such a young age but he quickly realized he could handle the rigorous college coursework in addition to his middle school classes and,... Read more about Omar Alaa
Tim Kaufman (2015) describes his teaching career as his “third act” in life.
The former costume designer’s journey in the fashion industry took him all over the country and eventually led him to Visual Merchandising roles in large department stores.
Tim first learned about costume design while working at a regional theater as a wardrobe supervisor. In this role he met many visiting designers... Read more about Tim Kaufman
For Stacy Luster, a soon-to-be Mortuary Science graduate from Mesa Community College, the completion of his degree is an accomplishment that was 18 years in the making.
Luster’s dream for many years was to pursue a career in mortuary science, but the birth of his premature son 18 years ago forced him to put his dream on hold until he could reach that goal. He worked as a carpenter by trade and... Read more about Stacy Luster