Aaron Holtz’s passion for international relations began on Sept. 11, 2001, as he watched planes crash into the World Trade Center in New York City on a television at Mesa Community College. After watching the chaos on the screen, he walked to his next class taught by Brian Dille, Ph.D., professor of political science.
“No one knew what was going on,” Holtz said. “I went to Dille’s class and he... Read more about Aaron Holtz
As a first-generation college student, Abby Scott Nonthe, 25, found the Achieving a College Education (ACE) Program at Carson Junior High School in Mesa a great way to provide a solid start on her college education. ACE, a nationally recognized scholarship program that gives qualified students the chance to take college credit courses while still enrolled in high school, enables students to... Read more about Abby Scott Nonthe
In 2018, Abigaly “Abby” Atonal Rodriguez nearly dropped out of Mesa Community College due to financial insecurities and fear of failure. But she didn’t.
“The reason I stayed was because I had found people that cared about me as a person, as a scholar and as a leader on campus and in the community,” said Atonal Rodriguez, 21, a Gilbert resident. “Suddenly I felt like I wasn't just this first-... Read more about Abigaly Atonal Rodriquez
MCC was the perfect choice when Addison decided to major in psychology. It remained the perfect choice when he switched majors to game technology. “I decided MCC was best instead of going straight to a university for the time being,” he explains. “I wanted to start out a bit smaller and work towards my goals one step at a time instead of being thrown onto a big campus.”
Addison earned a... Read more about Addison Walkosz
For Alan Beveridge, 46, of Chandler, juggling a job, a family and maintaining at 3.94 GPA while attending Mesa Community College was a challenge, but the task was made easier with the guidance of MCC instructors.
“It all comes down to the instructors,” Beveridge said. “MCC instructors Preston Cameron, Edd Welsh and Jack Mullins set excellent examples. We have an experience here at MCC that you... Read more about Alan Beveridge
“When the power of love is greater than the love of the power, the world would know peace,” is a code Alexis Reid lives by every day.
Alexis Reid’s passion for animals started at a young age growing up in Beaufort, South Carolina.
At first, she wanted to be a firefighter and then thought about the military. Now she is studying to be a veterinary technician at Mesa Community College.
“I always... Read more about Alexis Reid
Mesa Community College had just what Alia Brown was looking for when it was time for her transition from high school into college.
Coming from a small Montessori school, she was used to small class sizes and personal interaction with professors. Brown first heard about MCC through her grandparents Roz and Lee Featherston.
“I came here because I wanted to have a smoother/calmer transition into... Read more about Alia Brown
Mesa Community College’s Alisa Tripiciano had accumulated nearly half of her credits for a degree in social work when fate intervened in 2005. A severe car crash resulted in serious spinal injuries and head trauma. Her doctors were amazed she survived the accident. Prior to surgery to remove bone fragments from her spine, they told her it was likely she would be paralyzed.
“They told me I would... Read more about Alisa Tripiciano
Mesa Community College Basketball team member, Alli Gloyd, was chosen as the top MCC Thunderbird overall female athlete for 2011-2012. Over the past two years she has earned numerous honors.
Other awards Alli claimed this year include: 2012 Player of the Year in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference (ACCAC); 2012 First Team All- American; 2012 First Team All-ACCAC; and 2012 First... Read more about Alli Gloyd
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 biology student Andy Bridges has really had a “hands on” experience working in Arizona’s Petrified Forest National Park. In the past two seasons at the park he captured, marked, measured and weighed more than 1,200 lizards, snakes, toads and small mammals.
In his paid position as a Seasonal Biological Technician in the park, Bridges gathered data to contribute to a long-... Read more about Andy Bridges
Ange Good Bear began her quest for an education after going through a divorce in August 2005. She knew she had to do something to support her children so she enrolled that fall at Everest College. She completed a Medical Assisting certificate and worked in the field for two years. However, her dream was to become a nurse.
In late 2006, Ange’s oldest daughter who was a student herself at Mesa... Read more about Ange Good Bear
Throughout his early life and as a first generation college student, Angel Ruvalcaba was captivated by comics and movies, and loved to tell stories through his digital art and drawings. Today he is a production assistant at Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California, a career move that he said could not have happened without Mesa Community College.
Born into a large Latinx family in... Read more about Angel Ruvalcaba
Mesa Community College’s Angela Coleman refuses to allow her health issues to keep her from success.
A former cosmetologist who had to give up her business because she could no longer stand, Angela suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, hypoglycemia, neuropathy, and other ailments, including a failing right kidney.
Angela lived in Seattle for 16 years as a mail clerk before a pair of hernia... Read more about Angela Coleman
When Mesa Community College international student and construction management major Anny Torres Gallego completes her Associate in Applied Science degree this spring, she joins a growing group of women who are choosing careers in the construction field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the percentage of females in the U.S. construction industry grew from 5.9 percent in 2003, to 7... Read more about Anny Torres Gallego
For Mesa Community College student Anthony Gilbertson, 31, earning a degree might have taken a bit longer than expected, but he never gave up. This month, the proud psychology major will receive two associate degrees and an Arizona General Education Curriculum certificate.
Gilbertson has worked hard to get to this point.
“As the son of a single parent, I grew up lacking the financial stability... Read more about Anthony Gilbertson
When Arlen Sykes retired from the U.S. Navy, he decided to attend Mesa Community College to become a physics teacher.
It didn’t take him long to switch his major.
“I wasn’t doing well in math, and I went to Dr. Ewing, and she said maybe it’s a good thing, because what kind of teacher would you be when it’s hard to associate with those struggling in class,” he said of his math studies. “She made... Read more about Arlen Sykes
Aron Mixson, 27, of Mesa, has overcome great odds to complete his Associate in Arts degree at Mesa Community College. But he’s not quite finished. In the fall he will transfer to Arizona State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree so he can achieve his goal of becoming a software engineer.
During his early childhood, Mixson’s mother struggled with drug abuse. By the time Mixson was eight... Read more about Aron Mixson
The month of May will be an important one for Asmera McNeace, 18, of Mesa. That’s when he will graduate from both high school and college.
McNeace was homeschooled and chose to attend MCC because it was close to his home.
He said he learned many things during his quest to complete his educational goals.
“There weren’t too many obstacles that I had to overcome during my education, but it did... Read more about Asmera McNeace
Many staff and students on both Mesa Community College campuses find inspiration when speaking with Astika Anak Agung. At age 66, he’s graduating with an associate’s degree in arts and plans to transfer to Northern Arizona University to pursue a degree in public administration.
After a lifetime of varied occupations, Agung may be ready to retire, but he’s not ready to give up learning. His... Read more about Astika Agung
“Sorry if my phone gets disconnected–the cell reception might go in and out up here,” says MCC alumnus Benjamin Rundall on a return trip from the Navajo Nation. A civil rights attorney, Rundall speaks of bidding on a proposal to do work on the reservation, a contract supporting the rights to tribal sovereignty under Federal Indian Law.
It’s part of the demands of the job, yet fulfillment of the... Read more about Benjamin Rundall
Bonnie J. Brockway, a 72-years-young great-grandma and soon-to-be college graduate, was a bit worried when she went back to school at age 70. She wondered if the professors and students at Mesa Community College would think of her as merely an old lady taking a break from her knitting, not a serious student.
She soon learned, however, that she had no need to worry.“The students and professors... Read more about Bonnie Brockway
Mesa Community College alumnus Brad Hull recently experienced the thrill of walking the red carpet at the Country Music Awards as a member of the country trio Due West.
Hull, who began his career in music at MCC, said he and his band had a hard time believing they were at the awards show as artists, not just fans.
“To be on the other side was surreal,” Hull said. “We have all been big fans for... Read more about Brad Hull
Brandon Alexander, 16, has two graduation ceremonies this month. On May 9, he will cross the stage to receive two associate’s degrees from Mesa Community College. Then, 6 days later, he will receive his high school diploma from AAEC Red Mountain Charter School.
It might sound a little backward, but for Brandon, a physics and business major, it’s the result of years of hard work and careful... Read more about Brandon Alexander
1) Please describe your affiliation with MCC.
As a senior in high school I had a few required classes left to complete for graduation and had to make a decision regarding what to do with my extra time before starting college the following year. Options of a part-time job, extra-curricular activities, and elective high school classes were considered, then a family friend suggested enrolling at... Read more about Brian Koeneman
Brock Blasdell’s journey in journalism began while living abroad in Central America in 2012. During an education stint in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, Blasdell wrote his first published article about living abroad in a community of American ex-patriots. Just 16 at the time, he had no way of knowing how deeply involved writing would become in his life.
After moving back to his home state of Arizona at... Read more about Brock Blasdell
Brooklynn Nichole Contreras, 18, says the experience of meeting First Lady Jill Biden at Mesa Community College left her speechless. Biden visited MCC to recognize the success of the Mesa College Promise Program, which financially assisted Contreras as she attended college.
"Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to meet her," said Contreras, who lives in Mesa. "It was an amazing event and I’m... Read more about Brooklynn Nichole Contreras
Mesa Community College student Bryan Plummer was one of 80 students from community colleges in 28 states and Puerto Rico who were selected to travel to a NASA center to develop robotic rovers. The National Community College Aerospace Scholars program encourages students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
Plummer visited NASA's Jet Propulsion... Read more about Bryan Plummer
Candace Wilson’s inability to calculate math nearly stopped her from achieving her dream of a college education. Thanks to the encouragement from instructors and classmates, she will see her dream come true when she receives her Associate of Arts degree during MCC’s Commencement ceremony.
Wilson said she has had an amazing three years at MCC, filled with dedicated professors and staff members... Read more about Candace Wilson
When Celina Johnson was growing up, she was inspired to look into the dental field by her own dental hygienist, who went went above and beyond the minimal basic standard of care.
“She was extremely compassionate and it was obvious that she loved her career and her patients,” Johnson said. “I’ve always respected and been inspired by impassioned people such as her.”
Toward the end of high school... Read more about Celina Johnson
Struggling to determine her path in life, Charis Hayward turned to Mesa Community College which gave her direction and purpose.
Charis had been working towards her Associate in Arts degree from Paradise Valley Community College when Covid-19 hit. The switch to all virtual classes made the 22-year-old decide to take a journalism course through MCC in spring 2021.
"As soon as I started the course... Read more about Charis Hayward
Emergency Medicine (EM) physician Charles A. Finch of Scottsdale Emergency Associates, who works at the HonorHealth Scottsdale Hospitals, recently lent his EM expertise to Mesa Community College students amidst gunshot wounds, burn victims and mental health “patients.”
Finch, an MCC alumnus and medical director of the Fire Science Paramedic and EMT Program, attended the college in 1985.
This... Read more about Charles A. Finch
First semester MCC Automotive Service student Charles Spencer is a third generation car enthusiast planning to follow his dad and grandfather into a career in the automotive industry. At 18 and barely out of high school, he was recently recognized by the national Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) for winning the Young Guns division of the Battle of the Builder competition at SEMA’s... Read more about Charles Spencer
Mesa Community College (MCC) was just the place for Charlotte Fornasiero, 22, of Mesa, to try out higher education when she was not quite ready to jump directly into college after high school graduation. After a tumultuous childhood, she took a few years off to decide what she wanted to do next.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without MCC,” Fornasiero said. “I highly recommend the college to... Read more about Charlotte Fornasiero
Cheryl Fillmore’s degree may have taken 38 years to complete, but she’s thrilled about the accomplishment and likes to motivate others with her story. When Fillmore, 55, graduated from high school in Detroit in 1977, she planned to go to college, but important things like children, work and illness always impeded her progress. After three attempts over the last four decades, Fillmore completes... Read more about Cheryl Fillmore
You might describe Christian Armanti’s first day of classes at Mesa Community College (MCC) as a jaw-dropping experience. Not for him, but for his professors and classmates. Armanti, a 12-year-old homeschooled student, said in one class he could hear a pin drop when he opened the door.
“The first week was awkward, but as time passed, the students were very welcoming... The professors, and the... Read more about Christian Armanti
Creativity is important to Mesa Community College graduate Christina Court. As an elementary education major, she knows that all children learn through different methods, so as a teacher, she plans to use creativity in her lesson plans.
Court said she found a wonderful niche of creative thinkers and mentors amongst her professors at MCC. Those teachers include education professors Tawn Hauptli... Read more about Christina Court
Christopher Hunt is no stranger to winning prestigious scholarships and awards. As he reflects back on his time at Mesa Community College, he considers it to be the start of his life’s journey and he’s thankful for the people who have helped him along the way.
First, he was named an All-Arizona Academic First Team scholar. As one of only 20 in the country to be named a 2019 All-USA Academic Team... Read more about Christopher Hunt
After graduating from Mesa Community College with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology/Animal Health in 2008, Tempe resident Courtney Waxman has found a great deal of success as a specialist in emergency and critical care as well as a speaker and representative for Valley veterinarians.
Waxman first found out about the MCC Veterinary Technology Program when a career... Read more about Courtney Waxman
From high school dropout flipping burgers and whipping up shakes to published author has been a long and challenging journey for Curtis Vickers – one made easier by faculty and staff at Mesa Community College.
“The impact MCC has had on my life can’t be overstated,” said Curtis, who attended MCC from 2001-2003. “They took in this high school dropout, took my dreams seriously and did everything... Read more about Curtis Vickers
Mesa Community College student Cynthia G. Walker knows what it takes to succeed in a challenging world. As she prepares to graduate with an associate’s degree from MCC this month, she would like to encourage others to pursue their education.
“If I can reach just one individual, they can take that information and teach others,” said Walker, who is a member of the Diné and Cochiti tribes.
Walker... Read more about Cynthia Walker
After 15 years working as a heavy equipment mechanic, Dana Gallagher found himself at a crossroads in his life. Although that industry provided a good-paying career with plenty of options for advancement within that career, he found himself desiring a completely new career field with new challenges.
At 36, the desire to continue the same physical activities he enjoyed in his ‘20s and early ‘30s... Read more about Dana Gallagher
MCC alumna Danette Key discovered that sometimes change opens up access to inner creativity.
Born and raised in Arizona, Key worked in the insurance industry for 26 years. But when she and her husband decided to make a change and move to upstate New York, Key began a whole new career as an author of young adult novels.
“My life changed when we moved,” Key said. “Sometimes change motivates... Read more about Danette Key
Thirteen miles from shore and 120 feet above the water, Diamond Shoals Light Station (DSLS) soars above the Atlantic. The sound of wind and picturesque views envelop visitors.
It was not the serenity, however, that attracted MCC Alumnus and Zap Water Technology, Inc. President Dave Schneider to the decommissioned Coast Guard Light Station – it was the possibilities.
“I’ve already been... Read more about Dave Schneider
It’s been a long journey, but when Mesa Community College graduate Dawn McCumber, 50, walks across the stage to accept her degree this month, her daughter, MCC graduate Kiera Cowan, 24, will be accepting her own degree.
It took McCumber six years to complete her Associate in General Studies degree. She finished it in 2021 but couldn’t walk due to COVID restrictions. So, she and her daughter are... Read more about Dawn McCumber & Kiera Cowan
Mesa Community College Spring 2018 graduate Dawson Weiss, 18, is including a very special Denver Broncos necklace when she packs her bags this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. The necklace was made by two elementary school boys who Weiss mentored in the Future for KIDS program for at-risk youth, part of the 300 service hours... Read more about Dawson Weiss
When Mesa Community College graduate Debbie Seals walks across the stage at commencement this month, she’ll celebrate her persistence at overcoming many obstacles that stood in her way. But in addition to her own success, Seals has also made a difference in the lives of others she helped along the way.
Seals decided to return to college when the youngest of her three children turned 10. She had... Read more about Debby Seals
When Deborah Bateman attended Mesa Community College, two classes ended up being what she calls “the underpinning foundation of my life.”
“I became very involved in business classes at the time, and competed in state and national contests as a member of DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America),” Deborah said. “Communications and Speech classes ended up being really formative for me,... Read more about Deborah Bateman
Mesa Community College alumnus Diego Santos is thriving at Empire Southwest, a top-performing Caterpillar dealer, the leading global manufacturer of the massive equipment that builds the world. He says community college offered an affordable start in higher education and a supportive opportunity to fit classes into a full-time work schedule.
“I had looked at the cost of education at the major... Read more about Diego Santos
For Dion Brooks, earning an Associate in Applied Science in Beauty and Wellness from Mesa Community College is the first step toward his goal to become a leader in the beauty industry.
“I want to educate and prepare beauty professionals of the future to become highly impactful, successful and major contributors to the well-being of each and every person, and humanity collectively,” Brooks said... Read more about Dion Brooks
"You know, thanks to this call, I'm remembering a lot about my time at MCC. It's probably the most personal I've been during an interview," says Douglas Miles Sr., independent artist, owner of Apache Skateboards, and advocate for artistic expression for communities and people of color.
He attended MCC part-time in the 1980s while working at the then-booming Motorola Semiconductor plant on... Read more about Douglas Miles Sr.
Dustin Smith, 17, (Apache Junction) is about to graduate from college--two weeks before she gets her high school diploma.
On May 10, Smith will receive three associate degrees from Mesa Community College plus an Arizona General Education Curriculum and an Academic Certificate in Sustainability.
Then, two weeks later, she will receive her high school diploma from the Arizona Agribusiness and... Read more about Dustin Smith
When Mesa Community College graduate Ebony Koger receives her associate in arts degree this month, it will be the first step in her quest to become a librarian. It’s taken 20 years to overcome the challenges she’s faced to complete her degree, but Koger is excited about continuing her education and earning a master’s degree.
“It’s surreal,” said Koger, 43, of Mesa. “My two sons will be cheering... Read more about Ebony Koger
Elaine Atwood believes in the value of hard work, healthy food and the education she has received through the Sustainable Agriculture Program at Mesa Community College.
Atwood graduates this spring with two Associate in Applied Science degrees, one in Urban Horticulture and the other in Sustainable Agriculture. In fact, she’s one of the first graduates of the Sustainable Agriculture Program.... Read more about Elaine Atwood
Mesa Community College graduate Elizabeth Ward just completed her first step toward her lifelong goal of becoming a judge, she just graduated with two degrees and two certificates at MCC.
Coming from a family of lawyers and judges in Houston, Texas, the criminal justice field had always appealed to Ward.
“I want to see justice and equality for everyone,” said Ward, of Chandler. “I want to work... Read more about Elizabeth Ward
For Elliott Adams, 19, an immigrant originally from the United Kingdom, receiving a degree from an American community college seemed farfetched. But after being accepted into the Honors program at Mesa Community College and receiving the Presidents’ Scholarship, the possibility of achieving that academic goal became more of a reality.
“Growing up in a single-parent household as well as being an... Read more about Elliott Adams
In his tiny village in Mexico, Emigdio Arredondo took his cues from family, from his musician uncles to his dancing mother. But opportunities for his creative side were few in a rural town of about 1,000.
“I thought about life after I was grown and I saw myself following my uncles’ and my grandpa’s footsteps. Farming in our small town seemed like my only option, but I respected and appreciated... Read more about Emigdio Arredondo
The first and only time Tempe resident Eric Breault stepped foot on the Northern Arizona University campus in Flagstaff was the day he walked across the stage to receive his bachelor’s degree.
Eric, who took a combination of on-campus classes at Mesa Community College and online classes at NAU, completed his degree in comparative cultural studies in less than four years without ever leaving the... Read more about Eric Breault
When Eric Mackey, 48, of Chandler, graduates from Mesa Community College with an Associate in Business degree, he’ll have several people to thank.
He says at the top of the list is his wife, MCC Nursing faculty member Linda Camille Mackey, his biggest cheerleader.
“Having her alongside me has been a great help,” Mackey said. “She encouraged me to go to the tutoring center before classes. She... Read more about Eric Mackey
As international student Francesca De Martini began her initial coursework at Mesa Community College (MCC), she remembers thinking: “I have to work here one day!”
The native of Milan, Italy says she was looking for a new life and career when she came to the United States in 2009. Already holding Bachelors and Masters degrees in biology from Italian universities, she had no idea that her time at... Read more about Francesca De Martini
When Gabriela Mansilla moved from Guatemala to the United States at age 25 seeking a college degree, she chose Mesa Community College partly because she had always been drawn to the beauty of Arizona. She was pleased to discover MCC fit her needs in multiple ways, with a staff deeply committed to helping students. Mansilla excelled and is this year’s Class Honors Speaker.
“While researching, I... Read more about Gabby Mansilla
Garry Weiss of Mesa is an educator who has taught since 1992 in Ohio, Utah, Mexico and Arizona at the high school and college level. Prior to his current teaching career he had a career in sales and marketing as Marketing Manager with Pizza Time Theater and in sales with Terminex. He loves camping and anything involving his grandchildren. He and his wife have been involved with several large... Read more about Garry Weiss
Geoff Coppola’s fascination with the pattern and beauty in nature is the inspiration behind an innovative piece of art recently installed near the physical science building at Mesa Community College’s Southern and Dobson campus. Coppola collaborated with MCC math and computer science professor Madeleine Chowdhury to bring his design to life, AllisOneenOsillA, a palindrome for All is One, One is... Read more about Geoff Coppola
What’s it like to have one of your first college classes taught by your father? We asked Mesa Community College alumnus Gilbert M. Orrantia, (1976-78) now the Director of the Arizona Department of Homeland Security, about his experience taking a Spanish class taught by his father in the ‘70s.
“It was actually fun to be sitting in one of my dad's classes,” said Orrantia, whose father, Gilbert,... Read more about Gilbert Orrantia
For Gisell Stephenson, 28, moving to Arizona without family or friends nearby, plus transitioning from the military made for a difficult adjustment. She credits Mesa Community College with providing a support system as she worked toward earning her degree. She graduates in May with an Associate in Arts.
“The family I created on campus was more than I could have ever asked for,” Stephenson said... Read more about Gisell Stephenson
Granville Carroll never considered pursuing art as a career path until a coworker encouraged him to take a photography class after seeing some landscape photos he took on his cell phone. Granville kept that thought in the back of his mind until he began classes at Mesa Community College (MCC) in pursuit of a psychology degree.
Today, Granville is a visual artist and recent Masters of Fine Art... Read more about Granville Carroll
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission finds that only 36% of women are in IT careers. Then there’s Hannah Cheloha, a woman who codes and builds apps and does so with a social conscience.
Earning a micro certificate in iOS App Coding from Mesa Community College during the fall, spring, and summer 2018 semesters when she was one of the first students to enroll in the Apple Everyone Can... Read more about Hannah Cheloha
Hannah Somerville has distinguished herself through service. Her passion for volunteering started at the age of six when she coordinated a “Pennies for Stuffed Animals’’ drive for sick children. Fast forward to March of 2017, Somerville has logged more than 300 hours of community service in the last 2 years.
In March of this year, under the leadership of Sigma Chi Eta, she helped facilitate a Dr... Read more about Hannah Somerville
During her time at Mesa Community College, Hannya Jimenez, 21, of Mesa, said she not only loved her classes and professors, but the campus activities as well.
“I will never forget the organized events like astronomy nights,” said Jimenez, who works at the MCC Enrollment Center. “I love the community.”
Jimenez, originally from Mexico, found out about MCC while she was visiting a childhood friend... Read more about Hannya Jimenez
Harmony Colella’s “fascination with destruction” began when she was seven years old. Living in California at the time, she remembers hearing a loud noise and feeling the ground shake. Colella reports that she wasn’t frightened, in fact, she found it extremely interesting. Her mother yelled to her to get underneath the door for safety. When it was over, they surveyed the damage. The earthquake... Read more about Harmony Colella
Growing up, Ivan Quintana knew all his neighbors in the small town of Colonia Juárez, Mexico. After all, the town, set in a lush valley in the mountains near Mexico City, only had about 400 residents. It’s that look-out-for-one-another attitude that now has him preparing for a career as a lawyer and a legacy in community service.
Quintana aspires to become a leader and voice for the Hispanic... Read more about Ivan Quintana
A promise to his father was what put Jacob Moore back on track to earn his associate in applied science degree from Mesa Community College, after working in the banking industry for 14 years. He continued earning a Bachelor of Science in finance and an Executive Master in Business Administration from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University (ASU).
Today Moore is responsible... Read more about Jacob Moore
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
For most of us, the phrase “path of least resistance” probably does not include studying Psychology at a major university and advanced courses in science and math on the way to Optometry school.
But most of us are not MCC alumnus Dr. James Abbott, who came home to open his Optometry practice in Mesa 35 years ago.
“I started at MCC in the summer of 1972, and received my Associate of Arts degree... Read more about James Abbott
Mesa Community College graduate James Gaspar was instrumental in getting MCC's DJ students on the roster for the Mesa Music Festival 2023, an event drawing more than 100,000 people.
When Gaspar, recently hired as an MCC teaching assistant, first heard about the event, he thought MCC students would be a great addition to the festival.
"I submitted our group and got a call back that said 'yes, we... Read more about James Gaspar
James Hoselton, 55, of Apache Junction, seems surprised that he is being honored with so many awards as he graduates this month. After enrolling in college in his 50s, with only a ninth grade education, he suffered a back injury from a car accident which caused him to miss a month of classes. He now uses a cane and still has some pain.
“The professors were kind enough to let me catch up, after... Read more about James Hoselton
Just 75 miles south of Tucson lies a small military town called Sierra Vista, with a population of about 44,000. Mesa Community College student James Schwarz, who grew up in Sierra Vista, aspired to be an engineer, but a change of heart led to a stint in technical theater. Then the curtains almost closed on his life. Circumstances put his life on hold, Schwarz almost accepted death, and then he... Read more about James Schwarz
Mesa Community College students Jammie and Aaron Hoffman find their motivation and drive to succeed in the quote, “I never said it would be easy. I only said it would be worth it.”
Their heartwarming story is one of trials and successes, leading them to the Spring 2012 Mesa Community College graduation stage.
During the 1994-1995 academic school year, Jammie and Aaron met at the LDS Institute... Read more about Jammie Hoffman & Aaron Hoffman
In the weeks and months following the Covid-19 outbreak, Jason Carter was approaching the end of his schooling and was feeling that “everything was in disarray. I didn’t really know what to do,” said the Mesa Community College Computer Information Systems alumni.
The Phoenix resident had already completed an Associate of Arts degree in 2001 from Paradise Valley Community College and a... Read more about Jason Carter
When Jennifer Duff graduated with an associate degree in fashion merchandising from Mesa Community College in the late ‘70s, she never could have imagined where her career path would take her. After a few successful years in the fashion industry, she switched gears to follow another passion—fishing.
“My first career was in fashion,” Duff said. “Burned out, I returned to MCC briefly to reinvent... Read more about Jennifer Duff
Jerod Focht is a hands-on type of student, however, when the pandemic hit during the end of his senior year of high school, many of his classes were online. He was accepted at Texas A&M and planned to study Biological and Agricultural Engineering, and he still does, but he realized many of his classes would be online, so he decided to change his plans.
Focht enrolled in the welding program... Read more about Jerod Focht
On May 11, Mesa Community College will recognize the accomplishments of graduates for the 2011-12 school year at a commencement ceremony in the campus courtyard of MCC’s Southern and Dobson campus. Community colleges often attract students from all age groups and all walks of life. MCC’s class of 2012 clearly demonstrates that fact.
This year’s class includes a 14-year-old math/zoology major and... Read more about Jessica Bailey Brooke & William Price
For Mesa Community College alumna Jessica Lake, (1997-1999), leaving the Navajo reservation to begin higher education studies was a big step. She had never been away from family and didn’t quite know how to plan her schedule of required classes. But Lake went on to earn her associate’s degree from MCC, her bachelor’s degree at Arizona State University and later her master’s degree in... Read more about Jessica Lake
Jessica Siegel will be graduating from Mesa Community College as an International Certified Tutor and a Certified Herbalist. She intends to pursue further education toward becoming a Naturopathic Doctor, a career in which she strongly believes.
While at Mesa Community College, Siegel was a dedicated honors student; she is a Presidential Scholar and an active member of Psi Beta and Phi Theta... Read more about Jessica Siegel
MedAire founder and CEO Joan Sullivan Garrett, who began her career with a nursing degree from Mesa Community College in 1978, is today a recognized leader committed to providing emergency medical care to people in remote locations throughout the world.
Her company is credited with establishing the world's first global emergency response center dedicated to providing immediate, real-time... Read more about Joan Sullivan Garrett
If you look closely at the Emmy Award-winning webisode series, “Probed: Signals,” you might catch a glimpse of Mesa Community College’s Southern and Dobson campus, where part of the series was filmed.
But even more impressive is the success that MCC alumni Kevin Herrmann and Joel Cranson have had with this creative venture.
Herrmann won a 2010 Rocky Mountain Emmy award from the regional chapter... Read more about Joel Cranson & Kevin Herrmann
Johnathan Speakman, an Arizona native, said being number six out of eight children in his family taught him to serve others. Because of the joy he finds in helping others, he has always known that he wants to give service to others throughout his life. However, the service he has been involved in throughout his MCC experience has helped to shape how he wants to do that.
”As I have tried to do my... Read more about Johnathan Speakman
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
Not an ordinary high school student, Joshua McDonald, 18, is also a college student at Mesa Community College. As most students prepare for one graduation, McDonald plans for two: one from high school and one from MCC.
McDonald is one of 9 high school students at the Arizona Agribusiness Equine Center who will graduate from MCC this month. The courses he has taken count toward college credit... Read more about Joshua McDonald
Not many alumni can say that their relationship with MCC started before preschool. But, Joshua Sykes can. Joshua was just 3 years old when his father, Arlen Sykes – now a very active alumni board member – was taking classes at Mesa Community College (MCC) and enrolled him in the MCC Children’s Center.
As he grew, Joshua attended and volunteered at alumni events, such as MCC Homecoming and... Read more about Joshua Sykes
Joshua Sykes, 19, of Phoenix, chose to attend Mesa Community College for the flexibility and affordability, but there may have been one more deciding factor—his father, Arlen Sykes, attended MCC. Arlen is chair of the MCC Alumni Association.
“My dad told me he had a good experience at MCC,” Joshua said. “It worked for me because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do and I wanted the flexibility to... Read more about Joshua Sykes
Justin Michael Freemyer has always dreamed big and has never taken no for an answer. A reverse transfer student, Justin will be graduating with his associate’s degree in public relations at MCC after completing his bachelor’s from ASU six years earlier.
Raised in Chandler, Freemyer grew up with a blue-collar work ethic and midwestern values. At two, he was reading newspapers and singing from a... Read more about Justin Freemyer
For many college students, completing all the requirements for a rigorous academic program is a challenge. But for Mesa Community College dental hygiene student Kaelin Shaker, 25, it was especially challenging—she had a baby halfway through the program.
Shaker, an Honors Program student, graduates in May with an Associate in Applied Science degree and is eligible to take the written and clinical... Read more about Kaelin Shaker
As Mesa Community College graduate Karina Aguilar begins her new job at Aira, a company that provides augmented reality assistance services through remote and smart glasses technology to blind and visually impaired clients, she remembers the support she received at MCC that motivated her to succeed in her professional and academic goals.
“The most important skills I gained from Mesa Community... Read more about Karina Aguilar
As a software developer 1 at Uber Eats, now living in New York City, Karl McPhee focuses on backend development and machine learning–sophisticated skills he learned as a Mesa Community College student and intern.
“At the time I started taking courses at MCC, I was enrolled in Arizona State University’s Master of Science program and had experience with programming in Java and Python,” said Karl... Read more about Karl McPhee
When Karl Schroeder’s post-high school plans to enter the Air Force in the late ‘70s didn’t work out, he found himself at Mesa Community College, wondering what his next step would be.
To cover expenses, he got a job at a Safeway grocery store and rode his bike seven miles to get to classes. Over the next few years, he earned an associate’s degree in business management at MCC (1987), a... Read more about Karl Schroeder
As a software developer at Glendale Community College (GCC), Karri Sisson believes in continuous learning. “Any programming class improves your skills as a developer because you can always pick up new concepts or ways to apply them to your current work,” she says.
So, when Sisson first heard about Pega Systems Architect Essentials, she was intrigued.
Wanting to learn more, Sisson tried to learn... Read more about Karri Sisson
After graduating from high school and receiving offers from multiple universities, Mesa resident Kashmir Baillie, age 20, decided Mesa Community College was the perfect fit for her educational goals.
“I will never forget how MCC helped me reach the first step in my higher education,” said Baillie, whose career goal is to be a lawyer. “I would recommend MCC to anyone who wants a quality education... Read more about Kashmir Baillie
For Katrina Patterson, 61, of Mesa, age is just a number. Her determination to finish her degree at Mesa Community College will pay off when she walks across the stage to receive her diploma amidst the applause of her two children, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
“I’m so proud to be here,” Patterson said. “I did this for myself, I did this for Katrina. After raising children and... Read more about Katrina Patterson
The Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council recently honored MCC alumna Kelley Stewart with the Women of Distinction World of Courage award. Honorees are chosen for their exceptional community service and leadership.
Stewart is a 2004 graduate of the MCC Red Mountain campus and is currently double majoring in applied psychology and multimedia writing and technical communication at Arizona... Read more about Kelley Stewart
When things got tough for Mesa Community College student Kenna Graff, 20, of Mesa, simply getting out of the house helped tremendously.
"Some days, I wanted to stay in bed and put off all my work, but I made sure to at least go to the library and complete the assignments for that day, maybe work ahead if I had motivation," Graff said. "My struggles with mental illness impacted the way I learn... Read more about Kenna Graff
When sustainability was just emerging as a buzz word, Mesa Community College honor student, Phi Theta Kappa member and Graduation Class Honors Speaker Kevin Keleher knew he wanted to change the way businesses operated. He felt they should not be so focused on profit, but more on sustainability (although he didn’t even know the term at the time).
In 2011 Keleher was asked to participate in the... Read more about Kevin Keleher
Kevin Tran, 20, always knew he wanted to attend Mesa Community College after graduating from Westwood High School because he liked smaller classes, reasonable tuition and the close location. When his high school counselor told him he qualified for Mesa College Promise, in which his tuition fees were fully funded, he was sure he'd made the right decision.
"Maria Dawes, the Mesa College Promise... Read more about Kevin Tran
How did you arrive at MCC?
I was not sure what I wanted to do with my life. I had dropped out of Phoenix College and was basically, a bit 'lost'. I was eventually working at the Motorola facility that was previously located on Broadway, near the MCC campus. I initially started with engineering courses, that aligned with my work (at Motorola). I worked from 11 p.m. until approximately 7:00 a.... Read more about Kimberly Wise
Kristina Morris didn’t think she would end up attending college. At age 57, she had a career, a family and was looking forward to the next chapter in life. But after she retired, she got bored. So, when her son started attending Mesa Community College, she decided to join him.
“I graduated high school in 1980 so going back to school was very intimidating at first,” she said. “But, one of the... Read more about Kristina Morris
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
Service and leadership have always been core values to honors student Kylee Gillespie. Her involvement in school and community events growing up in Mesa is what pushed her to do more at Mesa Community College.
“I believe service to one's own community and school campus instills responsibility and self-action to take charge in making a change for others and bring awareness toward issues present... Read more about Kylee Gillespie
Leah Erwin has always loved learning new things. So, when the opportunity to earn higher education as a beauty professional came her way, she jumped at the chance. Her degree is available through a partnership among Mesa Community College, the beauty house of L’Oréal and ROLFS Salons.
“I am passionate about the beauty industry as it offers an incredible platform to spread love and beauty and to... Read more about Leah Erwin
Living in a chaotic house filled with foster children hasn’t stopped Leigh Gosney, age 47, or her biological daughter Katelyn, age 23, from pursuing higher education at MCC and beyond. Leigh has been a foster parent for 20 years. She has two biological children, four adopted and many fosters who still call her Mom.
Leigh, who married and had two biological children at a young age, didn’t... Read more about Leigh Gosney & Katelyn Gosney
Lorena Austin will have one very important person cheering her on when she graduates in May, her 93 year old grandmother.
“My grandmother was born in a box car in 1925,” said Austin, MCC’s student body president. “Her father worked on the railroad and she worked in the fields as a farm worker. She was unable to finish her education, so during her entire life, she has emphasized education. My... Read more about Lorena Austin
Attending Mesa Community College is something of a tradition for the Bodine family of Mesa. MCC student Lucas Bodine, 23, is the tenth and latest graduate in the family to receive a degree from MCC. He follows in the footsteps of both parents, five siblings and their spouses, all of whom began their education at the college.
Lucas said he was comfortable being on campus from an early age. His... Read more about Lucas Bodine
In the past two years, Mesa Community College graduate Luis Garcia has been schooled in more than just academic knowledge. Due to life events, he has learned to juggle personal and academic struggles and developed a positive approach to life’s challenges.
Garcia grew up in Venezuela, but when the country’s economic and political situation became tumultuous, his parents offered him and his... Read more about Luis Garcia
Law was a second career for Mesa Community College alumnus Lyle Jones, who has been practicing since 2006. In that time, he has worked in private practice, served as a public defender, sat as magistrate judge over the Tipton County, Tennessee Juvenile Court, and currently hears disability cases as a United States Administrative Law Judge for the Social Security Administration.
“I’m very proud to... Read more about Lyle Jones
Growing up surrounded by diversity and different languages inspired MCC graduate Madelyne Dhimes. As she grew up, cultures from all over the world surrounded Dhimes, 22, and she was inspired to become engaged in other cultures.
“My passion for language and culture led me to MCC,” Dhimes said. “MCC has a variety of foreign languages to choose from. I chose French, as it is a very global language... Read more about Madelyne Dhimes
Each year, the Maricopa Community Colleges sponsor a districtwide music competition to encourage and recognize student achievement. This year, Mesa Community College student Madison Franklin was selected as the Instrumental Solo winner and performed Cantabile et Presto by George Enesco on the flute at the recent Artists of Promise event.
Franklin, 21, of Mesa, graduates from MCC this spring,... Read more about Madison Franklin
Location, affordability and having the classes she wanted were among the main reasons Maigon Caviness, 39, chose to attend Mesa Community College nearly four years ago. Supportive faculty and staff kept her on track to complete her Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) program in spring 2021 and walk at graduation spring 2023, receiving her Associate of Applied Science in Exercise Science:... Read more about Maigon Caviness
Malique Washington took advice from his grandfather to complete his associate’s degree at Mesa Community College and along the way, he played on the MCC basketball team and wrote a children’s book.
The book honored his grandfather, the late James Kelson, a 36-year educator and former principal at John R. Davis Elementary School in Phoenix..
“My grandfather inspired me,” said Washington, 20. “... Read more about Malique Washington
Manuel “Manny” Romero (1992), executive director of Public Affairs for Borough of Manhattan Community College-City University of New York, says, “Everything I learned at Mesa Community College led me to where I am now.”
This first-generation college student was at Nogales High School when MCC caught his eye. His aunt, Toni Hughes, lived near the Southern and Dobson Campus. Romero thought the... Read more about Manuel Romero
Marcus Campbell learned to mine his experiences during Covid and the country’s ongoing social and racial unrest for his first published book of poetry as a Mesa Community College (MCC) creative writing student.
His book tour for “My Identity as a Stereotypical Side Character,” concluded with The Identity Tour Showcase at The Nile Coffee Shop (Mesa) following the Mesa Book Festival in December... Read more about Marcus Campbell
Mesa Community College student Mariah Pahona-Charlie, president of the Inter-Tribal Association, is working for the American Indian Institute at MCC and pursuing college full time. Pahona-Charlie, founder of the Westwood High School mentorship program, has left a blue print for all Native American students to follow.
“I consider myself a lifetime learner,” she said.
Born in Chinle, Arizona, and... Read more about Mariah Pahona-Charlie
When Marie-Catherine Smith, 24, of Mesa, graduated from high school, she set her goal on becoming an early childhood teacher. After three years of attending university classes and juggling work responsibilities, she found herself burned out and in the midst of a pandemic.
"I started experimenting with some digital drawing on my iPad and really enjoyed it," Smith said. "The field of graphic... Read more about Marie-Catherine Smith
Believing that music has the power to change lives, Marvin Scott has focused his career on connecting kids to the joy and magic of making music, which was his student experience in the Mesa Community College Music Department. Prior to attending MCC, Marvin was enrolled at Arizona State University. In the fall of his freshman year studying in the ASU College of Music, some friends recommended the... Read more about Marvin Scott
For many nontraditional students at Mesa Community College, age is just a number, and academic success is down to hard work, dedication, and focus. Mary Ann Jalloh, 57, is a prime example of that commitment to the college as she graduates this May with an Associates in Fine Arts degree.
“Education is in my spirit,” Jalloh said. “I don’t care how old I get.”
Becoming a full-time student at MCC... Read more about Mary Ann Jalloh
For Mesa Community College (MCC) student Matthew Skabelund, 23, education is more than learning facts and figures. Skabelund, who attended the Red Mountain and Southern and Dobson campuses, said he has discovered traits such as perseverance and resilience are equally important as he pursues his degree in physical therapy.
“Completing my education has become much more about excelling as an... Read more about Matthew Skabelund
The youngest in his family and the youngest student of his graduating class, 14-year-old Maxwell Manning will follow in the footsteps of his parents and older siblings as he graduates in May.
“I’m the youngest of six and they all have done it before me so for me it’s not weird or anything. It’s just normal,” said Manning. “I’ve never noticed anything different. Everyone in my life, like my... Read more about Maxwell Manning
It had long been a dream of Melanie Clover Delgado, age 63 of Mesa, to find her path to higher education. Now, she’s on her way to making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable populations as a social worker/counselor.
Beginning with a difficult childhood, Delgado overcame multiple obstacles, including anxiety, depression, drug abuse and low self-worth, by seeking counseling.
“Something... Read more about Melanie Clover Delgado
When Merri Stafford was ready to make a career change in 2011, she explored MCC’s welding classes.
“I’ve always liked to work with my hands, but I haven’t had the opportunity until now,” said Merri, 37. “Not only did MCC have the biggest and best welding department out there, but my folks attended MCC and have always been pro-community college, for the price and for professors who care.”
Her... Read more about Merri Stafford
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
As associate editor at Forbes in Jersey City, New Jersey, Michael del Castillo writes about how blockchain and cryptocurrencies are being adopted by enterprises and the broader business community. His articles focus on the use of cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, ethereum and XRP, and extend to non- cryptocurrency applications of blockchain in finance, supply chain management, digital identity... Read more about Michael del Castillo
Michael Nuccio, 30, graduated from Mesa Community College (MCC) with a 4.0 grade point average and scholarships covering tuition to attend Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University (ASU), in the fall.
This is an admirable accomplishment, especially for a man who until recently had no formal education past the first grade. In 2013, nearly two decades after leaving the public school... Read more about Michael Nuccio
Since opening the Tilt Gallery in Phoenix in 2005, Mesa Community College graduates Michelle and Melanie Craven have enriched the Phoenix art community by sharing their photography skills and knowledge.
The twin sisters originally pursued a space for their own photography, but quickly realized there was a greater need for a fine art photography gallery in Phoenix specializing in alternative and... Read more about Michelle and Melanie Craven
Professional boxer Micky Scala, aka ‘Mesa Mick,’ plans to use his experience and the counseling degree he just earned at Mesa Community College to be an advocate for mental health.
“I lost two close family members to suicide,” Scala said. “Now I fight in honor of their lives and want to do so by being an advocate for mental health in my professional career. Hopefully by doing so I can make a... Read more about Micky Scala
Mesa Community College alumnus Mike Brown (1988-1990) has experienced life on a global scale since childhood. His most recent international adventure was coaching the Nigerian national basketball team at the Summer Olympics in Japan and at the FIBA AfroBaskets 2021 championship tournament in Rwanda.
Born in Ohio and growing up overseas, Mike Brown was a star basketball and football player at the... Read more about Mike Brown
When Mesa Community College’s commencement speaker, Misty Stickney, approaches the podium to address the crowd on May 13, it will mark the culmination of several years of hard work and great determination. As a first-generation college student, Stickney is committed to continuing her education at Northern Arizona University in the fall, becoming the first in her family to obtain a four-year... Read more about Misty Stickney
Molly O’Dwyer took a circuitous route from Mesa Community College to the University of North Carolina, where she received her Master’s Degree in Information Science in December 2013.
O’Dwyer, now 30, grew up in Mesa and graduated from Mesa High School before attending MCC. She received MCC’s Alumni & Friends scholarship in the spring of 2004, and attended MCC from 2001-04.
“I never... Read more about Molly O’Dwyer
Monica Trejo was not a traditional student, nor is she a traditional doctoral candidate. “My journey is my journey, and I’m very proud of where it’s taken me,” she explains.
From dropping out after her first semester at Mesa Community College, to returning while she worked a full-time job, Trejo slowly returned to the space that best contributed to her personal growth: education. Now in her All... Read more about Monica Trejo
More than a decade ago, Monique Griego knew she wanted to go to college after graduating from Mesa High School. But putting two children through college was going to be next to impossible for her mother. For Monique and her sister, Mesa Community College was the perfect choice.
“I came to MCC in 2006 right out of high school,” said Monique, a reporter for 12 News at 10 p.m. and an anchor of 12... Read more about Monique Griego
Nancy Donsbach believes every piece of furniture has its own personality. As an avid do-it-yourselfer for many years, she constantly spotted ways to breathe new life into old chairs and tables. Her passion for furniture design eventually led Donsbach to Mesa Community College, where she earned a Certificate in Mechanical Drafting in 2006. While finishing up her schooling, she acquired a full-... Read more about Nancy Donsbach
Nancy Esparza, age 54, a Tempe resident, began taking classes in 2014 along with her two daughters, but had to stop taking classes in 2016 to work full time. When her son, Vicente Esparza Ortiz, started attending MCC, he encouraged her to go back.
"He helped me pay for classes and kept pushing me to complete my degree so we could graduate together," Nancy said.
Vicente, a former Student Body... Read more about Nancy Esparza & Vicente Esparza Ortiz
It’s been a busy year for Mesa Community College graduate Nathan Pan. First, his team took top honors at the 2015 Avnet Tech Games Onsite Competition. Next, Pan was selected from hundreds of student across the country to be part of the Cisco Live Dream Team in San Diego this summer.
Pan graduates from MCC this May with an AAS in Networking System Administration, an AGEC-A, Certificates of... Read more about Nathan Pan
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
Nick Magel, who composed all of the music for Antigone, Mesa Community College’s first feature film, will always be amazed at his successful accomplishments.
“Me composing music for Antigone really exemplifies the ‘throw the students into the fire and watch them do miraculous things’ nature of the training at MCC Theatre and Film Arts,” Magel said. “The faculty here are really good at presenting... Read more about Nicholas Magel
They say timing is everything and for Nicole Peterson, 37, the time was right to pursue higher education and follow her dreams. Peterson admits to being one of the statistics of the high school girls who drop out of school after becoming pregnant at the age of 16.
“As with most teenage moms, the responsibilities catapulted me right into adulthood, ready or not,” said Peterson, of Mesa. “I share... Read more about Nicole Peterson
Nikelle Mackey, a Mesa Community College Art student, was recently awarded the Presidential Scholarship at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, FL. She was ranked in the top one percent and selected out of 1,400 total applicants.
The Presidential Scholarship, the highest award given at Ringling College, will provide Nikelle with a total of $80,000 based on a four year degree plan.... Read more about Nikelle Mackey
In her late 30s, Njideka “NJ” Nwalor found herself a widow with three young boys. Emigrating from Nigeria 19 years ago, she moved to Canada to be with her husband, who was a student there. He passed away in 2010 and, with two of the boys growing into teenagers, NJ moved to the East Valley in 2017 to be closer to family living in Gilbert.
“I decided to be a nurse to provide for my family and be a... Read more about Njideka Nwalor (NJ)
Mesa Community College graduate, Noemi Panza, age 22, said she is very glad she discovered MCC as the place to begin her college career.
Originally from Cosenza, a small town in the city of Calabria, Italy, Panza who is a first-generation college student said, "I saw that MCC had an easy transfer program and thought it was the best option. These years at MCC have been the best years of my life.... Read more about Noemi Panza
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
When Patrick McGarey graduated from MCC with an Associate in Arts degree, he never expected to be where he is today. Patrick, a robotics technologist at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (NASA) in Pasadena, admits the path to his career was not a straight one. He tells students that all the diverse knowledge and experience he obtained along his journey... Read more about Patrick McGarey
Choosing to modify his career path from television production to programming was a no-brainer for Patrick. While the industry was converting to computer-based technology, he became increasingly attracted to the way mobile devices, with their combined technologies, could perform tasks that were unimaginable at the time.
Patrick made the move to MCC and the Maricopa Information Technology... Read more about Patrick Wheeler
1) Please describe your affiliation with Mesa Community College.
I am a former student who graduated with my Associate in Arts Degree in 2005. I am on the MCC Alumni Advisory Board.
2) Thinking historically, what is your single most positive memory or impression of MCC?
The history classes I took really stood out to me. The professor made the stories come alive and made a sometimes boring... Read more about Phil Reese
Rebecca Roberts’ journey to Mesa Community College started earlier than most students, right in the MCC Children’s Center while her mother was pursuing her nursing degree. Fifteen years later, she is about to graduate with her associate’s degree and transfer to Arizona State University to continue her studies of secondary education and biological sciences.
An Arizonan all her life, Roberts was... Read more about Rebecca Roberts
Mesa Community College graduate Rebekah Ward, age 34, said she believes she is living proof that it is never too late to achieve your dreams and aspirations.
Ward, who resides in Queen Creek, said she married and became a mother at a very young age, which caused her to shift her focus to her children. As a result, her educational journey slowed down. Her children are now seven and thirteen years... Read more about Rebekah Ward
Renae Blackwater graduated from MCC in Spring 2022, and served as an intern at Tempe-based LLC Indigenous Health over the summer. While there, she played an integral role in the organization – hosting an inaugural football camp for Native Youth at MCC in July that was coached by members of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Bruins Football team.
She recently spoke at the American... Read more about Renae Blackwater
Renae Blackwater, 23, of Mesa, can’t say enough about how the MCC American Indian Institute helped her shape her future.
She spoke at the recent American Indian Institute’s anniversary celebration, telling others how the institute provided assistance and direction at a time when she needed it. Growing up in the Tempe/Mesa area, she was a first-generation college student and didn’t quite know... Read more about Renae Blackwater
For Mesa Community College graduate Ricky LeDesma, 30, of Chandler, the decision to return to college is one of the most rewarding and beneficial decisions of his life.
“I was tending bar and although I loved it, I knew I could do much more,” LeDesma said. “My passions have always been science and space exploration. I decided it was time to make a change in my life so I could change my passions... Read more about Ricky LeDesma
Mesa Community College (MCC) has been an important part of Robert Rangel’s life for many years. Both of his parents, Ron and Tina Rangel, worked at the Southern and Dobson Campus most of his life. As a preschooler, Rangel attended the MCC Children’s Center.
“I remember the experience I had as a child exploring the campus,” said Rangel, who is now age 20 and a Tempe resident. “So, when I decided... Read more about Robert Rangel
Robin Wilson, lead vocalist for the Gin Blossoms, spent a large part of his youth on the Mesa Community College campus where his father, Lee Wilson, taught accounting from 1971 through the early '90s.
“I have a big place in my heart for that campus,” said Wilson during a phone interview from his tour bus as he promotes the band's latest release, Major Lodge Victory. “I grew up there. I used to... Read more about Robin Wilson
On any given day, Mesa Community College alumnus Ron Colburn may brief Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, or the White House, or Congress, about the issues of the day as he fulfills his duties as Deputy Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol.
Ron, who graduated from MCC in 1977, went on to graduate from the U.S. Border Patrol Academy and never looked back. He has served through six... Read more about Ron Colburn
Retired 22-year Army veteran Ron Colwell overcame many obstacles on his path to higher education, but he’s on his way now with the recent acceptance into Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.
After he graduates from Mesa Community College in May, he’ll enter ASU to pursue his goal of completing a bachelor’s and eventually a master’s degree in secondary education that will... Read more about Ronald Colwell, Jr.
If given a choice, are you more likely to turn left or right? Mesa Community College alumna Rosaline Dye’s interest in the subject resulted in the publication of her research in a scientific journal.
The research, “Absence of Lateral Navigation Bias in Young Children” appears in a 2014 edition of the journal Perceptual & Motor Skills Physical Development & Measurement, volume 119.
Dye,... Read more about Rosaline Dye
When Sam decided to go back to school, she quickly realized that an onsite college experience would be nearly impossible for her. With her spouse in the military at the time, they moved frequently around the US, so the search was on to find an online school where she could receive an excellent college education at an affordable cost.
Sam selected MCC – though she didn’t reside in Arizona – and... Read more about Sam Cook
This month, Sara Ballard, 18, will graduate from high school and college at the same time. After graduation, she plans to transfer to Grand Canyon University with 66 college credits already under her belt.
During spring semester, she was enrolled in two high school classes at Arizona Agribusiness Equine Center and 24 credit hours at Mesa Community College.
In addition to her academic demands,... Read more about Sara Ballard
The College for Creative Studies in Detroit has awarded Mesa Community College art student Scott Everett an $80,000 scholarship based on his life-like charcoal drawings inspired by family, friends and life experiences.
MCC art instructor Gingher Leyendecker said Everett’s talent was apparent when he first arrived at MCC. Leyendecker has watched Everett mature and find his voice by taking... Read more about Scott Everett
Scott Mackey’s job at the Arizona Game and Fish Department often takes him out into the middle of nowhere. But for Mackey, an avid outdoor enthusiast, that’s exactly where he wants to be.
“The thing I love most about my current job is the hands-on nature of field work,” said Mackey, who is currently performing habitat assessments of potential bighorn sheep transplant sites. “I spend the... Read more about Scott Mackey
When it looked like it might be necessary to change professions because of physical limitations, MCC provided Sean with the opportunity to excel and grow without veering from his chosen career path.
An Arizona native, Sean attended MCC from August 2018 to May 2021 earning an Associates of Applied Science degree in Construction Management. Before earning the degree “I worked in the field in... Read more about Sean Nitso
MCC alumnae Shachi Kale’s artwork causes people to stop and look a little closer at all the delightful details hidden in her paintings. You’ll find caterpillars in the corners, birds in the borders, and all types of patterns that give life to her creations.
She’s a visual storyteller, graphic designer and children’s book illustrator. Locally, her work has appeared at the Mesa Arts Center,... Read more about Shachi Kale
Being a radio host for SiriusXM isn’t exactly what she planned on doing, but according to Mesa Community College (MCC) Alumna Shannon Gunz, it is proof that life can surprise you with a fun and rewarding career.
An Arizona native, Shannon was born in Prescott and grew up in Chino Valley. She grew up close to her family, loving music, the outdoors and driving a stick shift. As a young adult, she... Read more about Shannon Gunz
Shelby Prockish always wanted to work for Google, but he never dreamed it would be as a self-driving vehicle safety specialist. He loves the fact that he’s part of a select group that is working to make transportation easier, more environmentally friendly and helpful to the elderly and blind population.
“Giving someone that freedom will be so cool,” Prockish said. “You could wake up, get... Read more about Shelby Prockish
For Shelby Prockish, 30, Mesa Community College’s Red Mountain Campus was just the right fit when he decided to pursue a degree.
“It just clicked with me,” Prockish said. “It’s a community out here. It’s so small, so friendly and you really know all the professors and staff as long as you utilize all the services—tutoring, student life, service learning, etc. It’s like my second home.”
After... Read more about Shelby Prockish
Sierra “Blitzen” Wallace has overcome a lot of obstacles to get to graduation. Family issues caused Wallace to move around a lot, which made school work difficult at times. But now, Wallace is set to graduate in May with not one, but four degrees.
Wallace ,who prefers to be called Blitzen (German for lightning), or Charboday (a combination of family names), is transgender and transitioning to... Read more about Sierra "Blitzen" Wallace
Skylar Melancon, 17, of Mesa, comes from a single-parent household with two family members who are disabled. When she was 10, Skylar and her family relocated to Arizona from New Orleans due to Hurricane Katrina.
“Although I was only ten, this experience made me realize that you can lose a lot of things in life, like money, homes, possessions, and more,” Melancon said. “An education is something... Read more about Skylar Melancon
Mesa Community College student Sonia Garcia-Tillson believes she has found her true calling.
After more than 30 years in real estate, banking and insurance, Sonia has put her customer relations skills to use in the mortuary field, assisting people with one of the most sensitive and emotional decisions we can make in life.
It’s not that different from her previous employment, Sonia said. In all... Read more about Sonia Garcia-Tillson
For Mesa Community College nursing graduate Spencer Stott, the decision to attend MCC was mostly all about convenience, but it soon became much more.
“I discovered how much I loved the place—the teachers, the students and the atmosphere—just everything,” Stott said.
Stott started out as a pre-med major, but switched to nursing. The day he entered the nursing program, everything fell into place... Read more about Spencer Stott
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
Do you know the details of how Arizona State University’s “Sparky” mascot originated, or the history of the campus Victory Bell? Find out by reading “Arizona State University,” a new book by Mesa Community College alumna Stephanie R. deLusé, co-authored by Denise Bates.
Current and past students will enjoy learning about ASU’s history and how the university has grown to include four campuses and... Read more about Stephanie R. deLusé
Every time Mesa Community College alumnus Stephen Morgan steps foot on the Southern and Dobson campus, he thinks about the first time he came to campus in the ‘80s.
“I was living in Flint, Michigan, it was cold and my car wouldn’t start,” Morgan said. “I sold my car, bought a plane ticket to Arizona and signed up for classes at MCC.”
Morgan never looked back. After finishing core classes at MCC... Read more about Stephen Morgan
Writing has always been a passion for Mesa Community College student Sydney Ritter. At a young age, Ritter, 19, had a pencil in her hand and was writing her own stories, even though she couldn’t spell most words. She grew up in a home where her father taught her that education was important and her mother pushed her to always do her best.
“I always wanted to write, but for years I didn’t know... Read more about Sydney Ritter
With help from family and the kindness of strangers, Taralee Williams graduates from Mesa Community College with an Associate in Applied Science AND a new car.
After the death of her husband, Williams needed to make some changes. She had four children to support and had always been interested in nursing, with a goal to become a school nurse.
“My sister-in-law, Kristina, offered for me and my... Read more about Taralee Williams
Mother of three and entrepreneur Tarryn Hoffmann works to make a mark in the fashion industry using the natural talent that Mesa Community College helped her to develop coupled with her motivation to be successful.
Earning a Costume Design & Production, Level 1 Certificate in May 2022, Tarryn plans to return to MCC to earn an Associate’s degree in Graphic Design-Art and Illustration “so I... Read more about Tarryn Hoffmann
Three siblings from Syria are proudly graduating from Mesa Community College this spring, with the goal to continue their education and earn bachelor’s degrees as they begin a new life in a new country.
The Aljazzar family includes Rima, 23, Katr Alnada, 22, and Ayman, 20. All three earned associate degrees and Arizona General Education Certificates from MCC.
When they first arrived in the... Read more about The Aljazzar Family
Shannon Poppell's dream of graduating from college alongside her two sons, Jeffrey and Kevin, is about to come true. When they receive their diplomas, it will be the culmination of time spent juggling many obligations. Shannon, 52, of Mesa, said to accomplish these goals, she recognizes the importance of having support and guidance through the college experience and beyond. She said she found... Read more about The Poppell Family
Thomas Patzner typically begins his day early, around 3 a.m., preparing for CBS This Morning, a national news-features program that CBS has aired for several decades. Patzner, an MCC alumnus, has been with CBS since 2014, working as an audio engineer and technician.
He draws from more than 10 years of experience which began with MCC’s Audio Production Technology Program, where he graduated with... Read more about Thomas Patzner
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
Athlete. Teaching Credentials in Physical Education and Adapted Physical Education. Professor. Coach. Inventor. Entrepreneur. Stuntman. Actor. Tim Werner’s experiences are varied and expansive.
Tim, a Thunderbird from the Class of 1976, grew up in Woodland Hills, California. He attended Notre Dame High School and became a California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Champion in the pole vault in... Read more about Tim Werner
Vietnam native Tin Nguyen faced many obstacles—a language barrier, financial needs and low self-confidence--when he began thinking about where to pursue an engineering degree in the United States.
A friend recommended Mesa Community College and after doing online research, Nguyen decided MCC was the college for him. He never looked back.
“I love MCC with all my heart,” said Nguyen, 29, of Mesa... Read more about Tin Nguyen
Tina Carroll returned to college at MCC after being out of school for nearly 20 years. She now works as a Veteran Technician at Scottsdale Community College, assisting returning veterans much like herself.
Here’s what she had to say about her experience:
1) What was your experience at MCC like?
My experience at MCC was wonderful! The interaction I had with the staff and the instructors was... Read more about Tina Carroll
The Native American Journalists Association (NAJA) selected Mesa Community College alumnus Tommy “Tom” Arviso Jr. as the 2021 NAJA-Medill Milestone Achievement Award recipient. The award honors an individual who has made a lasting impact on media to the benefit of Indigenous communities and is given jointly by NAJA and the Medill School of Journalism, Media, and Integrated Marketing... Read more about Tom Arviso Jr.
Spina bifida may have robbed Mesa Community College’s Tom Kusek of the ability to walk, but it couldn’t suppress his drive to succeed.
A 2005 graduate of MCC and now the college’s Disability Resources Manager, Tom was already walking with a cane at age 21. A birth defect where there is incomplete closing of the backbone and membranes around the spine, spina bifida affects up to 20 percent of the... Read more about Tom Kusek
Traci Priest is a member of Mesa Community College’s highly respected Dental Hygiene program from which she will be receiving an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene and be registered as a dental hygienist in May.
Traci’s stellar performance has placed her as top of her class. She is a member of the honors program, Phi Theta Kappa, Sigma Chi Eta, and the National Society of Leadership... Read more about Traci Priest
Mesa Community College graduate Trent Cortazzo, 20, of Mesa, found a fresh start at MCC after a less-than-stellar academic history at Red Mountain High School.
“I was always the kid that teachers said had potential,” Cortazzo said. “I did just enough to get by, ending up with a 2.9 GPA in high school. Since I didn’t have a plan, my dad thought I was a bad investment college-wise.”
But Cortazzo... Read more about Trent Cortazzo
Local family-owned funeral homes have undergone many dramatic changes in the last decade. In response to economic conditions and changing preferences in the industry, a handful of large conglomerates have stepped in and purchased many smaller funeral homes that may not have family members who want to continue the business. While large corporations offer certain advantages to funeral home... Read more about Tyler Adair, Bryce Bunker, & Bill Lowman
Many students in Mesa Community College’s Mortuary Science Program say their fellow students feel like family by the end of the program. But two of the grads, Tony and Tyler Parker, really are related.
The father and son pair, who have spent long hours studying and attending class together, are graduating with Associate in Applied Science degrees in Mortuary Science. Their plan is to work... Read more about Tyler Parker & Tony Parker
The Wayne Balmer learning affair with Mesa Community College began in the early 90s when he was community development manager for the City of Mesa. He says he studied to refresh his mind and focus on something besides his job, choosing those classes of interest that could fit into his work and life schedule.
Named Williams Gateway Area Manager in 2001, Balmer became the project manager for the... Read more about Wayne Balmer
When Wendy Nessl took meteorology classes at Mesa Community College in 2010-12, she never dreamed she would be participating in SpaceX’s first Falcon Heavy rocket launch that sent a Tesla sports car into orbit.
Nessl, 29, works for a contracting company that provides weather support for companies that launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida. She said she was a bit surprised at the scope of the job... Read more about Wendy Nessl
Xavier Patten started out as a music major at Mesa Community College. His focus changed after taking a dance class.
Today he works for Walt Disney World in Orlando as a parade performer and at Universal Studios as a dancer.
“I just enjoyed the MCC dance class so much,” Xavier said. “MCC gave me the core of my dance training and I feel like it was the best place for me to get that foundation.... Read more about Xavier Patten
Leading MCC’s student government as president of the Associated Students of Mesa Community College (ASMCC), Yudidt Nonthe Sanchez, 23, earned her Associate in Arts in Arizona General Education Curriculum. She began her MCC journey while a high school student taking Early College courses through the Achieving College Success (ACE) program.
She said, “My ASMCC experience has been empowering and... Read more about Yudidt Nonthe Sanchez
Zachary St. Martin has found the right prescription for his life. St. Martin will transfer to Arizona State University where he plans to major in the science of healthcare delivery with the intention of pursuing joint Doctor of Medicine and Master of Public Health degrees. His goal is to become a physician-champion for medically underserved populations.
A first-generation college student out of... Read more about Zachary St. Martin
As Zona Bailey looks out at the faces of the nursing students she teaches at Scottsdale Community College, she feels as though she has come full circle, sharing nursing knowledge with students of the next generation.
It wasn’t long ago that Bailey, looking to improve herself and her employment opportunities, returned to college in her late 20s, taking general studies classes at Mesa Community... Read more about Zona Bailey