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Community Engagement

Another key component of our college’s success is the President’s Advisory Council—a distinguished group of community leaders that includes elected officials, education and industry partners, alumni and donors, and community leaders. United by a shared commitment to Mesa Community College, the Council provides valuable insight, helps guide future initiatives, and strengthens the ties between the college and the community we serve.

Numerous opportunities supporting student and college collaboration in the community were offered during the 2024-2025 academic year. Highlights include recognition for events held during the 2024 election cycle such as receiving the Highly Established Action Plan Seal from the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge for MCC’s high level of nonpartisan democratic engagement, one of only 93 campuses earning such recognition.

Other activities brought the community together to celebrate Mesa’s second anniversary as an International City of Peace and to provide services such as free dental screenings from MCC dental hygiene students and tax preparation assistance for low-to-moderate income households, in partnership with Mesa United Way.

In celebration of its 60th anniversary, the college created a new website (mesacc.edu/60) for the public to explore its six decades of student success, academic growth and community impact. It also listed the celebratory events open to the public.

MCC is steadfast in its dedication to serving the community through cooperation, collaboration and a commitment to improving the lives of its students and residents alike.


MCC 60th anniversary celebration stage
MCC 60th anniversary celebration stage

Mesa Community College celebrates 60th anniversary, launches website to explore its history and engage community

Mesa Community College celebrates six decades of academic excellence, student success and community engagement with a variety of events and activities including a birthday celebration on April 9 at both the Southern & Dobson and Red Mountain Campuses, MCC’s Hall of Fame on October 23 and a Grand Finale on December 3.

New Frontiers for Lifelong Learning hikers
New Frontiers for Lifelong Learning hikers

New Frontiers for Lifelong Learning Celebrates 30 Years of Enriching East Valley Lives

New Frontiers for Lifelong Learning (NFLL), a Mesa Community College program for active adult learners, celebrated its 30th anniversary this year with an Open House. NFLL offers a wide range of non-credit classes and discussion groups on topics including history, science, art, technology and wellness to name a few. In 2024 alone, NFLL provided more than 200 classes both online and in person. Members also enjoy social outings, field trips and interest groups such as book clubs, hiking, biking and walking groups.

Celeste Whiterock - Voting Honor Roll student
Celeste Whiterock - Voting Honor Roll student

MCC Student Selected for 2025 ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll

MCC student Celeste Whiterock was named to the 2025 ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll, recognizing her commitment to increasing student voter participation during the 2024 election cycle. Celeste is one of just 37 students nationwide honored for their outstanding leadership in nonpartisan civic engagement.

Fashion Collective Spring Fashion Show
Fashion Collective Spring Fashion Show

MCC hosts the Fashion Collective Spring Fashion Show

The annual “MCC Fashion Collective,” featured over 80 original designs by MCC Fashion Program students. Students also showcased their sustainable denim outfits at the Mesa Fashion Forward Sustainability Fashion Show presented by the Mesa Chamber of Commerce at Superstition Springs Mall. Both fashion shows were free and open to the public.

Campus Connect student award winners
Campus Connect student award winners

MCC student receives national leadership award for civic and community engagement

Mesa Community College student, Florian Nguyen, received Campus Compact’s Student Leadership Award, recognizing undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate inspiring leadership qualities through civic and community engagement.

Crafted, empty bowls for charity event
Crafted, empty bowls for charity event

Annual tradition unites the community to fight hunger

MCC hosted Empty Bowls events at both campuses. For a $10 donation, patrons received a one-of-a-kind handcrafted ceramic bowl along with a meal of soup and bread. A silent auction also was held and 100% of Empty Bowls proceeds benefitted the Paz de Cristo Community Center. The events raised nearly $8,000 in support of Paz de Cristo’s mission.