Numerous resources from academic and financial support to boot camps, counseling and other initiatives, aid students in their quest for scholastic accomplishment and the realization of life goals. For the 2024-2025 academic year, MCC students and faculty set several milestones for national and regional recognition in academics, undergraduate research, athletics, theatre arts and service to their communities.
Commencement ceremonies May 9, 2025, brought to a close a remarkable academic year. Honored speakers included 2018 MCC graduate and member of the Arizona House of Representatives Lorena Austin (District 9), and Maricopa County Community College District Governing Board member Jacqueline Smith who spoke in reference to the event theme, Legacy of Excellence.
It is with great respect and pride that we offer unparalleled opportunities to assist students on their path to future success for themselves, their families and their communities.
MCC President Dr. Richard Daniel recognized 3,734 students who successfully met academic standards to earn certificates of completion, associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees in Early Childhood Education-Dual Language, marking a significant milestone for this new program.
MCC All-Arizona honoree named national Coca-Cola Academic Team Silver Scholar
MCC 2025 All-Arizona honoree Riley Weathersbee was named a 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Silver Scholar and received a $1,250 scholarship. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver and 50 Bronze Scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually.
The MCC team is the first team from a two-year program to participate in the ASTC-USITT Venue Renovation Challenge, earning the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) Director’s Award during the organization’s conference in March.
MCC theatre students and faculty win prestigious Kennedy Center awards
Twenty MCC students from design, dance, music and the performing arts and three faculty members were recognized for their talent, skill and creativity demonstrated during competitions at Conference 57, the 2025 Region 8 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival hosted at MCC. Performing Arts Facilities Director Christopher Tubilewicz received the Gold Medallion for his extraordinary contributions to the teaching and producing of theatre.
Mesa Community College Women's Cross Country team earns first national championship
The college’s Women's Cross Country team made history as they captured the first NJCAA National Championship in the program’s history. This cemented the Lady T-Birds as one of the most consistent and premier programs in the country having won three trophies in the last four years.
MCC Athletics Sets New Record for NJCAA All-Academic Honors
Mesa Community College student athletes achieved historic academic success during the 2024–25 season, setting new college records with 82 individuals earning NJCAA All-Academic honors—nearly doubling last year’s total— and surpassing the previous high of 44. Ten teams received NJCAA Academic Team of the Year recognition, breaking the previous record of eight set in 2021–22.
Mesa Community College inducts honorees into Hall of Fame
Eight notable alumni, faculty, staff, athletes and coaches were inducted into the MCC Hall of Fame in recognition of their professional and personal accomplishments and significant contributions to the college and the community.
MCC President Richard Daniel receives higher education award
President Richard Daniel, Ph.D., was honored by the Pete C. Garcia Victoria Foundation with the Dr. Loui Olivas Distinguished Leadership in Higher Education Award for exceptional work as an administrator in higher education and his advocacy for Latinx students, faculty and staff.
MCC journalism faculty Nadine Arroyo Rodriguez receives higher education award
Nadine Arroyo Rodriguez, director of Journalism and New Media Studies in MCC’s English Department, was honored with the Dr. Alfredo G. de los Santos, Jr. Outstanding Latina/Latino Faculty Service/Teaching in Higher Education Award for her commitment to student achievement and outstanding teaching and leadership.
MCC faculty named U.S. Department of Agriculture E. Kika De La Garza Fellow
MCC Sustainable Agriculture and Landscape Horticulture Program Director Michael Gaspar was named a 2024 U.S. Department of Agriculture E. Kika De La Garza Fellow, one of 32 faculty and staff chosen from school districts across the nation.