MESA, Arizona – Oct. 24, 2025 – Mesa Community College (MCC) marked its 60th anniversary by honoring both the individuals and organizations that have shaped its legacy. Eight longstanding community partners were inducted into the college’s Hall of Fame on Oct. 23, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to MCC and the communities it serves. 

The evening began with a reception in the MCC Art Gallery where guests experienced Legacy in Motion–an exhibition showcasing the work of former MCC students, faculty, staff and administrators as well as profiles of all 2015-2024 MCC Hall of Fame Honorees. 

Following the reception, attendees gathered in the MCC Theatre for the induction ceremony. For the first time in the college’s history, the Hall of Fame welcomed community partners as inductees, joining past individual honorees who were also recognized during the program. 

The 2025 community partner honorees are: 

Mesa Public Schools, one of MCC’s most valued and vital educational partners.  

By providing educational access through Early College Programs such as Dual Enrollment, Achieving a College Education (ACE) and Hoop of Learning, students who attend Mesa Public Schools can earn college credit while still in high school, helping to ensure future academic success. Other collaborations with MCC include the college advising program in Mesa high schools, and service learning and educational activities opportunities offered by Mesa Public Schools to MCC students. 

City of Mesa for its dedication to building a stronger, more connected, and opportunity-rich community. The City’s commitment to educational access is emphasized by its sponsorship of the Education and Workforce Roundtable to create change through programs like the Community Court Collaboration and workforce development initiatives. Another impactful program is the Mesa College Promise, enabling all eligible Mesa high school students and eligible adults to attend MCC for two years with Arizona resident tuition and registration fees fully funded. 

Mesa Chamber of Commerce for its advocacy, leadership, and long-standing partnership with MCC. The Chamber’s collaboration with MCC includes initiatives like the Green Flag Mesa Business Center, providing students with office space, business tools, and resources to launch a new business venture, and the annual 24-Hour Business Challenge giving competitors 24 hours to develop a business plan for a new or existing business. Other initiatives have included MCC’s Technopreneur certification and promotion of MCC programs, news, and events. 

Tempe Chamber of Commerce for its collaboration on initiatives that prepare students for success through career readiness programs, soft skills training, and professional development opportunities. The Chamber’s strong support for MCC has opened doors and shaped futures with programs like workforce development and education advocacy. This partnership has helped bridge education and industry, empowering students for successful careers and preparing the next generation of purpose-driven professionals.  

East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for being a force for inclusive excellence and economic empowerment. One of MCC’s most successful collaborations with the Chamber is the STEAM Scholars Program,bringing together MCC, Mesa Public Schools, Arizona State University, META, and others to introduce incoming high school freshmen to fields in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The goals are to provide opportunities for students to experience STEAM careers and engage and mentor future leaders. 

PHX East Valley Partnership in appreciation of its leadership in advancing regional collaboration, economic development, and workforce innovation. The Partnership has had a profound impact on students, educators, and the broader East Valley community. In 2024 it played a key role in sharing educational materials about the Maricopa County Community College District’s proposition 486, allowing the District to continue supporting students with a high-quality and affordable education. Its leadership team has deep ties to MCC, holding its monthly meetings on campus for more than 20 years. 

New Frontiers for Lifelong Learning for its commitment to intergenerational learning. A non-credit, community education program for active adult learners, New Frontiers offers peer-led, year-round learning opportunities. Members serve as ambassadors for MCC, volunteering for the annual Empty Bowls event, MCC’s We Care Wednesdays–distributing fresh food to those in need–and assisting with projects like the Human Library, sharing their life stories with MCC students. Members generously donate scholarships to MCC students. 

Mesa-East Valley Rose Society for its collaboration and stewardship of The Rose Garden at MCC. The 27-year partnership with the college resulted in the largest public rose garden in the Desert Southwest, bringing global acclaim to MCC and the City of Mesa with rankings among the “Best Things to Do in Mesa” by Tripadvisor, Yelp, and international travel sites. Volunteers serve as “Deadheaders” to remove spent blooms and provide expert care, mentorship and education. The Rose Garden is a living lab for biology, botany, landscaping, and horticulture students and is one of only 26 official test gardens in the U.S.

Learn more about the MCC Hall of Fame and its honorees at mesacc.edu/alumni/hall-fame.

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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College (MCC), which is celebrating its 60th anniversary during 2025, is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving more than 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. MCC serves as a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest Indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges, supporting students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education, training and undergraduate research opportunities. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu/newsroom.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.