MESA, Ariz. -- Dec. 8, 21 -- Mesa Community College hosts its first formal in-person fall commencement ceremony at 6 p.m. Dec. 16 at the John D. Riggs Stadium at its Southern and Dobson Campus (1833 W. Southern Ave., Mesa).

Summer and fall 2021 graduates and past graduates who were unable to attend an in-person ceremony due to the pandemic, will be honored for earning degrees or certificates. It is anticipated that more than 100 students will be recognized for their accomplishments.

This is the first in-person commencement ceremony to be held for fall semester graduates and is also the first live commencement ceremony since May 2019. The last two graduation ceremonies in December 2020 and May 2021 were drive through events.

Speakers include Interim President of MCC, Lori Berquam, Ph.D., grand marshal and Faculty Senate President Liz Csikar, Ph.D., Vice President of Academic Affairs, Nora Reyes, Ph.D. and Alumni Representative Heather Smyth.

In addition, Spring 2021 graduate Yudidt Nonthe Sanchez, immediate past president of the Associated Students of Mesa Community College for the 2020-2021 academic year; and Spring 2020 graduate Elizabeth Ward, student senate chair and executive vice president of ASMCC for the 2019-2020 academic year, are special guest speakers for the ceremony.

A live stream starts at 6 p.m., at mesacc.edu/live for guests who are unable to attend. The event will be held outside so masks are not required; ample spacing between guests is anticipated.

For more information, visit the graduation page on the MCC website.

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Contact: Dawn Zimmer, (480) 461-7892, Dawn.Zimmer@mesacc.edu

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized as an Aspen Prize Top 150 U.S. Community College and is known for service learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to education. For more than 50 years, the college has served as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 30,000 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses, additional locations and a combination of online formats. Through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, MCC is transforming how it champions student success, college completion, university transfer and career attainment and advancement. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution and nearly 50% of its students are the first in their families to attend college. Its American Indian Institute serves students from the 22 federally recognized tribes of Arizona as well as out-of-state tribes. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges. The diverse student body includes more than 300 international students from 55 countries. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to successfully transfer to a university or compete in the workforce. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional territories of the O'odham, Piipaash and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.

Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)-- hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA 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.