MESA, Arizona -- Oct. 22, 2024 -- Eight notable alumni, faculty, staff, athletes and coaches are being inducted into the Mesa Community College (MCC) Hall of Fame in recognition of their professional and personal accomplishments, and significant contributions to the college and the community on Oct. 24, on the MCC Southern and Dobson Campus, 1833 W. Southern Ave., Mesa 85202.

The celebration, which is free and open to the public with an R.S.V.P., begins with a 6 p.m. reception on the Art Gallery patio followed by the ceremony at 7 p.m. in the MCC Theatre. 

The 2024 honorees, by category, are: 

Alumni Achievement: Antoinette Cauley, David Hines and Robin Wilson

Excellence in Teaching: Roy Cohen, Ph.D. and Sandy De Neui

Outstanding MCC Athlete: Marloshawn Franklin

Outstanding MCC Coach: Danny Sanchez

Service: Barbara Thelander 

Alumni Achievement honorees have each accomplished distinguished levels in their chosen professions and were selected based on professional success such as leadership and impact; innovation; mentoring; awards and honors; service and volunteerism.

Antoinette Cauley (2016), an international painter and art activist, draws inspiration from her Phoenix roots to create visual stories to inspire conversation and change. Her work speaks to the consequences of American slavery and colonialism by highlighting the beauty and resilience of Black American hood culture with a feminist undertone. 

David Hines (1975) devoted his 30-year career to achieving the best as an educator, as well as a track, cross country and football coach. He is a nationally recognized high school athletic director.

Robin Wilson (1988), lead vocalist/guitarist for the alternative rock band the Gin Blossoms, earned multiple platinum albums and hit singles and was inducted into both the Arizona Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame and the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame.

The Excellence in Teaching category recognizes residential (full time) faculty members who, over a number of years, have distinguished themselves as exceeding expectations in their contribution to the classroom, the college, the Maricopa County Community College District, the profession and the community.

Roy Cohen, Ph.D., instructional expert in Abnormal Psychology, served in prestigious organizations in the Arizona clinical community and in Maricopa Community Colleges leadership roles during his 38-year college faculty career.

Sandy de Neui, during her 53-year career, designed a broad program of study to include jazz, tap, ballet, modern dance and choreography, in addition to originating the first dance performance company at MCC while coordinating collaborative physical training for other activities such as cheerleading and gymnastics.

Outstanding MCC Athlete honorees are chosen based on their contributions to MCC including earning All-American, All-Conference and All-Region honors and championships; helping the Thunderbirds to national honors and earning NJCAA All-Academic recognition; and for athletic accomplishments post MCC.

Marloshawn Franklin (2015), first team All-Western States Football League honors at MCC, earned a scholarship to Univerity of California, Berkeley then went to the NFL Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers, the Canadian Football League, and now is in the European League of Football.

Outstanding MCC Coach honorees are individuals accomplished in areas such as national championships, a large number of conference and regional championships, development of All-Conference and All-America players, as well as NJCAA All-Academic recognitions plus accomplishments earned after leaving MCC.

Danny Sanchez (1988), twice honored ACCAC Coach of the Year, coached MCC men’s and women’s soccer with 12 All Americans and a 103-15-5 record coaching the women’s team. Top Coach of the Year at several universities, he is now in his 13th year coaching the University of Colorado.

The Service honoree is an alum or member of the community who has provided significant and exemplary service to MCC and/or the community. 

Barbara Thelander (1979), while director of MCC Continuing Education and Community Service, helped New Frontiers for Lifelong Learning (NFLL) grow to be a significant attribute for the college and community. Now retired, she continues to lead as a major driving force for NFLL.

# # #

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

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, service-learning and innovative approaches to education. Host to more than 24,400 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. On average MCC students provide 23,000 hours of community service annually. For more than 50 years, the college has served as a resource for education, workforce development and lifelong learning. MCC is transforming student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution. Nearly 50% of MCC students are the first in their families to attend college. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges. The American Indian Institute serves students from 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes and out-of-state tribes. Our diverse student body includes hundreds of international students from around the world. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to attain their goals. 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 maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.