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Humble Beginnings
John Riggs is named the first dean of Mesa Community College. Unfortunately that same year the bond to build the college was defeated, so MCC originally was one building on Main Street in Mesa. It operated as an extension of Phoenix College. -
The clouds lifted and the sun shined down on a new campus.
After a rainy student orientation that flooded the parking lots of the school, MCC celebrated its grand opening in 1966. -
The start of something big!
MCC acquired 120 acres at Southern and Dobson in 1964. On October 15th, 1965 a groundbreaking ceremony took place. It is important to note that this was the same year that the Maricopa College System recognized MCC as a separate institution from Phoenix College. -
First class...all the way.
The first graduating class of 253 students received their diplomas on May 29, 1968 -
Student athletics put Mesa on the map.
The 1970's showcased the strength of the colleges athletic programs. During this decade the baseball. football, tennis, and track and field teams all brought home national championships. Another milestone was the change of the school mascot from the Hokams to the Thunderbirds, -
Curtain up, light the lights.
Theater Outback opened its doors in 1978 becoming the launching pad for many talented singers, dancers, and actors. -
The top of the heap.
In 1982 enrollment had swelled to over 14,674 students making MCC the largest school in the Maricopa system. -
Ring, Ring!
MCC made registration more convenient by offering registration by telephone. The only exception was it could only be for one class that had no entry testing requirements. -
Silver anniversary.
The famous Thunderbird monument was gifted to the school in 1989 to celebrate the institutions 25th anniversary. -
Stop and smell the roses.
MCC's nationally recognized Rose Garden was opened on the campus on April 30th 1997. -
Two MCC's are better than one!
In 2000 construction began on the new red Mountain Campus.. This same year the Center For Teaching and Learning opens at the main campus providing support and training programs for instructors. -
Presidential recognition.
In 2006 Mesa Community College was bestowed with the honor of being named to the United States Presidential Higher Education Community Honor Role. -
The honors keep coming in.
In 2016 Washington Monthly Magazine named MCC the best 2 year college for adult learners. -
2019 and beyond
The campus continues to grow and innovate. From the opening of the new performing arts center to a partnership with Apple, MCC shows no sign of slowing down. They continue to make sure that the focus is always on the students success!
