MESA, Arizona – April 20, 2014 – Nathan Pan, a Mesa Community College Network Academy student, was recently selected to be part of the Cisco Live Dream Team. Hundreds of students from across the country submit video and written applications for a chance to participate in this prestigious event. Dream Team selection criteria include technical and professional skills, instructor recommendations, activities outside the classroom and geographical diversity.
“Nathan is a very dedicated and self-motivated student who is pursuing his passion for computer networking,” said MCC Networking faculty member Bob Samson. “He constantly challenges himself (and consequently his instructors) to better himself and his classmates. I am certain Nathan will be a great asset to the 2015 Cisco Live Dream Team.”
The 2015 San Diego Cisco Live national team is comprised of 10 academy students and two academy instructors. Selected students work with Cisco engineers and during ten all-expenses-paid days, set up the Networking Operating Center at the event, maintain the network and respond to support needs. Each Dream Team member receives a pass to attend conference sessions and demos during their spare time, as well as a free voucher to take a Cisco certification exam on-site.
“I am looking forward to working with the other nine students that were selected across North America as well as the best Cisco engineers in the world to help set up a network, support it, and then tear it down, all in 10 days,” Pan said. “I am very honored to have been chosen to be part of the Cisco Live! 2015 Dream Team, and would like to thank my family, professors and friends for their continued support and encouragement.”
Now in its fifth year, the Dream Team provides participants with a unique development opportunity to work hands-on alongside industry leaders.
Nathan, a Chandler resident, graduates from MCC this spring with an AAS in Network Systems Administration, AGEC-A, Certificates of Completion and several industry certifications including CCNA, A+ and Net+. He is transferring to NAU to complete his bachelor’s degree in Information Technology Management.
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Contact: Dawn Zimmer, 480-461-7892, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu
About Cisco Live Dream Team
Each year, more than 160,000 students in the United States and Canada enroll in Cisco Networking Academy courses. They develop IT know-how and valuable problem-solving skills in preparation for jobs. In 2011, Cisco launched the Dream Team to give top students the chance to work side-by-side with engineers at the annual Cisco Live customer conference. For additional information, visit: http://csr.cisco.com/casestudy/networking-academy-dream-team#sthash.lafj4FFk.dpuf
About Mesa Community College
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for its high-quality educational programs, which include university transfer, career and technical, workforce development, and life-long learning. Host to 40,000 students annually, MCC offers more than 200 degrees and certificates at its two campuses and additional locations. Our diverse student body hails predominantly from the East Valley region of metropolitan Phoenix, and international students from 50 countries enrich the learning experience. Award-winning faculty dedicated to student success provide the education and training that empower MCC students to compete locally and globally. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2015, MCC is one of 11 colleges that comprise the Maricopa County Community College District. For additional information, visit mesacc.edu.
The Maricopa County Community College District is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.