A Milestone for Behavioral Health Education
In December, MCC celebrated the opening of its new high-fidelity Behavioral Health Simulation Lab with a community open house and tour at the Red Mountain Campus. Funded by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, the lab provides students with realistic, hands-on training and supports MCC's new Certificate of Completion in Applied Behavioral Health-the first program of its kind within the Maricopa Community Colleges and in Arizona. This innovative space prepares students with the skills needed for meaningful careers in mental health services.
Empty Bowls, Full Hearts
MCC's annual Empty Bowls events in November raised more than $8,000 for Paz de Cristo Community Center, supporting antihunger services and empowerment programs for the East Valley's homeless, unemployed and working poor. This success was made possible by restaurant partners Pita Jungle and Red White & Brew, volunteers from New Frontiers for Lifelong Learning and sponsors including Laguna Clay, Mesa Arts Center, MCC Art Department, Friendship Village Tempe, Dobson High School, Desert Ridge High School-and by the continued support of our MCC community.
Honoring Community Champions
October marked a historic moment as MCC celebrated its 60th anniversary and inducted longstanding community partners into its Hall of Fame for the first time, recognizing organizations alongside individual honorees. The 2025 inductees-Mesa Public Schools; City of Mesa; Mesa Chamber of Commerce; Tempe Chamber of Commerce; East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; PHX East Valley Partnership; New Frontiers for Lifelong Learning; and Mesa-East Valley Rose Society-were honored for their outstanding contributions to MCC and the communities they serve.
Marching Into a New Tradition
Also in October, MCC and the Arizona Marching Band Association hosted the inaugural Thunderbird Marching Classic at John D. Riggs Stadium. The family-friendly event opened with the National Anthem performed by MCC's Brass Quintet, featured performances from 21 high school marching bands from across Arizona and concluded with an awards ceremony led by MCC President Dr. Richard Daniel. Proceeds from the event support MCC's Summer Music Camp (May 26-June 5, 2026), helping reduce the cost for every high school student across the Valley who wishes to participate.