Thunderbirds Celebrate National Championship Success
MCC builds upon a legacy of excellence as student-athlete Maleah Tucker captured the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Indoor Track & Field Championship title in women's weight throw with a record-breaking mark of 18.49 meters, breaking her own previous school record and capping a remarkable season of regional and national honors. Plus, MCC's Women's Cross Country team claimed its second consecutive NJCAA Division II National Championship to solidify their standing as one of the premier programs in the NJCAA.
Study Abroad Excellence Continues for 25th Year
MCC has once again been recognized as a Top Producing Institution in the Associate's Colleges category by the U.S. Department of State's Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship program. This marks an impressive 25 consecutive years of distinction. Since 2001, 24 students from MCC have received Gilman Scholarships, gaining global experiences that broaden their academic perspectives and personal growth. This year, MCC students will study abroad in Ireland, Italy and France. The Study Abroad program is open to alumni, students and community members aged 18 and over. Visit mesacc.edu/study-abroad for more information or maricopa.edu/study-abroad for study abroad opportunities available through other Maricopa Community Colleges.
Outstanding Students Named to Prestigious All-Arizona Academic Team
Four academically outstanding students, Toni-Ann Gardner, Pranay Modha, Lena Nape and David Robinson, were honored among 71 students from 19 community colleges across Arizona, at the 2026 All-Arizona Academic Team Recognition Ceremony in April. All-Arizona honorees demonstrate academic excellence combined with leadership and service that expand their education beyond the classroom to benefit their communities and society. Each student received scholarships and a tuition waiver to attend Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University or The University of Arizona.
MCC Student Named to National Coca-Cola Academic Team
Pranay Modha, a computer science student, has been named a member of the 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team and will receive a $1,300 scholarship. The Coca-Cola Academic Team represents some of the highest achieving community college students in the nation. Modha, who serves as the president of MCC's Omicron Beta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, was also recognized as an All-Arizona Academic Team scholarship recipient. He plans to transfer to the University of Arizona to finish his bachelor's degree in computer science. His goal is to become a machine learning engineer and apply his knowledge to help build a better future for the world.
