MESA, Arizona – May 6, 2019 -- Mesa Community College (MCC) recognizes the accomplishments of 2,482 graduates who collectively earned more than 4,660 degrees and certificates during the 2018-19 academic year. Many are being conferred during a commencement ceremony at 7:15 p.m., Friday, May 10, in the courtyard of the Southern and Dobson Campus, 1833 W. Southern Ave., Mesa. The public is invited to the ceremony in which nearly 600 graduate candidates will participate.
Hermenigilda Luna is the keynote speaker. Luna, an MCC alumna and 2015 Hall of Fame honoree, is a registered nurse and director of Nursing Services at the University of Arizona Cancer Center at Dignity Health. Her 25-year nursing career has spanned from bedside nurse for cancer patients to leadership roles as an administrator in renowned comprehensive cancer centers such as Mayo Clinic and MD Anderson. Luna has been lauded for raising awareness of ovarian cancer among Hispanic women in Mesa.
The Class Honors speaker, Ivan Quintana, is a first-generation graduate and a 2019 Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholar, one of only 61 recipients in the nation. He received the MCC President’s Service Award and Service Excellence award for contributing more than 600 hours of community service, plus he was recognized as an All-MCC Scholar and an MCC Service Scholar.
MCC confers associate's degrees and certificates of completion. The largest number of associate's degrees being bestowed this year are from the Nursing, Networking System Administration, Emergency Response and Operations, Administration of Justice, Interior Design, Caterpillar Technology Training (ThinkBIG program) and Computer Programming Programs.
2018-19 Preliminary Graduation Statistics
Number of individuals earning a degree or industry certificate, for the summer, fall and spring semesters: 2,482
Graduates participating in the commencement ceremony: 600
Number of degrees and certificates issued: 4,662
Degree and Certificate Awards –Transfer
Associate in Arts Degrees – 1,157
Associate in Arts–Elementary Education – 35
Associate in Arts–Fine Arts Degrees (Arts, Dance, Theatre) – 21
Associate in Business–General – 153
Associate in Business–Special Requirements – 22
Associate in General Studies – 187
Associate in Science Degrees – 207
Arizona General Education Curriculum Certificates (AGEC): Arts – 1,153
Arizona General Education Curriculum Certificates (AGEC): Business – 172
Arizona General Education Curriculum Certificates (AGEC): Science – 207
Academic Certificates – 22
Degree and Certificate Awards – Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Associate in Applied Science (AAS) – 566
Certificates of Completion (CCL) – 757
Top three Career and Technical Education (CTE) Degrees:
1. AAS in Nursing – 189
2. AAS in Networking System Administration – 36
3. AAS in Emergency Response and Operations – 31
Additional information about MCC’s Graduation Ceremony, including maps, parking, photography and special accommodations, is available online at mesacc.edu/graduation.
Although every graduate has a tale to tell of the path that led to this special moment, we’ve shared a few success stories here: mesacc.edu/graduation/graduation-success-stories
We congratulate the many students reaching this significant milestone in their lives.
Commencement photos will be posted online at: facebook.com/mesacc and instagram.com/mesacc.
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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, 480-461-7892, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized as an Aspen Prize Top 150 U.S. Community College and is known for service learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to education. The college serves as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 30,000 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs online, at its two campuses, the Mesa Downtown Center and additional locations. Through the implementation of Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services, MCC is transforming ways it champions student success; college completion, university transfer and career attainment for all students. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution. The diverse student body includes more than 400 international students representing over 60 countries. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training to empower MCC students to compete locally and globally. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of the 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Learn more at mesacc.edu.
Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
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 www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.