Martin Germain, MCC veteran student and cyclist
MESA, Arizona — Aug. 26, 2015 — Mesa Community College, along with the Phoenix VA Health Care System, will host a 9/11 Commemoration Day on Saturday, Sept. 12. The free event is a salute to the Mesa community including civilians, active duty service members, veterans and their families, and will take place on MCC’s Southern and Dobson campus (1833 W. Southern Ave. Mesa). The celebration will feature veteran and civilian programs and services available from MCC, the VA and the local community in a festive atmosphere.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs seal
“We are pleased to provide a gathering place for veterans, community members and their families to learn more about veteran resources,” said Bill Clites, Director of MCC Veteran Services. “As MCC celebrates its 50 year anniversary, we are proud of the educational services we have provided and look forward to offering many more opportunities to veterans in the future.”
Registration for Half Metric Century Riders begins at 6 a.m. with ‘wheels down’ at MCC’s Southern and Dobson campus at 7:30 a.m. for a 32-mile round-trip Group Ride to MCC’s Red Mountain Campus at McKellips and Power Roads and back. Riders may also depart from Red Mountain with the group at approximately 8:30 a.m., with a celebratory send off.
A 9 a.m. opening ceremony will kick off community activities at MCC’s Southern and Dobson Campus, including a shorter 5k Fun Run/Walk/Ride, planned for people of all ages and fitness levels. Participants must register at: 9/11 Commemoration Day.
From 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., the general public is encouraged to join students, faculty and staff in a series of activities to remember those who gave of themselves for our freedoms and to celebrate what it means to be an American.
Activities will include live musical entertainment, food trucks, service dog demonstrations and children’s activities (inflatables, rock gym). Informational booths will provide attendees with the opportunity to learn about MCC programming, community organizations and Veterans Resources.
“We’re proud to partner with Mesa Community College for this event,” said Glen Grippen, Interim Director of the Phoenix VA Health Care System. “Phoenix VAHCS staff will participate to share information on eligibility and enrollment for health care services as well as specialized services available.”
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Contacts
Dawn Zimmer, 480-461-7892, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu
Sally Mesarosh, sally.mesarosh@mesacc.edu
About Mesa Community College
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for its service-learning, civic engagement and innovative 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 195 degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. MCC’s student body hails predominantly from the East Valley of Phoenix and includes Veteran, American Indian and International students who enrich the learning experience. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to compete locally and globally. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2015, MCC is one of 10 colleges that comprise the Maricopa County Community College District. The District also includes the Maricopa Corporate College and two skill centers. For additional information, visit mesacc.edu.
Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association (NCA) http://www.ncahlc.org
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, or national origin.
About MCC’s Veteran Services Office
Mesa Community College’s Veterans Services Office recognizes that the college experience does not end when a student steps off of campus. Military students face unique issues and challenges on a variety of fronts - at school, at home and at work.
The Supportive Services department of the Veteran Services Office was created by military students for military students to address those challenges. Their mission is to give students the best possible tools and resources to move forward in completion of their life's objectives. For additional information, visit http://www.mesacc.edu/veteran-services.
About the Phoenix VA Health Care System
The Phoenix VA Health Care System proudly serves Veterans in central Arizona at its main medical center and outpatient VA Health Care Clinics. For additional information, visit http://www.phoenix.va.gov/.