MESA, Arizona – Oct. 20, 2021 – Mesa Community College invites the community to join in the celebration of the 20th anniversary of its Red Mountain Campus. A month of festivities kicks off on Nov. 2 with a community event from 4-6 p.m. at the college's environmentally-conscious Red Mountain Campus located at 7110 E. McKellips Road, Mesa. All attendees are encouraged to participate in an aerial group photo commemorating the event at 4 p.m. which will be followed by a Native Blessing, remarks from community leaders and multicultural entertainment, music, food and fun. Popular academic departments such as Emergency Medical Technology (EMTs), biology, dental assisting, nurse assisting and others will be present with gear, critters and other visuals to demonstrate learning and discuss career choices.
“We are looking forward to a vibrant future for our Red Mountain Campus as we prepare for its 20th anniversary,” said MCC Interim President Lori Berquam. “MCC Red Mountain offers an academically inspiring and nurturing environment to begin college, and we are excited to share our vision for the future with the community.”
Located on 98 acres of Sonoran Desert in East Mesa, the Red Mountain Campus opened on Oct. 3, 2001, quickly becoming known for innovation in teaching by incorporating desert plants and animals into the learning environment. In 2014 the campus was recognized by the National Wildlife Federation with a prestigious Certified Wildlife Habitat designation.
Red Mountain’s cienega serves as a refuge for endangered plants and animals in partnership with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden. Students are integrally involved in important conservation endeavors, providing them with opportunities to explore many possible careers in science.
Building upon past accomplishments, the future vision for the MCC Red Mountain Campus includes further emphasis on health sciences and education. The campus will offer programming aligned with community needs while providing opportunities serving as stepping stones for academic and career pursuits. Current Red Mountain Campus signature programs that continue enriching the community include Dental Hygiene, Nurse Assisting and Phlebotomy.
“Our engaged faculty has taught and will continue to teach students in a way that allows them to engage in critical thinking and learn what they need to succeed,” Berquam said. “We envision continued improvement and enhanced opportunities for students to reach their career goals.”
Visit mesacc.edu/red-mountain to learn more about this amazing campus and anniversary celebration events.
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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892 or 6025-471-5343
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. For more than 50 years, the college has served 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 at its two campuses, additional locations and a combination of online formats. Through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, MCC is transforming how it champions student success, college completion, university transfer and career attainment and advancement. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution and nearly 50% of its students are the first in their families to attend college. Its American Indian Institute serves students from the 22 federally recognized tribes of Arizona as well as out-of-state tribes. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges. The diverse student body includes more than 300 international students from 55 countries. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to successfully transfer to a university or compete in the workforce. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional territories of the O'odham, Piipaash and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.
Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) -- hlcommission.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, 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 http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.