Single father returns to obtain a college degree after 20 years
MESA, Arizona – July 7, 2016 – Mesa Community College student Marcus Downing 
The scholarship is funded by The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust and provides educational opportunities for individuals who would not normally receive traditional academic scholarships and whose personal commitments and financial circumstances would preclude their attendance without substantial, long-term scholarship support.
Downing, 41, a web development major at MCC, said he was thrilled to receive notification of his scholarship. Through the Maricopa-ASU Pathways Program, he plans to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree after completing his associate’s degree at MCC.
He enrolled at MCC based on a family member’s recommendation and discovered the scholarship opportunity on the college’s website.
“Learning I received this scholarship is truly a blessing,” said Downing, who has raised his son on his own since the child was 5 years old. “When I first attended college right out of high school in 1993, I didn’t have the tools or the money to complete the degree. Now I can show my son that when you start something, you keep going until you finish. You may get knocked down but you always get back up.”
Downing was chosen as one of eight recipients out of 20 Arizona finalists. The scholarship is available to adults who are 25 years or older who have dependents in their family units, incoming freshmen ages 18-25 who have been raised through the child welfare system and have no form of financial support, and college-age youth and adults with physical disabilities.
Downing said returning to college after many years away has been challenging at times, but with assistance from tutors and professors, his classes are going well. He advises other students in similar situations to take the time to apply for scholarships and be truthful to themselves.
“There is no book on how to live life or be a parent,” Downing said, “but this is something I need to do. What drives me is to keep my word and not give up. Returning to college at MCC is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
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Contacts
Dawn Zimmer, 480-461-7892, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu
Sally Mesarosh, 480-461-7283, sally.mesarosh@mesacc.edu
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 degrees 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. 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) http://www.ncahlc.org, 800-621-7440.
The Maricopa County Community College District is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.