Confers more than 4,700 Academic Degrees and Certificates of Completion
MESA, Arizona -- May 5, 2025 -- Mesa Community College (MCC) President Dr. Richard Daniel will recognize the accomplishments of 3,734 students who successfully met academic standards to earn certificates of completion, associate degrees and, for the first time in MCC history, bachelor’s degrees during the 2024-2025 academic year. Among the graduates are 15 students earning a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education-Dual Language, marking a significant milestone for this new program.
More than 550 graduate candidates will participate in the commencement ceremony at 7 p.m., Friday, May 9, at Arizona State University’s Desert Financial Arena. The public is invited to attend, with doors opening at 6 p.m. Event details are available at mesacc.edu/graduation/event. A live stream of the ceremony will also be available at mesacc.edu/live for those who wish to participate remotely.
Themed “Legacy of Excellence,” the ceremony will include a vocal performance of the National Anthem by graduating student Mina Ghazi. Speakers will include Luke "Tagg" Hagen, representing the Associated Students of MCC, and Class Honors speaker Riley Weathersbee.
Additional honored guests include MCC 2018 graduate Lorena Austin, a member of the Arizona House of Representatives from the 9th District and Maricopa County Community College District Governing Board member Jacqueline Smith.
Every student has a unique and meaningful story about their journey to this important milestone. A selection of graduate success stories can be found at mesacc.edu/graduation/graduation-success-stories to inspire future students.
“Our faculty and staff congratulate these students who chose MCC for their educational journey,” said Dr. Daniel. “Their diligence, work ethic and perseverance are what brought them to this milestone.”
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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, 480-461-7892, [email protected]
Mesa Community College (MCC), which is celebrating its 60th anniversary during 2025, is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving over 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. For nearly 60 years, MCC has been a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges. The MCC American Indian Institute supports students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. MCC's diverse student body includes hundreds of international students. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education and training. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional lands of the O'odham, Piipaash, and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu.
MCC 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 www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.