MESA, Arizona – May 7, 2026 – Gwendolyn Owen, who will be graduating from Mesa Community College (MCC) with an Associate of Arts, Emphasis in Journalism, is the inaugural A-Mark Student Journalism Award recipient at MCC. The award, administered by Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation, includes a $5,000 grant and recognizes Owen’s reporting track record as news and photo editor of MCC’s student-run newspaper, The Mesa Legend, as well as her commitment to pursue a four-year journalism degree.
“Gwen is an excellent student journalist who has proven herself in the classroom and the newsroom,” said Nadine Arroyo Rodriguez, director of MCC’s Journalism and New Media Studies program.
A skilled writer and photographer, Owen has built a strong multimedia portfolio showcasing her social media storytelling and photography skills. Owen is open to a career in political reporting, multimedia public policy, photojournalism or documentary production.
“I'm dreaming further past just being an environmental reporter now, envisioning myself as a political reporter for a national news outlet some days, a documentary producer others, or a photojournalist for a news magazine like The Atlantic,” said Owen.
During her time as editor of The Mesa Legend, Owen authored pieces about education, local politics and issues impacting community colleges. The 21-year old has maintained a 3.9 GPA throughout her time at MCC and will begin classes at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University this fall.
“I was a bit lost before changing my major to journalism, but I knew that I wanted a job that felt like a purpose rather than just a paycheck,” Owen said. “I am pleased with how much I've been able to accomplish and learn in just three semesters which has opened new doors to dreams I didn't know I had.”
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Media Contact: Dawn Zimmer, [email protected], 480-461-7892
The A-Mark Foundation is a California-based nonprofit devoted to promoting and encouraging journalism and investigative reporting. It currently offers scholarships at 24 community colleges, including Scottsdale Community College, and scholarships to master’s degree students at 27 universities, including ASU and the University of Arizona. The A-Mark Foundation also sponsors investigative journalism awards in 43 states and Puerto Rico. Additional information: amarkfoundation.org.
Mesa Community College (MCC) is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative education. Serving more than 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. MCC serves as 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, supporting students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education, training and undergraduate research opportunities. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu/newsroom.
MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO 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.
The Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation, with its donors and partners, supports the Maricopa County Community College District, its students, faculty and staff, through scholarships, programs, equipment, and financial and human capital. Visit www.mcccdf.org to learn more.