T-Bird Times - Aug 21, 2026

T-Bird Times - Aug 21, 2026

Introduction

The T-Bird Times is a digital newsletter, which is published on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month by the Office of Student Life & Leadership. If you'd like to have your event or announcement included, please click the button to submit your content via our Google Form.

Thunderbird logo with the words Welcome Thunderbirds

Welcome Thunderbirds!

Welcome to the Fall 2026 semester at Mesa Community College! We are excited to welcome all new and returning Thunderbirds back to campus. 

Trying to find your way around on the first days of class? Stop by one of the Welcome tables located throughout campus. At the Southern/Dobson campus, you'll find the booths at the Clock Tower, Library, Building 26 Lawn and outside of the Enrollment Center from 7 am-1 pm. Booths will also open from 5:00-7:30 pm. The Red Mountain campus Welcome booth will be at the Mesquite stairs from 8 am-1 pm. 

Stop by for a snack, a smile and help finding your way around campus. We're excited to have you back. Make it a great Fall 2026 semester, Thunderbirds!

Upcoming Student Events

Intercollegiate Student Leadership Experience banner

Intercollegiate Student Leadership Experience

ISLE is a three-day leadership experience that brings students together from across the Maricopa Community Colleges to connect, grow, and develop their leadership skills. This is a great opportunity for students who are looking to get involved, meet new people, and challenge themselves as leaders. Learn, lead, and grow alongside students from across AZ community colleges at a free leadership retreat focused on personal growth and skill development.

ISLE 2026: October 9–11, 2026
Pine Summit Camp – Prescott, AZ

  • Apply HERE to spend the weekend in the mountains of Prescott with other current and aspiring leaders from colleges throughout Arizona. The application deadline is September 13th, with interviews to follow to determine selection. This retreat is FREE, and transportation, meals and lodging are all included.

Please contact Erick Tanchez in Student Life and Leadership with any questions you may have. 

We Care Wednesdays graphic image

We Care Wednesday

FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS

The first food distribution of the Fall 2026 semester takes place on Wednesday, September 2 at the Southern & Dobson campus. Distribution runs from 10 am-12 pm in the Navajo Room.  

Mesa Community College is proud to partner with United Food Bank to offer twice monthly, free food distributions for MCC students, staff and the community.

The first distribution at the Red Mountain campus takes place on Wednesday, September 16 from 10 am-12 pm in the circle driveway outside of the Desert Willow building. 

Enterprise IT Apple Event 9.10.26

Enterprise IT Professional for Apple Technologies Event

Don't miss your chance to connect with industry professionals, explore exciting career opportunities, and win great prizes!
Join us for the Enterprise IT Professional for Apple Technologies Event, designed to help individuals learn about our program, meet employers, and discover pathways to rewarding careers in IT.

What's in it for you?

  • Enter to win a pair of AirPods Pro 3
  • Meet Apple and JAMF Industry partners to get a leg up on the competition.
  • Free lunch and swag
  • Learn about career opportunities that can potentially lead to mid-level IT positions
  • Meet and network with industry professionals, faculty, and current students
  • Discover how our program can help you build the skills, experience, and connections employers are looking for

    Whether you're just getting started or planning your next career move, this is an opportunity you won't want to miss!
    Event Details
    Date: September 10, 2026
    Time: 10:00-1:00pm
    Location: Mesa Community College - Navajo Room

    Questions? Contact Jasmine Garcia at [email protected] For more information on the program, please visit this website. 

    Register TODAY to reserve your seat! For full event flyer, click this link. 
Images of the 4 Executive Board officers for ASMCC

Meet your Student Government!

Introducing the elected officers of ASMCC!

  • President: Holden Loftin
  • Executive VP: Kiya Gomez
  • VP of Operations: Ron Krajewski
  • VP of Communications: Franchesca Amaya

These leaders were elected by the MCC student body at the close of the spring 2026 semester. For contact information and office hours for these ASMCC officers, please visit their website at www.mesacc.edu/asmcc. This team is excited to represent their fellow Thunderbirds this year. Students are encouraged to reach out to their Student Government when they have questions or concerns, or to get involved at MCC. 
 

Fun Games for your Brain image

New! Fun Games for Your Brain Club

The Fun Games for Your Brain Club is seeking students interested in taking on required club leadership roles! Open positions include Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Publicity & Member Engagement Officer. No previous leadership experience is required. Help shape a new club, meet other students, and contribute your ideas! Interested students are encouraged to reach out to Club President Autumn for more information. We meet every Tuesday from 3:30-5:00 pm (location TBD). Interested in joining our club? Click here to sign up!

What we do:

  • Brain Teasers
  • Games & Challenges
  • Trivia
  • Team Competitions
  • Creative Games
  • Social Activities

Upcoming Theatre and Performing Arts Events

Thunderbird Athletic Schedules

Thunderbird Athletics

Support the MCC Thunderbird Athletes at one of their upcoming HOME games

  • Sep 5 at 5:45 pm: Men's Soccer vs. Pima Community College

  • Sep 5 at 8 pm: Women's Soccer vs. Pima Community College

  • Sep 8 at 5:45: Men's Soccer vs. Paradise Valley Community College

  • Sep 8 at 8 pm: Women's Soccer vs. Paradise Valley Community College

  • Sep 9 at 7 pm: Women's Volleyball vs. Chandler Gilbert Community College

  • Sep 16 at 7 pm: Women's Volleyball vs. Glendale Community College

  • Sep 19 at 5:45 pm: Men's Soccer vs. Chandler Gilbert Community College

  • Sep 19 at 8 pm: Women's Soccer vs. Chandler Gilbert Community College

Astronomy Nights at MCC

Astronomy Nights at MCC

MCC Astronomy Nights are held on the first Friday of the month during February, March, April, & May. Cost is $6 per person, and tickets can be purchased at this link.

MCC Astronomy Nights include planetarium shows and telescope viewing. Planetarium shows occur rain or shine, but telescope viewing of the night sky is only offered when the sky is clear. Planetarium shows run from 5:00-10:00 PM, with shows starting every hour. 

Fall 2026 Schedule:

  • Check back for the fall schedule, or visit the Planetarium website

Ongoing Programs, Services, and Events

Mesa Market flyer

Mesa Market

Food & Hygiene Products for Students

The Mesa Market is a food and hygiene pantry for MCC students. Any student is eligible to visit the Mesa Market for food and hygiene products for free.  Hours may vary throughout the semester. Please call for specifics.

Southern and Dobson Campus

The Mesa Market at Southern/Dobson campus is located in KSC 35S, and can be reached at 480-461-7948

Red Mountain Campus

The Mesa Market at Red Mountain is located in Palo Verde 111, and can be reached at 480-654-7775. 

We are always grateful for donations to the Mesa Market! Feel free to drop off your donations to the Mesa Market at either campus. 

We Care Wednesday is a fresh food distribution that takes place on the first and third Wednesday of each month at Southern and Dobson and Red Mountain respectively.

MCC Libraries

Find your place & MCC Libraries

We are here to support you as a student at MCC whether you’re taking one course or a full load of courses. Here are some of the services we provide.

Fitness Center

Get Fit at the MCC Fitness Centers

Looking for a great place to workout and stay active? The MCC Fitness Centers offer students, employees, and community members access to both the Southern & Dobson and Red Mountain campus locations.

Membership includes access to cardio and strength equipment, fitness accessories, group fitness classes, free personal training, day-use lockers, knowledgeable exercise science staff, and clean, welcoming facilities.

Membership Rates

  • Students and Community: $50 per semester | $25 half semester
  • Employees: $35 per semester | $18 half semester

You can also earn college credit while staying active through PED 101, PED 103, and PED 115 fitness courses.

Visit the MCC Fitness Centers website for hours, schedules, membership information, and more.

Want to try it first? Get a FREE one-day guest pass here, or a one-week guest pass for just $10 here.

Social Media Feeds

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Mesa Community College (@mesacc) • Instagram photos and videos

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

MCCStudentLife (@mccthunderbirds) • Instagram photos and videos

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

MCC Red Mountain (@mccredmtn) • Instagram photos and videos

Thorsday Artwork

What is THORSDAY?

  • Thor the Thunderbird is the MCC mascot.

  • The Thunderbird is a legendary creature in certain North American indigenous peoples' history and culture.

  • Thursday, "Thor's day" is named after the hammer-wielding Norse god of thunder, strength, & protection...THOR.

  • Therefore, Thursdays at MCC are now know as THORSDAY!

Wear your favorite Thunderbird gear every Thorsday, greet your friends with "Happy Thorsday," and find your own ways to celebrate your Thunderbird pride. Do you have your Thorsday shirt? Stop by Student Life!

Student Life Google Calendar

Events are subject to change, and additional events will be added to the calendar throughout the year.