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 this button to be directed to a Google Form

Submit Content Here

MCC Event Calendar

MCC Website

Student Life Center

Helpful Resources

MCC Athletics

Mesa Legend Newspaper

We Care Wednesday

FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS

The next food distribution takes place on Wednesday, April 1 at the Southern and 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.

These distributions take place on the first and third Wednesday of the month throughout the academic year (with some exceptions noted on the schedule). The first Wednesday takes place at the Southern/Dobson campus in the Navajo Room, and the third Wednesday happens at Red Mountain in the circle driveway on the south side of the Desert Willow building (this is a drive through distribution with walk up service available).

Please spread the word about this useful resource! The next distribution at the Red Mountain campus takes place on April 15.

Spring 2026 Dates

April 1 (SoDo) and April 15 (Red Mtn)
May 6 (SoDo)

Click here for event flyer

Bees, Beetles and Blooms

Friday, April 3 | 4-6 pm | West of HW8 along Planetarium Way

The Life Sciences Greenhouse, Wildflower + Pollinator Garden invites you to Bees, Beetles & Blooms — an early evening open house celebrating pollinators, native plants, and our home planet.

Join us as the Planetarium opens its doors and make it a full Earth-to-cosmos experience. Before or after your planetarium adventure, take a walk along Planetarium Way and visit our planet — Earth — in bloom. Explore our Monarch Waystation, discover what’s flowering this season, and learn how native plants support bees, beetles, butterflies, and other essential pollinators.

We will also have hands-on crafting activities where you can create your very own beetle to take home. Center for Civic Engagement is hosting a seed-ball making event — a fun, family-friendly way to connect with science.

Open to the public. Free admission

Pizza with the President

Wednesday, April 9 | 12 -1 pm | M200 at Red Mountain

Dr. Daniel will be at Red Mountain for pizza and conversation with students. Please click here to RSVP to attend. Join us to learn about what's going on at MCC and ask your questions of our college president. Any faculty who plan to bring their class should contact Erica in Student Life at Red Mountain to RSVP.

We hope to see you there!

AI, Real Estate & Cybersecurity in Action

Wednesday, April 8 | 12:15 pm | LB 300

*Lunch provided

This event is part of #AZTechWeek, a statewide celebration connecting the tech ecosystem.

Join us for an engaging morning of mini presentation sessions from our CIS and CSC faculty, and a dynamic industry panel with AI managers from Intel, Google, and PayPal, where you’ll see how technology is transforming careers and industries.

Due to limited space, all participants must RSVP in advance through this link.

Whether you're curious about breaking into tech, passionate about analytics, or simply want to see how data shapes the world, this is an excellent opportunity to learn, network, and be inspired.

The Fusion of Manufacturing

Wednesday, April 8 | 1:00 pm | TC 214

Whether you're curious about how things are made, interested in engineering and manufacturing careers, or simply want to see innovative technology in action, this event offers a behind-the-scenes look at the future of production.

✨ Make it a full day of innovation!

✨ Earlier in the day, don’t miss our sister showcase hosted by the MCC CIS Department: Data Analytics in Action. Discover how data is transforming industries like AI, cybersecurity, and real estate: https://partiful.com/e/lQtWg4VRiOCS3eMAqLgr?c=csqHGS6Y This event is a part of #AZTechWeek—a week of events hosted by VCs and startups to bring together the tech ecosystem.

🔹 Explore MCC’s Additive and Subtractive Manufacturing labs

🔹 See how 3D printing and precision machining work together

🔹 Learn how modern manufacturing turns designs into real-world products

🔹 Connect with faculty and discover career pathways in advanced manufacturing.

Career Fair

Wednesday, April 15 | 10 am-1 pm | Navajo Room

Ready to grow your career? Join Career Services for the Job & Resource Fair.

Meet up to 30 employers, get a free professional headshot, stop by for resume help and LinkedIn feedback. Plus, enjoy snacks and giveaways. Bring your resume and a friend and we'll see you there.

Visit mesacc.edu/career/career-services-events to view open positions with participating employers and links to additional career opportunity events.

For a full schedule of events, please visit this webpage.

Save the date for Earth Week @ MCC!

April 17- 23 at S&D and Red Mountain campuses

Join us for Earth Week 2026, where MCC is hosting a lineup of free activities including garden open houses, campus cleanups, and the launch of our new electronics recycling collection point from AZ StRUT. Connect with our community and make an impact by helping maintain native habitat with the Life Sciences Greenhouse and Garden Pollinator Patrol Volunteers, diving into a Trash-Ure Hunt, or to updating your wardrobe at the Clothing Swap.

Earth Week Campus Clean Up

Please join us to help beautify our campuses in honor of Earth Day. There will be efforts at both the Southern/Dobson and Red Mountain campuses.

Southern/Dobson: April 22 from 9 am-11 am. Meet at the Clocktower

Red Mountain: April 22 from 8:30 am-10:30 am. Meet at the Mesquite Stairs

Be sure to wear closed toed shoes and prepare for the heat by bringing water, wearing a hat and sunscreen. If you're at Red Mountain, long pants are encouraged as you'll be walking in the desert.

Earth Week Clothing Swap at Red Mountain

Looking to refresh your wardrobe or clean out your closet? Clean out your closet and donate your gently used Men's and Women's clothing, shoes and accessories to be included in the Red Mountain Clothing Swap, happening during Earth Week 2026.

Donations will be accepted in Student Life at Red Mountain (M210) from March 23-April 15. All donated clothing will be available for FREE in the Saguaro Lobby from April 20-23.

ASMCC Elections Update

It's that time of year! ASMCC Student Government Elections for the 2026-27 academic year are happening soon. For all the information you need to know, please visit the ASMCC elections page.

Timeline

Campaigning begins: Monday, March 23-April 15
Candidates Forum: Tuesday, April 8, 2:30 pm in the Student Lounge
Elections: Tuesday, April 14 and Wednesday, April 15 in the Student Life offices or online
Candidates informed of results: Friday, April 17 by 5:00 pm.
Elections results announced publicly: Monday, April 20
Swearing in of candidates: Thunderbird Leadership Awards (SD, April 30)

For more information or questions, contact Beth Ann Wright (bethann.wright@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7277)

Upcoming Theatre and Performing Arts Events

Into the Woods

April 3-12 | Performing Arts Center

Click this link for the schedule and details about this production.

Student Art Show

Apr 13-May 7 | MCC Art Gallery

Click here for more information. Reception and Awards Ceremony: Apr 16 from 6-8 pm.

Mariachi Concert

Apr 13 | 7 pm | Performing Arts Center

Click here for more information.

MPJE and MCC Jazz Band Concert

Apr 14 | 7 pm | Performing Arts Center

Click this link for more information

Fusion Jazz Band Concert

Apr 15 | 7 pm | Performing Arts Center

Click here for more information.

Jazz Combo Lobby Concert

Apr 23 | 12 pm | Performing Arts Center

Click here for more information.

All That's Between - Dance Concert

Apr 24-25 | Performing Arts Center

Click this link for more information

Free Lobby Guitar Concert

Apr 27 | Performing Arts Center

Click here for more information.

Band and Orchestra Concert

Apr 28 | 7 pm | Performing Arts Center

Click here for more information.

EMS Career Fair & Open House

Please join us for this event, where our students and community will have the opportunity to explore career pathways, connect with community partners, and learn more about current hiring processes within the EMS field.

Event Details
Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Time: 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Red Mountain Campus - M200-Community Room

Thunderbird Athletics

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

Apr 2 at 12/2 pm: Softball vs. Glendale Community College
Apr 3 at 3 pm: Baseball vs. South Mountain Community College
Apr 8 at 3 pm: Baseball vs. Chandler Gilbert Community College
Apr 14 at 12/2 pm: Softball vs. Scottsdale Community College
Apr 14 at 3 pm: Baseball vs. Phoenix College
Apr 17 at 3 pm: Baseball vs. Scottsdale Community College
Apr 18 at 12/2 pm: Softball vs. Yavapai College
Apr 18 at 12 pm: Baseball vs. Paradise Valley Community College
Apr 21 at 12/2 pm: Softball vs. Phoenix College
Apr 21 at 3 pm: Baseball vs. Grand Canyon Club
Apr 22 at 3 pm: Baseball vs. Gateway Community College
Apr 25 at 12 pm: Baseball vs. Chandler Gilbert Community College

Click here for MCC Athletics

Thunderbirds in Action

Leadership Development Initiative

Student Life & Leadership is excited to launch Thunderbirds In Action, a new, semester-long leadership development initiative designed to support students at every stage of their leadership journey. We invite faculty and staff to help spread the word and encourage students to participate.

Thunderbirds In Action offers engaging, hands-on workshops focused on self-awareness, relationship-building, community engagement, and leadership in action. Students may attend individual workshops based on their interests or complete the full 16-hour leadership series to earn a certificate and service hours.

Ready to get started?

Take part in one workshop or join the full series to complete you leadership certificate. Click HERE to sign up for upcoming workshops. For more information, contact Erick Tanchez in Student Life and Leadership.

Leadership Series Schedule

Fri, Apr 17, 11 am-2 pm in LB 300: How Will You Create Your Impact?"

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.

Spring 2026 Schedule:

Apr 3: Messengers of Time and Space
May 8 and 22: Tour the Universe with Pink Floyd

VITA Tax Preparation

Mesa Community College is a location for Mesa United Way's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, offering free tax-preparation services to low- and moderate-income households with an income of $69,000 or less.

Walk-in services are offered January 27-April 14, 2026 at MCC’s Southern and Dobson Campus and January 31-April 14, 2026 at the Red Mountain Campus.

MCC Southern and Dobson Campus hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays 4-8 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. EF Building, Room 1E

MCC Red Mountain Campus hours are Tuesdays 2-6 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Acacia Village

Please arrive at least one hour prior to closing.

Visit prepareandempower.org and select Tax Services to learn how to prepare for your visit and confirm dates and times of availability prior to your visit.

Foundation Scholarships

The Fall 2026 Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation General Scholarship Application is now open and accepting applications!

Students who are interested in applying for these scholarship opportunities should visit the Scholarship Manager portal: mcccdf.org/scholarship.

Here, you can submit one General Scholarship Application and be eligible for hundreds of scholarship opportunities. The application deadline is November 30th.

Scholarships are available to all students, regardless of their background, major, interests, financial need, or academic success. There are scholarship opportunities for everyone. Please click here for the flyer with more information.

ONGOING PROGRAMS, SERVICES, AND EVENTS

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. Click here for the dates and time of each distribution.

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.

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.

Study Rooms

Reserve a room today at SD or RM! Book up to 3 weeks ahead for a max of 16 hours a week.

Get Research Help

Schedule a research consultation, chat 24/7 with a librarian, email us, or stop by the library for in person help.

Library App

Stay connected to the MCC Libraries—anytime, anywhere. With the new MCC Library Mobile App (powered by Ex Libris Library Mobile), you can search the catalog, access databases, manage your checkouts, place holds, and get expert research help in just a few taps. Available now on the App Store and Google Play!

View the library hours and locations

Click here to visit the Fitness Center website

MCC Fitness Center Memberships

Did you know you can sign up for a membership to the MCC Fitness Centers? They provide membership access to students, employees, and the community, and a membership gives you access to both the Southern and Dobson and the Red Mountain campus fitness centers. Membership includes cardio and strength training equipment, fitness tools/accessories, access to drop in group fitness classes, free personal training, knowledgeable staff, day use lockers, clean facilities, and no crowds!

Students = $50 per semester or $25 for half semester
Employees = $30 per semester or $15 for half semester

Also available: Community Ed memberships, PED 101/PED 115 classes for credit and a variety of fitness classes. Visit the Fitness Center website for a schedule and more information.

For a FREE ONE DAY guest pass to the MCC Fitness Center, click this link.

Follow the Student Life Instagram for your chance to win Thorsday prizes! @mccthunderbirds

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!

For more information on Student Life, visit our website.

STUDENT LIFE & LEADERSHIP

Student Life is here to help you GET ENGAGED and GET CONNECTED at MCC.

Clubs & ASMCC Student Government
Campus Events
MCC Spirt (Thorsday!)
Leadership training
Multicultural Event Programming
Services such as free scantrons and discounted bus passes

Getting involved makes a HUGE difference in your MCC experience. Check out Student Life for more information on these opportunities. Visit us in KSC 35S at the SoDo campus or in Mesquite 210 at Red Mountain, or check out our Virtual Student Life Center for more information.

Click here to return to the MCC Student Life Center

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. The Maricopa County Community College District 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, http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.

Page updated

Report abuse