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WELCOME BACK, THUNDERBIRDS!

Welcome to the Spring 2025 semester at Mesa Community College. For those of you who who are new, WELCOME! For those of you who were here last semester, welcome back! We hope you all had a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable holiday season.

Please join us at both the Southern & Dobson and Red Mountain campuses for Welcome Week! January 13-14 There will be Welcome/Information tables at both campuses handing out free snacks, campus information, and smiles. We hope you'll stop by for a big Thunderbird Hello!

Thorsday, January 16, 11 am-1 pm: Free Italian Sodas and popcorn in the Student Lounge at SoDo and the Saguaro Lobby at Red Mountain.

Thor says, "have a great semester, Thunderbirds!"

Club Rush & Volunteerfest

Southern/Dobson: January 22-23 | 10 am-1 pm (Clocktower)
Red Mountain: January 30 | 10 am-1 pm (M200)

Thunderbirds, start your engines!

The Spring 2025 Club Rush is just around the corner! Students will zoom around the Mario Kart tracks as they explore student-led clubs, campus resources, and volunteer opportunities through the Center for Community and Civic Engagement and off-campus agencies.

In addition to winning prizes by locating Mario Kart question blocks, participants will enjoy complimentary pizza from "MCC Luigi Pizza Kitchen" and have the chance to win a gift card to Fat Cats.

Free week of Fitness

January 21-23 | Building 46 (SoDo) or Mesquite (RDM)

Are you looking to start your 2025 off strong? Discover the ultimate fitness experience at our college's two fitness centers, strategically located to serve you wherever you are on campus. This is your chance to try out the MCC Fitness Center for free! Stop into the Fitness Center at either campus to redeem your free week.

Fitness Center Features:

Cardio equipment including treadmills, ellipticals, stairmasters, rowers, and bikes
Strength training equipment including free weights, strength machines, squat racks, cable crossovers, and smith machines
Fitness accessories including slam balls, medicine balls, battle ropes, plyo boxes, agility ladders, BOSU balls, bands, foam rollers, and kettlebells

Memberships: $50 per semester for full access to the Fitness Center at both campuses.

Spring 2025 : We Care Wednesday schedule

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

Please click here to view the flyer (or see the image to the left), which includes the specific dates, times and locations.

The first distributions of the semester takes place on January 22 at the Red Mountain campus and February 5 at the SoDo campus. All food distributions are free and open to the public. Distribution begins at 10 am and runs until 12 pm (while supplies last).

WCW at the Red Mountain is a drive through distribution where volunteers place the food directly in your vehicle (walk up service is also available) in the circle driveway on the south side of the Desert Willow building.

Free Dental Screenings

January 25 | 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm | A.T. Stills University

Mesa Community College Dental Hygiene students are offering complimentary oral health screenings to eligible individuals on January 25, 2025 at the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health (ASDOH), 5855 E. Still Circle in Mesa. Appointments are available at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and may be scheduled by calling 480-248-8195. Time slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Eligible candidates for the oral health screenings are those who have one or more of the following listed conditions below.

Five or more years since last dental cleaning
Diagnosed as needing deeper gum cleaning and have not started treatment
Gums that bleed while brushing, eating or talking
Gums that are tender and sore to the touch

These oral health screenings are not comprehensive exams, and treatment will not be provided during the event. Patients qualifying for therapeutic, deeper cleanings to treat advanced periodontal/gum disease infection will be treated during multiple evening visits scheduled after the event.

Students: If you're unable to attend the event and are interested in being contacted about free dental screenings, please visit this link.

Click here for more information, including services available, additional costs, etc.

Presentation: U.S. Presidential Assasssinations

Wednesday, January 29 | 12:00-1:00 pm | SC-11E (SoDo campus)

Virtual link to join

Join us for an engaging discussion on the history, politics, and security challenges of presidential assassinations, exploring their immediate and lasting impacts on national policy, public perception, and global relations.

Together, we'll explore the history behind presidential assassinations, the political fallout, and the security challenges they raised. Don’t miss out on this chance to engage with a topic that blends intrigue, history, and global politics!

Presenters: Dr. Brian Dille, Political Science

Courtney Smith, History

Zee Mamela, Administration of Justice Studies

Pow Wow 101

February 5 | 12:00-1:30 pm | LB 145

Join us for the Pow Wow 101 Workshop and learn about the cultural traditions and significance of Pow Wows, proper etiquette, and the meaning behind various dances. Engage with student voices as they share how the Pow Wow contributes to their success. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Native American culture! This workshop serves as preparation for the MCC Thunderbird Pow Wow, scheduled for Spring 2025. Everyone is welcome-Lunch will be served while supplies last.

Register for zoom link: http://bit.ly/3ScysI2. CAH takes place every Tuesday from 12-1:15 pm. See below for information about the upcoming workshops.

Center for Community and Civic Engagement

Working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference; promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.

Know Your Resources: I Voted....Now What?

February 4 | 12:00-1:15 pm on Zoom | Click here to register for upcoming sessions

Presenter: Fair Elections Center-Emma Burns

Know Your Rights: Civil Disobedience

February 11 | 12:00-1:15 pm on Zoom | Click here to register for upcoming sessions

February Blood Drives

February 4 | 10 am-1:30 pm | Bloodmobile at Red Mountain

February 11-12 | 10 am-1:30 pm | Student Lounge at SoDo

Blood donations are critical need in our community. You can help by donating blood at any of our blood drives at MCC. Sign up to donate at either Red Mountain or Southern & Dobson. Sign up for your appointment at www.bloodhero.com using location code MCC. Walk-in appointments may also be available.

Astronomy Nights at MCC

MCC Astronomy Nights are held on the first Friday of the month during February, March, April, & May and September, October, November, & December. Cost is $6 per person, with some free family shows found 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. Click the links below to purchase tickets for the show in advance (required).

The Hot & Energetic Universe: February 7th, 2025

Spark: The Universe in Us: March 7th, 2025

Two Small Pieces of Glass: April 4th, 2025

Tour the Universe w/ Pink Floyd: May 2nd, 2025

STUDENT SUCCESS WORKSHOPS

The Foundations for Student Success is offering student success workshops during the fall semester. Workshops are free and are conducted both online and in person. These sessions are open to all students. For more information, please visit this site.

*The Thunderbird Think Tank is located adjacent to the Testing Center on the Southern & Dobson campus.

Topic: Making Your Brain Work for You

1/28/25 | 12:00 pm | Thunderbird Think Tank (S/D)

1/31/25| 10:00 AM PM | Online: Click here

Topic: P.O.W.E.R. of Math Study Skills

2/12/25 | 1:30 pm | Thunderbird Think Tank (S/D)

2/14/25| 10:00 AM PM | Online: Click here

Study Abroad Deadlines

Study abroad application deadlines are rapidly approaching! Anyone 18+ years of age is eligible to participate!

San Jose, Costa Rica - Application deadline: February 2, 2025

Fukuoka, Japan - Application deadline: February 2, 2025

Athlone, Ireland - Application deadline: March 1, 2025

England/France - Application deadline: March 1, 2025

Puerto Peñasco, Mexico - Application deadline: March 1, 2025

Namibia (Africa) - Application deadline: March 1, 2025

Apply early to avoid getting on a waitlist!!

Late applications will be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

For information on all of the summer study abroad programs, visit mesacc.edu/study-abroad.

Gilman Scholarship Workshops

The U.S. Department of State's Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program enables American undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding to study and intern abroad through scholarships of up to $5,000. Students studying critical need languages are eligible for scholarships up to $8,000.

The next application deadline is Thursday, March 6, 2025 with awards announced in mid-May. Application will open in mid-January.

Learn about the eligibility requirements, benefits, and essay advising tips for the Gilman Scholarship Program!

Tuesday, February 4, 2025 | 1:30 pm
Google Meet: meet.google.com/ofr-piyd-jtn

Workshop Facilitators: Yvonne Schmidt, International Education & Nicole Bradley, Writing Center

For more information, reach out to: studyabroad@mesacc.edu!

Thunderbird Athletics

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

Jan 18 at 2:00 pm: Women's basketball vs. Scottsdale Community College
Jan 18 at 4:00 pm: Men's basketball vs. Scottsdale Community College
Jan 24 at 2:00 pm: Baseball vs. Arizona Christian University
Jan 25 at 12:00 pm: Baseball vs. Arizona Christian University
Jan 25 at 2:00 pm: Women's basketball vs. Phoenix College
Jan 25 at 4:00 pm: Men's basketball vs. Phoenix College
Jan 28 at 2:00 pm: Baseball vs. Grand Canyon University
Jan 29 at 2:00 pm: Baseball vs. Benedictine University
Feb 1 at 2:00 pm: Women's basketball vs. South Mountain Community College
Feb 1 at 4:00 pm: Men's basketball vs. South Mountain Community College
Feb 8 at 2:00 pm: Women's basketball vs. Chandler Gilbert Community College
Feb 8 at 4:00 pm: Men's basketball vs. Chandler Gilbert Community College

Click here for MCC Athletics

Celebrating 60 years of MCC

Let the celebration begin! Mesa Community College is celebrating its diamond anniversary in 2025, marking six decades of student success, academic growth, and community impact.

Commemorating this milestone, MCC has launched a dedicated website, mesacc.edu/60, featuring historical photos, success stories, and information about upcoming anniversary events and activities.

Throughout the 2025 calendar year, we invite you to continue to celebrate the 60th Anniversary and participate in honoring our legacy in the community.

Throwback Thorsday 1/2/25

Hatched in 1974 when the Hokam mascot retired, Thor was named after the God of Thunder after a campus-wide contest in 2011 (shoutout to former student Tyler Thorsen for the winning entry! ). For 50 years, Thor has been the heart of MCC, representing our spirit, pride, and love for our students!

If you're new to Mesa Community College or just following us for the first time—WELCOME! We’re excited for you to meet Thor and MCC President Richard J. Daniel, Ph.D. as we gear up for an amazing year!

Throwback Thorsday 1/9/25

Did you know that MCC’s roots go back to 809 W. Main Street in Mesa, where it operated as an extension of Phoenix College? The building on the left was built in 1911 and served MCC until 1965. The basement had classrooms, and the main room was a library. These days, it’s a gorgeous wedding venue.

Throwback Thorsday 1/16/25

Let's take a look at MCC's very first semester! What was it like? Well, on September 11, 1963, 330 students registered for classes at the Mesa Extension, marking the beginning of something amazing.

MCC started with a solid foundation in areas like Science & Math, Social Sciences, Business, Language Arts, and Physical Education. Students also had access to language courses including English, German, French creating the groundwork for the diverse programs we offer today.

It’s incredible to think how far we’ve come, and yet the same dedication to student success that started in 1963 still thrives today. Here’s to the legacy of all those who helped shape MCC into the vibrant community it is today!

Graduation 2025: Deadline to apply - March 1

Are you ready to graduate? Congratulations! Don't forget--you have to apply for graduation. Deadline: March 1.

Please review answers to common questions about graduation and commencement by visiting this link. You can also contact ceremonies@mesacc.edu to answer your questions.

Date: Friday, May 9, 2025

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: Desert Financial Arena | Arizona State University

600 East Veterans Way, Tempe, AZ 85281

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!

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.

Click here to visit the Fitness Center website

MCC Fitness Center Memberships

Start the new semester STRONG! 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, personal training consultation and 1 complementary session, knowledgeable staff, day use lockers, clean facilities, and no crowds!

Students = $50 per semester or $25 for half semester
Employees = $25 per 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 WEEK Guest Pass to the MCC Fitness Center, click this link.

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.

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