Did you attend MCC Red Mountain at one point in time? Please consider participating in our "Where are they Now" survey. You can fill out the survey using THIS LINK. We're excited to see where some of our former MCC Red Mountain students went after they graduated.
We'll be adding to this page throughout our anniversary celebrations, so check back often to see more! Scroll to the bottom for the latest entries!
JACOB SORENSON
When did you attend MCC Red Mountain? 2014-2016
Share a favorite memory or experience you had at MCC Red Mountain: My favorite memory I have at MCC RM was when I met Jennifer Wood outside her office. I happened to be studying outside of her office, brand new to college, only a few weeks in. At this time she was quite the cripple since she just broke her leg and had some hardware put in. She hobbled past me in her boot and I noticed she was reading a book that very few people knew about at that time, Mindset by Carol Dweck. I am not one to typically strike up a conversation out of no where, but I had to at least say how great that book was. Then we got talking about the book, about why I was in college, about the honors program, and about scholarship opportunities. To say the least, there is no person in this world that has directed me into the educational success I have had, more than Jen. There are people I will forever be thankful for and she is certainly one. That conversation led to a great amount of personal growth and a lifetime of friendships with Jen and her family.
Did you have a favorite instructor or class? Jim Giles - Chemistry, absolutely master at teaching the difficulties of chem.
What was your favorite thing about MCC Red Mountain? The intimate environment that allowed you to get to know your professors and seek the help in getting the best education one could have. Also, the opportunities for scholarships and other personal endeavors I think are overlooked at this campus.
How did your time at MCC Red Mountain shape your academic journey? MCC RM was the beginning of a once in a life time academic career for me. It was here that I received 15+ scholarships, including the Jack Kent Cooke scholarship, which has funded most of my medical education. The projects I was involved with and the volunteer events helped shape my future and prepare me to be a leader. I could not recreate my journey and change MCC RM for any other community college or academic center.
If you continued your college experience after MCC, where did you go and what degree(s) did you achieve (or are pursuing)? ASU - Barret Honors College, University of Arizona Tucson College of Medicine, Current applicant for Orthopedic Surgery residencies
What do you do for a living? Tell us a little bit about your career path. Currently still in school, go figure. Finishing my last year of medical school down in Tucson and then i will be pursuing a career in Orthopedic Surgery.
Please share any family updates, hobbies, fun facts, or other information. My beautiful wife Megan, who worked at MCC RM after my time, is now pregnant with our first baby girl that is due in March 2022!
CARA WEBB
When did you attend MCC Red Mountain? 2012-2014
Share a favorite memory or experience you had at MCC Red Mountain: Being a part of the Adventure Association club! This was my favorite memory at MCC Red Mountain!
Did you have a favorite instructor or class? All of them!
What was your favorite thing about MCC Red Mountain? The community and the campus! It so beautiful to walk out into the desert and just enjoy the outdoors! Plus I love reptiles, so I hung out with the snakes in Saguaro a lot.
How did your time at MCC Red Mountain shape your academic journey? The people at MCC RDM helped me decide on getting my Bachelor's in Science for Parks and Recreation Management! (Thanks Charles!)
If you continued your college experience after MCC, where did you go and what degree(s) did you achieve (or are pursuing)? Northern Arizona University! Still pursuing a degree in Bachelor's in Science for Parks and Recreation Management! I should hopefully graduate in Spring 2022!
What do you do for a living? Tell us a little bit about your career path: I work at MCC RDM in Student Life and Leadership! I loved it here so much, that I couldn't leave! But I also for at the Phoenix Zoo and Mesa Public Schools. I hope to get a job with the National Park Service once I graduate!
ANDRES BERRIOS-ZAYAS
When did you attend MCC Red Mountain? 2012-2015
Share a favorite memory or experience you had at MCC Red Mountain: I enjoyed a lot of the events I got to take part in like: Medieval Madness, Halloween, Free SnoCone day, and other club events.
Did you have a favorite instructor or class? Professor Puvana was my small groups communication class instructor. It was a great class and very engaging.
What was your favorite thing about MCC Red Mountain? Joining clubs and being able to interact with other students. Whether it was handing free tacos or exam sheets it was all a good time.
How did your time at MCC Red Mountain shape your academic journey? I struggled at first because I was not putting in 100% effort into my work. As I got closer to graduating I understood not just what was be expected of me but what I should expect from myself.
If you continued your college experience after MCC, where did you go and what degree(s) did you achieve (or are pursuing)? I am currently an honor student at ASU, graduating spring of 2022 with a bachelor's in Business.
What do you do for a living? Tell us a little bit about your career path. I work as a supervisor for a small commercial cleaning company. I have been a part of that company since began nearly 5 years ago. I plan to run this business after I graduate.
Please share any family updates, hobbies, fun facts, or other information. I am now engaged to a beautiful ASU graduate, she and I just bought a house and are ready to start our journey into adulthood.
KAYLA TAPLEY
When did you attend MCC Red Mountain? 2012-2015
Share a favorite memory or experience you had at MCC Red Mountain: Student Life! Being involved in campus events and activities. Participating in clubs and organizations.
Did you have a favorite instructor or class? World Religions with Michael Wintz
What was your favorite thing about MCC Red Mountain? Everything! I loved the location, staff, faculty, and the campus.
How did your time at MCC Red Mountain shape your academic journey? I loved college so much that I never left. I work at Paradise Valley Community College as a Sr. Program Specialist in Student Life and Leadership.
If you continued your college experience after MCC, where did you go and what degree(s) did you achieve (or are pursuing)? I got a full ride scholarship to GCU! I applied a few months ago. The only thing that is holding me back is my work schedule. I hope to get a bachelor's degree in animation / marketing.
What do you do for a living? Tell us a little bit about your career path. I worked in Student Life at MCC starting in an FWS position then moving up to an RPS position while I was going to school. I took a small break to try working in the medical field after college. It wasn't a good fit for me. I began working in a full-time OYO position at GateWay's clock hour sites then I got my current job at Paradise Valley. I am now in a full-time permanent position in Student Life as a Senior Program Specialist.
VANESSA MILLER
When did you attend MCC Red Mountain? 2013-2020
Share a favorite memory or experience you had at MCC Red Mountain: So many! Can't choose. My Kajukenbo black belt promotion and every single class before then, Halloween Extravaganzas, Fossil Springs and Havasupai Falls trips with the Adventure Association!
Did you have a favorite instructor or class? Ronald Thayer, Kajukenbo Self-Defense Class
What was your favorite thing about MCC Red Mountain? The staff, students and beautiful campus!
How did your time at MCC Red Mountain shape your academic journey? It shaped my life. I learned so much about my self and body from Kajukenbo training. Made incredible friends, both students and staff alike. The extracurricular opportunities were amazing. I am forever grateful for my time at MCC Red.
What do you do for a living? Tell us a little bit about your career path. I'm a Senior Program Mentor for Western Governors University. I guide students on a weekly basis through their undergraduate and graduate degree until they graduate.
Please share any family updates, hobbies, fun facts, or other information. Only reason why my family and I are no longer associated with MCC Red is that we moved to Creede, CO. We have been exploring/ hiking the surrounding mountains! My husband, Charles, who was employed at MCC Red for many years is volunteering for our tiny town's Search and Rescue team. He's participated in a few local trail races and we've been enjoying the snow! I also train children in Kajukenbo for our town.
RICARDO VILLA JR.
When did you attend MCC Red Mountain? 2012-2015
Share a favorite memory or experience you had at MCC Red Mountain: All of it! I loved my time at MCC, it felt like home.
Did you have a favorite instructor or class? This is a tough question because there are so many great instructors AND non-instructors (Shout out to Erica at Student Life!). However, In the end I would have to say both Niccole Cerveny and Melissa Holm.
Niccole and I worked closely while I was the president of the Multicultural club. As cheesy as it sounds, she made me feel like I belonged at a time in my life when I was disguising personal problems.
As for Melissa, she was my math professor--and son-a-gun did I put that poor women through hell haha! Despite my BS as a student she was always open to help me as a student but more importantly willing to talk to me as a person.
What was your favorite thing about MCC Red Mountain? The way nature was interwoven into the campus my favorite aspect. Specifically the beautiful desert oasis in the center of the campus. In addition, it was common to see a Desert Shrews, Quails, Hummingbirds, and Reptiles in between classes.
How did your time at MCC Red Mountain shape your academic journey? I didn't continue my academics towards a BA/BS. This wasn't because of MCC, this was instead because I didn't and don't do well in traditional academic settings.
If you continued your college experience after MCC, where did you go and what degree(s) did you achieve (or are pursuing)? Alternatively to traditional education I've focused on certifications. At the moment I am focusing on certifications from institutions such as IIBA, ASPICS, and Agile.
What do you do for a living? Tell us a little bit about your career path. I jumped from industry to industry but eventually found I thrive in process improvement. At the moment I am working within Supply Chain, leading fulfillment departments.
Please share any family updates, hobbies, fun facts, or other information. Adventure Association helped me reinforce my love for nature and travel. I can't go a couple of days without doing something fun in nature--I just went on a hike yesterday and kayaking the weekend before.
JESSICAH BRUNER
When did you attend MCC Red Mountain? 2015-2017
Share a favorite memory or experience you had at MCC Red Mountain: Working with Student Life & Leadership! We had the best events, one of my favorites was the Halloween Extravaganza
Did you have a favorite instructor or class? Jen Wood!!
What was your favorite thing about MCC Red Mountain? The community, for sure. I got to know so many different amazing people that I still keep in touch with!
How did your time at MCC Red Mountain shape your academic journey? I was not sure what I wanted to do after I finished my time at Red Mtn, but I knew I wanted to be in education. The experience I gained at Red got me a job with a local charter school that I have been with since graduating.
If you continued your college experience after MCC, where did you go and what degree(s) did you achieve (or are pursuing)? I am now going to University of Phoenix to become an elementary school teacher!
What do you do for a living? Tell us a little bit about your career path. I'm currently working in administration for a public charter school in Scottsdale.
Please share any family updates, hobbies, fun facts, or other information. I'm living with my boyfriend of 5 years, I met him while I was attending Red and now he is working in the labs at the Southern & Dobson campus, we have two cats, Cabbage and Lanie and I can't wait to continue working in education. Red has a special place in my heart being the very first place that took me in with open arms.
ALYSIA VERA
When did you attend MCC Red Mountain? 2016-2018
Share a favorite memory or experience you had at MCC Red Mountain: My favorite experience I had at MCC Red Mountain was being a member of PTK and being an All-Arizona scholarship recipient.
Did you have a favorite instructor or class? Puvana Ganesan's communication class
What was your favorite thing about MCC Red Mountain? My favorite thing about MCC Red Mountain was the small class sizes and it being close to home.
How did your time at MCC Red Mountain shape your academic journey? My time at MCC Red Mountain shaped my academic journey tremendously. I am happy that I chose to go to MCC right after graduating high school, the class sizes were small and the campus was close to home. The Red Mountain campus was welcoming, there were many clubs to join and various ways to be involved. The professors were caring, knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects. I joined Phi Theta Kappa and became an officer at the Red Mountain campus my second year. Throughout my experience and participation in PTK I was awarded the All-Arizona Scholarship, which paid for my tuition at Arizona State University. MCC has greatly shaped me into the person I am today as well as my academic success.
If you continued your college experience after MCC, where did you go and what degree(s) did you achieve (or are pursuing)? I went Arizona State University and earned a Bachelor's of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice and a Master of Arts in Criminology.
What do you do for a living? Tell us a little bit about your career path. I currently work for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as an Enforcement and Removal Assistant. I started as a student intern when I was finishing my master's degree and once I graduated they hired me as a full time employee. Prior to working at ICE I worked at Tempe Police Department and volunteered with Mesa Police Department.
Please share any family updates, hobbies, fun facts, or other information. I enjoy traveling, paddle boarding and spending time with family and friends.
TAYLOR DEAN
When did you attend MCC Red Mountain? 2016-2018
Share a favorite memory or experience you had at MCC Red Mountain: One of my favorite experiences at the MCC Red Mountain was working at the Student Life and Leadership office as a student ambassador. I loved being able to help students and be apart of the events on campus.
Did you have a favorite instructor or class? Niccole Cerveny, Alex Cheroske, Kerry Muehlenbeck, Seth Tyler, Karen Appel
What was your favorite thing about MCC Red Mountain? My favorite thing about MCC Red Mountain was the campus and the instructors. The campus is beautiful and I loved seeing little critters around. I felt like the instructors truly cared about my success in their class and in my future academic career.
If you continued your college experience after MCC, where did you go and what degree(s) did you achieve (or are pursuing)? I transferred to Arizona State University and graduate with my Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice and Communications. I am currently in the Crime Analysis Masters program and plan to graduate in fall 2022.
What do you do for a living? Tell us a little bit about your career path. I currently work at Arizona State University to take advantage of the free tuition but I hope to become a crime analyst once I graduate with my Crime Analysis Masters degree.
Please share any family updates, hobbies, fun facts, or other information. My hobbies include reading, spending time with my dog, and watching Netflix.
REENA MARIE YGOT
When did you attend MCC Red Mountain? 2010-2013 and 2016-2017
Share a favorite memory or experience you had at MCC Red Mountain: The fun daytime events that MCC RM would throw
Did you have a favorite instructor or class? Dr. Alex Cheroske - Anatomy, Dr. Arta Damnjanovic - Biology, Tara Jones - Calculus
What was your favorite thing about MCC Red Mountain? Low tuition, intimate-sized classes, quiet/peaceful campus, nice ambience/scenery
How did your time at MCC Red Mountain shape your academic journey? I took a majority of my science courses at MCC RM, which had served as a foundation in my journey to becoming a PA.
If you continued your college experience after MCC, where did you go and what degree(s) did you achieve (or are pursuing)? B.S. Microbiology at ASU, M.S. Physician Assistant Studies at NAU
What do you do for a living? Tell us a little bit about your career path. Currently a PA-C (Physician's Assistant) about to start work working with patients who have been involved in car accidents
Please share any family updates, hobbies, fun facts, or other information. Hobbies - hiking, being outdoors, nature walks, singing karaoke, Latin dancing
UNNAMED
When did you attend MCC Red Mountain? 2015-2018
Share a favorite memory or experience you had at MCC Red Mountain: The most amazing professors and a beautiful campus!
Did you have a favorite instructor or class? Niccole Cerveny
What was your favorite thing about MCC Red Mountain? MCC Red Mountain has the most caring professors!
How did your time at MCC Red Mountain shape your academic journey? It helped me grow as a person so I could do better at University!
If you continued your college experience after MCC, where did you go and what degree(s) did you achieve (or are pursuing)? I went to Arizona State University and got my bachelors of science in sustainability
What do you do for a living? Tell us a little bit about your career path. Traffic Manager
AMANDA HOUDASHELL
When did you attend MCC Red Mountain? 2001-2003
Share a favorite memory or experience you had at MCC Red Mountain: There are so many memories that I have at RM. Having class with Mr. Wintz and eating his chocolate to Bruce Peterson telling us his stories in class. Then when I started teaching at MCC RM the Halloween traditions, the Flower delivery for Sigma Chi Eta ever Valentine's Day, to just enjoying the nature around campus.
Did you have a favorite instructor or class? Bruce Peterson or Michael Wintz- both as my instructors and then as fellow co-workers and of course Dr. Puvana!
What was your favorite thing about MCC Red Mountain? The people are amazing. We never said no, and always made things work.
How did your time at MCC Red Mountain shape your academic journey? It set up me up for success. I learned about college and how fun it could be, which is why I still work in a college environment. Also it started a path of giving back with the many opportunities that were given to me as a student.
If you continued your college experience after MCC, where did you go and what degree(s) did you achieve (or are pursuing)? I continued to ASU where I got my BA, then a MBA from Capella, and a MS in Communication from Walden.
What do you do for a living? Tell us a little bit about your career path: I am the Graduate Program Coordinator for the College of Business for the University of Texas at Arlington. I also am a board member for a local non-profit in Fort Worth, Texas.
Please share any family updates, hobbies, fun facts, or other information: I now live in Arlington, Texas with two beagles, a cat, and a husband.
BRYAN BERNAL-CHRISTENSON
When did you attend MCC Red Mountain? 2015-2017
Share a favorite memory or experience you had at MCC Red Mountain: Being part of the event planning team and helping plan/host events across the campus.
Did you have a favorite instructor or class? I really liked my PSY 132 class
What was your favorite thing about MCC Red Mountain? The open campus. It didn't feel like I was trapped in a closed environment
How did your time at MCC Red Mountain shape your academic journey? It helped me figure out what I wanted to do and helped me make connections that got me to where I am today.
If you continued your college experience after MCC, where did you go and what degree(s) did you achieve (or are pursuing)? I went on to ASU and got a Bachelor's in Computer Information Systems
What do you do for a living? Tell us a little bit about your career path: I'm a data analyst for Rocket Mortgage. I meet with various stakeholders and work with them to gather metrics across the entire company to make sure we're doing the right direction and fixing any hiccups in our pipelines.
Please share any family updates, hobbies, fun facts, or other information: I was able to meet my future wife during one of the leadership retreats offered. Regularly hang out with the friends I made here to this date. Was able to support my education by being a student worker here and get experience towards my future career.
LAURA FRICKE
When did you attend MCC Red Mountain? 2009-2010
Share a favorite memory or experience you had at MCC Red Mountain: My favorite experiences as a student were a result of getting involved on campus. The events we held through Sigma Chi Eta were my favorite! I also worked at Student Life and Leadership and got to help with other campus events
Did you have a favorite instructor or class? Dr. Puvana Ganesan was my favorite instructor and Sigma Chi Eta faculty advisor. Her communication classes are so fun and interesting!
What was your favorite thing about MCC Red Mountain? The close-knit community!
How did your time at MCC Red Mountain shape your academic journey? I took advantage of a partnership between MCC and Indiana University East to get my bachelor's in Communication online. It was a seamless transition!
If you continued your college experience after MCC, where did you go and what degree(s) did you achieve (or are pursuing)? I got my B.A. in Communication from IUE, and then got my M.A. in Communication from NAU.
What do you do for a living? Tell us a little bit about your career path: I work full-time for Mesa Public Schools. Plus, I love MCC Red Mountain so much, I now am an adjunct instructor here, teaching Communication classes!
Please share any family updates, hobbies, fun facts, or other information: I love country dancing, traveling, camping, and trying new restaurants with family and friends!