The Mesa Community College Red Mountain Campus is buzzing with special events, critter activities, and holiday celebrations as well as educational opportunities and fun for all ages.
Located on 98 acres of Sonoran Desert in Northeast Mesa, Mother Nature serves as an instructor, classroom, and inspiring learning habitat.
Located on 98 acres of Sonoran Desert in Northeast Mesa, Mother Nature serves as an instructor, classroom, and inspiring learning habitat.
Seating around the water offers a popular study area as well as a place for a picnic or a moment of Zen.
Families and all critter fans flock to the Saguaro building, which is a living laboratory with a huge terrarium in the lobby offering up-close yet safe observations of Sonoran Desert wildlife, including four species of rattlesnakes, non-venomous snakes, a Gila monster, and Sonoran Desert toad. Two more terrariums are built into the walls, featuring more reptiles and native frogs, toads, and other exciting animals.
New Frontier for Lifelong Learning (NFLL) is a Mesa Community College non-credit, community education program designed by and for the active senior community. NFLL members create peer-led classes, social events, volunteer opportunities, and physical activities such as hiking, biking, and walking groups. For less than $10 a month, classes and activities are free (except for no-host social events such as dining out).
Curriculum chair Suzane Brown and co-chair Jacki McDugle point out that classes and activities are driven by member interests and invite seniors to not only join NFLL but to participate in selecting class topics, activities, travel, and culinary adventures. Find out more at newfrontiers. mesacc.edu or call (480) 461-7497.
The annual Empty Bowls event, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 8 in the Saguaro building, is an opportunity to take part in World Hunger Day. Donate $10 and take home a handcrafted bowl created by MCC art students. You can also donate canned and non-perishable food to the Mesa Market, which helps students facing food insecurity. Empty Bowls is also taking place on the Southern Avenue and Dobson Road campus on Nov. 15. Proceeds benefit the Paz de Cristo Community Center.
Come celebrate those who serve our nation on Nov. 9 at the Veterans Day Trail Run/Walk beginning at noon in the Mesquite building, room 200. Student, faculty, staff, and community member veterans will share their experiences and ways to support them on campus. Then runners and walkers will gather in Saguaro Mall for stretching and the National Anthem followed by an untimed one or two-mile trek.
Find some great gifts and peruse classic vehicles at the free Holiday Boutique and Classic Car Show, 5 to 8 p.m., on Dec. 8. Explore the beautiful campus as you shop from dozens of vendors selling home goods, crafts, jewelry, and other great gift ideas.
Register now for the Spring Semester beginning Jan. 13, 2024. To find out more about academic degrees, career classes, financial aid, and more, stop by the Red Mountain campus Enrollment Center in the Mesquite building, call (480) 654-7600, or go to mesacc.edu/enroll.