T-BIRD MOMENTS OF 2025-26: HISTORIC COMMENCEMENT & 15TH 20-WIN SEASON
The 2025-26 academic year featured memorable moments across Mesa Community College, including a historic commencement ceremony and another successful season for Thunderbird women's basketball.
Mesa Community College celebrated commencement as students from across the college received their degrees and certificates, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of the next. The ceremony also marked an important milestone for MCC as the college celebrated its first graduating class in the Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics and Programming program. Another group of students also completed the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education–Dual Language program.
Held at Arizona State University's Desert Financial Arena, the ceremony recognized the hard work and dedication of the graduating class while welcoming them into the Thunderbird alumni family. It also highlighted MCC's continued growth in offering bachelor's degree opportunities.
Another milestone came on the basketball court as Mesa Community College women's basketball earned its 15th 20-win season under head coach Kori Stephenson.
During Stephenson's time at Mesa, the Thunderbirds have become one of the top programs in NJCAA Division II. The team has won eight NJCAA Region I Division II championships and has made several deep runs at the national tournament.
Mesa's success includes an NJCAA Division II National Championship, along with national finishes as runner-up, third, fourth and fifth place. Reaching 20 wins once again showed the consistency and high standard the program has maintained over the years.
From celebrating graduates to reaching another basketball milestone, these moments reflected Mesa Community College's continued success in the classroom and in athletics.
Click here to view the Graduation article.
Click here to view the Women's Basketball article.
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