MOHAVE COUNTY – Mohave Community College is gearing up for its 53rd Commencement Ceremony to be held at 3 p.m. Friday, May 10 at the Anderson Fieldhouse, 3663 Bullhead Pkwy.
MCC students in the class of 2023-2024 will earn 591 certificates and 418 degrees for a total of more than 1,000 degrees and certificates, with 772 students between the ages of 15 and 76, and 60 students are 18 or younger.
This year, the Commencement Speaker is Chairwoman of Colorado River Indian Tribes Amelia Flores.
First elected Chairwoman in 2020, Flores is the first woman elected to lead the Tribal Council. During her time as Chairwoman, historic legislation was passed in that enables CRIT to lease a portion of its Colorado River Allocation, providing tribal sovereignty, drought relief for Arizona, and economic opportunities for CRIT. President Joe Biden signed the Bill in January 2023. Chairwoman Flores also played a key role in the federal government’s decision to grant monument status to thousands of acres surrounding the Grand Canyon. She was present when President Biden signed the designation in August 2023.
In 2021, she was a recipient of the Arizona Capital Times Environmental Leadership award. In 2023, she was selected as one of The Arizona Republic’s 2023 Arizonans of the Year and she was also honored by The Arizona Capital Times as a recipient of its Timeless Icons award.
During the ceremony, MCC President Dr. Stacy Klippenstein will announce which student will be the recipient of the 2024 Kathy Hodel Most Outstanding Student $10,000 Award.
The Kathy Hodel Most Outstanding Student Award was established through an endowment gift to the MCC Foundation. It was provided by Dr. James H. Childe to honor the memory of his friend Kathy Hodel. She passed away in 2018, after a long battle with bone cancer.
Dr. Childe, a retired attorney and MCC instructor, gave nearly a quarter million dollars to establish the endowment. He chose to use this gift as a way to honor outstanding graduating MCC students and Kathy Hodel for her countless hours and efforts working to help MCC and our local communities.
Kathy requested everyone, “remember the importance of service before self, and do what you can to help worthy causes in your own community.”
The 2024 Commencement Student Speaker is Martha Aguilar. She’s working toward earning her associate degree in life science and general science. She’s also President of the Student Activities Council, President of the Bighorn Science Club, President of Ovis (Art & Literature Club), Vice President of Service for Phi Theta Kappa, Vice President and co-founder of National STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Honor Society and a member of Psyched Out.
After completing her associate degree at MCC, she will transfer to Arizona State University where she will double major in chemistry and mathematics with a minor in fashion. Her ultimate career goal is to earn her doctorate degree in chemistry and become a professor of chemistry.
The 2024 Ellen Licari Service to Student award recipient is Angel Soto. As a science laboratory technician, he enjoys being the overseer of a space where experiments and innovation occur. As a technician, he inspires students through reassuring students in their work, and making them feel confident in their ability to learn through the assignments. The award is presented to an MCC employee who puts students first.
Soto will also have the honor of being Macebearer at the ceremony.
The fall semester and summer semester enrollment windows are now open at MCC. The Summer semester starts May 28 and fall semester classes start August 19. The first step to becoming a student is to fill out the free online application at apply.mohave.edu, and if you need assistance, visit a campus near you or call 866-MOHAVECC.
This year’s Commencement Speaker is Chairwoman of Colorado River Indian Tribes Amelia Flores.