Missy Ascension Elected to Maricopa Student Senate

The Maricopa County Community College District has elected CGCC student Missy Ascension as one of the ten 2019-20 Student Senate Members.

"CGCC is incredibly special to me, and I'm honored to be able to represent its community in such a monumental way," said Missy. "It's the place where I experienced the most professional and personal growth in my life, and where I learned that I could make my dream career a reality. I love my school and all the communities that have poured their time and encouragement in shaping me into who I am today. I'm excited to be able to give back to CGCC by becoming the voice of our student body and set the precedent for all future Student Senators to come. My goal as Student Senator is to ultimately ensure that the needs of our students do not fall on deaf ears, and cultivate an environment that allows students to feel heard, welcomed and safe here on campus. I hope to inspire our students and help them become the best version of themselves that they can attain during their academic journey at CGCC."

Student senators represent their fellow students at the college they attend within the Maricopa County Community College District. Senators will take on the challenging and fulfilling duty of addressing student issues, as well as legislating on behalf of their student constituencies. As a voting member of the senate, senators will provide for the welfare and betterment of all Maricopa students. In this leadership position, senators ensure student voices are heard.

"We are excited that Missy will serve as a Student Senator," said Veronica Hipolito, CGCC Vice President of Student Affairs. "Missy has made a positive impact on student engagement at CGCC through her leadership in the ESports Cub, and we believe she will continue this positive work as an advocate and voice for students in the Maricopa Student Senate."

Missy studies business and intends to transfer to Arizona State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management with an emphasis in project management. She aspires to work in the rapidly-expanding esports industry with the goal of creating more esports teams at colleges and universities. Missy served as the President of the CGCC Esports Club in 2018-19 and plays on the club's League of Legends Varsity Team. She currently works as the Welcome Desk Receptionist for the International Education Department.

The Maricopa Community College’s Student Senate functions to advocate for the common interests of all MCCCD students in order to share student achievements and concerns with their fellow students, Governing Board, Chancellor, colleges, faculty, staff, and the community. MCCCD proudly provides this opportunity for growth, leadership development, and overall success of students. 

For more information about the MCCCD Student Senate please visit our website. 

Aspen Institute Names CGCC as a Top 150 U.S. Community College

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program named CGCC as one of 150 community colleges eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America's community colleges. Based on strong and improving in student outcomes—including in learning, completion rates, employment rates and earnings, and equity—15 percent of community colleges nationwide have been invited to apply for the Aspen Prize. 

"We are honored to be recognized as one of the top 150 community colleges in the country," said Dr. Greg Peterson. "This distinction highlights our commitment to student success and showcases our faculty and staff's dedication to ensuring our students accomplish their educational and professional goals." 

The 150 community colleges named today as eligible to compete for the 2021 Aspen Prize were selected from a pool of nearly 1,000 public two-year colleges nationwide using publicly available data on student outcomes. Located in 39 states in urban, rural, and suburban areas, serving as few as 500 students and as many as 75,000 students, these colleges represent the diversity and depth of the community college sector.  

Data show that over the last two years, student retention, graduation rates, and degree completion have improved at the top tier of 150 Aspen Prize-eligible colleges. 

“Community colleges play a vital role in developing talent and enabling social mobility across the country, and it’s critical for them to get better at what they do,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “We’re pleased to see evidence that these institutions are improving, that more are delivering on their promise. We’re also pleased to play a role in honoring outstanding community colleges and sharing what works to ensure great outcomes for students—through graduation and beyond.” 

The top ten finalists for the 2021 Aspen Prize will be named in May 2020. The Aspen Institute will then conduct site visits to each of the finalists and collect additional quantitative data, including employment and earnings data. A distinguished jury will make award decisions in spring 2021.  

Previous winners of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence are: Miami Dade College (FL) and Indian River State College (FL), 2019; Lake Area Technical College (SD), 2017; Santa Fe College (FL), 2015; Santa Barbara City College (CA) and Walla Walla Community College (WA), 2013; Valencia College (FL), 2011. 

For a full list of the top 150 eligible institutions and to read more on the selection process, visit www.highered.aspeninstitute.org/aspen-prize.