Phoenix College

Planning to attend PC this fall? Whether you're a first-time student or a pro with questions, join us at the Hannelly Center for an enrollment event focused on you. 😎

Tues, June 23, 2026
9 am – 4 pm

RSVP: https://www.phoenixcollege.edu/rock-enrollment

Luis Duque arrived at college with a 2.3 GPA and, by his own admission, very little faith in himself. A PC track coach offered him a scholarship, and that athletic opportunity became the foundation for his academic pursuits. In May 2024, he crossed the stage at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum to accept his Associate's degree in Criminal Justice — and enrolled in summer school the next day to begin his Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Safety Administration. Two years later, he stood on that same stage, this time with his bachelor's degree, a 4.0 grade point average, and the honor of being selected as the student commencement speaker.

Luis stepped up to the podium to address PC's Class of 2026. Behind him on stage were Phoenix College leaders dressed in their academic regalia. Before him on the coliseum floor were 765 Phoenix College graduates. Surrounding him in the stadium-style seats were 5,000 of the graduates' friends and families. Luis understood the weight of the moment. Just minutes before, Phoenix College Student Government President Galilea Guzman had calmed his nerves with quiet encouragement as they sat next to each other in their commencement caps and robes.

Luis started his speech with his characteristic upbeat energy. He shared a quote by Robert Collier. "In every adversity, there lies a seed of equivalent advantage." But when Luis started to describe the struggles he and his family have endured as immigrants, he was overcome with emotion and stepped back from the microphone. Within seconds, the audience's encouraging cheers echoed off the coliseum's walls, giving Luis the strength to continue his inspiring speech. He spoke about persisting through his struggles to find his purpose and ended his speech with an uplifting message.

"When you're tested in life, it's okay if you get scared, but don't let it stop you. Embrace it. See yourself doing great things, just like you did tonight. Congratulations, shoot for the sky, Class of 2026."

After the commencement ceremony Luis noted that “what truly broke me down was the thought of trying to help my people and having others tell me it’s not possible. When I say ‘my people’ I refer to those struggling in my communities.” More than 20 strangers sought him out to say his words had moved them. He continued, "I think the reason why the crowd was so supportive is because they could relate to a lot of the things I said."

The details 🎓✨

Just a few of the many creative cap designs we spotted at this year’s commencement! 🎨👏

Class of 2026, you’re officially Phoenix College alumni! 🎓👏
Stay connected, alumni Association membership is completely FREE and includes benefits like:

🟡Career services
🔵Discount program with travel and dining benefits and more
🟡Library privileges
🔵Alumni events & networking opportunities
🟡Alumni pricing on PC athletic events, theatre performances and PC merchandise

Join through the link in our bio and follow Phoenix College Alumni Association for alumni news, events, and opportunities

Congratulations, class of 2026! 🎓🎉
Your hard work, determination, and passion have brought you to this incredible milestone. We wish you all the best as you take on what’s next. The future is yours! 🐻💙💛

Walk into Phoenix College Learning Commons on the lower level of Fannin Library, and you'll see something in the back of the room most college campuses don't have: two quiet, softly lit rooms designed for students whose brains experience the world differently. There are rocker boards and weighted blankets, floor-level couches and adjustable lighting, and acoustic baffles overhead that absorb 98 percent of outside noise. Window film diffuses harsh external light. A 3D printer nearby produces fidgets throughout the week. The rooms are cozy, unconventional, and entirely intentional — and they exist in large part because of one person's long arc of curiosity, advocacy, and personal discovery.

Dr. Sam Crandall, Manager of Phoenix College's Learning Commons, has spent years building toward this moment.

Full story:

A Space to Belong: Dr. Sam Crandall Builds Sensory Study Rooms in PC's Learning Commons | Phoenix College Walk into Phoenix College Learning Commons on the lower level of Fannin Library, and you'll see something in the back of the room most college campuses don't have: two quiet, softly lit rooms designed for students whose brains experience the world differently. There are rocker boards and weighted bl...

We want to see your creativity! Comment a photo of your decorated caps 🎓✨

2026 Commencement is�Friday, May 15, 2026 | 6:30 PM�Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum

Graduate check-in:
📍 Begins at 5:00 PM (north side, 1st floor of the Coliseum)�
🎓 Arrive wearing academic regalia�
⏰ All graduates must be checked in by 5:30 PM
👜 Bag policy + more info https://www.phoenixcollege.edu/become-student/admissions-and-records/commencement

Congratulations to our student, staff, and faculty Ursa award winners! 👏

The Ursa Awards were established in 2003 to celebrate bear stars, Phoenix College's student leaders. The honors were inspired by the constellations Ursa Major, which in Latin means Great Bear, and Ursa Minor, Little Bear. Sponsored every spring by Student Life & Leadership, college employees nominate students who merit recognition for their outstanding leadership and service to the college or community.

Olina Fong's exceptional leadership and academic achievements earned her a spot on the 2025-26 All Arizona Academic Team, which includes a tuition scholarship to one of the Arizona state universities, presented annually by the Arizona Board of Regents. Olina will be attending ASU in the fall to double-major in Business Entrepreneurship and Accountancy.

Olina was honored at the 2026 All-Arizona Team Recognition Ceremony in Mesa on Wednesday, April 22—her family, PTK advisors Amy MacPherson and Genvieve Winters, and Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost of Maricopa Community Colleges Dr. Kimberly Britt, among others, all cheering her on. During the ceremony, she was also recognized as a a 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholar

With three associate degrees, multiple leadership positions, work at Phoenix Conservatory of Music, and participation in programs like PTK and Aspiring Youth Academy, Olina Fong exemplifies how passion, growth mindset, and community support can transform a student's YouTube discovery into a foundation for entrepreneurial success.

Full story ⤵️

Three Degrees of Inspiration: Olina Fong's Journey at PC | Phoenix College During the early days of the pandemic, while many high school students struggled with remote learning, Olina Fong (Ol-ee-na) discovered something that would shape her future. Scrolling through YouTube, she stumbled upon videos of small business owners transforming their passions into thriving enterp...

Koko the certified therapy dog is visiting the Fannin Library 🐾
Feeling stressed about finals? Stop by for a break and some puppy love 🐶💛

🗓️May 7th
⏰11am - 12pm
📍Fannin Library main floor

The National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Awards provide member colleges with the opportunity to honor the remarkable contributions of faculty, staff, and administrators who shape the futures of community and technical college students. This recognition validates the hard work they put in every day, but also strengthens the culture of excellence at Phoenix College and the students we serve!

PC Staff Awarded NISOD and Advising Awards | Phoenix College The National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Awards provide member colleges with the opportunity to honor the remarkable contributions of faculty, staff, and administrators who shape the futures of community and technical college students. This recognition valid...

A healthier planet starts with all of us. Happy Earth Day! 🌎 🌱💚

Glad to have been part of Community College Day at the Capitol and to highlight the impact of community colleges! 🎓

Maricopa Community College Day at The Capitol! 👏

Every spring, the Eric Fischl Gallery at Phoenix College transforms into an art warehouse with over 200 student submissions in 2D, photo, and digital art leaning up against every wall and 3D work filling every pedestal and table. As part of the annual Vanguard Showcase, the submissions are first judged by outside jurors in each category to determine Showcase winners – 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place – and then reviewed by the Eric Fischl Lecture Series guest artist to determine Best in Show Vanguard Award winners.

The Vanguard Showcase is now on display at the Phoenix College Eric Fischl Gallery through May 7.

Full story:

Love at First Sight: Phoenix College Artists Earn 2026 Vanguard Awards | Phoenix College Every spring, the Eric Fischl Gallery at Phoenix College transforms into an art warehouse with over 200 student submissions in 2D, photo, and digital art leaning up against every wall and 3D work filling every pedestal and table. As part of the annual Vanguard Showcase, the submissions are first jud...

Congratulations to our 2026 Vanguard award winners! 🏆👏 The Eric Fischl Series, hosted in partnership with and sponsored by took place on April 8th. The series included a student art exhibition and reception, followed by the Vanguard Awards Presentation and a conversation in Whiteman Hall between Eric Fischl and special guest Marilyn Minter. Minter’s work has been exhibited at major institutions including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Brooklyn Museum, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

A hallmark of the ERIC FISCHL SERIES, the esteemed Vanguard Awards were created by Eric Fischl in 2005 to recognize emerging student talent in the fine arts, make Phoenix College a center for the arts in downtown Phoenix, and create life-changing opportunities for students. The Vanguard Award is a $2,500 Best in Show Award, selected by Fischl and guest from among the work submitted for the Annual Student Art Exhibit.

The Phoenix College Bear's Den Pitch Competition supported six student entrepreneurs in presenting their business ideas to a panel of judges for a chance to win funding. Supported by a grant from the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE), the competition aligns with the college's Everyday Entrepreneur Program. The competition awarded $9,000 to student-led businesses!

Full story:

Student Entrepreneurs Step into the Bear's Den | Phoenix College The Phoenix College Bear's Den Pitch Competition supported six student entrepreneurs in presenting their business ideas to a panel of judges for a chance to win funding. Supported by a grant from the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE), the competition aligns with the...

To celebrate the impact of community colleges in the Valley this April, the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) is thrilled to offer a special discounted admission rate to students, staff, and faculty at all ten Maricopa Community Colleges.

https://www.phoenixcollege.edu/events/discounted-admission-mim-community-college-month

Why attend?

🔵 Meet with employers looking for candidates like you
🔵 Explore career paths in manufacturing, automation, and robotics
🔵 Gain insights and make valuable connections

Friday, April 17, 2026
Phoenix College | Hacienda Room

Spring 2026 Manufacturing, Automation, and Robotics Career Event Meet recruiters, explore semiconductor and manufacturing jobs, and take the next step in your career.