Mesa Community College invites the community to join in the celebration of the 20th anniversary of its Red Mountain Campus.

A month of festivities kicks off Nov. 2 with a community event from 4-6 p.m. at the college’s environmentally-conscious Red Mountain Campus at 7110 E. McKellips Road in Mesa. All attendees are encouraged to participate in an aerial group photo commemorating the event at 4 p.m. which will be followed by a native blessing, remarks from community leaders and multicultural entertainment, music, food and fun, according to a release.

Academic departments such as emergency medical technology, biology, dental assisting, nurse assisting and others will be present with gear, critters and other visuals to demonstrate learning and discuss career choices.

“We are looking forward to a vibrant future for our Red Mountain Campus as we prepare for its 20th anniversary,” MCC Interim President Lori Berquam said in the release. “MCC Red Mountain offers an academically inspiring and nurturing environment to begin college, and we are excited to share our vision for the future with the community.”

Located on 98 acres of Sonoran Desert in East Mesa, the Red Mountain Campus opened on Oct. 3, 2001, quickly becoming known for innovation in teaching by incorporating desert plants and animals into the learning environment. In 2014 the campus was recognized by the National Wildlife Federation with a prestigious Certified Wildlife Habitat designation.

Red Mountain’s cienega serves as a refuge for endangered plants and animals in partnership with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden. Students are integrally involved in important conservation endeavors, providing them with opportunities to explore many possible careers in science.

Building upon past accomplishments, the future vision for the MCC Red Mountain Campus includes further emphasis on health sciences and education. The campus will offer programming aligned with community needs while providing opportunities serving as stepping stones for academic and career pursuits. Current Red Mountain Campus signature programs that continue enriching the community include dental hygiene, nurse assisting and phlebotomy.

“Our engaged faculty has taught and will continue to teach students in a way that allows them to engage in critical thinking and learn what they need to succeed,” Berquam said. “We envision continued improvement and enhanced opportunities for students to reach their career goals.”

Go to mesacc.edu/red-mountain to learn more about the campus and anniversary celebration events.