The Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation will host the 16th annual Heroes of Education event.

The Heroes of Education award honors champions of education in Arizona and recognizing those who have a proven personal and professional commitment to supporting students and educational opportunities.

The event takes place Thursday, Nov. 16 at the Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave. The evening starts with a 5:30 p.m. VIP reception followed by the celebration at 6 p.m.

This year’s honorees are Mark Gaspers, senior manager at The Boeing Company and chair of Workforce Arizona Council; Dr. Sian Proctor, astronaut and geoscience professor; and Wells Fargo.

Boeing has a long-standing partnership with the Maricopa County Community College District in creating both attainable pathways to higher education and future careers for Maricopa students. Gaspers reflects these ideals by actively serving as chair on multiple local committees, including the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Workforce Arizona Council, a press release notes.

Proctor, a South Mountain Community College professor, made history in 2021 as the first African-American woman to pilot Inspiration4, the first all-civilian orbital space mission. Her remarkable achievement serves as an inspiration to students.

For more than 26 years, Wells Fargo has been an advocate for the Maricopa Community Colleges, providing philanthropic support for many programs, scholarships and college events. The Foundation received a $1 million grant focusing on small business growth, specifically in support of Advancing Entrepreneurship at the Maricopa County Community College District.

Ten additional College Heroes will also be honored, each representing one of the Maricopa Community Colleges. Visit mcccdf.org/heroes-of-education2023 for the full list.

“Our 2023 Heroes of Education share an unwavering passion for higher education,” Brian Spicker, MCCF president and CEO, stated in a press release. “Their commitment to our students and colleges play a significant role in transforming lives which leads to our community’s economic success.”

Along with food and music, two Phoenix Art Museum galleries will be open the evening of the event, providing an environment to celebrate art and education. Highlights of the evening will include an art exhibit featuring the work of Proctor, a student art auction, and musical performances including Mariachi de Osos, the Scottsdale Community College Jazz Ensemble, and Steel Pan.

Proceeds from the annual Heroes of Education event support MCCF student scholarships and emergency fund needs. Since its inception in 2006, the event has raised approximately $2.1 million in scholarship funds to support Maricopa students.

Visit https://www.mcccdf.org/heroes-sponsor-2023/ for more information about the event.