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Joliet Junior (Community) College is founded in Illinois by J. Stanley Brown (left) and William Rainy Harper (right).
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The American Association of Junior (Community) Colleges is founded.
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The Phoenix Union High School (PUHS) Principal and a member of the Board of Education, along with a popular Chemistry teacher consulted with the University of Arizona and designed a 2-year college curriculum which was founded as the Phoenix Junior College located on corner of Taylor & Sixth Street. Its first Dean was Weston W. Carpenter.
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Four and a half acres at Fillmore & 7th Street, called Cottonwood Court, became location of classes for another 5 years.
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Formal recognition received with membership into North Central Association.
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Fifty acres of land by Thomas and 15th Avenue became the new site for the college with doors opening in the fall of 1939. Classes were free, except for a $10 fee for student activities.
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Twenty students completed the Civil Aeronautics Program, which was equal to a private pilot’s license.
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With the start of WWII, facilities were built on the college campus to house military personnel training in the Civilian Pilot Training program.
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Student Jacque Mercer was crowned Miss America 1949. Her ancestors are said to include President James Polk and Daniel Boone.
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Even though Phoenix College was never racially segregated, it was not until 1954 that the elementary and high schools in Arizona first became desegregated. Phoenix College was so ahead of its time that in 1951 it had already elected its first African-American Student President, Eldridge Gonaway.
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Dr. Mildred Bulpitt becomes one of the first women in the nation to the high level position of Dean of Continuing Education and Evening Division.
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The MJCD is formed. It will later become the Maricopa County Community College District. The following year, Phoenix College is moved under the MCCCD governing board with Glendale and Mesa campuses set up as extension of Phoenix College.
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The National Science Foundation selected Phoenix College, along with Northern Virginia Community College, to participate in a pilot project for the development of computer-aided instruction.
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Phoenix College Interpreter Preparation Program established and continues as the only one of its kind in Maricopa County to offer American Sign Language courses along with courses on deaf culture, linguistics, ethics and interpreting.
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Dr. Myrna Harrison is named as the first female President of Phoenix College.
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The women’s soccer team is formed.
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Achieving a College Education (ACE) was introduced at Phoenix College. Targeting at-risk high school students, ACE participants take concurrent high school and college course work while participating in mentoring activities. After graduation from High School, they enter full-time at Phoenix College.
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Students are allowed to register, make payments, view grades and obtain enrollment verification and transcripts on line.
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Phoenix College has grown to support over 20,000 students annually, 1000 employees, including 400 full-time and 600 adjunct/temporary faculties.
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Hannelly Center remodelling completion with new cafeteria, additional office spaces and historical alumni display. New registration policy of no drop, adds or late registration puts students on the path to success by enabling them to enroll early, get books and be in class ready to learn from the first day.
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