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In 1920 Phoenix College was the first of the 10 Colleges to open its doors to the students. At the time, called Phoenix Junior College, it was part of Phoenix Union High School and Junior College District. In 1982 it became one of the Colleges of Maricopa Community Colleges.
The first college Dean was Weston W. Carpenter. -
This accreditation validated a high scholastic standing of the school.
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In 1962 Maricopa Junior College was established, and Phoenix College joined as one of the three campuses existent at the time. The other two were Mesa and Glendale, although only in 1966 they opened permanent campuses. Maricopa Junior College District later became Maricopa County Community College District.
The first Governing Board Meeting was held at Westward Ho Hotel. -
In 1966 Mesa Community College and Glendale Community College opened their classes on their permanent campuses.
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In 1968 GateWay opened its doors.
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In 1969 Scottsdale Community College opens its doors with more than 100 evening classes.
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In 1971 the Colleges were renamed Community Colleges.
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In 1978 Rio Salado College was established by Maricopa County Community College District Governing Board.
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South Mountain Community College offers its first classes in 1980.
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In 1985 the first classes open for at Paradise Valley Community Colege and Chandler-Gilbert Comunity College.
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In 1990 Estrella Mountain Community College offered its first classes, becoming the tenth college of the Maricopa County Community College District.
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In 1992 U.S. News & World Report publishes an article about the Maricopa County Community College District, calling it "the model for community involvement".
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Estrella Mountain Community College was ranked in the first 10% community colleges in the nation.
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