The History of Phoenix College

First Junior College established

Jan 1, 1901

Joliet Junior College in Illinois, laying groundwork for future of other community colleges.

Community Colleges offer mostly liberal arts programs

Jan 1, 1920

Phoenix Junior College opens its doors

Sep 13, 1920

This is the first student government

Voters approve $625,000 Bond

Mar 8, 1928

PC starts construction on new buildings

Great Depression leads to specialized CC programs

Jan 1, 1930

Community Colleges begin offering job training

PC name change becomes official

Sep 15, 1947

Phoenix Junior College becomes Phoenix College

PC Student chosen Miss America

Jan 1, 1949

Jacque Mercer grew up in Litchfield, Arizona

PC Elects African American Student Body President

Jan 1, 1951

While many AZ schools are still segregated, PC never was. Eldridge Gonaway is elected Student Body President.

Residents vote to establish Maricopa Junior College District

Jan 1, 1962

This later becomes known as the Maricopa County Community College District - MCCCD

Former PC Dean becomes first President of the new district

Jan 1, 1963

Dr. Robert J. Hannelly was Dean of Phoenix College in 1947.

Associated Students of PC of MCCCD formed

Jan 1, 1978

The group represents the student body and chooses the mascot Bumstead the Bear and the official school colors of blue & gold.

PC Interpreter Preparation Program established

Jan 1, 1981

It continues as the only of its kind in Maricopa County & emphasizes American Sign Language courses and other unique classes on deaf culture.

PC appoints first female President

Jan 1, 1989

Dr. Myrna Harrison is soon followed by several others: Dr. Marie Pepicello in 1993, Dr. Corina Gardea in 2001 and Dr. Anna Solley in 2006

my.maricopa.edu launched

Jan 1, 2008

New computer system allows students to register, pay, view grades & do many other things online.

New One Stop Hannelly Center open

Jan 1, 2012

Now all departments needed to enroll are housed under one roof