MESA, Arizona -- April 8, 2025 -- Mesa Community College (MCC) student, Florian Nguyen, was honored by Campus Compact with the Student Leadership Award at their annual conference, March 31-April 2, in Atlanta, Georgia.

The award recognizes undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate inspiring leadership qualities through civic and community engagement.

MCC Center for Community and Civic Engagement (CCCE) Program Coordinator Alejandra Maya nominated Nguyen for this recognition, stating, “Florian has been a dedicated leader in our civic engagement efforts, consistently demonstrating a commitment to empowering other students and fostering civic responsibility on campus. As an Andrew Goodman Ambassador, he has played a vital role in supporting voter engagement events, ensuring that students have the resources and knowledge to participate in the democratic process.”

“Florian is a constant presence at CCCE events and is always looking for ways to contribute to the campus community,” Maya added. “His leadership shows initiative and a true passion for making a difference, making him well deserving of this recognition.”

Nguyen, a computer science major, served two years as Vice President of Operations for Associated Students of Mesa Community College (ASMCC) student government and is a current cabinet member. He’s also actively involved with the International Student Club promoting different cultures on campus.

One of Nguyen’s most memorable events was working with ASMCC and CCCE to host the “Your Mesa, Your Voice Mesa Mayoral Candidate Forum,” where candidates were invited to campus to discuss their platforms and answer questions.

“Through this event, a lot of students reported that many of their concerns about the future of the city were heard and they felt more empowered as civic leaders within their community,” Nguyen said.

The CCCE’s mission and his personal goal is to “improve civic engagement on campus so communities, campuses and individuals can work together to bring about collective flourishing for all,” Nguyen says. “Leadership for me is not just about authority; it's about influence, responsibility and making a meaningful impact to those around us.”

Learn more about MCC’s Center for Community and Civic Engagement activities and events at mesacc.edu/community-civic-engagement.

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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu or 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College (MCC), which is celebrating its 60th anniversary during 2025, is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving over 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. For nearly 60 years, MCC has been a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges. The MCC American Indian Institute supports students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. MCC's diverse student body includes hundreds of international students. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education and training. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional lands of the O'odham, Piipaash, and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.