MCCF Honors 5

Dr. Steven Helfgot, Heidi Schaefer, Miguel Fernandez, Dr. Heather Weber, Frank Wilson accepting on behalf of 

Dr. Bryan Tippett and Dr. Christopher Scinto and Chancellor Rufus Glasper. Not pictured, Buddy Cheeks. 

The Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation, the fundraising arm of the Maricopa County

Community Colleges, each year recognizes MCCC employees who have made outstanding

contributions to the MCCC District’s mission.

This year, the awards were presented at an April 28 luncheon at the Foundation’s offices. Dr. Steven Helfgot, CEO and president of MCCF, presided over the event. Dr. Rufus Glasper, MCCC chancellor, and Heidi Schaefer, chairman of the foundation board, made remarks.

The 2015 award recipients are:

Dr. Christopher Scinto, Paradise Valley Community College, division chair of Fine and Performing Arts

Scinto has served PVCC since 2011. Under his leadership, students have flourished and demonstrated success in the arts, significant community partnerships and notable scholarships. In the last five years, PVCC Center for Performing Arts has provided more than 625 performances, drawing 69,000-plus community attendees. Through various benefit events, more than $40,500 has been raised for Fine and Performing Arts scholarships.

Landres “Buddy” Cheeks, South Mountain Community College, director of Student Life and Leadership

Cheeks is known for his dedicated long-time position as a Maricopa leader, student advocate and role model. Recognized for his commitment to equality, inclusiveness and cultural enrichment, his contributions to SMCC positively impacts students who learn by doing and giving back to the community.

Dr. Heather Weber, Estrella Mountain Community College, dean for Occupational Education

Weber was honored for her support of students, faculty, staff, district policies and community events. Her contributions to the MCCC District and student body are unparalleled, focusing on reaching out into the community to build partnerships that support funding, internships and future job opportunities for EMCC students.

Miguel Fernandez, Chandler-Gilbert Community College, English faculty member

Fernandez spent his sabbatical semester researching and developing an online training program to assist faculty members in understanding and dealing with student veterans. This tool met a significant need for the MCCC District to provide accurate, comprehensive and easily accessible training for meeting the needs of this diverse population. The program is available free of charge and is being introduced to colleges across the country.

Dr. Bryan Tippet (awarded posthumously), Estrella Mountain Community College, vice president of Academic and Student Affairs

Tippet was a champion of student success, devoting his professional life to making sure that all students have access to a quality education. He built lasting partnerships with numerous institutions and led EMCC to become a learning-centered organization deeply valuing teaching, learning and caring.

Five awards were made in the form of $1,000 scholarships given in each awardee's name to a student at any college or center.