Muscatine Community College (MCC) is thrilled to extend a warm invitation to all members of the community to join us for the annual MCC Legends celebration on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at the Merrill Hotel, 119 W Mississippi Dr., Muscatine. The festivities will begin with dinner at 5:30 p.m., followed by a program honoring this year’s MCC Legends, former biology instructor Paul Mayes, and music instructor Jan Phillips. Tickets are available online at eicc.edu/mcclegends.
Both Mayes and Phillips exemplify dedication, passion, and a commitment to education that continues to inspire. Mayes, known for his expertise in biology, and Phillips, celebrated for her contributions to music education, have each touched the lives of countless individuals during their tenure at MCC. Students who had the privilege of learning from them recall the passion and joy they brought to their respective subjects, as well as their support and care for students.
Beyond the classroom, both Mayes and Phillips remain actively engaged in the Muscatine community. Phillips directs the Muscatine Civic Chorale and the choir at Walnut Baptist Church, while also coordinating volunteers for the MCC Food Pantry. Meanwhile, Mayes contributes his time to various community initiatives, including the Muscatine Pollinators' group and educational workshops.
The Legends celebration promises a delightful culinary experience, with samples of signature dishes from some of the area's best restaurants, as well as creations from MCC Culinary students. Participating restaurants include Kedough Bakery, Jaliescence, Maxwell’s, Mississippi Brew, Port City Underground, Rendezvous, Skinny’s BBQ, and Geneva Golf and Country Club.
In addition, guests can look forward to an engaging live auction, featuring an array of prizes generously donated by local businesses. Auction items range from a pet spa day courtesy of MCC's Veterinary Technician program to a luxurious night's stay at the Merrill Hotel, complete with dining vouchers for Maxwell’s.
MCC Legends is supported by the MJC/ MCC Alumni Association and MCC Foundation. The MJC/MCC Alumni Association supports current students through a grant process and has granted over $14,000 in the last five years to assist student groups, such as Phi Theta Kappa, Business Professionals of America, LULAC, MCC Student Success Center and the publication of a student creative writing project.
The MCC Foundation will grant $450,000 in student scholarships next year to support the mission of access to education. Hundreds of students are helped every year through Foundation scholarships. The event will help raise funds for MCC students through the MJC/ MCC Alumni Association and the MCC Foundation.
Previous Legends honored by MCC include esteemed individuals such as Max Allan Collins, Jeff Armstrong, Marv Krieger and Evelyn Schauland, Roy J. Sr. and Lucille Carver, and Stan and Helen Howe.
Tickets are available online at eicc.edu/mcclegends. For more information, contact Courtney Cooper at ckcooper@eicc.edu or 563-288-6005.