Phoenix College

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Phoenix College


Motto:	Go far, close to home
Established:	1920
Type:	Community College
President:	Dr. Anna Solley
Faculty:	955
Students:	12,000
Location:	Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
Campus:	Urban Main: 52 acres
Colors:	Gold & Blue
Nickname:	"PC"
Mascot:	Bear
Affiliations:	NJCAA
Website:	www.pc.maricopa.edu

Phoenix College (often referred to as simply "PC") is a community college located in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. Founded in 1920, it is one of the oldest community colleges in the country, which is arguably the reason why it is called Phoenix College as opposed to Phoenix Community College.

PC became a part of the Maricopa County Community College District in 1960, and is now considered the flagship campus of one of the largest community college system in the world. Phoenix College consists of the main campus in west central Phoenix, as well as a downtown campus located in the central business district of Phoenix. Phoenix College offers over 200 degree and certificate programs. PC also offers training geared towards professional community/business development and general interest. PC is also home of the Student Services Institute.

Phoenix College has 14 sports teams competing in the NJCAA. The women's softball team has won the NJCAA National Women's Softball Division II Championships 5 times in the last 7 years. The school has also won NJCAA championships in baseball (1960, 1962, 1965), men's track and field (1964, 1965, 1966), wrestling (1967-68, 1968-69), men's golf (1964), football (1964), and women's cross country (1985).

Many PC alumni have gone on to local and national prominence with successful careers in the arts, business, government, medical, and legal professions. Distinguished alumni include mayors, state senators, Native American tribal leaders, publishers, business executives, two Miss Americas (1949 and 1964) and two Arizona governors.

Prominent alumni celebrities include: film star Nick Nolte, Tony Award-winning actor Stephen Spinella, actor Peter Billingsley, daytime television star Jaime Lyn Bauer, Pop/Rhythm & Blues singer CeCe Peniston, and artist Eric Fischl.

Several former football players have played in the National Football League including Fred Carr, Bob Wallace, Eugene Jackson, Tom Johnson, Lyn Larsen, Tory Nixon, and "Scooter" Molander. Dennis Layton played for the National Basketball Association's Phoenix Suns and John Smith toured with the Harlem Globetrotter. Bears who have played Major League Baseball include Donnie Lee, Gary Gentry and Dave Rajsich.