Phoenix Mayor Gordon Named 2010 Maricopa Foundation ‘Hero’
Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon was introduced as the 2010 recipient of the Maricopa Community Colleges Heroes of Education Award at a September 23rd kickoff reception held at Morton’s Steakhouse in Phoenix.
Gordon will be honored at the fifth annual Recognition Dinner, set for April 7, 2010 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort. A 6 p.m. reception will be followed by the 7 p.m. dinner in the Biltmore’s Frank Lloyd Wright Ballroom.
Sponsored by the Maricopa Community Colleges and the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation, the fundraising Heroes of Education dinner honors those who have a proven personal and professional commitment to support Maricopa Community College students and educational opportunities. Proceeds from the Heroes of Education Recognition Dinner support student scholarships through the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation.
“It’s an honor to recognize Phil and the work he’s done as a supporter of and partner with our colleges,” said Rufus Glasper, Chancellor for the Maricopa Community Colleges. “He’s been a champion for the Maricopa Colleges for a long time.”
“It’s always gratifying to be involved with the Heroes of Education event,” Glasper added. “It shows the spirit of collaboration between the Maricopa Community Colleges and our community partners with the Foundation, and the positive difference in people’s lives that we can make when we work together on such a worthy cause.”
Gordon was first elected mayor in 2003 and in 2008 was named Best Mayor in North America by an international think tank located in London. He received his Bachelors degree in education from the University of Arizona and graduated cum laude from Arizona State University’s School of Law. He served as chief of staff for Phoenix Mayor Skip Rimsza in 1996, and later as a city councilman spearheaded Shannon’s Law, making it a felony to discharge a firearm within city limits.
As Mayor, Gordon lists his three city priorities as public safety, education and jobs. Under his leadership, the city has opened a new crime lab, hired 600 new police officers and firefighters, has worked to bring ASU and the UofA to a downtown Phoenix campus, and invested in small high schools to prepare students for immediate careers in public safety and nursing.
Earlier this year Gordon unveiled a 17-point Green Phoenix plan which has already been endorsed by the Secretary of Energy, and founded the Phoenix Global Trade Initiatives. A new light rail system, two new downtown hotels, a tripling in the size of the Phoenix Convention Center and the passage of an $878 million bond program have all occurred under his watch, garnering the city such accolades as 21st Century City in 2008 and All America City status in 2009.
“Phil Gordon is a wonderful advocate for education and an ideal person to be honored at our Heroes of Education dinner,” said Dr. Steve Helfgot, president and chief executive officer of the foundation. “He has demonstrated his commitment to support education and the students of Maricopa County.”
A student who has benefited directly from the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation was also recognized at the reception. Ottis Alexander Liggins addressed the crowd of dignitaries and talked about his background and efforts to succeed. He also expressed appreciation for foundation scholarship programs that annually help thousands of students attend one of the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges. Liggins is attending Phoenix College and is an alumni of the ACE (Achieving a College Education) program for high school students. He is a recipient of the Adair Scholarship for African-American Males.
More information on Heroes of Education and the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation is available by calling (480) 731-8400, or by visiting www.maricopa.edu/foundation.
Mayor Phil Gordon Mingles at Heroes Kickoff Student Ottis Liggins
