Happy Thanksgiving!
My bride and I are out burning calories before we take them on. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.
God Bless you and your families.
Aurora, Colorado is Officially One of America’s Great Defense Communities!
We’re proud to celebrate Aurora’s recognition as one of America’s Great Defense Communities!
This honor, awarded by the Association of Defense Communities and USAA, highlights the incredible partnership between the Greater Buckley Region, Buckley Space Force Base, and the many organizations—like the Community College of Aurora—that help service members and their families thrive.
As part of this community, CCA proudly serves as a workforce and talent development partner, preparing military-connected learners for success in the classroom, the workplace, and beyond.
🎖️ We salute all who serve and celebrate this recognition of our collective impact.
Watch the video here.
Introducing the 2025 Community College of Aurora Presidential Scholars! 🎉
📣 The Community College of Aurora proudly introduces the 2025 Presidential Scholars—ten extraordinary students who represent the very best of Aurora’s “world in a city.”
These scholars speak more than 12 languages, come from six countries, and share a common drive: to balance family, education, and leadership on their way to shaping Colorado’s future workforce.
Thanks to the generosity of our partners—Civitas Resources, Nelnet, and Amazon—each scholar receives a $3,000 scholarship, monthly leadership development, and access to professional mentors who are opening doors to new opportunities.
💡 From nursing and computer science to business, engineering, and communications, their journeys remind us that excellence knows no boundaries—and education is the great equalizer.
👏 Join us in celebrating the 2025 Presidential Scholars and the sponsors and mentors who make this transformative program possible.
First Week of Fall Semester at Community College of Aurora
To learn more about the Community College of Aurora, please visit www.CCAurora.edu
Supporting African Leadership Group
Last night, Dr. Mordecai and his wife, Daphne, represented the Community College of Aurora at the 10th Annual African Leadership Group’s Afrik Impact Gala. To learn more about the African Leadership Group, please visit: https://usalg.org/
🎉 Legacy. Leadership. Lift-Off. 🎉
Recently, we officially cut the ribbon on our new Community College of Aurora Foundation Conference Room, but this wasn’t just about a room. It was about legacy. It was about honoring the visionaries, founders, and advocates who helped turn the Community College of Aurora from a dream into a driving force for economic mobility and personal transformation.
To stand alongside individuals like Jim Lewien and Molly Link, whose late husband, Bill Wiggins, was a founding board member of the CCA Foundation, was deeply humbling. We celebrated our past, uplifted our present, and looked boldly toward our future.
We heard from incredible voices: John Wolfkill, Mike Hanley, and Jamie Butler, one of our phenomenal CCAF Presidential Scholars, who reminded us all why this work matters.
And here's the impact: This past year, the CCA Foundation raised nearly $900,000 in scholarship and emergency funding to directly support our students. That’s the power of partnership. That’s the heart of CCA.
To our students, alumni, donors, and community: this is your space, your story, and your future. Let’s keep building it—TOGETHER!
Happy 4th of July
Yesterday, our incredible Strategic Communications team and I recorded Community College of Aurora’s Quarter Three Update video in Heritage Hall, the beautifully renovated space at our CentreTech Campus, designed to visually celebrate 41 years of our institutional impact.
I can’t wait to share all the exciting progress we’re making together, from new facilities and partnerships to expanded opportunities for our students and community.
Wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and restorative 4th of July holiday!
Celebrating Our Community College of Aurora Alumni
On behalf of the Community College of Aurora, I am extremely proud of you, Mr. Michael Bonsu. Michael recently graduated from our institution as a concurrently enrolled student. This past weekend, he received a scholarship from the Alpha Phi Alpha George E. Hailey Scholarship Endowment.
This fall, Michael will be attending American University. Congratulations, Michael! The best is yet to come for you and your family.
Credit Union of Colorado CEO Phil Smith recognized for extraordinary leadership as board president of the Community College of Aurora Foundation
Gratitude. Leadership. Impact.
Recently, the Community College of Aurora had the honor of recognizing Phil Smith, CEO of Credit Union of Colorado, for his extraordinary leadership as board president of the Community College of Aurora Foundation.
Over the past three years, Phil has helped lead a philanthropic charge that resulted in:
✅ Nearly $4 million raised for scholarships and student priorities
✅ Over $17 million secured for critical capital projects
✅ More than $2 million awarded directly to students through scholarships and emergency assistance
These aren’t just investments in a college—they are investments in people, in potential, and in a more equitable future for Colorado families.
As president of CCA, I’ve witnessed firsthand how business and industry leaders can shape the trajectory of student lives when they choose to lead with purpose. Phil’s servant leadership reminds me that when business and education work together, the possibilities are transformational.
Thank you, Phil, for believing in our mission and modeling what it looks like to lead with heart and vision.
Let’s keep building. Together.
Dr. Mordecai Becomes Founding Member of the American Association of Consulting and Coaching (AHECC)
This week, we're excited to feature Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, a consultant and executive coach empowering leaders to navigate complex change through equity, courage, and strategic insight.
Mordecai works with colleges, nonprofits, and professional networks to:
-Facilitate equity-driven strategic planning
-Deliver keynotes and workshops on access, innovation, and leadership
-Coach executives and teams toward inclusive, values-aligned growth
-Develop leadership pipelines rooted in authenticity and impact
With an approach that blends real-world leadership experience with engaging delivery, Mordecai helps organizations move from intention to transformation.
Learn more and connect with Mordecai at itsdrmordecai.com
Connect with higher education consulting and coaching leaders like Mordecai: ahecc.org/join
Daphne Brownlee Graduates From Leadership Aurora
Recently, Dr. Mordecai celebrated his bride, Daphne, and her completion of a 10-month leadership development program tailored specifically for the community of Aurora, Colorado. Congratulations, Daphne!
Brownlee Family Presented With Colorado State Flag by Colorado Freedom Memorial
This morning, my heart was deeply moved as the Colorado Freedom Memorial honored me and my family with a presentation of the Colorado flag. Standing on sacred ground dedicated to those who gave everything for our freedoms and receiving such a gesture was an honor.
Our children were also named Honorary Colorado Silver Air Patrolmen, a recognition that will stay with them forever and instill the values of service, sacrifice, and pride.
Thank you to the Colorado Freedom Memorial for this unforgettable honor. From our family to yours, thank you. It is an honor to serve this community.
Meeting the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor
I am grateful to the Colorado Business Roundtable for arranging a powerful opportunity to connect with Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer and her team.
I was honored to share how community colleges, like the Community College of Aurora, are not just educational institutions—we are economic engines, opportunity builders, and the frontline of workforce development in this country.
From skilled trades to emerging industries, we prepare learners of all backgrounds to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy. But to continue doing so effectively, we must expand access, which means sustained investment in Pell Grants, especially the approval of Workforce/Short-Term Pell.
This is more than policy. It’s about people. It’s about unlocking upward economic mobility in every zip code.
Thank you, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer, for listening and for recognizing the vital role of our nation’s community colleges.
Embracing the Future of Work: A Moment of Purposeful Dialogue
I had the distinct honor of moderating a powerful panel at the Colorado Business Roundtable’s Future of Work: Looking Around Corners convening. The event gathered changemakers, executives, and forward-thinkers committed to shaping Colorado’s economic future—through innovation, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose.
Our panel discussion explored the dynamic shifts in workforce expectations, the evolution of leadership in a post-pandemic economy, and the emerging technologies that are rewriting the rules of engagement between education, business, and community development. From AI to equity, from talent pipelines to organizational agility, the conversation was as timely as it was transformative.
I’m incredibly grateful to President Debbie Brown and the COBRT team for entrusting me with this opportunity. They could have chosen anyone to guide the dialogue—but they chose me, and I do not take that lightly. The feedback, energy, and insight shared by the audience affirmed that our collective work is making a difference.
As we look around corners toward the future, one thing remains clear: we must keep convening, listening, and boldly leading.
Let’s keep building.
Advocating at the Nation's Capital for Workforce Pell
Last week, I had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. alongside Accelerate Colorado and the Aurora Economic Development Council to advocate on behalf of our students, our communities, and the future of workforce education.
In every conversation—with Senator Michael Bennet, Congressman Jason Crow, Senator John Hickenlooper, and Congressman Jeff Hurd—I emphasized the urgent need for Workforce Pell. This expansion is critical to ensuring that Career and Technical Education programs, like those offered at the Community College of Aurora, are fully accessible to learners seeking opportunity, mobility, and purpose.
As it stands, many of these short-term, high-impact programs do not qualify for Pell Grant funding. This limits access for the very students who would benefit most. Workforce Pell has the power to change that—and to strengthen our partnerships with business and industry in the process.
I’m grateful to our elected leaders for their time and attention—and especially proud to represent an institution like CCA that believes in bold advocacy, equitable access, and economic transformation through education.
Together, we can ensure that policy reflects the real promise of our people.
New Record Set at Recent CCA Foundation Luncheon
What a moment for the Community College of Aurora!
Our recent CCA Foundation Luncheon wasn’t just another event—it was a resounding declaration of what’s possible when a community believes in the power of education.
With over 450 guests in attendance and nearly $250,000 raised in support of our students, we celebrated a historic day for the CCA Foundation. This was our largest and most successful luncheon to date—and it couldn’t have happened without many of you.
To our incredible business community, civic partners, alumni, and friends—thank you for your trust and continued investment in the promise of our students. Your belief fuels our mission of economic mobility, educational equity, and community transformation.
A heartfelt thank you to the CCA Foundation dream team—John Wolfkill, Katlynn Del Dotto, Courtney Kronschnabel, and Britt Davis—for your tireless dedication and vision. And to our students who shared their stories with courage and grace: you are why we do what we do.
Aurora, once again, you showed up. And for that, we are forever grateful.
Family Time is Essential
In the midst of all the responsibilities, deadlines, and ambitions, it’s moments like these that remind me what truly matters.
Family time isn’t just a luxury — it’s a necessity. It’s where we find strength, renewal, and the grounding that allows us to pursue our purpose with even greater passion.
Today, I’m grateful for these precious moments with my family — and I hope this post serves as a gentle reminder to make time for what matters most. No title, achievement, or milestone will ever outweigh the gift of being present with those we love.
Wishing everyone balance, joy, and meaningful connection in your journey ahead.
Student Success Is a Family Affair at the Community College of Aurora
At CCA, we believe that no one crosses the finish line alone. That’s why our annual Student Success Awards is more than just a celebration—it's a tribute to the families, mentors, and friends who lift up our graduates every step of the way.
From cheering grandparents to dancing toddlers, this was a true family-friendly celebration of achievement and resilience.
We welcomed our soon-to-be graduates and their entire support systems—those who offered late-night encouragement, shared childcare duties, and reminded our students of their greatness when the journey got hard.
This is what student success looks like in an inclusive, equity-centered learning community. A space where children run free, laughter fills the air, and every supporter gets the recognition they deserve.
Swipe through these powerful moments that reflect the spirit of CCA: a college where we don’t just graduate students—we graduate families.
Honoring the Legacies of Those That Serve Before Us
