Student Success Is a Family Affair at the Community College of Aurora
Honoring the Legacies of Those That Serve Before Us
This week, we proudly unveiled the Dr. Linda Speier Bowman Teaching and Learning Transformation Hub—a space dedicated to inclusive, innovative, and student-centered learning. Named in honor of Dr. Bowman, CCA’s third president, this hub recognizes her unwavering commitment to student success, institutional excellence, and educational access.
Dr. Bowman’s visionary leadership helped increase graduation rates, strengthen community partnerships, and lay the foundation for the work we continue today. Her legacy is one of purpose and possibility—reminding us that bold leadership in higher education can change lives and transform futures.
At the Community College of Aurora, we embrace the responsibility to build upon this legacy by creating new academic and career pathways that drive economic mobility for every learner we serve.
Please join us in celebrating Dr. Bowman and the countless students, educators, and leaders who continue to carry the torch of transformation forward.
Dr. Mordecai Wins "Man of the Year" Award by the Aurora Chamber of Commerce
I am deeply humbled and honored to be named “Man of the Year” by the Aurora Chamber of Commerce. Serving the greater Aurora community as President of the Community College of Aurora has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. This community has truly been an answered prayer.
Through our shared commitment to student success, we’ve built powerful collaborations with business and industry, opened doors to apprenticeships, internships, and job placements, created new four-year transfer pathways, and celebrated record fundraising for scholarships and capital improvements.
Every milestone we reach is a testament to what we can accomplish together. Thank you, Aurora, for embracing CCA’s mission and vision and for allowing me to serve with purpose and heart.
The best is yet to come.
(First photo includes all winners from the evening. The second photo includes my wife, Daphne.)
Dr. Mordecai Keynotes UPCEA Annual Conference
I’m filled with gratitude after having the honor of delivering the keynote address, “The Business of Higher Education: Elevating Access, Equity, and Mobility,” at the UPCEA Annual Conference in beautiful Denver, Colorado.
A heartfelt thank you to the Community College of Aurora for your continued support and for sharing me with UPCEA for this impactful opportunity. I’m proud to represent an institution that is boldly committed to student transformation, innovation, and service to all learners.
When we lead with access, operate with equity, and stay focused on student transformation, we unlock the true power of higher education to create economic mobility for all.
Phi Theta Kappa Catalyst Annual Conference
What an incredible honor to join our inspiring Community College of Aurora students at the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Annual Catalyst meeting. Hearing their dreams and aspirations reminded me why we do this work—and how we must continue to strengthen the student experience at CCA.
While there, I had the pleasure of connecting with Chancellor Kimberly Beatty of Metropolitan Community College and attending a powerful session led by Hall of Fame broadcaster James Brown. Truly an impactful time of learning, connection, and hope for the future.
Proud of our CCA students and excited for what lies ahead!
Community College of Aurora Parnters with Culture Club at Colorado Early Colleges DC North High Schoo
Huge thanks to the incredible student officers of the Culture Club at Colorado Early Colleges DC North High School for inviting the Community College of Aurora to be part of your college fair!
We are honored to connect with future leaders and share the many opportunities available at CCA. Our commitment remains strong—to build academic pathways that lead to economic mobility through career-ready programs and seamless transfer options.
Together, we’re creating brighter futures—one student at a time.
CCA and NJC Partnership Expands Crucial Paramedic Training forUnderserved Area of Northeastern Colorado
AURORA, Colo. – The Community College of Aurora (opens in a new window) (CCA) is proud to announce the successful conclusion of its satellite paramedic training program at Northeastern Junior College (opens in a new window) (NJC). This collaborative initiative, a partnership under CCA’s accreditation and supervision, has been instrumental in providing paramedic training in northeastern Colorado for the first time in two decades.
Read more by clicking here.
Dr. Mordecai Officially Receives NASPA Foundation Pillar of the Profession Award
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the Community College of Aurora for your unwavering support this week as I attended the NASPA - Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education Annual Conference, where I had the tremendous honor of receiving the Pillar of the Profession Award from the NASPA Foundation.
This recognition is more than a personal milestone—it is a reflection of the incredible people, purpose, and passion that fuel our work every day. The student affairs profession has been my foundation. It taught me the value of truly seeing and honoring others, the importance of designing student experiences that nurture the whole learner, and the transformative power of love-driven leadership.
To my colleagues, our students, and the entire CCA community: thank you for walking this journey with me. This moment belongs to all of us.
- Dr. Mordecai
American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education Annual Conference
Excited to Serve on the #AAHHE20 Panel: "Leading with Hope and Shaping Our Future for Latiné Students in Community Colleges"
Tomorrow, I am honored to join the AAHHE - American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education for their 20th Annual Conference at Metropolitan State University of Denver—a pivotal gathering focused on advancing equity, access, and success for Hispanic students in higher education.
As leaders, we must be intentional about shaping a future where Latiné students thrive—not just survive. Community colleges are engines of economic mobility, and hope is the foundation of transformation.
Learn more about the conference: www.aahhe.org.
Honoring Our Armed Forces & Colorado Freedom Memorial
At the Community College of Aurora, we honor the sacrifice and service of our veteran students—past and present—by ensuring they have a dedicated space on campus that reflects our deep gratitude and unwavering support. This space stands as a testament to their courage, resilience, and the profound impact they have on our college community.
CCA is proud to unveil a brand-new space dedicated to the courageous individuals who have served their country in the United States military and present a $5,000 check to the Colorado Freedom Memorial.
Remarkably, the Colorado Freedom Memorial holds the names of more than 6,000 Coloradans killed or missing in action in all wars and all branches of service. We are grateful for all those currently serving and have served, especially those who sacrificed their lives for our country.
Community College of Aurora Strategic Planning Summit
