Be a Student's Hero is coming May 3, 2024!

Vince Roig Honored at Heroes of Education Dinner

News May 8, 2014
VIP Guests at 2014 Heroes of Education Awards

The Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation (MCCF), the fundraising arm of the Maricopa Community Colleges, awards the Heroes of Education award each year to a champion of public education in Arizona.

The individual who earns this recognition has a proven personal and professional commitment to support Maricopa Community College students and educational opportunities. That’s why it was easy to select this year’s recipient.

Vince Roig, the Founding Chairman of the Board of the Helios Education Foundation, was honored for his decade’s long leadership in helping thousands of students succeed in completing their higher education goals at the event April 10 at the Sheraton in Downtown Phoenix.

The Helios Education Foundation is dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals in Arizona and Florida to succeed in postsecondary education.

The Heroes of Education event not only recognizes a champion for education in the community, but proceeds from the event go towards student scholarships. With more than 650 community and business leaders in attendance, the MCCF raised more than $129,000 in new scholarship money.

Then, a surprise no one was expecting.

“I would like to announce a new Helios investment of $2 million in partnership with the Maricopa Community Colleges,” Roig announced proudly while giving his remarks after receiving his award. “This partnership is to help Latinos get degrees.”

Roig expressed a concern about the growing disparity with the academic achievement of Latino students.

“The education gap between Latino kids and the non-Latino kids is a real critical issue for the state of Arizona” he said. “It’s something that needs to be addressed both aggressively and quickly.” The ultimate goal will be to help students finish their degrees at a Maricopa Community College and prepare them for the workforce.

“This event was one of our largest and our hero was outstanding,” said Dr. Steve Helfgot, CEO of MCCF. “Needless to say the surprise $2 million from Helios made the night. We are now going to be able to significantly help students, and help bridge the achievement gap among Latino students.”

For more information about the Heroes of Education event, contact Letty Graham Corona at 480.731.8399.