More than $100,000 was raised at South Mountain Community College’s Heart of the Mountain gala on Friday, April 17, 2026, with proceeds directly benefitting the college’s Student Emergency Fund.
Nearly 250 guests attended the event held at the Legacy Golf Club, in which the college also awarded its inaugural College and Community Impact Award to former NFL player and Phoenix resident Markus Wheaton.
Honoring Markus Wheaton
This award honors an individual or organization whose philanthropy, advocacy, and collaborative partnerships have meaningfully reduced barriers to access, persistence, and success for SMCC students and the college community. This award recognizes sustained investment of time, talent, or resources that has opened doors, strengthened pathways, and created lasting opportunities for students and residents striving to transform their lives.
Originally from Phoenix, Wheaton went to Chandler High school before attending Oregon State University and eventually being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now retired, Wheaton returned to his hometown, and has partnered with the college on continuous efforts to expand the reach of the college’s food drives. This included greatly expanding the college’s annual Food and Turkey Drive in November, where the college hands out free turkeys, as well as other food and necessities to families in need. These efforts directly support the students and families of this community who may be struggling with food insecurity, a hurdle that can easily derail even the most dedicated of students.
About the SMCC Student Emergency Fund, Named in Honor of Verna McClain
The South Mountain Community College Student Emergency Fund is available for SMCC students who are experiencing an emergency and in need of immediate financial resources to support their student success. Up to $500 is available to a student and is provided within 48 hours.
The scholarship is named after Verna McClain, who is often referred to as the “Mother of South Mountain Community College.” Verna left a legacy of camaraderie and advocacy to build a united and educated community in South Phoenix.
The college celebrates Verna's instrumental role in the creation of the college, and this fund honors her legacy in helping to ensure that every student can achieve their career and educational goals, no matter the emergency they may face.