GCC Alumni and friends are invited to enjoy a fabulous evening on Saturday, May 9, at the third annual Awards for Excellence at the Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa in Litchfield Park. The gala celebrates exemplary individuals and organizations for significant achievements plus their contributions to community success and education. The event is co-hosted by Glendale and Estrella Mountain Community Colleges plus the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation as a benefit for student scholarships and programs.



Last year, GCC alumnus and former professional football player Phillippi Sparks received the 2008 Outstanding Alumni Award for Excellence. He is pictured at left with Dr. Velvie Green, president of GCC.



Recognition is focused this year on the healthcare arena. Selected as honorees by GCC and the GCC Alumni Association are:

Outstanding Community Partner Award for Excellence: Banner Health

Distinguished Service Award for Excellence: Glendale Fire Department Crisis Response Team

Special Award for Excellence: Ruby Gordon, Ph.D.

Student Advocate Award for Excellence: April Orr

Outstanding Alumni Award for Excellence: John Thompson, D.O

Festivities begin at 6 p.m. with a reception and silent auction, dinner served at 7:30 p.m. and the awards presentations at 8:30 p.m. followed by dancing. For more information or to buy tickets, priced at $50 per person, contact Suzanne Smelser at 623.845.3477 or suzanne.smelser@gcmail.maricopa.edu or order online at http://www.estrellamountain.edu/hub/awards/.