Community is Invited to GCC Awards Gala
Contacts:Suzanne Higgins suzanne.higgins@gcmail.maricopa.edu 623.845.3808
Patricia Vogel pr.vogel@gcmail.maricopa.edu 623.845.3014
The public is invited to attend the Glendale Community College "Awards for Excellence" alumni recognition dinner on Saturday, April 26, at the Glendale Civic Center Sapphire Ballroom, 5750 W. Glen Drive in Glendale.
The theme of the evening is "We are Champions," and the event will celebrate the outstanding GCC Athletic program that has produced seven national championship teams since 1967. Additionally, the evening's five major awards will be presented to persons who have greatly benefited the college or who are outstanding alumni.
The evening begins at 6 p.m. with cocktails, a power drawing for wonderful prizes, and entertainment. At 7 p.m. the Awards for Excellence will be presented along with a tribute video about the award recipients and the seven championship athletic teams. At 8 p.m. dinner will be served, and music and entertainment will continue at 9 p.m. Glendale Community College, the GCC Alumni Association and the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation are sponsors of the event.
Tickets for the event are $60 per person. Power drawing tickets are three for $30, six for $50, or 20 for $100. All proceeds will benefit GCC athletic programs and student scholarships. Call Frances Mateo at 623.845.3147 by April 18 to RSVP and purchase tickets.
Awards to be given are:
Outstanding Alumni Award for Excellence: to Phillippi Sparks, a GCC alumnus (1987-1989) and former NFL player for the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys.
Distinguished Philanthropist Award: to Brad and Michelle Anderson, for outstanding contributions to the 2005 National Championship Football Team.
Distinguished Service Award: to Clem Ortega, who served as the GCC Equipment Manager for more than 30 years and going above and beyond his duties.
Distinguished Friend Award: to Eugene and Catherine Beal, loyal and generous friends of the GCC Athletic program, especially the Gaucho Baseball program.
Student Advocate Award: to Mary Lou Massal, Dean of Enrollment Services, who has guided students and advocated on their behalf for almost 40 years. (Photo of Dean Massal attached.)
The seven national championship teams to be celebrated are:
1967 Cross Country Champions 1968 Baseball Champions 1988 Football Champions 1994 Women's Softball Champions 1996 Women's Basketball Champions, 3rd Place 2000 Football Champions 2005 Football Champions
