Awards Gala Generates Almost $20,000 to Support GCC, EMCC Students, Programs
June 1, 2009
Media Contacts:
Jerry Porter
jerry.porter@gcmail.maricopa.edu 623.845.3605
Suzanne Higgins
suzanne.higgins@gcmail.maricopa.edu 623.845.3808
Patricia Rhodes Vogel
pr.vogel@gcmail.maricopa.edu 623.845.3014
GLENDALE, Ariz. (June 1, 2009) – Almost $20,000 was generated to benefit student scholarships and programs at two West Valley community colleges through the 2009 Awards for Excellence recognition dinner and gala presented May 9 at the Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa.
More than 300 area residents and dignitaries attended the third-annual event that was presented by Glendale and Estrella Mountain Community colleges in conjunction with the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation.
The colleges also honored eight individuals or organizations with Awards for Excellence for exemplary contributions to students and the community.
Glendale Community College (GCC) presented the following honors: Banner Health, Outstanding Community Partner Award of Excellence; Dr. Ruby Gordon, Special Award for Excellence; Glendale Fire Department Crisis Response Team, Distinguished Service Award for Excellence; April Orr, Student Advocate Award of Excellence; and Dr. John Thompson, Outstanding Alumni Award for Excellence.
Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) honored the following: CORE Construction, Outstanding Community Partner Award for Excellence; Alexander Andrews, Student Advocate Award for Excellence; and Reyes Medrano, Jr., Outstanding Alumni Award for Excellence.
GCC originated the Awards for Excellence in 2006, with EMCC joining the recognition and scholarship-development program this year. Past honorees have included GCC alums Gov. Jan Brewer and former NFL player Phillippi Sparks, father of Jordin Sparks, winner of the sixth season of American Idol.
GCC and EMCC are two of the 10 campuses of the Maricopa Community College District and offer transfer-ready academic courses and job-specific training. GCC, which last year served more than 30,000 students, has campuses at 59th and Olive avenues in Glendale and 57th Avenue and West Happy Valley Road in Phoenix. EMCC, located at Thomas and Dysart roads in Avondale, served approximately 13,000 students last year. For more information, visit www.maricopa.edu.
