News Service

Celebration Re-opens
GCC Business Building

Aug. 20, 2009

Contacts for Media Representatives:

Jerry Porter jerry.porter@gcmail.maricopa.edu 623.845.3605
Patricia Rhodes Vogel pr.vogel@gcmail.maricopa.edu 623.845.3014

A technologically sophisticated environment awaits students taking classes in the newly remodeled Business building on the main campus of Glendale Community College (GCC). The building includes a feature believed to be the first use of its kind on a U.S. campus.

A grand re-opening celebration on Tuesday, Aug. 18, set the tone for the 43-year-old, two-story building's reintroduction as an educational complex on the College's campus. Among the dignitaries in attendance were Randolph Lumm, secretary of the Maricopa Community College District's Governing Board, Dr. Rufus Glasper, the district's chancellor, and Dr. Velvie Green, GCC president. Approximately 100 guests, faculty and staff attended the event, which was emceed by Charles Jeffery, dean of institutional planning.

The $3.25-million remodeling program was funded through a bond project approved overwhelmingly for the district in 2004 by Maricopa County voters. The architectural firm RNL developed the remodeling plans, and Jokake Construction served as the general contractor.

Comprehensive computer-system and infrastructure upgrades within the building were seen during building tours. Eight fully equipped computerized classrooms have been designed to enhance education through technologically advanced features while accommodating the needs of the College's increasing student population. In addition to classrooms, the building houses offices that include the GCC International Studies program.

Following are technological enhancements within the building:

Mobile classroom furniture and information technology (IT) – The first-floor classrooms were renovated to include a raised floor system that allows classroom furniture and computer resources to be reconfigured into various layouts that best facilitate the learning environment. This capability also provides GCC Facilities Management with more options for classroom arrangements.

New 17-inch widescreen monitors – The building has been given the desired look and feel of a corporate setting through the installation of new matching keyboards, mice and 200 flat-panel, television-sized computer monitors.

Wireless "N" Included – The Business building includes support for the newest and fastest wireless standard: 802.11n. Students will be able to take notes on the fly using their favorite electronic device. The atmosphere is designed to keep the students engaged so they can take charge of their own education.

Dual Boot Technology – Business faculty will have the choice of instructing students with either the Windows XP or Vista operating systems. While the ability to dual boot a Windows computer is not a new concept, GCC's IT engineers developed a method of transferring the software package to hundreds of computers simultaneously without the need to touch each separate workstation during or after the imaging process. GCC's Office of Information Technology (OIT) believes no other campus in the United States has completed such an endeavor.

The building includes new mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems to create more energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. Additionally, exterior spaces include space for student activities, and a new breezeway was created to help engage students and staff with the facility and to allow for easier campus circulation.

Multiple departments across the GCC campus – OIT, Planning, Facilities Management, Maintenance and Operations, Library Media Services and the Business and Information Technology department faculty – collaborated in completing the successful remodeling project.

GCC Fall classes begin Saturday, Aug. 22, and during the week of Monday, Aug. 24. Visit http://www.My.maricopa.edu for listings of courses at GCC's main campus, the GCC North campus at 5757 W. Happy Valley Road, Phoenix, or at the Communiversity @ Surprise in the Northwest Valley. Enrollment information also is available by calling 623.845.3333. Also, visit http://www.gccaz.edu for additional information about the College.