GCC Master Planning Again in the Spotlight

Many of you participated in the GCC facilities master planning process, and I want you and others to know about the next steps. All Maricopa District presidents have been asked to present to the Governing Board and the Chancellor's Executive Committee a status report and overview of our respective colleges' master planning efforts. These reports, in the form of a two-page written summary and 35-minute presentation, respond to a request for detailed information as Board members contemplate a possible bond election in November 2004. I will be presenting on April 29. Our presentation addresses GCC history, highlights of past bond projects, West Valley growth, partnerships, and our vision for accommodating students' needs in the next 10 to 20 years and beyond. I will keep you apprised about the next steps in this very important process.

Graduation Ceremonies Galore

It's the time of year for celebrations of academic achievement, and GCC will hold as many graduation-related events as ever. Specifically, I want to acknowledge the graduation ceremonies that have been brought to my attention: Honors Program, May 9, 6:30 p.m.; Nursing, May 13, 7:00 p.m.; Automotive Service Educational Program (ASEP), May 15, 6:30 p.m.; Fire Science (two classes), May 17; and Police Academy, May 22, 6:30 p.m. Of course, other academic programs may be holding end-of-year ceremonies that I am not aware of, and to all of you I send my best wishes. GCC Spring Commencement will be held Fri., May 16 at 7:00 p.m.

Trip Reduction Survey

The 2003 Trip Reduction Survey--mandated by both state and county law--is underway now and your help is needed. It takes only a few moments to fill out the survey. April 29 is the deadline. Did you know that GCC is required to demonstrate a minimum 60 percent return? Please do your part to assist us in reaching our campus goal. Any questions can be directed to Trudy Movich at 5-3540.

Budget Development Framework Proposed

I hope many of you read my April 21 e-mail to the campus community outlining the status of proposed changes to GCC's budget process. As previously reported, a group of faculty and staff worked with me to identify goals and some approaches to how the overall budget process could be streamlined and improved. Our discussions have resulted in a proposed framework that could guide decision-making in new ways. Please join me and others on Fri., May 2, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. to review this framework and address any questions. The meeting will be held in the High Tech Center I Teleconference Room. You will have the opportunity to review and comment on our work to date, and help us navigate through the issues that affect so many of us when we consider the GCC budget.

Employee Recognition Committee Update

I inadvertently omitted some credit where credit is due as it relates to our Employee Recognition Committee, whose online employee awards program was nominated for a District-wide innovation award. Although the program did not win the top honor, we were proud to be nominated. Martha Gail Richmond is a member of the committee, in addition to those mentioned in my Feb. 28 newsletter; also, Bobby Sample was instrumental in creating the online awards program. We will be looking at ways of building on the good work of the Employee Recognition Committee as we approach a new academic year.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Scholarship Luncheon Highlights; Alumni Reception/Auction May 2

For those who give to the College, we cannot say "thank you" enough. Doing exactly that was the theme of GCC's second annual Scholarship Luncheon, April 11. Alumni/Community Relations Coordinator Judy Blake did a great job in creating a festive atmosphere in which 79 students and 29 donors came together to celebrate the life-changing power of scholarships. I am pleased with the strides we are making in our outreach to donors and alumni, and how that outreach is being progressively integrated with other college advancement priorities. You can support our students and alumni by attending the GCC Alumni Association's "Evening with the Arts," Fri., May 2 at 6:30 p.m. This event will showcase the Student Art Exhibition and support the "Opening Doors" Scholarship. A silent auction with 50 items will be featured. For more information, contact Judy Blake at 5-3481.

New Congressman Visits GCC

Rep. Trent Franks, elected last November to serve Arizona's 2nd Congressional District, was on campus April 15 as part of an open house hosted by the Glendale and U.S. Chambers of Commerce. I and others from GCC were pleased to meet Rep. Franks and hear his views on a wide range of issues. We plan to remain in contact with Rep. Franks and keep him apprised about the many good things happening at GCC.

Arizona Military Family Picnic Brings Hundreds to GCC

On Sat., April 26, Rep. Trent Franks, Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs and the Americans for Military Readiness organization jointly hosted an "Arizona Military Family Picnic" on our campus. This appears to be a "first" for the West Valley and we were honored to be asked to provide the facilities for this free, large-scale event. I had the opportunity to spend part of the afternoon with these and several other elected officials, and interview with Channel 15 TV. Many hundreds of people attended, and I heard exclusively positive comments about how GCC continues to open its doors to community needs.

Student Awards Luncheon

My thanks also to the staff of Student Life who hosted another successful Student Awards Program on Sun., April 27. It was inspiring to hear so many student stories and share the experience with dozens of students, their family and friends.

Dr. Phil D. Randolph
President
Glendale Community College