The following memo is the first of a regular series of informational memos I will be sending to the college community. I will try to keep them brief, but informative. Your feedback is always appreciated.
COLLEGE ACTIVITIES, EVENTS, AND RECOGNITIONS
New Employees
Please welcome three new employees to GCC: Rachelle Hall - Business faculty, Helen Chan in Admissions and Records, and Carl Croonenberghs, M&O. Welcome to GCC!
GCC Adjunct Faculty Honored
At the last Governing Board meeting, Linda Landrum from GCC was honored as an outstanding adjunct faculty member. Linda teaches Spanish in the Foreign Language department. Congratulations Linda!
Master Planning
On May 10th, I attended an update presentation on GCC's master planning. It was facilitated by Dr. Elsner and Jeremy Jones, VP and Director of Design for DWL Architects. All Maricopa colleges are engaged in similar master planning activities. GCC's master plan will help to shape and guide the future development of the college. The master plan is still evolving, and the architect has provided drawings that depict some of the options being considered. These drawings can be seen in the HT1 Teleconference Room.
Futures Committee
It was a privilege to attend the meeting of the GCC Futures Committee held in the Student Lounge on May 13th. Thanks to the efforts of the co-chairs, Mark and Charlotte Montanus, and the facilitators, Nanci Burk and Paul Romo, it was a great way to learn about priorities and planning at GCC. A summary report of the committee's activities is forthcoming.
Fire Academy Graduation
Last Thursday, I attended the graduation ceremonies for the GCC Fire Fighters' Academy. GCC Faculty member and Assistant Department Chair, Doug DeSanti, hosted an outstanding event. This past year, the academy trained over 100 fire fighters. Congratulations to Doug and his colleagues.
Construction Update
Progress is being made on the new Enrollment Center, now that there is a new general contractor in place, and we anticipate moving into the facility in June. Final "punch list" work is also underway in the Fine Arts Building by this same contractor. The fire lane and sidewalk project that will produce a "fire engine sturdy drive path" on the South side of the East/West mall and along the West side of the North/South mall will soon go out to bid and initial work could begin this summer. The CL building will have an HVAC upgrade during the winter break. All "tenants" will be vacated for a short period of time so that the new equipment can be installed.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
West Valley Think Tank
On May 9th, Dean Sanchez and I attended a meeting of the West Valley Think Tank at ASU West. The Think Tank membership includes the presidents of GCC and EMCC, the provost of ASU West, and superintendents from K-12 schools in western Maricopa county. Topics discussed included teacher education, K-12 and community college funding, and federal and state legislation. Also attending the meeting was Jaime Molera, State Superintendent of Public Instruction; Anna Solley, Vice Chancellor of Student and Academic Affairs; and Diane McCarthy, Executive Director of Westmarc. The Think Tank is an excellent forum for exchanging ideas and information related to growth, development, and education in western Maricopa.
ASU West
Following the meeting of the West Valley Think Tank, Dean Sanchez and I met with Dr. Elaine Maimon, Provost of ASU West, to discuss several GCC – ASU West partnership programs. Our meeting was productive and we have scheduled a follow-up meeting for May 28th.
Civic Luncheon honoring Diane McCarthy
On May 15th, community leaders and the Salvation Army held a luncheon to honor Diane McCarthy for her contributions to the economic growth and development of the West Valley. Don Bilse, retired GCC Faculty, was the master of ceremonies. Mary Lou Massal and Dr. John Waltrip, President Emeritus of GCC, were also in attendance. It was nice to see Diane honored – and it was a nice opportunity for me to reconnect with the greater Glendale community.
MEETINGS
I'm pleased that so many of you have responded to my request to meet with you, your department, your employee group and/or your organization. As of this date, meetings are scheduled with the GCC Hispanic faculty and staff, and the Maintenance and Operations staff. In addition, it has been a real pleasure to meet with so many of you on an informal basis. Roxie has scheduled time for me to be "out and about" on campus --- We call it "MBWA." If you want to find out what it means, just ask me when you see me!
Dr. Phillip Randolph
Interim President
Glendale Community College
