New Employees

Please welcome the following new GCC employees approved by the MCCD Governing Board on April 27, 2004: Jerry Wood, English/German; Randy Sasaki, College Advancement; Ron Gaschler, Career Planning and Placement; Joe Mercer, Admissions and Records; and Jana Williams, ACE-Plus.

New Board Member Returns to Campus for a Student Listening Session

Mr. Scott Crowley, our new Governing Board Member, paid another visit to GCC on April 21 to listen to students. I attended the session with approximately 25 students who aired their concerns and asked questions of Mr. Crowley. Dean Alberto Sanchez was also in attendance, as were Senior Associate Dean Donna White; George Martinez of College Advancement; Dr. Jim Reed, Communication Faculty; Judy Blake Coordinator of Alumni and Community Relations, and Melinda Ornelas of the AZTEC program. Mr. Crowley has been generous with his time spent at GCC, and is showing great responsiveness to both employee and student concerns.

Student Recognition Day

I enjoyed the Student Recognition Day Luncheon on April 25 which was well attended by more than 90 of the 135 students receiving awards. Approximately 180 family members joined numerous faculty, including Faculty Senate President Carmela Arnoldt. Guests were able to view the wonderful student art show in the Lounge, followed by lunch and awards in the Cafeteria. Dr. Jim Reed was an able and very entertaining M.C. Many thanks for a job well done to Student Recognition Day committee members Donna White, Tillie Byler, Eileen Johnston, and René Díaz-Lefebvre.

Tuition Increase

As many of you may know, on April 27 the MCC Governing Board approved a $4 per credit hour tuition increase, bringing tuition to $55 per hour. This will go into effect on July 1, 2004. Fueling this increase is the progressively smaller percentage of the overall district budget which comes from the state (currently 12%), as well as high demand for services due to the explosive growth in the valley's population, expected to continue well into the next decade.

Commencement and other End-of-Semester Ceremonies

On May 14, I encourage you to attend our graduation ceremony at 7 p.m. on the mall. Other special convocations during the next two weeks:

Honors Awards Banquet, Student Lounge, 6 p.m., May 7. Invitation only.

ACE-Plus Reception, Cafeteria, 10 a.m. May 8.

CAP (Chrysler) Banquet, Student Lounge, 6:30 p.m., May 11.

ASEP (GM) Banquet, Student Lounge, 6:30 p.m., May 12.

ASSET (Ford) Banquet, Student Lounge, 5:30 p.m., May 13.

Nursing Pinning Ceremony, Central Mall, 8 p.m., May 13.

Fire Science Academy Ceremony, PAC, 6:00 p.m., May 18 and 19

Police Academy Ceremony, PAC, 6:00 p.m., May 20

Student Art Show

The talent of GCC's art students, as reflected in student art shows, never ceases to amaze me, and this semester was no exception. Displayed in the Student Lounge through May 4, was a wonderful show with an impressive number of artistic media. It was truly an incredible display of talent; my congratulations to all the students who participated and to their instructors.

Summer Hours

Unless otherwise requested by a supervisor, offices will begin a four-day work schedule (Monday through Thursday) on Monday, May 17. Offices will return to a regular five-day work schedule beginning Monday, August 9. Flextime may be an option. Employees should work with their supervisor or manager. During the month of August, offices that support the enrollment of students will also be open Saturdays, August 14 and August 21, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

CONGRATULATIONS:

To Kirt Shineman and a Winning GCC Forensics Team

Kirt Shineman and his Speech, Drama, and Forensics students have had a remarkable semester. You may have read about their many awards in prior newsletters or the Gaucho Gazette, including their huge first place in the Community College Sweepstakes at the International Forensics Association Tournament in Madrid, Spain, in March. Last week a three-man GCC Forensics Team was again victorious. Participating for only the second time at the American Reader's Theater Association National Championships in Chicago, the GCC team performed Effroyables Jardins (In Our Strange Gardens). Competing against colleges and universities from all 50 states, GCC's cirque du soleil -style "athletic" performance astounded the team of more than 20 entertainment-industry judges (including one from MTV and the president of VH1) who unanimously awarded them first place. They brought home to GCC a total of five big awards:

Best Show: Effroyables Jardins, by Kirt Shineman (writer/director)

Best Actor: Aaron Bodden (student) in Effroyables Jardins

Best Costumes: by Kirt Shineman and Kenny Barrett (student) for Effroyables Jardins

Best Ensemble: Aaron Bodden, Mathew Aron, and Kenny Barrett (students) for Effroyables Jardins

People's Choice Award: Effroyables Jardins

To Judy Blake for a Successful Alumni Fundraiser

Many thanks and congratulations to Judy Blake, Frances Mateo, and their team of eager volunteers for the terrific Alumni Fundraiser Evening at Historic Sahuaro Ranch on April 23. The first of its kind for GCC, I can testify to the massive amount of work it entailed. I certainly enjoyed myself and observed that everyone else seemed to be having a good time too. I received emails--some from our sister colleges--from people who attended the wine-tasting, silent auction, and art show who declared it one of the best, most elegant fundraisers they've attended. Over 100 people enjoyed the evening, and close to $5,000 was raised through their generosity.

To Louise Keogh For a Great Wellness Semester

We have a thriving Wellness Program here at GCC, thanks to Louise Keogh and a terrific semester of activities. Over 170 people attended the GCC Health and Wellness Fair for health screenings and fitness demonstrations on March 4, and, for the first time students were also able to attend. A very successful 10-week round of Weight Watchers was held, and many employees availed themselves of in-office massages. Smoking cessation classes did well, and LifeLine was on campus for cardiovascular screenings. On April 22, Mobile Onsite Mammography had every time-slot filled with a GCC employee. Rounding out the spring semester is the new "Walking Works" program made available by Blue Cross/Blue Shield and promoted by Dr. Glasper in a recent email. I hope many of you will be able to participate in this program.

New Leadership for GCC's WLG

Congratulations to those who have volunteered to take over the leadership of the GCC Women's Leadership Group for Fall 2004- Spring 2005. Campus Co-Chairs will be Kristin Bennes and Anna George. The District WLG Representative will be Roxie Helbert.

My sincere thanks to everyone on campus for making this another stellar semester at GCC. To employees who are gone all or part of the summer, accept my best wishes for a safe and relaxing break. To those of you who are 12-month employees, I look forward to working with you over the summer and appreciate your service.

Dr. Phillip Randolph
President
Glendale Community College