Bond and Planning Update

As many of you know, MCCD will have a capital bond proposition on the November ballot. We now have a number assigned--ours is Proposition 401. George Martinez and I continue to make community-information presentations. If you know of any group who would appreciate such a presentation, please contact George at 623.845.3605. If you'd like more information on planning and the bond, visit http://www.gc.maricopa.edu/planning -- a very useful web page designed by Randy Sasaki of College Advancement Services.

Fall Enrollment

The campaign by Enrollment Services to encourage students to enroll early and lessen the usual last-minute crush of fall registration is working well. Fall head count is up compared to this time last year, which should ease registration lines in August. A big thank you to Associate Dean Massal and her staff.

Tech Camp

My congratulations to Manny Griego, Carlos Nuñez, Ui Luu, Paula Cheslik, Randy Kimmens, Trish Vogel and others who have had a vital role in planning this summer's 6th annual Tech Camp for high school students. To be held July 27-29, the three-day event is offered as a 1.5 credit college class for the first time. The purpose of Tech Camp is to introduce high school juniors and seniors to educational and career opportunities in high technology areas. Other campus departments will assist in a variety of ways, so thanks also to Counseling/Career Services, Enrollment Center, Library/Media Center, College Advancement and the High Tech Centers.

Western Maricopa Coalition (WESTMARC) Board Meeting

GCC hosted and was on the agenda of WESTMARC's July 21 board meeting. Dr. Rufus Glasper, Mr. Lionel Díaz, Dr. Homero López and I made brief informative presentations about the MCCD capital bond proposition. Following the presentations, the WESTMARC board voted unanimously to support Proposition 401.

Power Conservation

I greatly appreciate your cooperation with my energy conservation requests of the last few weeks. I have received many positive comments from those of you who strongly support GCC's effort to do its part in this energy crisis. I know I can count on your continued support until the crisis is over.

Convocation Reminder

The GCC All-Employee Convocation will be on Monday, August 16, 2004. Breakfast begins at 7:00 a.m. followed by a convocation celebrating the College's 40th academic year. There will be a second convocation with refreshments from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. for those departments who need to attend in split shifts or those who begin their workday in the afternoon. I urge all managers to encourage staff to attend one of these convocations--it's a great way to launch our 40th year.

Candidate Open House

There will be a Legislative Candidate Open House Saturday on July 31 at Midwestern University's Barrel Student Center, 19555 N. 59th Avenue. Residents will discuss issues with West Valley candidates from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Call 623.930.2259 to register to attend this free event.

Scholarship Endowment

Tuesday, July 20, GCC received a $200,000 check for a scholarship endowment from donors who prefer to remain anonymous. This is the largest single gift GCC has received to date, and is truly tremendous support for our students. Anyone wishing information about donating to GCC should contact Judy Blake (53481) or Frances Mateo (53379).

First Student-Initiated Scholarship Funded at GCC

The "Future Firefighters Scholarship," the first student-initiated and student-funded scholarship at GCC, is now a reality. In April, 2004, GCC Fire Academy students approaching graduation came to Judy Blake with an idea and $1200. The Fire Academy grads wanted to fund a scholarship for a student in next year's class, and raised the necessary capital via fund-raising and a collection. Their hope is that subsequent graduating classes will keep the scholarship going. Congratulations to Fire Academy graduate Megan Hanks for brainstorming the idea and coordinating fund-raising efforts.

Congratulations to...

...Dr. Gilbert Cruz, history faculty, who recently published an Arizona research materials guidebook that he co-authored with Dr. James McBride of ASU. Titled Arizona: Heartland of the Southwest, the book is a comprehensive guide to literature about the history of Arizona. It will provide librarians in educational institutions a resource for helping their patrons with research, and will be a reference tool for faculty, students and others looking for source material on Arizona topics. The book includes an overview of Arizona history, crucial political data, and a guide to libraries and repositories that have books, manuscripts and original source materials. Congratulations, Gil!

... Dr. James Tuohy, biology faculty, for his co-presentation to the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development in Austin, Texas. The paper, titled "Arizona Bioscience Workforce Strategy," described the evolution of the Biotech Workforce Initiative, a district-wide plan to develop and deliver biotechnology education in Arizona. Congratulations, Jim!

... Dr. Sue Oliver, psychology faculty, whose Psi Beta student, Charles Baker, wrote a research paper that was selected for a national award from the Psi Beta National Honor Society in Psychology for Community Colleges and Allyn and Bacon Publishers. At the August 2004 American Psychological Association national convention in Honolulu, Baker will receive a certificate of recognition, a $200 check and a one-year membership in the American Psychological Society. His winning paper is titled Relationship Between Religious Belief and Physical Health Among College Students.

...Karl Pohlhaus, Philosophy/Religious Studies adjunct faculty, on the publication of his novel titled Afterlife. It is about six fictitious friends who all die together in a bus accident and journey to different settings in the next life. Their conversations, reflections, and insights are recounted.

Summer Travel

I'm sure many of you have taken interesting and exotic trips this summer. I know that René Díaz-Lefebvre and Bruce Thomas went to China, Marla DeSoto went to Australia, and Holly McKinzie Beene went to Peru and taught in Mexico. I've enjoyed hearing about Suzanne Higgins' trip to Kenya and I'd like to hear your stories too!

Dr. Phillip Randolph
President
Glendale Community College