Final Approval from HLC/NCA on the UCC

I am pleased to announce that GCC has received final approval from the Higher Learning Commission Board of Trustees to extend GCC's accreditation to our off-site University-College Center at the West Campus of ASU. We are right on target for completion of our reports; the three we have submitted have all received final approval. Only two remain, one in June and one in December, 2005. Thanks to Chuck Jeffery, Matt Ashcraft and others who have kept these report submissions on track and ahead of schedule.

Old Campus Marquees

You may have noticed that our old, dilapidated marquees on Olive and on 59th Avenues have been given attractive "face-lifts" with temporary covers that welcome people to our campus. These covers were a reasonably priced short-term solution for marquees that were broken and would not hold letters anymore. Permanent fixes would be more expensive and conversation is still on-going regarding a final solution for these older marquees.

New Marquee

We have received many nice comments about the look of the new marquee. If you haven't driven by it at night yet, you really should. The backlit words "Glendale Community College" are particularly spectacular—especially at night. The final phase of the landscaping around the marquee has begun and will take about six weeks. According to Al Gonzales, trenching is done for recessed spotlights that will be placed to illuminate the three palm trees behind the marquee, and winter sod has been placed. The 2 X 4 boards propping up the three transplanted palm trees will be removed once the trees are well rooted. A flower bed will complete the project. This already-attractive campus landmark will be really sensational in about six weeks.

Final United Way Tally

My thanks to everyone who contributed to our campus United Way Campaign. I am very pleased that we generated $28,261, exceeding last year's total by 10%. I know you all have many worthy causes competing for your charitable donations, and I appreciate your participation in this program that gives so much back to our community. My very sincere thanks go to Don Jensen-Bobadilla and Jeanette Stewart, both of whom worked extremely hard and truly put their hearts into the United Way Campaign.

Glendale Public Library/GCC Partnership Wins Award

The City of Glendale and Glendale Public Library recently won the "Governor's Pride in Arizona Award for Water Conservation" at the Arizona Clean and Beautiful Awards Luncheon. Their project, "Listening to the Desert," is an audio tour of the library's award-winning xeriscape. With the help of a team from GCC Media Services, high-tech, cordless "wands" were programmed with a tour script of the many plants in the xeriscape. Visitors point the wands at a plant to hear its description and its water needs. GCC's Frank Gonzalez, Scott Kozak, Ron Marschall, Joe Ranus and Mick Welsh helped write, edit and record the script, and programmed the wands.

Congratulations to:

Duke Schafer, long-time Administration of Justice Faculty, who received the Arizona Justice Educator of the Year award from the Arizona Justice Educator's Association (AJEA).

The Gaucho Football Team for their 6-4 winning season. Especially for the two wins in Utah—over Dixie State and Snow College—a first for an Arizona Community College on the road, in the same season.

Gaucho running back Johnny Lopez who was selected WSFL offensive player of the week for the week ending October 31. He turned 21 carries into 242 yards and a touchdown to lead GCC to its 45-35 victory over Dixie State.

Gaucho Women's Volleyball for ending their season with a 25-14-2 overall record and making it to the NJCAA Region I Finals.

Women's volleyball player Johanna Begay who was recently honored with inclusion on the ALL-ACCAC first team and NJCAA region 1, Division II first team. Teammate Andrea Ashkie was to the ALL-ACCAC second team and Region I, Division II first team. Tonya Rooth received ACCAC honorable mention.

Gaucho Men's Soccer for finishing its season with a 10-8 record win, a victory over Mesa Community College and making it to the NJCAA Region I Tournament.

Gaucho Women's Soccer player Megan McKee who was named to the ALL-ACCAC second team.

Dr. Phillip Randolph
President
Glendale Community College