In my last electronic newsletter, I discussed the old and new marquees and their uses. I'd like to elaborate a bit on the new marquee and give examples of the many way it benefits the campus and the community. In the screen shots below, the first two show messages we ran after the Nov. 2 General Election. The next two screens show our promotion of the annual antique tractor show at Historic Sahuaro Ranch, our good neighbor to the north. Following those is a screen displayed to honor Veterans' Day. The final screen is representative of dozens displayed daily, promoting GCC classes, programs, degrees/certificates, registration, campus events and much more. I'd like to thank College Advancement Services and Craig Wactor for maintaining, scheduling and programming the marquee. (See Document 1)
Readfest Another Success
My hearty congratulations to Alice Estrada, her Readfest Committee and the other GCC folks who helped make the ninth annual Readfest a spectacular success. This event has become a much-anticipated reading extravaganza for West Valley elementary school children and the local community. I understand more than 6,000 people attended, at least 5,000 of whom were elementary students. Each student took home a gift book, a bag of goodies and probably a big smile too. There were many terrific reading-related activities, games and, of course, the continuous reading of stories by a long list of volunteers. I commend the 300 GCC employees and the more than 50 community volunteers who made this special event happen. This was the biggest Readfest ever—32 West Valley schools participated. Many thanks to all involved, especially the Readfest Committee who worked for many months planning the event: Martina Aranda, Jane Camp, Dave Gallett, Angelica Gomez, Char Howey, Sandy Meyers, Mary Jane Onnen, Jeanette Stewart, Joyce Story, Doris Velasco, Wanda Walding and Betsey Wheeler. Next year will be the tenth anniversary of Readfest; I urge you to consider volunteering. Alice tells me the amazing success and growth of Readfest makes it more challenging to produce each year and volunteers are greatly needed and appreciated.
Commemorative Dates in the Spotlight
Within a week or so, my office will be launching a new service for GCC via e-mail that briefly summarizes select civic, cultural, historic, religious and secular dates of note and holidays, including advance notice of related campus events. I hope this will become an important resource tool for faculty, staff and others as we look at our calendars and plan ahead. This important new service will integrate closely with Student Life, Student Services, College Advancement Services and other units. We're still working on the details. Please stay tuned for the start of this new communiqué.
