GCC North Open Forum, May 24

You may wish to attend an open community forum to review plans for new buildings and other major facility upgrades at GCC North on Tues., May 24 at 5:30 p.m., in the Mountain Ridge High School Auditorium, 22800 N. 67th Avenue. This event will review how a portion of the GCC bond funds will be used to help the North Campus expand to meet the growing needs of its students. For more information, call 623.845.4001 or 623.845. 3006.

Magnificent Commencement Ceremony

GCC's much-anticipated 40th Anniversary Commencement ceremony was a wonderful and flawless evening. My sincere thanks to the many people involved: Vice Chancellor of Business Services Debra Thompson for conferring the degrees and certificates; Alberto Sánchez for reading all the student names; Al Gonzales and staff for setup and gorgeous grounds; Donna White and her staff, especially Jeff Glemba; Mary Lou Massal and her commencement team; Doug Nottingham, Bill Humbert, Dave Schmidt, Craig Peterson and their terrific student musicians/vocalists; Martin Samaniego for the keynote address; Mary Leskovsky for the faculty comment; Quincy Johnson for the student comment; Felicia Kammer and Darling Higgins who gave the English and Spanish welcomes; Judy Sánchez and her alumni group who provided water bottles and other assistance; Deb Palok and her safety staff; Frank Gonzalez, Scott Kozakiewicz and the audiovisual technicians of the media center; Craig Wactor for photography; and George A. Martinez and his Advancement Services staff for the pre-commencement reception. There is no way to name everyone who contributed to this wonderful evening, but my sincere thanks to all of you!

V.P. Alberto Sánchez on Sabbatical

As some of you know, Vice President Alberto Sánchez will be out of the office through July 14. Vice President Jean Ann Abel, Vice President Connie Sherman, Dean Mary Lou Massal and Dean Donna White will handle his responsibilities in his absence. For assistance, you may also contact his administrative assistant, Esmeralda Acosta at 5-3006.

Dr. Fernando Camou Is New Dean of Instruction

Dr. Fernando Camou, Chemistry Chair, has been appointed Dean of Instruction reporting to Vice President Abel. He will begin his new duties on July 18. My very sincere thanks and gratitude to Dr. Ernesto Escobedo who has ably filled this position for the past year and whose students will be happy that he is returning to the math department.

Dr. Eric Lodge to be New Chemistry Department Chair

In preparation for Dr. Camou's departure from the department, Chemistry faculty members have unanimously nominated Dr. Eric Lodge for selection to serve as their department chair. Dr. Lodge will serve in that position from July 18 until spring semester, 2006.

GCC Forensics Team Excels at National Tournament

I was proud to receive a letter of congratulations for the GCC forensics team from Dr. Cynthia Carver, Department of Communication Studies and Theatre Art at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. GCC was one of 95 colleges and universities across the nation that participated in the National Individual Events Tournament of the American Forensic Association. To quote Dr. Carver, "I extend to you special congratulations on your 2nd place finish among community colleges competing at this year's tournament." My congratulations to the GCC team and also to their coach, Kirt Shineman, for his election as American Forensics Association District 9 Representative. In March 2006 he will take the GCC Forensics team to compete internationally in Prague, the Czech Republic.

End of Semester Events

I recently attended and thoroughly enjoyed the Honors Program Banquet, the Associated Student Government Banquet, the ASSET (GM) Banquet, the Nursing Pinning Ceremony, and the Fire Academy Ceremony. Congratulations to all completers and to all the people who make these events so special for students and their families.

Convocation August 15

As you plan your summer and your calendar, please note that August 15 is the date of the fall semester convocation.

Congratulations to…

…Honors Program Coordinator Mary Leskovsky and others who helped her award 376 President's Scholarships at high school awards ceremonies during the last few weeks.

…Psychology adjunct Fernando Romero, selected as GCC intern for the Maricopa Faculty Internship (MFI) program. He will begin his full-time teaching internship in the fall semester.

Summer

I wish a productive summer for those of you who will be at GCC teaching and working. For those who will be gone or will take summer trips—have a great time and be safe!

Dr. Phil D. Randolph
President
Glendale Community College