New Employees

Please help me welcome new employees approved at the May 24, 2005 Governing Board Meeting: Celia Arietta, Employee Resources; Kimberly Curlee, Biology; Mary Harris, Applied Science; Jennifer Koslo, Technology and Consumer Science; Robert Martin III, Fitness and Wellness; Julie Morrison, Psychology; Randal Ontko, The Institute; Michele Parker, Technology and Consumer Science; Christina Pennington, Nursing; Luis Romero, Psychology; Laurie Schulz, Nursing; and Sara Watt, Applied Sciences.

More Public Forums for GCC North, July 7 and Aug. 3

Additional community forums to review plans for new buildings and other major facilities upgrades at GCC North will be held at two locations in Anthem. On Thurs., July 7, 2005, at 7:00 p.m., a forum will be held in the Anthem Community Center, 41130 N. Freedom Way. On Wed., Aug. 3, 2005, at 6:30 p.m., a forum will be held in the Anthem Library, 40410 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway. These forums will review and seek community input about how bond funds will be used to help GCC North expand to meet the growing needs of its students. My thanks to Chuck Jeffery and DeeDee Denslow for their time and expertise in planning and hosting the first forum on May 24. For more information, call 623.845.4001 or 623.845.3006.

Water Main Break

A water main break on June 16 disrupted water service to seven major campus buildings. The break was repaired by Friday, June 17, but the grounds north of the 05 building are still disrupted and roped off as that is where the repair excavation took place. It may take several weeks to backfill the area and restore the landscaping to its prior state. Water damage and other issues in the affected buildings are being addressed. The administrative team is exploring options for a long-term solution to the problem of a 40-year-old water main that has suffered repeated recent breaks.

Update on New Leadership

As mentioned in a previous newsletter: on July 18, 2005, Dr. Fernando Camou will assume the position of Dean of Instruction reporting to Vice President Jean Ann Abel. Dr. Ernesto Escobedo will return to his math classroom, and Dr. Eric Lodge will assume Dr. Camou's prior position as chair of the Chemistry Department until spring semester, 2006. Vice President Alberto Sanchez is scheduled to return from his sabbatical leave on July 18 as well. Many thanks again to all involved in these important transitions.

A New Record for ACE-Plus

I am proud and happy to report that the ACE-Plus program is thriving this summer with 502 high school students on our campus. This is the largest number we have ever had, according to ACE-Plus Director Dr. Ibrahim Naim. The GCC program remains the largest ACE outreach in the Maricopa District.

Compliments to Enrollment Center Staff

I want to thank Dean Mary Lou Massal, DeeDee Denslow and their staffs for working registration for two Fridays after graduation when other employees were off. This was very helpful for the management of summer and fall registration and I appreciate the schedule changes and accommodations that were made to stay open on those days. Both GCC and GCC North Enrollment Centers will also be open for Saturday registration on Aug. 13 and 20.

AZ Business Journal Reception

It was my pleasure to attend the West Valley "All Stars" reception held at the West campus of ASU and sponsored by the Arizona Business Journal on June 2. Dave Mitchell's company, Ideal Insurance, was selected as the Glendale Chamber of Commerce's 2005 North and West Valley "Business All Star." Dave is a past chairman of the Chamber and is also an active member of the GCC President's Circle. I congratulate him on this high honor.

Community Conversation with Governor Napolitano

On June 3 at the Glendale Civic Center, Jean Ann Abel, Carmela Arnoldt and I attended a forum sponsored by Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs and by the Western Maricopa Coalition (WESTMARC). A panel of the Governor's top policy advisors opened the event with a discussion of issues such as transportation, education, child protective services, homeland security and economic development. Governor Napolitano spoke after the panel discussion, followed by a question and answer period. This was an excellent event—both interesting and informative.

Dr. Phil D. Randolph
President
Glendale Community College