Higher Education Forum at GCC Oct. 19
Plans have been finalized for GCC to host a major public forum focusing on the future of higher education in Arizona on Wed., Oct. 19, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Please note that the start time has changed from what was previously reported. The event will feature the perspectives of students; faculty; legislators; business leaders; and university, community college and K-12 officials, as together we contemplate the future of higher education and access for all. More information will be forthcoming soon. I urge you to attend as your schedules allow. For more information, contact Institutional Advancement Director George Martinez at 5-3605.
"Beyond Boundaries" Discussion and GCC
Sustaining excellence in teaching, learning, curricula and assessment is a primary goal for Maricopa colleges, as established by Chancellor Glasper in his Fall 2005 message to the District. Dr. Glasper has asked that we take time in 2005-06 to focus on a vision he calls "Beyond Boundaries." This framework for discussion and planning poses some critical questions: how do we recapture the spirit and academic vision of the community college movement and higher learning? how do we recast a new social contract for our communities emphasizing access for all? what does it mean to be educated in the 21st century? Dr. Glasper will visit with faculty, staff and students throughout the District this year to engage in discussion of these and other related questions. Within Beyond Boundaries, GCC will focus specifically on increasing the number of certificates and degrees awarded, and on enrollment growth. For more information about the Beyond Boundaries initiative, visit
http://www.maricopa.edu/chancellor/bb.php
United Way Campaign Begins Oct. 1
Plans are underway for a successful GCC United Way campaign starting Oct. 1 through early November. While I know many of you support various worthwhile causes, I urge you to give to United Way this year and support its far-reaching services. For example, Hurricane Katrina evacuees remaining in the Valley will certainly need help from United Way-funded agencies in health care, education, housing, and job placement, among other needs. This year's campaign allows us to offer long-term, extended support of Katrina victims, along with many others who benefit annually and poignantly from United Way. Here are highlights of GCC's 2005 United Way campaign:
A new United Way Team of faculty, staff and others will help carry out various activities in support of the Campaign. Co-chairs are Scott Kozak and George Martinez.
Aramark will donate to United Way 25% of the cost of each "Blue Plate Special" purchased in the GCC Cafeteria--an increase from 10% per plate last year. My thanks to Todd Armstrong of Aramark for this generosity.
An Ice Cream Social on Tues., Nov. 2 at 1:00 p.m. will feature Dr. Glasper. This will be a fun opportunity to celebrate giving back to others, thank donors and encourage others to give. More details will be forthcoming.
President's Circle Meeting Yields Good Ideas
A meeting of the GCC President's Circle on Sept. 9 showcased our Vice Presidents' areas of responsibilities, GCC Athletics, and elicited great ideas from community and business leaders. Discussion ranged from plans for GCC North to campus entryway improvements and the Presidential search. The President's Circle is a group of 17 leaders who advise the president and serve as advocates and supporters of the College. Many of their comments centered on ways we can make GCC more accessible and open to the community. We are processing these ideas now and exploring how they can be accommodated as we pursue enrollment growth and expanded community service.
Special Events in the Spotlight
Our friends at Historic Sahuaro Ranch will be holding an opening reception for an exhibition of the art of Samantha Smith on Fri., Sept. 30, in conjunction with the Glendale Office of Tourism. The event will be held at 6:00 p.m. in the Fruit Packing Shed Gallery at the Ranch. Also, please note that GCC Homecoming will be held Sat., Oct. 15 when the GCC Gaucho football team will play Mesa Community College.
CONGRATULATIONS...
...to Dean of Instruction/Business and Technology Randy Kimmens, recently appointed to the Executive Committee of the Arizona Career/Technical Education Council.
...to International Education Director Ken Bus, who has been asked to serve on a national task force through the Association of International Educators, addressing how the federal government can provide regulatory relief to foreign students who were attending colleges and universities affected by Hurricane Katrina; Ken will also have an article published this week in
Community College Times.
...to the Gaucho Football team for its 24-6 win Sept. 17 over Phoenix College.
Jean Ann Abel
Interim President
Glendale Community College
