Gaucho Football Ranked #1 in Nation, Plus a High Honor for Joe Kersting
Congratulations to the undefeated Glendale Community College Gaucho football team for being ranked number one in the nation by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). The Gauchos will play the number two-ranked team, the Grand Rapids (Michigan) Community College Raiders, for the NJCAA National Championship in the Valley of the Sun Bowl at GCC on Sat., Dec. 3, at 2:00 p.m.

Congratulations to GCC Head Football Coach Joe Kersting, who has coached national championship teams at GCC in 1988, 2000, and 2005, for being named NJCAA Region I Coach of the Year. Other football honors include GCC starting quarterback Tim Brockwell, named NJCAA Region I Offensive Player of the Year and Western States Football League Player of the year. With Brockwell as quarterback, Eric McCain as wide receiver, and running backs Johnny Sanchez and Taryll Galloway, GCC gained more than 488 yards per game this season. The Gaucho football team remains a great source of pride for all of us at GCC. All the best to the players, coaches and support staff for another win on Dec. 3.

United Way Campaign Sets New Record
The generosity of GCC residential and adjunct faculty, staff, and students set a new record high for a GCC United Way Campaign: $29,428. Of this total amount, $458 was raised through Aramark's donation of 25% of the cost of all "Blue Plate Special" meals sold throughout the campaign. I appreciate the efforts of this year's United Way co-chairs, Scott Kozak and George Martinez, who ran a great campaign; the hard work of the 15 faculty, staff and students serving as charter members of the new "GCC United Way Team"; and the many volunteers who prepared food care boxes at the Westside Food Bank. We can be proud of what we accomplished and can know that the results will help many people in need throughout our community.

November Events of Note
Mid-November has been a busy time for signature GCC activities and I want to take a moment to thank the many hard-working employees who made them possible.

Tenth Annual Readfest
Alice Estrada and a team of dedicated volunteers once again created a memorable educational event celebrating literacy on Nov. 9. For the tenth year, Readfest brought thousands of school children onto campus to inspire reading and academic achievement. The used book sale, food booths, characters in costume, games and many other activities were staffed by volunteers. Many thanks also to APS, our lead corporate sponsor at an increased level of support this year; the GCC Faculty Senate; Arrowhead Community Bank; DRW Engineering; Petersen Johnson, and the PSA employee group.

Veterans Day Commemoration
Employees, students and community members gathered together for a brief but meaningful commemoration of Veterans Day on Nov. 10. We recited the Pledge of Allegiance, listened to a poem written by a veteran, and asked all veterans in attendance to join in a group photo at the flagpole. Also, we thanked all veterans with a special message on the electronic marquee. We hope to build on these activities in planning toward GCC's commemoration of Veterans Day in 2006.

International Education Day
Dr. Bashira A. Bahbah presented his perspectives about U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East on Nov. 15 to acknowledge International Education Week, Nov. 14-18. The depth of his experience as a negotiator, author and analyst was evident as he spoke to an audience of students, faculty, staff and community members. My thanks to International Education Program Director Ken Bus for continuing to remind us of the importance of a global perspective on education.

Native American Month Events
A series of Native American Month activities showcased various dimensions of Native American culture, including free lectures by Navajo "Code Talker" Joe Kellwood and Northern Arapaho Sergio Maldonado, a Native American fashion show, and the sale of frybread next to a tipi display on the mall. We can thank Rachel Carroll in Multicultural Services and students from the GCC Native American Club for coordinating these memorable and meaningful events.

I'm sending my warmest wishes for a relaxing and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday.

Jean Ann Abel
Interim President
Glendale Community College