GCC Graduation Ceremony

Student Regalia Guide

The present-day academic costume seemingly originated at Oxford and Cambridge Universities in the 1300s. As the universities passed from ecclesiastical control, brighter colors distinguished the academic robe from the drab clerical gown. Colonial American universities based their academic regalia on the British system.

In 1893, an intercollegiate commission established a uniform code for caps, gowns and hoods for the various degrees.

Black tassels are correct for all degrees, and colored tassels are worn only by preference. The doctor's cap and presidents' of universities or colleges may have tassels of gold thread. The tassel should be worn draped over the left front quarter of the cap.

The usual color for academic gowns in the United States is black. The bachelor's gown is worn closed; the master's and doctor's may be worn open or closed. The shape of the sleeve is the distinguishing mark of the gowns; bachelor, long pointed sleeves; master, oblong sleeves open at the wrist; doctor, bell-shaped with three velvet bars on each sleeve.

Of the costume's three components, the hood is the most interesting. Originally it had three uses: as a head covering; as a shoulder cape; and as a bag in which alms could be collected. It is mentioned as early as 1480 in clerical literature. When large wigs were in vogue in Britain, the cape part of the hood was split in front and a narrow neckband inserted. The entire cape and hood were allowed to fall back as it is today, and it was never restored to the original style.

The hoods are lined with the color of the institution which awarded the degree to the wearer. The color of the border or collar of the hood designates the degree.

Following is a list of the hood and tassel colors established by the Intercollegiate Code to represent departments of learning:

• Agriculture: Maize
• Arts, Letters, Humanities: White
• Commerce, Accountancy, Business: Drab
• Dentistry: Lilac
• Economics: Copper
• Education: Light Blue
• Engineering: Orange
• Fine Arts, including Architecture: Brown
• Forestry: Russet
• Journalism: Crimson
• Law: Purple
• Library Science: Lemon
• Medicine: Green
• Music: Pink
• Nursing, Apricot
• Oratory (Speech): Silver Gray
• Pharmacy: Olive Green
• Philosophy: Dark Blue
• Physical Education: Sage Green
• Public Administration, including Foreign Service: Peacock Blue
• Public Health: Salmon Pink
• Science: Golden Yellow
• Social Work: Citron
• Theology: Scarlet
• Veterinary Science: Gray

Graduation with Honors

* Designates students graduating "With Distinction." These graduates are wearing the White Honor Cord and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.500 to 3.699.

** Designates students graduating "With High Distinction." These graduates are wearing the Red Honor Cord and have a cumulative grade point average from 3.700 to 3.899.

*** Designates students graduating "With Highest Distinction." These graduates are wearing the Gold Honor Cord and have a cumulative grade point average from 3.900 to 4.000.

Honors Program Graduates

Graduates wearing Honors Program medallions have completed designated honors courses distributed among three course prefixes and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

Honorary Society Membership

Graduates wearing the gold PTK stole are members of Phi Theta Kappa, Omicron Lambda Chapter. Phi Theta Kappa is the National Honor Fraternity of the American Two-Year College.

Graduates wearing the gold and blue Psi Beta cord are members of Psi Beta Chapter of the National Psi Beta. Psi Beta is the National Honor Society in Psychology of the American Two-Year College.

Graduates wearing the gold cord and black Sigma Chi Eta pin are members of Sigma Chi Eta,

Alpha Gamma Chapter. Sigma Chi Eta is the National Honor Society in Communication of the American Two-Year College.

Graduates wearing the peach cord and pin are members of the Alpha Delta Nu, Alpha Pi chapter. Alpha Delta Nu is the National Honor Society for Associate Degree Nursing Students.

Kevin Carreno

Kevin has earned his Associate of Science with an emphasis in Computer Science, combining academic excellence with a heartfelt commitment to uplifting others. Through his internship with Aliento and his work as a Peer Success Coach, Kevin has made a lasting impact supporting fellow students, championing their success, and discovering a deep sense of purpose in service to his community. His continued involvement with HSI Elevate reflects his passion for giving back and paying forward the support he has received. A recipient of The Dream US National Scholarship, a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and admitted to Arizona State University's Barrett Honors College, Kevin has secured over $45,000 in scholarships despite limited access to traditional financial aid. As a first-generation immigrant student, he has met challenges with remarkable resilience and determination. Kevin will transfer to Arizona State University to pursue his bachelor's degree in computer science, with aspirations of becoming a software developer and, one day, a professor. He also hopes to establish a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to technology and digital literacy for underserved communities.

Jimena Gutierrez Moreno

Jimena graduates today with her Associate degree in Fine Arts with an emphasis in Sculpture, marking not just an academic achievement but a powerful journey of growth, confidence, and self-discovery. Initially facing self-doubt, she transformed her mindset through consistency, courage, and a willingness to seek support, raising her GPA from 2.8 to an impressive 3.6 along the way. Through experiences such as tutoring, the FYE course, and her involvement in Thrive Tribe, Jimena found a sense of belonging and the confidence to step into her own voice. Supported by dedicated mentors and her family, she embraced each challenge as an opportunity to grow. Her passion for sculpture, working with ceramics, metal, and repurposed materials, reflects her belief that even mistakes can become something meaningful and beautiful. Jimena will transfer to Arizona State University to continue her studies in Fine Arts: Sculpture, with aspirations to work in a museum and create in her own studio. Her journey is a testament to persistence, quiet determination, and the transformative power of believing in oneself.

Merrick Tipton

Merrick has earned an Associate degree in Psychology, transforming not only his academic path but his sense of self along the way. Once struggling to speak to the person sitting next to him in class, he has grown into a confident leader, guiding peers as Co-President of the Psychology Club and President of Phi Theta Kappa, and presenting original research at regional conferences. Merrick's work has explored how tattoos on medical professionals' influence patient perceptions and how "scare tactics" in environmental messaging shape trust and action. Recognized as an All-Arizona Academic Team nominee, he has embraced opportunities to learn, lead, and contribute. Most meaningful is the personal growth behind these achievements. From overcoming self-doubt to finding confidence in speaking, leading, and connecting with others, Merrick's journey reflects fortitude and transformation. While leaving behind a community that helped shape him brings a sense of loss, he carries forward the person he has become. Merrick will transfer to Arizona State University West to pursue a bachelor's degree in psychology, with plans to earn a PhD in social psychology, and one day return to GCC to teach and inspire future students.

Candidates for Bachelor's Degrees

Candidates for Associate Degrees

Candidates for Certificates

GCC Faculty

Art & Humanities

• Brandon Cleworth, Ph.D. — Faculty Chair
• Jeannie Berg
• Michelle Blomberg, M.Ed.
• Stephanie M. Burchett, M.F.A.
• Esmeralda Delaney, M.A., M.F.A.
• Casey Farina, D.M.A.
• Brian Gerber
• Mitchell Mantle, M.F.A.
• Brendan Regan, M.F.A.
• Jolee Stephens, Ph.D.
• Gaylen Stewart, M.F.A.

Automotive Technology

• Joseph Landavazo, B.S. — Faculty Chair
• Jason Cozzolino
• Bryn Dytri
• Tim McClure
• John Schurr
• Nick Shumaker

Biology

• Angela L. Schwendiman, Ph.D. — Faculty Chair
• Maria Lucrecia Alvarez, Ph.D.
• Nicholas Baker, M.S.
• Karen A. Conzelman, Ph.D.
• Sagarika Dash, Ph.D.
• Philip J. Fernandez, Ph.D.
• Jessica Gano, D.D.S.
• Erik W. A. Gergus, Ph.D.
• Karl Krout, Ph.D.
• Angela K. Mick, D.C.
• Kimberly Parrish, Ph.D.
• Matthew Pearcy, Ph.D.
• Philip Schroeder
• Florence Slater, Ph.D.
• James Tuohy, Ph.D.
• Justin York, Ph.D.

Business & Information Technology

• Rachelle Hall, M.P.A. — Faculty Chair
• Janet Brooks, M.L.S.
• Rod Fitzugh
• John J. Gibson, M.S.
• Tonya Hollingsworth, M.B.A.
• Brent Kleinman, J.D.
• Kara Kujawa, M.Ed.
• Patrick Lovings, B.S.
• Matthew Lowenkron, B.A., B.S.
• Melissa J. Martinez, M.Ed.
• Marco Moreno, M.B.A.
• Chris Petkiewicz, B.S., B.A., CPA
• Clark Shipley, J.D.
• Brian Smith, M.B.A., C.P.A., M.S.A.
• William Stewart, B.S.
• Scott Stroher, C.P.A., M.B.A.
• Kendra Swensen, M.B.A., M.Ed.
• Tevis Tumulty, M.S., M.A.
• Charles Vawter III, M.B.A.

Chemistry

• Debra Leedy, Ph.D. — Faculty Chair
• Robert E. Blake Jr., Ph.D.
• Christina Clark, M.A.
• Lisa A. Diebolt, Ph.D.
• George Gregg, M.A., M.Ed.
• Jennifer Gustafson, M.S.
• Wei-Jen Lee, M.S.
• Kimberly Smith, Ph.D.
• Joseph W. Springer, Ph.D.
• Jason L. Steward, Ph.D.

Communication

• Kimberly Feld, Ph.D. — Faculty Chair
• James T. Abraham, Ph.D.
• Roxan Alexander-Arntson, M.A.
• Tenisha Baca, M.A., M.Ed.
• Guiomar Borras, Ph.D.
• Douglas Deiss, Ph.D.
• Tomomi Hayashi, M.A.
• Michelle Jackson, M.A.
• Danielle Murray, M.Ed.
• Kirt Shineman, M.A., M.F.A.
• Kevin Shufford, Ph.D.
• Kelly Sindel, M.A.
• Christopher Sullivan, M.A.
• Celeste Walls, Ph.D.

Counseling

• Lynn Mizzi Brysacz, Ed.D. — Faculty Chair
• Aracely Barajas, M.C.
• William Beverly, Ph.D.
• Laura Dodrill, M.Ed.
• Mia Hernandez, Ph.D.
• Sarah Padelford, M.A.
• Jenalee Remy, M.C.
• Paul J. Romo, M.Ed.
• Amy Torgerson, M.S.

English, Reading, ESL, Journalism & Creative Writing

• Jennifer Lane, Ph.D. — Faculty Chair
• Mary Alpaugh, Ed.D.
• Jeffrey Baker, M.F.A.
• Eric Biber, M.A.
• Caryn Bird, M.A.
• Justin Burns, M.A., M.Ed.
• Jayme Cook, M.A.Ed.
• Alisa Cooper, Ed.D.
• Jignasa Desai, M.A.
• Helen Devereux, M.Ed.
• Roxanna Dewey, M.Ed.
• Dorothy D. Elrobeh, M.L.S.
• Beth Eyres, M.A.
• Amalia Gheorghita, M.A.
• Julie Gray, M.A., M.S.
• Emily Gwinn, M.A., M.Ed.
• Holly Jacobus, M.A.
• Christine Jones, M.A.
• Larissa Leamon, M.A.
• Ramon Lira, M.Ed.
• Autumn B. McKelvey, Ed.D.
• Rashmi M. Menon, Ed.D.
• Chad Merrell, M.F.A.
• Lisa S. Moore, M.A.
• Amanda Murphy, M.A.
• Christopher D. Nielson, M.A.
• Donna Perrigo, M.Ed.
• Phillip Roderick, M.A.
• Jeffrey Sanger, M.F.A.
• Robert Schoenfeld, Ed.D.
• Lori Walk, M.Ed.
• Sara Walton, M.A., M.S.
• Jacqueline Witzke, Ph.D.

Fitness & Wellness

• Aaron Fried, Ph.D. — Faculty Chair
• Natalie Dominguez, M.S.
• Derek Drumtra, M.S.
• Erika Hopson, M.S., M.Ed.
• Louise So, M.A.

Library

• Sean O'Brien, M.L.I.S. — Faculty Chair
• Christina Bell, M.A., M.L.I.S.
• Corie Cisco, M.A., M.L.I.S.
• Jacqueline Higgins-Dailey, M.L.I.S.
• Edward McKennon, M.A.
• Michelle Petry, M.L.I.S.
• Karen Reed, M.A.
• Elizabeth Saliba, M.Ed., M.L.I.S.

Mathematics

• Krysten Pampel, Ph.D. — Faculty Chair
• Jason Bright, M.S.
• Lisa Brown, M.Ed.
• Kristina Burch, M.A.
• Stacy Colaiacovo, M.S.
• Phillip Compton, M.S.
• Bradford Dallas, M.Ed., M.S.
• Kelly Devenney, M.E.
• Kevin Fitzgerald, M.Ed.
• John G. Grima, M.S.
• Brian Karasek, M.Ed.
• Walter A. Kehowski, Ph.D.
• Patrick Kimani, Ph.D.
• William Kimball, Ph.D.
• Christopher Kirchgraber, M.S.
• Jeffrey J. Kruse, M.S.E.
• Nathan Kurtz, M.S.
• Aprillya Lanz, Ph.D.
• Christian Miller, Ph.D.
• Betsy Mitio, M.A.
• Ashley Nicoloff, Ph.D.
• Miriam Pack, M.A.
• Felicia Petrenco, M.A.
• Sergio Rivas, M.S.
• Frank A. Rivera, M.S.
• Brian Stephens, M.Ed.
• Laura Watkins, Ph.D.
• Matthew Weber, Ph.D.

Nursing

• Grace Paul, DNP, M.Phil, MSN, RN, CNE — Faculty Chair
• Tynisa Berry, MSN-FNP, RN
• Amanda Brown, MSN, RN
• Donna Ray Byron, MSN, RN
• Stephanie Couture, DNP, MSN, RN, CRRN
• Jessica Dwork, MSN, RN
• Bernadine Huff, MSN, RN, CNE-Cl
• Angela Jensen, DNP, MSN, RN
• Kerissa Le, MSN-Ed, RNC-MNN, RN, CCE
• Anthony Lizardi, MSN, RN, PMH-BC
• Melissa Luster, BSN
• Jillane Ocano, DNP, MSN, FNPc
• Beth Oelkers, MSN, RN
• Jessica Parker, DNP, MSN-Ed, APRN, PMHNP-BC
• Lisa Pierre, DNP, MSN-Ed, FNP-BC
• Mary Resler, DNP, MSN, RN
• Alisha N. Ryum Stott, DNP, MSN-Ed, RN, CCRN
• Mark Stalzer, DNP, MSN, RN
• Taylor Smith, MSN, RN
• Sheri Tharp, DNP, MSN, RN
• Melissa Williams, DNP, MSN-Ed, RN, CPN
• Jennifer Woodcock, MBA, MSN, RN, CCRN

Performing Arts

• Donald S. Smith, D.M.A. — Faculty Chair
• João Casarotti, D.M.A.
• Robert Esler, D.M.A.
• Stefanie Gardner, D.M.A.
• Nina Garguilo, D.M.A.
• Benjamin Hedquist, D.M.A.
• Charles Hulihan, M.M.
• William K. Humbert, M.M.
• David Nichols
• Douglas Nottingham, D.M.A.
• Rebecca Rabideau, M.F.A.
• David A. Seitz, M.F.A.

Philosophy & Religious Studies

• Peter Lupu, M.Phil — Faculty Chair
• Derek Ayala, M.A.
• Janet Carleton, Ph.D.
• Sharenda Roam, D.Min.
• Eric Updike, Ph.D.

Physical Sciences

• Pamela J. Nelson, M.S. — Faculty Chair
• Brian Gleim, M.S.
• Steve D. Kadel, M.S.
• David P. Raffaelle, Ph.D.
• Siobhan Sackey
• Keith Watt, Ed.D.
• Sara Watt, M.S.

Psychology

• Julie B. Morrison, Ph.D. — Faculty Chair
• Todd Dollar, Ph.D.
• Mary Anne Duggan, Ph.D.
• Shana Hornstein, Ph.D.
• Manuela Jimenez, Ph.D.
• Trisha Lavigne, Psy.D.
• Ladonna Lewis, Ph.D.
• Tamara Malamuth, Ph.D.
• HyeJung Park, Ph.D.
• Karina Sokol-Tinsley, Ph.D.
• Karyn Sypes, M.S.
• Charles Van Liew, Ph.D.
• Lisa Worthy, Ph.D.

Public Safety Sciences

• Todd Polansky, B.A. — Faculty Chair
• Cassie Kalayasilpin
• Mike Patten, B.S.
• Rainier Perez, B.A.
• Jeremy Reed, PA-C
• Genea Stephens, Ed.D.
• Sean Stumbaugh, M.S.
• Kevin Watts, Ed.D.

Social Science

• R.J. Leamaster, Ph.D. — Faculty Chair
• Donna Allen, M.A.
• John Coughlin, M.A., M.C.
• Therese Desai, J.D.
• Heather H. Merrill, M.Ed.
• John Murray, M.A.
• Lynn Newman, M.A.
• Le'Brian A. Patrick-Rolando, Ph.D.
• Aleksander Radisich, Ph.D.
• Jennifer Scheider, M.Ed.
• John Shaffer, Ph.D.
• Aubrei Smith, M.A.
• Michael Strong, Ph.D.
• Dean Wheeler III, Ph.D.
• Sherry Woods, M.Ed.
• Sharon Yee, Ph.D.
• Dmytro Zhosan, Ph.D.

Technology & Consumer Sciences

• Tina LeBaron, M.A. — Faculty Chair
• Judy Basham, M.Ed.
• Glenda Chagolla, B.S.
• Timothy Frank, Ph.D.
• Gina Lilley, MS, RDN
• Ui Luu, M.S.E.E.
• Kurt Marley, M.Ed.
• Shohreh Moshrefzadeh, M.S.
• Lea Neibarger, M.Ed.
• Ghaith Salman, Ph.D.
• Andrea Schauer, B.S.
• Shannon Smith, Ph.D.
• Frank Torres, MLS
• Gina Weatherly, M.A.
• Dale Wierenga, M.Arch.
• Didem Yamak, Ph.D.

MCCCD Governing Board

• Linda Thor, Ed.D. President
• Donna Davis, Secretary
• Jacqueline Smith, J.D.
• Susan Bitter Smith
• Marie Sullivan
• Tom Nerini, Ed.D.
• Kelli Butler
• Pamela R. Smith, Student Board Member

MCCCD Administration

• Dr. Steven Gonzales, Chancellor
• Lee Ann Bohn, Chief Operating Officer
• Dr. Kimberly Britt, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost
• Julie Dunnigan, Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer
• Janice Falkenberg, Esq., General Counsel
• Dr. Eddie Genna, Senior Vice Chancellor of External Affairs
• Kimberly Brainard Granio, Vice Chancellor of Business Services
• Dr. Cathleen Hernandez, Chief of Staff
• Valerie Jones, Vice Chancellor of Workforce and Economic Development
• Charlene Polege, Chief Human Resources Officer
• Deanna Villanueva-Saucedo, Associate Vice Chancellor of the Center for Excellence in Inclusive Democracy

GCC Administration

• Tiffany Hernandez, Ph.D., J.D., President
• Phillip D. Randolph, Ed.D., President Emeritus
• John R. Waltrip, Ph.D., President Emeritus
• Mónica Castañeda, Ed.D., Vice President, Student Affairs
• Augustine Erpelding, M.Ed., Vice President, Administrative Services
• Lorelei A. Konopka, Ed.D, Vice President, Academic Affairs
• Jordan Beveridge, M.Ed., Sr. Associate Vice President of Information Technology
• Kimberly Golis, M.A., Associate Vice President of Business Services
• Jake Ormond, Ph.D., Associate Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness
• Susan Campbell, Ph.D., Dean of Academic Affairs
• Douglas Deiss, Ph.D., Interim Dean of Academic Affairs
• Carly Zufelt, MFA, Dean of Academic Affairs
• Lou Sanchez, Ed.D., Dean of Enrollment Services
• Genesis Toole, Ph.D., Dean of Student Life