PRESIDENT’S NEWS BURST

FEBRUARY 2012

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

I'm sure you would agree with me that our two new buildings are very impressive. The Student and Administrative Services Building, Building #10, is serving us well as a one-stop center for student services, including admissions and records, assessment, counseling, transfer center, international students, veterans affairs, and financial aid. I admire the use of color, natural lighting and large open spaces. It is a welcoming and gracious center for all who enter.

In addition, the Griffin Center, our Student Center, serves as a wonderful educational centerpiece with much-improved dining and food service areas and a variety of study locations. Students finally have a place to call their own. The Griffin Center, Building #60, accommodates Associated Students, Culinary Arts, Student Health Services, Extended Opportunity Programs and Services, Disabled Student Programs and Services and Career Center, as well as lounge areas, adjunct faculty offices, student affairs office, student club room and Griffin Gate.

KUSI-TV was on campus on the first day of school with live remotes from both new buildings. We captured on film the looks of surprise and shock on our students faces as they entered Griffin Center.

Meanwhile, I recently visited Sacramento to meet with state legislators with a team from GCCCD and also the 9 colleges in San Diego and Imperial Counties (SDICCCA). The budget news is not encouraging. The prospects are still unclear due to great ambiguity associated with state revenues, the legislative turmoil in Sacramento, and the high stakes gamble of November ballot measures. In January, Gov. Jerry Brown released a draft budget that that counts on voters approving tax increases in November. Bottom line is: If the tax increase passes, education won't be cut. So, in the best-case scenario, California's funding for education will remain flat. However, our college's costs go up every year. Some of the basic costs of doing business like paying for utilities and gas rise due to inflation, as they do for everyone. Since 2008, the amount of money sent to community colleges by the state has been declining, despite increasing costs. Therefore, only by working collectively and collaboratively, will we get through these worst of times in California public education. Thank you for your support. We will continue to keep you posted as news comes in.  Our college's planning and resource council as well as our district strategic planning and budget council are the groups that are elbow deep in state budget news and also in helping us devise solutions.  Please be sure you know who your representatives are to these two important councils.   The generic positions of those serving on councils can be found at http://www.grossmont.edu/org_gov_structures/ .  Please contact Bernadette Black for names. 

VALENTINE’S DESSERT RECEPTION CELEBRATION

As part of our college's 50th anniversary celebration, we have invited happily married couples that met their spouse at Grossmont College to join us for a very special pre-Valentine's Day Sweethearts Dessert Reception Celebration on Friday February 10. We anticipate approximately 100 people will attend.  The reception will feature delicious dessert stations featuring chocolates, baked treats and non-alcoholic beverages, along with live musical entertainment. A musical quartet with Steve Baker, Grossmont's Dean of Arts, Languages & Communication, will perform love songs from the past five decades. We always knew Grossmont was a very special place but these couples have an everyday reminder of what a wonderful place it truly is!

COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE IN APRIL

As part of our 50th anniversary celebration, we are inviting the entire community to our campus for a free Community Open House, a fun-filled, family-oriented festival on Friday and Saturday, April 13 and 14. The theme is "50-Year Spectacular! A Sizzling Weekend Celebration." We are encouraging all faculty, staff and administrators to support, participate and attend. Over two action-packed days, we will feature events where you'll jump and jive to the sounds of the dazzling decades, plus make history with a Guinness Book of World Records attempt.

On Friday, April 13, the scheduled activities include student performances (singers, guitars, jazz, and more) in the Main Quad from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., followed by a "Sock-Hop Dance" in the Main Gym featuring live music from our very own Rick Trestrail's "Footloose" band playing classic tunes from the '50s, '60s and '70s. The dance (free admission) runs from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., and will include prizes and giveaways. Classic cars will be on display, and food specials will be available from  "Ms. Patty Melt" and "Sweets in Motion" food trucks.

Then, on Saturday, April 14, everyone is encouraged to attend the 9:30 a.m. dedication ceremony for our two brand new buildings, followed by a Departmental Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring exhibits, interactive demonstrations, activities and classes showcasing our faculty and all that Grossmont College has to offer. Let your divisional dean know your plans for showcasing the college's outstanding learning environment. In addition to the Department Fair, our community members will be able to indulge in culinary creations from a dozen of San Diego's most famous food trucks, offering free samples and an abundance of luncheon choices.

Most importantly, at noon, we will put Grossmont College on the world map by setting a Guinness World's Records attempt in the Main Quad. A free t-shirt will be available for every participant who attends the world's records attempt.

So, mark your calendars and join in this celebration! Families are invited, especially ages 12 and up (no child care will be available). For updates, tell your friends and neighbors to visit www.grossmont.edu/50years.

WELLNESS INITIATIVE

Kick off the New Year and join our Wellness Initiative, a campuswide effort for faculty, staff and administrators to get healthier in 2012. Our Wellness Initiative complements the efforts of the East County Health and Human Services (HHS) Division of the Live Well, San Diego!: Building Better Health Initiative and the 3-4-50 concept. The staggering numbers indicate that three behaviors cause four diseases that result in 50 percent of the deaths nationally. These behaviors, which include smoking/alcohol use, poor diet and lack of activity, are crucial aspects to promote health and well-being among East County residents. We intend to change lives by educating and changing the behaviors of our employees while planning to scale up efforts in subsequent years.  Our Wellness Initiative includes several opportunities for participating, including volunteer-led activity groups, wellness/exercise fee-based classes, healthy eating options and smoking cessation workshops and support. For more details, including activity group descriptions and schedules of fee-based classes, visit www.grossmont.edu/wellness. Register now for one of the fee-based courses offered by visiting http://www.cuyamaca.edu/preview, or calling 660-4350. Join your colleagues in a fitness rebellion against sedentary living because you're the one with the most to gain. And lose.

WACC GRANT REQUESTS

A deadline of Tuesday, Feb. 14 has been set for submitting grant requests for funding from the World Arts and Cultures Committee (WACC) for on-campus arts and cultural events to occur during the Spring 2012 semester. Grant requests can be submitted to the Student Affairs Office. Requests will be considered as they are submitted on a "rolling basis" with earlier submissions preferred (please allow at least three weeks for approval). Event proposals must fit within the Committee's charge, which is as follows: "The World Arts and Cultures Committee aims to foster a climate of appreciation and respect for the diversity of values, ideas and cultural expressions represented by our students, staff, faculty and surrounding community. We will strive to accomplish our mission by bringing cultural events on campus reflecting the college's position in today's global society."  For more information about WACC, visit the website, www.grossmont.edu/WACC.

Among the events that already have been funded by WACC for the 2011-2012 academic year: Celebration of Mexican Independence Day (16 de Septembre); Henrietta Lacks Project, including film screening and guest appearance by Joe Sargent (director) and Donald Morgan (cinematographer); Dia de los Muertos; Butoh Theatre Workshop; Fall Draw; New Voices Student Reading; Lecture on "Islam and China" by Alex Steward; Black History Month events; A celebration of Chinese New Year; 50th Anniversary Spring Art Festival; 16th annual Literary Arts Festival, including Sandra Cisneros reading and book signing and Tim O'Brien reception, reading and book signing.

ASGC GRANT REQUESTS

The ASGC, Inc. Spring 2012 grant cycle is now open. Activity/Event grant requests must be received in person by Barbara Bender at the ASGC Office or Irene Bauza at the Student Activities Window no other than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10. The deadline for requests for the general grant cycle is 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 23. After submitting your grant request form, please remember to call the ASGC, Inc. Comptroller at extension 7768 to schedule a time to personally present your grant at an ASGC, Inc. Finance Meeting (Thursdays at 8:00 a.m.). This is an important step that helps the board understand and prioritize the many requests received. You may send a representative to the meeting if you cannot attend yourself.

               

DREAMKEEPERS GRANTS AVAILABLE STARTING MARCH 5

Developed with support from the Lumina Foundation for Education and the Wal-Mart Foundation, the Dreamkeepers Emergency Financial Assistance program can provide GC students with emergency funding to allow them to remain in school when faced with unexpected financial hardships.  The new application period for Spring 2012 semester will begin on Monday, March 5. Dreamkeepers grants are available to students who are enrolled in at least six units with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and can demonstrate an "emergency" need. Some examples of such emergencies include child care, rent, gas money, and utilities. Expenses not considered emergencies, and will not be covered, include tuition and fees, books and supplies and normal academic related expenses. If you have questions regarding the Dreamkeepers program, you may contact the Grossmont College Scholarship Specialist at (619) 644-7121 or by e-mail at selam.gebrekristos@gcccd.edu.

PRESIDENT’S LEADERESHIP AWARD

The deadline for nominations for the annual President's Leadership Award has been extended to Friday, March 30. The recipient will be recognized at the College Recognition Awards on May 10. We encourage each of you to consider nominating an outstanding individual member of our college community for this award. Nomination forms are available from Bernadette Black. The President's Leadership Award was established to recognize individual leadership in service to students, faculty and staff, and to encourage continuation of that excellence. Nominations of full-time administrative staff and other individuals in leadership positions at Grossmont College may be submitted by any member of the college community who has personal and direct knowledge of the nominee's work, and who can comment on the unique and outstanding characteristics in support of the nominee's excellent service to students, faculty and staff. Last year's recipient was Tammy Huston. For selection criteria, visit http://www.grossmont.edu/awards/.

OPT GRADUATION

The Office Professional Training (OPT) program recently held a graduation ceremony for its class of Fall 2011, which consisted of 21 students. At the event, attendees heard inspiring success stories of major life changes that have occurred as a result of this intense, challenging program that is offered through the Business Office Technology Department. The OPT program transforms lives by providing educational training and support services that empower unemployed students to compete in a high technology environment. OPT provides up-to-date skills training for jobs in professional office settings in the accounting, insurance, and financial services fields. The program consists of a 20-week semester with about 600 hours of classroom work, the equivalent of what many Grossmont College students complete in two or three semesters. In addition to providing professional skills training, the OPT program helps its graduates obtain employment and become economically self-sufficient. The OPT program, which has been training unemployed individuals at Grossmont College since 1985, has more than 2,200 graduates.

RECENT HONORS

      Al Ventura, Ceramics Technician, was recently presented the Chancellor/Classified Senate Quarterly Award. The Mission Times Courier newspaper published a story about Al's award: http://www.scoopsandiego.com/mission_times_courier/community_news/grossmont-college-ceramics-tech-fires-up-students/article_47011a94-4dbf-11e1-be3d-0019bb30f31a.html. In addition, here is a story about Al that ran in The Patch: http://mounthelix.patch.com/articles/grossmont-college-ceramics-tech-relishes-lighting-a-fire-under-students, http://santee.patch.com/articles/grossmont-college-ceramics-tech-relishes-lighting-a-fire-under-students, and in East County Magazine: http://eastcountymagazine.org/node/8527

      Joe Orate, Coordinator for Culinary Programs, has been honored with the "Chef Educator of the Year 2012" award from the San Diego Chefs Association. Joe received an engraved medallion and embroidered chef coat. He also will ride in a Corvette in the San Diego St. Patrick's Day Parade. In addition, two Grossmont culinary students, Cindy Meyer and Vanessa Huynh, received President's Medallion awards for their hard work and participation on fundraising events on behalf of the San Diego Chefs Association. Vanessa also won a $500 scholarship. Congratulations.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Each February, Black History Month becomes a time to celebrate and honor the contributions African-Americans have made to the U.S. culture and history. Black History Month will be celebrated at GC with a series of events that will honor the movements, traditions and legacies of peoples of the African diaspora:

      Grossmont students with the Inter-Club Council participated on Saturday, Feb. 4 in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service project. They washed the Home of Guiding Hands fleet of service provider vans. The East County Herald newspaper published photos and a video from the event: http://eastcountyheraldnews.com/east-county-san-diego-news/grossmont-and-cuyamaca-colleges-students-serve-community/

      Thursday, February 9 and Thursday, February 23
Jazz Kitchen with Soul Food Specials

Thursday, February 16
Jazz Kitchen with Jamaican Food Specials

Location:  Griffin Grill, Griffin Center, Building 60
Soul/Jamaican Food lunch and dinner specials, with performances by the Grossmont College Music Department's Jazz Studies Program.

      Thursday, February 23, 7 p.m.Location: Building 26, Room 220
Grossmont College Gospel Choir and Master Chorale Performance
The Grossmont College Gospel Choir and Master Chorale will celebrate Black History Month with two performances of gospel music. The first performance will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23, at Grossmont College. The second performance will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25, at College Avenue Baptist Church, 4747 College Ave., in San Diego. The public is invited to attend. Admission is free at both performances. For more event information, phone the Grossmont College Music Department at (619) 644-7254.

      Monday, February 27, 2 p.m.
Kadir Nelson presents Heart & Soul:
The Story of America and African Americans
Location: Building 26, Room 220
Award-winning artist, illustrator and author presents artwork from his new book and winner of the Coretta Scott King Book Award, Heart & Soul: The Story of America and African Americans. Mr. Nelson’s work focuses on African American culture and history and is featured in museums throughout the world, including the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles and the Yokohama Citizen’s gallery in Japan. His work has been featured in television and film and Mr. Nelson has collaborated in creating children's books with several authors, including Ntozake Shange, director Spike Lee and actors Debbie Allen and Will Smith. In 2009, he published Change Has Come, with illuminated quotations from President Barack Obama. Mr. Nelson created the mural used as cover art for Michael Jackson's posthumous 2010 album Michael.

      Thursday, March 1, 7 p.m.Documentary Showing of Louder than A Bomb Location: Building 26, Room 220
This award-winning, inspiring and high energy film follows four diverse students from equally diverse schools as they prepare for and compete in the world’s largest youth poetry slam in Chicago.

RECENT MEDIA COVERAGE

A video shot by Anne Krueger with students talking about the amazing Griffin Center:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wf2_grEIUs8&context=C3c6b358ADOEgsToPDskJ-KdkRq3ltPPKYpKEFUTkE.

Here is a recent news story about the new Student Center:

http://lamesa.patch.com/articles/the-new-griffin-center-becoming-a-hot-spot-at-grossmont-college

Here are recent news stories about the Valentine’s reception:

-- http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/jan/10/grossmont-college-looking-couples-who-met- campus/

-- http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/jan/26/tp-taking-courses-in-the-romance-languages/

-- http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/jan/25/taking-courses-in-the-romance-languages/

-- http://www.scoopsandiego.com/la_mesa_courier/local_news/noteworthy---feb/article_e042a48e-4dce-11e1-9ab9-0019bb30f31a.html

ADDITIONAL CAMPUS EVENTS

      The Spring 2012 Scholarship Awards Breakfast will be held on Saturday, Feb. 11, in the Student Center. Food service begins at 9:30 a.m., with the program beginning at 10 a.m. The event will be presented by the Foundation for Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges and Grossmont College Scholarship Department. These scholarships are competitive and based on a selection process established by the Grossmont College Scholarship Advisory Committee and any additional criteria established by the sponsor. Scholarship funds can be used to help defray the cost of textbooks, equipment, lab fees and other items beyond registration fees.

      The San Diego Blood Bank will host a Blood Drive from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14, and from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15 in the Main Quad.

      The Career Center will present "Occupational Outlook for 2012" from 11 a.m. to 12:15 on Wednesday, Feb. 15, in Room 60, Room #140. Presenting will be David Narevsky, labor market information business analyst with the San Diego Workforce Partnership.  In addition, Career Center's Adult Reentry program will present "Roadmap to Success," a seminar presented by Sylvia Montejano, EOPS Counselor, from 10 a.m. to noon, Thursday, Feb. 23. To register for either workshop, call the GC Career Center at 644-7614, or visit www.grossmont.edu/adultreentry. The college's Adult Reentry program serves adults who are interested in returning to school to reenter the workforce, learn a new career, earn a college diploma or upgrade their skills for a job promotion.

      As part of the Spring 2012 Master Class Series, the Dance Department will present two classes with master class instructors on Friday, Feb. 24 at the college's main dance studio, Building #24, Room #271. A beginners class on Hip Hop taught by Vanessa Andrada will be taught from 6 to 7:30 p.m., followed by a class on Hip Hop for intermediate and advanced students by David "Darkie" Simmons from 7:30 to 9 p.m. For more information, visit www.grossmont.edu/dance, or call the Dance Department at 644-7766.

      "Walk the Walk, Talk the Walk," consisting of a 30-minute walk and talk with a nurse from Health Services will start at 12:15 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26.

      The Hyde Art Gallery, located on campus, is presenting "Multiplicity," a free exhibit of three, three-dimensional sculptures by Lea Anderson, a Grossmont College graduate, through Feb. 23. The exhibition features a confluence of semi-transparent and opaque sea creatures floating around the walls of the Gallery. Lea will deliver a lecture from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23 at the Gallery. The Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.