President's News Burst for June 2011

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

The month of May in is the busiest (and happiest) time on our college!  It is marked by ceremonies celebrating heroic achievements and excellence.  We’ve had awards ceremonies, honor society induction, graduations, retirement parties and Commencement.  The long and challenging semester ended with applause, cheering, laughter and tears of joy.  Below, you’ll find a highlight of this happy season.

      The 50^th annual Commencement went off without a hitch.  The event also marked the start of our yearlong 50th anniversary celebration.  The evening was very successful on several fronts. Back by popular demand, the recessional featured the Line of Honor where our graduates walked west past a line of faculty who have contributed to their educational experiences. The pathway took the graduates, along with faculty, family and friends, to the Health and Sciences Complex grassy area for photo opportunities and additional refreshments.  Many thanks to all those who participated in, planned or volunteered at the event.  You made a difference in helping us to provide a fun, safe and meaningful celebration!

We heard inspirational messages from keynote speaker Christina Deckard and student speaker Timothy Snowball. Christina wanted to become a physicist, but was not permitted to enroll in physics classes at a four-year university because she was a female. The year was 1978. So, she returned to her El Cajon home and enrolled at Grossmont College in the Fall 1979 semester. She was the only girl in her physics class at Grossmont College, and earned an “A” in Robert James’ physics class.  Christina transferred to San Diego State University to earn a bachelor’s degree and master’s degrees from SDSU. She also taught math and science as an adjunct instructor at Grossmont College from 1989 to 1998. Today, she is an internationally recognized expert in laser technology.

Timothy did not graduate from high school, but he graduated with honors with two associate degrees in Political Science and University Studies. Unfortunately, frequent episodes with depression left him with a deficiency of units, so he left high school during his senior year and started working in restaurants. At age 25, with encouragement from family and friends, he applied to Grossmont College and enrolled in an American politics class. "Before Grossmont, I did not even know that Political Science was a college major," he said. In his three years at Grossmont, Timothy has earned a place on both the President's and Vice President's Lists and induction into Grossmont College's chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, an international honors society that recognizes and encourages academic achievement of two-year college students. Timothy will attend UC Berkeley in the fall and is a shining example of how Grossmont College changes lives through education.

As the kickoff to our yearlong 50th anniversary celebration, we introduced five alums, each one representing each of the previous five decades. The alums included: Jose Molina Serrano, jazz guitarist, song writer, producer and band leader (2000s); Sheila Erickson, a nurse manager in charge of the Acute Stroke and EEG departments at Sharp Grossmont Hospital (1990s); Brad Daluiso, former NFL player and current financial planning specialist with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney (1980s); Clara Harris, founder of  Heartland Human Relations Association, now called the Center for Social Advocacy, and a recent inductee into the San Diego County Women’s Hall of Fame (1970s); and Ron Oliver with Edco Disposal (1960s). Ron, who served as student body president during 1966-1967, was adorned in a tie-dye t-shirt with wire-rim granny glasses (think John Lennon glasses). When his name was announced, Ron stood up and flashed the peace sign. However, his theatrics were mild compared to his campaign for student body president in 1966. For the candidates’ debate, he received permission from the Federal Aviation Administration and arrived in a helicopter, landing in the campus’ Main Quad area in front of the library.

      The Grossmont College Police Academy celebrated on May 6 the graduation of 20 cadets who comprised the 31st Academy Graduating Class. The 415 hours of training lasted about 8 months, from September 11 to May 6.   In addition, the Grossmont College Corrections Academy held its graduation of 64 cadets on May 13.

      Our School of Nursing recently held its graduation pinning ceremony for its Class of 2011, which included 47 graduates who earned a two-year associate degree in nursing. The pinning ceremony is a tradition for graduations of new nurses and the pin bears the Grossmont College seal and mascot. Established in 1967, Grossmont’s School of Nursing has graduated more than 5,000 nurses during its four-decade history. The nursing program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), and is currently in its third year of a five-year accreditation by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). Grossmont also offers an accelerated path to a bachelor’s degree in nursing for Grossmont nursing graduates through Grand Canyon University (GCU) in Phoenix. Under a transfer agreement with GCU, Grossmont nursing students can begin earning their bachelor’s degree in 16 months following their final semester at Grossmont. Grossmont students also may be eligible for scholarships if they maintain a 3.0 grade-point-average while enrolled in GCU classes.

      Our Office Professional Training (OPT) program graduated its class of Spring 2011 of 22 students on Friday, June 3. The graduates received a total $3,350 in scholarships, which they can use for further education and/or job search expenses. The majority of the graduates, 15, majored in Insurance with seven in accounting and eight in banking. Nine graduates completed “double majors” and one completed a “triple major.” Three students – Kathy Austin, Marcia Berger, and Kim Casillas – each received a national InVEST (Insurance Vocational Education Student Training) scholarship for $500.  OPT also received a generous check from this group.  The OPT program has been training students at GC for 26 years since 1985. With the newest class of 22 graduates, we now have graduated 2,180 students from the program. In addition to acquiring professional skills, the OPT program helps its graduates obtain employment and become economically self-sufficient. 

The National award winner is an OPT instructor.  Bob Captain, our Insurance instructor in the OPT program, has been recognized by InVEST as 2011 Instructor of the Year (he also won this award in 2001). Bob received the National award this week at a meeting of the Insurance Brokers and Agents of San Diego as part of its I-Day celebration. In his acceptance speech, Bob mentioned that teaching Insurance at Grossmont College means a lot to him because he trains students who will later enter the industry; and then he has the opportunity to work with them as colleagues.

      Grossmont Middle College High School will graduate 38 seniors on Monday, June 6, at 5:30 p.m. The high school is a collaborative effort between the Grossmont Union High School District and Grossmont College. High school students concurrently take classes for both high school credit and college credits for admission to a four-year degree. By the time they graduate from high school, most students have approximately 30 units of college credit. This year’s graduating class of 38 students has earned approximately $150,000 in scholarships.

  

VOTE FOR GC AS SAN DIEGO’S BEST

Every member of the Grossmont College family is encouraged to vote online for Grossmont College as the Best Local College in this year’s 15th annual San Diego’s Best Readers’ Poll from the San Diego Union-Tribune. Let’s not miss this opportunity. The competition is stiff. Voting takes place June 3 through 25. This year, you will need to be logged in to vote for GC. You can register to vote at www.signonsandiego.com. If you try to vote and you are not logged in, you will be automatically sent to a login/registration page to login or create a new account. When you are logged in, you will be able to vote once per day per category. Look for Grossmont College under the “San Diego Life” category. Grossmont was selected as “San Diego’s Best” in 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008 and 2010. This year’s winners will be announced in September in the Union-Tribune and on www.signonsandiego.com.

  

STUDENTS OF NOTE

We want to acknowledge the recent “Students of Note” ceremony that featured honors to 12 students who were nominated by Grossmont College faculty and staff. Students are nominated based on struggles they have had to overcome in order to achieve their goal of graduating or preparing to transfer to a university. Among the recent honorees was a student with cerebral palsy who is confined to a wheelchair.  Another honoree was born deaf but it wasn't discovered until he was two years old. Another honoree was a student who lost her 8 year old son while she was attending school. Instead of it destroying her, his death motivated her to push forward and complete her education. Also honored was a student from Africa who had been orphaned as a young child.  The Students of Note program is run by our EOPS department.

  

UPCOMING EVENTS

·         Our nursing students will participate with an exhibit booth in the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce’s Summer Healthcare, the largest annual free health fair in San Diego’s East County region, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday June 11, at the Grossmont Center mall near the movie theaters. Our students will provide information about the nursing program and our college. The Chamber expects more than 75 exhibit booths will feature health screenings for strike, blood pressure and blood glucose/diabetes, as well as the latest information on health-related techniques and products.

·         The Student Activities Window (Building #36) is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday, for any staff member interested in purchasing discounted tickets to the 2011 San Diego County Fair. Unlimited and single-day admission tickets are available, along with ride coupons. For more information, contact Irene Bauza, ext. 7603.

·         “Grossmont College, Celebrating 50 Years!” Our 50th anniversary commemorative book is now on sale at the campus bookstore. The cost is $19.61 (classes began 50 years ago on Sept. 11, 1961). Let me encourage all faculty and staff to buy your copy of this historic book.  Don’t delay because quantities are limited.  Be the first in your department to own your piece of Grossmont College history. Discover little-known facts you never knew before.  A portion of proceeds from each book benefits the Grossmont College Foundation enabling the support of student scholarships and college programs.  Books can be purchased online or at the bookstore.

·         The Hyde Art Gallery has announced its 2011-2012 exhibition schedule. It includes the following:

ü  Selections from our permanent collection (mixed media), Aug. 22-Sept. 15.

ü  Adjacent and tangental painters (painting), Oct. 3-27.

ü  Artists who teach (photography), Nov. 14-Dec. 15.

ü  Works by Lea Anderson (sculpture), Jan. 23-Feb. 23.

ü  Kim, Reibstein & Berning (ceramics), March 12-April 12.

ü  Art student exhibition 2012 (mixed media), May 7-17.

  

PADRES GAME WITH EAST COUNTY CHAMBER

Since Grossmont College is a member of the East County Chamber of Commerce, all faculty and staff are invited to join the Chamber for a special night at a Padres game on Wednesday, Aug. 3, in a 7:05 p.m. game against the L.A. Dodgers. For the discounted price of $26 per ticket, you will receive one field level reserved seat and one voucher good for a hot dog and small soda. All GCCCD employees will sit together in the section. For more information or to reserve your spot, please contact Juan David Londono at JLondono@padres.com, or call (619) 795-5193.

  

BUDGET NEWS

Discussion is continuing regarding proposed changes to the spending plan in the governor’s May Revise. Agreement is expected to be reached by June 15, although it is unclear whether there has been any movement toward agreement on either the tax extensions or additional spending cuts needed to make the budget balance. With the pressure to pass a budget by June 15 this year, without which legislative pay checks and per diem payments would be forfeited for the first time, there is some optimism that a deal can be reached in the next few weeks.

President's News Burst for May 2011

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Thank you to all the 55 of Grossmont College employees and students who participated in our recent Leadership Planning Retreat held last Friday. It was an important day as we continue to work together and find ways to still provide the best service possible to all that we serve, but with less money and resources. It was an especially productive day as we worked individually, in small and large groups to closely examine data, including who are we, who are our students and student learning and success. We also reviewed the college planning processes, analyzed key performance indicators and prioritized planning goals for 2012-13. Selected as the top priorities:

• Respond to changing community needs
• Provide an Exceptional Learning Environment to Promote Student Success
• Enhance Workforce Preparedness

These results will help us plan for strategic focus areas in the future. Thank you again for everyone’s participation!  If you’d like to learn more about the retreat, please talk with Chris Hill, Pat Murray, Shirley Pereira, your dean or VP or visit the planning site at www.grossmont.edu/planning .

  

COLLEGE RECOGNITION AWARDS CEREMONY

Don’t miss our 12th annual College Recognition Awards ceremony to be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 12, in Room 220. Refreshments will be served.  Please arrive early as the program will start at 3:00 p.m. The annual College Recognition Awards is an important way for us to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions that our faculty and staff make every day to the success of our students and programs. Recognition will be given in such categories as: Academic Rank, Faculty Tenure, New Degree Recipients, Recent Publications and Exhibits, Teaching Excellence Awards, Vice Presidents’ Support Staff, Chancellor/Classified Senate Award, Kudos recipients, Faculty and Staff Retirees, Club Advisors, Foundation awards and President’s Leadership Award.

Please note the location will be in room 220 during this time of construction.

  

50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION UPDATE

      Did you know that the founders of Grossmont College sponsored a ballot measure to approve the formation of the “Grossmont Junior College District” without any dollars allocated for construction of classrooms and buildings and not even a permanent location identified for the college campus? Fortunately, Proposition “O” was approved by voters on the same Nov. 8, 1960 ballot headlined by the presidential campaign between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. Very soon, you will be able to read more interesting historical trivia about Grossmont College in “Grossmont College, Celebrating 50 Years,” a 50-year anniversary commemorative book that you can pre-order from the bookstore. Janet Althaus is now accepting orders via e-mail. Another option will be for staff to place pre-orders using their credit card on the B&N website, www.grossmont.bncollege.com, starting Monday, May 9. The cost for each book is $19.61 plus tax.

      The 50th Anniversary Committee is looking for names of Alumni to be recognized at the Commencement Ceremony on June 1, 2011. Please try to provide names of alumni who are not currently working at Grossmont College and have gone on to be successful in their field of study. Please send your suggestions by Friday, May 6th, to Rick Griffin at Rick.Griffin@gcccd.edu

      Stay up to date with the latest on your college’s 50th anniversary celebration by visiting our 50th anniversary website, www.grossmont.edu/50years, and our 50th anniversary Facebook page, www.facebook.com/grossmont50years.

  

STUDENT HONORS

      ASGC held its 49th annual Academic/Service Awards and the 20th annual Club Advisors’ Recognition Ceremony on May 4 in Room 220. Outstanding student leaders were recognized for their academic, service, and student life achievements during the 2010-2011 academic year. Also acknowledged were club advisors for their dedication to helping the student organizations function and succeed, adding an extra dimension to campus life. Among the Division Honor Awards winners:  Berneda Kilbury, CTE/Workforce Development; Bill Vosti, Math, Natural Sciences and Exercise Science Wellness; Frank Ammirato, English & Social/Behavioral Sciences; Megan Meyer, Arts, Languages and Communication. In addition, Megan McManus and Alex McLeland were named Athletes of the Year, Taisuke Matsuo was named International Student of the Year, and Debra Barrett and Stephen Dailing were named Woman and Man of Distinction, respectively.

      The Griffin Speech and Debate Team took a third place team award against 22 other four-year and two-year colleges at the PSCFA Cool-Off tournament, held at Cerritos College, April 30 to May 2.  First place winners included Alexander James and Dirk Stenger. Other students who placed included Jonathan Parker, Alexander James, Bryan Hatton, Ashlee Haugum and Madeleine Caffarel.

      Child Development Studies student Fathiya Musa has received an award from the International Rescue Committee (IRC). She is the recipient of a 2011 Liv Ullmann Humanitarian Service Award. Since 1999, Fathiya has been an exceptional leader, advocate, teacher, and friend to youth and children through IRC San Diego’s First Things First family learning center and Students Plus after-school programs. As an asylee from Somalia who was separated from her children for years, Fathiya understands the complexity of issues facing refugee children. She has worked tirelessly and selflessly to make sure refugee children don’t slip through the cracks and that they get the support that they need to rebuild their lives. Since September 2010, Fathiya has continued to build a lifetime of success for our refugee families as the site supervisor of the IRC’s First Things First Early Childhood Education Center. As Muna, a high school senior in IRC San Diego’s youth programs said:  “Ms. Fathiya doesn’t give up on us even when we want to give up on ourselves.” Prior to taking on the responsibilities of her current position as the Early Childhood Supervisor, she spent three years as IRC San Diego’s Bilingual Coordinator.  She now works full time for the IRC San Diego’s First Things First Early Childhood Education Center, and continues to help refugee youth in need of support. Her consistent caring, encouragement, guidance, love, and support make her an exceptional role model and mentor. 

A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY CELEBRATION THIS FALL ON THE LIFE OF HENRIETTA LACKS

This Fall 2011, from history to nursing, science to English, and culinary arts to the dramatic arts, we are ramping up for a curricular and event-based, interdisciplinary campus experience called “A Multi-Disciplinary Celebration of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks." This collaboration will be based on Rebecca Skloot's “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” a national bestseller that chronicles how the cells of Lacks, a poor, southern, African-American woman were used to grow human cells in the lab for the first time, without her or her family's knowledge, leading to such discoveries as the polio vaccine. Used in over 60,000 published studies, these cells have played a part in research on Cancer, AIDS, and gene mapping.  Today, as a very lucrative industry has arisen around the culturing and sale of “HeLa” cells, the Lacks family still lives in poverty, still cannot afford adequate health care, and still has only limited knowledge of “Hela” cells and their contributions to science and humanity. The book (and soon film – Oprah has purchased the rights), offers insight into questions of science; research ethics; social justice; race, class and gender in the 1950’s and the present, and even the “essence” of human nature.  In short, it is fertile ground for intellectual and cultural investigation and celebration. Many faculty members in many departments already have begun designing curriculum (from short, one-day assignments to whole sequences), and you can too. If you would like to see sample assignments, find out more about the events we have planned or get involved with an idea of your own, please contact Tate Hurvitz, Sue Jensen or Joan Ahrens. A curriculum design workshop will be offered at this year’s Faculty Summer Institute (June 6-9), so please sign up as soon as the workshop is announced.  Also, please pick up a copy of “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” and let the reading begin!

  

RECENT CAMPUS EVENTS

      The Office Professional Training (OPT) program hosted a fund-raising 5K walk on Saturday, April 30, at the football field track. According to Dr. Mary Leslie, 58 walkers raised about $1,500.

      The Grossmont College Friends of Music hosted a fundraiser to benefit the Grossmont College Symphony and Master Chorale April 30. About $22,000 was raised.

      The Music Dept. held a fundraiser for the Scholarship Fund on Monday, May 2, at Humphrey’s By the Bay on Shelter Island. Several thousands of dollars were raised.

  

UPCOMING CAMPUS EVENTS

      Several workshops are available to help you prepare for PowerPoint 2010, including:

·         Wednesday, May 11, 8:30 to 10 a.m., Room 55-534. RSVP to Nadra Farina-Hess at nadra.farina-hess@gcccd.edu. Seating is limited to 28 people.

·         An online webinar is available from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 19. RSVP to @one training at http://www.onefortraining.org/node/472 .

·         A tutorial is available on demand. Allow 40 to 50 minutes to complete. To access, click: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/powerpoint-help/make-the-switch-to-powerpoint-2010-RZ101791923.aspx?CTT=5&origin=HA010359435

      Several workshops are available to help you prepare for Excel 2010, including:

·         Monday, May 9, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in Room 55-534. RSVP to Nadra Farina-Hess at nadra.farina-hess@gcccd.edu. Seating is limited to 28 people.

·         An online webinar is available from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 12. RSVP to @one training at http://www.onefortraining.org/node/472 .

·         A tutorial is available on demand. Allow 30 to 45 minutes to complete to access, click: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/excel-help/make-the-switch-to-excel-2010-RZ101809963.aspx

      The Lady Griffs softball team is hosting the first round of the state tournament. Games are scheduled vs. Saddleback College at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, and noon on Sunday, May 8.

      An Adult Reentry Seminar will be held in Bldg 36 Room 346, from 2 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 10. The topic is: “Finding the Fit: Learn (real life) Strategies That Work For You.”  Sarah Moore is the speaker.

      The Grossmont College Theatre Arts Department will present Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward, Directed by Henry J. Jordan, May 12-14 and 18-21, @ 7:30 pm and May 14 and 21 @ 2 pm in the Stagehouse Theatre. The smash comedy hit of the London and Broadway stages, this classic offers some of Coward’s funniest characters. Charles Condomine, a cantankerous novelist, is haunted by his first wife Elvira, after the “happy medium” Madam Arcate arrives. All bets are off for Charles as his first and then second wife, “the Blithe Spirits” haunt him from the other side. Don’t miss this “comedy of manners” from the great Noel Coward. For information, visit www.Grossmont.edu/theatrebrochure.

      The Grossmont College Hyde Art Gallery is proud to present “Grossmont College Art Student Exhibition 2011.”  You are cordially invited to view this exhibition opening on May 9th and closing on May 19th. This exhibition is a cross-section of art produced by art students resulting from their studies within the department. The works on display were selected and submitted by their instructors for this exhibition. These works represent some of the best examples in ceramics, digital media, painting, drawing, jewelry, photography, sculpture and 2-D & 3-Dimensional design. The student award presentation event honoring these emerging artists will be held on Tuesday, May 17th, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. In addition, we would like to thank the Grossmont College World Arts and Cultures Committee for their generous donation in order to make the May 17th event possible.

      The Career Center will host a free workshop on etiquette and mock interviews from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Thursday, May 19, in Building 36, Room #346. To RSVP, call ext. 7614.

      The Grossmont College Dance Department will present its Spring 2011 Master Dance Class series on Friday, May 13 in the Dance Studio, 24-271. Guest instructor is Robin Morgan. Beginning ballet will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m., and Intermediate and Advance ballet will be held from 1:45 to 3:15 p.m.

END OF YEAR CELEBRATIONS AND GRADUATION CEREMONIES

      Police Academy Graduation, Friday, May 6, 6 p.m., Main Quad.

      Phi Theta Kappa Induction Ceremony, Saturday, May 7, 6 p.m., Room #220.

      Corrections Academy Graduation, Friday, May 13, 6 p.m., Main Quad.

      Transfer Achievement Celebration, Friday, May 13, 6 p.m., Room #220.

      Nursing Pinning Ceremony, Tuesday, May 31, 5:30 p.m., Main Quad.

      Commencement, Wednesday, June 1, 5:30 p.m., Main Quad.

      Office Professional Training Graduation, Friday, June 3, 6:30 p.m., Main Quad.

      Middle College High School Graduation, Monday, June 6, 5:30 p.m., Main Quad. 

President's News Burst for March 2011

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

to the 80 volunteers from GCCCD who helped at the recent Innovations 2011 conference, hosted by GCCCD and the San Diego Community College District and sponsored by the League for Innovations in the Community College.  The League is an international consortium of community colleges and their districts, and 150 corporate partners. The efforts of our volunteers ensured that the conference ran smoothly. Our volunteers did everything from stuffing give-away bags and registering people to putting together slideshow presentations and manning exhibit booths. Record attendance was reported for the conference with over 1,700 representatives of two-year  colleges came from across the nation, as well as Mexico and Canada. Our District played a huge role in showcasing innovative academic programs and the latest high-tech teaching tools. There was a strong spirit of collaboration and a sense of “we’re all in together,” especially when discussing with colleagues about unprecedented demand and budget cuts. More than 400 forums, workshops, keynote presentations and roundtable discussions were offered on a myriad of topics. Faculty and administrators from Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges, as well as District Services, presented or took part in eight conference events, including one presentation – aptly called “Diet for a Small Budget: Thriving on PIE” -- that had Chancellor Miles, President Bob Garber, Vice Chancellor Sue Rearic and myself talking about how we have sustained our institution through these difficult years and the use of the acronym PIE to plan for the future. Jerry Buckley, senior dean for research planning and institutional effectiveness, and Chris Hill, interim dean of Math, Natural Sciences, Exercise Science and Wellness and former president of the Grossmont College Academic Senate, shared the good work of our college integrating planning, budgeting and assessment. For more information on Grossmont’s PIE, please visit our college’s planning website at http://www.grossmont.edu/planning/.

The PowerPoint slides and taped sessions from the recent conference are available to any member of our college community by visiting League sitehttp://www.league.org/innovations/.

Thank you again to everyone who participated!

COLLEGE RECOGNITION AWARDS

Planning is continuing for our 12th annual College Recognition Awards ceremony to be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 12, 2011, in Room 220. Calls for nominations have been issued for several awards. Details and names of previous recipients are available at www.grossmont.edu/awards. Innovator of the Year nominations can be sent to Linda Daley. Details about your new degree can be sent to Devon Atchison. Devon also is looking for information about recent publications, special projects or works of art. Excellence in Teaching awards can be submitted to the Division Dean; for details, visit www.grossmont.edu/awards/excellence_teaching.asp. Kudos Awards can be submitted online. The Kudos Award is designed to thank and recognize a member of the Grossmont College community who represents teamwork and excellent service. In addition, everyone is invited to participate in the identification and selection of the Vice President Support Staff Award. The purpose of this award is to  recognize a classified staff member within each division for his or her outstanding contributions during the academic year to his/her department or program area, to the college, to colleagues and – most importantly – to the students of Grossmont College. The award recipients will have demonstrated an “over and above” approach to serving students, working with colleagues inside and outside of the offices, service on college committees and/or in promoting college events, and advancing the mission of Grossmont College.  The annual College Recognition Awards is an important way for us to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions that our faculty and staff make every day to the success of our students and programs. We encourage you all to nominate a deserving colleague or co-worker!

  

50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION UPDATE

Planning for our college’s 50th anniversary celebration is moving ahead. The 50^th Anniversary Celebration Planning Committee has been meeting to discuss a year-long (2011-2012 academic year) celebration.  A series of campus and community celebratory events, effective outreach strategies and event planning specifics that will succeed in appropriately celebrating Grossmont College’s 50th anniversary of educational service to the community and generating revenue that will be earmarked for services to students. Our outstanding creative services staff have designed a 50th Anniversary logo and decals, t-shirts and notebooks featuring the 50th anniversary logo are now available at the bookstore. Currently underway is the development of a 50th Anniversary Commemorative Book which will feature memories and photos.

For an unusual couples celebration, we are looking for former students, faculty and staff members who met their spouses at Grossmont College and are still happily together. The couples who respond to college officials will be invited to attend a free pre-Valentine’s Day reception to be held on Friday, Feb. 10, 2012 on campus. The reception is planned to feature refreshments and live music, including love songs from the past five decades. Names can be sent to grossmont50years@gcccd.edu. 

The special community event in April 2012 will provide an opportunity to bring the entire community on our campus after 1 ½ tough years of renovation.  Events, performances, hands-on demonstrations and other wow-factor gatherings will be scheduled all over campus.  There will also be a family BBQ.  For updates, please visit the 50th anniversary website at www.Grossmont.edu/50years.

  

UPCOMING EVENTS

Announcements from Student Health Services include:

      March is National Nutrition Month. Information on healthy food choices will be available at a booth in the Main Quad from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16.

      It’s not too late to vaccinate. Seasonable flu vaccinations are still advised and available to all students, faculty and staff. Only one shot is necessary (the H1N1 flu strain is included in the seasonal vaccine)

      March 25 is Diabetes Alert Day. If you have increased hunger and thirst, fatigue, blurred vision or overweight, speak with a Health Services nurse today.

The Career Center will present a student employment workshop on “Make Your Major Work For You In The Workplace” from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8, in Building 36 Room 346. RSVP to Nancy Davis at (619) 644-7614.

State budget cuts have closed the door to many California public universities because of more selective admission criteria. It is essential for transfer students to know the stakes, research their options and develop a transfer plan as early in the transfer process. The University Transfer Center offers three weekly workshops that provide the information, strategies and tools for achieving transfer success. If you would like a brief classroom presentation on “Transfer Realities = Importance of Transfer Options” please contact Mary Rider at x7094 or mary.rider@gcccd.edu to set up a classroom presentation or to put up a Transfer Options poster in your classroom or office.

The Theatre Arts Department will present Hamlet by William Shakespeare, Directed by Jeannette Thomas, at 7: 30 p.m. on March 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18 and 19, and at 2 p.m. on March 12 and 19, in the Stagehouse Theatre. Murder. Betrayal. Lust. Adultery. Arguably Shakespeare’s most profound play, Hamlet offers up a dark, brooding hero who, like many people at one time or another, suffers grief, loneliness and fear in the wake of a family tragedy. Full of introspection and philosophy about the nature of life and death, the universal themes in Hamlet find a resonance with modern audiences—when faced with life’s most difficult challenges, do we have the courage to rise up and meet them; or like many, does “conscience make cowards of us all.” General admission is $12, GCCCD faculty/staff, seniors, and military is $11 and GCCCD students (with ID) is $10.  For more information, visit www.Grossmont.edu/theatrebrochure.

The Grossmont College Art Council cordially invites everyone to their Fundraising Auction/Exhibition on Friday, March 11, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The Hyde Art Gallery is exhibiting the work of 18 established local artists representing a variety of disciplines. Though brief in its duration, the scope of this exhibition is significant. The work of Bobbie Fisher, Daphne Hill, David Fobes, Suda House, Terri Hughes, David Hewitt, Jeff Irwin, Jennifer Bennett, Al Ventura, Ingrid Psuty, Ollie Zinn to mention a few of the artists that will be providing our patrons with a broad appeal. You can preview and bid on their favorite works at the following times and days: Monday, March 7, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, March 8, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesday, March 9, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thursday, March 10, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; and Friday, March 11, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Bidding will close at 8:30 p.m., and the winning bids will be announced at 9 p.m. on that Friday night. Please join us for a fun filled evening of festivities that will include a Silent Auction of all the donated art, Appetizers, Spirits and Music. Proceeds from any sale will go to the Art Council Student Awards Program.

The Grossmont College Guitar Guild will present “Odeum Guitar Duo,” a performance by two Grossmont College guitar instructors Fred Benedetti and Robert Wetzel, starting at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 13, at Cuyamaca College’s Fine Arts Theatre. Odeum refers to a small building in ancient Greece or Rome that was used for public performances of music. The public is invited to attend. Admission is $10 per person, and $8 for seniors, students and children under age 12.

The Grossmont Symphony Orchestra will perform with organist Robert Plimpton at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 18, at First United Methodist Church, 2111 Camino del Rio South in San Diego’s Mission Valley area. Admission is $10 for adults, free for students. Another performance will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, March 21 at the Paradise Valley Seventh Day Adventist Church in National City, and admission is free. Selections will be from Widor, Mozart, Janacek and Elmore.

  

LOOKING FOR A GREAT TRAVEL IDEA THIS SUMMER?  CONSIDER THE EDUCATOR’S TRIP TO PERU IN JULY

The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce has announced its third annual Educators Tour for all East County school employees which will be a nine-day trip to Peru, July 11 to 19.  Deposit of $550 and registration forms are due by March 25. Bookings are secured on a first-come, first-serve basis. The checks-only price is $2,499, and payment with a credit card is $2,549. Cost includes round-trip airfare from San Diego, round-trip executive class rail service in Peru, first-class accommodations, daily breakfasts and dinners and two lunches, sightseeing and admission to all sites outlined on program, deluxe motor coaches, baggage handling and transfers and professional program hosts. Tour highlights include sightseeing tours of Lima and Cusco, a full-day excursion to the colonial villages of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, a full-day excursion to Machu Picchu with a guided tour of the ruins, museums and monastery, previously the Koricancha Temple, Plaza de Armas and the cathedral, Sacred Valley of the Incas, traditional Peruvian buffet dinner at La Dama Juana with live show that mixes the principal dances from the different regions of Peru, and much more. The tour also will include two different school visits with question and answer sessions with teachers and an official of the education department. For more information, contact Leanna Rodgers at travel@eastcountychamber.org. On previous Chamber Educators Tours, more than 150 educators have participated in this vibrant, international program.

President's News Burst for February 2011

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Thank you all for your many efforts to help our students settle-in to another semester here at Grossmont College.  Can you believe we have already completed two instructional weeks and it's nearly census? Unfortunately due to state budget cuts and imposed caps, thousands of students were left on our waiting lists as the semester began.  This is one of the many reminders that there is simply not enough funded capacity in our public education system.  Estimates from the California Community College League (CCLC) indicate that state-wide the community college system was unable to accommodate some 133,000 potential new students!  It's a time we hoped we would never see, when our open access institution cannot serve those that seek to benefit from our services.  Nevertheless, we persevere to serve those who are with us as best we can during these difficult times.  For those students who are fortunate enough to be with us, our focus must remain on student learning and student success despite the many distractions and difficulties.   

On a personal note, I have been immensely touched by your many kind gestures and words during the recent death of my father.  Thank you for your cards, emails, phone calls, hugs and other expressions of concern. 

NEWS FROM PLANNING AND RESOURCE COUNCIL

At its January 30 meeting, the Planning and Resource Council reviewed information from CCLC analyzing the reductions to each community college district as a result of the Governor's budget proposal.  Best and worst case scenarios were discussed if the taxes are extended in the June election versus if the taxes are not extended.  The best case scenario will result in a potential $4.6 million reduction to GCCCD and the worst case scenario will result in a $12.6 million dollar reduction to our apportionment.  In light of these scenarios, all critical hire positions previously approved by our college and district-wide collegial process are being reviewed again for the critical nature. Given the uncertain nature of our financial position for next year, careful analysis and planning will be crucial as we move forward.  The council also reviewed enrollment goals and current status as well as significant reductions achieved in utilities, water and paper usage over the past 2 years.  Minutes of these meetings and resource materials may be found at http://www.grossmont.edu/adminservices/budget/meetingsAgendas.asp.

The District-wide Strategic Planning and Budget Council (DSP&BC) will hold a special meeting Monday, February 7 at 2pm in Griffin Gate to consider the budget scenarios and reflect on potential solutions. We will continue to approach these budget challenges together as a district and attempt to communicate about the deliberations and decisions as openly as possible.  Minutes of these meetings and resource materials may be found at http://www.gcccd.edu/intranet.

ENROLLMENT COMPARISON

Below are enrollment comparisons as of February 2, 2011 for Spring 2011 as compared to Spring 2010:

	Spring 2011	Spring 2010	Count Variance	% Variance
Headcount	20,324	20,918	-594	-2.8%
Units	176,513.5	183,991.5	-7478.0	-4.1%

Due to the section reductions imposed on the GC schedule, enrollment is currently down as compared to the same time last spring.  The official census enrollment report will not be complete for some time to ensure all data in entered accurately. 

GREAT NEWS FROM ACCJC!

The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), Western Association of Schools and Colleges, at its meeting Jan. 11-13, reviewed the Focused Midterm Report submitted by Grossmont College. The purpose of this review was to assure that the recommendations made by the evaluation team had been addressed by the institution and that the College had also provided an update on the self-identified planning agendas which were included in the Self-Study Report. The Commission notes that the College had documented resolution of the recommendations regarding the development of policies and practices with the district to ensure equity and diversity in human resource practices; establishment of a specific timeline for producing student learning outcomes and assessments; revision of institutional planning processes; lineage of College and District strategic plans; development of clear policies and procedures for the College President defined by the District; and development of regular and systematic review and evaluation of District services to the College. In short, the Commission accepted the report and has established that the next comprehensive evaluation will be conducted in Fall 2013.   This is a reflection of the great work that has happened over the past 3 years in moving our college forward in planning, communication and governance, student learning outcomes and systematic review and improvement of our processes and procedures.  Special thanks to all those who helped collect evidence, write the report and help in the submission!

COMING SOON -- INNOVATIONS 2011

GCCCD has the distinct honor of co-hosting the League for Innovation in the Community College’s “Innovations 2011 Conference,” to be held Feb. 27 to March 2, 2011, at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel. Innovations 2011 is the premier event for professionals

dedicated to improving organizational teaching and learning, and discovering new approaches for enhancing the community college experience. The conference provides a tremendous forum for collaboration among academic experts and leading community college professionals, while granting participants exclusive access to the most inventive and thought-provoking programs from around the world.   Approximately 80+ volunteers from GCCCD will be attending the conference for free thanks to our sponsorship. 

FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR CULTURAL EDUCATIONAL EVENTS!

The World Arts and Cultures Committee (WACC) is soliciting applications of grant requests for funding of on-campus arts and cultural events to occur in the Spring 2011 and Fall 2011 semesters. The events that will be funded must fit within the Committee’s

charge, which is: “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 t o accomplish our mission by bringing cultural events on campus reflecting the college’s position in today’s global society.” Grant requests for events scheduled to occur in the Spring 2011 semester should be submitted to the Student Affairs Office no later than Feb. 24, 2011. The WACC Committee meets on the third Friday of every month to consider grants.

DREAMKEEPERS GRANTS AVAILABLE STARTING MARCH 1

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 2011 semester will begin on March 1. 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 that 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.

FACULTY NEWS

Shirley Pereira, Math, has accepted the recently created Research Liaison position at Grossmont College, following the recommendation of the Institutional Excellence Taskforce. Shirley was recommended for the position based on the following criteria: Technical skills; Awareness of campus processes; Leadership; Engagement in the goals of this position; Specific expertise using data to increase student success.

Jim Wilsterman, Art, is presenting at Hyde Art Gallery through Feb. 24 an exhibit of 24 wall panels featuring natural materials that display rain patterns that fell on campus during the 2009-2010 rainy season. The exhibit is called “Rain Events and Related Investigations.” The panels consist of natural clays, earth materials and cotton fibers, commonly used in dollar bills and filters for automobiles. The displays range from 12-inch circles to eight-foot-long panels. Some panels contain scorched leaves and vegetation from recent wildfires.
Jerry Hager, Theatre Arts, is directing “Inside the Actor’s Process: The Monologue,” a performance of student actors using monologue skills, at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 4 and 5, and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Stagehouse Theatre. For beginning actors, the monologue is the first step into the world of acting. The show will demonstrate how student actors learn the inner-workings of the process and hidden surprises of self-discovery. Following the weekend performances, the GC students will visit 16 local high schools in San Diego County over an eight-week period for presentations at drama classes. It’s the sixth consecutive year for the annual Spring Tour Show.

CAMPUS EVENTS

Student Health Services is offering information on Mental Health & Personal Counseling Services from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 9, in the Main Quad.

The Spring 2011 Scholarship Awards Breakfast will be held on Saturday, Feb. 12, in the 200 Building courtyard. Food service begins at 9:30 a.m., with the program beginning at 10 a.m. The event will be presented by the Grossmont College Foundation 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. Thirty-four students will be awarded scholarships totaling $17,200. In addition, 16 students will each receive a $500 Osher scholarship, resulting in a grand total of $25,200 in scholarship funds that can be used to help defray the cost of textbooks, equipment, lab fees and other items beyond registration fees.
CATL is holding a Blackboard workshop on Tuesday, Feb. 15, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in 70-267. The topic is “Getting Students Involved in BB.”  This workshop, presented by Angela Feres and Chris Rodgers, will cover the discussion board and two additional tools Blackboard has to offer, blogs and journals.
The Spring 2011 CTE Culinary Arts dinners are starting soon. A 5-course dinner will be prepared by the GC CTE Fine Dining Class and served in the Patio Area outside Bungalow 58G, in Parking Lot 5 on Thursdays, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the following dates: Feb. 24; March 3, 10, 24, 31; April 7, 14, 28; May 5. Cost is $20 per person. Exact cash or checks can be made payable to Grossmont College Foundation. To reserve tickets:  Contact Maryam (619) 644-7550 or email her at maryam.rastvan@gcccd.edu. Tickets will be held for 24 hours and are to be picked up in the CTE Office, Room 34-282. Tickets will only be held for 24 hours without payment.
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:

Ø  “A History of the Negro Baseball Leagues,” a free lecture by Byron Motley, documentary filmmaker and motivational speaker, will be presented at noon in the Main Quad and from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 8, in  Room #220. The history of the Negro Baseball League (1920-1960) is draped in a fabric that mirrors America’s culture from segregation to integration. Motley’s presentation will show how the progression of America’s race relation journey is reflected in events that unfolded in the Negro Baseball Leagues.

Ø  A presentation on “Drop in the Bucket,” a project by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority to build water wells in Sub-Saharan, will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 11, in Room #220.

Ø  Presentations by Eric Smith, author of “From Crack to Clergy: “Provoking Thoughts,” will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 14 in the Main Quad, and at 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 15, in Room #220. Mr. Smith is a former GC student. His book takes us where bad starts do not set the pace for life.

Ø  The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity will present a step show at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 16 on the Main Quad. Also, join Chef Eddie Williams for “History of Soul Food” at 12:30 p.m. on the same in the Main Quad.

Ø  A performance by the Afro-Cuban Jazz Ensemble is scheduled for noon on Tuesday, Feb. 22, in the Main Quad.

Ø  An appearance by the Buffalo Soldiers is scheduled for noon on Thursday, Feb. 24, in the Main Quad.

Ø  A performance by the Grossmont College Master Chorale and the Grossmont College Gospel Choir is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 25, in Room #220.

The Grossmont College Concert Band, under the direction of Russell Sperling, will perform at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 28 with the Helix Charter School band at Cuyamaca College.