PRESIDENT’S NEWSBURST

APRIL 2012

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

The college’s Planning Forum was held Friday, March 23^rd.  Approximately 50 faculty, staff, students and administrators participated in the day-long planning workshop.  As you know, this is the time when we examine what has been, what is, where we are, where we are going and what could be.  Through presentations, group and individual work, the participants engaged in reviewing data about the state of the college, educational master plan, progress on our strategic plan, student achievement, and student learning outcomes.  Through an integrated planning process, we reviewed our college’s vision and mission and made a minor modification.  We also collaboratively prioritized the goals for the next planning cycle.  These goals are listed below and should help units, departments and the college focus on priorities.  It is crucial during the extremely challenging economic times that we focus our limited resources behind our college priorities.  Times are tough but at Grossmont College the tough keep going!

Goals for 2013/14:

Provide an exceptional learning environment to promote student success

Respond to changing community needs

Promote institutional effectiveness

Enhance workforce preparedness

VOLUNTEERING AT COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE

I am writing to say thanks in advance to all faculty, staff and administrators. Your support and participation for the upcoming 50th Anniversary Community Open House on April 13 and 14 will make this event unprecedented in the 50-year history of the college. Thank you again for giving of your time and talents to help us showcase the academic excellence of Grossmont College.

As we inch closer to the event in less than two weeks, let me express my appreciation for helping us spread the news and in encouraging your friends and neighbors to attend. This fun-filled, family-oriented festival will showcase the college’s outstanding programs, faculty, staff and students.  Interactive learning exhibits, activities and performances will showcase the latest innovations in educational programs and technology hosted by the various departments and disciplines, including theatre arts, music, health professions, culinary, math and English, and Exercise Science and Wellness. We especially need every available body to help Grossmont College set a world’s record in the Main Quad at noon on Saturday, April 14.

We need your help! Community members, staff, faculty, students and family (over 18) are welcome and encouraged to volunteer for the event! Please take a minute and fill out the online volunteer form. Sign-ups and more details are available on our college’s 50th Anniversary Celebration website, www.grossmont.edu/50years. Forward it to your friends, neighbors, former GC employees, and others who might want to be involved. All volunteers will be asked to complete a waiver form. If you have any questions about volunteering, please contact Pat Murray at ext. 7316. Your support and participation will make our college proud. Honestly, I don't know how I can ever thank you enough!

CLASSIFIED STAFF APPRECIATION DAY

Classified Staff Appreciation Day was held on April 2 (Monday of Spring Break) on the Grossmont campus. The theme was “Enriching Classified – Mind, Body & Soul,” and the keynote speaker was Pam Smith of the County of San Diego’s Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) and Aging & Independence Services. The many raffle prizes included a beautiful hard body guitar donated by Taylor Guitars, and Bradford Portraits donated a $5,000 portrait package.

GROSSMONT COLLEGE FRIENDS OF MUSIC

The Grossmont College Friends of Music will host its second annual Friends of Music Gala fundraiser to benefit the Grossmont College Symphony and Master Chorale from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, April 28, at Griffin Center, Grossmont College’s new Student Center. Admission is $50 per person. Corporate sponsorships are available for $750 for a table of 8. The event will feature live music, dinner, and a silent auction, along with an opportunity drawing. For more information, call Lisa Oberndorfer at (619) 743-2010, or lisakay@gmail.com. To purchase tickets, please visit www.grossmontsymphony.tix.com.

BRAD DALUISO GOLF CLASSIC

The Foundation for Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges, the non-profit organization that directly supports students, faculty and staff at both colleges through scholarships and educational equipment, supplies and programs, will host the 10th annual Brad Daluiso Golf Classic, a fundraising tournament, starting at 11 a.m. (shotgun start) on Friday, May 4, 2012, at the Sycuan Golf & Tennis Resort, 3007 Dehesa Road, El Cajon. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Grossmont College Athletics Programs. Player spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Entry donation to play is $250 per person, which includes green fees, cart, a fitting for TaylorMade clubs, tee prizes, goodie gift bag, unlimited range balls, putting contest, course games, raffle tickets, BBQ steak lunch, snacks, beverages, player awards and after-golf awards reception.  Sponsorship opportunities are available and donations of merchandise and/ professional services for the silent auction and raffle are welcomed. Please share this information with your circle of contacts. Event brochures are available for distribution. Please contact Laurie Corbin at 619-644-7109 or laurie.corbin@gcccd.edu with any questions or to receive brochures to share. You may also drop by the Foundation office to pick up your supply of brochures. Our thanks again to Brad who lends his name, talents and time to making this an annual premier event. For registration information, visit www.foundation.gcccd.edu.

RECENT HONORS

Speech and Debate

Congratulations to Grossmont’s Speech/Debate Team for their success against 42 colleges and universities at the Pacific Southwest Collegiate Forensics Association’s Spring Championship Tournament. Recognition was earned by the following students.

·         Darron DeVillez, 1st Place in Jr. Division of Program Oral Interpretation

·         Gabi Johnson, 2nd Place in Novice Division of Prose Interpretation

·         Ali Majed, Bronze Award in Jr. Parliamentary Debate and 6th Place Speaker Award in Jr. Parliamentary Debate.

·         Vanessa Spear, Bronze Award in Jr. Parliamentary Debate

·         Darron DeVillez, Bronze Award in Novice Parliamentary Debate

·         Joey Zaliagiris, Bronze Award in Novice Parliamentary Debate

Honors

·         Honors student Ralf Schuster received the Director’s Award for the HTCC (Honors Transfer Council of California) conference last week in Irvine. This is the top award given to honors students in California community colleges. His award was for research done in a Science 110 -- Introduction to Scientific Thought class last Fall. His will receive $1,000 and his work will be published in a professional journal. Also to be honored at the conference: Daniel McKay received an Exemplary Achievement Award; Heather Roth received for her Henrietta Lacks essay.

·         Donald H. Harrison, creator and editor of San Diego Jewish World, an online newspaper, and an adjunct instructor for the class that produces the student newspaper called The Summit, has written a story about Tate Hurvitz, Assistant Professor, Department of English, and Tate’s work on the Henrietta Lacks Project. Here is a link to the article. http://www.sdjewishworld.com/2012/03/20/interdisciplinary-inter-campus-movement-expands-in-san-diego-grossmont-college-english-prof-hurvitz-helps-shape-trend/

CAMPUS EVENTS

·         The Hyde Art Gallery’s “Beyond the Limit,” a ceramics exhibit with works by Kelly Berning, Yoonchung Kim and Sasha Koozel Reibstein, runs through April 12.  This exhibition features 42 pieces, including dancing tea pots that resemble human forms, ceramic boxes with the history of ceramics in the Korean language and ceramic internal organs.

·         The Grossmont College Dance Department will present “Entrances and Exits,” a faculty-choreographed dance concert featuring performances by Grossmont College dance students demonstrating various genres of dance. Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 26, 27 and 28. All performances will be held at the Kroc Theatre, and feature dance performances in salsa, tap, ballet, contemporary, modern and hip hop. Admission is $12 per person at the door. For more information, phone the Grossmont College Dance Dept. at (619) 644-7766, or visit www.grossmont.edu/dance.

·         The Grossmont College Creative Writing Program and the World Arts and Cultures Committee are thrilled to present the 16th Annual Literary Arts Festival to be held April 24-May 3. The festival will feature award-winning authors as well as showcase talent from the campus and community. Highlights of this year's festival include author Sandra Cisneros, an American novelist, short-story writer, essayist and poet.  Cisneros is best known for her novel House on Mango Street. She will read and sign books on Thursday, April 26 at 7 p.m. in Griffin Gate. Additionally, Grossmont College welcomes Tim O'Brien's in Week 2 of the Festival. O'Brien, considered one of our greatest living American authors and inspirational speakers, is best known for his novel The Things They Carried. O’Brien will lecture and read from his work on Thursday, May 3 at 2 p.m. in Room 220. All events are free and open to the public. Professional Development credit is available for faculty. For additional information, contact Sydney Brown at (619) 644-7523 or visit the campus website at www.grossmont.edu/english/Festival.

·         The 50th annual Associated Students of Grossmont College, Inc. and Inter-Club Council Scholarship and Service Awards Ceremony will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 25 in Griffin Gate.  A pre-reception will be held outside of the Griffin Gate at 5:30 p.m. Outstanding student leaders will be recognized for their academic, service, and student life achievements during the 2011-2012 academic years. For more information, contact Barbara Bender, ASGC, Inc. secretary, at Barbara_Bender@gcccd.edu.

·         The Theatre Arts Department will present “Lost in Yonkers,” a play by Neil Simon and directed by Jeannette Thomas, at 7:30 p.m. on May 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11 and 12, and at 2 p.m. on May 5 and 12. When brothers Artie and Jay are sent to live with their Grandmother, they find out that their father’s family puts the “fun” in dysfunctional. Set in 1942, Neil Simon’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning play is a heart-warming, honest and funny look at how we define “family.” With an uncle who is a small-time gangster, an aunt with the mentality of a child, and a formidable, steely grandmother who struggles to understand love, Artie and Jay are thrust into a crazy world that they must somehow survive. Will it be the longest ten months of their lives? Or will they all learn that “love” comes in many forms?

·         For details on upcoming student club activities, visit www.grossmont.edu/student_activities/gc_clubs.asp.

·         For recent print news clips collected by the Office of College & Community Relations, visit www.grossmont.edu/newsclips/

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.

President's News Burst for November 2011

President's Message

November marks the beginning of the busy holiday season. This is the time when night comes early, and dawn comes late. This Sunday, Nov. 6, at 2 a.m., Daylight Saving Time will end and we will return to Standard Time (“Spring forward, Fall behind”). So, don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour and “gain” an extra hour of sleep.

Registration for spring classes begins on Nov. 14. Please encourage students to plan ahead, have options in mind and don’t wait until the last minute to act on important educational matters. Students may, again, experience some disappointments as a result of state budget cuts.  At Grossmont, our enrollments remain high despite the cuts we’ve made.  This spring I will be asking that you please abide by your course maximums to ensure an effective and safe learning environment.  Stay tuned for more details. 

Autumn is a time of harvest, of gathering together. With gratitude, I am looking forward to Thanksgiving Day.  It’s a time to reflect on the many blessings and opportunities in our lives.  Despite challenging, economic times, the comfort of family and friends provides strength and encouragement.  The opportunity to do the kind of work that we do here at Grossmont among the wonderful people that work here are also among my many blessings.  In short, I count each of you as a blessing in my life.  Thank you for all you do for our students!

  
Fifty and Fantabulous

Thanks to all who supported and attended our recent 50th anniversary fundraising celebration at the Health and Sciences Complex. “Fifty and Fantabulous” was the theme. Guests attended in the attire they may have worn as a college student. About $100,000 was raised at the fundraiser. Proceeds will benefit the Grossmont College Griffin and Dreamkeepers Funds through the Foundation for Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges, the recently formed fundraising organization that supports students and educational programs at Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges. Here are links to recent publicity stories about the event.

-- http://eastcountymagazine.org/node/7654
-- http://santee.patch.com/events/grossmont-college-50th-anniversary-fundraising-celebration
  

Scholarships Available for Students
Selam Gebrekristos, Scholarship Specialist, is encouraging staff and faculty  to submit their Spring 2012 campus based scholarship applications by November 7th. For more information and application go to http://www.grossmont.net/fa/scholarships.

Honors for Former Culinary Student
Kris Saradpon, now working as a cold prep chef and assistant kitchen manager chef at San Diego State University, was recently awarded first place in the 11th annual Culinary Challenge at the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) national conference.  Saradpon won the challenge and a gold medal with his dish, "The Tri-Tip Trio."   In the link below, SDSU recognized GC culinary instructor Joe Orate: “Under the guise of Culinary Olympics Gold Medalist and Grossmont College chef instructor Joe Orate, Kris found his passion for culinary competitions.” http://www.nacufs.org/recognition-culinary-challenge

  
Congratulations!

•       At the recent Pasadena City College Tournament, four members of the Grossmont Speech/Debate team finished as finalists, including Bryan Hatton (senior impromptu speaking), Gabriela Johnson (senior impromptu speaking), Jake Weber (novice impromptu speaking) and Vanessa Spear (novice extemporaneous speaking).
•       At the recent Concordia University speech-debate tournament, six students from Grossmont took home five awards. They included Gabrela Johnson (semi-finalist in Junior Division Parliamentary Debate), Jake Weber (semi-finalist in Junior Division Parliamentary Debate), Jesse Gault (quarter-finalist in Novice Parliamentary Debate), Bryan Hatton (quarter-finalist in Novice Parliamentary Debate), Vanessa Spear (quarter-finalist in Novice Parliamentary Debate and finalist in Novice Impromptu Speaking) and Gabi Johnson (6th place in Junior Parliamentary Debate). At Concordia, 33 colleges and universities, including 24 four-year universities, attended the tournament, representing four states, including California, Arizona, Texas and Kentucky.
•        The San Diego Reader has published a favorable three-part review of the Grossmont College Symphony Orchestra’s recent performance of “I Am Woman,” featuring Anna Belaya, soprano. Selections also performed included “Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman” by Joan Tower of New York; "The Four Temperaments,” by Danish composer Carl Nielsen; and, Symphony No. 3, also known as the Symphony of Sorrowful Songs, by Henryk Gorecki of Poland. The reviews were written by staff writer Garrett Harris. Here is the link: http://www.sandiegoreader.com/staff/garrett-harris/
•        P.J. Ortmeier, AOJ, was quoted in a La Mesa Patch article about crime trends in the East County. This is an example of our faculty’s outstanding reputation in the community. Here is a link: http://lamesa.patch.com/articles/largest-share-of-crime
•        Congratulations to Michael Grant, Media Communications chair, for winning a San Diego Press Club journalism writing award on Tuesday evening. Michael won in the “Daily Newspapers and Websites, Column” category for a column written for La Mesa Patch on “Back to the Future: La Mesa’s Own Mile of Classic Cars.” In addition, Rick Griffin, College and Community Relations, won four writing awards. One of the awards was for our Campus Scene newsletter. It was the third year in a row that “Campus Scene” has been recognized with a writing award from the San Diego Press Club.
•       Thanks to all who participated in our recent earthquake drill. We were among hundreds of schools, colleges and universities participating up and down the state in the “Great California Shakeout” earthquake drill at 10:20 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 20. An estimated 8.2 million people participated in this year’s Shakeout. The drill started with a mega-sound system reproduced the low frequency rumble of an earthquake in the Main Quad. Approximately 110-to-130 low frequency decibels simulated the roar and vibration of an actual earthquake. Our thanks to Jim Papageorge, Media Communications, for the sound system. A story about the event was posted on the Santee Patch website. Here is the link: http://santee.patch.com/articles/shake-out-2011-quake-simulation-at-grossmont-college

Upcoming Campus Events

•        Two events relating to “The Henrietta Lacks Project” will be held this week. A screening of the documentary “Miss Evers’ Boys” will be shown at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1 in Building #26, Room #220. Joe Sargent, director, and Donald Morgan, cinematographer, will introduce the film and lead a discussion on the ethics of human subject research. On Wednesday, Nov. 2 in Room #220, students can watch a live feed of author Rebecca Skloot's appearance at San Diego State University starting at 2 p.m. and at the University of San Diego starting at 6 p.m. This is part of our ongoing campus collaboration based on Rebecca Skloot's “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.”
•        The Theatre Arts Dept. will host a fundraiser at the Souplantation restaurant, 9158 Fletcher Parkway, La Mesa, from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1.  Souplantation will donate 20 percent of all sales if a flyer is presented when you purchase a drink with your meal. To obtain a flyer, contact Alexis at ext. 7234.
•        The Grossmont College Spanish Club will host its annual celebration of "Dia de los Muertos" (the Day of the Dead) from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 2, in Griffin Gate, Building #58 in the Modular Village. A 20-minute documentary movie, "Rites of the Day of the Dead," will be shown, preceded by a lecture from Virginia Young, faculty advisor to the Spanish Club. Also available will be free distribution to students of "pan de muerto" (bread of the dead) and hot chocolate. Currently on display at Grossmont College's Tech Mall is a dia de los muertos altar featuring figurines, flowers, foods, handouts, masks and photos of deceased people. Funding for this event was made available for this event from Grossmont College's World Arts and Cultures Committee.
•              The Muslims Student Association (MSA) will host “The Status of Women in Islam,” an informative lecture about the rights and social status of Muslim women according to Islamic ruling, differentiated from culture and stereotypical images portrayed in the media, starting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3, in Building #51, Room #583. The speaker will be Tehseen Lazzouni, founder and director of the Islamic Speakers Bureau of San Diego (ISB), an educational resource organization that educates the San Diego community about Islam and Muslims.
•        The Grossmont College Guitar Guild will present “Blurring the Edges,” a benefit concert for the Grossmont Guitar Guild Scholarship Fund featuring performance by Grossmont College guitar instructor Fred Benedetti and cousins Peter Sprague on guitar and Tripp Sprague on saxophone, at 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 4, at the campus Recital Hall, Room #220, Building #26. Cost to attend is $10 per person general admission. Tickets are available at the door. For more information, phone the Grossmont College Music Dept. at (619) 644-7254, or visit www.grossmont.edu/music.
•        The Grossmont College Dance Department’s fall 2011 Master Class Series will continue with the following classes in the main dance studio: On Saturday, Nov. 5, “Dance Injury Prevention and Nutrition” from 10:30 a.m. to noon with guest instructor Katy Ewalt; and two jazz classes with guest instructor Denise Leitner, including beginning jazz from 12:15 to 1:45 p.m. and intermediate jazz from 1:45 to 3:15 p.m. On Friday, Nov. 18, two ballet classes with guest instructor Javier Velasco, including beginning ballet from 1:30 to 3 p.m. and intermediate/advanced ballet from 3 to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call ext. 7766.
•        The Career Center will host an Adult Reentry seminar on “Make Your Papers Look Good” with Tate Hurvitz, English instructor, from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 8, in Building #36, Room #346.  A Student Employment workshop with Nancy Davis and Pamela Benge on “Systematic Job Search” will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 16, in Room #346. The job search workshop will discuss how to tap into unadvertised jobs, mining for gold on the Internet and making professional connections. For more information on Adult Reentry Seminars, call ext. 7697 or visit www.grossmont.edu/adultreentry. For more information on Student Employment Workshops, call ext. 7614 or 7611, or visit www.grossmont.edu/studentempservices.
•       The International Club is looking for firewood for its bonfire event on Friday, Nov. 11.  If you have firewood to donate, please contact club advisor, Barbara Clark at ext. 7209, Barbara.clark@gcccd.edu.  
•       The English Department’s Creative Writing Program will continue its fall 2011 Reading Series with an appearance by Lidia Yuknavitch, author of “The Chronology of Water: A Memoir,” starting at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 14 in Building #26, Room #220.
•        “Artists Who Teach,” a photography exhibit, will run at the Hyde Art Gallery from Nov. 14 to Dec. 15. The exhibition’s opening reception date is Nov. 15. The Hyde Art 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. Admission is free. The Gallery is located in Building #25 across from Café 200. The gallery will be closed during Winter break from Dec. 26 to Jan. 13.
•       The Music Department‘s Afro-Cuban Jazz Ensemble will perform in concert at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17, at the Cuyamaca College Fine Arts Theatre. Cost to attend will be $8 per person general admission.
•        The Grossmont Symphony Woodwind Quintet will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17, at the campus Recital Hall, Room #220, Building #26. Cost to attend is $10 per person general admission. Tickets are available at the door. A second performance of the Woodwind Quintet will be held at 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 18, at All Saints Episcopal Church, 625 Pennsylvania Ave., San Diego. Admission is free at the church.
•        The Grossmont College Guitar Guild will present a performance by Grossmont College Music Dept. classical guitar instructor Robert Wetzel starting at 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 18, at the campus Recital Hall, Room #220, Building #26. The performance is a fund-raiser for the Grossmont College Guitar Guild. Admission is $10 per person general admission.
•       Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) and ASGC are planning to host an “Every Monday BBQ,” starting around 11 a.m., to raise money for the EOPS Holiday Party. The location is between Buildings #30 and #31.
•        The Grossmont College Theatre Arts will host the opening night of the world premiere of “Tata Twins-the Remix” on Thursday, Dec. 1. The play is adapted by Jeannette Thomas, a Grossmont College instructor, and based on The Twin Menaechmus by Plautus. Department chair  Beth Duggan is directing. The play is a modern adaptation of the Roman comedy of mistaken identity that serves as the inspiration for Shakespeare’s “A Comedy of Errors” (adult situation and language). Dec. 1 also will be the celebration of Grossmont College Theatre Arts Department’s 50th Anniversary. Come join in on the celebration! Alexis will be happy to be of assistance, ext. 7234.
•        The annual ASGC/CARE holiday party for EOPS, CARE and CalWORKs students will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9, in Griffin Gate. The CARE program student/parents are low-income, single head of household, CalWORKs recipients, who attend full-time, with a goal to build better lives for themselves and their children, becoming self-sufficient. Each year, the CARE Program receives toys from the Marine Corps Toys-for-Tots Program. This program provides toys for the children under 1 year to age 10. We are looking forward to your continued generous support this year. The CARE families include tweens and teens. We are asking for gift cards, certificates and/or merchandise, possible gift baskets for the teens and the student/parents. If you or your department would like to make a donation, please contact Gerardette Nutt at ext. 7785 or Kitty Walden at ext. 7733.

Sports Report

The Griffins football team beat visiting Fullerton 19-13 on Saturday, Oct. 29, at our home field. With 39 seconds left, Griffins defensive end Shane Pennix intercepted a screen pass at the Grossmont 23-yard line and returned it 13 yards to wrap up the victory. The team travels to Pasadena for a 6 p.m. game on Saturday, Nov. 5. The final home game is at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12.