May 2015 Issue 18

GCC Dedicates 50th Anniversary Time Capsule

GCC President Dr. Irene Kovala and Associated Student Government turn the dirt where the capsule will be buried.

 Pictured:  Dr. Irene Kovala, GCC President and Associated Student Government.

The first time capsule for Glendale Community College was dedicated April 1 and will be buried on the main campus on the east side of the Dr. Joe Griego Counseling and Career Services Building.

Some of the many items in the time capsule include a 3D printed snowflake, flash drive, iPhone, campus strategic plan and many other items that represent GCC daily life in 2015. An empty sushi container is included because sushi is the most popular item sold in the GCC food services area. Also included are letters from a founding student, founding faculty, current ASG president and current President, Dr. Irene Kovala.

One of the last items that will go into the capsule is this year's commencement program. Items in the capsule reflect the times, the culture and daily life of the faculty, staff and students of GCC. The 50th Anniversary Time Capsule is scheduled to be opened in 2040, 25 years from now. How important will the iPhone and Google be in the year 2040?

Alumni Profile of Success

GCC alumni Amanda Dunn received the "Rising Star" award at the March of Dimes "Nurse of the Year" gala awards event at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort in Scottsdale. The event celebrates nursing excellence by recognizing nursing leaders from across Arizona. Patients, families and colleagues nominated nurses throughout the state for the awards.

Dunn works as a registered nurse (RN) in the neonatal intensive care unit at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center. She attended the GCC/NAU concurrent enrollment program, earning an associate's degree from GCC and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Northern Arizona University in the same semester. She graduated in 2013.

"I am honored and extremely flattered to have won the award," said Dunn. "I had some amazing professors and clinical instructors while at GCC and am incredibly thankful for all they taught me."

The event began as a means of heightening awareness and interest in the range of rewarding careers available to registered nurses. Sponsors include United Health Group's Center for Nursing Advancement, Cigna and Humana.

Amanda Dunn and her husband Matthew Dunn, a pediatric nurse, attended GCC in the Banner fellows program in 2008-2009.

Amanda and husband Matthew Dunn, a pediatric nurse, attended GCC in the Banner fellows program in 2008-2009.


          

Did you know that GCC offers free tutoring, mentoring, job search opportunities, resume and interviewing workshops for alumni and the community.  Visit the website for more information.


          

50th Commencement Ceremony


 As GCC embarks on it's 50th Commencement we invite all alumni to attend the ceremony on Friday, May 15, 6:00 p.m., University of Phoenix Stadium. Morris Callaman, GCC alumni will be the keynote speaker. Callaman has a wonderful story to tell about how he went from living on the streets to walking into GCC to learn about computers and how that move changed his life. Read more about his story at  http://azjewishlife.com/morris-callaman-street-kid-international-financier/

 

Please join us as we celebrate the 50th graduating class of Glendale Community College.

GCC's Longest Serving 

Faculty Member 

 

Dr. Charles Vawter started teaching accounting at GCC in 1965 and he still shows up to teach every day. He recently was awarded an abacus for his 50 years of service to GCC and will be walking in his 50th commencement in a few weeks.   When asked if he has plans to retire he said "no, not yet."

 


Ways to Give!

The Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation is on a comprehensive campaign to ensure that students have the resources they need to succeed.   Invest in students by supporting this campaign which ends December 2015!  Your tax-deductible donation will help us fulfill our mission to support GCC/Maricopa Community Colleges' students, faculty and staff through scholarships, programs, equipment, financial and human capital.  GCC's goal is $1.75 million and we are almost there with 72% towards the campaign - please consider giving. 

 

Establish a new scholarship or contribute to an existing scholarship fund. The Foundation via GCC manages hundreds of scholarships that you can join your fellow philanthropists in giving to. However, if a scholarship for the area you are passionate about has not been established, you can specify your own criteria such as financial need, grade point average, college, field of study, etc. 

 

Please contact Frances S. Mateo, Director of Development at 623.845.3147.

Share Your Story

Do you have a special story to share with us about your educational experience at GCC, have you been promoted or accepted a new position at a Fortune 500 company? We want to hear about your news.  Please email alumni@gccaz.edu with your Gaucho story.
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Glendale Community College | 6000 W. Olive Ave. | Glendale, Arizona 85302