Campus Scene

The President's Corner by Sunita V. Cooke, Ph.D.

Sunita V. Cooke, Ph.D President

We are nearly half way through with the Fall ’08 Semester. It is an exciting time on campus. It is energizing to witness the many facets of campus life and the many ways colleagues are working together to help students succeed.

First, I want to express my gratitude to our faculty and staff for working so hard to accommodate our students in the Fall 2008 semester. Our Census Day enrollment was the second highest enrollment headcount in the College’s history, with 4.3 percent more students than we had on campus last fall and 3.2 percent growth in units. We could not have served all these students -- given budget and other constraints -- without a concerted and heroic effort. I applaud your diligence and celebrate this achievement with you.

Second, I am proud about our success with the “Students First” parking campaign, which is designed to provide as many on-campus parking spaces as possible for students. My thanks to the many GCCCD employees who are using the Gillespie Field parking lot and riding on the shuttle buses, which has resulted in enhanced communication and collegiality. Still, others are using other means to get to work, including carpooling, bicycles and rides from spouses, relatives and friends.

Third, I am excited about our joint efforts to streamline our planning process and integrate planning and the budgeting process in a coherent, systematic process. This is not an abstract exercise. With higher numbers of students and limited resources, it is vital to plan ahead so we, together make the tough decisions on the distribution of funding. This planning work is one area of the college’s work in preparation for our November 5, 2008 visit from our accrediting team.

Finally, allow me the opportunity to encourage the pursuit of excellence. My job is to do whatever I can to contribute to the success of every individual and our community as a whole. I will stand on your side and will invest in our combined efforts. Your part is to dedicate yourself to excellence with energy and action, that will benefit our students. Each of us can make a difference. As we steadily approach our 50th anniversary of our college — our best days our best days still lie ahead.

Sunita V. Cooke, Ph.D
President

Foundation News

Excitement is building for the Grossmont College Foundation’s seventh annual fund-raising dinner auction and gala on Saturday evening, Oct. 25, at the Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa, 1775 East Mission Bay Dr., San Diego.

It will be a marvelous evening of fine food, entertainment and support for the Grossmont College Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises money for scholarships, facility improvements and educational supplies, equipment and programs benefiting the College.

Festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a reception and silent auction, followed by dinner starting at 7 p.m., live auction and live entertainment showcasing Grossmont College artists. Auction items will include a Bill Walton/Luke Walton autographed basketball, Antonio Gates autographed football, other autographed sports memorabilia, vacation and golf packages, a Taylor guitar and dinner and theater packages, as well as unique art pieces, jewelry and gift baskets.

“Imagine the Possibilities” is this year’s theme. Co-chairs are Judy Garrett, Grossmont College Foundation board member, and Beverly Wight, Grossmont College evaluations advisor and counselor. The theme is based on the College’s obligation to our students to “imagine the possibilities” of their futures. While the College has been providing a quality education for the past 47 years, just “imagine” how much more we could do with such things as new technology, more learning labs, enhanced services, new degree and certificate programs, additional scholarships, more outreach services, campus activities and enhanced support to veterans. These are all the things that the Foundation monies help support.

Major sponsors include Barona Valley Ranch Resort and Casino, Coca Cola, C.W. Driver, Gafcon, Inc., Grossmont Healthcare District and Dr. and Mrs. Howard Dittrich. Additional sponsors include Grossmont Center, San Diego National Bank, Grossmont College President’s Office, Grossmont Schools Federal Credit Union, GCCCD District Office, SWGSG&P Law Firm, MDWR Architects, Syucan Casino & Resort, CCA/CTA Union, Edge Development, Barnes & Noble, GCCCD Auxiliary, Strata Information Group and Blue Coast Consulting, LLC.

“This gala is a celebration of our college’s talents, leadership, faculty, staff, curriculum and facilities, as well as opportunities for students, as we raise much-needed funds for scholarships and to enrich our academic programs and services,” said Dr. Sunny Cooke, Grossmont College president. For ticket information and sponsorship and donation opportunities, contact Alexis Popko at the Grossmont College Foundation office at (619) 644-7109, or via e-mail at grossmont.foundation@gcccd.edu, or visit www.grossmont.edu/foundation

Imagine the Possibilities