It is my pleasure to anounce that two faculty members will be recognized as recipients of the 2001 Innovator of the Year Award--Dr. Susan Jensen, for her leadership in the continued expansion of Project Success, and Biology instructor Michael Golden, for his energetic enhancement of campus cultural awareness through the World Arts and Culture Organizing (WACO) Committee. Susan and Michael are highly regarded for their creativity and tireless dedication, both in their discipline and to these important Grossmont College initiatives. They will be recognized, along with other faculty and staff, at the Second Annual Educational Excellence Reception, scheduled on May 17, 2001, in the Griffin Gate, at 2:30 p.m. More information will follow.

Please join me in weloming Dr. Debra Fitzsimons who is our new Dean for Administrative Services. She will step in Dr. Mark Facer's "shoes" after his almost two-year stint as Interim Dean. She most recently was the Executive Director of Financial Affairs at Youngstown State University in Ohio, where she provided senior leadership and general oversight for the financial affairs of the university which included maintenance of the university's fiscal records, budget preparation and monitoring, preparation of financial reports, and coordination of business operations with auxiliary enterprises. Please come and meet Debra at a reception to be held on Tuesday, May 8, 2001, in the Griffin Gate, at 2:00 p.m.

Plans are underway to kick-off our 40th Anniversary Celebration with a Pre-Graduation Rally tentatively scheduled on May 15, 2001, at 11:30 a.m., in the Main Quad. A classic car show, music, entertainment, and "free" food have been included in the plans. More information will follow as soon as the event is finalized.