The following is a comparative analysis of Spring 2004 enrollment as of February 9, 2004, to the same enrollment dates for Spring 2003:

The focus of the conference was distance and online learning. Main sessions focused on lifelong learning, commercial versus campus-developed online courses, course management systems versus interactive virtual learning environments, and providing for learners with disabilities.

Because the conference required assistance from volunteers, many staff members from both host colleges participated.

ITC is affiliated with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).

Four-year and Graduate Level Division – Third Place for Lescault-Wood and the Sullivans for their Offstage Radio Theatre production. Students from Marshall University and Colorado State University finished first and second in this very competitive category.
 

Letters to the President

Dear Dr. Martinez:

My name is Rosario Allbrooks. I spoke to you on the phone a couple of days ago.

My son, Brian Allbrooks, is enrolled at Grossmont and was a part of your wonderful Football team. I want to thank all of your football staff, especially the head coach, Mr. Dave Jordan, and his son, Mike Jordan. I hope that one day Mike Jordan will have the opportunity to become the Grossmont head football coach, just like his father. Thanks to the wonderful football program that you have, my son had an opportunity to be a part of the football team and to successfully receive a full scholarship to Temple University,

I hope, Dr. Martinez, that one day I can be part of some sort of fundraising to build a new stadium for the future Grossmont football players. Once again, thank you.

Rosario Allbrooks
Parent

Dear Dr. Martinez:

It was an honor for me to receive a letter from you regarding my performance in the Fall 2003 semester. This letter will increase my energy to perform better in the current semester, and in the future. I, Sura Blejani, really appreciate the time that you spent in writing these nice memorable words.

In my opinion, what I did was all because of your efforts and help. You help the students in different ways to make them comfortable, educated and productive. Dr. Martinez, I really want to thank you and your colleagues for your letter that will support me to the end, and it will be written and saved in my heart forever.

I will never forget a president like you, Dr. Martinez, your colleagues, and Grossmont College itself for the efforts and the support you all are providing me. When I become something in the future, I will relate my success to you. Thank you again and again.

Sura Blejani
Student

Dear Dr. Martinez:

I wish to express my gratitude for the wonderful hospitality you and the Grossmont staff showed to the Broome Community College visitation team. We are all very impressed with the accomplishments of your EOPS Program.

After hearing the presentation at the AACC convention last April, I wondered whether your retention results could possibly be true. The visitation team confirmed the great success you are having with at-risk students.

Two weeks ago, at our campus meeting, I reviewed our team’s findings and announced that formation of a planning team that will develop a pilot effort for BCC. Faculty and Staff at BCC are so enthused that we had 25 volunteers for the team.

Please pass on my thanks to Janice Johnson, Pat Murray, and the Grossmont College community. We look forward to a continued dialogue with you as we progress on our journey.

Keith Cotroneo
Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dear Dr. Martinez:

This afternoon I made the necessary arrangements to receive a Certificate of Achievement in Forensic Technology.

During my walk across the campus, I had an opportunity to reflect upon those individuals who influenced and shaped my education during these past two and a half years. While all of my professors and instructors were excellent, one individual stands out among the rest: Dr. PJ Ortmeier.

Dr. Ortmeier is there for each and every one of us offering encouragement at every level. He has the ability to relate to all of his students in a very positive manner. Regardless of whether the student is a high school student entering college for the first time or as in my case, a mature student making a career change at a very difficult time in my life.

Dr. Ortmeier is a gifted teacher. He creates a level of enthusiasm during his classes that energizes his students and makes the courses he teaches interesting and fun to learn. After just a few weeks in his class, even the most reticent and shy student becomes involved in class discussions. Dr. Ortmeier encourages group interaction and debate on critical issues found throughout the Criminal Justice System.

While maintaining a full teaching schedule and his office duties, Dr. Ortmeier still finds time to play an important role within our chapter of The American Criminal Justice Association, Lambda Alpha Epsilon club. He encourages membership in Gamma Chi Chi and is proud of the many trophies earned by club members on display within the trophy case in his classroom.

Dr. Ortmeier maintains an open door policy for all of the Administration of Justice students. He goes out of his way to be helpful to students with problems that require his attention. I know this from personal experience.

As a widow working full time, with a teenager at home, there were a few times when I thought that I would not be able to continue my education at Grossmont College. Job stress, scheduling conflicts and class wait lists were only a few of my concerns. I would bring my problems to Dr. Ortmeier and he helped by making concrete suggestions and I benefited from his experience and excellent advice.

Dr. Ortmeier gave me the confidence I needed to continue my education. I am currently enrolled in Chapman University and expect to receive a B.A. in Criminal Justice in 2005.

Webster’s Dictionary defines excellence as “possessing outstanding qualities or superior merit.” My definition of excellence if P.J. Ortmeier.

Thank you so much Dr. Martinez for having people like Dr. Ortmeier as part of the faculty at Grossmont College.

Linda Hall
AOJ Student