PTK and ASGC Generate Support for Katrina Victims

Joining with Phi Theta Kappa, the ASGC launched a drive to raise money to be donated to the Rescue Task Force in its humanitarian work with victims of Hurricane Katrina. The ASGC matched contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $3,000. To date, the Rescue Task Force has received over $6,000 from the ASGC effort.

Welcome Roger Owens, Dean Communication and Fine Arts

We are pleased to welcome the new dean of Communication and Fine Arts, Roger Owens. Dr. Owens’ undergraduate degree is from UC Berkeley, in English and Economics. His graduate degrees include an MBA from Pepperdine University and a Ph.D. in English from UCSD. He has held academic and administrative appointments at UC Irvine, Chapman University, as well as teaching experience at UCLA, Whittier College, Saddleback College, Santiago Canyon College and Los Angeles City College. We are pleased that he is joining our Grossmont College family.

Victoria Howitt Receives National Phi Theta Kappa Award

Victoria Howitt, Grossmont College PTK faculty co-advisor, has been selected from nearly 300 chapter advisors to receive one of four stipends from the national PTK organization and Educational Communications, Inc. We applaud Victoria’s efforts and recognize the leadership she provides our Beta Theta Chi chapter and the impact she has in the lives of our students.

Wireless 'Hotspots' Expand to New Campus Locations

The Library was the first place on the Grossmont College campus to have "hotspots" and--due to their success--more are being added around campus, starting with the 600 building (Student Center) and including some in the 100 building (Administration). The area around Cafe 200 will be in the next wave of installations since Information Systems is targeting places where students "hang out" and are likely to use their wireless computers. Hotspots are available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and do require that each user "log in" with the same username and password needed to connect to campus email and/or the library's subscription databases.

Groundbreaking Set Nov. 14 for Digital Arts
& Sculpture Buildings at 11 a.m.

Dr. Owens is undoubtedly pleased that two new buildings for his division are scheduled to come on line. We will be sending invitations to the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Digital Arts and Sculpture buildings later this fall. Please plan to join us for another celebration of progress as we build a new learning environment for Grossmont College students.

GC Celebrates Constitution Day

In keeping with the national emphasis on the United States Constitution, Grossmont College instructor of Political Science, Dr. Joseph Braunwarth hosted a discussion on constitutional protections last Wednesday evening. His presentation illustrated the fragility of these protections by showing the film, Brazil.

GC Foundation Gala, Lights, Camera...Achieve, October 29

Invitations are in the mail for the Grossmont College Foundation Gala October 29 at Barona Valley Ranch Resort and Casino. Get ready to have a fabulous evening, which begins with a silent auction at 5:30 p.m. We will honor our new inductees into the Grossmont College Walk of Fame and Business Partners.

Corrections Academy Certifies Another Class

Thanks to the continuing good work of Larry Ingraham and Dr. P.J. Ortmeier, our Sixth Corrections Academy Class since 2002 concluded its summer curriculum, providing new staff for law enforcement agencies throughout the region and beyond. Larry reports that we have certified more than 350 cadets who are in great demand, including working in state and federal agencies. The next Academy began in September.

Scripps-Mercy Sponsors Second Cohort of Accelerated Nursing Program Participants

Among the newest students this fall is another cohort of international medical graduates pursuing a unique opportunity to become registered nurses. You may recall that the first cohort of Welcome Back program students finished their accelerated curriculum earlier this year. This cohort is sponsored by Scripps-Mercy. Their support is an example of the wonderful partnerships we create throughout the healthcare community to help put more nursing students in the pipeline.

Two GC Students Selected PCC 'Athletes of the Week'

Just two weeks into the fall sports season, Grossmont College athletes have dominated the PCC in Football with Mario Brunker being honored as the Player of the Week for the week of September 5, and in Soccer with Lisa Mix honored the prior week.


 

Letters to the President

Dear Dr. Martinez:

It is my pleasure to inform you that a member of the faculty of Grossmont College, Beth Smith, has been appointed by the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges to the Educational Policies Committee for the 2005-06 academic year.

Congratulations to you and your district for having an esteemed faculty member appointed to this committee. The mission of the community colleges can only be advanced by all of us working collaboratively toward better opportunities and sound educational policies for our students, thereby aiding them to fulfill their potential. Your support for this effort is appreciated.

Ian Walton
President
The State Academic Senate

 

Dear President Martinez:

I was a student at Grossmont on two occasions and I wish to express my great appreciation and satisfaction of attending your college. In brief I attended Grossmont in the Fall of 2001 for one semester while I was waiting for my admittance to USC. After one semester at USC I realized it wasn’t for me and transferred back to Grossmont where I completed another two semesters, earned my AA degree, and obtained early to San Diego State University as a junior.

During this period of uncertainty and transition, I was counseled and assisted by a number of staff, but one person in particular was exceptionally helpful, professional and sincere. Your Dean of Admissions, Brad Tiffany, helped me with obtaining transfer accreditation of all my classes and helped me in the selection of courses at Grossmont that ultimately transferred to San Diego State and to USC. I was able to graduate after eight straight semesters and earn the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Communication from SDSU this past Spring. My excellent education paid off quickly for within a week of graduating I was hired by MTV to work in their production and casting department, a fantasy job I had so dreamed about since high school at La Jolla.

In looking back at my college experience, Grossmont teachers were exceptional. They seemed better prepared, more interesting and overall delivered a better teaching experience than many of the professors at USC and SDSU. I feel much of my experience is due to Brad Tiffany and his recommendation and counsel that I attend Grossmont rather than another community college. Brad was a mentor and an excellent administrator who helped me prepare for San Diego State University and quickly attain my dream. I thank you and I think Mr. Tiffany for that.

Sincerely,

Jessica McGoldrick
Graduate Class of 2003
 

Dear Professor Danny Martinez:

I want to thank you for all the help and support you gave me while I was at Grossmont. Not only did you help me define and strengthen my cultural identity and be proud of being Mexican-American, but your words inspired me more than you could possibly know. My main objective was to simply get a typing certificate to apply as a police dispatcher. As a young mother, high school drop, and poor minority, I thought that was all I was capable of accomplishing. Now, I am an Astrophysics major at UC Berkeley.

Against all odds…strong and independent.

Ivette Harvey
Ex-student