Welcome to the Spring Semester 2006

Welcome to Spring Semester 2006! The new year finds us with both challenge and opportunity as we weave our way through our new circumstances. I pledge to do my professional best working with you in steering Grossmont College in the most positive direction possible for our students. My door is open and I welcome the opportunity to speak with you, individually or in groups. Thank you for your support as we move forward together.

We are pleased with Governor Schwarzenegger’s proposed budget especially as it pertains to community colleges. As reported at the January 17 Governing Board meeting, it proposes an increase of 11 percent over last year’s budget, by itself very good news, and also contains a $130 million provision to complete equalization, bringing GCCCD into parity with other community college districts throughout the state. We all know that the ‘march’ to equalization has been a long one, and while we are not yet there, we appreciate the efforts of our district leadership to get the attention of the governor and to coalesce legislative support. As the state budget is yet in its preliminary stage, we anticipate that others will attempt to ‘raid’ the equalization allocation for other purposes. We will keep everyone informed when it is time to communicate support to our legislators. Additional details about the state budget, and other discussion at the Governing Board meeting, please see the latest edition of The Courier, available in the campus mail room.


 

Dean of Math, Natural Science, Exercise Science Appointed

Jerry Buckley has been appointed the new Dean of Math, Natural Science, Exercise Science and Wellness, to replace the position vacated by the retirement of Bill Bradley in December. We welcome Jerry to the administrative team and now must find an instructional replacement for him in the cardiovascular technology department where he has provided exceptional leadership and service.

Welcome New Faculty

We welcome new faculty this spring semester. Nine new full-time faculty joined our campus in time for the beginning of the semester. These are replacement faculty for positions vacated by retirements. Special thanks to the members of the various selection committees who have been keeping a fast pace these past weeks.

Criminal Justice Students Competed in American Criminal Justice Association's Regional Events

Criminal Justice students competed in American Criminal Justice Association’s regional events, winning nine individual and team trophies, including first place in the mock crime scene competition and first place in the Police Management and Procedures Exam. Congratulations to all instructors in our criminal justice department for supporting the students and for sponsoring Grossmont’s chapter of the ACJA, also known as Lambda Alpha Epsilon honorary association for criminal justice students.

Coaches, Student-Athletes Receive National
and Regional Honors

On the heels of winning the California State Community College Football Championship and being designated the number one team in the USA by JC Gridwire, Coach Dave Jordan was named the National Junior College Coach of the Year by the JC Athletic Bureau and the California Community College Football Coaches Association. Coach Jordan and the team will be honored at a special recognition ceremony in the Main Quad Wednesday, February 1 beginning at noon.

Matt Gaughen and Adam Cooper will be honored by the San Diego Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame as Scholar-Leader-Athletes at their annual recognition event in March.

Soccer Coach Howie Hawver was named the San Diego Union-Tribune’s soccer Coach of the Year, having coached five teams (including the Grossmont College women), five different age levels and winning five league titles.

Spring General Meeting & Professional Development Week

Thanks to Staff Development Coordinator Edda Temoche-Weldele and her committee for their work to present Professional Development Week, which began with the General Session January 17.. Our Keynote Speaker, was Dr. Norena Badway, whose topic was Learn How Your Students Learn. We thank the Grossmont College Foundation and the Grossmont Schools Federal Credit Union for sponsoring the breakfast.

Life Safety Road Officially Opened and Celebrated Jan 18

Grossmont College Drive never looked so good! Students, faculty, staff joined with community representatives and GCCCD officials to celebrate the completion of the new grand entrance to campus and its important significance in student access and safety. Grossmont College Drive refers to the segment between I-125 and Highwood Drive; Grossmont Perimeter Road is the ‘ring’ road around the campus; and Griffin Drive refers to the reverse “L” that leads to the administrative quad and through the upper staff parking lot. Hansen Circle denotes the area around the flag pole.

 
Upcoming Events
 

• Viewpoint Ceramics 2006, A National Juried Competition
  through February 16, Hyde Art Gallery.

• Football Championship Celebration – February 1, Main Quad, noon

• KUSI’s Rod Luck will feature the OPT Program – February 8,
  6:30 a.m. & 7:10 a.m. live broadcasts

• Ribbon-breaking Ceremony for the New Track – February 8, 12 noon, Football Field/Track.

• Grossmont College Foundation/Arts Council Fundraiser “An Art Affair”
  Sunday, March 26 Café 200& the Hyde Art Gallery, 2 p.m.

Letters

The following letter was addressed to both scholar athletes identified.

January 16, 2006

Dear Adam Cooper & Matt Gaughen:

We are pleased to advise you of your selection as a Scholar-Leader-Athlete for the 2005-06 school year.

You join a most prestigious group of student-athletes in our community. Each year the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, through 119 chapters, selects students who demonstrate outstanding academic, athletic excellence and community leadership for a special award.

As in the past 33 years, this chapter will honor you and 30 other high school (CIF-San Diego Section), college and university football players who have met our academic standards at an awards banquet on Friday, March 10th at the Scottish Rite Center in Mission Valley.

Again, congratulations on your selection and we’re looking forward to meeting you.

Sincerely,

Brian Fogarty
President, Walter J. Zable Chapter
The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame

The following letter was addressed to the Child Development Center.

Mary Courtney and Sheridan Dewolf,

Thank you for referring me to the Center to check on the possibility of enrolling my son for Fridays-only. I spoke with Christina, who was so very pleasant and helpful. Carla checked and it looks like his age-group is full right now, but they encouraged me to call back when students’ schedules are a bit more settled. Regardless, I just wanted to let you know that both Christina and Carla represent the Center very well and I left feeling very well-taken-care-of.

Thanks again. I’ll let you know how things work out.

Natalie Ray