Governing Board Meeting Highlights
During the June 19, 2007, meeting the Governing Board:
- Recognized Grossmont College Faculty Emeriti Rick Kirby, Lorraine Martin, and Thomas Tsung; Interim President Dean Colli presented emeritus business cards and a plaque to Thomas Tsung.
- Held swearing-in ceremony for new student trustees Audrey Causton (Cuyamaca College) and Crystal Bernier-Sudano, (Grossmont College).
- Honored six outgoing members of the GCCCD Citizens Bond Oversight Council, including Ken Sobel who served as the most recent chair of the Committee and represented the Grossmont College Foundation on the Council.
- Called upon Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ben Lastimado for his monthly report who, in turn, introduced Marci Jahn, Administrative Assistant to Vice Chancellor and former Administrative Secretary to Grossmont College Vice President, Academic Affairs.
- Received a summary legal opinion regarding employment of student trustees.
- Approved awarding bids for several construction contracts, including one that will address the renovation of the Exercise Science/Wellness and Athletics 400 Building and the expansion of EOPS offices in the Student Center.
- Presented a plaque of commendation for service to Grossmont College Interim President Dean Colli.
Other Governing Board highlights will appear in The Courier which is distributed electronically from the District Office. Hard copies are available in the Mail Room.
Summer Enrollment Up By An Astounding 11.2 Percent
We have been holding our “collective institutional breath” as the daily enrollment emails are issued by Admissions and Records. The early jump in enrollment for summer sessions seems to be holding above 10 percent increase over last year. The chart below reflects the data as of Thursday, June 14. In addition to the great reputation and outreach of our instructional programs, skillful and consistent efforts by our Student Ambassadors, outreach counselors, financial aid staff and community relations staff help potential students find their way to Grossmont College.
| Summer 2007 | Summer 2006 | Count Variance | %Variance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Headcount | 7,467 | 6,842 | +625 | +9.1% |
| Continuing | 3,700 | 4,263 | -563 | -13.2% |
| Units | 30,277.5 | 27,228.5 | +3,049 | +11.2% |
‘I Can Afford College’ Campaign Comes To Our Region
The statewide Financial Aid Awareness campaign sponsored a regional outreach event at Hoover High School Monday, June 11. Thanks to Michael Perez, Julio Soto, James Canady and Martha Garcia for representing Grossmont College at this timely event!
TOPInaugural Science Decathlon Event Held June 2
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As part of her sabbatical project, Dr. Cary Willard of our Chemistry Department organized an inaugural Invitational Science Decathlon Event for area middle school students. The event, held Saturday morning June 2, was an incredible success with 32 middle school students from six schools participating in competition from bottle rockets to rubber band airplane flying to forensic investigation. Many family members and friends also attended the event. In addition to Dr. Willard, organizers included Division Dean Jerry Buckley, Division Secretary Joann Carcioppolo, and faculty members Martin Larter, Dr. John Oakes, Brian Carter, Chris Hill, Jenny Duncan, Fred Hafer, and Grant Nebel. Jerry, Vice President John Colson and the faculty joined me in presenting 64 medals during the culminating assembly mid-day. We look forward to a continuing tradition of helping grow young scientists, and future Grossmont College students, through this engaging event.
GearUp Project Receives $900,933 For Sixth Year!
Speaking of growing future Grossmont College students, our GearUP project just received word from the U.S. Department of Education that continuation funding for the sixth and final year of renewed funding our project is in the pipeline for nearly $901,000. This, along with carryover savings from prior years, should permit us to continue into a seventh year in 2008-2009. Thanks to the efforts of Wendy Craig, we have summer leadership camp for middle schools students as well as a science program/camp. This project has made an enormous difference in the lives of families at Cajon Valley Middle School and now, with the first cohort completing their freshman year, El Cajon High School as well.
TOPFifth Class Of Middle College High School Graduates June 6
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One-third of the Middle College High School Class of 2007 has elected to continue their studies at Grossmont College in the fall. Lead teacher, Cathy Zemlick, reports that all 30 are college-bound. This successful program has 66 students, largely from the Grossmont Union High School District, enrolled at any given time. The seventh cohort will begin their junior year in high school on our campus in the fall.
Frank Williams Directs Welsh Choir Of San Diego, Leads Tour And Performances At National Cathedral, British Embassy, And Pennsylvania
State Captial.
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When he is not assisting students with Financial Aid at Grossmont College, Supervisor Frank Williams is immersed in Welsh music, particularly choirs. He directs three groups in San Diego as well as the 40-member Welsh Choir of Southern California. The nondenominational choir, based in Los Angeles, is one the largest in the country and has a completely Welsh repertoire. Williams has just returned from a performance tour in the Northeastern United States, including the National Cathedral and British Embassy in Washington D.C., as well as the Pennsylvania State Capital Rotunda in Harrisburg, PA.
College Hosted 'Leadership East County' June 21
Leadership East County members participated in the “Future Vision Day” on June 21 beginning with breakfast in Griffin Gate. Leadership East County is a program sponsored by the East County Chamber of Commerce to develop community leaders.
TOPCommencement And Celebrations
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We appreciate the active and enthusiastic participation of the Governing Board in commencement, presentation of pins ceremony, as well as the OPT graduation. Such events give us all multiple opportunities to reflect on our mission and our focus on student success!
Gabriella Passentino Honored By County Board Of Supervisors
Basketball stand-out and student athlete Gabriella Passentino was honored June 19 by the San Diego Board of Supervisors for her academic and athletic achievements. Thanks to Trustee Alexander for joining Gabriella, her proud family, and other members of the basketball coaching staff to celebrate this honor. Gabriella’s father, Chuck, is the most recent recipient of the President’s Leadership Award here at Grossmont College…it must run in the family.
TOPWelcome For Dr. Sunita Cooke
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Dr. Sunny Cooke and I have been in frequent contact these past few weeks. I am confident that there will be a smooth transition to her leadership of the Grossmont College family, and that the future of the college is in good hands. I appreciate everyone’s efforts, especially those of our president’s cabinet, and Bernadette Black, my administrative assistant, to help her become well informed before her first day on campus, July 9th.
Farewell
It is certainly with mixed emotions that I approach the transition into the next stage of my life…including the world of retirement. I want each of you to know that I deeply appreciate the opportunity to have served our students and all of you, fellow employees of the College and District and members of the Governing Board. Since my arrival nearly eight years ago, no day has begun with feelings of regret or disappointment in making this the last segment of my 35-year career in education. I am particularly grateful for the confidence the District Office and Governing Board expressed by allowing me to serve as your interim president, since January 1, 2006, as well as the words of encouragement, support and thanks from them and many of the Grossmont family.
At the same time, I am also thankful for the over six years of experience in Academic Affairs. That was the job I came here to do and it was equally as rewarding. The direct relationship with the teaching and learning enterprise of the college was deeply fulfilling. I am especially appreciative of the deans, chairs and coordinators, faculty and support staff for what they do every day to enhance the lives of our students as well as the economic and social well being of our communities.
I know that everyone will endeavor to continue the great work we all do for our students and the community as well as to seek renewed positive professional relationships that are so key to making that great work happen.
We all look into our immediate future with the anticipation that a transition in leadership brings. Please know that I highly value the professional and personal relationships developed since Sharon and I moved to San Diego. I truly hope that, as has been the case with previous career transitions, I will continue those relationships through the coming years, but from a different vantage point.
My very best wishes for Grossmont College and the District’s continued success in serving our students and communities into the future.
Dean Colli, Ed.D