Glendale Community College
Home MenuAugust/September 2024 • glendale.edu/StayingConnected
President's Corner
The new academic year is well underway and I’m happy to report that enrollment has increased substantially over the last two years at both the Verdugo and Garfield Campuses.Glendale Community College Enrollment (FTEs by day)
| 2022 | 2024 | Increase | |
| Verdugo (Fall) |
3,376 | 4,166 |
+23% |
| Garfield (Spring) |
885 |
1,428 | +61% |
As I mentioned in my welcome email to kick off the fall semester, these numbers are the result of the passion, dedication, ingenuity and commitment of all our faculty, staff and managers who work tirelessly to support our students. Thank you for your efforts.
There is a palpable boost of energy throughout the district with the rising number of students and employees on our campuses. We got a preview in late August when both the Verdugo and Garfield campuses hosted welcome events with over 500 students in attendance. This was the first time I have seen the Auditorium at capacity.
The Auditorium was again packed for the opening session of All College Institute Day on Friday, September 13; the first time that faculty and classified employees combined for a day of professional development, personal growth, and interpersonal connections. Institute Day included the introduction of Professional Learning and You (PLAY) which feature the five focus areas for a renewed professional learning journey.
Some other updates to share:
GCC Sponsored Senate Bill 971: Nonresident Tuition Exemption
The state Assembly has passed SB 971 which aims to exempt students who are impacted by war or other regional conflict, seeking California residency, and attending a community college in California from the nonresident tuition fee. Unfortunately, lawmakers amended the language to remove funding, this is still a major victory for GCC. With the support of Senator Anthony Portantino, we have passed our first sponsored legislation, which is difficult as a smaller community college district. We can use this as evidence of support for our community which is particularly important as the credit program experiences a large influx of Ukrainian students. With a year or two of evidence, we can re-introduce funding. The important step now is getting the governor’s signature which we are actively working toward achieving.
Measure GCC: $600M Bond Measure on November Ballot
The College has been in the process of updating its facilities planning. Through the next months, there will be opportunities to provide feedback on the drafts and begin developing timelines for projects. As part of its planning, the College recognized the need for additional resources to meet its current and future needs, which include the replacement of aging buildings, upgrading deteriorating infrastructure and ensuring that all programs have premier learning environments.
To this end, the Board of Trustees voted at its July Special Meeting to place a Bond on the November 5 Ballot. The support through this bond will assist us in the implementation of our Facilities Plan and in ensuring facilities parity across our instructional programs. I encourage you to read the information below to learn more.
Virtual Reality Center
The College has continued to explore the use of its new Virtual Reality Center. Faculty have been evaluating the experiences and finding new ways to utilize this instructional tool. The College used the VR lab during our Welcome Back event, with nearly 100 students experiencing the VR, many of whom expressed interest in using VR in the classroom. The College also hosted the GUSD science teachers to demo the VR and begin collaboration on its use in K-12 classrooms.
President Office Hours
This semester we will continue the tradition of having Office Hours to connect and dialog on issues important to the College. We are broadening this outreach to allow for better connection and ability to attend.
On Wednesday, September 18, we hosted our first Pizza with the President. This and future events will include food so no one will need to miss lunch and allow for a more informal atmosphere for our dialog.
Upcoming President Office Hours
Wednesday October 9
12:00 – Garfield Campus
Tuesday November 12
4:30 – President’s Conference Room
Thank you all for the continued dialog. I look forward to our time together. Best of luck this fall.
GCC CARES Receives NASH Catalyst Fund Grant
The National Association of Higher Education Systems (NASH) has awarded GCC, through the Glendale College Foundation, a Catalyst Fund award for “Removing Cost as a Barrier to Higher Education.” The award recognizes the GCC Center for Assistance, Resources, and Educational Success (CARES) for its proven impact and student-centered practices focused on addressing the cost barriers that can derail students’ educational attainment. GCC was selected through a competitive RFP process and will receive a $7,500 award.GCC CARES Program Manager Andre Manukyan said, “We are grateful for the support from NASH through their Catalyst Fund. This grant will enable GCC CARES to address a critical gap in our program by providing security deposits for students rehoused through our rental assistance program. By supporting our unhoused students in finding stable housing, we empower them to focus on their academics and to succeed at Glendale Community College and beyond.”
See the full news release from NASH here.
Learning Lab
Ethnic Studies Department Chair Fabiola Torres was recently named AI Faculty Innovator-in-Residence by the California Education Learning Lab.
Faculty Innovators-in-Residence Strategy Team (FIRST) members will spend time with each other and the Learning Lab team to help develop Learning Lab’s AI Initiative, which may include:
- Exploring and/or developing AI-related resources
- Finding/facilitating writers/speakers to provide thought-provoking and relevant commentary about AI through a Town Square
- Leading the development and facilitation of AI Learning Communities
- Leading the formation of working groups that will help develop AI-related policy guidance and recommendations
- Grants assistance
GCC in the News
Three GCC students formed Triad Theater Company and performed “Red” on campus. The play is about artist Mark Rothko. See their story in the Crescenta Valley Weekly here.
Ice Cream Social Hosted by HR
In August, the Office of Human Resources gave employees a way to beat the heat with an ice cream social out in front of the Administration Building. Thanks for the treats!
The week before the fall semester began, the Verdugo Campus hosted a Welcome Fair and a day later, the Garfield Campus hosted Welcome Day. The events featured campus tours new student workshops, resource fair, financial aid assistance, food, games, giveaways and more!
GCC Verdugo Campus Welcome Fair on August 27, 2024
GCC Garfield Campus Welcome Day on August 28, 2024
Connecting with...Michael Dioquino
I was born and raised in Southern California, growing up in Los Angeles, specifically Koreatown. I went to Hoover Street Elementary and Berendo Middle School. Instead of going to Belmont High, I ended up being accepted into Sylmar High School Magnet. I took the school bus from LA to Sylmar for three years before finally getting my license and driving to school. I played varsity tennis for Sylmar, starting in doubles and finishing as captain of the team in singles #1. I graduated high school and went on a 10-year-long undergraduate journey of mistakes, fun times, and many lessons learned. Towards the end of my undergrad I was working full time, attending school full time, and raising a family. I finally finished my B.S. in IT from Western Governors University and then worked towards my MBA in IT Management. I always knew I wanted to work in IT so I started volunteering at computer labs in my middle school and high school. My professional career started at my high school alma mater for almost five years, moving to the community college space for the next 13. I worked at Antelope Valley College, Peralta Community College District, and College of the Canyons in various IT roles.
Why did you choose to work at GCC?
Innovation is important to me. It means not being afraid to take risks. When I saw the position opening and the title, I knew that the college was moving in a deliberate path towards innovation. I knew I wanted to work here and help make Glendale a leader in technology and innovation in the higher education space.
What about your job makes you proud?
Using technology and innovation to help students traverse their academic journey. Working with the campus community to embrace technology so that it makes life easier. It brings me immense pride and joy to know that I am helping people through technology. Working with the amazing group of professionals at ITS makes me proud to be a part of the team.
One thing about you that might surprise your co-workers.
Not sure if this would be surprising but is very interesting to say the least. I have two kids, Gavin (21) and Deirdre (17) and my two stepdaughters are Coral (14) and Aria (11). My wife Tracy is 6’1 and we have three dogs (Han Solo the maltipoo, Princess Leia the huskypoo, and Rocket the Pomeranian puppy) and two cats (my all black domestic short hair Chalupa Batman and all white domestic short hair Nacho Robin).
Other interests, hobbies, career achievements?
There are quite a few hobbies and interests that I have and seem to come and go. I love to play tennis (used to coach as well) and go bowling with friends. I play DnD, watch anime, read manga, and am an avid gamer, taking part in e-sports before e-sports was even a thing. Though large crowds can be overwhelming, I like to attend cons with my kids and cosplay with them. I enjoy wrenching on cars on the weekend and then taking it to high performance driving events for road course track days. Ironically enough, I try not to spend my free time on a computer. I love attending concerts and music festivals, enjoying an assortment of bands like Nine Inch Nails, Bad Religion, Flogging Molly, In Flames, Sinatra, and Glenn Miller.
Favorite movies/TV shows?
Too many to list but some shows I recently finished binging: The Gentleman, Fallout, Sandman, Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power. The last movie I saw in theaters was Deadpool and Wolverine.
Favorite magazine/book?
I am reminded of my 9th grade English teacher and his recommendation of The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings trilogy. He opened a world of fantasy that has led to new beginnings and memorable relationships. Whether through the people I meet at cons or to the new friends I make playing DnD. I will be forever grateful to Mr. McAboy for pointing me in the right direction.
Favorite food?
My favorite dishes growing up were two Filipino dishes, sinigang and beef steak tagalog. Those are dishes I could have any time. As for favorite foods, I am always up for some kbbq, shabu shabu, a good steak, and a delicious plate of Japanese chicken cutlet curry. I’m a horrible Filipino though, I don’t eat seafood. From the sea, not for me. My grandmother told me I would starve if I lived in the Philippines, to which I replied so I’ll just eat a bunch of Jollybee.
Describe your perfect day off?
I’m a bit of an introvert and homebody so my perfect day off is relaxing at home, watching a good show or movie with the family and DoorDashing food so I don’t have to cook.