Glendale Community College

President's Corner

2024 Commencement
The College hosted its annual commencement ceremonies with another record-breaking graduating class. 1,265 individuals earned 2,153 degrees and certificates. The ceremony was overflowing with guests celebrating the occasion which included our youngest graduate at 17 and our most senior at 78-years old. The Class of 2024 featured 36 graduates who were part of GUSD Hoover High School Early College Academy. We would like to thank all those who had a hand in planning and supporting the event and making it a memorable night for our students. Gratitude also goes out to all those who supported students in the completion of their programs. More than anything, the GCC difference is in its people and each of you plays an important role in helping students while they’re here and preparing them for the future.
 
Website Redesign Project Approved
At the June Board meeting, the College approved the contract for the design and launch of a new College website. This project will align the College with modern website architecture and security, while supporting the College in a new and more student focused design. We will be leaning on constituent groups and other users to help define the structure, look and feel of the new website during the project that will last more than a year. Be on the lookout for opportunities to provide your input. Before we launch the new website, we will also need to review all content prior to migration. Please take a look at the content for your pages now and start considering what revisions will be needed for your area of expertise.
 
Food will be back!
The college has finalized a contract with Fresh Start Healthy Meals to bring food services to the Cafeteria on the Verdugo campus. The selection comes after a comprehensive evaluation process that included taste testing by more than one hundred employees and students. We are excited to bring healthy options back to the Verdugo campus and will work to make improvements to the Employee Lounge (SM 248) to provide an upgraded experience for employees to convene and continue to build community. 
 
New Faces on Campus
While there have been individual announcements, we would like to welcome again new administrators to the College and recognize key interim assignments. In the month of July, we are pleased to have accomplished individuals join the GCC family and support our efforts to enhance belonging and increase success for our students. Please reach out and say hello or congratulate:

• Dr. Alen Andriassian – VP of Student Services
• Michael Dioquino – Associate VP for Technology and Innovation
• Thatcher Weldon – Interim Dean for Continuing and Adult Education
• Michelle Ramirez Saelak – Interim Associate Dean, Health Sciences
• Giselle Gamino – Interim Director, Student Financial Aid
• Mike Davis – Interim Program Director, Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Initiatives 

We look forward to introducing these and other new managers at Institute Day.
 
2024-2025 Budget
The College is in the process of developing the final Budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The tentative budget was presented and approved by the Board in June so that we can begin operations for the year. Since then, the State has approved its final budget. While there will be much more analysis in the details and the Chancellor’s Office will provide the final revenue figures in the coming weeks, there is much to celebrate:

• Thanks in large part to dramatic increases in noncredit enrollment, the College has moved off hold harmless and onto the Student-Centered Funding Formula. This will result in permanent increases in annual funding for the College.
• The state approved a 1.07% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).
• There are no cuts in the community college budgets for this year.

While we celebrate these items and the support they will bring to our programs and employee groups, there are areas of concern to note:

• The state is deferring almost a quarter billion dollars in funding for the community colleges from this year to next. This represents a loss of approximately $3 million in the current fiscal year with anticipation that it will be reimbursed next year.
• The state is still suffering from large deficits which have led to over $16 billion in cuts across the state and the decision to not fill 10,000 vacancies in state agencies.
• The state is relying on reserves and rainy-day funds to meet operational requirements, which leaves future years at greater risk.

We will be presenting collegewide to provide up to date information, but the overall feeling to date is that this is a good budget for GCC and that the state has worked hard to protect community college funding.
 
Potential Facilities Bond Measure
On Friday July 26th the Board will investigate and determine the feasibility of a facilities bond. As many are aware, Measure GC led to expansion of our athletics facilities, the creation of Buena Vista, our new science building, the expansion of our Garfield Campus and many smaller projects that have improved space for students, employees, and the community.

However, there is much left to be done to ensure all programs have premier learning environments. Unfortunately, the College was not able to move forward with its performing and fine arts building (IBCC). There is also an estimated $110 million in infrastructure updates projected in the next decade. Many buildings on campus are more than 60 years old and even those we think of as newer have seen a lot of life. As an example, San Rafael is nearly 35 years old and there is a clear difference between those spaces recently renovated and those in need of care. Buildings such as the Auditorium are nearly 80 years old and are in need of more significant renovation or replacement to meet modern safety and accessibility requirement.

The College has conducted polling to determine support for a local bond and distributed flyers to the whole committee reminding them of the role GCC plays in the community in providing excellence in education. Community members were given an opportunity to provide feedback on needs and this information has been compiled in our analysis. If you would like to know more about a potential Bond, there is additional information here. If the Board chooses to move forward, the bond will be placed on the November ballot. In fall, we will be bringing forward draft revisions to the Facilities plan through governance. 

Chief's Safety Tips

Chief Sam DiGiovanna currently serves as the Co-Director of the Verdugo Fire Academy. Prior to GCC, his more than 35 years in fire service included stints with the LA Co. Fire Department and 20 years with the City of Monrovia, six years as fire chief. You may have seen him on NBC-4 Los Angeles where he provides fire/life safety stories.

Chief Sam provides articles on staying safe to share with the college community. Here are his tips for being safe in the heat.

Connecting with...Andy Stires

Andy Stires is Student Services Lab Manager in the Learning Center. Let's get to know Andy:

I was born and raised in Glendale. In fact, I grew up about a mile away from GCC. I spent much of my youth running around with the other kids in the neighborhood playing make-believe. This explains a lot about what is to follow.

Why did you choose to work at GCC?
It was a combination of luck and perfect timing. I had just graduated college with my brand-new degree in English, so I decided to “pound the pavement” looking for work. This turned out to be easier than expected. I walked down the street to GCC only to discover the person who ran the Writing Center had recently quit. I started part-time, and then 27 years went by.

Do you have a favorite memory working at GCC?
More of a weird memory. Back in 2010, a man from Burbank named Andrew Stires accidently fell into the Grand Canyon and died. Google it. I remember a faculty member saying to me, “Glad you’re not dead.” I was also glad I wasn’t dead.

What about your job makes you proud?
Along with my coworkers, I like to think I’ve helped create a fun place to work on campus. I’ve gotten to know so many wonderful tutors over the years, and at least three of them (maybe five even) say they loved working in the Learning Center. It’s probably due to the fact that I’m hilarious.

One thing about you that might surprise your co-workers.
I attend Comic-Con every year because it’s my happy place, and I can geek out with 100,000 other nerds. And no, I’ve never dressed up, but I’ve done practically everything else there is to do there. If you have any costume ideas or happen to be a professional cosplayer who wants to make me an amazing costume, hit me up: astires@glendale.edu

Other interests, hobbies, career achievements?
I’m a huge gamer. When I’m not working, I’m probably off in some fantasy world being a hero, or villain. I also love music and going to concerts. If you’re wondering, yes, Sparks is the best band ever in the history of all bands. Morrissey/The Smiths are a close second. And finally, I just ran my second half-marathon because it seemed like a healthy thing to do. I shall continue this insanity until by body says no more.

A person who inspires you.
My shadow self. Wait, what? I’m not good at these types of questions. Okay, my little brother inspires me because he was born with something called “drive,” and I’m constantly amazed and inspired by all he’s accomplished in life. If my gaming achievements translated into real world accomplishments, I could be proud of the fact that I’m currently a Level 100 Druid running a Tornado Werewolf build and easily clearing The Pit level 70. But realistically, I’m embarrassed I just wrote that sentence.

Favorite movies/TV Shows?
It’s so cliché to say Shawshank Redemption is my favorite movie, but it’s a really good film. Favorite horror/comedy movie: An American Werewolf In London. For TV shows, I can never go wrong with Seinfeld or South Park.

Favorite magazine/book?
How many pages do I have to answer this? Also, what’s a magazine?

I love reading stuff, so in no particular order, here are some amazing books I’ve read over the past few years: The Overstory, Lonesome Dove, The Master and Margarita, Wolf in White Van, The Three Body Problem, The Name of the Wind.

Favorite food?
Let’s go with Italian today.

Favorite sport to watch or play?
I’m a long-suffering Kings fan, so I was ecstatic that we finally won The Cup. Twice! I also played roller hockey for many years, so anything involving people on skates is pretty fun to play and watch. During the pandemic, I got really into playing FIFA, so now I’m an avid Arsenal fan. Go Gunners!

Describe your perfect day off?
Wake up around 5 a.m. Grab a cup of coffee and read for a bit. Then out for some exercise. Take a nap around 11 a.m. because naps are awesome. Wake up wondering where I am and what day it is. Proceed to game for a few hours. Remember that I haven’t really eaten anything and that I live pretty close to In-n-Out. It’s time for Second Nap now after all that delicious food. And then more gaming of course, because life goals.