Communications from GCC
Would you like to start receiving issues of Staying Connected?
SIGN UP TODAY!
Message from Superintendent/President Dr. Ryan Cornner
The spring semester is well underway, and I am happy to report that enrollment continues
to grow. Most students (85%) that enrolled this spring are returning to GCC, while
15% are new students we are welcoming to campus for the first time. This year, more
than 70% of fall students continued at GCC into the spring semester. Persistence rates
are even higher for students enrolled in structured support programs, demonstrating
the significant impact these programs have on student success.
Fall 2025 – Spring 2026 Persistence Rates
- All credit students: 71.7%
- CalWORKs: 86.0%
- Promise Plus: 83.8%
- EOPS: 83.7%
Throughout the winter, we had several opportunities to showcase our District and highlight
the important work of our faculty and staff. In January, I joined GCC Trustees, executive
leadership team, and Guild, CSEA, and Senate leaders in advocacy at the Community
College League of California’s Legislative Conference in Sacramento. We were accompanied
by three of our outstanding ASGCC leaders, including Student Trustee Nathan Andriassian.
In February, GCC hosted nearly 1,000 students, faculty, and staff from colleges and
universities across the region for the 2026 American College Theatre Festival. We
also had the honor of hosting hundreds of regional business and community leaders
for the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation 2026 Economic Forecast
event.
Later this spring, we will celebrate the grand opening of our new Student Success
Center in the remodeled Camino Real building. The space was specially designed to
inspire student connection and collaboration. Camino Real will also be home to GCC’s
Dreamscape Learn Virtual Reality Center, along with an innovative makerspace and e-Gaming
studio, which will open this summer. The Camino Real renovation was funded by the
Measure GC bond, with added support for the Student Success Center from the offices
of former Senator Anthony Portantino and former Congressman Adam Schiff.
As we work together to serve our diverse community, we continue to face unprecedented
challenges, both locally and globally. These challenges are real and at times heavy,
but they make our work more urgent and more meaningful. Our college is at its best
when we seek to understand and support one another, and lead with care and kindness.
Our success is possible because of the dedication of our faculty, classified professionals,
and managers who have created a vibrant campus where every student belongs. It is
through this mutual support that we can get through these challenges and strengthen
our community.
With gratitude,
Dr. Ryan Cornner
Superintendent/President
Glendale Community College
CCLC Conference
This year’s Community College League of California Conference created new opportunities
for ASGCC executive members to share the student perspective and engage in the legislative
process, plus a bonus reunion with recent alumnus Carlos Pacheco, highlighting the
power of a GCC education.
Winter Warmer
In February, GCC faculty and staff enjoyed two action-packed weeks of professional
development, personal growth, and building connections.
Connect to Support: GCC Health Center
GCC’s Health Center supports students’ health and wellness through every step of their
college journey. Located on the first floor of San Rafael, the Health Center offers
free medical services including nurse consultations, doctor visits, physicals, vaccines,
TB testing, COVID testing, and flu testing, as well as short-term mental health counseling,
group therapy, and crisis support.
Each semester, students come to the Health Center for help with anxiety, depression,
and everyday health needs. The Health Center provides a space where healing and progress
happens. All services are free and covered by student health fees.
Together, we are building a culture of care where students feel comfortable asking
for help when they need it.
Visit the Health Center in person or online at glendale.edu/HealthCenter.
GCC has been selected as a returning partner campus for the 2026-29 College Corps
program. The College received a three-year grant for just over six-million-dollars
to fund College Corps fellow positions on campus.
College Corps provides students with a valuable opportunity to develop leadership
and civic engagement skills while serving the local community and earning money for
college.
GCC’s College Corps fellows are part of the California Service Corps, the largest
service force in the nation, consisting of four paid service programs: #CaliforniansForAll
College Corps, Youth Service Corps, California Climate Action Corps and AmeriCorps
California.
Connect to Real World Experiences: Burbank Airport Model
In February, the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority (BGPAA) unveiled a 3D
model of their new Hollywood-Burbank Airport passenger terminal. The model was created
by GCC architecture students under the supervision of Professor Paul Chiu.
Over the course of four months, the students built their own, smaller version of the
airport, delivering the model in late January. A 3D printer was used to create the
passengers inside, and the scale of the miniature airport was perfect for Hot Wheels!
The model is located in the hallway between Terminals A and B until the new (human-sized)
passenger terminal opens in October 2026.
Connect to the Arts: 2026 American College Theatre Festival
In February, GCC welcomed nearly 1,000 students, faculty, and staff from colleges
and universities from across the region for the 2026 American College Theatre Festival.
From dynamic workshops and competitions to inspiring performances and conversations
with theatre professionals, the Verdugo campus was buzzing with creativity, collaboration,
and passion for the arts!
