Alumnus Invests in GCC's Continued Success

Glendale Community College (GCC) has always held a special place in the heart of Dale Van Dellen, a successful entrepreneur known for his philanthropic endeavors.

The 1976 graduate of GCC founded Account Control Technology (ACT), a call center company, 31 years ago. When he sold it in 2021, ACT had grown into a thriving company with 5,000 employees and $360 million in sales.

Coming from a humble background, Van Dellen thanks GCC’s instructors for believing in him. Ultimately, he believed enough in himself to start his successful endeavor, which now allows him to give back to the place where it all began.

Van Dellen’s journey in higher education was not without its challenges. He shared that his grades weren’t particularly high, and undiagnosed dyslexia posed obstacles along the way. He expressed gratitude for the instructors and staff.

“I was treated very well. The teachers were unbelievable,” he said. “They could see that I was struggling, and really helped me.”

He recognizes the vital role that his education at GCC played in his own life and believes that supporting the college is instrumental in transforming lives and empowering students to achieve their dreams.

“I firmly believe that community colleges are essential for students who may not have had the highest test scores but possess the willingness to try.”

Van Dellen’s contributions have been diverse and impactful.

He fondly remembers his experiences in GCC’s Baja Marine Biology Field Station. As part of a three-week field study course, he immersed himself in the world of science and formed lasting memories. Inspired by this experience, Van Dellen has generously contributed close to half a million dollars to the Baja Marine Biology field station, ensuring that future students can have similar unique learning opportunities.

Additionally, Van Dellen donated $250,000 to Performing & Media Arts Building, an exciting piece of the Bridge to Excellence capital campaign that will further enrich the educational experience for students pursuing creative fields.

Having benefited from the exceptional support he received at GCC, Van Dellen believes it is important for him to do his part to give others the same opportunities he had.

“When you get to a point where you can donate, you should,” he said, adding, “Take out your checkbook, write a check, and help GCC continue to grow.”