Thursday, December 10, 2015

In Motion: Student Dance Showcase

In Motion: Student Dance Showcase
December 11 &12
8 p.m.
Arnette Scott Ward Performing A
rts Center
2626 E. Pecos Road
Chandler, AZ 85225

Purchase Tickets: $5/7
More Info at cgc.edu/arts

Watch video here

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

CGCC Is Now A Red Hat Academy

Looking to advance your knowledge of computer information systems? Sign up for a Red Hat® training course today. Classes begin in January!

Red Hat® is the world's leading provider of open source solutions, using a community-powered approach to provide reliable and high-performing cloud, virtualization, storage, Linux, and middleware technologies.A Red Hat® Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is able to perform the following tasks:
•    Understand and use essential tools for handling files, directories, command-live environments, and documentation
•    Operate running systems, including booting into different run levels, identifying processes, starting and stopping virtual machines, and controlling services
•    Configure local storage using partitions and logical volumes
•    Create and configure file systems and file systems attributes, such as permissions, encryption, access control lists, and network files systems
•    Deploy, configure, and maintain systems, including software installation, update and core services
•    Manage users and groups, including use of a centralized directory for authentication
•    Manage security, including basic firewall and SELinux configuration

After completing the two Red Hat classes at CGCC (CIS126DL & CIS238DL), students will receive a voucher (valued at $400.00) to take the Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) certification exam. Chandler-Gilbert Community College is the only Red Hat Academy in the East Valley. Red Hat Linux is the largest Linux Network Operating System in the U.S.

For more information please contact Tom Pearson, Computer Information Systems Faculty at 480-726-4131 or tom.pearson@cgc.edu. Click here to learn more about Red Hat®.





Friday, December 4, 2015

CGCC Donates Holiday Food Items for Local Charter School

A big shout out to the students, faculty and staff who participated in last month's food drive benefiting Concordia Charter School in Mesa. Over 900 food items were donated to families as part of Educators Rising and HELP clubs' holiday outreach efforts.

Educators Rising at CGCC is a student club that provides passionate students with authentic opportunities to experience teaching, sustain their interest in the profession, and help them cultivate their skills they need to be successful teachers. Their members are currently working with students at Concordia Charter School as part of their teaching curriculum. Hands Enriching Lives Projects (HELP) is another student club on campus with the mission of serving needs in local communities. 

With the help of the CGCC community, Educators Rising and HELP students were able to create 76 meals for the families along with 13 partial bags for the larger families.

Check out this video created by CGCC Educators Rising president Breanna Wright highlighting the food drive efforts.
Thank you to everyone who made this food drive such a success!

For more information on Concordia Charter School, visit www.concordiacharter.org.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Man of La Mancha Opens Thursday

The much anticipated fall performance "Man of La Mancha" opens this Thursday, December 3 and runs through Saturday, December 5. Tickets are on sale at the Annette Scott Ward Performing Arts Box Office for $10-12. For more information on showtimes click here.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office. The box office window opens 1 hour before showtime.  Student prices are offered to those with a valid student ID. Doors open a half hour prior to the performance. For additional information or further assistance, please call the box office at 480-732-7343.
 Watch a preview of  the CGCC student performance of  "Man of La Mancha."     

Agave Hall Celebration

Join us tonight as we celebrate the renovation and re-opening of Agave Hall from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Attendees will enjoy live student performances including:  a student guitar ensemble, remarks from campus officials, a ribbon cutting and an excerpt of our fall musical production "Man of La Mancha."  The event is free and open to the public. Hope to see you there!

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

It's Game Time!


Support your men and women basketball teams this season by attending an upcoming home game.
Click here for game time information.  Go Coyotes!

Holiday Schedule

Just a friendly reminder, Chandler-Gilbert Community College campuses will be closed this Thursday and Friday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Classes will resume on Monday, November 30. Enjoy your holiday weekend with family and friends.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

ASU Partnership Establishes Successful Pathways for Transferring Engineering Students

Like many young college students, Federica Interrante found herself unsure of her career path. After completing her first year of college, she decided to take a break from school until she could make a decision on her major. She knew one day she would return, and when she did, it would be to do something she felt passionate about. Seven years later at the age of 25, Interrante decided it was time to go back to school. She wanted to become an electrical engineer.

She enrolled at Chandler-Gilbert Community College where, in 2013 she earned an Associates in Applied Science Degree in Electrical Engineering. While at CGCC she learned about a new option through MAPP that would allow her to complete her bachelor's degree in a timely, affordable manner at Arizona State University's Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering.

Maricopa to ASU Pathways Program (MAPP), the well-known,  program which facilitates  students’ ‘pathway’ to a bachelor’s degree from community college to ASU, has engineered a new pathway specifically for engineering students. Interrante took advantage of this opportunity and today is just weeks away from graduating with her bachelor's degree from ASU's engineering school at age 29.

"I am so glad I chose to enroll in MAPP while at Chandler-Gilbert Community College," said Interrante. "When I decided to go back to school, I was sensitive to the amount of time it might take to complete my degree. I knew I wanted finish as quickly as possible so I could start working, and MAPP provided me with this option."

ASU’s Vice Provost of Academic Partnerships Maria Hesse says there are many advantages for CGCC engineering students through these established pathways. 

“Students are provided with a pathway document, specific to their engineering major, and a number of other tools that are very helpful,” she says. “MAPP provides the student with a cost-effective, time-efficient map or guidance system to eventually obtain their Bachelor of Science in Engineering.”

Dr. Maria Harper-Marinick, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost of the Maricopa Community Colleges is very pleased with this addition to MAPP but would be remiss without acknowledging who made it happen. "A lot of credit goes to the faculty who drove this effort, which will ensure that our students have clear a pathway to competitive programs in increasingly in-demand STEM fields."


One particularly instrumental faculty member in this effort has been Mr. Bassam Matar, engineering professor at both CGCC and at ASU.  Teaching at both schools placed Matar in a unique position to be a driving force behind this partnership. 

"A bachelor’s degree is necessary for today's engineers. Our goal at CGCC is to ensure that every engineering student who participates in this program and transfers to the university is prepared with it takes to succeed," said Matar.

Properly preparing today’s engineers is a shared mission for CGCC’s engineering faculty who devote their time to educating students both in and out of the classroom.  In the classroom, the emphasis is on delivering the most up-to-date, relevant industry knowledge.  MAPP students follow a prescribed series of coursework that meets ASU’s lower-division course requirements so they are on track to earning their bachelor’s. Out of the classroom, faculty members use their relationships with leading industry businesses to secure valuable internship opportunities for students like Interrnate, who currently interns at Orbital Sciences in Chandler.

"Internship opportunities such as the one Federica has at Orbital, provide valuable on the job training that will help students inside the classroom and in their jobs as engineers,” shared Matar.

The engineering program at CGCC is a great foundation for students interested in an engineering career.  Not only are students given cutting edge curriculum and critical hands-on experience, but students have a distinct advantage with the MAPP ‘pathway’ to a bachelor’s degree. 


The ASU/CGCC engineering pathway is just one of many pathway options for students currently pursing two-year associate degrees at a Maricopa community college. For additional information about MAPP, www.transfer.asu.edu/maricopa.


Tuesday, November 10, 2015

A Busy Month Ahead For CGCC Performing Arts Students

Check out one of the student performances next month at the Arnette Scott Ward Performing Arts Center located on the Pecos Campus . Shows include:  Man of La Mancha (December 2-5), In Motion (December 11-12) and the Winter Sampler (December 14), among others. Click here for a complete list of the December performances. All  shows are open to the public.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the CGCC Box Office located on the Pecos Campus. The box office window opens one hour before show time. Attendees can purchase available tickets or pick up reserved tickets from Will Call. Student prices are offered to those with a valid student ID. Doors open a half hour prior to the performance. For additional information or further assistance, please call the box office at 480-732-7343. For a full overview of the 2015 Fall Performance Arts Schedule.

CGCC To Host Native American Heritage Festival

In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) is hosting a festival to celebrate authentic American Indian culture in Arizona on Wednesday, November 18. The event will be held in the Student Pavilion from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. Attendees can enjoy authentic fry bread, live dance performances by Indigenous Worldwide, poetry readings by Roanna Shebala, music by DJ NDN, Master of ceremonies Lexie James, 1st attendant to Miss Indian Arizona, and a presentation about the Phoenix Indian School Legacy Project lead by Native American Connections. 

"The Native American Heritage Festival is a way for Chandler-Gilbert Community College to recognize the rich and diverse cultures, tribes, traditions, and histories of the Native American population," said Katherine Haar, CGCC Student Life Program Specialist. "This event is intended to make CGCC students aware of those cultures and traditions. We hope to see a large community turnout."

In addition to the entertainment, there will also be a variety of vendors on-site to provide information about local Native American partnerships and activities. Participants include: Arizona State University Student and Cultural Engagement, Partnership with Native Americans Organization, City of Chandler Diversity Office, Native Health and Native American Connections.

The free event is open to the public and is sponsored by the Vice President of Student Affairs, CGCC Student Life and Leadership, Co-Curricular Programs, International Education and Maricopa Community Colleges District American Indian Early Outreach Office.
November is national Native American Heritage Month, and is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people.

CGCC Receives Military Friendly School Designation

For the third consecutive year, Chandler-Gilbert Community College has been designated a Military Friendly® Schools by G.I. Jobs® Magazine for providing leading programs for veterans, members of the Armed Forces leaving military service and military spouses. 

This year’s lists highlight more than 1,400 Military Friendly® Schools and 220 Military Friendly® Employers exhibiting best practices in support of military students and employees, respectively. Institutions of higher learning competed for the title by completing an extensive survey covering ten indicators of success, including:
•    Support for student veterans on campus,
•    Graduation and employment outcomes, and
•    Military spouse policies.

"This is our third year on the military friendly list, and we are honored to be considered among the top 15 percent of colleges nationwide in terms of serving our veteran and military-connected students," said Reda Chambers, CGCC Veterans Service Coordinator.

For more information about the 2016 Military Friendly® Schools visit http://victorymedia.com/pr-category/military-friendly/.



Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Empty Bowls Event Raises Thousands To Fight Local Hunger

Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) raised over $5,500 for the Chandler Christian Community Center (CCCC) to assist families in need of food at the 3rd Annual Empty Bowls event on Tuesday, October 20. The event was sponsored by members of Student Life and the Service Learning Office. Attendees purchased handmade ceramic bowls for $10 made by the CGCC ceramic students with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting CCCC.

"We are extremely grateful for those who came out to support the Empty Bowls fundraiser and to help fight hunger in the local community," said Alexandra Cannell, Service Leaning Coordinator at CGCC. "The goal of Empty Bowls is to bring food to the table for families in need by bringing art to the community. Due to the dedication and participation from our students, we were able to achieve that goal."

Event attendees were served a 300-calorie meal which included a cup of hot soup and a bread roll donated by Dilly's Deli, Liberty Market and Whole Foods. This small portion meal was meant to signify the average amount of calories a food-insecure person eats in one day.

Empty Bowls at CGCC is part of a district wide fundraiser that raises funds for families in support of World Food Day (October 16), a day of action for people around the world to come together to declare their commitment to eradicate hunger.

CCCC's mission and vision is to change lives by nourishing minds and bodies to create a connected thriving community and to have a healthy and productive community built on a foundation of dignity and hope. Each year CCCC distributes over 15,000 food boxes locally with enough food to feed 50,000 adults and children. For more information about CCCC visit www.chandlerfoodbank.org.


Thursday, October 29, 2015

CGCC Educator and Staff of the Year Selected for 2015 Gilbert Excellence Awards

Dr. Jenny Pauls and Kim DeHaan were selected as Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) Educator of the Year and CGCC Staff Employee of the Year for the 2015 Gilbert Community Excellence Awards. The awards will be presented during an awards ceremony on Friday, November 13 at the DoubleTree by Hilton San Tan Elegante Conference and Reception Center in Gilbert.

Dr. Jenny Pauls, CGCC Educator of the Year

Dr. Jenny Pauls is the head of the Physics Department at Chandler-Gilbert Community College's (CGCC) Pecos Campus. For over 10 years, Dr. Pauls has taught university physics, one of the most rigorous course sequences in the college, with high academic standards and dedication to her students. In fact, students line up to take her class! She is a physicist who makes physics come to life in her classroom by promoting curiosity, critical thinking and thorough classroom discussions. She fosters a culture in her classes which allows students to take risks and try different approaches to an experiment, idea, or problem. Her students love her passion for physics and teaching style.

Dr. Pauls is also an important member of the CGCC faculty and staff. She mentors new physics residential and adjunct faculty and currently serves as the senator for the Physical Sciences and Engineering Division to the Faculty Senate at CGCC. In addition, she is a faculty advisor to the Engineering Club on campus and a Co-Principal Investigator and Mentor for the High-Tech Transfer Program Scholars Grant from the National Science Foundation. Dr. Pauls works closely with leading businesses in the community, such as the Intel Corporation, to establish partnership opportunities for students to promote higher learning in every area of science. Dr. Pauls’ display of leadership on campus has created a quality experience for all students taking physics at CGCC.

Kim DeHaan, Employee of the Year

Kim DeHaan was the Manager of College Cashier Services at Chandler-Gilbert Community College's (CGCC) Williams Campus. Kim began her career with Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) in 1988, and was one of a handful of employees hired in 1995 when the Williams Campus was established. After 27 years of service to the district, Kim retired on September 30, 2015.

Kim has a comprehensive background in Business Services. As Manager of College Cashier Services, her number one priority was to maintain the fiscal integrity and reputation of the college. Kim was responsible for processing the requisitions and purchase orders for CGCC campuses as well as ensure the college was in compliance with the state, federal and MCCCD district guidelines.

Kim is a natural team leader and empowered many people in the CGCC community, especially students, through her vast knowledge about the college and passion about her job. She built many valuable relationships with key partners within the Town of Queen Creek and Mesa while maintaining working relationships with Arizona State University, Williams Gateway Airport Authority and Mesa Community College to name a few.  She consistently volunteered at many of the campus and community events.

Kim will always be a valued member of the CGCC community. She was an instrumental employee since day one and will continue to be an integral part of the college’s success.


Photos by Elaine Kessler of Elaine Kessler Photography

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Acclaimed Mexican American Author Sandra Cisneros Visits CGCC



Best-selling author Sandra Cisneros was recognized at a tribute event last Friday at the Chandler Gilbert Community College Performing Arts Center.

Cisneros is regarded as a key figure in Chicana literature and culture. She is the recipient of numerous awards including a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship. Her book, The House On Mango Street remains a popular book for young adult readers, and continues to be a required reading in middle school, high school, colleges and universities around the country

Cisneros' visit to CGCC is part of the college's
Latino American history program to provide unique educational opportunities to students to learn about the history and cultural impact of Latino Americans in the United States. Earlier this summer, CGCC was awarded Latino Americans: 500 Years of History grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Library Association.  As one of 203 grant recipients selected from across the country, CGCC received an award of $10,000 to produce public programming about Latino history and culture.
Hundreds of admirers turned out to listen to the author read excerpts from her award winning work including the popular novel, 'The House On Mango Street.' Event attendees included CGCC students and faculty, local high school students and longtime fans. Following the event, Cisneros signed copies of her books and posed for pictures with attendees.

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Join CGCC at the 7th Annual Veterans Expo Special Guest SFC Cory Remsburg to Address Attendees

Gilbert resident and retired Army Ranger Sergeant First Class (SFC) Cory Remsburg will serve as the guest speaker at this year's 7th Annual Veteran Expo at Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) on Thursday, November 5 from 1 to 4 p.m. While at CGCC, Remsburg will share his remarkable story of 10 deployments, his new mission as America's most famous 'Wounded Warrior,' and his six meetings with the President of the United States.

 In October of 2009, Remsburg suffered severe brain trauma and was left partially paralyzed by an IED explosion in Afghanistan. After undergoing dozens of surgeries and years of rehabilitation, Remsburg has made a miraculous recovery; however, he is still blind in his right eye and partially paralyzed on his left side. In 2014, he received a  two-minute standing ovation at  President Obama's  State of the Union address for his military service. Today, Remsburg serves as an advocate and spokesman for injured veterans. 

"Cory's story of courage, both during and after his ten deployments is an inspiring message for everyone, not just college students or student veterans," said Reda Chambers, Veterans Service Coordinator at CGCC.  "We hope residents of our surrounding communities will also attend and hear Cory's remarkable story." 

While at the event, veterans and their families can network with local businesses about job opportunities and learn about veteran resources and services offered by CGCC and  community groups. The event is also an opportunity for non-Veterans, in advance of Veterans Day, to honor those who have sacrificed to serve our country. 

"The Veterans Expo allows us to showcase college and community resources that may help our veteran students be more successful, and gives us an opportunity to offer our heartfelt thanks to CGCC's more than 500 student veterans in the week leading up to Veterans Day," said Chambers. 

About 30 exhibitors from a variety of government and community groups as well as businesses and organizations looking to hire veterans will have tables at the Expo. Among these are the VA and VA Healthcare, VA Vet Centers, Arizona Department of Veterans Services, DAV, VFW, Fleet Reserve Association, Veterans Stand-Down, Department of Labor and employers such as Boeing, Chandler Police Department, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and State Prison. Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University will also have their military outreach specialists in attendance to speak with students about transferring. 

The 7th Annual Veterans Expo will be held inside the Agave Building Community Room at the Pecos Campus located at 2626 E. Pecos Rd. from 1 to 4 p.m. Remsburg will address attendees at 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, particularly student and local veterans. Complimentary refreshments will be served. 

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Hermanas Conference Promotes Science, Technology, Engineering and Math to Latina Middle School Students

Chandler-Gilbert Community College, in partnership with Intel Corporation will host more than 200 Latina middle school students for the Hermanas: Disena Tu Futuro (Design Your Future) conference on Friday, October 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Williams Campus in Mesa. Students from Chandler, Gilbert, Higley, Mesa and Queen Creek school districts will participate in the one-day conference which promotes Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) to underrepresented Latina middle school students.
                                      
The Hermanas Conference provides a supportive environment in which young women can interact with successful Latinas in STEM careers, explore technological careers, receive encouragement to finish school, attend college and to pursue their goals.

"Many young Latinas are not aware of the opportunities available in technology, or what it takes to be an engineer, scientist or a technical professional," said Maria Reyes, Dean Career and Technical Education at CGCC. "All too often, there is the perception that these professions are not considered “traditional careers” for Latinas. The Hermanas conference is aimed to educate young Latinas about careers in STEM, as well as prepare these women to be successful in education and the workforce."

The one-day conference introduces students to various engineering disciplines, provides hands-on experiences to build their problems-solving and teaming skills, and includes informational sessions on preparing for academic and professional success in an interactive environment.  Participants engage in hands-on engineering design activities coordinated by college faculty, dialogue with Latina engineers in the Latina Town Hall and attend a college fair. 

Thursday, October 15, 2015

CGCC Presents A Tribute to Acclaimed Writer Sandra Cisneros


Award winning  and best-selling Mexican American author Sandra Cisneros will be honored at a tribute event at Chandler-Gilbert Community College's (CGCC) Pecos Campus on Friday, October 23 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. During the event, Cisneros will read excerpts from work including her acclaimed first novel, "The House On Mango Street" published in 1984.

Cisneros was born in Chicago in 1954 and received her BA in English from Loyola University of Chicago in 1976. Her novel "The House on Mango Street," about a young Latina woman coming of age in Chicago, has sold more than two million copies. She is the recipient of numerous awards including a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, and is regarded as a key figure in Chicana literature and culture.

"Sandra's work is an important part of Mexican American literature. Her book, The House On Mango Street remains a popular book for young adult readers, and continues to be a required reading in middle school, high school, colleges and universities around the country," said David Muñoz, Residential Faculty Philosophy & Religious Studies at CGCC. "Sandra's visit to CGCC is an opportunity for our students and the public at large to see her in person and view some of her award winning work. You don't want to miss this event!"

Cisneros' visit to CGCC is part of the college's Latino American history program to provide unique educational opportunities to students to learn about the history and cultural impact of Latino Americans in the United States. Earlier this summer, CGCC was awarded Latino Americans: 500 Years of History grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Library Association.  As one of 203 grant recipients selected from across the country, CGCC received an award of $10,000 to produce public programming about Latino history and culture.

This free event will be held inside the Arnette Scott Ward Performing Arts Center and is open to the public. A formal book signing will take place immediately following the event. The Pecos Campus is located at 2626 E. Pecos Rd., Chandler, AZ 85225. For more information please contact David Muñoz at david.munoz@cgc.edu.

Monday, October 5, 2015

Empty Bowls Fundraiser Fights Hunger One Bowl at a Time: Event Benefits Thousands of Local Families in Need

Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) has teamed up with the Chandler Christian Community Center (CCCC) to fight hunger and raise money for families in need through its Empty Bowls Service-Learning fundraiser event. The event will be held Tuesday, October 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. inside the Student Pavilion at the Pecos Campus.

Attendees can purchase their own hand-crafted ceramic bowls designed by CGCC Ceramics student artists for $10, and enjoy a cup of soup donated by Dilly's Deli, Liberty Market and Whole Foods. All proceeds benefit the CCCC to feed those in the community who might otherwise go without food.  

"We are grateful for the opportunity to support Empty Bowls for CCCC through service-learning. It is a unique opportunity for Ceramics students to apply what they are learning in their courses to meet needs in the community," said Alexandra Cannell, Service-Learning Coordinator at CGCC."

Empty Bowls at CGCC is part of a district wide fundraiser that raises funds for families in support of World Food Day (October 16), a day of action for people around the world to come together to declare their commitment to eradicate hunger. Empty Bowls raises thousands of dollars annually for local charities. Last year's event raised over $4,000 for the CCCC.

For more information contact Service-Learning at 480-732-7069 or by email at alex.cannell@cgc.edu. 

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

CGCC's Fall Performance Arts Schedule

CGCC
Our fall Performing Arts schedule is out! Make sure you take some to browse this semester's schedule of performances and mark your calendar to attend a show...or two! Attending a show is a great way to show your support to the student performers who spend countless hours preparing for their performances. It is also a great opportunity to learn about the art form. This semester students will perform a variety of highly anticipated shows including: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (October 15-17), a Fall Band Concert (October 28), a Comedy Improv Show (November 6) and Man of La Mancha (December 2-5), among several others. All shows are open to the public.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the CGCC Box Office located on the Pecos Campus. The box office window opens one hour before show time. Attendees can purchase available tickets or pick up reserved tickets from Will Call. Student prices are offered to those with a valid student ID. Doors open a half hour prior to the performance. For additional information or further assistance, please call the box office at 480-732-7343. For a full overview of the 2015 Fall Performance Arts Schedule, click here.

Monday, September 28, 2015

Agave Hall Fully Renovated To Accommodate Performing Arts Students




Agave Hall, one of the original buildings on campus, has been fully transformed into a modern looking, multi-purpose, environmentally friendly building for the college's performing arts program. The 39,000-square-foot building is now a space for performing arts instruction and rehearsal for students participating in band, choir, dance, orchestra and theater.
 
Originally constructed in 1986 on the Pecos Campus, the newly renovated Agave Hall features a music library, instrument repair room, two professional level dance rooms, state-of-the-art record control booth, multiple rehearsal classrooms and a large community meeting space. General purpose classrooms along with faculty offices provide an instructional hub that is flexible and adaptive to changing curricular needs of CGCC’s students.  The large community room complement's these by accommodating supporting events and activities as well as providing space for multiple classes to participate in joint instructional activities.

"From a performing arts aspect, Agave Hall is creating incredible energy and excitement for our students," said Randy Wright, Communication and Fine Arts Director of Instrumental Music at CGCC.  "Agave offers numerous new opportunities for student performers at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, taking our program to a new level."

The Agave Hall renovation was also designed to meet the needs of the college's ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. In fact, Agave is the first 100% LED lighting building in the Maricopa County Community College District. Additional examples of sustainable operations include: a new efficient roof, bottle fill stations, energy efficient air conditioning units, high performance glass to keep heat out and let natural light in, new insulation and stucco on the south side of the building and 100% reclaimed water used for irrigation.

"This was more than just your average remodel, it was complete transformation of one of the oldest buildings on campus," said Charlie Poure, Director of College Facilities Planning and Development at CGCC. "Agave is unlike any other building on campus. Not only from a sustainability perspective, but also from a design perspective. Agave has the first true community room on campus, a newly designed and constructed walkway leading to the Performing Arts Center and an outdoor living space that students can take advantage of year round."

The building renovation started last December as its previous residents (student affairs, student services and the fitness center) relocated to the new Coyote Center and was completed this August. The $6 million renovation was completed in August as part of the public's approval of the 2004 General Obligation Bond Funds.


Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Career Services Can Help Plan Your Future

Student Success
Having trouble deciding on a major? Our Career Service advisors can help point you in the right direction. Schedule a career assessment with an advisor today! Career assessments can be used as a source of information to help you confirm your interest in a career or help you identify and explore possibilities. When considering careers, it is important for you to consider your values, personality, interests and skills. Work and life style can also be considered when planning a career.

Career Services can also help students find employment and internship opportunities on or off campus. They also host a variety of resourceful events on campus to help educate students on proper business etiquette and important job skills. Events such as: job fairs, workshops and themed luncheons help expose students to real life career settings. For more personalized assistance, please call the Career Services Office at 480.857.5211 or visit them online.

Monday, September 21, 2015

CGCC to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month


CGCC
In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Chandler-Gilbert Community College is hosting a Hispanic Heritage Festival on Thursday, October 15 from 11 am to 1 pm inside the Student Pavilion. The event is free and open to the public, and will feature samples of Hispanic foods, entertainment and information about local Hispanic community organizations.



Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The CGCC event is sponsored by the Hispanic Student Organization, Office of International Education Program and Student Life.



For more information on the event or CGCC's Hispanic Student Organization, please contact Greg Wojtovich at 480.857.5213.

Friday, September 18, 2015

Dr. Bill Guerriero Named CGCC Interim President

Dr. Bill Guerriero, who has been Vice President of Academic Affairs at Chandler-Gilbert Community
College since 2003, has been named the college’s interim president effective September 15. A national search for CGCC’s fourth president will take place during this academic year.

Dr.  Guerriero came to CGCC from Monroe County Community College, Monroe, Michigan, where he was the Vice President of Instruction. Dr. Guerriero's experience in higher education administration includes three years as Dean of the Business Division at that college, as well as a variety of senior executive positions during 16 years of service at Great Lakes Junior College (now part of Davenport University in Michigan).

Dr. Guerriero also has taught a variety of courses at the postsecondary level including Management, Business Communications, and Psychology. Dr. Guerriero earned an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University and an M.S. in Administration from Central Michigan University. 

“Dr. Guerrero’s extensive experience at CGCC will serve him well as he guides the institution during this transitional period,” said Maricopa Chancellor Rufus Glasper.

Former CGCC President Dr. Linda Lujan has been named Maricopa’s New Ventures Officer. She served as president of CGCC for six years. Her new position, dealing with the development of new ventures and strategic initiatives for the district, began Sept. 14.

Dr. Lujan has a Ph.D. in Community College Leadership from Colorado State University, an M.A. in Educational Technology Leadership from the George Washington University, a B.A. in Human Resource Management from Colorado Christian University, and an A.A.S. in Management Information Systems from Arapahoe Community College. She has recently been accepted into the October 2015 Harvard’s School of Public Health’s program for Executive Education for Sustainability Leadership. 

Thursday, September 3, 2015

CGCC James Pazos Called Up To Major Leagues

James Pazos,  CGCC
James Pazos who pitched for the 2010 Region 1 runner up team at CGCC, has been called up to the big leagues.
James transferred to the University of San Diego from CGCC and was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 2012 draft in the 13th round.

Congratulations to James and his family!

See the announcement here. 

Visit New York Yankee Player Profile.

Monday, August 31, 2015

CGCC Alumnus Ginny DeSanto

CGCC Alumni Ginny DeSanto was featured in last week's issue of the Phoenix Business Journal talking about her commitment to education and passion for soccer. Click here to read the full story! 

http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/print-edition/2015/07/24/ginny-desanto-steps-away-from-soccer-only-for-her.html


Wednesday, August 19, 2015

CGCC Faculty Members Recap Inspiring Trip to Mexico

Faculty members David Muñoz (Philosophy/Religious Studies) and Sue Steele (Math) recently returned from a two week long trip to Mexico City and Guanajuato as part of the 2015 Global Engagement Faculty Development Program  offered by the Office of International and Intercultural Education. Steele and Muñoz were two of six district faculty members chosen to represent CGCC, the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) and the state of Arizona to facilitate the internationalization of the MCCCD curriculum and colleges.
While in Mexico, they were fully immersed in the study of the country, and gained a first-hand understanding of its distinctive people and culture. They traveled to the University of Guanajuato where they interacted with students and faculty about academic research, curriculum development and other means to establish beneficial relationships between the Maricopa Community Colleges and the University of Guanajuato. They also had the opportunity to visit key cultural, archaeological, religious, and historical sites including: the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Museo Frida Khalo, Basilica de Guadalupe and Museo Nacional de Antropología e Historia in Mexico City as well as the Museo Casa Diego Rivera, Teatro Juárez and Monumento el Pípila in Guanajuato. 
We had the opportunity to with chat with Steele and Muñoz about their recent experience. Here's what they had to say...
"The past three weeks spent in Mexico were a life changing experience for me and my outlook on Mexican culture. There were bonds created amongst Maricopa colleagues as well as educators and professionals of Mexico that will stay strong for a long time, if not forever.  The value that came from this cultural exchange is priceless,  not only to educate my students on Mexican culture but also to develop relationships with Mexican officials and share pedagogical and technological ideas. Our connection will allow the people of Guanajuato to be introduced to new advances in technology in hybrid classes in addition to exposing the students at Chandler-Gilbert Community college to the culture,  sites and structures in Mexico through math problems. I strongly suggest any educator to take advantage of the opportunity to experience the beauty and richness of Mexico through this unique program." -Sue Steele, Math Faculty 
"This trip has been amazing not only for the opportunity to participate with faculty members from different colleges and disciplines but also, the immense richness of information, academic dialogues, inspiration and plain friendship we were able to develop.  I do think all of us enriched not only our academic life but also, our personal experiences, these grew throughout the past 3 weeks full of activities, conferences, tourist sites, and conversations we had among ourselves.  I highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to engage in diversity, culture, and academic advancement. -David Muñoz, Philosophy & Religious Studies Faculty              






Thursday, August 13, 2015

Prioritize Your Health This Semester, Enroll In a Group Fitness Class at The Coyote Center



With the everyday stresses of homework, work and family, finding time to work out may seem impossible for many students. One solution may be group fitness classes at the Coyote Center which are a convenient way for students to exercise without the hassle of leaving campus. From Yoga and Pilates to Zumba and Boot Camp, classes are available in a variety of workout styles and are offered Monday-Thursday from 7am to 5pm.  

"It is really important for students to find time to add movement into their day," said Cookie Potter, manager of the Coyote Center. "We offer a variety of classes throughout the day in order to make them convenient for students' schedules. Our classes are an opportunity for students to take a break from technology and the pressures of the classroom; to move around and have fun! "

The benefits of group exercise go beyond improved physical health. Group classes are a wonderful place to meet new people who have similar lifestyle goals as as well as a great way for students to feel motivated. When you're working out on your own it's easy to slow down when tired and give up. But in our group classes, instructors will work with students to push them to the next level through safe and effective workouts. Physical activity is also a great way to boost student performance. Research shows that students who take breaks from their class work to be physically active during the school day are often better able to concentrate and may do better on standardized tests. 

"Brain function is improved when we are doing physical activity, especially when it comes to academic performance. It is important for students to look at fitness as a way to help them stay strong both inside and outside the classroom," said Potter.

The William's Campus is now offering group fitness classes this semester in the areas of: Pilates, Yoga and Zumba. Classes begin on August 31st and go through December 10th. Each class is worth one academic credit and is taught by a degree-certified instructor. For more information on group classes visit the Coyote Center's website www.cgc.edu/coyotecenter or contact a Coyote Center representative at 480.732.7000.

Monday, August 10, 2015

Chandler-Gilbert Community College Awarded National Latino Grant: Grant to educate students about the history and culture of Latinos in the U.S.

Chandler, Ariz.—August 5, 2015--

Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) has been awarded a Latino Americans: 500 Years of History grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the American Library Association (ALA).  As one of 203 grant recipients selected from across the country, CGCC will receive an award of $10,000 to produce public programming about Latino history and culture. CGCC’s participation in the Latino Americans grant affords a unique opportunity to provide a framework for students and community members to explore the history and cultural impact of Latinos in the United States. 

At the center of the programming is the six-part, NEH-supported documentary film “Latino Americans,” created for PBS in 2013 by the WETA public television station. The award-winning series chronicles the history of Latinos in the United States from the 16th century to present day. Learn more about the series at www.pbs.org/latino-americans.  Three episodes of the documentary will be screened between September and May with scholar-led discussions after the screenings.

Donna Thompson, Humanities and Woman Studies Faculty and grant co-director, emphasizes the importance of “using the arts and humanities to explore the challenges and opportunities present in our communities.” She explains that “An essential feature of CGCC’s grant events is the focus on creating space for conversation, debate among students, scholars, and community members around significant concerns and issues in our region like immigration, the Dream Act, migrant workers, cultural conflicts, and citizenship.” 

Program activities will engage students and community youth from the Si Se Puede Foundation in writing and sharing their stories; hearing the writing of Southwest and local writers, including Sandra Cisneros; with local playwrights, actors, and artists; and producing dramatic scenes in response to the migrant experience. 

Alexandra Cannell, CGCC Coordinator of Service-Learning, explains the positive outcomes of this work: “This grant provides the opportunity to deepen our relationship with Si Se Puede Foundation through programming that will serve its youth and educate our own students by giving them avenues to explore their own identities in connection with Latino history and current events. This is a critical component of their personal development that will positively impact their futures and the future of our community." 

Programming will also involve recording and sharing the histories of local Latino American artists to celebrate the artists’ lives and accomplishments, teach about local history and themes inherent in the artists’ life experiences, and inspire community members, especially the youth, to make art part of their life for identity exploration, enrichment, and expression. CGCC will be display the oral histories collected in their library as well at Chandler Public Library.

For more information, please call Dean of Arts and Sciences, Chris Schnick at 480-732-7274, or visit www.ala.org/latinoamericans.       


About Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Chandler-Gilbert Community College is one of ten Maricopa County Community Colleges, the largest community college system in the country. CGCC serves the higher education needs of over 19,000 students at four locations in the Southeast Valley of the Phoenix metropolitan area - the Pecos Campus in Chandler, the Williams Campus in Mesa, the Sun Lakes Center in Sun Lakes and at the Communiversity in Queen Creek. CGCC offers degrees and certificates in a variety of fields, university transfer, workforce development programs, and continuing education, along with nationally recognized programs in service learning, learning communities, and civic engagement. For more information, visit cgc.edu or call 480-732-7000.

About the National Endowment for Humanities
Created in 1965 as an independent federal agency, the National Endowment for the Humanities supports research and learning in history, literature, philosophy and other areas of the humanities by funding selected, peer-reviewed proposals from around the nation. Additional information about the National Endowment for the Humanities and its grant programs is available at www.neh.gov.     

About the American Library Association
The American Library Association is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with approximately 58,000 members in academic, public, school, government and special libraries. The mission of the American Library Association is to provide leadership for the development, promotion and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.