Leadership, innovation and service describe woman of distinction

Dawn Gruichich was selected as the 2015 Woman of Distinction for Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC). Gruichich, who is the director of Student Support and Transition Services, was nominated by her peers for her leadership, innovation, service and contribution to women.

Gruichich has long-standing service to the college and the district not only in her position where she has worked for 12 years but in serving on more than 20 college- and district-wide committees and councils. Prior to her permanent position, she was a consultant to the college as well as Chandler Early College  on CGCC’s Pecos Campus for seven years.

Among her many contributions is her development and implementation of an early alert system for CGCC, which received an Innovation of the Year award in 2006-2007 and was then integrated throughout the district. She worked collaboratively with faculty to develop, deliver and evaluate the online and in-person early intervention program that allows faculty and staff to notify crisis management team of students in need of help in order to retain them in school and/or keep them from harm. More than 2,000 CGCC students have received assistance through this program.

She was also instrumental in initiating and developing a re-entry program for students. She regularly conducts new student orientation sessions designed for re-entry students to help them adjust to college. Additionally, she collaborates and works in unison with Public Safety with any crisis on campus.

Dawn was honored at the 17th annual Women of Distinction Luncheon on April 30.