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.