Chinese New Year Celebration at Williams Campus

Come celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, learn about Chinese culture, enjoy FREE food and live performances at the 2018 “Year of the Dog” celebration. The event will be held Wednesday, February 14 from 11 am to 1 pm inside Bridget Hall’s Higley Room and is free to students. Hope to see you there!

25th Anniversary Celebration

Celebrate CGCC’s silver anniversary during a special event on October 19 in honor of 25 years of academic service. The event will be held at the Williams Campus on the lawn in front of Engel Hall from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and will feature complimentary food from Some Burros, live music from DJ Iceman, games and an ALL campus photo at 11:30 a.m. The event is sponsored by the Student Advisory Board and is free for attendees. We hope you can make it and celebrate this wonderful milestone with us! See you there.

The Great American Eclipse Viewing Party at Chandler-Gilbert Community College

Experience one of America’s greatest celestial wonders by attending The Great American Eclipse viewing party at Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC). The CGCC Physical Sciences and Engineering Division, and the Astronomy Department, is hosting a viewing party for students and the local community on Monday, August 21^st. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience this rare astronomical moment by viewing the total eclipse through specialty telescopes while learning about its significance from CGCC astronomers. In addition to the viewing party, CGCC will live stream the eclipse on the campus Facebook page for viewers alike.

“This event is important to the CGCC community as it puts us in contact with multiple parts of our history, and of the development of astronomy as a science and the beautiful nature of this cosmic alignment,” said Ángel G. Fuentes, CGCC Astronomer and faculty member. “Students, staff, and the community will have a chance to take a closer look at the sun in a safe manner. They will be able to see sunspots (if any are visible), and slowly see the moon moving in front of the sun.”

The Great American Eclipse, is a total solar eclipse stretching across the United States going from Oregon through the heartland of the U.S., all the way to South Carolina. This type of eclipse has not been seen for almost 100 years. The last total solar eclipse that was visible in the U.S. from coast-to-coast was on June 8, 1918. Totality of the eclipse will only be visible in the path of the umbra, the darkest part of the eclipse’s shadow, which includes Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, and South Carolina. The eclipse will appear as a partial eclipse everywhere else in the continental U.S.

A solar eclipse occurs when the sun, the moon, and the earth align. Sunlight hits the moon, and the moon casts its shadow into space. As the moon, and the earth move in their respective orbits, the shadow of the moon moves over specific parts of the surface of the Earth. This creates the eclipse. “This eclipse is also special because its totality will only be visible from American soil,” said Prof. Fuentes. “Eclipses have been an important part of the history of our civilization, and have come to mean different things to different cultures. Eclipses have particularly special meaning to Native tribes, Mesoamerican, Aboriginal, Celtic, and Greek cultures, just to name a few.”

Event attendees will have the opportunity to view the eclipse in a safe manner through telescopes equipped with certified sun filters making it safe to look at the eclipse. There will also be demonstrations on how to build a pinhole camera which is another safe, easy option to view the eclipse. “It is important that people never look directly at the sun, even during an eclipse,” said Prof. Fuentes. “There are many easy options people can use to view the eclipse such as a homemade pinhole camera, a pasta strainer, number 14 welder’s glasses or certified eclipse glasses. Never ever use a telescopes or binoculars to look at the sun without a properly certified filter.”

The Great American viewing party will take place on Monday, August 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in front of Ironwood Hall on the Pecos Campus, by the Grounds for Thought coffee shop. The event is free and open to the public. For more information on the eclipse visit https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov.

Get Involved Today!

Discover all the ways to get involved at Chandler-Gilbert Community College by attending the Spring Club Fair on January 24 & 25 at the Pecos Campus. The events will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Pavilion Patio.  Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with CGCC club and organization representatives to learn more about their mission, activities and how to sign up for participation. This is a great way to get to make new friends with similar interests and give back to the local community. We hope to see you there!

Click here for a complete list of clubs and organizations.

East Valley Mayors' Prayer Breakfast

Join us for a morning of inspiration, reflection and collaboration with business and community leaders. Faith leaders from across the east valley will lead us in prayer, and our featured speakers will share their personal stories of community leadership and involvement. You won't want to miss this community event Chandler is hosting this year.

2016 Host:  Chandler Mayor, Jay Tibshraeny
Master of Ceremonies:  John Prothro
Leaders of Faith Lifetime Achievement Award - Roc Arnett

Date: March 16, 2016
Time: 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM MST
Location: Chandler-Gilbert Community College
The Coyote Center
2626 E. Pecos Rd.
Chandler, AZ  85225

$40 per person, $750 table of 10 sponsorship
Click here to Register.

CGCC to Honor Alumnus for Major League Debut

Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) baseball program will honor alumnus and current New York Yankees pitcher James Pazos on Friday, January 29 at 6:00 p.m. during a pre-game recognition ceremony on the college’s baseball field. A sign with Pazos’ name will be hung on the field's outfield fence in recognition of his major league debut and professional accomplishments.

Pazos, a 2009 graduate of Highland High School in Gilbert, pitched one season for the Coyotes in 2010 before transferring to University of San Diego where he pitched for an addition two seasons. He was drafted in the 13th round of the Amateur Major League Baseball (MLB) draft in 2012 by the New York Yankees.

While at CGCC, Pazos posted a 9-4 record with a 1.94 ERA helping the team earn runner-up honors in the Region I playoffs. He also threw a no-hitter against Salt Lake Community College on February 17, 2010 walking three and striking out nine players in a 2-0 win. Pazos made his MLB debut in 2015 with the New York Yankees against the Tampa Bay Rays.

"James had an immediate impact on our program as a freshman.  From day one he had foundational belief in himself and an unending willingness to work," said Russell Luce, Head Baseball Coach at CGCC. "He was an amazing teammate and leader in his time with CGCC, and we are proud of him and his accomplishments. We are excited about his baseball MLB future."

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. 

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.

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. 

CGCC Faculty Members Selected to International Program

Chandler-Gilbert Community College faculty members David Muñoz (Philosophy/Religious Studies) and Sue Steele (Math) are traveling to Mexico next month as part of the 2015 Global Engagement Faculty Development Program.  Both members were selected to represent CGCC, the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) and the state of Arizona for a two week long (July 13-August 2) cultural and educational experience offered by the Office of International and Intercultural Education through the Maricopa Center for Learning and Instruction. This unique opportunity will provide professional growth and development, as well as a rich cultural experience to facilitate the internationalization of the MCCCD curriculum and colleges.

The University of Guanajuato, a long-time partner of MCCCD, will serve as the host institution for this program.  Both Muñoz and Steele will engage with the university in areas such as faculty/student exchanges, academic research, curriculum development and other means to establish beneficial relationships between the Maricopa Community Colleges and the University of Guanajuato.

While in Mexico, Muñoz and Steele will also be fully immersed in the study of our neighboring country and gain a first-hand understanding of its people and culture. They will have the opportunity to initiate or enhance Spanish language skills as part of this experience through a homestay with local families and a Spanish language component.  Muñoz and Steele will also visit key cultural, archaeological, religious, and historical sites,  and will engage in discussions about their observations related to the sites visited with academic experts in these areas.

¡Felicidades! (congratulations) on this once in a lifetime opportunity and we can't wait to hear all of the wonderful ideas you will  bring back to the CGCC community!

More than 100 middle school students to participate in 2nd annual Arizona Math Partnership Summer Camp

More than 100 middle-school students from six school districts throughout the Valley will participate in 2nd annual Arizona Mathematics Partnership (AMP) Summer Math Camp June 21-25, 2015.

This year's camp is at Arizona State University's Barrett Honors College in Tempe, AZ. Students will stay overnight in student dorms and get a taste of college life. They will also participate in math 

projects designed to share and teach math concepts in a fun and relevant way.

Selected campers are participating free of charge thanks to the AMP. AMP is covering the costs of the camp as part of its community outreach goal.

In 2012, the AMP received an $8.7 million, five-year grant from the National Science Foundation to implement strategies aimed at making middle-school math teachers more effective in teaching math. So far, more than 250 middle school teachers have received training.

During a two-year period of intense professional development, teachers learn new methods of imparting math concepts that emphasize problem solving, sense-making and a deeper understanding of content.

"We must have done something right last year because we had 260 applicants this year," said Trey Cox, this year's camp director and a math faculty member at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. "But we could only select 110 because of space and funding."

At the overnight camp, student campers will participate in math and science projects and experiments, ranging from a boxcar derby to robotics to building a mousetrap car. All activities are designed to teach math concepts.

Students will stay in dorm rooms at Barrett, eat at the college dining hall, and enjoy fun activities at the ASU student activity center.  

About the Arizona Mathematics Partnership

AMP consists of Promoting Excellence in Arizona Middle School Mathematics:  Increasing Student Achievement through Systemic Instructional Change.  The partnership consists of 10 core partners: Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Scottsdale and Glendale Community Colleges, and the Deer Valley, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Chandler, Florence, J.O. Combs school districts, as well as Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community schools. Supporting partners are: Arizona State University, Maricopa County Community College District, and the Glendale, Mesa, and Peoria school districts.

Holocaust-era rail car brings survivors, students, community and understanding

Approximately 1,500 students and community members came to Chandler-Gilbert Community College's Pecos Campus on April 1 to see a Holocaust-era rail car and hear first-hand accounts of survivors in an exhibit provided by the East Valley Jewish Community Center. This was the first time the rail car has appeared on a college campus in Arizona which was accompanied by kiosks that share the stories of three survivors. George Kalman, who is one of those featured on the kiosks, was also present to speak with students and visitors throughout the day. The event attracted community members and veterans as well as many of the Valley's television stations who aired both live and recorded segments.

12news: Survivor recounts Holocaust, educates 70 years later

AZFamily's first segment: Historic World War II rail car on display at Valley college and second segment

Students pledge to graduate at inaugural success fair

More than 400 students participated in Chandler-Gilbert Community College’s inaugural I Will Graduate Student Success Fair on Wednesday, March 25.  The fair, which was held on five of Maricopa County Community Colleges this year, is designed to connect students to the many resources available on campus to help them succeed.

“The event connects students to the resources associated with persistence and completion and provides an opportunity for them to connect with faculty and staff in meaningful and fun ways,” said Vivian Miranda, director of student success for CGCC.

Departments across the college set up information tables that students visited and spoke with staff of faculty regarding specific topics to receive stamps in a “passport.” After acquiring a set number of stamps, students then received a free lunch and/or a t-shirt. The fair atmosphere was complemented by a DJ, kettle corn, chair massages given by CGCC massage therapy students and a picture booth where students and employees could use props to take images with friends.

All students were asked to sign a pledge to graduate from CGCC and, in support of that commitment, learn how to be a successful student, engage with faculty and staff for support and connect to campus resources.

Water Safety Day brings first-graders to Pecos Campus

Phoenix Children's Hospitals' Water Safety Day
at Chandler-Gilbert Community College

More than 1,000 first-graders came to Chandler-Gilbert Community College's Pecos Campus to learn about water safety at the annual Phoenix Children's Hospital's Water Safety Day for a day of learning and activities. Three major broadcast stations covered the event and the Arizona Republic posted an article called Kids learn the ABCs of safety that includes the Channel 12 broadcast.

CGCC brings high school Latinas to campus to explore their futures in STEM

Hermanas participants work to build a small robot.

Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) is making sure Latinas have access and opportunity to get into careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Along with some of the other Maricopa County Community Colleges, CGCC invited 160 Latinas from local high schools to campus to participate in a unique experience designed by Latinas for Latinas. The conference called Hermanas: Disena Tu Futuro is co-sponsored by the Intel Corporation and the APS Foundation and invites girls to learn more about possible education and career paths in STEM and listen to other Latinas who have succeeded at these careers.

Local high school Latinas identify stars in an
astronomy workshop at CGCC.

“Research continues to show that Latinas, as compared to other under-represented females, are less likely to enroll in STEM, despite being a part of the largest minority group in the U.S.,” said Maria Harper-Marinick, executive vice chancellor and provost of Maricopa Community Colleges. “In industry and education there have been, and continue to be, many social and cultural barriers that make it especially difficult for young Latinas to break into male–dominated STEM career paths.”

In Arizona, this issue is particularly prominent and caught the attention of the key employees of the Intel Corporation, who noticed that Hispanic pre–college girls were not fully aware of the opportunities available beyond traditional roles. These employees sought to make a difference and created the Latina Outreach Working Group (LOWG) within the Intel Latino Network employee group structure.

“For girls who may often be intimidated by non–traditional professions, male–dominated fields, or who lack the financial resources or preparation to enroll in college, the Hermanas Conference provides effective tools and practical pathways that enable them to successfully navigate these challenges,” said Gabriela Gonzalez, founding member of the Hermanas Conference and current program manager at Intel Impact of the Hermanas Conference.

Hermanas is one of nearly 60 events the Maricopa Community Colleges are hosting during this year’s statewide SciTech Festival, Arizona’s largest celebration of science and technology. In total, more than 450 organizations are participating. For a list of free Maricopa Community Colleges events open to the public, visit facebook.com/maricopa.edu/events or azscitech.com/events.

A chapter on Hermanas authored by Harper-Marinick appears in a new book, Advancing a Jobs-Driven Economy, that was released Feb. 19 in Phoenix, Ariz. and Washington, DC by STEMconnector®. The STEMconnector® group focuses on the employer-driven partnerships demanded by 21st century STEM education and workforce development. The book brings together sixty-two education, business and non-profit thought leaders who share proven models that will produce the next generation of innovators and ensure these opportunities are available for all.

Chandler Science Spectacular features linemen and aviation simulation

Tabletop aviation simulator

Chandler-Gilbert Community College students in the aviation and electric utility technology programs will be among the many science, technology, engineering and math displays at the Chandler Science Spectacular on Saturday, Feb. 21 as featured in the Arizona Republic's article on Feb. 18 titled Chandler's Science Spectacular: 7 things to check out. See linemen demonstrate pole climbing and line repair or try to take off and land an airplane with the tabletop aviation simulator.

CGCC president to present at national climate change summit

Maricopa Community Colleges will be well represented at the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) 2014 Summit on Climate Leadership in Boston on October 1-3. Chandler-Gilbert Community College President Linda Lujan will join Irene Kovala and Jan Gehler, presidents of Glendale Community College and Scottsdale Community College respectively as well as more than 250 college and university leaders from across the nation.

Lujan, who serves on the ACUPCC Steering Committee, will present two sessions at the summit including Sustainability in Conservative Communities and Presidential Reflections and Summit Conclusion: A Central Question About Scaling Up.

The ACUPCC Summit reflects the centrality of higher education’s role in preparing new generations to meet the challenges of climate change. The program focuses on ways to build on the success of climate action plans and sustainability initiatives on ACUPCC campuses and develop solutions to the most pressing environmental problems facing our communities.

"Sustainability is a far-reaching, complex concept and topic that has far more relevancy to education than many people realize,” said Lujan, who also serves on the American Association of Community Colleges Sustainability Task Force. “Not only can higher education directly influence sustainability research and practice in classrooms and labs, but as business entities, colleges and universities can model best practices in sustainability. We can also serve as a catalyst and convener for important conversations all dimensions of the subject. It's an honor to represent the Maricopa Community College District in this work."

More than 680 colleges and universities in the U.S. are current ACUPCC signatories, representing all 50 states, D.C., and every category of public and private higher education institution. These signatories are committed to achieving carbon neutrality and represent more than 6.5 million students – one third of all college students in the nation.

“The summit is a key opportunity for ACUPCC presidents and their sustainability teams to work together to shape higher education’s critical role in advancing sustainability and addressing climate change at the national level,” said Portland State University President Wim Wiewel, chair of the ACUPCC Steering Committee. “The launch of the National Climate Assessment this past spring has given us a clear mandate and an excellent springboard for climate action. It’s imperative for higher education to respond and help lead our society in defining and achieving a sustainable future.”

The summit was designed by a group of 30 college and university presidents with the support of a committee of seven local institutions, and is organized into five tracks . CO2 impact from attendee travel, meeting space, and guest accommodations is being offset through purchase by The Revere Hotel of carbon offsets from Native Energy, Inc.

Students code for a cause in 24-hour-event

Over 50 Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) students pulled an all nighter Friday, April 4 creating educational apps for smart phones and web-based devices focused on improving early literacy. Representatives from Intel were on-site coaching and mentoring students throughout the 24-hour period as they developed fun, interactive reading and writing games for children and families. SanTan Sun News covered the event in their May 17-June 6 issue.

CGCC honors 12 with Teal & Silver award for dedication and support

From left: Steven Fox, CGCC President Linda Lujan, Linda Czarnecki,
Tom Gariepy, Chief Frank Milstead, Terri Kimble, Lisa Avalos, Kristi
Robertson, Jace Hermanson, Amanda Shepherd, Bill Crawford, Jon Terpay.

(This event was also covered by the East Valley Tribune. Read the article.)

Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) honored their 10th Annual Teal & Silver award recipients during a breakfast event at the college's Williams Campus on May 6. Twelve winners were recognized for their dedication and support of CGCC students, employees, programs, services and the college community.

The 2014 Teal & Silver award recipients are:

• Lisa Avalos, Desert Ridge High School who, through her commitment, increased dual enrollment participation by 48 percent in one year.
• Linda Czarnecki, Doherty Foundation, who has donated more than $132,000 to over CGCC 250 students on behalf of the foundation.
• Steven Fox, Ph.D. Licensed Psychologist for his contributions to the academic success and persistence of CGCC students through his volunteer service to the Psychology Club. 
• Officer Derek Fritsche, Mesa Police Department, who not only serves as a reserve police officer but has volunteered for CGCC’s law enforcement training academy and had had numerous accomplishments.
• Jace Hermanson, Arizona Sun Sales, who has consistently shown his passion for the electric utility technology program following his graduation from the program through his participation as an adjunct faculty member, volunteer, lineman’s competition judge and scholarship donor.
• Terri Kimble, Chandler Chamber of Commerce, who recognizes the important role education plays in the region’s economic prosperity and is supportive of the unique contributions of community colleges to the community’s future.
• Jeanine Masumura, Higley Unified School District who has coordinated more than 200 service-learning opportunities, providing approximately 5,000 hours of extra help in the Higley district’s classrooms. 
• Chief Frank Milstead, Mesa Police Department, who, through his assistance and leadership, has helped the CGCC law enforcement training academy build an outstanding reputation.
• Robert Richter, Roberts Catering, who has played a significant role in many events hosted by the Office of Student Affairs over the past 15 years.
• Kristi Robertson, AdMix Social, who has helped grow CGCC’s Facebook fans by more than 5,000 and increased Twitter followers by more than 2,100 as well as increased reach and engagement in those channels.
• Amanda Shepherd, Gilbert Senior Center, who enabled 195 CGCC students to experience deep and meaningful service-learning opportunities interacting with seniors.
• Staff of the Marketing and Communications Department, Maricopa County Community College District for saving CGCC considerable resources through their professional support of the college’s marketing and communications efforts.

"This year's Teal & Silver award recipients have made a significant difference in our college community through their contributions and commitment to the CGCC students, faculty and staff," said Linda Lujan, Chandler-Gilbert Community College president. "None of us do this alone. It truly takes all our partnerships and friendships for CGCC to serve our students and communities, and we are truly grateful for their efforts."

The Chandler-Gilbert Community College Teal & Silver Awards Program was created to recognize the contributions of individuals who support Chandler-Gilbert Community College through various efforts. This year's recipients positively impact the college by assisting with the program or service improvements, supporting creative and innovative ideas, improving the quality of the college experience, support the delivery of instruction, providing resources or assisting with cost-saving measures and advocating for the college in media, with elected officials and the in the community.

Scholarship event raises more than $34,000

Guests to Champagne, Chocolate and all that Jazz
bid on more than 50 baskets, raising $11,000.

Sponsors and guests helped Chandler-Gilbert Community College raise more than $34,000 for student scholarships at the fourth annual Champagne, Chocolate and all that Jazz event on Friday, Feb. 7. More than 250 guests enjoyed champagne and both savory and sweet tastings from local restaurants including Brio Tuscan Grille, Florodino Pizza and Pasta, Kona Grill, Paradise Bakery & Café, Robert’s Catering, Salerno’s Catering, Schnepf Farms and The Groves Bar & Grill.

CGCC President Linda Lujan recognizes the four
scholarship recipients at the event.

College employees and community donations provided more than 50 baskets for the silent auction, which raised $11,000. From sports suites to handmade guitars, there was something for everyone to bid on.

The evening’s program, which was emceed by Wally Delecki and Erich Weber ’13, recognized four scholarship recipients who were introduced on stage and shared their personal stories while mingling with guests.  Faculty musicians Ted Goddard, Josh Gottry, Ken Hales and Randy Wright provided the evening’s entertainment.

Local restaurants provided savory and sweet samplings
from their menus.

Sponsors of the event also contributed greatly to its success. Walmart was the lead (Jazz) sponsor with Dignity Health, Orbital and Wells Fargo at the next (Champagne) level. Grainger, International Minute Press of Gilbert and New Adventures in Learning fell into the Chocolate category. Instrumental sponsors included Air Products, Caliente Construction, Chandler Education Foundation, Circle G Companies, di Sciacca, The DC, Doug Bullock, East Valley Partnership, Follett, Higley Unified School District, Linda Lujan, Maria Wise, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, Professional Staff Association of Maricopa County Community College District, Queen Creek Olive Mill, Southwest Airlines, Sundt, Thorobred Chevrolet of Chandler, TrustBank and W. P. Carey School of Business at ASU.

Faculty musicians provided the evening's entertainment.

View a slideshow of the event.