Empty Bowls Raises Thousands of Dollars to Fight Local Hunger

Chandler-Gilbert Community College raised over $5,700 for AZCEND, formerly Chandler Christian Community Center, to assist families in need of food at the 5th Annual Empty Bowls event on Tuesday, October 24th. 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 service-learning ceramic students with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting AZCEND.

"We cannot thank our ceramics faculty and students enough for sharing their art in such a unique way,” said Alexandra Cannell-Wendt, Service-Leaning Coordinator at CGCC. “For every $20 raised, CGCC was to provide $100 worth of food to AZCEND. We are also thankful for nutrition students and faculty who helped serve soup and bread, our donors, and AZCEND for partnering to help end food insecurity in our community.”

Event attendees were served a 300-calorie meal which included a cup of hot soup and a bread roll donated by Dilly's Deli and Liberty Market. This small portion meal was meant to signify the average number 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.

AZCEND’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 AZCEND distributes over 15,000 food boxes locally with enough food to feed 50,000 adults and children. For more information about AZCEND visit www.azcend.org.

Empty Bowls Fundraiser Fights Hunger One Bowl at a Time

Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) has teamed up with AZCEND, formerly Chandler Christian Community Center, to fight hunger and raise money for families in need through its annual Empty Bowls Service-Learning fundraiser event. The event will be held on Tuesday, October 24 from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Student Pavilion located 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. All proceeds benefit AZCEND to feed members of the Chandler community who might otherwise go without food. 

"We are grateful for the opportunity to support Empty Bowls for AZCEND 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-Wendt, 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 $5,000 for AZCEND.

For more information about Empty Bowls contact Alexandra Wendt, Director of CGCC Service-Learning at 480-732-7069 or by email at alexandra.wendt@cgc.edu.

Service Learning Student Makes History

Twenty-year-old Chandler-Gilbert Community College Pecos Campus student, Matheu Gonzales, is using history to take service-learning to new heights.  Through his projects, Mr. Gonzales’ “service” is to create and preserve awareness of important historical people and events.  This impressive pursuit, its results and Mr. Gonzales’ account of his experience are vivid examples of the impact that service-learning can have on the student as well as society.  We had the opportunity to discuss with Mr. Gonzales what history, service learning and these projects have meant to him.

Connection: Your service learning projects are getting a lot of attention. Would you describe them to us?

Gonzales: My service learning topics included a biography of a man who played a part on making the Mexican School in Gilbert matter to the kids who attended the school. The man was Wayne McFrederick, he had no official biography until I was assigned to craft one for him.

Connections: Fascinating! How did you go about unearthing all the biographical information?

Gonzales: During this project I needed to work as a detective. With no formal information laid out in a single document I had to constantly research, send emails and letters to people who may know any information on Mr. McFrederick. It was a challenge, I began my research at the Gilbert Historical Museum. There I flipped through newspapers from the 1930’s on up. I moved onto data bases finding a little more than what the papers offered. I could not even find an obituary, or the actual day he had died.

Little by little, the information came and thankfully I was blessed to have received his obituary from a library in California, where he had moved and later died. I could not have found this without guidance and support from my mentor Danette Turner or the Gilbert Historical Museum which graciously allowed me to add to their collection of Gilbert History.

Connections: What has this project meant to you?

Gonzales: This project has meant a lot to me, I was trusted enough to share what this man had done for that community and those students. Being the first person to write about Wayne McFrederick’s life was an honor and a blessing, and I thank my professor Mrs. Turner for helping me on my journey

Connections: What about your other project?  Can you share a little about that?

Gonzales: My second project was scanning World War II pictures for the East Valley Jewish Society. During this I had to be very delicate with the photos. I wore surgical gloves to avoid damaging the photos with the oils of my hands.

Connections: Handling historical photos is not something most history students get to do.  What all did you see in these photos? 

Gonzales: I was able to see a theatre of war, as well what made World War II so infamous, pictures of the Holocaust. These pictures were taken by the United States Army themselves, they included more pictures of the horrid Holocaust.

After scanning these images, I was later told that they were traced back to the Monuments Men expedition. The expedition goal was to reclaim art, and history that the Nazis had stolen and were to be destroyed if Hitler lost the war. Hollywood made a major motion picture of the story, I am thrilled that I was somewhat a part of all of that…even if it only meant scanning the photos to my computer.

Connections: Wow, it must feel exciting to be a part of such magnificent history.  What did you learn throughout this experience? 

Gonzales: Doing this project had shed some light on everything that I have learned about World War II. It allowed me to see the war through a soldier’s point of view.  It also made me aware of the tragic reality that some historians claim the Holocaust never happened.  Pictures are a solid way of proving that it did; in a court of law it is said “It is not what you know, it is what you can prove in court” and I believe that’s a rule that is constantly followed in society. 

Connections: Where can fellow students and members of the community see your work?

Gonzales: Finishing this project will allow the East Valley Jewish Society, Chandler-Gilbert Community College and Mesa Community College to create an exhibit with the photos I scanned. I am very proud to know that my name will be associated with this exhibit.

Connections: Clearly your passion is history and historical research.  Can you share why?

Gonzales: Text books that students are assigned to read starting in high school are worded in a way that the author wants you to think about the subject…bad or good. Researching raw information allows for an unbiased way of thinking, allowing you to take the information in and form your own opinion. History can be swayed easily to a view someone wants you to see.

Historical research also preserves what should not be forgotten, the Holocaust and World War II, and brings to light pieces of history that should not live in the shadows, Wayne McFrederick. 

Connections: After this rich experience, what is your perspective on service-learning?
       
Gonzales: At the start of service-learning I had no idea that it existed or what it was.  I now know what it is as well as how important it is not just to a history student but to every student. It allows you to gain valuable experience in the field in which you are majoring. I am grateful for service learning and the opportunities it has led to for me and can lead to for anyone.

Empty Bowls Raises Thousands Of Dollars To Fight Local Hunger

Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) raised over $5,000 for the Chandler Christian Community Center (CCCC) to assist families in need of food at the 4th Annual Empty Bowls event on Tuesday, September 20th. 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 service-learning 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. “Our campus community has embraced this event over the past few years and continues to give back to those in need. Because of their efforts, over 260 families in need will receive meals!”

Event attendees were served a 300-calorie meal which included a cup of hot soup and a bread roll donated by Dilly's Deli, Fry’s, Liberty Market and Paradise Bakery. This small portion meal was meant to signify the average number 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.

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, September 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. inside the Pecos Campus Student Pavilion.

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, Fry’s Liberty Market and Paradise Bakery. 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 $5,000 for the CCCC.

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

Give Back to your Community in 2016

Looking to get more involved in your community this year? Let our Service-Learning team members connect you a Valley partner in need.

Chandler-Gilbert Community College partners with dozens of community agencies throughout the Valley seeking volunteers to help fulfill their missions. Service-Learning is more than just community service, it's also an opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience about possible educational opportunities and career ventures they may want to pursue long-term.

Visit the Service-Learning website today for more information and a list of community partners. There's no better feeling than helping those in need. Now is the time to give back!

Local sixth grade students participate in CGCC Hour of Code Event

Sixty sixth-grade students from Humphrey Elementary School in Chandler recently visited Chandler-Gilbert Community College's computer labs, not to play computer games, but to learn how to write code for them. Hosted by CGCC computer science and business students, the project was an Hour of Code event designed to teach participants the basics of computer programming.

With the help of CGCC student coaches, the children learned how to create their own Angry Birds game using a simplified version of block coding to control the little red birds. Students had to put the codes in the right order to navigate their birds around the blocks to catch the naughty green pigs.

"The computer labs were buzzing with excitement as each student created their own Angry Birds game," said Patricia Baker, computer science faculty member at CGCC. "It was amazing to see how quickly the students became engaged and how much they enjoyed learning about coding. Our goal was to introduce the basics of computer programming to the students and hope they develop an interest to want to continue learning this field on their own."

The Hour of Code event is part of a national platform hosted by Code.org®,  a non-profit organization dedicated to expanding participation in computer science by making it available in more schools and increasing participation by women and under-represented students. Code.org's vision is that every student in every school will have the opportunity to learn computer science. More than 59 million students from 180 countries worldwide have tried the Hour of Code event.

CGCC recognized by Carnegie Foundation for community engagement

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has recognized Mesa (MCC) and Chandler-Gilbert Community Colleges (CGCC) by awarding each a 2015 Community Engagement classification, a significant and competitive recognition that highlights dedication to community service. This is the first classification for MCC and a renewal of CGCC’s initial 2006 designation. The colleges represent two of only three Arizona schools and just 361 colleges and universities nationwide that currently hold the designation. Between MCC and CGCC, more than 5,000 students performed upwards of 115,000 hours of community service last year.

“Mesa Community College is honored to be among a select group of colleges and universities across the country that enjoy the designation of Carnegie Community Engaged Campus,” said Shouan Pan, president, Mesa Community College. “As guided by Maricopa Community Colleges Governing Board outcomes, MCC values student learning and development through community and civic engagement on and off campus. I want to express my deep appreciation to our faculty, students, and staff for their leadership and commitment to living out our value."

Both MCC and CGCC have long been recognized for exceptional community outreach; collectively, the colleges collaborate with more than 250 community partners, including the American Cancer Society, local United Way agencies, A New Leaf, Paz de Cristo, Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley, Special Olympics as well as local senior centers and school districts.

“Community engagement is part of our culture,” said Linda Lujan, president, CGCC. “From its early years, nearly 30 years ago, until today, CGCC has held community engagement as an enduring core value through a variety of initiatives and programs including service-learning, global and civic engagement, curricular and co-curricular linkages, community partnerships, and executive leadership’s involvement with and service to our region.”

Both colleges have received grants to support community engagement activities from national and local organizations. Dedicated staff at each college oversee and track the multiple projects and grants and work closely with hundreds of faculty members representing every academic department who serve in coordinating roles.

“It is heartening to see this level of commitment and activity,” wrote Carnegie Foundation President Anthony S. Bryk in a notification letter to the colleges. “Clearly, higher education is making significant strides in finding ways to engage with and contribute to important community agendas.”

View the full list of 2015 winners.

CGCC named eighth time to President's Community Service Honor Roll

Dec. 16 – Two Maricopa Community Colleges have been named to the 2014 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. Chandler-Gilbert (CGCC) and Mesa Community College (MCC) were selected among only 766 higher education institutions nationwide, and among only four in the State of Arizona. The recognition highlights the role colleges and universities play in solving community challenges, and helps students pursue a lifelong path of civic engagement.

“Chandler-Gilbert Community College was built on a foundation of service to the community,” said CGCC President Linda Lujan. “Because of our outstanding service-learning faculty and staff, more than 3,800 students last year provided countless hours of service and have been enriched by their service-learning experiences. It is indeed an honor to continue to be recognized nationally for our dedication to this important work.”

“We are proud to continue to receive this designation since its inception," said Shouan Pan, MCC President. "MCC has a long-held tradition of promoting service-learning, civic engagement, and
innovative teaching. We are committed to preparing students to be engaged and informed citizens through real life experiences.”

College students make a significant contribution to their communities through volunteering and service, according to the most recent Volunteering and Civic Life in America report. In 2012, 3.1 million college students dedicated more than 118 million hours of service across the country — a contribution valued at $2.5 billion.

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal agency for volunteering and service, has administered the award since 2006 in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the American Council on
Education, Campus Compact, and the Interfaith Youth Core.

“Service and higher education go hand in hand,” said Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, in a news release. “These schools are inspiring young leaders to roll up their sleeves and work alongside community members to solve problems. By recognizing the institutions who are leading the way to achieve meaningful, measurable results for the communities they serve, we also highlight the vital role all colleges and universities play in addressing community challenges and placing more students on a lifelong path of civic engagement.”

More information on eligibility and the full list of Honor Roll awardees may be found at nationalservice.gov/HonorRoll.


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The Maricopa Community Colleges system includes 10 colleges – Chandler-Gilbert, Estrella Mountain, GateWay, Glendale, Mesa, Paradise\ Valley, Phoenix, Rio Salado, Scottsdale and South Mountain, two skill centers, and several satellite campuses and business/ industry, technical and customized training institutes. It also includes the Maricopa Corporate College, which delivers market-relevant, customized workforce solutions and education for students and employees in
virtually every industry sector. Through a strategic business partnership model, MCOR assesses workforce training needs and develops and delivers customized and integrated solutions to meet those needs throughout all levels of an organization. www.maricopa.edu.

The Maricopa County Community College District is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Employee commitment to service extends into the community

CGCC employees serving dinner at Paz de Christo on Dec. 2.

Members of the Professional Staff Association volunteering
at United Food Bank

As public employees, staff at Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) are already committed to public service, but one group has made it part of their mission to also conduct service in the community as well. Each month, members of the Professional Staff Association (PSA) work with local organizations on a selected community service project.

“As a long-time member of PSA, I know that many of our members volunteer individually in the community,” said Julie Wright, fiscal technician and PSA president of the CGCC chapter. “When I became president, I wanted to combine our individual efforts because we can do greater things with greater numbers of participants.”

On Dec 2, the group prepared and served dinner for hungry families along with other CGCC employees at Paz de Cristo community center in Mesa. They gathered and donated school supplies in September in collaboration with Humphrey Elementary School for Concordia Charter School which teaches children in disadvantaged communities. They also put together food boxes for United Food Bank in October. In support of the holiday season, they will work with Student Life to collect gifts and food for struggling student families.

“Initially, I thought the projects would just attract the same people who volunteer individually,” said Wright. “Instead, each event is getting larger and we are beginning to work with other groups like student clubs and other employee groups, which is exciting and rewarding. It’s validation that we are more than just a title or person behind a desk; that, individually and collectively, we truly care about our college and local community.”

Empty Bowls event raises funds for local families in need

On Thursday, Oct. 30, Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) hosted the second annual Empty Bowls fundraiser event to benefit the Chandler Christian Community Center (CCCC). The event was sponsored by members of Student Life and the Service Learning Office. Attendees purchased handmade ceramic bowls for $10 made by CGCC ceramics students with 100 percent of the proceeds benefitting CCCC. This year's event raised $4,709 for families in need.

"We are grateful for those who came out to support the Empty Bowls event and to help fight hunger in the local community," said Alexandra Cannell, service-learning coordinator at CGCC. "The goal of Empty Bowls is to bring food to the table for families who are struggling by bringing art to the community. Due to the dedication and participation from our students, we were able to reach that goal."

Event attendees were served a 300-calorie meal which included a cup of hot soup and a bread roll. This light fare meant to signify the average amount of calories a food-insecure person eats in one day.

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 with enough food to feed over 50,000 adults and children.

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.

Si Se Puede Scholars enjoy chemistry fun day

Chandler-Gilbert Community College chemistry faculty Lorelei Wood and Mike McFavilen partnered with Si Se Puede Foundation Scholars Program to provide a one-day chemistry camp to 20 Si Se Puede Scholars on March 21. The mission of Si Se Puede Foundation is to provide opportunities for STEM exploration to at-risk youth in our community.

Wood, McFavilen, and CGCC chemistry students Diego Alvarado and Jerry Crum provided a day full of learning and experimentation for Si Se Puede students as they led lessons and several activities focusing on natural chemistry principles. Students participated in a number of chemistry activities including magic color milk science projects and chromatography experiments where they were separated and tested colors in washable markers.

Wood and McFavilen taught the students the scientific methods of observation and taught them how to form sound hypotheses. Students were then able to test their hypotheses through their experiments. Students also learned about independent, dependent and control variables in scientific experiments and their importance.

“Our students were excited that they had the opportunity to test their hypotheses, and see what happens when they change various elements. They are looking forward to the next chemistry camp to see what other fun projects they can participate in,” said a representative from Si Se Puede.

Submitted by Alexandra Cannell, Service-Learning

300 calories a day

Many of the poor around the world survive on 300 calories each day. This fact was unacceptable to the students in Greg Trone's Health Education class and Sam Hodges and Al Paces ceramics classes.

Many community members agreed with these students and showed up at the Pecos Campus on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at the Empty Bowls event to buy hand-crafted bowls on World Hunger Day.

The ceramics students had been making the bowls since September. The day of the event, Health Education service-learning students helped set up, wrap up the unique bowls and serve the small bowl of soup that represented the minimal 300 calories the poor across the globe survive upon each day.

Southwestern corn chowder was provided by Chef Brian Dragos who works for Minor’s, a division of Nestle, and an autumn bisque was donated by Chef Wallis Berry from the Chandler Christian Community Center (CCCC).

Empty Bowls was a huge success, selling 480 handmade bowls and raising $5,170 to benefit the CCCC. The center partners with the college each semester through service-learning projects and will use the proceeds to fund their local food bank which provides 16,800 food boxes to those in need in Chandler and Gilbert, to support their Family Resource Center, and to prevent homelessness and help those who are homeless through programs like I-Help.

The CGCC Vocal Jazz Ensemble directed by Marcus Denton provided some of the musical  entertainment for the day along with several other CGCC student solo and duo performances.

Service learning employee Alex Cannell was essential in bringing the need to CGCC faculty and students. The successful event was an example of authentic teaching and learning that makes a difference in the community.

Written by Carrie Braaten and Michael Greene.

Empty Bowls fundraiser 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 fundraiser event.

Attendees can purchase their own hand-crafted ceramic bowls designed by various artists for $10 and enjoy live entertainment and a cup of soup donated by Minor's, a division of Nestle Professional. All proceeds benefit the CCCC to feed those in the community who might otherwise go without food.  

"Last year, through the generous support of the community, we provided more than16,800 food boxes to people in need. We are grateful to be partnering with CGCC to help us meet the need in our community this year," said Trinity Donovan, CEO, Chandler Community Christian Center.

The event takes place on World Hunger Day, an annual event which celebrates sustainable solutions to ending extreme hunger and poverty and encourages citizens around the world to take action in their local communities 

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013; 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Student Pavilion, Pecos Campus, 2626 E. Pecos Rd., Chandler, AZ 85225

INFO: For more information contact Service Learning at 480-857-5274 or by email at alex.cannell@cgc.edu. 

CGCC and Si Se Puede Foundation Host Calculus Competition for Young Students

Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) and the Si Se Puede Foundation will host a calculus competition as part of Si Se Puede's Robotics Camp on Saturday, April 20 at CGCC's Performing Arts Center. The competition is designed to expose students ages 9 to 13, from Chandler’s at-risk communities, to the fields of math and engineering. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. following the competition at 9:00 a.m.

CGCC calculus students create math activities to engage the younger students and to help support their programming work. Teams made up of three to four students work on problems created by the CGCC students, competing for trophies and other prizes. The competition will consist of 18 problems of increasing difficulty placed one at a time before each team. In addition to trophies, awards for “Most Improved” and “Most Supportive” will be presented. Calculus Club competitors will also be presented with a medallion, followed by a celebratory lunch.

“The Si Se Puede Foundation is proud to partner with Chandler-Gilbert Community College, which has helped create excitement with our students around math and science and, most importantly, has created an environment in which learning can be fun,” said Alberto Esparza, president of the Si Se Puede Foundation. “We are looking forward to a long-lasting relationship with CGCC and their calculus students who exemplify what service-learning is all about.”

CGCC mathematics faculty Melinda Rudibaugh has worked with the program since 2009 and was recognized by the Si Se Puede Foundation as a Teacher of the Year Honoree.

“This spring the program lengthened into 13 consecutive Saturdays of math support by CGCC students for Si Se Puede's youth,” said Rudibaugh. “Alberto is now discussing partnering with CGCC engineering students and faculty to benefit his students. Given his vision, passion, work ethic, and sincere concern for his students, we’re excited to continue our partnership with Alberto and Si Se Puede.”