Engage Fall 2015

Fall 2015 Volume 2, Issue 3 Office of Public Relations 1000 University Center Lane Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043

Georgia Gwinnett College is an accredited access institution offering targeted baccalaureate degrees meeting the economic development needs of the growing and diverse population of Gwinnett County and the northeast Atlanta metropolitan region.

Visit www.ggc.edu.

Connect with us

Congratulations Grizzlies!

www.grizzlyathletics.com

Gutierrez’s White House experience inspires future students Page 4

GGC honored as gold-level Champions of Character The NAIA recently named Georgia Gwinnett College a gold-level Champions of Character FiveStar Institution. GGC earned silver level last year.

“I love national championship trophies, but that isn’t all that we’re about at GGC,” said Dr. Darin Wilson, director of Athletics. “Our office maintains a laser-like focus on our mission of

developing lifelong leaders of character through academic and athletic excellence.”

Athletically, both tennis teams have combined for three national championships over the past two seasons, and the baseball, softball and men’s soccer teams have each claimed conference titles and berths into their NAIA

national tournaments. Academically, nearly half of GGC’s student-athletes earned a spot on the Director of Athletics Honor Roll in 2014-15, which requires a grade point average greater than 3.0. In the community, the Grizzlies support Special Olympics Georgia and Eagle Ranch in Flowery Branch.

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FALL 2 015 Volume 2, Issue 3

contents P r e s i d e n t ’ s m e s s a g e ............................................................... 2 C o ll e g e n e w s Notables........................................................................................................ 3 Gutierrez shares his White House experience with future students................ 4 GGC begins major expansion of Building C................................................. 8 GGC featured in Junior Achievement BizTown............................................. 9

GGC10: A TIME TO REFLECT AND CELEBRATE • Convocation features special presentations.................................. 6 • The Georgia Gwinnett College Mace............................................... 7 • Founders Celebration honors GGC’s many supporters............ 10

A d va n c i n g GGC Alumni have more opportunities to connect with GGC..............................18 Tom and Ethel Andersen: Encouraging a legacy of community service........20

T h e Gall e r y ....................................................................................... 21 B a c k COVER GGC honored as gold-level Champions of Character

On the cover: Jose Gutierrez, ’15, psychology, is shown with the Washington Monument and Reflecting Pool in the nation’s capital. Gutierrez spent the 2015 spring semester as a White House intern.

It is said, “Build it and they will come.” After decades of advocating for a four-year college in Gwinnett, local community leaders, elected officials and the University System of Georgia established Georgia Gwinnett College – and students came by the thousands. Today, only 10 years since its founding, the GGC campus bustles with 12,000 students and more than 1,000 faculty and staff members. Enrollment is expected to reach more than 13,000 next year. Here, students are hard at work in the Library and Learning Center’s Information Commons, while others are seen outside on the pedestrian-friendly campus.

Visit engage.ggc.edu to see the new

This is GGC

video.

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President’s Message

WE ARE

Grateful

to those who have made GGC possible

Dr. Stas Preczewski

There was a time when Georgia

preparation, work schedule, learning style or financial barrier.

Gwinnett College wasn’t part of

We made college possible for students who need just a little extra

this thriving community. For more

guidance to succeed, providing tools allowing them to reach their

than 20 years, local leaders

full potential.

advocated for a college in Gwinnett County. Their determined

Today, GGC serves nearly 12,000 students – almost half the

efforts resulted in the 2005 founding of Georgia’s first four-year,

first generation of their families to go to college. Retention rates

public college in more than 100 years.

of nearly 70 percent make GGC a strong contributor to Governor

Over the last decade, we shoveled dirt, leased cranes, cut

Nathan Deal’s Complete College Georgia initiative, and a

ribbons, welcomed new students, started traditions, cheered

stand-out among access institutions. Our Advising Center

graduates and enhanced our community with more than

proactively targets students at the highest risk of dropping out,

$1 billion in economic impact.

and has retained them at an astounding 87 percent.

With the support of the Gwinnett community, the University

Why is retention important? Because going to college does

System of Georgia and our state legislators, we built a modern,

very little for the student or for the community. Graduating from

full-service campus. More importantly, we created a unique

college is what makes the difference – in income, employability

learning environment that welcomes all students

and raising the standard of living. Student support,

regardless of academic

mentorship and engagement are critical to retention and that is why they are core to our mission and vision, and why we do college differently here. And it works.

Gwinnett County is not your typical community, and GGC is not your typical college. It was designed to be different. To be a game-changer. To challenge the conventions of higher education. In only 10 years, we’ve done it – successfully – and it’s all because of those community and state visionaries who continue to make what we do at GGC possible.

However, we cannot rest on our laurels. And though there may be challenges ahead, we pledge to ensure the GGC model is recognized as “best in class” and as a truly transformative model for American higher education … to fully realize the opportunity GGC holds for the future of higher education in Gwinnett, in Georgia and beyond … and to fulfill the amazing dream – the community’s amazing dream – that is Georgia Gwinnett College.

Notables For the second year, Georgia Gwinnett College is the most ethnically diverse Southern regional college, both public and private, per U.S. News & World Report’s 2016 college rankings.

Dr. Linda Mancillas, assistant professor of political science, is

chair of the American Political Science Association’s Committee on the Status of Latinos and Latinas in the Profession.

Rigoberto Rivera, ’14, political science, is the high school program manager for the Latin American Association.

Jenny Storey, executive assistant to the senior vice president for Academic and Student Affairs and provost, serves on the Inaugural Board of

the Provost Assistant in Higher Education National Association.

Angela Burrow, ’14, biology, was awarded a National Science

Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, which will fund three years of graduate study at the University of Georgia in the

Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. She was a 2014 Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful Scholarship recipient.

Dr. Mei Miranda Zhang, professor of

finance and economics, received the GGC Outstanding Teaching Award.

The GGC Technology Ambassadors Program was honored as the “Best

Student Leadership Corps” among 50

participating campuses in the National Science Foundationfunded STARS Alliance.

Stas Preczewski

The Georgia Gwinnett College Magazine

Santessa Young, ’17, political science, was accepted into the Law School Admission

We Value Your Input

Send your ideas and comments on Engage to engage@ggc.edu or call 678.407.5549.

Production

Editor in chief: Sally Ramey Photography: Rod Reilly, Victoria Thompson, Jennifer Stalcup, Jason Braverman Art direction: Mark Baran Graphic design: Libby LeBlanc Writing: Sally Ramey, Sloan Jones, Clay Trainum Engage Online team: Rycca Blanton, Educational Technology Server Team, Valarie Reeves, Dan Cassavaugh, Hoang Huynh, Laurie Hudson, Sydney Smith Other support: Dawn Gadar, Barbara Lund

Leadership

Renée Byrd-Lewis, vice president of Strategic Communications and Positioning Dr. Jennifer Stephens, associate vice president of Public Affairs Sloan Jones, director of Public Relations

Mailing List To be added to, or removed from, the Engage mailing list, contact engage@ggc.edu or call 678.407.5549.

Georgia Gwinnett College 1000 University Center Lane Lawrenceville, GA 30043 678.407.5000 www.ggc.edu

Council’s DiscoverLaw.org summer PLUS

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Clockwise from top: Jackson Fleuranvil, ’16; General; Erin Lucier, ’17, and Esteban Gonzalez, ’16, celebrate GGC’s 10th anniversary. All three students are business majors.

Ge orgia Gwinne t t C ollege

Program at the University of Arkansas.

See more Notables at engage.ggc.edu

Georgia Gwinnett College is an accredited, four-year, degree-granting unit of the University System of Georgia. engage.ggc.edu

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The oldest of four children, Jose Gutierrez is the first member of his family to graduate from college. He chose GGC to be close to his family. He majored in psychology, was active in the Honors Program and tutored fifth graders in English, math, science and social studies. He also found time to pursue two of his hobbies, hiking and photography.

In late spring of 2014, Dr. C. Douglas Johnson, GGC professor of leadership and management, suggested that Gutierrez apply for a White House internship. Gutierrez didn’t take the idea seriously at first because he was not a political science major.

However, he visited relatives in a small Mexican town that

Jose Guitierrez greets a prospective student and her mother as they arrive at the Admissions Office in Building D.

summer and after realizing how few opportunities young people had there, he changed his mind.

“I realized that this was a great opportunity, and that I should take it,” Gutierrez said. Johnson, along with Dr. Catherine Neiner, director of the Career Development and

to office staff, and he was required to complete a special project near the end of his internship. He chose to do an analysis involving the efficiency of the office’s auditing process.

Most White House interns do not work in the White House

Advising Center, and Dr. Jen Wunder, director of the Honors

itself, but in a nearby office building. However, Gutierrez was

Program, provided guidance as Gutierrez completed and

able to assist with tours of the White House’s East Wing, which

submitted his internship application that August. He was

gave him the opportunity to experience the White House

notified of his selection as an alternate in October. As time went

environment and meet with guests from around the nation and

by without an offer, he settled into enjoying a very light final

world. Like all White House interns, he was able to meet

spring semester. He only had one class left – a Spanish course –

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

before graduating in May 2015.

Then suddenly in January, Gutierrez was contacted for a phone interview. He was offered an internship in the Office of Information Services, the White House’s communications hub … and he had to report to work almost immediately.

A whirlwind of activity followed, as the college made arrange-

During his free time, Gutierrez explored the city, spending a lot of time in museums and taking photographs.

His internship led him to think more broadly about his future.

“The sky really is the limit,” he said. “I feel like I can attempt to do anything because of the confidence I gained during this experience.” He is considering applying for a Fulbright Scholar-

ments for Gutierrez to take his Spanish course online, and the

ship and to City Year, a domestic version of the Peace Corps. He

GGC Foundation provided financial assistance so he could take

also is thinking about graduate school and pursuing a career in

advantage of the opportunity.

the federal government.

Gutierrez shares his White House experience with future students

A

s an admissions counselor for Georgia Gwinnett College, Jose Gutierrez, ’15, speaks with prospective students from personal experience, especially about the many opportunities GGC provides for expanding one’s horizons.

In Gutierrez’s case, his horizons were expanded all the way to the White House.

Gutierrez leaves an encouraging note for future White House interns on his locker door in Washington, D.C.

Gutierrez’s internship duties included helping with emails,

As for now, he is spreading the word about GGC through

filing, updating manuals, running errands, taking notes and

his position in the Office of Admissions, a living example of the

other tasks. He also assisted with statistical analysis of daily

difference the college can make in the lives of its students.

activities such as call volume and related measures. The responsibility made these seemingly mundane tasks very important.

“Our work was necessary to produce required presidential records, as well as support ongoing analysis of office efficiencies,” Gutierrez said. He described the office as very busy and the staff as nurturing of the interns. He often worked more than 40 hours a week and found that his GGC education paid off.

“My classes prepared me very well. At least one class from almost every semester helped me with my work,” he said. He observed that he “grew up a lot” and honed his skills related to

“I think my experiences should be encouraging to other first-generation students. You can make something of yourself no matter where you are from.

I want to use my experiences to mentor and motivate others.”

– Jose Gutierrez, class of ’15

professionalism, adaptability, dedication and prioritization.

In addition to his regular tasks, Gutierrez gave weekly reports

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Convocation features special presentations

The Georgia Gwinnett College Mace A ceremonial mace is a highly ornamented staff of metal or wood borne by a designated official during processions for formal academic ceremonies or parliamentary occasions. Derived from ancient weapons, maces became adorned and adapted for ceremonial use during the Middle Ages. Georgia Gwinnett College’s mace contains a unique combination of materials representing the components of the college community.

The torch represents the light of education and its promise of a brighter future for students, families, communities, nations and the world. Made from 3D-printed acrylic, it symbolizes GGC’s modern and innovative approach to higher education. Its green flame represents one of the college’s official colors, as well as life, growth and prosperity.

“GGC’s success is a testament to Dr. Kaufman’s inspiring leadership, incredible vision and tireless dedication. We appreciate his continued service to Gwinnett County, the State of Georgia, our nation and world. Georgia Gwinnett College will forever stand as his legacy to higher education.”

– Dr. Stas Preczewski, President

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Shown with Dr. Daniel J. Kaufman’s official presidential portrait are Renée Byrd-Lewis, vice president for Strategic Communications and Positioning; Dr. Lois C. Richardson, interim senior vice president for Academic and Student Affairs and provost; Luann Causland, executive assistant to the president; Dr. Stas Preczewski, president; Dr. Daniel J. Kaufman, charter president; Louise Archie, charter executive assistant to the president; Eddie Beauchamp, vice president for Operations and Dr. Mark Iken, vice president for Educational Technology.

n addition to its annual recognition

Kaufman served as GGC president

of student and faculty awards and

from 2005 to 2013, when he departed the

are usually all metal or wood, or some

the college’s reaffirmation of its

college to serve as president of the Gwin-

combination of the two.

commitment to its mission and

nett Chamber of Commerce. A former U.S.

vision, the fall 2015 academic

academic ceremonies. Ceremonial maces

Army brigadier general and chief academ-

contains a unique combination of materials

ic officer for the U.S. Military Academy

selected to represent the many parts of the

special presentations in honor of the

at West Point, he took on the challenging

college community. While some materials

college’s 10th anniversary.

task of building the first four-year, public

reflect traditional meanings, others

college in Georgia in more than 100 years.

represent the modern, high-tech era in

“By their very nature, anniversaries are

Before Kaufman presented the ceremo-

which GGC was founded.

for reflection – for remembering notable

ny’s keynote address, he and Preczewski

It is likely that GGC has the only mace

events, outstanding accomplishments

unveiled Kaufman’s official presidential

in the nation illuminated with an L.E.D.,

and special people. In fact, special events

portrait. The portrait will hang outside of

a feature that evoked an enthusiastic,

and accomplishments often are linked to

the President’s Office in Building B. The

“Oooooh,” from the audience.

special people,” said Dr. Stas Preczewski,

portrait was created by Rod Reilly, GGC’s

president. “This morning, we recognize

staff photographer.

and celebrate one individual who played

The event also included the introduction

Gold represents GGC’s leaders, and symbolizes their knowledge and authority in guiding the institution.

Stainless steel represents GGC’s staff members and symbolizes the stability and structure they provide the college.

Bronze represents GGC’s faculty members and symbolizes the education, inspiration and mentorship they provide their students.

Aluminum represents the educational process and symbolizes the transformation it offers not only for students, but everyone involved with the college.

However, Georgia Gwinnett’s mace

convocation ceremony included two

times of celebration. They also are times

The cube represents the college as a whole and symbolizes permanence.

It is adorned by the college seal and logo in its official colors.

GGC’s senior faculty member, Dr. Sam

Birch wood represents the students and symbolizes their growth and pioneering spirit as they embark on their educational journey, forever changing their lives. GGC’s four pillars of scholarship, creativity, leadership and service are inlaid in the birch, as these qualities are instilled in the college’s students. The letters are inlaid cherry wood.

Peppas, professor of marketing and international business and GGC’s first

the key role in charting the course for

of the college’s ceremonial mace. Derived

faculty member, was the first to bear the

our institution and the success we enjoy

from ancient weaponry, maces became

mace at the conclusion of the ceremony.

today. That special person is Dr. Daniel

adorned and adapted for ceremonial use

J. Kaufman, Georgia Gwinnett College’s

during the Middle Ages and are borne by

convocation and commencement

charter president, chief visionary and

a designated official during processions

ceremonies, and at other events at the

founding father.”

for parliamentary occasions or for formal

discretion of the President’s Office.

The GGC mace will be used for all

Mace design and art direction: Mark Baran Production: 3D Solutions, Tyrone, Ga.

Dr. Spero Peppas bears the GGC ceremonial mace in the 2015 convocation recessional for its historic first appearance.

Copper represents the connection between GGC and its communities, symbolizing positive relationships.

Iron represents the broader college community members and symbolizes the strength, courage and life-force its support means to the foundation and ongoing success of Georgia Gwinnett College.

A

construction crane will once again dominate

“This is an important project for Georgia Gwinnett

the Georgia Gwinnett College campus as the

because we again find our ability to serve students limited

ing C, one of its main academic buildings.

Preczewski. “The Building C expansion will allow us to

institution begins a major expansion of Build-

Building C will more than double in size with

by the capacity of our facilities,” said GGC President Stas accommodate our projected enrollment increase

of more than 1,000 additional students. The

the addition of classrooms and offices

members of the Gwinnett legislative del-

that will enable GGC to serve its anticipated fall 2016 enrollment of about 13,000.

The building was designed to be built in phases. The current building of about 52,300 sq. ft. was built in two phases and

is two stories high. The three-

story addition will add 54,300

sq. ft. It will include stairwells

encased in glass windows,

complementing other three-sto-

ry glass features on other campus

buildings facing its central lawn. The

expansion will match the brick and metal

style of the rest of the college’s structures.

GGC begins major expansion of Building C

egation were instrumental in obtaining the funds for the construction of the addition. Without their perse-

verance, we would be a year

behind schedule. We owe a debt of gratitude to them.”

The college will waste no

time putting the building to

use. Construction is sched-

uled to be completed next

summer, in time for the start

of fall semester in mid-August.

GGC’s space utilization rate of

Interim Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost Lois C. Richardson and President Stas Preczewski stand in front of the college’s BizTown store front.

72 percent is the highest within the

University System of Georgia and almost

double the system average.

GGC featured in Junior Achievement

BizTown Georgia Gwinnett College has partnered with Junior Achievement (JA) to establish a presence in Discovery Center at Gwinnett by sponsoring a “store front” in JA BizTown.

During a visit to JA BizTown, students receive unique job assignments and work in teams at their assigned businesses. By the end of each simulation, students complete a day’s work, develop personal budgets and make purchasing decisions.

GGC was recognized as a founding partner during the recent grand opening event. Corporate, civic and educational leaders toured the facility and learned about the anticipated impact on the thousands of students who will participate in the program.

This unique learning environment creates an opportunity where all Gwinnett County sixth graders are able to apply classroom lessons to a simulated macro-economy in which they take on the roles of employee, taxpayer and consumer.

On hand for a recent groundbreaking ceremony were (front row) GGC President Stas Preczewski, Ph.D.; General; Rep. Dewey McClain; GGC Associate Vice President of Facilities Frank Covington; Sen. Renee Unterman; University System of Georgia Vice Chancellor for Real Estate and Facilities Jim James; Rep. Tom Rice; Rep. Brooks Coleman; Georgia House of Representatives Chairman for Higher Education Carl Rogers, (back row) Lawrenceville Mayor Judy Jordan Johnson; Rep. Tim Barr; Rep. Valerie Clark; Rep. David Clark; Sen. P.K. Martin; GGC Foundation Chairman Tommy Hughes; GGC Interim Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost Lois C. Richardson, Ph.D.; GGC Vice President of Business and Facilities/Chief Financial Officer Laura Maxwell; Rep. Tom Kirby; Gwinnett County Commission Chair Charlotte Nash and Sen. Curt Thompson.

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Upper left: Guests at BizTown’s grand opening take photos of the GGC store front. Right: In this view of GGC’s Biztown storefront, one can see computers students will use for interactive exercises. e nga ge.ggc.e du

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Founders Celebration h ono r s G G C ’ s m a n y s u p p o r te r s

While Georgia Gwinnett College is marking its 10th anniversary

Senator; Glenn White, charter chair of the GGC Foundation and

mid-September, highlighted by GGC10 Day on Sept. 17. The

individuals discussed the Gwinnett community’s efforts to establish

year throughout 2015, it held several GGC10-themed events in

day culminated in a formal Founders Celebration reception and dinner, held in the Student Center.

conventions of higher education. And in only 10 years, we’ve done it – successfully – and it’s all because of you. But our work is not

The event concluded with a moving presentation by Candice

though there may be challenges ahead, we

their contributions in establishing and supporting the college.

in her life, inspiring six other members of her family to go to college

Coulter, class of ’15, who discussed how GGC made a difference

and to choose GGC. Several other students highlighted during the

evening held up signs spelling, “We thank you!” to end the program

pledge ... to ensure the GGC model becomes recognized as the best in class and as a truly transformative model for American higher

in rousing applause.

education ... to fully realize the opportunity

“GGC has been in existence long enough to prove that its unique

“Many special people began advocating for a bachelor’s degree-

GGC holds for the future of higher education

be very proud of the impact their efforts will make for generations.”

provided significant support for GGC,” Preczewski said. “We would not

creation of the college,” said Dr. Stas Preczewski, president.

model for higher education works and that these individuals can The event included remarks by Hank Huckaby, chancellor of

the University System of Georgia; Charlotte Nash, chair of the

Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners; Don Balfour, Georgia

Geo rgia Gwinn et t C ollege

To be a game-changer. To challenge the

The event’s more than 300 guests included Gwinnett community

individuals together to celebrate what they have achieved in the

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college. We were designed to be different.

done and we cannot rest on our laurels. And

“Our 10th year was an appropriate time to gather all of these

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the college, as well as GGC’s success and its importance to

community. And GGC is not your typical

Gwinnett, Georgia and the nation.

members and local and state officials, who were honored for

otte es, Charl ina Hugh G Bomar a d h n a rs a y M Tomm hite and W ring n u n d l le era Nash, G with Gen n fu tion. p e e c m have so ers Celebration re d n u o F e th

Tommy Hughes, current chair of the GGC Foundation. These

“Gwinnett County is not your typical

granting college in Gwinnett County decades ago and have since

be where we are today without them. This event honored everything they have done and continue to do for Georgia Gwinnett College.”

in Gwinnett, in Georgia and beyond … and to fulfill the amazing dream – your amazing

dream – that is Georgia Gwinnett College.”

The following pages feature photos and comments from the evening.

Dr. Stas Preczewski, GGC president, and several student representatives end the Founders Celebration with a final message of gratitude for the community and state leaders who were instrumental in making the college possible. Shown are Candice Coulter, Shay Bradley, Cedric Mukinay, Melly Hiciano, Katherine Copas, Aizaz Shaick, Kareem Adekunle, Jonathan Charles, Hannah Cooper, Seth Elam, Matias Hatem, Lorena Sanchez-Rubio and Santessa Young. Visit engage.ggc.edu to learn more about these impressive students.

– Dr. Stas Preczewski, President

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Founders Celebration

uge was a h e r e h t w “We kne ear a four-y r o f d ot n dema I could n t u b , e r he gs college ow thin h d e n i s. ag s campu i have im h t n o ploded to have ex possible m i w y o It’s n tt Count e n n i w G tt imagine Gwinne a i g r o e G ns without ege mea l l o c e h .T ty’s College our coun o t h c u owth.” so m omic gr n o c e d e continu Chair ners

School of B usiness pause fo Bo ra Celebra photo wit ard of Visitors h tion d Chair H inner, L three of the s enry Ha tu orena S rdin an anchez dents highligh d -Rubio, ted duri his wife, Lind a Shay B radley a ng the Founde (far right), rs nd Han nah Co oper.

, sio tte Nash Commis – Charlo Board of ty n u o C Gwinnett

GGC Foundation Board Sponsors

Founders Celebration Reception

Founders Celebration Dinner

2010 Clyde Strickland pauses for a photo with GGC Hiciano. alumna Lawana Haynes and student Melly

Repres en hats the tatives David C y la which w received durin rk, Tom Kirby and De g the g as held roundb wey Mc just befo reaking Clain sh re the F ceremo ounders ny for B ow off the hard 1 2 Ge orgia Gwinn et t CCollege elebrati uilding on dinn C, er.

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Rep. B rooks C ole Repres entative man, Linda R ogers a s for the n Founde Chairman for Higher d Georgia Hou rs Cele Educati bration se of on Carl recepti on and Rogers dinner. arrive

b enjoy

om Biddlec Miranda d n a . rr n a yC ceptio Dr. Mart ration re rs Celeb Founde

the

ns ommunicatio r Strategic C tt County ne president fo in w ce G vi , , is ns ew -L ephe Renée Byrd with Glenn St udent. ng is shown per, GGC st oo and Positioni C h na an H d an r, to tra Adminis

“We’re ab out studen ts. There’s no school in our sys tem that exemplifi es that go al better than Geor gia Gwinn ett. …

The unive rsity syst em is very proud tha t we have a school like GGC amongst o ur institu tions. … G GC is a gr eat steward of the resources that the state has provided t o them and utilizes th em more e ffectively and more efficiently than any school in our system .”

– Hank Hu ckaby, Cha ncellor University System of Georgia

Additional support provided by Mrs. Debra Smithart-Oglesby and Mr. Charles R. Oglesby The support and service of these Board Sponsors and the Georgia Gwinnett College Foundation Board of Trustees is critical to advancing the margin of excellence at GGC and continuing the college’s commitment to becoming a premier and innovative model for 21st century higher education. engage.ggc.edu

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Founders Celebration continued from page 10

rare for a “It is very to come to y it n u m com ing ate anyth e r c o t r e h get nis the mag e h c t a m t tha he college. T is h t f o e tud e r collectiv u o f o s lt u res g be felt lon l il w s t r o eff are gone. We e r a e w r e aft mug this com in m r o f s n tra day, nd every a h c a e y nit is you see th e p o h I d an g your lastin f o t r a p a as I do.” legacy, as air Charter Ch

GGC10 CELEBRation Sponsors

GGC would like to thank the following sponsors for their support of Georgia Gwinnett College and the GGC10 Celebration.

Phil Coke r and Sen . Renee U to their ca nterman ca r after the tch a golf dinner. cart ride

Shown are Ass oc GGC Founda iate Vice Pres id tion Tru and stee Da ent for Develo GGC F vid Bow pment oundati Lori Bu e on Trus ckheiste tee Gre n, Melissa Bo r, wen, R g Haye enita H s. ayes

hite, – Glenn W dation GGC Foun

tors member, of Business Board of Visi Dariush Aziz, ’08, School Trustee, tion nda nie Wiggins, GGC Fou talks with Tom and Con before dinner begins.

GGC is bet ter th could an an have yone e v … If w er dre amed e cou ldn’t wher dream . e it is o today a hard , I hav f time e dream wher e it’s ing of g oing t 10 or o be i 20 ye n ars. S to ma o I wan ke a t t oast t leade o the rs wh o help get to ed GG wher C e it is and t today o the leade will c rs wh ontin o ue to GGC advan into t ce he fut ure.”

– Don Balfo

Charles Ogles by greets Kare em Adekunle, national studen an intert from Nigeria who was reco during the Fo gnized unders Celeb ration dinner.

Guests

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t we’ve “Look wha ybody in done. Ever here tothis room rves a pat night dese k. ... I’m on the bac ed that just honor ociate my people ass this place. name with dreamed … I never ting here we’d be sit h what tonight wit ” we’ve got. air

Several in dividuals who hav gathered e for a gro up photo played important Najjar, D . Shown roles in th on Balfo are Norw ur, Wayn e college Najjar, M ood Dav e Ma ’s early y ason and is, Gle ears Russell a son, Bill Russell a re GGC F nd Wayn nn White, Alan e Hill. Da oundatio vis, Whit n Trustee e, s.

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Anne and Jo show som hnny Crist, mayo r of Lilbu e GGC10 rn, spirit.

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GGCPhoto Foundation cutlineTrustee here. Greg Shumate and Tammy Shumate are shown with Richard Fairey, president/chief operating officer, BrandBank, and Kim Fairey.

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Ge orgia Gwinn et t C ollege

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to tears. s t s e u g t h at broug u h t n o i t a t n prese gage.ggc.ed Watch the en engage.ggc.edu

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Sharing fun times at Homecoming were Elease Dillard, ’15; Michael Jamison, ’11; General; Cesar Puerto, ’12 and Ashley Allen, ’12.

and they were instrumental in Homecoming’s huge success.

This year’s Homecoming, held Oct. 24, was highlighted by a family-friendly fall

festival with games and inflatables for chil-

important for alumni to realize that, like with the college itself, they can help create new

traditions and meaningful programs that will build an outstanding program designed to serve alumni for decades to come.”

dren and GGC students. A crowd of almost

Alumni should mark their calendars for Dec.

attended a pre-game barbeque dinner

will be forthcoming. Alumni are reminded

100 alumni, guests and family members

and program featuring remarks by college leaders and women’s soccer coach Chris Kouns. The night was capped off with a

5-0 win for Grizzly women’s soccer over Tennessee Wesleyan of Athens, Tenn.

“We are very pleased with the increasing

participation by alumni in the many events

we have planned for them,” Greer said. “It is

12’s annual Alumni Holiday Party. Details

to update their contact information with the Office of Alumni Relations so they can

receive news and event invitations from the college. Contact the office at 678-407-5073 or alumni@ggc.edu or connect with the Alumni Association on Facebook.

Right: Kat Ihlenburg, head coach of the women’s softball team, and her two year-old daughter, Elizabeth, enjoy an inflatable slide.

Alumni have more opportunities to connect with

T

he 2015-2016 year has been

Relations, Brian Greer, in August.

special guest speaker Henry Hardin III,

alumni, students and college

The summer kicked off with three events

chair of the School of Business Board of

full of exciting events for

faculty and staff thanks to the efforts of

for students and alumni to mix and mingle.

Alumni Relations. GGC also welcomed a

GGC graduates into the Alumni Association

the Alumni Association and the Office of

Senior Sendoff in July welcomed summer

new director of Annual Giving and Alumni

with a mixer at a nearby restaurant owned and managed by a GGC parent.

In August, alumni participated in the annual March Through the Arch

their guests attended the GGC10 Founder’s Celebration dinner and reception (see story beginning page 10).

fall, hosting the October meeting of the

game reception on Sept. 15 in honor of GGC’s 10th anniversary and featuring

Left: GGC alumni and students cheer on the women’s soccer team at Homecoming.

Ge orgia Gwinn et t C ollege

Later that week, several GGC alumni and

refreshments at a reception on the Building

Alumni were invited to a private soccer

Above: Blair Sanders, ’13, seated, represented the Alumni Association board at the summer Senior Sendoff event, where she and other alumni met with excited graduating seniors at a local restaurant. Below: Alumni and guests are greeted at the Homecoming registration table.

pre-game speech about leadership.

The Office of Alumni Relations contin-

B second floor balcony.

i

Visitors. Hardin delivered an inspirational

ceremony alongside faculty, staff, parents

and new students. Afterward, they enjoyed

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GGC parent, Gwinnett business leader and

Above: The Alumni Association Board includes (front row) Liz Peacock, ’14; Valerie Allen, ’11; Lawana Haynes, ’10; Sean George, ’14; Whitney Durrah, ’14; Blair Sanders, ’13; Sasha Ruiz, ’11; (back row) Chad Miller, ’08; Dariush Aziz, ’08; Brittany Dertz Oakley, ’11; Tyler Henry, ’12; Brian Greer, director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations; Homero Gonzalez, ’11; Sandrine Irankunda, ’12 and Tim Foster, ’11. Not pictured are Greg Aliff, ’09; David Horton, ’12; Taylor Isenberg, ’11; Harrison Priestly, ’14 and Brittany Sharp, ’12. For alumni news and board member bios, visit www.ggc.edu/alumni. Below: Almost 100 alumni and guests enjoyed a private reception at Homecoming.

ued its brisk pace of activity during the

Alumni Association Board and the 2nd Annual Homecoming Celebration. The board works on behalf of GGC alumni

to strengthen ties with the college and

promote opportunities for alumni to grow professionally and personally. They also

plan events for alumni throughout the year engage.ggc.edu

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Tom and Ethel Andersen

Encouraging a

Legacy

The Gallery

For an extended gallery, visit engage.ggc.edu

of community service

T

om and Ethel Andersen have made community involvement the hallmark of their personal and professional lives.

Both have impressive records of community service, participating in leadership positions for many civic and professional organizations. Co-founders of Gwinnett County’s largest law firm, Andersen, Tate & Carr, PC, they also expect their colleagues to uphold a commitment to service and success both in the practice of law and in the community – a commitment prominently highlighted on the front page of the firm’s Web site.

Go to www.ggc.edu/give to support GGC

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With this dedication to community service, it is no wonder that service is an important consideration in selecting GGC recipients of The Andersen Family Endowed Scholarship Fund, established in 2014.

“Giving to GGC is very personal to us,” said Ethel Andersen. “We both benefitted from scholarships ourselves. Scholarships are life-changing and affect the way a person sees the world. They allow students to pursue their dreams.”

The fund provides scholarship support to full-time students with financial need and at least a 2.5 GGC grade point average. Preference is given to entering freshmen with a high school grade point average of at least 2.8, who represent the first generation in their family to attend college, and who have a history of participation and ongoing interest in service activities.

While the overall intent is to provide resources for students to attend GGC who otherwise would not be able to enter college, the Andersens hope to encourage and support students who share their commitment to community.

“College graduates can make 75 percent more money than non-college graduates and have stable lives and relationships,” Tom Andersen said. “They are more likely to be well-rounded citizens who are engaged with their communities.”

The Andersens explained during the GGC Foundation’s spring scholarship reception that they established their scholarship fund in recognition that levels of state support have decreased for higher education. They also cited the fact that many GGC students are the first generation of their families to go to college, but because the college is new, it does not have a large alumni base from which to obtain private support.

“We believe in the idea of education,” Tom Andersen said. “We believe in the mission of GGC. We want to help break the cycle of stopping at high school and start the cycle of going to college. We want to make a lasting difference.”

Tom and Ethel Andersen

A student greets Lt. Dan Choi after his Grizzly Growl presentation. Choi is a West Point graduate, Iraq veteran and LGBT advocate. Student Affairs’ Grizzly Growl speaker series invites individuals to speak to students on a variety of topics related to the college’s four pillars of leadership, scholarship, service and creativity.

Above: As first-year students await the beginning of remarks at the fall 2015 March Through the Arch ceremony, these two young men display a banner commemorating GGC10.

Right: Students try a challenging balancing exercise during the Sept. 15 GGC10 Day activities.

Below: In less than 12 minutes, D. Westry, known as the world’s fastest speed-painter, created two GGC10 commemorative works during the Founder’s Celebration dinner – a grizzly and celebrating graduates.

These pieces will permanently be displayed on campus.

Watch this speed-painting performance at engage.ggc.edu.

A student harvests vegetables from the GGC Community Garden, which has produced more than 100 pounds of produce for the Lawrenceville Cooperative Food Bank. GGC student-grown red tomatoes and eggplants won ribbons at the 2015 Gwinnett County Fair.