Engage Fall 2017

Fall 2017 Volume 4, Issue 3

SERVICE:

HAIRSTON PURSUES PASSION FOR TEACHING Page 4

G G C so ws seeds with you n g sc ien tists

Col l ege com m uni t y gat hers t o honor donors

Al umni mi xe r s w el com e gr aduat e s back to cam p us

E IC V R E S GGC students recently organized collection efforts to support those impacted by this year’s hurricanes. Members of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) collected several boxes of supplies for Hurricane Harvey victims. As the hurricane season progressed, campus-wide efforts became focused on Hurricane Maria victims. The Greenlight Activities Board and Gwinnett Grizzly Bear Association of Nursing Students, supported by students, faculty, staff and the community organization Diamonds in the Rough, collected 38 boxes, 18 bags and three barrels of supplies, as well as 15 cases of bottled water. The supplies were shipped to Puerto Rico by The Lawrenceville Church of God. Shown are SAAC members (seated) Bristol Countess, ’18, exercise science, women’s soccer; Elyssa Melton, ’19, business, softball; (standing) Crystal Busbee, ’19, exercise science, softball; Sophie Hoare, ’20, mathematics, women’s soccer; Kade Carrigan, ’18, exercise science, baseball; Kelli McGrail, ’21, political science, softball; and Courtney McKensie, ’19, pre-nursing, softball and women’s soccer.

Fall 2 017 Volume 4, Issue 3

CONTENTS P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G E .............................................................. 2 COLLEGE NEWS Notables ....................................................................................................... 3 What does it mean to be a Grizzly? ................................................................ 6 New academic building construction underway ........................................... 16 Lawrenceville moves forward with GGC Corridor project .............................. 16

OUR FOUR PILLARS IN ACTION SERVICE Hairston pursues passion for teaching ................................................. 4

LEADERSHIP GGC sows seeds with young scientists ............................................. 8

C R E AT I V I T Y Alumni mixers welcome graduates back to campus ..................... 14

SCHOLARSHIP Ruiz and Williams share exceptional achievement ............................ 18

A D VA N C I N G G G C Wall of Recognition celebrates GGC donors ..............................................10 College community gathers to honor donors ..............................................12 Homecoming festivities expand ..................................................................20

T H E G A L L E R Y ...................................................................................... 21 On the cover: Reggie Hairston, ’17, special education, pauses for a recent portrait on the grounds of Grayson High School in Gwinnett County.

e n g a g e. g g c. e d u

I

1

President’s Message

GGC’S

Culture

is inspired by its mission and vision While our students are often surprised by the attention they receive from our highly engaged Dr. Stas Preczewski faculty, we are not.

GGC’s devoted and committed faculty and staff are philosophically grounded in ensuring our students are successful.

Our culture of sincerely caring about each individual breathes heart and soul into our key initiatives to nurture and support our students in every manner possible. We reach our common goal of student success through engagement, mentorship, active learning, innovation, personal development and more.

GGC Grizzlies selflessly attend to the strengths, needs and uniqueness of individuals at Georgia Gwinnett College. We work together to build meaningful experiences, solve problems and share resources. Grizzlies create caring and supportive relationships that are essential to learning, persistence, graduation, institutional health and community growth.

Throughout this issue of Engage, you will see examples of this culture. Innovation, engagement and personalized programming intersected in a special program in which local school

Brady Shoppe, ’17, business, greets Dr. Jason Gordon, assistant professor of legal studies and management, after the 2017 spring commencement ceremonies. GGC graduates exit commencements through two lines of faculty, often stopping to thank their professors with appreciative handshakes and hugs.

2

I

Ge orgia Gwinne t t C ollege

system paraprofessionals can complete their bachelor’s degrees in education while working full-time. Community commitment and mentorship culminated into a special summer research program for local high school students. Compassionate admissions exceptions enabled two nontraditional students the opportunity to persist in earning their degrees and inspiring future generations of their families to go to college. You will even read some candid quotes from students, faculty and staff about what being a Grizzly means to them.

According to the most recent National Survey of Student Engagement, our seniors rated GGC in the top 10 percent nationally in four of 14 engagement indicators and in the top 50 percent in nine. This magazine serves to bring life to such statistics, and to illustrate how our Grizzly culture generates successful graduates who take their success into our communities and beyond.

Go Grizzlies!

Stas Preczewski

Notables H

IP

School of Health Sciences nursing students recently

R

S

won several awards at the 65th Annual Convention of

L

A

the Georgia Association of Nursing Students. In addition

C

H

O

to seven individual awards, an eight-member team

S

won the NCLEX Bowl, a competitive quiz based on the

nursing profession’s licensing exam. Of note, spring 2017 nursing graduates achieved a coveted 100-percent,

first-time pass rate on the NCLEX exam. Shown are the

2017 NCLEX Bowl champions (seated) Emily Lewis, ’19; Oluwafemi “Femi” Adepoju, ’18; Tamara Bean, ’18;

LaShea Strickland, ’19; Lara Deal, ’19; (standing) Yu “Julie” Yang, ’17; Raymond Enrile, ’18; and Keyara Harris, ’17.

Erika Robinson, Esq., executive director of

the Office of Diversity and Equity Compliance,

The Georgia Gwinnett College Magazine

has been appointed to serve on the American

Bar Associations’ Council for Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Educational Pipeline.

Merri Brantley, director of Government Affairs, has been named

to the College 2025 Initiative Working Group, which is charged with increasing the number of graduates from Georgia’s public colleges and universities by 2025.

Dr. Melchor de Guzman, professor of

criminal justice and criminology, has been elected president of the Criminal Justice Association of Georgia.

Maria Fernandez, instructor of biology;

Dr. Mia Malloy, assistant professor of biology; and Dr. Jill Penn,

assistant professor of biology and biochemistry, served as keynote speakers at a recent Georgia Ornithological Society meeting.

Dr. Pamela Anderson, assistant professor of exercise science, and Dr. Lauren Tapp, associate professor of exercise science,

We Value Your Input

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

Production

Editor-in-chief: Sally Ramey Photography: Rod Reilly, Jason Braverman, David Tullis Graphic design: Libby LeBlanc Writing: Sally Ramey, Charlotte Burger Engage Online team: Rycca Blanton, Educational Technology Server Team Other support: Dan Cassavaugh, Dawn Gadar, Laurie Hudson, Hoang Huynh, Amy Lancaster, Barbara Lund, Sydney Smith, Candace Williams-Brown

Strategic Communications and Positioning Renée Byrd-Lewis, vice president Sloan Jones, associate vice president Asia Hauter, director of Public Relations

Mailing List

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

recently published the lab manual, “Exercise Physiology: The Physiology of Exercise Testing, Volume 1,” which provides a comprehensive look at science-based testing.

Dr. Aileen C. Dowell, director of Student Integrity, has been accepted as a Higher

Education Resource Services 2017-2018

cohort participant in its Leadership Training Institute for Women.

See more Notables at www.ggc.edu/notables

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

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

e n g a g e. g g c. e d u

I

3

Hairston pursues passion

“Education is rewarding, with small victories every day. We know we make a difference for our students. I am loving my job every day.”

– Reggie Hairston,’17

4

I

Ge orgia Gwinne t t C ollege

Reggie Hairston discusses an exercise with his Algebra I students, Ethan Llorens and Beyonce Jackson.

for teaching Reggie Hairston has come home to teaching.

One might say that teaching is in Hairston’s blood, since both

of his parents are special education teachers, and many uncles,

aunts and other relatives also teach. However, he didn’t follow the same career path – at first.

A native of White Plains, New York, Hairston attended More-

house College in Atlanta for three years. After leaving school,

he worked in the field of accounting for organizations like UPS, NAPA Auto Parts and Georgia-Pacific. While successful, he did not feel fulfilled.

“I really wanted to finish college and set an example for

my kids,” said Hairston, father to a 10-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son. “And I wanted to do something I could be passionate about.”

As the years passed by, he took college courses at other local

institutions. He also served his community’s youth through church and camps and by coaching basketball.

“I thought to myself, ‘I really enjoy working with kids … so

why am I not doing this?’”

In 2013, Hairston enrolled as a special education major at

Georgia Gwinnett. He attended as a daytime student for his first

semester in the School of Education. An added complication was

that many of his previous, business-focused college courses would not count toward his education degree, so

Reggie Hairston works with students during his student teaching experience last year.

Hairston obtained a paraprofessional job with GCPS for his

second semester in the School of Education. He first worked

at Summerour Middle School in Norcross, then transferred to Grayson High School in Loganville, which was closer to his

Lawrenceville home. He worked with special education students

during the day while taking college classes at GGC in the evenings.

“You could take what you learned the night before and

immediately use it in the classroom the next day – a textbook to real-life application,” he said.

One of several paraprofessionals in the program, Hairston

observed how work and classroom experiences intersected.

“We saw things at work firsthand so our classroom conversa-

tions were different,” he said. “Our professors were able to help us with situations on our job.”

He also cited GGC’s faculty for their student engagement.

“They are always willing to help,” he said. “They get to know you as a person, not a number.”

he would be in school for some time.

“As a nontraditional student needing

to work, this was challenging,” he said.

“But I knew the paraprofessional program was coming.”

GGC’s School of Education worked

with Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) to develop a special program

through which GCPS paraprofessionals are able to complete their bachelor’s

degrees while working for the school

system full time. They also are able to apply their work experience toward degree requirements for either early childhood

“The paraprofessional program is great for nontraditional students like me, who are already in the workforce and can’t quit their day jobs but want to switch careers.

The relationship between GGC and GCPS allowed me this opportunity.”

– Reggie Hairston,’17

education or special education.

“The paraprofessional program is great

for nontraditional students like me, who are already in the workforce and can’t quit their day jobs but want to switch careers,”

Hairston said. “The relationship between GGC and GCPS allowed me this opportunity.”

This past May, Hairston and three other

students were the first to graduate from

GGC’s paraprofessional program. While some of his friends might question why he would leave an accounting career for teaching, his family members understand and are both delighted and proud.

Now 39, Hairston is an interrelated

resource teacher at Grayson High School. He co-teaches Algebra I courses for both general and special education students. In addition, he is head coach for the ninth-grade bas-

ketball team and an assistant coach for the varsity basketball team.

More importantly, he is where he belongs.

“I have great, supportive administrators and my fellow teach-

ers are phenomenal,” he said. “Education is rewarding, with

small victories every day. We know we make a difference for our students. I am loving my job every day.”

e n g a g e. g g c. e d u

I

5

What does it mea “I believe being a Grizzly is to aspire each day for personal

growth and learning through a positive community. As we pursue our goals in life, we can serve others and contribute our skills in whatever situation we encounter. Being

a Grizzly is to pursue every challenge with determination and resolve.”

Doug Court Assistant athletics director for facilities and operations

“Being a Grizzly is to pursue excellence both academically and

athletically. Everyone on campus goes out of the way to help you with your studies, whether it be a tutor or fellow classmates.”

Samuel Sampaio Gomes, ’18 Business, men’s soccer

“To me, being a GGC Grizzly means community. I’ve made many friendships with students, faculty and staff over the years.

What I’ve learned about building relationships at GGC has helped me develop lasting relationships in the business world. I love watching the GGC community grow and come together to make Gwinnett a better place to live and raise my family.”

Tim Foster, ’11 Business, chair – GGC Alumni Association

6

I

Ge orgia Gwinne t t C ollege

“Being a Grizzly means being a teacher who never forgets what it is like to be a student.”

Dr. LaTeshia Warren Assistant professor of teacher education

n to be a Grizzly?

“A Grizzly is an enthusiastic student who “Being a Grizzly is willing to adapt to their diverse, new environment –

Georgia Gwinnett College. Our students are nurtured under the standards of scholarship, leadership, creativity and service. There is a spectrum of potential present with every student. When that student rises to their full potential and takes advantage of GGC’s dedicated instruction and available resources/support, and engages in unique academic opportunities, the Grizzly who graduates is a renewed citizen better prepared to meet the challenges of our ever-changing world.”

Dr. Patrice Bell Associate professor of chemistry

“Being a Grizzly is about being yourself.

If you are still finding yourself, it is OK because at GGC, you can do so.

You can do anything you put your mind to, and feel free to be expressive – you are your own Grizzly. Just as real grizzlies are powerful, being a GGC Grizzly defines who I am today

… powerful.”

ZaRea Khamphiphone, ’19 Psychology

means that you are ready to take on the college’s challenges until you reach your destination.”

Valerie Fouchey, ’18 English

“A Grizzly is strong, persistent and loyal. I strive to embrace these characteristics!”

“Being a Grizzly means being there, meeting students where they are, and being a teammate to whoever is standing next to you.”

Amanda Fischer, ’13, English Coordinator of Student Involvement and the Student Center

“To me, being a Grizzly means not only preparing

students to be professional nurses, but to be innovative leaders in health care. We do this by encouraging scholarship and actively engaging students in leadership activities and service to the school and community.”

Dr. Jeffrey Fouche-Camargo Assistant professor of nursing

Dr. Sue Manaskie Director of Testing Services

“To me, being a Grizzly means that you are motivated enough to not only succeed in your personal life, but to also be willing to help others succeed in their lives.”

Natan Mallory, ’20 Information technology

“Being a Grizzly means that you are all in: in touch, in focus and involved.”

Dr. Bernadette Peiffer, Assistant professor of curriculum and instruction e n g a g e. g g c. e d u

I

7

GGC sows seeds with young scientists T

his summer, GGC became the first

and applied for Project SEED through

tution and only the second college

a $2,500 stipend, with funds provided by

University System of Georgia insti-

in the state to provide a special summer

research opportunity to local high school youth through the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Dr. Ajay Mallia, assistant professor of

chemistry, applied to have GGC accepted

as one of the more than 350 organizations participating in the ACS Project SEED.

“I had experience with Project SEED

at a previous institution and felt it was a

perfect fit for GGC’s mission and vision,” Mallia said.

For 49 years, Project SEED has en-

abled academically talented, economically disadvantaged high school students to

partner with professionals in conducting

Public Schools’ students conducted eight

ACS and its members. Students who return

supervision and mentorship of GGC faculty.

for a second summer receive a larger

stipend of $3,000 and may continue the

research they started the summer before or embark on a new project.

The stipends provide income to en-

courage students to build laboratory and research skills rather than work typical

To be eligible, students must have com-

of chemistry, mentored biodeisel

research; and Dr. Neville Forlemu, associate professor of chemistry,

mentored malaria protein research.

GGC students provided additional

joked Farisha Sultan, a junior at the Gwin-

a week and must produce a report at the

Technology (GSMST). Gels are used in

“Project SEED is not true employment,

students work eight-hour days, five days

end of the program. This is real-world work experience that can jump-start careers.”

The SEED students may also present

ing them with more motivation to pursue

pleted one year of high school chemistry

gels; Dr. David Pursell, professor

but it’s a full-time job,” Mallia said. “The

develop laboratory, written and presentational and career options.

Mallia mentored research in molecular

laboratory assistance and mentorship.

their research at local, regional or national

tion skills while gaining insight into educa-

weeks of research at the college, under the

summer jobs.

hands-on research in academic, industry

and government laboratories. The students

This summer, five Gwinnett County

the ACS. Participating students are paid

ACS events or at other meetings, providscience careers.

All participating students are eligible to

compete for a $5,000 college scholarship from ACS. The scholarships are awarded

“I learned how to make bad gels,”

nett School of Mathematics, Science and

many items, such as cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. In medicine, some gels can release drugs when they lose

cohesion in the body. Gel development is completed through trial-and-error, with failure just as informative as success.

Sultan created more than 200 gels,

some of which succeeded in maintaining their gel properties at room temperature.

“I’ve learned new lab techniques and

to majors in chemical science fields like

how to use new lab machines,” said Sultan,

istry or materials science.

to medical school. She hopes to come back

chemistry, chemical engineering, biochem-

who plans to major in biology and then go

for the second year of the SEED program.

Jonathan Uriostegui also shares

medical school aspirations, although he

plans to major in physics as an undergraduate. A junior from Meadowcreek High

School, he was encouraged to apply to the SEED program by his chemistry teacher.

“I like science and thought it would

be a good opportunity. I’ve gained a lot

of lab experience,” he said. Uriostegui

Emily Xu poses with her visualization of a malaria protein molecule with an attached medication molecule.

also spent his summer working on the

gel project, coordinated by Mallia.

Emily Xu, a junior from the GSMST,

8

I

Ge orgia Gwinne tt C ollege

Dr. Ajay Mallia and Farisha Sultan discuss the molecular gel project.

Patrick Aghadiuno, a senior at the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology, examines biodiesel samples. His SEED project involved creating new, environmentally friendly biodeisel fuels.

Farisha Sultan displays one of the molecular gels she prepared this summer.

“SEED students do not have to wait to go to college to be involved in research that can have a real impact.”

– Dr. Ajay Mallia

spent her SEED-program time developing

Malaria protein molecule image courtesy of Dr. Neville Forlemu and Emily Xu.

a structural model of a protein whose threedimensional structure was unknown.

This work is important because

biomolecular structure is intimately related to a molecule’s function.

The protein Xu studied is

located on the outer surface of the malaria parasite.

Her research can help

determine if the protein can be used to deliver malaria-killing drugs.

Xu presented her work with Mallia at

the 2017 ACS National Conference in Washington, D.C.

“SEED students do not have to wait to

go to college to be involved in research that can have a real impact,” Mallia said. “The

experience these students gained here at GGC will stick with them for their entire careers.”

GGC’s inaugural ACS SEED team included (front row) GGC student mentor Katelyn Galinat, high school student participants Emily Xu, junior, Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology (GSMST); Farisha Sultan, junior, GSMST; (back row) Jonathan Uriostegui, junior, Meadowcreek High School (MCHS); Patrick Aghadiuno, senior, GSMST; Nohemi Martinez, junior, MCHS, and Dr. Ajay Mallia, assistant c. ee dduu 99 e ne ng gaagge.e.ggggc. professor of chemistry and GGC’s Project SEED leader.

II

Wall of Recognition celebrates GGC donors

A colorful display along the first floor

windows of the Building B Atrium will

permanently honor the generosity and

loyal support of those who contribute to

Georgia Gwinnett College and its future

“Every donor displayed has made GGC’s success a part of their legacy.”

– Lori Buckheister

success. The Wall of Recognition was re-

cently unveiled at a gathering of the college community (see related story, page 12).

Designed by donor recognition dis-

play specialists, W&E Baum of Freehold, New Jersey, the 24-foot-wide display

includes translucent tiles suspended by

a cabling system. The tiles are engraved

10

I

Ge orgia Gwinn et t C ollege

GGC’s success a part of their legacy. Every name represents a donor who has chosen

GGC as their means of making the change they want to see in the world,” said Lori

Buckheister, vice president for Advance-

ment. “We also wanted it to be a beautiful work of art that would draw attention and

with nearly 100 names of individuals and

complement the building’s aesthetics. Thou-

GGC Foundation giving societies and for

hope they take a moment to contemplate

the college.

to their success. Perhaps it will inspire them

organizations achieving membership in

sands of students will see it every day. We

making annual and major capital gifts to

and appreciate those who have contributed

“Every donor displayed has made

to give back to their alma mater someday.”

The Wall of Recognition is located along the front windows of the Building B Atrium.

C U M U L AT I V E S O C I E T I E S Cumulative societies are Georgia

ANNUAL SOCIETIES Every gift given to the GGC Foundation

EMERALD SOCIETY The Emerald Society recognizes

Gwinnett’s premier giving societies that

becomes a part of the college’s heritage.

donors who have included Georgia

recognize and celebrate donors whose

These gifts leave a lasting imprint on the

Gwinnett College in their estate plans.

generous lifetime giving has reached

college and its students. Donors making

specific benchmarks. These levels

an annual commitment to the college

indicate the ultimate commitment to

of $1,000 or more are recognized each

and investment in the college and

fiscal year for their giving.

its students.

Cumulative, lifetime gifts are recognized by the following societies and levels: Visionary Society: $1 million or more Heritage Society: $500,000 – $999,999 Green & Gray Society: $100,000 – $499,999

Annual gifts are recognized by the following societies and levels:

To learn more about the GGC Foundation’s giving societies or to make a gift, please contact

Founders Circle: $50,000 or more

Chrissy Rosen, executive director

Four Pillar Circle: $25,000 – $49,999

of individual engagement, at

Trustees Circle: $10,000 – $24,999

678.407.5789 or crosen@ggc.edu.

Benefactors Circle: $5,000 – $9,999 Scholars Circle: $2,500 – $4,999 President’s Circle: $1,000 – $2,499 e n g a g e. gg c. e d u

I

11

College community gathers to A

bout 125 members of the Georgia Gwinnett

community recently gathered to honor its donors

by unveiling the Wall of Recognition.

Located along the front windows of the Building B

atrium, the wall displays colorful translucent tiles engraved with the names of donors whose gifts to the college have

earned membership in one of the GGC Foundation’s cumu-

lative or annual giving societies (see related story, page 10).

“This evening we celebrate you, our donors,” said

Tommy Hughes, chair of the GGC Foundation, in remarks at the event. “Your generosity has helped open doors for GGC students in need and has kept them on their paths

to earning a degree.”

Bartow Morgan, Jr., CEO of BrandBank and chair

of the GGC Foundation’s development committee, also spoke to the audience.

“Thank you for continuing to help us ‘pay it forward’

for current and future GGC students. Georgia Gwinnett College is a shared investment, and we are all stakeholders,” Morgan said.

“The experiences I had at GGC and with my family

have shaped me to be who I am today and have allowed me opportunities to experience success that I would not

have had at a much larger school,” said Tyler Walsh, ’11, business, who spoke on behalf of GGC alumni.

In his comments, GGC President Stas Preczewski noted

that donors are changing the lives of GGC students, and

that the Wall of Recognition will serve as a lasting legacy for all who have laid the college’s foundation of success.

“GGC alumni join you in your communities and

your companies, prepared to help all of us make our

region a better place. We are just beginning to see what our alumni will build in the world,” Preczewski said.

“Continue to pay it forward. Continue to make positive change. Continue to motivate our future generations.

Continue to make a difference.”

Ethel Ngene, ’18, biology, spoke to the event’s theme

of paying it forward by giving back.

“I would like to thank GGC for giving me the

opportunity to give back to the community through my volunteer services,” said Ngene. Her participation in

several community service initiatives at GGC strength-

ened Ngene’s resolve to become a medical doctor and serve others through Doctors Without Borders.

12

I

Ge orgia Gwinn et t C ollege

Above: Ethel Ngene (center), ’18, biology, conveys an emotional part of her GGC story while Dr. Jen Wunder (left), director of the Honors Program, and Nailah Williamson (right), ’18, biology, look on.

Right: Alumni Association Board members enjoying fellowship at the event included Elease Dillard, ’16, biology, secretary; Lawana Haynes, ’10, psychology; Tim Foster, ’11, business, chair; and Jacky Sylvain, ’16, information technology.

honor donors Tyler Walsh, ’11, business, visits with Dr. Mei “Miranda” Zhang, interim associate provost and professor of finance/internationalization.

Clyde and Sandra Strickland pause for a photo with Dr. Stas Preczewski, president, in front of the Wall of Recognition.

e n g a g e. gg c. e d u

I

13

ALUMNI MIXERS welcome graduates back to campus T

he Office of Annual Giving and

Alumni Relations and three of GGC’s

schools recently hosted school-specific alumni mixers. Combining fun and

learning, the mixers are gaining momesn-

and celebratory cake in GGC’s dining

teaching in schools where current students

sessions in which alumni discussed their

usually is not time to visit with them.”

hall, brief remarks, a survey and breakout classroom experiences.

The Office of Annual Giving and Alumni

tum and attracting increasing numbers.

Relations worked with GGC’s deans to

we knew they were connected with their

mixers. For the SOE event, alumni were

“We partnered with the deans because

alumni and would support efforts to build alumni engagement,” said Susan Arant, with the Office of Advancement.

Alumni involvement benefits both

alumni and their alma mater. Engaged

alumni maintain life-long ties to friends and colleagues, grow professional net-

works, participate in continuing education and contribute to a sense of community

that can span generations. Colleges benefit greatly from expanded alumni support

develop creative features for their alumni chauffeured from the parking lot in GGC

“Alumni will always be members of the GGC family, and families need to get together periodically.”

– Susan Arant

and advocacy.

golf carts decorated by SOE faculty and

Education (SOE) hosted 66 people in the

with selfie frames and colorful props.

This past September, the School of

Student Center for the first school-specific alumni mixer.

The on-campus event included dinner

14

I

Ge orgia Gwinn et t C ollege

staff, and there was a fun photo session

“We were thrilled to spend time with

our alumni,” said Dr. Cathy Moore, dean of SOE. “While we often see our alumni

are completing clinical experiences, there “The SOE Alumni Mixer was a great

opportunity to reconnect with my former professors and classmates,” said Becca

Menchaca, ’13, early childhood education.

“I appreciated the opportunity to discuss the strengths and challenges of being a teacher, as well as celebrate my former

classmates on their accomplishments since

graduation. I look forward to the next SOE alumni event.”

A highlight of the School of Business

(SBA) alumni mixer in October was the

“Surprise a Classroom” activity, during

which alumni took over evening SBA classes to talk with students about their careers, advice for success and other topics.

Attended by almost 70 people, the SBA

event also included a dinner with current

students in the dining hall, tours of Building C, brief presentations and an update

by Dean Tyler Yu on new degree programs and other school news.

School of Education alumni gather for a group photo at the college’s first school-specific alumni mixer.

School of Business alumni, faculty and staff pause for a group photo in the library during the school’s recent alumni mixer.

Several members of the charter nursing class of 2014 gathered for a photo with Katie Smith and her mother, Brenda Hart, at the recent School of Health Sciences alumni mixer. Shown are Jessica Arana, Jordan Rudnicki, Katelyn Kupperbusch, Katie Hallowell, Brenda Hart, Katie Smith, Lindsay Smith, Zoe Harris and Meaghan Murphy.

“I truly appreciate GGC welcoming

us back and keeping us updated,” said Valentina Marquez, ’16, business. “My company, Lanier Islands, is part of the

Corporate Affiliate Program, and we love

to support GGC students. It was nice seeing old classmates and finding out how well

they are doing because of all the things we

so far. The event included a presentation by

portrait photography sessions and more.

donated a collection of her grandmother’s

Burkhalter, “LinkedIn Guy” and brand-

author and nurse Katie Smith, who recently nursing artifacts to the school.

Mixers for the schools of Liberal Arts

and Science and Technology are scheduled for spring semester.

In January and May, the Alumni Asso-

learned from the professors and staff at

ciation sponsors mixers for new graduates

our school and its values.”

welcome them. These gatherings include

GGC. We are where we are now because of The School of Health Sciences (SHS)

recently hosted its mixer in the Allied Health and Sciences Building. Its 46 attendees in-

cluded 37 percent of SHS nursing graduates

and encourages alumni to attend and

presentations by human resources, career and resume consultants, professional

Volunteer consultants have included Gregg ing coach; Charlene Esaw, certified coach

practitioner with JCEsaw Consulting, LLC; William Ryan, director of talent acquisition at Gwinnett Medical Center; and others.

The Alumni Association staff and board

are now planning GGC’s first class reunion for its charter alumni – the Class of 2008.

“This is a historic moment in the life of

GGC as we commemorate and celebrate

the 10th anniversary of our first graduating class,” said Nate Jones, director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations.

“Alumni will always be members of

the GGC family, and families need to get together

periodically,” said

Arant. “We are delight-

ed with the results of

the mixers and our first

upcoming reunion. We

look forward to even bigger

events in the future.”

Bitika Kalaria, ’16, business, greets Kathleen Pinson, associate dean for the School of Business (SBA) and assistant professor of accounting, at the SBA’s recent alumni mixer.

e n g a g e. g g c. e d u

I

15

New academic building construction underway

G

Pocket park with gateway features

Existing stream

Nort

hdale

Coll

ins H

ill Ex

Rd.

tens

ion

eorgia Gwinnett recently broke

ground for the fourth and final phase

of what began as academic Building C. Once

To downtown Lawrenceville

completed, the fourth and third phases will be named Building W, and the first and

The ground floor will include a large

gathering and study area of about 15,000

square feet, which is almost as large as the Building B atrium.

Also located on the ground floor will be

a tiered, auditorium-style classroom that

can seat up to 70 people and a new office

suite for the School of Transitional Studies.

The second floor will feature a large

collaborative classroom for the college’s nursing program.

The third floor will house

the new home of the Honors Program. Its facilities will

include a large interactive area, a work room and office suite.

The building, shown in the

artist rendering at right, also

will contain another six class-

rooms and 143 faculty offices.

Adjacent to the new

building will be a 55-space parking lot.

Construction will be

completed in time for the fall 2018 semester.

16

I

Ge orgia Gwinn et t C ollege

.

expanding student body.

St

space needed to serve the college’s

n

classroom, gathering, interactive and office

to

The fourth phase will add approximately

52,000 square feet of much-needed

ay Cl

Building C name.

N

second phases will retain the original

N Clayton Conn. Rd.

Spring Cir.

Lawrenceville moves GGC Grizzlies will soon have easier and quicker access to downtown Lawrenceville eateries, shops and entertainment venues thanks to a major commitment by the city to foster extraordinary town-gown relations.

ane rric Hu

Pocket park, trail

Rd

Neighborhood playground, parking

als Sho

Property limits

Pocket Park, trailhead, parking

.

Collins

n

tensio

Hill Ex

Collins Hill Extension

To Georgia Gwinnett College

Anderson Dr. Conn.

This conceptual rendering of the GGC Corridor indicates how the project will include special landscaping and other features, such as pocket parks.

The project also provides space for commercial and residential development, as well. This image is adapted from one provided by the City of Lawrenceville.

.

forward with GGC Corridor project To bring the downtown and campus

communities closer together, the City

of Lawrenceville is investing $30 million in the GGC Corridor, which will provide improved street access, bike lanes, sidewalks and trails.

The project will extend Collins Hill

Road from its intersection with Park

Access Drive to the current intersection of Northdale Road with North Clayton

Street. The new Collins Hill Extension

will roughly parallel Northdale, merging

into North Clayton at a new intersection.

Northdale will end in a cul-de-sac a short distance from the new intersection.

Acting as a new “gateway” into down-

town Lawrenceville, the GGC Corridor

will be lined with welcoming landscaping incorporating pocket parks, ponds and a playground. Other adjacent property will be used for residential and commercial development.

In addition, GGC will have access

to a $27 million Arts & Cultural facility

expansion, featuring a 500-seat performance center, offices, classrooms and

gathering spaces, as well as an expand-

and workforce development institutions

by the Aurora Theatre, the facility will

and county core. We are pleased to

ed parking deck. Managed and operated enrich the city’s vibrant downtown with

more arts-related events and activities.

“Lawrenceville’s visionary leaders have embraced GGC and championed the development of a close relationship between our two communities.”

– Stas Preczewski “Georgia Gwinnett College has

generated more than $2.7 billion in local economic impact for Lawrenceville and the greater Gwinnett community,” said Lawrenceville Mayor Judy Jordan

with a vibrant and booming downtown

make this tangible connection a reality and realize the vision for enhancing

Lawrenceville’s distinction as Gwinnett’s first college town.”

”Several years ago, committed to

assisting the college with its dramatic

growth, Lawrenceville purchased $10

million in property adjacent to GGC for student parking. The college currently leases the property and is gradually purchasing the land from the city.

“Lawrenceville’s visionary leaders

have embraced GGC and championed

the development of a close relationship between our two communities – one of

the oldest cities in Gwinnett County and the youngest college in Georgia,” said

GGC President Stas Preczewski. “Their strategies today will provide mutual benefits for decades to come.”

Johnson. “This linear park will connect

one of our strongest economic engines e n g a g e. gg c. e d u

I

17

H H

H

R UIZ AND W ILLIAMS SHARE

H

H

H

H

E XCEPTIONAL H

H

H

H

H

H

H

H

H

H

H

H

H

H

H

H

H

– Carla Williams, ’17

H

something I started.”

H

“Promotion eligibility was a motivator, but the reward was finishing

H

H

H

H

H

ACHIEVEMENT

H H H H

“GGC taught me to find value in myself, and my professors helped me understand what I wanted for my life.”

H H H H

– Micaih Ruiz, ’17

H H

I

Ge orgia Gwinn et t C ollege

H

18

Carla Williams and Micaih Ruiz smile after receiving their political science degrees at the summer 2017 commencement ceremony.

H H H

S

H

ummer 2017 graduates Carla Williams and Micaih Ruiz

H

have a lot in common.

Both political science majors, the women enrolled at

H

switched from another major to political science because her

ages. Both are the first members of their families to earn

H

professors inspired her – so much so that she now plans to go

bachelor’s degrees … and both were admitted to GGC as

to law school.

H

H

As an access institution, GGC opens the door for students

who might not be admitted elsewhere. Even so, some students do not meet the criteria for enrollment.

H

H

H

pressures, health problems or others,” said Laura Ledford, executive director for Enrollment Manage-

H

H

Georgia allows its institutions to enroll

H

students as presidential exceptions if

H

they successfully appeal a denial.”

“I was young and not serious,”

H

Williams said of her first attempt at

H

college in 1989. She dropped out after

two years. She took a couple of courses in 2003 and did well, but a death in her family caused her to drop out again.

GGC’s faculty.

“No one is going to do the work for you, but I did not have

“They create an environment in which you can excel.”

cluding lack of motivation, family issues, financial or work

these issues. The University System of

Both women remarked on the support they received from

one professor who was not fully behind me,” said Williams.

“Various factors may affect academic performance, in-

ment. “However, students can overcome

Williams chose the major because it was relevant to her

professional work with attorneys and court officials. Ruiz

Georgia Gwinnett later in life. Their children are of similar

presidential exceptions.

Williams and Ruiz met in their political science courses.

“I had amazing professors who mentored me every step of

the way,” Ruiz said. “GGC taught me to find value in myself,

and my professors helped me understand

“These two presidential admissions exceptions resulted in two people earning bachelor’s degrees, and may span a generation to result in five more. GGC really does transform lives, families and communities.”

Years passed and Williams found

herself divorced and with custody of

– Stas Preczewski

her sister’s three children. She enjoyed

what I wanted for my life. They were

there with me, for me, and even pushed me when I did not think I could finish this process.”

The women’s successful examples

influenced their children, as well.

College is now part of family dis-

cussions about the future. Williams’

eldest plans to attend GGC with her

best friend. Ruiz’s eldest is taking AP

courses so he can enter GGC as a dual enrollment student.

“These two presidential admission

exceptions resulted in two people

her career at the Georgia Division of Child Support Services,

earning their bachelor’s degrees and may span a generation

She applied to GGC even though she anticipated the rejection

“GGC really does transform lives, families and communities.

but she required a bachelor’s degree for promotion eligibility. that came in response to her poor academic record … but she did not expect the opportunity to submit a letter of appeal.

“I almost didn’t do it, but my co-workers encouraged

me,” she said. “In my letter, I pointed out that I had matured and did well in my 2003 courses. I said that if I was given a chance, I knew I could succeed.”

Ruiz, a mother of two and wife of a retired veteran, wanted

to fulfill a promise to her parents that she would go to college.

She applied to GGC after earning her GED, but she failed the math portion of her placement test and was rejected.

Determined, she also wrote a letter of appeal.

“I asked that the college take a chance on me,” Ruiz said.

The letters paid off. Accepted on a provisional basis,

Williams and Ruiz could take only seven credit hours their first semester.

“I was just so happy,” Williams said. “I was scared, too. But

after I got an A in both of my first classes, I realized that going back to college wasn’t as threatening as I thought. All of my fears were in my head.”

to result in five more,” said GGC President Stas Preczewski.

I applaud Carla and Micaih for their perseverance. They are why this college exists.”

Both women are proud of their achievements. Williams’

nearly straight-A GGC grades brought her cumulative GPA up to a 3.24.

“Promotion eligibility was a motivator, but the reward

was finishing something I started,” said Williams, who is now ready to compete for advancement opportunities. “I know there are others out there who are scared and who have poor grades. If I can do it, they can, too.”

“I started GGC with a rejection letter,

and I left GGC on the President’s List,” said Ruiz, who graduated with a 3.39 GPA and is reviewing law school options. “Thank you, GGC! Thank you to all of my professors!”

What are you waiting for?

GGC accepts online

applications all year round, and the process is simple. www.ggc.edu/admissions e n g a g e. gg c. e d u

I

19

HOMECOMING

FESTIVITIES EXPAND Georgia Gwinnett’s Homecoming celebration continues to grow.

This year’s Homecoming Week observance offered a variety of events, including a faculty/staff vs. students kickball game, a comedy show, a Spirit Day for wearing Grizzly gear and more.

In addition, all members of the campus community could compete in the “Decorate Your Den” contest for residence halls or work spaces. The Student Alumni Association treated students to a free breakfast, as well.

Numerous members of the GGC community spent the morning volunteering their time in the campus Microfarm.

Homecoming Day began with Gwinnett Great Days of Service. This year, students and alumni conducted improvement projects at the college’s Microfarm,

The cro

wd che

ers on

where students grow food for local charities.

the me

n’s soc

cer tea

m.

Lunch was provided at a student picnic and an alumni reception. The alumni reception featured music, crafts and other family-friendly activities. Alumni also voted with donations to choose Tyler Yu, dean of the School of

d include g Court tion ecomin a m o rm H fo 7 in The 201 n Mallory, ’21, ta amilah King Na y and Queen K g y. lo g o lo n o h tec sych r, ’20, p Manoha

Business, as the winner of a chili cook-off between GGC’s deans.

Next, Grizzlies gathered for the men’s soccer game between Georgia Gwinnett and Bryan College. During halftime, the crowd celebrated the presentation of the Homecoming Court and watched a performance by the Grizzliettes dance troupe.

stin ucation; Ju chool of Ed S , ; re gy lo oo M no Arts; Cathy ce and Tech l of Liberal ool of Scien d in a oo te ch ch S pe S e, m s, di co to un s, Adolfo San dies; Tom M Yu, School of Busines GGC deans sitional Stu fund. s; and Tyler emergency chool of Tran ce t S , en en ci an ud S ig st rn lth e Je th ea H s, ie of zl l riz oo G , Sch ping Diane White Grizzlies Hel ff benefiting chili cook-o

20

I

Ge orgia Gwinn et t C ollege

David Char Young, ’ 1 main e Ba 6, busine rnes , ’18 ss, visits , bus iness with .

The Gallery Left: John Tien, managing director at Citigroup, recently presented to more than 200 GGC students on the topic of “The making of a White House Strategy: the first Obama Afghanistan-Pakistan Strategic Review.”

Right: A student works on a class project during open art lab hours.

College administrators, Counseling and Psychological Services staff members, ROTC representatives and veteran students from the Student Military Society paused for a photo with dozens of Grizzlies who participated in the “Catch the 22” event’s final pushup activity. The week-long observance included discussions about suicide prevention, as well as spontaneous sets of 22 push-ups to raise awareness that 22 American veterans commit suicide every day. By the end of the event, about 150 students, faculty and staff together performed more than 3,000 push-ups.

Left: Hundreds of students, including some family members, marveled at this summer’s solar eclipse from campus, where the skies dimmed under 97-percent totality.

Right: Students collect rocks from a stream that feeds into the Yellow River, which is adjacent to campus. Under the direction of Dr. Clay Runck, assistant professor of biology (second from right), the students placed the rocks in the stream for four weeks and will examine the rocks for algae growth.

e n g a g e. gg c. e d u

I

21

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. Postage

Office of Public Relations 1000 University Center Lane Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043

PAID Atlanta, GA Permit 1897

Georgia Gwinnett College is an accredited access institution offering targeted baccalaureate and associate 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 @GeorgiaGwinnett

Achievements make Grizzlies growl!

www.ggc.edu