2022 GCC Annual Report

2 AN REP

President’s Letter Foundation Board of Directors

GCC Board of Trustees

GCC Foundation Financial Statement

Arts and Beautification Circle

GCC Welcome Desk

Graduation Speaker, Marquise Slay

Jim Halverson Retires from GCC

Thank You for Giving

Special Tributes

GCC Needs Your Help

Mussatti Land Donation

Annual Scholarships Endowed

PRESIDENT'S LETTER

Greetings,

Gogebic Community College is proud to serve the educational, career and personal interests of our communities and service areas. We take great pride in fulfilling this comprehensive responsibility. The College is a hub for academic, cultural, economic, and social success for our students and region. We strive to empower people and inspire communities to thrive in a global environment.

Gogebic Community College is essential to providing affordable and accessible postsecondary education, serving as a pathway to changing lives and advancing prosperity within the Upper Peninsula region. The College’s faculty and staff prioritize student success in our daily work and strives to be a leader in the community through the advancement of strategic goals of enhancing the student experience, expanding academic programming and services, and increasing community and campus engagement.

The work of our robust Institutional Development and Foundation Office and caring Board of Directors has helped the College to serve many areas of student need. This important work is made possible by you. Please take a moment to open the Annual Report and see firsthand how your contributions make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of our students. From the main campus in Ironwood d h C Country Center in Houghton, thank you for your generous su Community College!

George McNulty, Ph.D President

“IT IS IN GIVING THAT WE RECEIVE”.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN

FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Gogebic Community College Foundation was established in 1977 to promote, encourage, aid and support the College by receiving and investing monies to fulfill the needs of the College which cannot or are not easily met by State and local tax revenue.

The Foundation is supervised by a Board of Directors made up of dedicated and involved community leaders and is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization.

BOARD EMERTI

Dr. R. Ernest Dear (1933-2008)

Donald Fortune (1932-2016)

Jack T. Jacobs

David G Lindquist, ’55 (1929-2014)

David McDonald, Jr., ‘73

Shirley McDonald, ’40 (1920-2015)

Charlene Newhouse (1941 – 2020)

Mary Paoli (1923 – 2020)

Robert J. Paquin (1930 – 2014)

Dr Carl Rainaldo (1926 – 2008)

John J. Rajkovich (1922-2010)

Hon. Joel Massie '74

George Samardich

Clay Thomason

Dr. Maria Sokol

John Siira '74

Steve Weselhoft Judy Whitley Yatchak '70

Neil Beckman Tom Brown

Dayle Jackson '98

Dan Jamison

Chad Lashua

Kelly Marczak '86

John Matonich Jim Milakovich '69

Linda Paoli

Greg Ryskey

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

GOGEBIC COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION

Bottom left: William Malloy, Vice Chairperson; John Lupino, '70, Chairperson; Susan Beals, '79, Secretary

Top left: Eric Fitting, Tom Brown, Robert Burchell, Tim Kolesar, Treasurer.

GCC IS GETTING ARTSY!

We are excited to share the news that we’ve started an Arts and Beautification Circle (ABC) at GCC! Our purpose is to encourage people to collectively become philanthropic leaders in improving the quality of the student experience on our campus and in our community through art. While art is defined as the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power we plan to encompass the fine, visual and performing arts as well.

Giving circles are effective because where one person may not always see the impact of a single donation to a purpose, the giving circle method can make a significant impact on the purpose through multiple or sustained donations.

The inaugural project of ABC is our Career Path Pine Tree. The Career Path Pine Tree was designed and created by the students in our 2022 welding class at the Ironwood campus led by instructor Gary Gouin. It is constructed of sheet metal foliage cut from a pattern designed on the CNC machine. The fabrication included lessons and welding consisting of GMAW-Pulse welding on the installation of the base and support gussets. Students learned how to lay out an “ orange peel” pipe cap and did open root TIG welding on the pipe sections. The bottom frame, base and trunk are made of plate and tubing all donated from Bretting MFG from Ashland, WI. The sheet material was partially donated from Chicago Iron from Ashland Wisconsin.

This beautiful tree will be displayed in the Emberlight Festival Art in the Park 2022 at Miner’s Memorial Park in Ironwood from July 2 – August 27. Following the Festival it will be installed on the Ironwood campus. For more information and to learn how you can be a member of ABC, visit our website at www.gogebic.edu or call Kelly Marczak at 906-307-1202.

Career Path Pine Tree constructed by the 2022 GCC Welding Class students: Andrew Anderson, Seth Coppo, Corrin Kelly, Matthew Rowe, Erika Hill, Vienna Harju, Kylee Damgard, Nycole Leopold, Dean Ressler, Orion Schenk, Kerry Whitburn, Cole Mathews

WARMEST REGARDS!

The Lindquist Student and Conference Center is now the home to the GCC Welcome Desk. Transformed from the former Courtside Café, the Welcome Desk is staffed by student workers and is meant to provide a friendly face to community members, staff, and students upon entering campus. Students are available to give directions, offer recommendations for local activities, and provide a positive first impression to visitors.

The Welcome Desk also serves as the new location for the Student Food Pantry. To ensure food security of our students, a variety of food items and toiletries are available for free. Items are donated by community members and supplemented by the GCC ACES program. Food offerings range from frozen pizzas to spaghetti and granola bars. If they just need a quick snack or full meal, the Student Food Pantry is fully stocked for any need that arises. Staff who raise chickens even stock the fridge with fresh eggs!

The Foundation is especially excited about the brand new Samsons Outfitter, also located behind the Welcome Desk. Initiated by a GCC staff member, the Foundation gave a minigrant to provide outdoor gear that students can check out for free, and use it to explore our area. Camping gear including tents, backpacks, cookware and more, paddle boards, disc golf sets, and games are just a few of the options available to students to utilize. What an exciting way for students to see what this area has to offer and possibly live and thrive after graduation.

ONCE A SAMSON, ALWAYS A SAMSON

Gogebic Community College was honored to have Mr. Marquise Slay ’13, of Superior, WI as the graduation speaker for the 88th an

Marquise Alexander Slay graduated from Gogebic Community College in 2013 with an Associates of Arts degree in General Education. He was a student athlete playing for the men’s basketball team from 2011-2013 and participating in Cross Country from 2012-2013. He was part of the men’s regional championship basketball team in 2013 at Gogebic winning both the Hustle Award along with the Coaches Choice - Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award. Marquise furthered his education at the University of Wisconsin-Superior where he majored in Business Administration Management and Marketing and double minored in Sports Management and Coaching receiving is Bachelor of Science degree in 2017. He continued his athletic career as a dual-sport athlete playing basketball and running track. He was part of the first Upper Midwest Athletic Conference Championship track and field team. Marquise is an accomplished Regional Sales Manager with an impressive blend of multi-facility operations management, human resources, and sales leadership experience. He is a teamfocused leader and motivator with a reputation for developing, training, and directing high-performing personnel, and inspiring team engagement and collaboration while managing hotels across the Midwest. He also teaches Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) classes as a consultant for the Boston Public School District.

He currently serves as a County Board Supervisor for Douglas County in Wisconsin, Incoming Rotary President of Superior, Chamber of Commerce Superior Ambassador Board Member, YMCA Board Member, Assistant Head Basketball Coach for Duluth Marshall Schools and Head boys and girls Track and Field Coach for Duluth Marshall.

PARTING IS SUCH SWEET SORROW

Jim Halverson, Computer Information Technology (CIT) instructor, will retire from GCC effective May 31, 2022 after 34 years of service. Halverson began teaching at GCC in the fall of 1988 and taught a wide variety of courses in the CIT program. Aside from years of classroom teaching, Jim has also assisted with many facets of instructional technology, served as Business Division Chair since 1994 and was Michigan Association for Higher Education (MAHE) President several times from 1992-2000. He also served as the lead negotiator for the faculty union from 2003 to 2017 and was part of the MAHE Executive committee from 1992 to 2017. Jim started the Esports program at GCC in 2017. He still serves as the Head Coach and has two national championship runners up trophies from last year. “Jim will be missed at GCC. With over three decades here, he has served as a division chair, the coach of our inaugural eSports team, and a Computer Information Technology faculty member and assisted in many aspects at college. He is part of the DNA of Gogebic,” said David Darrow, Vice President of Academics at GCC.

The Board, administration, faculty and staff thank Jim for his many years of service and dedication to the college and wish him all the best in his retirement.

GIVERS ARE GROOVY

The Gogebic Community College Foundation would like to honor our donors who support the college and our mission to help our students achieve success. Your name and information is important to us. We strive to be complete and accurate; however, errors can occur. If your name is omitted or is listed incorrectly, please bring it to our attention so we may correct the error. Thank you. Gifts listed are those received between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021.

Founders $10,000 and higher

Anonymous

Dona Edwards

Portage Health Foundation

Alexander B. Marciniak

Eldred Mugford Trust

James A. Ruppe Foundation

Joanne Talaska

Benefactors $5,000 - $9,999

Marian J. Nordberg and Carl Taylor

President’s Circle $1,000 - $4,999

William and Sylvia Aho

Robert and Elaine Allen

Family Foundation

Dr. Robert Aukee

Dr. Robert and Catherine Baima

Irene R. Banfield Foundation

Neil Beckman

John Carlson

Mark DalPra, M.D.

Dennis DaPra

Virginia DeBenedictis

Gogebic County Association of Retired School Personnel

Gary and Linda Harrington

Joyce Hazen

Ironwood Kiwanis Club

William and Joann Johnson

John and Camille Lupino

George and Christie McNulty

Gerald and Mary Maki

Margaret “Peggy” Malovrh

R. Rodney and Charlotte Pakonen

Don Pelkola

Patty Plesh

JR Richardson

William Richie

John and Marilyn Rintamaki

Felicia Santini

Marc Santini, M.D.

James Scholar

Stanley Servia

John and Sharon Solin

Tara Tregembo

Ron and Carol Trethewey

Robert Trier

Patron $500 - $999

Karl and Jennifer Ahonen

David Bloshenko

Mary and Curt Brown

Family Fund

David and Kris Darrow

Charles and Jean Gallo

Gogebic Range Bank

Jeanne Graham

Iron County Community

Credit Union

Ironwood Business and Professional Women

Klassic Kruisers Car Club

Marsha Lucas

Kip McIntyre

Dennis and Andrea Mackey

Robert MacVicar

Greg and Ellen Metko

Midwest Ski Areas

Association

Jim and Jeannie Milakovich

Linda Paoli

Elvira Patritto

Patrick Pelissero

Peter and Kim Pelissero

Thomas and Joy Pelissero

Jerry and Carol Pisani

Monica and Jeff Ramme

Robert Re

Brian and Michelle Robinson

Dennis and Robin Rolando

George Samardich

John and Barbara Siira

Bonnie Tiilikka

Marion and Gayle True

Supporter $100 - $499

Abelman Co.

Glen and George AckermanBehr

Amazon Smile

Brian Anderson

Greta Armata

Waino and Carolyn Aukee

Dick and Mary Beth Barlock

Marjorie Baye

Dennis and Susan Beals

Black and Veatch Foundation

Stacy Brey

Thomas and LaVerna Brown

Florence Brownfield

Calligaro Family

Karin Carlson

Brian Ceccon

Jon and Susan Christensen

Marian Claffey

Allen and Barbara Clishe

David Coleman

Kelly Coleman

Dean Law Office

Linda Delegan

Bob and Kris Dionne

Matthew Doscotch

Robert Duckstad

Supporter $100 - $499 (cont.)

Gary and Cathie Erickson

Laura Erickson

Fiorio Wealth Advisors

R. Michael Foster

Mary Jean Fredrickson

Fred and Kathy Friedman

Kenneth and Delores Genisot

Richard George

Gary and Wendy Gouin

Mark and Ann Graham

Erik and Sue Guenard

Eero and Rose Haukkala

Elmer and Carol Haukkala

Derek and Miranda Heglund

Jeffrey Hendrickson

Nicole Hocking

Paula Holevac

James and Judith Huss

Interact Communications

Dayle Jackson

Jack and Marion Jacobs

Eugene and Marcia Jacobson

Archie and Judy Johnson

Clifford and Ardyth Johnson

George Johnson

Robert and Sandra Jurkovich

Joseph and Robin Kafczynski

Kristina Kendall

Gavin King

Scott and Delores Kivi

Kari and Neil Klemme

Robert and Shirlee Knutilla

Tim and Megan Kolesar

Angela Kortemeier

Lawrence Kriska

James and Colleen Kritz

Joseph Kryzewski

Matt Kurta

Jerry and Amy Lazar

Norbert and Luise Leppanen

Judy Leviton

Tod and Jeanean Lewis

Marie Lindquist

Bill and Kit Malloy

Kelly Marczak

David and Georgia McDonald

Bill and Karen McDonald

William and Judith McMullin

Joel and Janice Massie

John and Stephanie Matonich

Serena Mershon-Lohkamp

Bill Newhouse

Tom and Pat Niksich

Christine Olgren

Cory Osterman

Steve and Sue Pallin

Joy Paquin

Jim and Therese Pawlak

Gary Pelkola

Bill and Betty Perkis

Vincent Polkus

Michael Popko

Walter Prosek

RMF Enterprises

Paul Re

Paul Roberts

Adele Rottenbucher

Nicole Rowe

Greg and Jessie Ryskey

Ken and Alice Sauter

Richard and Karen Sauter

Paul and Sheila Semmerling

William and June Seymour

Mark and Jean Sgaggio

Nancy Skerchock

Sam Skoviera

Dr. Maria L. Sokol

Steve Spets

Richard and Joan Steiger

Daniel Stella

Donald and Stephanie Stone

Jerry and Paulette Strelcheck

Mary Super

Charles Supercynski

Amy Tarro

John and Bonnie Thayer

Clay Thomason

John Thors

Lanny and Mary Tibaldo

Victoria Tilton

James and Sharon Tregembo

Bonnie Tunmore

Alan Tulppo

Robert Trezise

Carl and Kathleen Vaara

John Valesano

Laura Vertz

Steve and Betsy Wesselhoft

Cheryl Wildenberg

Andrew Wirt

Henry and Patricia Wirtala

David and Doris Wroblewski

Jerome and Judi Yatchak

Carrie and Pete Yon

Tom and Kim Zeckovich

David and Mariane Zielinski

Friend Up to $99

Alpha Delta Kappa Teacher’s Sorority

Karen Balyeat

Susan Barker

Maria Basanese-Hill

Edward and Lorrie Bawden

Skip and Donna Bessen

John Bloomquist

Michael Boreman

Diane Buchko

Bob and Annette Burchell

Linda Bybee

Paula Chermside

Kendra Connally

John Cox

Anita Demoske

Gladys Derosie

Chad Ellos

Dennis and Linda Ellos

Jackie Franzoi

Anthony and Sandra Furyk

Tibor and Kathleen Gallo

Robert Gamache

Emily Geiger-Dedo

Carlos and Antonella Gheller

Henry and Norene Gilbertson

Michelle Gill

Dennis and Shyanne Gulan

John and Marcia Hagstrom

GIVERS (CONT.)

Friend Up to $99 (cont.)

Holly Halverson

Del Hantula

Connie Hicks

Don and Judy Holst

John and Sharon Iafolla

Debbie Janczak

Macaria Joki

Matthew Justinak

Jim and Marie Kangas

Karla Karjala-Johnson

Marvin Kellerman

Richard and Carol Kinnunen

Diana Koenen

Laura and Rick Krell

Virginia Kretschmar

George and Miriam Kuklenski

Dale Kupczyk

Margaret LaClaw

Judith Lake

Chenin Limback

Daniel and Jeanine Livermore

Lawrence Mascotti

Terry Massoglia

Ronald Matonich

Bill and Sue Mattson

Robert Mazurek

Daniel and Alice Michela

Kristi Montonati

Leah Nikula

Thomas Pairolero

Steve and Sue Pallin

Brian Panich

Ashley Paquette

John Pelissero

Mirian Peterson

Anna Mae Petrusha

Bob and Diane Pisani

Greg and Linda Pisani

Paul and Donna Pisani

Andrea Puzakulich

Susan Roberts

Nancy Rudolph

Richard and Karen Sauter

Bonnie Sawicki

Bruce and Susan Schierstedt

Paula Setterlund-Blair

Mark Shatz

Jason Shrontz

Rob and Jane Sobolewski

John Sokol

Lisa Spence

Joseph and Jennifer KolesarSpringhetti

Priscilla Stephani

Larry and Barbara Tibaldo

Joanne Tiilikka

Arlene Vlahos

David and Kandy Vuorenmaa

Marlene Vuorenmaa

Mary Kay Welch

Russell and Roberta Willson

James Zawlocki

THE LEGACY LIVES ON

Special Tributes include memorial gifts made to the college for those who have passed away, or honor gifts to celebrate special occasions or events. Tribute and memorial gifts are a special way to remember a friend or family member. Special Tribute gifts can be sent to the GCC Foundation or online at www.gogebic.edu/alumni/make a donation. All tribute gifts received by the Foundation are acknowledged to the family members on behalf of the donor.

Here we recognize the Special Tributes received from July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021

ED BLOMQUIST

Brian Panich

WAYNE BORSETH

Jerry and Paulette Strelcheck

THEODORE BRUNELLE

Margaret LaClaw

BETTY CARPENEDO

Nancy Rudolph

THOMAS ERICKSON

Richard George, Jr , MD

DIANE HALVERSON

Karl and Jen Ahonen

David and Kris Darrow

Jeanne Graham

SIGRID HANTULA

Del Hantula

CHUCK LORENSON

Bill Newhouse

ALICE MACKEY

Jeanne Graham

ALEX MARCINIAK

Jeanne Graham

Jerry and Carol Pisani

MARY PAOLI

Chad & Linda Ellos

Fred & Kathy Friedman

John & Marcia Hagstrom

Don & Judy Holst

Jack & Marion Jacobs

Joe & Robin Kafczynski

George & Mimi Kuklenski

Jerry & Amy Lazar

Tod & Jeanie Lewis

Kelly Marczak

Joel & Janice Massie

Jim & Jeannie Milakovich

Tom & Pat Niksich

Rod & Charlotte Pakonen

Linda Paoli

Joy Paquin

John & Paula Pelissero

Thomas & Joy Pelissero

Patrick Pelissero

Miriam Peterson

Bob & Diane Pisani

Greg & Linda Pisani

Jerry & Carol Pisani

Paul & Donna Pisani

Bonnie Sawicki

Rob & Jane Sobolewski

Steve & Betsy Wesselhoft

STEVE PLESH

Patty Plesh

ANTONIO STELLA

Dan Stella

JOHN TALASKA

Anita Demoske

Bruce and Susan Schierstedt

Joanne Talaska & Family

LOUIS YELICH

Robert MacVicar

WE CAN'T DO IT WITHOUT YOU

You may be asking yourself, why should I donate to the Gogebic Community College Foundation? The question should really be, why NOT donate to the GCC Foundation? Here are just a few areas where your dollars would go...

STUDENT SUCCESS

GCC Samsons Athletics bring excitement to campus for students and the community. Your support would ensure student athlete and program advancement and success.

Our students rely heavily on financial support to obtain their degrees. Scholarships assist with tuition, books, and living expenses to ensure success while attending classes.

ATHLETICS

Faculty and staff have the opportunity to write mini-grant proposals for upgrades to classrooms and both Ironwood campus and the Copper Country Center facilities, all with the intention of improving the student experience. All approved projects are funded by the Foundation and contribute to making GCC an excellent choice for anyone considering higher education.

THIS LAND IS MY LAND, THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND

George and Mary Mussatti raised a family in Bessemer Township on a beautiful scenic property with bluffs in the background and an abundance of hardwood trees. This property was also the home of a small ski hill with rope tow operated by the Mussatti family and the 4-H club for area youth to enjoy the long winters.

Both George and Mary passed away in 1997. The property was passed down to all of the Mussatti children, but in recent years was owned by Bryan Mussatti and Anita (Mussatti) Maher who graciously offered to donate the family property of 79.4 acres to Gogebic Community College in 2021. Three of the Mussatti children previously attended GCC. They worked closely with the Foundation Director, Kelly Marczak, to reach an agreement that ensured the family property would continue to be used by the college for the benefit of GCC students. The family and the college agreed that this land would be used for educational purposes, primarily by the Forestry Technician Program but also by any other disciplines that the college deems beneficial

According to Bill Perkis, Forestry Faculty, “Being it is a Natural Northern Hardwood Forest Stand we will be using it for the following: tree identification, ground flora identification for habitat classification, and plant identification for botany classes We will be using the forest stands to develop management plans for silviculture and multi resource assessment classes There is also potential to use it to design the layout of haul roads and skid trails, and scaling and grading practice for timber harvest class It is also an ideal site to examine the forest for insects and disease, as well as wildlife and wildlife habitat. In all, we will be identifying, measuring, evaluating and locating all manner of things forestry.”

In addition to the property, GCC also was fortunate to acquire the billboard structure that had formerly been leased by the Mussatti’s to Craig and Mary Root for many years. The Root’s generously donated the structure to the College when they heard that the property was going to be used by GCC and our students. This provides us with an opportunity to promote our programs on US Highway 2 Westbound.

“This property will be beneficial to our students as an outdoor research lab in multiple ways,” said Marczak. “We truly appreciate that the Mussatti family thought of GCC when they decided to donate this property to honor their parent’s memory and commitment to the Gogebic Range. It’s through the generosity of our friends that we can continue to improve the student experience at GCC and we’re fortunate that we have the support of many in our community.”

For more information on gifting property or planned giving, contact Kelly Marczak at (906) 307-1202, Kellym@gogebic edu

FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS

Establishing a scholarship fund with the Gogebic Community College Foundation helps to improve the educational opportunities available to our students. Approximately 70% of GCC students qualify for financial assistance, making scholarships vitally important to the achievement of their education goals. Together we can make a positive difference in their lives.

There are three types of scholarships the Foundation administers including Endowed/Perpetual Scholarships, Annual Scholarships and One-time Memorial or Honorary Scholarships Gifts of any amount, at any time, are greatly appreciated and can be added to the general scholarship fund. For more information on establishing a scholarship, please call Kelly Marczak at (906) 307-1202.

Klassic Kruisers Car Club Scholarship

Lauri Lahti Automotive Scholarship

David G. and Audrey M. Lindquist Memorial

Gerald E. and Mary E. (Rokser) Maki Scholarship

Margaret ‘Peggy’ Malovrh Nursing Scholarship

Marvin E. Marks Memorial Scholarship

Midwest Ski Areas Association Scholarship

Philip ‘Bud’ and Angeline Nelson Memorial Scholarship

Ojibway Correctional Facility Employee Scholarship

Rob Pairolero Family Scholarship

Francis E Paoli Memorial Scholarship

Dean Pearson Memorial Scholarship

ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Abelman Family Scholarship

Ashland Industries / Bob Eder Memorial Scholarship

Esko and Virginia Aukee Memorial Scholarship

Wayne and Bonita Beckman Family Scholarship

Bloshenko Family Scholarship

Ken Bowman Memorial Scholarship

Concerned Hearts Club

Angela Contratto Memorial Scholarship

R. Ernest Dear Memorial Scholarship

Walt and Dona Edwards Business Scholarship

Erickson-Lucas Women in STEMS Scholarship

Gogebic Range Bank Scholarship

Dr and Mrs R R Harrington Scholarship

Mike Hazen Memorial Scholarship

Hinch Memorial Scholarship

Ironwood Business & Professional Women’s Club Scholarship

Ironwood-Hurley Rotary Club Scholarship

Ironwood Kiwanis Club Freshman Scholarship

Ironwood Kiwanis Club Sophomore Scholarship

Jodie L. (Rye) Johnson Memorial Scholarship

William ‘Bill’ Johnson Memorial Scholarship

Portage Health Foundation Scholarship

Walter Prosek Annual Scholarship

Monica and Jeff Ramme Basketball Scholarship

Mario and Mary Re Memorial Scholarship

Kandy Richardson Memorial Scholarship

John and Marilyn Rintamaki Scholarship

Earle Sell Scholarship

Loretta J. Servia Scholarship

Strauss Memorial Scholarship

John R. Talaska Memorial Scholarship

Henry and Shirley Tiilikka Memorial Scholarship

ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS

Keith L Anderson Scholarship

Angelo’s Pizza Scholarship

ARC of Gogebic County Scholarship

Ashland Industries / Bob Eder Memorial Scholarship

Athletic Heritage Scholarship Fund

Bessemer A.D. Johnston Alumni Scholarship

Violet Anderson Bloshenko Scholarship

Calligaro Family Endowment

Nancy M. Caruso Memorial Scholarship

William and Bernice Chaney Memorial Scholarship

Alice Chaput-Huotari Memorial Scholarship

Oreste and Inez Chiantello Memorial Scholarship

Sam M. Cohodas Scholarship

Angela Contratto Memorial Scholarship

Mary P. Dahlen Memorial Scholarship

Gene L. Dahlin Memorial Business Scholarship

DeBenedictis Scholarship

Armand DeFelice Memorial Scholarship

Garfield R ‘Skip’ Drake III Memorial Nursing Scholarship

Walt and Dona Edwards Endowed Scholarship

Rutger F Erickson & Astrid Lorenson Memorial Scholarship

Clarence Forslund Memorial Scholarship

Gentile-Paoli Business Scholarship

Denise Gertz-Cohen Memorial Scholarship

Louis A Gheller Endowed Memorial Scholarship

GCC Achievement Scholarship

GCC Construction/Building Trades Scholarship

GCC Faculty M.A.H.E. Occupational Scholarship

GCC Faculty M.A.H.E. Sophomore Scholarship

GCC Foundation Scholarship

GCC Presidential Scholarship

John B. and Mae M. Hakala Scholarship

Ruth M. Healy Academic Scholarship

Ironwood Woman’s Club Scholarship

Helen Jalonen Education Memorial Scholarship

Isaac and Olga Jalonen Memorial Scholarship

Aileen Hietanen Jarek Nursing Scholarship

William Leonard Johnson Memorial Scholarship

Ragnar and Irene Josephson Endowed Scholarship

Keweenaw Land Association LTD Scholarship

Rod Steve Kovacevich Memorial Scholarship

Joseph F and Judith A Krause Memorial Scholarship

Doris M Krell Scholarship

Mary M and Tony J Krizmanich Memorial Scholarship

Ladin Memorial Scholarship

Margaret Ruth LaForge Memorial Nursing Scholarship

Lehtinen-Wainio Scholarship

Moses and Mary Levinstein Endowed Scholarship

E. William and Nancy J. Lindberg Memorial Scholarship

Edna M. Lindberg Memorial Scholarship

Lindberg Family Scholarship

Lorenson Family Endowed Scholarship

Alfred and Irene Lund Memorial Scholarship

Verner J. Lund Memorial Scholarship

David and Florence McDonald Nursing Scholarship

Madeleine M. Morichetti Memorial Nursing Scholarship

Serafino (“Suds”) Morichetti Business Scholarship

Eldred George Mugford in Memory of Clare H Mugford, R N Scholarship

David Mussatti, Jr Memorial Scholarship

Brian T Nasi Memorial Scholarship

Dr John A Niemi Scholarship

Marian J. Nordberg Nursing Scholarship

James Norman Memorial Scholarship

Arthur and Alma Pakonen Endowed Scholarship

Charlotte & Rod Pakonen Scholarship

John and Katie Patrick Memorial Scholarship

Mary Lou Pelissero Nursing Scholarship

George Francis Pisca Memorial Scholarship

Steven R. Plesh Memorial Scholarship

John J. Rajkovich Endowed Scholarship Fund

Kathleen Marie Santini Richie Scholarship

Leonard and Lorraine Rooni Memorial Scholarship

Jennifer T. Rossi – WIMI/WJMS Memorial Scholarship

Barbara Jean Samardich Memorial Scholarship

Teresa Ann Santini Memorial Scholarship

Mary Louise and Oscar Sjowall Education Scholarship

Jacob A Solin Memorial Scholarship

Strauss Memorial Scholarship

Gustave B Swanson Endowed Vocational Scholarship

Robert A Swanson Scholarship Fund

Zera F Tabacchi Scholarship

John R Talaska Memorial Scholarship

Raymond R Talaska Endowed Scholarship Fund

Trier’s Scholar-Athlete Scholarship Fund

Vaara Athletic Scholarship

Garland and Jennie Vandermade Memorial Scholarship

Reginald T. Williams Memorial Scholarship

Wirtanen/Minds Memorial Scholarship

Louis and Ann Yelich Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Mary Louise Yelich Scholarship

Raymond and Isabelle Ziem Endowed Scholarship

Judge Eugene Zinn Memorial Scholarship

ENDOWED FUNDS

Robert and Louella Anderson Estate

Annabel Miller Estate

Trier-Hickey Building Fund

Robert Loo Mt. Zion

Paul O. Anderson Library Fund

Tynne Chamberlain Education Fund

Frank & Marlene Marczak Faculty/Staff Mini-Grant

Serafino (Suds) & Madeleine Morichetti Nursing Mini-Grant

Anna A. Petroski Estate

Adele Rainaldo Library Memorial Fund

Mildred Rice Estate Nursing Fund

WELCOME VICE PRESIDENTS

Gogebic Community College welcomed two new Vice Presidents to administrative roles in May of 2022. We are excited to have them assist in guiding the college into the future.

CHAD LASHUA - VICE PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS SERVICES

"I am excited to join the GCC family in an administrative role, where I will support the College Business Office, Bookstore, Facilities, Institutional Computing, LSCC Operations, and Auxiliary Programs. I am from Tomahawk, WI where I have been for the past 22 years, working at Nicolet Area Technical for the past 12 years and most recently serving as the Director of Business Services. I enjoy working in teams and look forward to the diverse backgrounds that each person brings to the decision-making process.

I love hunting and fishing, especially for walleye and musky! I enjoy camping and traveling with my family, especially seeing waterfalls and horseback riding with my daughter. Our family has been coming to the U.P. for 20+ years making many fond memories. I also love to play board games, chess, cribbage, sheepshead, and spending time at the family cabin. I am very active in my community, especially with 4H. I am one of the leaders of our local robotics club and President of the Lincoln County 4H Leaders Association. I love working with youth and helping them grow and develop. When not busy with these other endeavors, I can be found gardening and enjoying birds by the feeders. Spring perennials including daffodils, tulips and hyacinths are among my favorites."

DR. JENNIFER SABOURIN - VICE PRESIDENT OF STUDENT SERVICES AND ATHLETICS

Growing up in rural Iowa led to her first jobs being a corn detasseller, hotel housekeeper, roadside maintenance, and a bean counter for a soybean company. Feel free to ask her to explain what any of those positions entailed

Taking advantage of the vast opportunities the college environment offers led Jennifer to her career in Student Affairs. With experience in the areas of student conduct, Title IX, residence life, retention, academic advising, and athletics, as well as oversight of health and wellness, and partnerships with safety and security, Jennifer recognizes the importance of engagement and resources outside of the classroom.

Beginning as a community college student-athlete and graduating with an associate’s degree, she continued her education while playing and coaching at Union University in Jackson, TN. Holding a bachelor’s degree in physical education and master’s

in special education, Jennifer enjoys helping kids engage in physical activities. She recently served as a volunteer and board president with Dreams Go On, which provides therapeutic horseback riding sessions to adults and children of Blair County, PA, who are physically challenged, receive mental, behavioral health or family therapy services. In addition to volunteering in her free time, Jennifer enjoys traveling and photography.

FAR OUT TECH UPGRADES

One of the positive outcomes of experiencing the pandemic over the last few years has been the increased technology available on both of our campuses for our students and faculty. GCC has been utilizing the Zoom platform since March of 2020. During this time, the College faculty have provided quality education to our students and are constantly identifying opportunities to create a more engaged classroom. Our Information Technology (IT) Department has been doing an incredible job of updating technology to include:

Zoom Rooms implemented in Ironwood and Houghton, including the biology and chemistry labs in Ironwood. This technology gives the opportunity for a hybrid course delivery.

Network infrastructure updated with top-of-the-line switches, fiber ring for high speed connectivity, and increased internet speeds.

MyPlay camera system installed in the Lindquist Student and Conference Center to track game flow of basketball games to improve live streaming of Samson sports. Partnership with an industry leader in educational video storage and editing to help with digital course content. Integration of virtual welder to enhance classroom experience.

Phone system updated to voice over internet solution also extending the Zoom platform.

Improved student and employee account management, cloud-based email accounts, and the introduction of Single Sign-On to integrate multiple account access, and also allowing for new tools, such as Microsoft Teams and SharePoint.

Improved network security measures.

Welding student utilizing the virtual welder in the classroom.

Video footage from the MyPlay camera system during a Samsons basketball game.

Zoom Room used during a hybrid class with Ironwood and Houghton students

BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS

In the predominantly male-dominated field of the ski industry, 2009 GCC graduate Judy Kaczor is killing it! Judy went into the Ski Area Management (SAM) program because she loves the slopes, with the initial intention of working on the retail side of

the industry. With the help of Jim Vander Spoel, Ski Area Management instructor extraordinaire, she realized she would rather be in the trenches. The SAM program provided her with a well-rounded background of the industry and boosted her confidence through knowledge and experience.

As part of the program, Judy started interning at Boyne Highlands Resort, remained on staff, and has been in the industry ever since. She eventually took a job with Stratton Mountain Resort in Vermont as the only female groomer. She worked her way to becoming the resort’s Grooming Manager, where other females are now also employed and states, ‘I wouldn’t be where I am today without the SAM program.” Like any industry, there have been bumps along the way, but overall, she has felt welcomed with open arms. The laid-back vibe in the ski industry allowed her to excel and has been welcoming from day one, so anyone questioning this field should set aside those doubts and just go for it!

Judy Kaczor grooming at Stratton Mountain Resort, VT

Arnold (Jim) Vander Spoel, current Director of the Ski Area Management and Mt. Zion Operations at Gogebic Community College was the recipient of the 2021 Midwest Ski Area Association (MSAA) Jim VanderKelen Achievement Award at the MSAA Industry meeting and trade show held in Lake Geneva, WI on August 15-18, 2021. Congrats, Jim!

OUR STUDENTS ARE OUT OF THIS WORLD!

Gogebic Community College had the pleasure of having international students on campus this year! One of those students, Marie Louise De-Jong (pictured), came to Ironwood from the Netherlands to play basketball for the Samsons. Living in the dorms provided her with multiple opportunities to be involved with student activities. Marie was a friendly face working at both the Welcome Desk and in the Samsons Canteen and always wore the biggest smile. She thoroughly enjoyed her time at GCC and plans to come back in the fall and visit all the friends she's made.

Jim Vander Spoel (middle) pictured with Joe VanderKelen (son of Jim VanderKelen) left, and Kaitlyn VanderSpoel (right).

ROCKIN' AND ROLLIN' WITH PHI THETA KAPPA

This year’s PTK group has done an outstanding job representing the four pillars of Service, Leadership, Fellowship and Scholarship. This year, the team’s College Project was “Stress Less for Success” and included a range of “brain break” activities for students over Finals week. The PTK Officer Team also met weekly and planned a Masquerade Bash for the campus, a Whiteout event for GCC basketball, held a donation drive for Support Our Troops care boxes, a Movie Night, a Can Drive and a Board Game Night. This year, the Alpha Rho Chi chapter at GCC also earned 4-star national recognition, REACH Reward status and was presented with the Chapter Milestone Award at the Michigan Regional Convention. This award is presented to the chapter exhibiting the greatest growth/advancement in the prior year.

Dryden Sutcliffe, PTK President

I grew up and graduated high school in Bessemer, MI but I was born in Phoenix, AZ. My family moved here when I was less than two years old, so Gogebic/Iron counties are the only places I’ve ever called home.

I’m currently enrolled in my final semester in the engineering program at GCC and have everything setup to transfer to Michigan Tech this fall to pursue a degree in Material Science and Engineering. My career goal is to get into the semiconductor industry upon graduation from Michigan Tech.

Julia

Tarro, PTK Vice President

I am from Wakefield, Michigan and have lived there all my life. I graduated from Wakefield-Marenisco High School (Class of 2021). I am currently studying general science at GCC and will be graduating with my Associates degree this spring. I will be transferring to Northern Michigan University in the fall, enrolled in their Clinical Exercise Science program. My future career plans would be becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy working in a hospital environment.

PHI THETA KAPPA (CONT.)

Emaleah Niemi, PTK Recording Secretary

Hi everyone! My name is Emaleah Niemi and I was born in Ironwood, Michigan and have lived here my whole life. I graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in May of 2020. After GCC, I plan to transfer to either Eau Claire or Madison to pursue a major in Education or Political Science. Some interesting facts about me are that I love hanging out with my friends, reading, hiking, and taking care of my plants!!

Rebecca Perhalla, PTK Public Relations Secretary

I grew up in Ironwood, MI and graduated from A.D. Johnston in Bessemer, MI. My current major is Liberal Arts. I did get accepted into MSU and I’m waiting to hear back from UMich. I would most likely be a graphic design major.

I would like to minor in environmental sustainability and work as a graphic designer or teacher.

Renee Sparpanic, PTK Treasurer

I grew up in and am from the Metro-Detroit Area. I graduated from Ironwood High School. My current major is General Science. My plans after GCC are to transfer to a University. I'm not sure where yet. I've been accepted into 4 schools and plan on visiting them before I make my decision. My major will be Botany, but I'd love to double major in Botany and Ecology. I would love to create Ecological projects for local communities and bring people closer together with their food.

Dayle

Jackson, 5-Star PTK Advisor

I've been the PTK Advisor on campus since June 2019. I'm currently in my 19th year at GCC serving as the Director of Student Outreach and Engagement, after serving as the Director of Student Support Services. I served as the Alpha Rho Chi Recording Secretary for GCC back in 1997-98 so this has been a full circle experience for me.