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Every cap tells a story
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mid a sea of black gowns, individual works of art dot the GGC commence-A ment landscape. Flashes of color and glitter accentuate the emotion-filled day, each telling a story. Some are humorous, while others express determination, appreciation and achievement.
For Helen McDaniel, ’16, business, her decorated mortar board symbolized five years of sheer perseverance.
A GGC employee since 2007, McDaniel worked full-time as an administrative assistant in the Office of Academic and Student Affairs and took classes to accomplish something she once thought unattainable – becoming a college graduate.
At the Alumni Association’s fall 2016 Senior Send-off Party, she stared at the blank canvas before her, not knowing how to truly express her emotions.
“I sat there thinking my lifelong dream of getting my degree has finally come true,” she said. “That is why I decided to put it on my cap (shown above). It was very surreal to me. It still is. I hope this tradition continues so future GGC graduates have the chance to express their feelings about such an important milestone in their life.”
Crystal Serrato, ’16, early childhood education, agreed.
“As I was decorating my cap, I felt so many emotions! I thought to myself, ‘Wow! I did it ... I am graduating college and becoming an educator myself!’ This is why I decided to decorate my cap saying ‘It’s my turn to teach.’ It was a thank you to everyone at GGC who helped me
become the person I wanted to be. It meant I was ready for the world, ready to teach,” Serrato said. “As I put on my cap the day of graduation, I knew I was ready to make a difference in students’ lives.”
This was the first time the Senior Send-off Party included mortar board decorating, an expansion of a tradition started by the School of Education.
“Our commencements are celebratory,” said Nate Jones, director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations. “It’s one of the things that makes GGC unique.”
It is also unique that students, alumni, faculty and staff can shape a college’s culture and traditions – from penning the lyrics of the alma mater and choosing the school mascot to attending March Through the Arch and Homecoming.
The Office of Alumni Relations, in collaboration with the Alumni Association, strengthens and preserves such traditions, and creates new ones along the way.
“Collegiate traditions foster a sense of community, inspire participation and evoke memories,” said Jones. “This makes affiliation with the college even more meaningful after graduation.”
Homecoming is the perfect event for Grizzly grads and their families to come back to campus. In 2016, Alumni Relations coordinated with divisions across campus to create various Homecoming Week
Navy veteran and former White House chef Darian Horn adjusts his mortar board before receiving his bachelor’s degree in busiess administration at the summer 2016 commencement. activities – including Gwinnett Great Days of Service, a student organization spirit competition, the Alumni and Donor Appreciation Reception and the first GGC Homecoming King and Queen.
“Homecoming Week really showcased the collegial spirit among our students, alumni, faculty and staff. It reminds us just how special GGC is,” said Chad Miller, ’08, chair of the Alumni Association Board. “We plan to build upon this momentum for the 4th Annual Homecoming on Oct. 21.”
The new Student Alumni Association (SAA) will also create and preserve campus traditions, provide students with opportunities to interact with alumni and promote a culture of philanthropy at GGC.
“The SAA will build camaraderie among past and present students,” said Aizaz Shaikh,’17, charter president. “We are excited to start building these connections.”
Social programming keeps alumni engaged throughout the year. This includes monthly alumni mixers.
“The stories expressed on graduates’ mortar boards never really end,” said Jones. “Alumni will always be part of the GGC family.”
Mark your calendar! Alumni mixer: May 25 Homecoming: Oct. 21 www.ggc.edu/alumni
