September 2019 Letter from the President, Dr. Ruda
It is a GREAT day to be a BUSTER, and with so much that has already taken place on
campus at Garden City Community College since classes began in August, it is hard
to believe that we are already nearing the mid-point of our Fall 2019 semester.
This semester marks the 100th anniversary of the start of classes at the institution, and this is the 100th freshman class at GCCC. The group of students enrolled in the 100 th year hold a special place in the history of GCCC, and it is a unique group of students who are represented. Those include the students who have filled our cosmetology program to capacity for the first time in several years. The 100th fall enrollment includes students in the John Deere Agriculture Technology program who are the first to occupy the newly provided space at the John Collins Technical Annex, a building that was recently renovated in order to accommodate the growth of the program. The group also includes those new students who are taking part in the para-education program established between GCCC and Wichita State University, enabling para-professionals at USD 457 to begin their studies toward a baccalaureate degree at GCCC and complete the credits needed for that degree through WSU online. Over 100 years, GCCC has established itself as an affordable and high-quality institution for international study and competition as well. Our fall semester includes 45 International students who represent 20 countries across the globe. I am pleased to see these and many others who are the makeup of the centennial class at GCCC.
The Gold Card Pass
Finney County residents over 60 years of age are eligible to receive a "Gold Card" pass for free admission to athletic and fine arts events hosted by GCCC. These cards can be picked up in the President’s Office on campus during regular business hours by presenting a government-issues photo ID.
United2Gether
GCCC has been fortunate enough to provide a 2% cost-of-living increase for employees, and those employees are paying that good fortune forward to the surrounding community through the United2Gether giving campaign. In the month of September, GCCC employees have challenged one another to give the September portion of their 2% increase to the Finney County United Way. To date, GCCC participation in United Way giving has increased by 20% since last year. The campus-wide challenge has included a building competition, as well. Several buildings have participated, and our front-runner thus far, the Academic Building, has over 74% participation in giving. GCCC is proud to support the United Way in their efforts to fill the needs of our neighbors in the surrounding community.
Another unique partnership that is bringing joy to the campus one cup at a time is the Broncbuster Coffee Shop. In addition to the Buffalo Coffee shop run on campus at Garden City High School, this additional and extended location at GCCC also provides USD 457 students with life skills practice for students ages 18 to 21. Seven students are enrolled in the program run by Layla Lappin, their teacher and a para-professional by their side each day. These USD 457 students are gaining skills for future employment through the program, and we are pleased to have them on the GCCC campus.
Fire Science MOUs
Myself and several of our GCCC Administrators have visited several community colleges in Kansas this summer to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) for fire science training in those service areas. Thus far, we have signed such an agreement with Seward County Community College, Dodge City Community College, and Colby Community College. These MOUs provide for a partnership between participating institutions which allow GCCC to provide instruction and certifications for fire science training within the service areas of those institutions. They also provide training opportunities for local fire departments as well as allow us to develop fire science pathways for dual credit within the high schools of that service area. These new agreements will enable students who are living and working within the service areas of these three schools to remain in their geographic location in order to take general education credits and to also benefit from fire science credits through GCCC. Participants will also have the opportunity to complete a fire science certificate through GCCC as part of the agreement.
As a college, we must seek opportunities to expand programs and offerings throughout western Kansas. We appreciate the opportunity to work collaboratively with these institutions. Going forward, we must continue to work collaboratively and provide pathways for training and higher learning, specifically with programs that are unique to our community colleges. GCCC offers the only fire science program in western Kansas, and we have identified the need to develop highly qualified and trained individuals in our region, as well. I appreciate the leadership of GCCC Fire Science Instructor Larry Pander, Dean of Technical Education and Workforce Development Chuck Pfeifer, Vice President for Instruction Marc Malone, for their commitment to developing this partnership and to expanding the fire science program for western Kansas communities.
I want to personally invite you and your families to join us for the Centennial Celebration on Friday, Sept. 27 and Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, as we celebrate the rich history and tradition that we share as Busters. The Centennial Gala hosted by the Endowment Association will be an elegant night in celebration of both the history and the future of our institution. Bring your entire family to the campus on Sept. 28 for a campus-wide party to celebrate our 100th anniversary. This event will begin with a parade on campus which leads into a full day of family-friendly activities, entertainment, and free food. We will end our celebration with the crowning of the homecoming king and queen right before our homecoming football game. A full schedule of events is available on the college website: www.gcccks.edu . I hope you are able to attend and celebrate YOUR community college with us!