News and Updates from President Michelle Schutt

Hello, GCC Community, 

Congrats to the Foundation on last week’s Building Bridges and Belonging event. In addition to enjoying a delicious meal made by the Genuine Foods Team, those in attendance got to hear from the event’s four award winners: 

The Community Champion Award was awarded to an organization that dedicates resources to address regional challenges and to build a more vibrant and resilient community.  

This year's recipient was Greenfield Savings Bank. GSB has been a longtime supporter and donor, not only of GCC, but of hundreds of regional nonprofits and organizations that are improving our communities. They donate funding for healthcare, to address food insecurity, to support education, to fight addiction, to provide housing and fuel assistance, to name just a few. GSB also walks their talk by encouraging their employees and directors to volunteer thousands of hours of their time and talents to local community causes and organizations. 

The Community Catalyst Award was awarded to a community member who exemplifies GCC’s values of inclusion, transparency, creativity, integrity, innovation and sustainability through noteworthy acts of service, activism or advocacy.  

This year's recipient was Amy McMahan owner of Mesa Verde Restaurant in Greenfield. Amy is also an ordained minister and gives sermons as a guest worship leader at All Souls Church. Amy is ALWAYS eager and ready to lend a hand and make connections. As just one of many examples, this past year, Mesa Verde hosted Haitian food pop-ups to welcome, support and uplift Greenfield’s new Haitian immigrants. Amy serves Greenfield on the City Planning Board, and as a Director on the Greenfield Savings Bank Board. She has helped many regional nonprofits fundraise, including the GCC Foundation, and she centers authenticity and inclusivity in all of her efforts. 

The Young Alumni in Action Award was awarded to a young GCC alumni who has demonstrated exemplary volunteerism and emerging success in their chosen career.

This year’s recipient was Hannah Graves. After graduating from GCC in 2020, Hannah went on to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology at Suffolk University and a Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration at Boston University. Hannah is currently a Program Coordinator at The Resolution Center in Essex County, MA. The Resolution Center provides conflict resolution and training services to the communities of Essex County. She also volunteers for the Arlington Rainbow Commission planning LGBTQIA community events, volunteers for Big Sister Boston, and helps local high school students prepare for college. 

The Distinguished Alumni Award was awarded to a GCC alumni who has achieved substantial public recognition for their accomplishments and contributions to the betterment of the community.

This year’s recipient was Andrew Carrier, who graduated from GCC in 1986 with a degree in Criminal Justice. While working as a state trooper in Georgia he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Georgia, and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Columbus State University. Andrew is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy. A hostage negotiator, Andrew was featured on The Discovery Channel's Hostage 911 series. He is a gifted trauma therapist and works all over the country to assist first responders who are struggling. Andrew is currently working on establishing an intensive outpatient facility for first responders in Augusta, GA.

Attendees also heard from current GCC students Gracie Rosenberg and Liv Dow who shared their experiences at GCC and the connections they have created at the College.

Feedback from the event has been overwhelmingly positive. Thanks to all who contributed to an incredible evening. 

Last Friday GCC served as host to the Education and Community Aid Ways and Means Hearing. This event required a significant investment in our IT infrastructure and a long day of work from our AV team, along with many others, but the results were incredible! Several members of the legislature complimented the College for our glitch free hosting of the hearing.  

Finally, thank you to those who chose to take part in open office hours last week. For those who would like to meet in March, April or May, the sign up is here.

REMINDER: In celebration of this semester's momentous enrollment achievement and to recognize employees for their success in attaining these incredible increases, Pour Things Coffee, a traveling barista, will be on campus Thursday, March 7 from 9 a.m.-noon in C208. They will be offering pastries and drinks that morning, and are prepared to whip up your favorite coffee concoctions!

Early Engagement and Connection

Students benefit from making connections and having a network of people for academic and social support. When asked about their experience during the first three weeks at GCC, new students who responded to the SENSE Survey shared the following:

• 92% reported that at least one instructor learned their name
• 70% said that at least one college staff member (other than an instructor) learned their name
• 78% said that at least one other student learned their name
• 83% reported that they had learned the name of at least one other student in most of their classes

Drop in and learn more about the racial equity data that is being collected and used by your colleagues across campus. Move among six stations to encounter new data and engage in dialogue around its significance and implications for our work. March 6 in the Multipurpose room, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Lunch provided!

Working with Special Programs Coordinator for Food Security Cyndi Rebelo, the Grants Office in February procured two grants in support of GCC’s Corner Market Food Pantry. The first grant - from the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts - supports the purchase of a register printer, to accompany the many other recent equipment upgrades in the Food Pantry. The other grant received in February is from the Stop & Shop School Food Pantry Program, which is donating $7,500 to be used for stocking the Food Pantry shelves. Under the dedicated leadership of Cyndi Rebelo, the GCC Food Pantry is growing by leaps and bounds. If you haven’t been by the Corner Market lately, stop by N220 during open hours to say hi to Cyndi and see for yourself:

Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Wednesday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

From the Desk of HR

Contributed by Human Resources

Join us for the next HR Lunch & Learn, Friday, March 8, noon, in the Multimedia Studio (S308) and discover how Institutional Data can help you in your role at GCC featuring Marie Breheny, Director of Institutional Effectiveness.

• Hear about the importance of data-informed decision making.
• Learn how to get support with measuring student learning, conducting surveys, reporting and other data needs.
• Determine if your project needs to go through GCC’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) process for on-campus surveys.

Lunch will be provided to those who register to attend in person. Register Today!

RSVP by Tuesday, March 5, 2024.