FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
May 2018
FIRST FRIDAY
Glorious May! The end of the semester celebrations, the college in bloom, finals, scholarships, appreciations ceremonies, farewells, new beginnings, caps and gowns...there are many notable ways to mark the end of a successful semester and prepare for the summer months ahead at Gavilan College.

Notable happenings in May include Super Saturday that served more than 200 students for registration and counseling services with students, faculty and program information available in our beautiful courtyards and labs. 

Rehearsal photo
Rehearsal photo from Midsummer Night's Dream

A Midsummer's Night's Dream completes its run on Mother's Day weekend and what a production it is with our wonderful theater arts majors and ornate costumes designed by our own Dr. Johan Lawton-Haehl.  

The Puente celebration highlighted all of the transfer students, the writing skills of this year's class, and the community mentors who have worked with the "Puentistas" throughout the year. A special tribute was given to Celia Marquez, our beloved counselor who has led the Puente program at Gavilan for more than two decades with integrity, spirit and love.

May 10 celebration at the Food Pantry

On May 10 th the Food Pantry celebrated the services provided to our students...in 2018 so far 89 students have participated in the Fresh Success program, and 4,337 have received food from the food pantry. I am so proud of the work of our staff and volunteers in providing this integral service because as we recently learned: 52% of community college students have experienced food insecurity in the last 30 days, 13% of community college students have experienced homelessness in the past year, and 39% of housing insecure students at community colleges also reported symptoms of depression. Gavilan is responding to this need through our mental health services and although there is more work to be done, we are actively seeking solutions.
2018 graduates
Getting ready for Commencement

I look forward to seeing many of you at Commencement on May 25 th on our soccer field as we celebrate the end of the academic year together outdoors. Our commencement keynote, Jenny Dearborn, will be certain to deliver an inspiring message to our community about resilience and equity. We will be breaking records again this year with the number of graduates earning degrees and certificates and so let me be the first to say -- congratulations!!!!

The end of the academic year also signals planning for the excitement that comes with educational discoveries that lie ahead. New programs in HVAC and the AJ degree at Coyote Valley launch in the fall, our participation in the Online Education Initiative, and more. So, enjoy the month of May, a month of endings and beginnings and I look forward to seeing you on campus soon!

Kathleen A. Rose, Ed.D.
Superintendent / President

(408) 848-4712
This month.....
SAVE THE DATE

Guided Pathways Open House: May 15

Benefits Open Enrollment meeting: May 16

VPAA Open Forums: May 17

Scholarship Ceremony: 
May 18

Film and TV Showcase: May 19

Retirement open house for Lori Burgman and Lydia Casas: May 23

GECA Graduation: May 24

Graduation: May 25

Surplus Sale: June 9

Service Learning Trainings: June 4, August 13
Changes coming for Graduation  
  • The ceremony will take place at the Soccer Field
  • Graduates will gather at the Gymnasium before walking
  • No tickets required: all staff, faculty  and community members are welcome!!!
  • There will be a seating area for guests with special needs. The special needs guest may have one (1) family member seated with them.
swimming pool

Staff ands Faculty
Open Swim
Wed. May 9        5:30-7pm
Mon May 14       5:30-7pm
Wed May 16       5:30-7pm
Mon May 21       5:30-7pm
Wed May 23       5:30-7pm


Career Education programs honored as Strong Workforce Stars

Multiple programs at Gavilan College earned the California Community Colleges' Strong Workforce Stars recognition for their success in improving student employment and wage outcomes.
health centerpiece
Alice Dufresne-Reyes, Student Health Nurse, retires after 24 years

Alice Dufresne-Reyes built a tradition of access, awareness, and a focus on health for students and staff at Gavilan College

Communication Studies Hosts 6th Annual Alumni Speaker's Panel

In what has become a tradition, five alumni from the Communication Studies department participated in a panel about their careers.

Staff Recognition and Retirement

On May 11, Gavilan College celebrated the service of staff and faculty at an annual event recognizing years of service and the careers of those retiring.