A continuing focus on student success and a streamlined process for university transfer are yielding record numbers for Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges, where a highest-ever 2,500 graduates will receive more than 5,500 degrees and  certificates on June 6 and 7.

These numbers translate into a 23 percent increase in the number of graduates and a 20 percent hike in the number of degrees and certificates compared to a year ago.

Commencement begins at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 6, in front of the B Building at Cuyamaca College, and the same time on Thursday, June 7, at the Main Quad at Grossmont College.

Amid the pageantry and celebration

	Mary Villasenor  Kenda Willie

Joel Spencer

will be student speakers Joel Spencer and Marycruz Villaseñor at Cuyamaca College and student speaker Kenda Willie at Grossmont College. 

The ribbon-cutting for Cuyamaca College's new half-acre vineyard for its Viticulture Technician Apprentice program is set for 2 p.m. Monday, June 4. The site  is across the street from the Water Conservation Garden near the Cuyamaca College Drive West entrance and is accessible from an access road leading to the Ornamental Horticulture nursery and Automotive Technology Center.  

The free event is open to the public.

The viticulture apprenticeship program, launched in fall 2016,  provides training and instruction on vineyard management practices, including irrigation, pruning, fertilization and harvesting.  Graduates will learn all aspects of wine-making, from growing grapes to production and selling. The two-year program includes 14.5 units of horticulture classroom instruction and 3,000 hours of hands-on employment at one of the participating wineries and vineyards.

Cuyamaca College is at 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway in Rancho San Diego. For more information, contact Abigail Allen at viticulture.apprentice@gmail.com.

Summer session off ers something for everyon e

 

This summer's classes at Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges offer something for everyone, from recent high school graduates to working adults or those looking to get into shape with a variety of health and fitness classes.

Most classes begin June 11 and are four, six or eight weeks long. Registration continues through June 10, but some classes offer late registration until the end of the first week of classes. Class schedules and information about enrollment at both Gro ssmont and Cuyamaca colleges are available at www.gcccd.edu/now/

All classes cost $46 a unit for California residents, or $138 for the average class. Financial aid, online application and registration are available.

Sure, it isn't even summer yet, but it isn't too early to plan your fall semester with the start of registration just days away on June 18. To prepare for the Aug. 20 start of classes, the Grossmont College Counseling office has three series of workshops that are open to the community to help students get on their paths to completion:

• On Thursdays, June 14-July 19: Exploring Majors workshops in the Career Center in Building 60 offer a look at potential majors and career options. (1 hour)
• On Thursdays, June 14-July 19: Introduction to Health Professions at Griffin Gate in Building 60 provide an overview of college programs, including nursing and allied health. (2 hours)
• On Wednesdays, June 6-July 18: Academic Planning for Pre-nursing and Allied Health in the Career Center in Building 60 will provide information on program requirements and selection criteria. (1.5 hours)

 

Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges are hosting youth basketball camps this summer at their campus gymnasiums. The camps, each lead by the coaches of the college basketball teams, emphasize the fundam entals in a positive and enthusiastic way, stressing teamwork, sportsmanship, communication, goal-setting and more.

 At Grossmont College, women's basketball coach Karen Caires heads Caires Hoops for boys and girls, ages 7-16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 25 to 28, with extended hours for an additional $25 fee. Men's basketball coach Doug Weber will offer his annual youth camp for boys and girls, grades 3-9 from 8 a.m. to noon July 30-Aug. 2. The cost to attend Caires Hoops is $175 for first-time campers, $150 for returning players; and for Coach Weber's camp, $75. All kids receive a T-shirt, contest prizes and giveaways. For information and registration forms, visit www.grossmont.edu/athletics , or contact Caires at (619) 644-7461; Weber at (619) 644-7878.

 At Cuyamaca College, head basketball coach Rob Wotjkowski will direct camps in July and August. Areas covered include ball handling, dribbling moves, shooting drills, 3-3 competition, team games and shooting games. For more information, call (619) 660-4506 or email rob.wojtkowski@gcccd.edu