June 2022
Darlene Fahl-Brittian, left, and Tatiana Robinson

Cuyamaca College's June 8 commencement and Grossmont College's on the following day will each feature a student speaker, selected by the colleges. Below are short profiles on the two standout students.

Cuyamaca College student speaker
Darlene Fahl-Brittian is graduating with an associate degree in English from Cuyamaca College and an associate degree in Creative Writing from Grossmont College. She plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in English at San Diego State University, and then a master's degree in creative writing.

With a 3.89 grade point average, Fahl-Brittian is graduating with honors and will attend both college commencements.
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Colleges return to
in-person commencements
After two years of virtual commencements, Cuyamaca and Grossmont colleges are going live and in full regalia in June, with 500-plus more graduates than last year, celebrating the return of in-person ceremonies.

Some 2,325 students are set to receive 5,203 degrees and certificates in processionals to be held Wednesday, June 8, at 5:30 p.m. in front of the Communication and Arts Building at Cuyamaca College, and Thursday, June 9, at 9:30 a.m. in Parking Lot 1 in front of the Performing & Visual Arts Center at Grossmont College.

The ceremonies will also be livestreamed, for Grossmont College at www.grossmont.edu/commencement, and for Cuyamaca College at https://youtu.be/Imh9qJEeu8s.

“With the lifting of pandemic restrictions, we are joyfully anticipating the time-honored ritual of commencement, of hugs and tears of happiness as our graduates walk one by one to mark a tremendous achievement,” said Chancellor Lynn Neault. “The perseverance of our graduates emerging from a difficult era of COVID-19 is reflected in every degree and certificate earned.”
Registration continues for summer classes
Open registration continues for summer session classes, which begin June 13 at Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges.

Both colleges will be offering a multitude of courses, many with zero textbook costs.

Courses cost $46 per unit, with most classes offering three units of college credit.

First-time college students may be eligible for two years of free tuition through the Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise. Promise students must attend full-time, complete an onboarding program, and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA. Learn more at mycollegepromise.net.

Financial aid options are also available at Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges, including the California College Promise Grant offering fee waivers for eligible students. 

For more information on applying and enrolling, as well as financial aid, go to www.gcccd.edu/now/.

Information on the District’s COVID-19 protocols is available on the COVID-19 News and Resources webpage. 
Last day of Spring Student Art Exhibition
The Hyde Art Gallery at Grossmont College offers its final display of the academic year with the annual Spring Student Art Exhibition, running through June 1 at the Performing &Visual Arts Center.

The free exhibition highlights the most innovative art and design projects produced by students through the semester, including ceramics, sculpture, painting, drawing, jewelry, digital media and photography. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. All visitors must be masked and vaccinated. Call (619) 644-7214.
ECHO Chamber concert at Cuyamaca College
The East County Harmonics Organization (ECHO) Chamber Music series continues its spring 2022 season at Cuyamaca College's Samuel M. Ciccati Performing Arts Center.

Wednesday, June 1, 7:30 p.m.: Andrea Overturf and Friends: Overturf, who plays oboe/English horn with the San Diego Symphony, is joined by Jisun Yang, violin; Ai Nihira Awata, violin; Jason Karlyn, viola and Andrew Hayhurst, cello.
 
Tuesday, June 21, 7:30 p.m.: Yao Zhao and Friends: Zhao, principal cellist for the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, is joined by Wei Lu, violin; and Kevin Fitz-Gerald, piano.

Concerts will include a mask requirement, as well as proof of vaccination. Concert program and ticketing information is available on the ECHO Chamber website.
What's Up with Proposition V
Here are some quick updates on construction projects funded by Proposition V, a $398 million bond measure approved by East County voters in 2012. The projects are modernizing existing facilities and building new ones to meet expanding student needs.

  • Predesign services are ongoing for Grossmont College's Arts and Communications Complex Phase 2 to assist the District and campus to determine how to best leverage potential state funds.

  • Installation of a central booster pump house to provide reliable water pressure for Grossmont College is on hold pending further discussions with Padre Dam Municipal Water District.

  • Renovation of the existing classrooms and labs and modernization of the technology at the Liberal Arts & Business Tech Complex Phase 1 -- Bldgs. 51/55 at Grossmont College: Construction documents will be presented to the Division of the State Architect.

  • Redesign of the orchestra shell at the Performing & Visual Arts Center is complete. The redesign removes the acoustical ceiling panels to allow more flexible use of the space and reduce the height of the shell enclosure to allow it to pass through the existing side stage door. The installation is scheduled to begin in July 2022.  

  • At Cuyamaca College, an acceptable negotiated rate for the design of F2 with the architect has not been realized for the Bldg. A complex, which is to evolve into an instructional facility for academic departments moving from the Building F. Development of an RFP for a new architect to take over design is in process.

  • A 50% Design Development package is under review for the construction of a new instructional building and renovation of the existing administrative complex with the demolition of Building F. Construction of the estimated $33 million project is expected to start in spring 2024.

  • Exterior work is nearly complete for the construction of Cuyamaca College's Student Services Building. Ceiling titles and carpet are being installed. Data racks and wire are nearly complete on all floors.

  • Hardware scope at Grossmont College is 100% complete and 98% complete at Cuyamaca College for the districtwide access control survey and door lock upgrades.