A clean audit for Prop R funds for Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District

After a perfect record for nine years, clean financial audits for the $207 million bond that financed construction and renovations at the two colleges in the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District are becoming almost routine.

The record continued Jan. 17, when Vice Chancellor Sue Rearic reported at a Governing Board meeting that the district had gotten a clean bill of financial health for the Proposition R building fund. Both the financial audit and a performance audit found that the money was being handled properly and followed required accounting procedures.

Grossmont College ceramics technician relishes lighting a fire under students

Grossmont College ceramics technician Al Ventura

Grossmont College ceramics technician Al Ventura gets a  thrill out of  watching students discover the magic of creating art.

It brings back memories of his first turn at the potter’s wheel and the community college instructor who took him under his wings back in the ‘70s.

As the ceramics tech at Grossmont College, Ventura is the go-to guy for mixing glazes, making stains, and firing, maintaining and repairing 11 electric and nine gas kilns. It is often a laborious and dirty job, which explains the workman’s attire and apron. But Ventura is doing what he loves: sharing the knowledge that comes from 30 years of working with ceramics and witnessing the excitement of students throwing and glazing their first pottery.

Ventura’s devotion to his job and students hasn’t gone unnoticed. He recently was honored as the latest recipient of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Chancellor/Classified Senate Award, a commendation presented quarterly to outstanding staff.

Spring semester starts Jan. 23 at Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges

EL CAJON  –  Perhaps it is because of spring – that time of year of fresh starts and renewed resolve – that despite the challenges of the day, an air of optimism prevails at Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges.

    The estimated 19,000 students returning to Grossmont College on Monday will be welcomed by two major campus facilities reopening after a year and a half of construction and remodeling. At Cuyamaca College, an improved thoroughfare, as well as a refinished gym floor paid for by the college district’s foundation, are some of the new developments for the 10,000-student campus.

    “We’re going to have a tremendous semester in spite of the difficult budget times,” chancellor Cindy L. Miles said.  “Our colleges remain firmly rooted to their mission of opening the doors of opportunity to our students to participate in the American dream.”

"Graduation Starts Today" Initiative at Cuyamaca College

    

     Cuyamaca College has embarked upon an effort to proactively promote college graduation. From the first time students walk on campus, they are greeted by signs that read,"Graduation Starts Today."

     The idea is for new students to "begin with the end in mind," and to approach their first year and beyond with graduation clearly on their minds. Realizing that the graduation process itself could be complicated, Cuyamaca College has taken additional steps to reach out to students to demystify the process.

Cuyamaca College offers another round of training for the green industry

RANCHO SAN DIEGO – For those interested in a career within the “green” construction industry, Cuyamaca College is providing a four-week introductory course free to eligible students through a training program co-sponsored by the San Diego Workforce Partnership.

The Introduction to Green Building Careers is funded through the State Energy Sector Partnership, an offshoot of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, and will help displaced workers, the long-term unemployed, new workers, military veterans, and older youths gain the skills to compete for jobs in the expanding green economy.