The inaugural event in a series designed to reintegrate former students into campus life, a Welcome Back Mixer will be hosted by the new Glendale College Alumni Council on Thursday, Nov. 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the J. Walter Smith Student Center.
“I loved my time as a student at GCC,” said Nalini Lasiewicz, one of the volunteer coordinators of the council. Lasiewicz participated in many extracurricular activities at GCC, from helping launch the Music Club and coordinating the regional ChoirFest, to producing Earth Day and EcoFest celebrations.
Lasiewicz also spent several semesters working at the Science Center, teaching local elementary students about renewable and nonrenewable energy. She continues to volunteer as webmaster for the GCC Kid’s Page website.
“I wanted to give something back to the campus and I think a lot of other alumni do too,” she said. “ I saw a Facebook post about joining the new council, which definitely drew my attention. I think there are untapped opportunities for our alumni, many of whom treasure their time here, as I did.”
The Alumni Council has adopted a new looser governance format, operating under the Glendale College Foundation. Volunteers will focus on events and programs that offer opportunities for alumni to engage with one another, support innovations on campus, promote the college and help current students. “One of the most important contributions of a community college is to engage and be an active part of the community,” said Lasiewicz. “Alumni are indispensable to achieving that connection.”
Alumni are encouraged to join the Alumni Association for a nominal fee, but the November Mixer is open to all. “Our entire goal here is to provide a fun environment for alumni, friends, and community members to network and re-connect to the campus community” said Lasiewicz.
The culinary arts department will provide hors d’oeuvres, and there will be a cash bar for those over 21. David Viar, GCC’s Superintendent/President will be giving the welcoming speech. Various departments will set up tables and present current student’s work including journalism, dance, athletics, media arts and nursing. Emelyn Judge, Associate Dean of the Health Sciences Division, is planning a mini-reunion of nursing alumni.
“We have so many graduates who have gone on to have great careers,” said Judge. “It’s inspiring for our current students to see how their hard work can pay off.” Many of the department’s instructors are graduates of Glendale’s nursing program.
SPARK, a peer-mentoring program, and the ASGCC will also be representing the current student body. During the mixer, alumni who are interested in becoming mentors to GCC students will be provided with information on upcoming opportunities. Recent graduates may look forward to adding other alumni to their professional networks, and older alumni to see the campus, often for the first time in years, and to reconnect with classmates.
Admission is free and the event is open to the public. RSVP is required; (818) 551-5200 or email [email protected].
