Engage Fall/Winter 2023

A group of Georgia Gwinnett College Honors Program members gather for a selfie in the Krog Street Tunnel. This field trip allowed students to learn more about the tunnel’s unique, living art. The Honors Program is marking its 10th year. See story, page 13.

4 “A lot of the major accomplishments that happened in my life were because of GGC.”

–Dr. Margie Gill

one GGC

Dr. Jann L. Joseph President

One of the greatest benefits of higher education is the opportunity to interact with people of different backgrounds and perspectives. Not only does this help students interact with different views and expand their horizons, it helps prepare them for future employment and life experiences. Part of anyone’s professional and personal success includes both the ability to use academic knowledge and to navigate the ever-changing kaleidoscope of our state, nation and world.

Since Georgia Gwinnett College’s inception, its diversity and inclusiveness have been integral to the student experience, and often cited by students as the reason they feel welcome on campus. This is largely due to our location in Gwinnett, Georgia’s most diverse county and one of the most diverse counties in the nation. With more than 70% of our students enrolled from the area, our student population closely mirrors that of Gwinnett and the Atlanta metropolitan region.

Our 11,000 students also represent 112 nations, creating opportunities for our students to experience people and cultures from around the globe, enriching their lives with new perspectives and worldwide information.

In this issue of Engage, we note our standing as a minority serving institution, including Asian American and Pacific Islander Serving Institution and Hispanic Serving Institution designations. And while I am proud about our ninth consecutive ranking as the most ethnically diverse Southern regional college and our Howard Hughes Medical Institute grant to advance research on diversity and inclusive teaching practices, I am most proud of the story of yet another student who credits GGC’s diversity for how she learned from different perspectives.

It is more important now than ever that GGC’s faculty and staff remain committed to supportive actions and programs designed to balance and strengthen the overall student learning experience.

Go Grizzlies!

Dr. Jann L. Joseph President

Our differences are our STRENGTHS: together, we are

Notables

GGC authors contribute to book on Gwinnett history

A group of history faculty members and an alum wrote several chapters for the book, “Gwinnett County, Georgia, and the Transformation of the American South, 1818-2018.” They include Dr. Michael Gagnon, professor; Dr. Carey Shellman, associate professor, and Dr. David Mason, professor. Not shown are Dr. Richard Cook, Jr, assistant professor, and Katheryn L. Nikolich, ‘13, history. Gagnon also co-edited the book.

We Value Your Input

Send your ideas and comments about Engage to engage@ggc.edu or call 678.407.5549

Production

Editor-in-chief: Sally Ramey

Graphic design: Phil Smith

Photography: Rod Reilly

Writing: Sally Ramey, Jackie Todd, Collin Elder, Ken Scar

Online team: Rycca Blanton, Information Technology Server Team

Other support: LaKeidra Veal Hill, Laurie Hudson, Hoang Huynh, Barbara Martell, Allana Walker

Collaborators

Jennifer Hendrickson, associate vice president for Advancement

Sloan Jones, associate vice president for Communications

Jackie Todd, executive director of Public Relations

Mailing List

To be added to or removed from the Engage mailing list, email engage@ggc.edu or call 678.407.5549

Dr. Latanya Hammonds-Odie, professor of biology, was named a Fellow of the American Society for Cell Biology.

Dr. Matthew K. Robison, associate provost for Student Affairs and dean of Students, received ACPA-College Student Educators International’s 2023 Esther Lloyd Jones Award for professional service.

Dr. Alvina J. Atkinson, professor of mathematics, was elected to a second, two-year term as the eight-state Southeast Regional vice president of the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges.

Dr. Karen Jackson, assistant professor of English and associate dean for Advising Programs, and Diana Rowe, senior student success advisor, co-edited the book, “Developing and Implementing Promising Practices and Programs for First-Generation College Students.”

Sherrie Goodman, assistant director of the Career Development and Advising Center, is the Georgia Association for Colleges and Employers’ president-elect.

THE GEORGIA GWINNETT COLLEGE MAGAZINE

Gill serves youth

es y

Dr. Margie Gill has always been drawn to helping others. She grew up amid the peanut farms and pecan groves in Camilla, Georgia, and graduated from Mitchell-Baker High School in 1992. After attending Florida A&M University, she married and moved to the Atlanta area.

Shortly after moving to Atlanta, she and her husband, Alton, became youth pastors for a small church in the city of Lilburn.

“Here we were, a young couple with a young family, and we found this small ministry and connected with it,” said Gill. “Right away, the pastor said, ‘You and Alton would be great to lead a youth ministry – the youth would love you.’ Mind you, the

church only had about 25 members at the time. We thought we would simply be running children’s church to babysit while everybody else was in service. So, we agreed. Well, that was the beginning of a long, beautiful journey that we’re still on today.”

Within no time, the job became much more than they imagined.

“The children we were interacting with started bringing their friends, and all of a sudden, our youth ministry outgrew the adult ministry,” she said, laughing. “Alton and I brought a more modern approach. It wasn’t like the traditional go-to-church youth group stuff. We taught them to pursue healthy, positive lifestyles, and it worked.”

As their small youth group blossomed, it outgrew the confines of Wednesday night gatherings at the little church in Lilburn. On any given Sunday after church, she and Alton would have 15, 20 or more young people in and out of their house.

To meet the demand for their services, Gill started a nonprofit called Project Life for Youth that taught life skills training and career development and readiness.

Children greet Dr. Margie Gill (at back, center) on a mountainside in Rwanda.

“A lot of the major accomplishments that happened in my life were because of GGC.”

on two continents

Gwinnett County, and the church I attended was also in Gwinnett County, so I thought, well, it only makes sense for me to go to the college in Gwinnett County,” she said, laughing.

Gill came to GGC as a charter student in 2006, the college’s inaugural year. She majored in psychology because she wanted to better understand the psychological underpinnings of the children with whom she interacted.

Her studies at GGC motivated her to open a group home for boys from historically underserved and marginalized communities.

In 2008, she graduated as a member of GGG’s first class, becoming its 10th graduate. She then earned a Master of Science in clinical counseling psychology in 2010 from Brenau University, and joined its faculty as an associate professor of psychology.

During this time, her own family experienced a trauma that would alter the course of their lives.

A strange man began stalking Gill’s then-13-year-old daughter at her softball games. Gill and her husband went to the police but were told the man wasn’t breaking any laws. Then the man got a job at a clothing store two minutes from Gill’s home.

“When we went into the store and saw him, and he saw us, he sprinted out the door,” she said. “My husband and I followed him, but he jumped in his car and drove off.”

Gill got the man’s name from the store manager and again reported him to the police. The man never showed up again, not even to retrieve his check from the clothing store. The incident left the Gills rattled, but resolute.

Continued on next page.

“We tried to expose our youth to different events and opportunities because some of them were coming from very traumatic experiences,” she said. “But they were so resilient. They would often tell us, ‘It’s because we have you to come to.’”

Because of her mentoring and advocacy, Gill was invited to be a guest on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 2007.

As the youth ministry grew, so did Gill’s desire to continue her education. She knew their work could make an even more significant impact with the proper knowledge. That’s when Georgia Gwinnett College caught her attention for a very simple reason: convenience.

“I had three little kids, and I lived in

Dr. Margie Gill arranges gifts for an annual toy drive at the Tabitha’s House Resource Center.

Dr. Margie Gill (at back, center) visits with Rwandan students of Crimson Academy, of which she is a co-founder.

Continued from previous page. “That situation gave the impetus for what came next,” said Gill. “I was regularly working with children from disadvantaged backgrounds and historically marginalized populations, so I knew every child’s parents were not involved like my husband and I in ensuring our daughter’s safety.”

That led to the founding of Tabitha’s House, a Georgia-based nonprofit supporting survivors of sex-trafficking and sexual abuse.

The need is great. Tabitha’s House has aided hundreds of young women and girls since Gill and Dr. E. Dewey Smith, senior pastor of The House of Hope Atlanta, launched it in 2013. Its residential facility is constantly full and community resource centers have a waitlist for services.

Gill earned a doctorate in counseling and student personnel services from University of Georgia in 2018.

In addition to running Tabitha’s House, she continues her work at Brenau, and today serves as executive director for Institutional Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives in the Lynn J. Darby School of Psychology and Adolescent Counseling.

Gill is also a board-certified licensed professional counselor.

Gill’s commitment to serving youth extends to work abroad. When her colleague, Dr. Phillip Haynes, returned from a 2009 Rwanda mission trip, he shared with Gill how people there dreamed of education for their children. They wasted no time in planning to build a school, she said.

In 2010, the Crimson School opened not far outside Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. Today, it serves more than 750 students.

Gill and Haynes didn’t stop there. To date, they have developed schools in the African countries of Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania, as well as the Central American nation of Nicaragua. They have been invited to build a community school and a home for sexually exploited girls in India.

While the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted their biannual trips, Gill and Haynes have traveled to Crimson Academy to hold clothing, food and shoe drives for villagers, meet with students’ parents and government officials, celebrate student achievements, teach classes and facilitate teacher training, hold soccer tournaments, and have “old-fashioned fun with the kids.”

Gill said, “Our visits are never long enough.”

As an alum of GGC, Gill actively gives back, most recently by providing feedback in the Alumni and Community Focus Group as part of the college’s strategic plan process.

“A lot of the major accomplishments that happened in my life were because of GGC,” she said.

Gill doesn’t disagree with the observation that she has a lot on her plate. She said that the busier she is, the more good she’s doing.

“I’m just out here trying to create a world I would enjoy living in.”

Members of the choir at House of Hope Atlanta look on as Dr. Margie Gill makes a presentation about Tabitha’s House to the congregation.

Photos courtesy of Dr. Margie Gill

Dr. Margie Gill enjoys time with with Rwandan children.

GGC’s Diversity Recognized

degree-granting institutions, enroll a significant number of students requiring needs-based federal assistance and maintain at least a 25% full-time Hispanic student enrollment.

As of fall 2021, Hispanic enrollment at Georgia Gwinnett was at 26%, and by fall 2022, it rose another percentage point.

GGC is one of only two University System of Georgia schools to earn HSI designation. Only 274 of the nation’s more than 5,000 institutions of higher education qualify as HSIs, and enroll 40% of all HispanicAmerican college students.

Since its inception, Georgia Gwinnett College’s enrollment has reflected the rich diversity of the Atlanta metropolitan region.

As a result, the college receives recognition for its ethnic diversity. For the ninth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report has ranked GGC the most ethnically diverse Southern regional college.

The college has also earned two specific designations under the Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) Program of the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Civil Rights. MSIs may apply for special funding and resources on behalf of their students and communities. The education of minority groups identified by this program is considered critical to achieving the nation’s educational goals.

Several years ago, GGC was named an Asian American and Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AAPISI), a designation established by a 2009 Presidential Executive Order and requiring an enrollment of at least

10% Asian American and Pacific Islander students.

Georgia Gwinnett was recently named a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), per criteria defined and regularly affirmed by the U.S. Department of Education and the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics.

“We are proud of the diversity and inclusive environment that makes our campus unique. This milestone recognizes the work GGC has done and will continue to do to create a successful academic experience for our students,” said Dr. Jann L. Joseph, GGC president.

HSI designation allows colleges to pursue additional funding through the Higher Education Act to further support students and programs on campus. GGC may apply for additional federal funding starting in fiscal year 2023.

To achieve HSI designation, schools must be accredited two- or four-year

STUDENT

DIVERSITY FALL 2022

32% Black or African American

27% Hispanic

24% White

12% Asian

5% Other

Students celebrate at the 2022 fall semester kickoff’s Green Scene.

Monteiro’s nursing dream supported by her two families

While most college students benefit from the support of their family, Camila Monteiro, ’22, nursing, had the support of two families.

A native of Sumaré, Brazil, Monteiro was inspired by her mother, who had set aside her dream of becoming a nurse to raise her family. Monteiro’s memories are filled with her mother teaching her and her siblings to be empathetic, dedicated, hardworking, compassionate, and to care for others without judging them.

“My nursing heart comes from my mom because she has always cared for everyone and found ways to help our community even when we did not have much for ourselves,” said Monteiro. “I can never be as good as she is, but she ignited my passion for the nursing profession and the level of human connection and caring for other individuals that it takes.”

Monteiro also credits her stepfather, Fabio, for bringing real happiness into her life, and teaching her the values that have carried her along the way.

Shown with Camila Monteiro, center, just before Georgia Gwinnett College’s 2022 fall semester commencement are her step-father, Fabio Garcia, her mother, Marcia Garcia, her African mother, Fatema Madan, and African brother, Abdul Madan.

“He thought I was crazy but told me I could conquer the world with hard work, dedication and determination,” Monteiro said. “When he came into our lives, everything became much better and happier. He was the father figure I needed.”

Monteiro said she knew in her heart that her future was north, in America, and started saving money for her life journey when she was only 14. Her mother supported her all the way. When she was 20, she came to the U.S. to be an au pair. The position allowed her to earn more income, learn English and adjust to the culture before applying to college.

The au pair position brought her to Atlanta, where she met the Madan family from Tanzania, Africa. The Madans had immigrated to the U.S. to pursue their dreams and a better life for their children. Monteiro bonded with them instantly, and they became her second family.

“Without them I would not be here today,” she said. “The Madans supported and guided me through the pathways of living in a foreign country. They gave me love. My African mama, Fatema, even went to Brazil with me and met my family a couple of years ago. Despite the language barrier, they became very close.”

Monteiro learned about Georgia Gwinnett’s nursing program while doing nursing

prerequisite studies at Georgia State University. The intimacy of GGC ’s program appealed to her, she said, because she appreciates closeness and being more than a number.

She had concerns about affording it as an out-of-state student, but the college

to learn, resources support from all sides, and the diversity and inclusiveness of the campus community. She cited meeting people from all over the USA, as well as Afghanistan, Argentina, China, Columbia, Ethiopia, India, Liberia, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Pakistan, Romania, Venezuela and more.

“GGC students and faculty come from a great variety of backgrounds, experiences, cultures and histories,” she said. “Everyone transcends their unique essence, and I learned from a different perspective daily.”

If the diversity has been invigorating, then the caring nature of her professors and fellow students has been humbling.

“I’ve been continually touched by how

selected her for a presidential out-ofstate tuition waiver.

“It meant so much to me that my hard work was recognized here at GGC, as this waiver is given to students who are involved and academically successful,” said Monteiro.

Monteiro said she loved several things about GGC – how there is always something fun going on, something new

everyone at GGC truly cared about me, not only as a student but as an individual with a story to tell and scars to heal.”

Monteiro graduated with a Bachelor of Science in nursing in December 2022, and began her nursing career in the emergency department of Grady Health System. She plans to become a nursing educator and earn a doctorate in nursing practice, with an ultimate goal of returning to Brazil one day to teach.

My nursing heart comes from my mom because she has always cared for everyone and found ways to help our community even when we did not have much for ourselves. ,,

Camila Monteiro smiles as Dr. Diane White, dean of the School of Health Sciences, pins her GGC nursing program pin on her gown. The pinning ceremony was held the evening before the 2022 fall semester commencement ceremony. Nurses may wear their nursing program pin for their entire career.

Innovative Program Helps

GGC’s new after-school program for elementary school students expands educational aspirations for children from underrepresented groups.

Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) has introduced an after-school program for historically underserved elementary school students that will serve as a model for similar programs across Georgia.

Named Grizzly Academy Dreamers, the program serves third-, fourth- and fifth-graders from Jenkins and Lawrenceville elementary schools.

Led by Dr. Amber Jarrard Ebert, assistant professor of science education and Secondary Education Department chair, the program is supported by nearly $1.65 million in federal funds via a state grant.

The program’s overarching goal is to create a community learning center that provides a safe and productive environment for children after school and provides resources, opportunities and services to their parents.

Ebert said student goals are rooted in academic support as an extension of the school day and include enrichment opportunities designed to bring in arts, expression, leadership and good citizenship.

“Currently, we offer STEP classes, STEAM (science, technology, engineering and math), journalism, entrepreneurship art, self-awareness, coding, drum and social-emotional learning classes during the sessions,” said Ebert.

The program is different than others because it also includes instruction sessions for parents for things like English as a Second Language, career assistance and budgeting.

“I would venture to say that what we are doing is unique,” said Ebert. “I do not know of another institution in the state that brings K-12 students to a college campus consistently for a dedicated program. This took well over a year to plan and implement but trust me, it’s very much worth it when you see the kids’ and parents’ reactions.”

Zaira Crawford, ’21, elementary education, who works for Grizzly Academy Dreamers as one of its certified teachers, said she’s already seen the program have a meaningful impact on students in the short time it’s been operating.

“Some of the students were ver y timid and nervous when they first came into the program, but now they are always asking why the time has to end so quickly,” said Crawford. “I am happy to be a part of a

Make Dreams Possible

Monique Smith enrolled her son, Jeremiah, a third-grader at Jenkins Elementary, in the program on the advice of one of his teachers, who recognized his eagerness to learn.

“It has really affected him in a good way,” said Smith. “I will do anything I can to let people know about this wonderful program. I’d encourage other parents to enroll their kids and watch how they grow from this.”

Grizzly Academy Dreamers currently serves 80 students. The team intends to expand its enrollment and curriculum offerings. Ebert said the program exposes students to a college atmosphere at an early age, significantly improving the probability that they will seek higher education later in life.

Crawford works frequently with student assistant Mahjabeen “Afsana” Haroon, ’23, elementary education. Haroon said she’s also seen students become more engaged with learning.

She also said the program would not be possible without collaboration with Gwinnett County Public Schools, which provides bus transportation, school resource officers and snacks for the students.

growing program that creates a sense of belonging, improves social skills, provides academic support and, most importantly, makes learning fun for students.”

“In my time in the program, I have mostly worked with the third graders, and I’ve seen many of these students discover new outlets, interests and a sense of pride for themselves and their peers,” said Haroon. Many of these students have improved their academic learning and want to share their knowledge with their peers so that they can improve too.”

Participating parents have said they love the program.

In addition, Ebert credits GGC faculty, staff and administrators who help to support the program.

“I have a long history with this grant program and have worked with many school districts and education agencies in a variety of capacities over the last 15 years,” said Ebert. “I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact these programs can make on families and communities, so I am very thankful for the tremendous support we’ve experienced.”

GGC Receives Significant Grants

Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) finished 2022 with more than $10 million in competitive federal, state and organizational grants, setting a new GGC record for the amount of such grants awarded in a calendar year. Highlighted grants include the following.

$500,000

Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Inclusive Excellence 3 initiative

Georgia Gwinnett received nearly $500,000 in grant funding from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s (HHMI) Inclusive Excellence 3 (IE3) initiative, which seeks to research efforts to advance diversity and inclusiveness practices in STEM education.

with tackling specific topics. GGC will use its funds to investigate the impact of inclusive teaching practices and evaluation of these practices towards increasing student retention.

Using School of Science and Technology as a campus model for inclusive excellence, the GGC team will offer faculty professional development and training on inclusive teaching practices, and identify tools that measure and evaluate effective and inclusive teaching.

$3.7M

Teacher Quality Grant

The School of Education was awarded a Teacher Quality Grant from the U.S. Department of Education of more than $3.7 million, disbursed

GGC is the only Georgia institution among 22 schools nationwide selected to receive this funding.

The grant will provide funding for 40 GGC students to complete a year of residency in addition to induction support during their first two years of teaching in the Gwinnett County Public School (GCPS) system.

The initiative aims to increase the diversity of the educator pipeline from GGC to GCPS in critical shortage areas including secondary math and science, K-12 special education and elementary English Learners/ESOL-endorsed teachers.

$1.65M

Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Subgrant Georgia Gwinnett received nearly $1.65 million from the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Subgrant, funded by the U.S. Department of Education and administered by the Georgia Department of Education.

The grant supports GGC’s Grizzly Academy Dreamers after-school program for historically underserved elementary students from two local schools (see story, page 10).

This innovative program also incorporates programming for parents, and a collaboration with GCPS that includes bus transportation for the students to GGC for program activities.

Honors Program Celebrates 10th Year

GGC’s Honors Program is marking its 10th year, having served more than 600 students since 2012.

One of only a few honors programs in the University System of Georgia that is a fully integrated, first-year learning community, GGC’s program enhances the educational experience with unique learning opportunities.

“People may think ‘Honors Program’ means harder classes or a bigger commitment,” said Robert Moran, ’23, political science. “The program did not make my college career harder or increase my workload. Honors classes are interactive and hands-on, and often include field trips.”

The program’s first year includes three special courses and a workshop focused on making the most of college Later, students explore varying topics in upper-level courses, such as oral history, cultural geography and more. A recent course required students to design every aspect of a society.

The program also provides workshops in resume writing, graduate school preparation and more.

Soft skill development is nurtured via field trips, retreats and etiquette dinners. Ser vice-learning activities engage students with the surrounding community. A years-long collaboration with Aurora Theatre resulted in

GGC adding theatre arts courses.

Before joining the program, Moran said he came to campus, took his classes and went home.

“The Honors Program allowed me to find a community at GGC that is centered around the college’s pillars of scholarship, leadership, service, and creativity,” he said. “It allowed me to flourish and provided me with the tools to make my college career a fulfilling one.”

“The value of the program lies within its students and the sense of community they foster beyond the program itself,” said Katie Rasque, ’23, cinema and media arts production. “I gained a strong support system of professors and friends, and I attended activities I would have normally skipped due to lack of connection.”

Seniors create a portfolio showing how they met the program’s learning outcomes. It is an opportunity to reflect on what they have gained.

“I have been able to become an active member of the campus community,” said Moran. “I have had lunch with our school’s president, written letters for the elderly, visited our nation’s capital, and created friendships that I’m sure will last well beyond my graduation.”

continues to lead for GGC

Jonelle Faal learned from an early age that life doesn’t hand people things, especially young women trying to forge a path for themselves.

She lost her mother at 15 and was on her own shortly after. When she moved to the Atlanta area in 2001 to be near her older brother, Brian, she was a young mother with a threeyear-old son. At just 21, the demands of raising a child had forced her to abandon her first try at college.

She found work as an administrator for a law firm, and within a few years, she was training incoming attorneys.

“I started thinking, wow, if only I were a little bit more educated, something great could happen for me,” said Faal. “That’s when I knew I was ready for a second chance at higher education.”

One day while shopping, she came across a kiosk touting Georgia’s newest college, which had just launched the year before.

“They were giving out information about this new, innovative school and I thought, ‘W hat the heck? Let’s give it a try,’” said Faal. “They told us those first few students would be taking a chance on something new, but that made me want to do it more. The draw to it was not just that I would be going back to school,

but having the opportunity to take part in building something from the ground up and be a pioneer.”

Faal came to Georgia Gwinnett College in 2007 in its second class of students. Her original major was psychology, but she was soon pulled in another direction.

“It was a very small campus at the time, so it was easy to get involved because they needed people for so many different things. I took part in a lot of campus infrastructure development, interacting with school lead-

ership and the business community at large,” said Faal. She citied Dr. Daniel J. Kaufman, GGC’s charter president, as one of her mentors.

“

I never could have imagined that part of my undergraduate experience would involve throwing on a hard hat, digging dirt to break ground, and cutting the ribbon to open what is now the library, student center and student housing. This sparked a passion, and the connection between that passion and what I was meant to do in life happened on GGC’s campus.

Jonelle Faal, ‘11, business, with her son, Essa, ‘25, general studies

One day, a member of the GGC Foundation Board of Trustees told her that she was a natural businesswoman and she should pursue an education that played to those strengths. It was a push in the right direction. She switched her major to business administration.

Faal excelled in her new career path and became one of the early presidents of GGC ’s Student Government Association. In 2011 the Georgia state senate passed a resolution naming her “Presidential Scholar” for the University Systems of Georgia.

She received her undergraduate degree that same year and went on to earn a master’s degree in commercial real estate from Georgia State University, where she now teaches real estate and finance as a professor of real estate for the J. Mack Robinson College of Business.

Today, she is vice president of asset management for SitusAMC, one of the nation’s most extensive financial services and real estate companies. She and her husband, Ousman, also run a trucking logistics company along with their two sons.

She credits much of her success to her time at GGC.

“GGC was the springboard to my successful career in commercial real estate,” she said. “I never could have imagined that part of my undergraduate experience would involve throwing on a hard hat, digging dirt to break ground, and cutting the ribbon to open what is now the library, student center and student housing. This sparked a passion, and the connection between that passion and what I was meant to do in life happened on GGC’s campus.”

Faal became a charter member of the School of Business Board of V isitors (BOV) in 2011. Today, she serves as its vice chair.

“I felt that I benefited so much from GGC that it’s only natural for me to give back,” she said. “Being on the BOV is a great opportunity to help the next generation of students.”

Faal said one of her passions is mentoring women and minorities to get involved in commercial real estate, and the BOV gives her an outlet to do just that.

“I encourage young women not to be intimidated by business, but to be encouraged by it because we have a lot of ideas. We bring a unique perspective to the table,” she said.

“Every business started with a single idea from a single person, and that next big innovation could be yours. Women need to have confidence in their ideas.”

Coming full circle, Faal’s new role with GGC is that of parent, as the three-year-old son she brought to Georgia all those years ago, Essa, is a sophomore studying film production.

“As an employee of the University System of Georgia, I can send my kids to almost any institution within it, but I chose Georgia Gwinnett because I know the attention and individual focus students receive there. I know my son is getting a good education.”

Jonelle Faal, ‘11, business, speaks as president of the GGC Student Government Association at the groundbreaking ceremony for the college’s residence halls in 2009.

The 2022 Grizzlyfest week kicked off with a pep rally featuring GGC Athletics, the homecoming court, the Grizzliettes dance troupe and GGC Percussion. General was armed with a t-shirt cannon and students learned the GGC Fight Song and Alma Mater. Other activities that week included the Decorate Your Den spirit contest, a comedy night, a Link to Lawrenceville event, and the first GGC Grizzly Crawl for alumni in downtown Lawrenceville.

More than 300 alumni, students, faculty, staff, families and friends came to campus for the Saturday event to enjoy tasty chili, games, assorted tabling activities by student groups, a rock-climbing wall, GrizzlyCon board games, a color fun run, the crowning of the homecoming king and queen, and an Octoberfest-style lunch.

Entertainment was provided by Grizzly Percussion and the GGC string and jazz ensembles, the Grizzliettes and others.

Dr. Jann L. Joseph, president, David Still, Lawrenceville mayor, and Tom Willard, ‘11, business, Alumni Board chair, presented greetings and joined Anthony Thomas, Student Government Association president, in judging entries for the best-tasting chili, an honor won by Dr. Chavonda Mills, dean of the School of Science and Technology.

Dr. Bernard Oliver, dean of the School of Education, took first place by popular vote in the Deans’ Chili Cook-off for the second consecutive year.

GRIZZLYFEST POPULARITY

Face painting is always popular at Grizzlyfest.

Alumni, students, faculty and staff brought their families to Grizzlyfest.

Attending Grizzlyfest were GGC’s first graduate, Daryouch Aziz, ’08, business, and his wife, Homa.

GAINS IN

Members of the Organization of Latin American Students shared Latino culture at their booth.

A color fun run participant encounters clouds of color along the run’s route.

Camila Monteiro, ’22, nursing, made her way up the rock-climbing wall.

Some Grizzlyfest attendees tried their hands at painting. Students at

For seven years, GGC’s Corporate Affiliates Program (CAP) has enhanced connections between the college community and local businesses.

Designed by GGC Advancement to foster collaborative relationships, the CAP program coordinates on- and offcampus activities, including campus guest speakers, panel discussions, mentor and coaching activities, career fairs and other recruiting activities, business facility tours and targeted relationship-building initiatives.

“Interactions between CAP members, students and faculty foster mutually beneficial discussions, as well as connections that lead to job opportunities for students meeting CAP members’ employment needs,” said Jennifer Hendrickson, associate vice president for Advancement.

Assurant, Inc., a global provider of risk management products and services, has been a CAP member since 2015. Since then, the company has participated in a variety of events with the School of Business.

“We knew we had to become engaged with GGC based on the talent of its students, the caliber of its faculty and the passion of its administrators,” said Sean Auerbach, vice president of Operations for Assurant’s local offices. “We believe that our involvement with GGC helps the next generation of leaders, and we benefit whether they come to Assurant or not. It’s part of our responsibility as a leading company in Atlanta to invest in the future.”

Auerbach said Assurant associates report being “wowed” by GGC students’ engagement and the faculty’s commitment. He cited his own experiences with sharing his insights while also learning something new from the students.

“We believe that our involvement with GGC helps the next generation of leaders, and we benefit whether they come to Assurant or not. It’s part of our responsibility as a leading company in Atlanta to invest in the future.”

–Sean Auerbach, Assurant

“It is always a value exchange when engaging Georgia Gwinnett students,” he said.

CAP members may choose to focus on one of three areas – the School of Business, information technolog y or GGC Athletics. Funds raised by the program provide critical support for GGC.

For more information about the CAP program, please contact GGC Advancement at 678-407-5588 or advancement@ggc.edu.

GGC Corporate Affiliates

Assurant

AT&T

Fastenal

GenSpark

Georgia Banking Company

LexisNexis Risk Solutions

Marten Transport Ltd

Moneypenny

Northwast Mutual Peach State Federal Credit Union

QuikTrip

Renasant Bank

RYBD Advisors and Accountants

Waffle House, Inc.

WIKA Instr ument, LP

College officials and representatives of CAP members Fastenal, Georgia Banking Company, Waffle House and WIKA Instrument, LP, pause for a photo following the School of Business’ fall semester CAP Meet & Greet with students.

GGC Hosts Corporate and Workforce Development Breakfast

GGC showcased its ability to connect local employers to talented interns and employees at its first Corporate and Workforce Development Breakfast, attended by 100 people last fall. The event featured remarks by GGC’s deans about curriculum, internships and engagement opportunities.

“We want to create win-win collaborations with corporations, nonprofits and organizations that serve Gwinnett County and the region,” said Jennifer Hendrickson, associate vice president for Advancement. “We believe we can be at the forefront of creating the workforce that Gwinnett and metro Atlanta needs.”

Attending was AnneMarie Scully of RYBD Advisors and Accountants, a GGC Corporate Affiliate (see story, page 18).

“Location is a factor, because we’re practically right around the corner from the school,” said Scully about recruiting GGC students for internship and full-time accounting jobs. “Being in Gwinnett, we want to invest in the community. And after meeting the leadership and faculty and learning more about the programs and the school, I can say that we’re really impressed with all that GGC is doing.”

Business leaders and college officials discussed opportunities for internships and other connections at the Corporate and Workforce Development Breakfast. Above, Alan Vickness of Optimized Payments and a member of the School of Business (SBA) Board of Visitors, talks with SBA faculty.

COMMUNITY INPUT LEADS TO NEW DEGREE PROGRAM

“In every discussion, constituents voiced a need for more qualified applicants to fill available management analyst and computer information systems positions.” – Dr. Tyler Yu

GGC’s new bachelor’s degree in management information system (MIS) allows students to combine information technology with the fast-paced, person-to-person interactions of the business space.

An MIS degree focuses on combining the coding aspect of a back-end developer with the social interaction of a business manager. Examples of careers that benefit from MIS degrees include information security analysts, data analysts and database engineers.

In creating this new degree, the School of Business (SBA) solicited extensive employer and area input. MIS graduates are in high demand, with 69% drawing an average starting salary of about $65,000.

“In every discussion, constituents voiced a need for more qualified applicants to fill available management analyst and computer information systems positions,” said Dr. Tyler Yu, SBA dean.

The new program appeals to students like Bailey Rungruang, who wants to combine his love of coding with his desire to work with others, and Kim Windham, who added MIS as a second major.

“MIS sets me up well because GGC’s program exposes you to tons of coding languages,” Windham said. “Getting into the industry with this much experience in different languages sets you apart.”

New Minor is Music to One’s Ears

Several students are already enrolled in the School of Liberal Arts’ new minor in musical studies, launched fall 2022. The program also includes courses in Latin American music, European art music, music in film and special topics in music.

Many others are taking music courses as electives. Music theory and music production and sound design for digital media are required courses for majors in cinema and media arts production and the digital media concentration in information technology. However, this minor reaches beyond the classroom to the rest of campus and even the community, as students may also participate in musical ensembles that are quickly becoming in demand.

Preceded by Grizzly Percussion, which evolved from an informal drum circle into a class and a student organization that plays for various events, the string ensemble has also begun performing publicly.

Above: Essa Faal, ’25, general studies, concentrates on his notes.

This fall, the string ensemble played at the semester’s welcome back celebration, Grizzlyfest, commencement, a Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center fundraiser, and an event at Aurora Theatre in downtown Lawrenceville.

The newest ensemble, a jazz band, played at the School of Liberal Arts’ fall semester welcome back festivities and the 2023 Grizzlyfest.

Also performing at an ensemble recital, all three groups have quickly become woven into the fabric of the campus and surrounding community.

Dr. Marc Gilley, associate professor of music and associate dean for the School of Liberal Arts, plays saxophone with jazz ensemble members Baraq Sekoni, drums; Cameron Bruner, bass; Jesse Tankou, bass; Joshua Martin, piano; and Grizzly Percussion members (back row) Krishan Bhalsod, guiro; Daniel Gay, clave; and Gabriel Perez , congas.

Students take advantage of beautiful fall weather to work on their studies outdoors.

A group of business majors recently toured the Mercedes-Benz North America offices in Sandy Springs, Georgia, where they interacted with company representatives from different divisions such as marketing, supply chain management, human resources and more.

Dr. Jann L. Joseph, GGC’s president,

Olivia McMahon, a dual enrollment student, holds a stone point she created at an outdoor demonstration of stone-age technology presented by GGC’s anthropology faculty.

Advancement offered families the opportunity to pause for photos during the fall semester Student Housing move-in event.

with students when she is walking about the campus.

Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) provides access to targeted baccalaureate- and associate-level degrees meeting the economic development needs of the growing and diverse population of Gwinnett County and the northeast metropolitan Atlanta region.

GGC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404.679.4500 for questions about the accreditation of Georgia Gwinnett College. Visit www.ggc.edu

Connect with us on Social Media

Office of Communications

1000 University Center Lane

Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043