FALL/WINTER 2019
THE GEORGIA GWINNETT COLLEGE MAGAZINE
Volume 5, Issue 3
STUDENT EXPLORES FRONTIERS OF TECHNOLOGY Page 8
A Celebration of Growth and Appreciation PAGE 6
Grizzlyfest Fills GGC Lawn with Fun and Fellowship PAGE 10
Nursing Program Earns National Accreditation PAGE 15
An dancer in traditional Aztec dress performs at the 2018 Day of the Dead, a celebration of deceased loved ones hosted last fall by the Organization for Latin American Students, a registered GGC student organization. The event attracted participants from campus and the community.
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In this issue On the cover: Matthew Camp, ’19, information technology, with an artist’s rendering of a holographic image of a buckyball, a spherical carbon molecule, as it would appear while using a head-mounted, holographic computer and display unit.
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President’s Message ...................................................................................2 College News
Notables .........................................................................................................................3 A celebration of growth and appreciation............................................................6 GGC fight song is a community effort ................................................................ 13 Nursing program earns national accreditation ................................................ 15
Our Four Pillars in Action Leadership Student explores frontiers of technology .....................................................4
Service There’s a whole world out there for us .........................................................8
Creativity Online textbooks reduce costs for students ............................................. 14
Scholarship Charting a path through adversity ............................................................. 16
Advancing GGC
Grizzlyfest fills GGC lawn with fun and fellowship ....................................... 10 NetworkGGC enables Grizzlies to connect....................................................... 20
The Gallery........................................................................................................ 21 engage.ggc.edu
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GGC
Celebrates
10 Years of Graduates
It does not seem that long ago when we gathered for Georgia Gwinnett College’s first commencement ceremony in the spring of 2008.
Lori Buckheister Vice President for Advancement
Our entire contingent – graduates, families, friends, faculty, staff and community guests – comfortably fit within the Building B courtyard. After that fall semester’s commencement, the entire class of 2008 numbered just under 50 alumni.
Today, GGC hosts its commencement ceremonies at the Infinite Energy Arena, where thousands of guests join the college community in celebrating about 1,400 graduates each year. This fall, we surpassed 6,000 total alumni. About 700 are teachers for Gwinnett County Public Schools and more than 150 are working in area hospitals as baccalaureate-degreed nurses. Countless others are working for local businesses, have enrolled in graduate school or have become entrepreneurs. Compared to high school graduates, college graduates with bachelor’s degrees earn nearly $1 million more and contribute about $278,000 more to local economies in direct spending over the course of their lifetimes. They also are less likely to be unemployed or to live in poverty. This means that GGC’s 6,000+ alumni have the potential to contribute almost $2 billion in economic impact through direct spending. At our current graduation rates, these figures will double in only five years. College graduates also are more likely to be engaged citizens, make good decisions about wellness and spend quality time with their children. Because their children are more likely to go to college, every degree awarded by GGC can affect multiple generations. Georgia Gwinnett alumni are your coworkers, neighbors, customers, colleagues, loved ones and friends. They enhance our region's vitality and will enrich its quality of life for all residents for decades to come. Such milestones serve as a reminder of this young college’s importance to our community and region as well as the difference it will continue to make in coming years. As our alumni population grows, the investment made in Georgia Gwinnett College will pay exponential dividends – for individuals, families and communities. The college will experience another milestone later this year when a new president is selected to succeed Dr. Stas Preczewski, who retired this January. Dr. Mary Beth Walker is serving as interim president. We appreciate the input of faculty, staff, alumni and members of the extended GGC community who are participating in the selection process, as we enter the next chapter in the life of GGC. Go Grizzlies! Lori Buckheister Data from the Association of Public & Land Grant Universities, The Brookings Institution and The College Board.
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Notables Outstanding Student Awards Recipients and their categories from the 2018 Outstanding Student Awards program included: (seated) Edil Nour, '18, chemistry – Leadership; (standing) Dominic Che, '18, nursing – Scholarship and Creativity; Haley Brown, ‘19, nursing – Service; Jordan McKay, '18, nursing – Scholarship, School of Health Sciences; Kinh Huynh, '21, mathematics – Scholarship, School of Transitional Studies; Shanice Edwards, '18, psychology – Outstanding Student Employee and Rebecca Nicoara, '19, elementary education – Scholarship, School of Education.
THE GEORGIA GWINNETT COLLEGE MAGAZINE
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 Photography: Rod Reilly, Dale Long Graphic design: Todd Buxton Writing: Sally Ramey, Amy Davenport, Dale Long Online team: Rycca Blanton, Educational Technology Server Team Other support: Dan Cassavaugh, Laurie Hudson, Hoang Huynh, Barbara Martell, Candace Williams-Brown
Kathryn Greer, systems and digital content librarian, was named a 2019 American Library Association Emerging Leader.
Dr. LaTeshia Warren, assistant professor of teacher education and clinical experiences, was named an Association of Teacher Educators Clinical Fellow.
Scholar-athlete and biology major Joseph Ametepe, Jr., ’19, presented a poster on his research into using chemotherapyloaded nanoparticles for cancerous tumor cell treatment at the Council on Undergraduate Research’s national Research Experiences for Undergraduates Symposium in Alexandria, Virginia, in October 2018.
Advancement Lori Buckheister, vice president for Advancement Sloan Jones, associate vice president for Communications Asia L. Hauter, 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
Information technology (IT) associate professors Dr. Sonal Dekhane and Dr. Xin Xu, and IT assistant professors Dr. Rahaf Barakat and Dr. Cengiz Gunay, teamed with Dr. Nannette Napier, associate professor of management information systems and decision sciences, on the paper, “Technology-Focused Service Learning Course to Increase Confidence and Persistence in Computing,” which Dekhane presented at the Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges Southeastern Conference in Salem, Virginia, in November 2018. Georgia Gwinnett College was invited to make a presentation on its success to a visiting delegation from the Austin, Texas, Chamber of Commerce.
1000 University Center Lane, Lawrenceville, GA 30043 678.407.5000 • www.ggc.edu Georgia Gwinnett College is an accredited, four-year, degree-granting unit of the University System of Georgia.
See more Notables at www.ggc.edu/notables engage.ggc.edu
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Leadership
STUDENT
EXPLORES FRONTIERS OF TECHNOLOGY “It feels like science fiction.” This is how Matthew Camp, ’19, information technology (IT), describes his research into cutting-edge visualization technologies as a GGC student. “It’s not 20 years in the future,” he said. “It’s here now.” One technology is reminiscent of the holograms in Tony Stark’s laboratory in the Marvel movie series. Using a variation of virtual reality (VR) technology called mixed reality, special goggles seem to project a 3-D image in front of their wearer. However, unlike typical VR images that immerse the viewer within a 3-D scene, the viewer can walk around the 3-D image and view it from all angles.
Matthew Camp, ’19, holds a Hololens, a holographic computer and head-mounted display unit.
“IT FEELS LIKE SCIENCE FICTION. IT’S NOT 20 YEARS IN THE FUTURE. IT’S HERE NOW.”
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“It’s not exactly like Tony’s Stark’s holograms because you must use goggles to see the images,” Camp said. “But the effect is like his holograms in that the projection appears suspended in space as a true, stationary 3-D image." Camp and his GGC colleagues use the technology to visualize molecules. This is helpful to students as well as professionals who seek to better understand the 3-D structure of molecules, the angles of bonds between atoms and other features. While this technology is used for simple images today, Camp envisions its use for much more complex images in the future. For example, data from CT and MRI scans could be used to create and project a 3-D image of a patient’s internal organs for physicians to examine, he said. Camp’s other project arose from a selective Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program, hosted last summer at Lehigh University and funded by the National Science Foundation. Camp and his REU team taught an artificial intelligence (AI) program to analyze MRI scan data, distinguish a cancerous brain tumor from healthy tissue and then create a 3-D image of the tumor. The technology shows promise – in only nine weeks, they taught the AI program to identify 85 percent of brain tumors.
Matthew Camp, ’19, information technology, explains to a fall CREATE Symposium attendee how his artificial intelligence research led to the creation of 3-D images of brain tumors.
“This technology will not be a replacement for physicians,” Camp said, “But it can be a useful, time-saving tool for diagnosis.” This fall, Camp was invited to present a paper on the project at a national undergraduate research conference hosted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge.
“ IT MAKES ME FEEL GOOD TO KNOW THAT I’M MAKING A DIFFERENCE.” Camp didn’t originally intend to study such technological advances. He attended two colleges in the upper Midwest, initially as a mathematics major with an education minor. However, he found it expensive and he didn’t have a positive experience with large, impersonal classes. His family then moved to Georgia, where he heard about GGC’s small classes and affordability. Once enrolled, he found a supportive environment where faculty took interest in their students. He found that he enjoyed his classes more. He also appreciated having real conversations with his professors and forming mentoring relationships that transformed his higher education experience – and himself. “I’ve overcome my shyness,” he said. He credits his professors for encouraging him and nudging him into research. They include Dr. Todd Lindley, assistant professor of geography; Dr. Charles Pibel, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry and Drs. Evelyn Brannock, assistant professor of IT and Robert Lutz, associate professor of IT. Between their influence and an internship that introduced him to programming, Camp changed his major to IT. However, he still has a love for mathematics and education – interests he puts into action as a tutor in the Academic Enhancement Center. “I can see their growth,” Camp said of his students. “It makes me feel good to know that I’m making a difference.” At GGC, Camp discovered a new enthusiasm for learning and for his future. After graduating in May, he plans to obtain a job and work toward a master’s degree that will allow him to expand on his research interests. He foresees exciting possibilities. engage.ggc.edu
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College News
Celebration
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Growth and Appreciation
Attending the dedication of the Stephens Family Executive Forum: (seated) Beverly Stephens, John D. Stephens, (standing) Brian Lay, Priscilla Esquivel, Mark Stephens, Carol Stephens, Mike Stephens, Mitch Stephens, Jennifer Stephens, Ashley David and Drew David.
Georgia Gwinnett College welcomed state and local community leaders for a Celebration of Growth and Appreciation that included two milestone events, the completion of academic Building W and a legislative update.
Stephens Family Executive Forum dedication The day began with a dedication ceremony for the Stephens Family Executive Forum, a corporate-style facility in Building W that will host executive speakers, teleconferences and other interactive presentations. The 1,600-square foot room seats 59 and features the latest in audiovisual technologies, including a 20-foot LCD video wall. The mobile, wireless lectern accommodates laptops and tablets and has a document camera along with other technologies. Unlike the modest environment of a typical college seminar space, the forum features furnishings and finishes one would find in a signature corporate conference room.
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The executive forum was made possible by a significant gift from the family of Gwinnett resident John D. Stephens in support of the college’s commitment to quality higher education. “A lot of people have helped get this college where it is,” said Stephens. “It’s definitely a bright spot for the community and I’m glad to be a part of it. We’re giving students an opportunity. If they get a good education at GGC, no one can take it away from them. They’ll always have it.” Special signage recognizes the Stephens family, and a handsome piece of stone displayed in the room symbolizes the family’s quarry business. “We greatly appreciate the generosity of the Stephens family and their commitment to providing our students with a learning space that will prepare them for today’s professional working environments,” said former President Stas Preczewski.
Participating in the Building W ribbon-cutting ceremony: (first row) U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall; University System of Georgia Regent Richard Tucker; Ga. Sen. Renee Unterman, Ga. Sen. David Shafer; Ga. Rep. Pedro Marin; Lawrenceville Mayor Judy Jordan Johnson; GGC student Alexandra Yon; Ga. Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick; Ga. Rep. Sam Park; Ga. Rep. Timothy Barr, Lilburn Mayor Johnny Crist, (second row) Tony Powell; former GGC President Stas Preczewski; Lawrenceville City Councilman Robert Clark and Lawrenceville City Councilman David Still.
Building W ribbon-cutting ceremony Guests then took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of Building W, a 52,000-square foot expansion of a previous structure. The building represents the end of Georgia Gwinnett’s formative construction period, during which the college built its key operational and academic facilities.
Building W is positioned between the residence halls and Student Center and adjacent to Building C.
“While the construction crane may no longer be our unofficial mascot, momentum continues in meaningful ways as GGC shifts more attention toward refining our operations, enhancing the student experience, and deepening the college’s relationships with local business, nonprofit and civic stakeholders,” said Preczewski. “Thanks to their support, GGC continues to change lives, families and communities.” Building W includes classrooms, faculty offices, a large gathering and study space, multiple small study areas, the Stephens Family Executive Forum, the dean’s office for the School of Transitional Studies, an experimental classroom, and an office, activity and classroom suite for the GGC Honors Program. “The experimental classroom contains furnishings and technology that encourage interactive group work, semester-long projects and hands-on learning,” said Dr. Laurel Holland, interim dean of the School of Liberal Arts.
Legislative update The day’s events concluded with a brunch and a presentation for elected officials who represent the Gwinnett community on the local, state and federal levels. The presentation featured an update on the college’s progress and future plans. Guests also enjoyed conversation with many faculty, students and alumni, who provided personal perspectives on their GGC experiences. Two alumni spoke to the group about their lives after college as engaged citizens.
Reggie Hairston, ’17, special education, speaks to the brunch audience.
“Our elected officials have made a significant investment in GGC during these critical, formative years,” Preczewski said. “Nothing illustrates the dramatic return on that investment better than the success of our students and alumni. And through their economic, professional and civic contributions to the community, generations of Grizzlies will continue to make them proud for decades to come.” engage.ggc.edu
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Service
THERE’S A
W H O L E WO R L D
OUT THERE FOR US
Laurena Circelli does not believe in limits.
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he always knew that she wanted to be a doctor, but others discouraged her dream.
“I was told that I wasn’t smart or dedicated enough,” Laurena Cirelli said. “It was like being trapped in a box. It made me think that I might not live up to my potential.” Her parents’ divorce during her teens created more doubt in her mind about her future. Only one semester shy of graduation, Circelli dropped out of high school to travel around the country for personal growth. “I saw it as an opportunity,” she said.
Laurena Circelli at Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, China.
Over the next few years, Circelli spent time in 16 states, finding work along the way to fund her travels. In California, she finished her high school diploma and attended one semester of college before returning home to Duluth, Georgia. GGC’s affordability and convenient location was the logical choice for earning her bachelor’s degree in biology – the first step toward becoming a doctor. “I like the small classes and how faculty will go out of their way to help you,” she said.
Laurena Circelli feeds a red-crowned crane at a breeding facility at Xianghai National Nature Reserve. This beloved but endangered species is popular in Chinese, Japanese and Korean art and culture.
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Photos courtesy of Laurena Circelli
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As a student, Circelli spends her time carefully. She is an active member of the Minority Association of Premed Students and the Four Pillar Society, a student leadership program established by the Office of Advancement and supported by the President’s Office. Society members serve as official goodwill ambassadors for GGC at special events on campus and in the community.
L I K E T H E S M A L L C L A S S E S A N D H O W FA C U L T Y W I L L G O O U T O F T H E I R WAY T O H E L P Y O U . ” Circelli volunteers in Gwinnett Medical Center’s neonatal intensive care unit, which serves premature and sick newborns. There, she assists unit staff with a variety of tasks.
“I’m able to shadow nurses or doctors, and I sometimes provide some minor assistance during deliveries,” she said. She also provides comfort for the babies by holding them for long periods, which is critical for their development and well-being. "I sometimes hold a baby for up to four hours," she said. The experience has strengthened her resolve to be a physician and directed her interests to specializing in neonatology.
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On campus, Circelli enjoys conversations with Dr. Donatien Cicura, assistant professor of philosophy and world religions, who teaches her favorite course, bioethics. “He pushes you to the edges of your comfort bubble,” she said of Cicura’s way of making one consider different perspectives. She appreciates his global experiences as she is internationally well-traveled herself.
She has visited Brazil, England, Ireland, Mexico, Scotland, the Netherlands, several island nations and, through a recent GGC study abroad experience, China and Japan.
Circelli and 23 fellow biology majors spent a month in the two nations this past summer as part of a program in plant and animal biology. Led by Dr. Mark Schlueter, professor of biology, and Dr. Fengjie Sun, associate professor of biology, the trip was conducted in cooperation with Jilin Engineering Normal University in Changchun, Jilin Province, China.
HERE IS A WHOLE WORLD OUT THERE FOR US. DON’T LIMIT YOURSELF – TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT.” The students visited palace, public and botanical gardens, as well as the Xianghai National Nature Reserve, regional parks, Heavenly Lake of Tianshan and the Changbai Mountains National Park, which Circelli described as, “the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen.” The program also included botany, zoology and bird-watching field excursions and a hike through natural panda habitat. At a panda breeding facility, the students cleaned habitat enclosures and prepared special food. Circelli said she hopes to take another study abroad trip before graduating in 2020 and moving on to study medicine in Europe. She encouraged others to travel. “You can travel very inexpensively, she said. “There is a whole world out there for us. Don’t limit yourself – take advantage of it.”
A baby panda tries to get onto Laurena Circelli’s lap. While pandas look soft and fluffy, Circelli said its coat was coarse.
Laurena Circelli at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, part of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, China.
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Advancing GGC
Grizzlyfest Fills GGC Lawn with
Fun and Fellowship
A tempting aroma of chili drifted across the GGC lawn as a lively crowd enjoyed a day of fun during the college’s Grizzlyfest – A GGC Homecoming.
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different take on the typical homecoming tradition, the event was a creative mixture of a fall festival, collegiate pep rally, family reunion and birthday party. “Our planning team collaborated with many campus groups and offices to adapt GGC’s homecoming from a sports-associated activity to an event with its own special character,” said Susan Arant, internal development consultant in the Office of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations. It turned out to be a winning recipe, drawing more than 350 alumni, students, faculty, staff and their families, as well as community guests – the largest homecoming participation in GGC’s history. While the event mainly took place on the lawn, Grizzlyfest offered a broad variety of activities, including a one-mile fun run around campus, an art walk of featured works in several buildings, multiple service projects associated with Gwinnett Great Days of Service and a study abroad reunion with Dr. Sam Peppas and Stephanie Peppas. “I thought it was a great outing,” said Jay Patel, ’11, business, a member of the GGC Alumni Association Board. “It was good to see faculty and staff engaged with the students. There was great support from student athletes that really brought in a good crowd.”
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Lawrenceville Mayor Judy Jordan Johnson, lower left, pauses for a photo with GGC scholar-athletes.
FIRST PLACE
One of the event’s benefits was that student athletes and Athletics staff who would otherwise be involved in game day activities were able to participate. This included leading soccer skills drills with both children and adults alike. Soccer was still part of festivities during the week leading up to Grizzlyfest, as the women’s squad won its match against Lindsey Wilson College of Columbia, Kentucky, 2-1. Other activities that week included a comedy show and a blood drive. Resident students and faculty and staff competed in a Decorate Your Den competition. Matthew Micheaux, ’20, business, and Cameron Hill, ’21, information technology, were crowned homecoming king and queen.
Dr. Tyler Yu, dean of the School of Business, won first place in the Deans Chili Cook-Off for the second year.
At Grizzlyfest, Matthew Micheaux, ’20, business, was crowned homecoming king and Cameron Hill, ’21, information technology, was crowned queen. Grizzlyfest participants also enjoyed a dance routine performed by African Voice and several informative and activity booths presented by GGC’s schools and various campus groups and student organizations. Children played corn hole and bubble soccer. The only times the crowd grew quiet were during a mesmerizing performance by Grizzly Percussion and for the announcement of the winners of the Deans Chili Cook-Off. “The annual Deans Chili Cook-Off was the centerpiece attraction,” Arant said. “The large sample sizes ensured that by the time people tried all six chili recipes, they’d had a full meal.” While Moore and Preczewski took third and second places respectively, Dean Tyler Yu of continued on next page >
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Advancing GGC
Deans Chili Cook-Off contestants and Aramark assistants pause for a photo before competition begins.
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the School of Business defended his 2017 title with his own take on a classic recipe. Grizzlyfest attendees voted for their favorite recipe with donations to the GGC Fund. “This year’s cook-off raised almost $800, about three times more than our first cook-off in 2017,” Arant said. “The GGC Fund provides scholarships and other student and programmatic support, so students will ultimately benefit.”
“ It was good to see faculty and staff engaged with the students. There was great support from student athletes that really brought in a good crowd.”
Matthew Micheaux, ’20, business, leads the pack during the Grizzlyfest’s one-mile fun run.
– Jay Patel, '11
The event also included a 10th birthday celebration for General, the GGC mascot, and the premiere of the GGC fight song in a community sing-along led by Grizzly Athletics and student athletes (see related story, page 13). “The spirit and enthusiasm of the GGC community at this event was inspiring,” said Arant. “We plan to build upon this success for future years.”
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Members of the women’s soccer team lead a sing-along of the new GGC Fight Song.
College News
GGC is a
Fight Song Community Effort
Early last fall, 25 musicians from across the northern Atlanta area came together for a single, special performance.
A collaboration of ideas submitted by students, faculty, staff and alumni to GGC’s Intercollegiate Athletics Committee, the fight song took seven years to become a reality.
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Dr. Nathan Frank, husband of Erin Frank, assistant athletics director for business services, helped by recruiting musicians for recording the fight song’s instrumental track at Johns Creek United Methodist Church, where he is director of worship and music. Several of the musicians are in the church’s orchestra.
he group, comprised of students, college professors, community musicians and a retired member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, gathered at a local church to perform and record just one sheet of music – the “Georgia Gwinnett College Fight Song.” The song was composed and written by Doug Court, who joined GGC Athletics as a volunteer in 2011. He later became assistant athletics director for facilities and operations, but his previous career was in music. “I thought it would be cool to write a fight song for this new college,” said Court, who has supervised Salvation Army music programs and composed arrangements for high school bands and orchestras. “I sketched out some words that were suggested by others and tied them to a nice tune.”
The fight song premiered at the 2018 Grizzlyfest, where college staff led event attendees in a sing-along (see related story page 10). “The fight song truly is a gift to the college from the community,” said Dr. Darin Wilson, associate vice president/director of Athletics. “It will be a permanent expression of the Grizzly spirit for generations to come.” To hear the fight song, visit www.ggc.edu/fightsong
Members of the volunteer orchestra included (first row) Kevin Worley, Carlee Woodring, Brenda Floyd, Bryan Jordan, Hayden Mcafee, Shelly White, (second row) Geoff Barnes, Jessica Bell, Doug Smith, Stephanie Bagly, Casey Jordan, Anna Katherine Sweeney, Julie Sweeney, Michael Ollman, Daniel Tootsbery, Doug Lindsey, (third row) Josh Inglis, Josh Hayward, Ethan Hills, Michael Price, Jacob Griefinger, Nick Collins, Dave Virag, (fourth row) Ted Johnson and Jim Wile.
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Creativity
Online Textbooks Reduce Costs for Students
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pology, geography, information technology (IT), mathematics, music, physics, political science and Spanish. These resources will save more than $960,000 for about 5,600 GGC students annually.
This creates a barrier to student success. Many students may delay purchase, share textbooks or try to do without. These tactics can result in poor grades or course withdrawal.
These 16 courses represent only about five percent of the total annual required textbook purchases by GGC students. However, for the students taking these courses, the savings are significant, sometimes determining if they stay in school or drop out.
oday’s college textbooks are expensive. The College Board estimated the 2015-16 cost of textbooks/supplies at more than $1,200 per student. Textbooks for upper-level courses, especially in the sciences, can cost hundreds of dollars each.
To reduce this cost, faculty across the nation are producing affordable, open-source textbooks and other learning materials often available online. The University System of Georgia (USG) supports faculty efforts to develop open materials by providing Textbook Transformation Grants to fund the work. The grants are offered through Affordable Learning Georgia (ALG), a USG initiative with GALILEO, Georgia’s Virtual Library. The resulting materials are available to students throughout the USG at no or low cost. GGC faculty members have received ALG grants to develop open textbooks for 16 courses in anthro14
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“The textbook previously used in the digital media 2110 course was expensive. It also required frequent updating due to the fast-evolving nature of the IT field,” said Dr. Shuhua Lai, professor of IT, who partnered with Dr. Kairui Chen, associate professor of IT, to develop an open textbook for the course. “The open textbook eliminates student cost, is easily updated and is available on the first day of class. It has improved student retention and success rates in this course.” In keeping with the national trend, GGC faculty continue to submit proposals for ALG grants.
College News
Nursing Program
Earns National Accreditation
“CCNE accreditation indicates that the quality of our program aligns with a rigorous standard set to ensure that GGC meets, or even exceeds, educational and regulatory standards.” - former President Stas Preczewski
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eorgia Gwinnett’s nursing program recently earned accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), which ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate and doctoral programs in the United States and its territories. “Obtaining this accreditation reaffirms our reputation as a top nursing program,” said Dr. Diane White, dean of the School of Health Sciences. “It is the highest standard of distinction and we achieved it in record time. This designation demonstrates our commitment to academic excellence, to our students and to the community at large.” Since graduating its charter class in 2016, the program has produced more than 150 nurses, almost all of whom are employed in the Atlanta metropolitan area. GGC’s nursing graduates have a 96 percent first-time passing rate for the nursing boards, an exam required to receive a nursing license. This is well above the 80 percent standard for Georgia programs.
Marcia Hancock, clinical nursing instructor, center, helps nursing majors Keilyn White, ’20, and Chantel Wylie de Jimeno, ’20, with clinical exercises.
GGC’s nursing students have won an impressive 16 state and 10 national awards from student nurse associations. Twelve students have served as association board members on the state level and one on the national level. “CCNE accreditation indicates that the quality of our program aligns with a rigorous standard set to ensure that GGC meets, or even exceeds, educational and regulatory standards,” said former President Stas Preczewski. “Having this standing will make it easier for our students to secure financial aid and pursue advanced degrees.” Accreditation standards focus on program quality, curriculum, institutional resources, outcomes and student achievement. It holds nursing programs accountable to the community, ensures that programs prepare individuals to fulfill their expected roles and fosters continuous improvement. engage.ggc.edu
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Scholarship
Ron White, ’21, information technology, and his daughter, Sydney White, ’21, pre-education, shop for Grizzly gear in the campus bookstore.
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a path
Three days a week for five hours, GGC student Ron White is hooked up to a dialysis machine. This arduous, life-saving process is his new normal. It also became the catalyst for pursuing his education.
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on White grew up in a small, West Virginia town where college education was not a priority. By age 20, he started a manufacturing career.
“A lot of people my age and older did not see the value in education. In West Virginia, you could always be very well off working in the coal mines,” White said. “In other states there were factories. Back then, you could always do something with your hands and make a good living.” To keep up with changing times, White eventually obtained Cisco and Microsoft certifications to work in information technology. However, certifications are not equivalent to a college degree. He now understands the importance of a good education and stresses that point to his son and daughter. “I’m very proud they are working hard toward getting the education every young person needs to navigate this modern world,” White said. A few years ago, White developed strange, chronic symptoms including constantly smelling ammonia. Medical bills piled up without a definitive diagnosis. After several months, he received one – he was in full kidney failure and was sent to an emergency room.
White’s life instantly changed, as did his philosophy about what is important in life. “Decades after we are gone, our children and those friendships we made are our individual legacies,” he said. “I think it is important to give everything you can to your family and friends. I am not talking about financial giving; I am talking about giving of yourself. Give them a reason to smile, a reason to laugh – offer them any knowledge and understanding you have developed throughout your life. If there is someone you love, tell them you love them. Even if it’s a friend, make sure you tell them. If a moment touches you, even if it is in a room full of people you hardly know, let them know it. This will ensure that someone is carrying your story – your memory – long after you’re gone.”
“ When I was given this life-changing diagnosis I knew I needed to lead by example. It was important for me to set a standard not only for myself but for my kids.” – Ron White, '21 White recommends taking advantage of opportunities that present themselves, an important lesson as he navigated his life
Adversity White had surgery for kidney biopsies and to insert tubes for dialysis treatment. He is one of almost 5,000 Georgians in need of a kidney.
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Photo courtesy of Ron White
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post-diagnosis. Unable to work, he found himself staring down a path of uncertainty. He felt he had to take his own advice and pursue opportunities, if not for himself, then for his family. “When I was given this life-changing diagnosis, I knew I needed to lead by example. It was important for me to set a standard not only for myself but for my kids,” White said. “I wanted them to know when they are adults they will face overwhelming challenges, but nevertheless, they are only challenges. I needed to show them that in any situation there are many paths. Occasionally one path will get blocked off, so look for the other path that presents itself.” That path led White to enroll at Georgia Gwinnett College in 2017 along with his daughter, Sydney. As he navigated a dual role as both GGC student and parent, he found himself fortunate that his daughter is happy to spend lots of time with her father. They coordinate class schedules to allow carpooling, shared lunches and study sessions. The Whites have even had classes together, leaning on each other along the way. For Sydney, an education major, the experience has shown her just how strong her father is. “I love it. It’s great being able to have these experiences together,” she said. “Not many people get to say they attended college with their dad! And despite dialysis, he still finds time and energy to study, attend classes and maintain good grades. He is pretty inspiring.”
“ The atmosphere on campus, along with the incredible support I have received, have allowed me to pursue my degree without feeling as if I don’t belong.” – Ron White, '21 White said he appreciates how the GGC community accommodates non-traditional students and makes him feel welcome. 18
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Georgia Gwinnett College
Ron White is shown with his daughter, Sydney, during a visit to Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in Columbia, South Carolina, when she was about six years old.
“The atmosphere on campus, along with the incredible support I have received, have allowed me to pursue my degree without feeling as if I don’t belong.” He also credits professors and staff who have helped him, including his “lifesaver,” math tutor Julia Sweatt. “I knew he had medical issues that he dealt with daily. He continually put out the extra effort he needed for success in the classroom,” Sweatt said. “So instead of me helping Ronald with math, I would say that the extra effort helped me to become a better tutor.” Another critical resource for White is the Lonnie Harvel Memorial Scholarship. Harvel was one of GGC’s charter cabinet members, serving as vice president of Educational Technology and an associate professor of information technology. He was integral to the development of programs essential to the college’s innovative mission before his passing in 2010. In 2013, Harvel was memorialized by the renaming of a campus street, Lonnie Harvel Boulevard. In addition, through the generous support of Harvel’s family and friends, the scholarship became fully funded this year. White is its first recipient.
“I am working hard to earn a degree in information technology, an area Dr. Harvel was very passionate about,” said White. “Being the first student to receive this scholarship means so much to me, and I hope I’m making Lonnie and his family proud.”
Scholarships
support students
Harvel’s widow, Rev. Martha Aenchbacher, said she is grateful White has access to the education he desires, as Harvel believed everyone who sincerely wants an education should have it. She said Harvel was a champion for building bridges and opening doors and saw education as a key to making the world a better place. “We are thrilled for Ron to have this opportunity and delight knowing that he and his daughter get to share this time in a unique way,” Aenchbacher said. “Ron already demonstrates qualities Lonnie admired – passion, honor, integrity and a willingness to turn difficulty into opportunity. We will keep his health and well-being in our prayers as he takes aim at achieving his degree.” Despite his demanding dialysis schedule, White and his daughter are on track to graduate together in 2021.
“ This unforeseen medical diagnosis has given me the chance to develop a new understanding of the people around me. GGC and its students truly offer me hope for a better tomorrow.” – Ron White, '21
“Sadly, some who get this diagnosis decide to live off a machine the rest of their lives, watching daytime television. I want my children to understand that even under what some consider very difficult circumstances, there is still another path you must look for,” White said. “The path I chose is to locate a kidney donor, get a higher education and return to the workforce as a much better version of myself.” White also hopes his classmates take advantage of learning about each other from the rich diversity represented at the college. “As we get older, we tend to stay in our own little bubble. We get our news from a few news sources and through the social media lens. We tend to start believing the world is just getting worse. But there are so many interesting perspectives and new things to learn,” White said. “By taking the opportunity to study with this younger generation, my mind is more at ease. This unforeseen medical diagnosis has given me the chance to develop a new understanding of the people around me. GGC and its students truly offer me hope for a better tomorrow.”
Scholarships are one of the most effective ways to provide assistance to GGC students. There are several types of scholarship funds. For example, expendable scholarships are funded by the donor each year to produce the scholarship award to the student. Endowed scholarships are established with sufficient funds to be invested to produce scholarship awards on a permanent basis. “Endowed scholarships create a legacy,” said Lori Buckheister, vice president of Advancement. “While they initially require more investment, payments may be made over as many as five years to reach the amount needed to begin awarding scholarships to students annually.” Friends, family and colleagues made gifts over a few years to endow the Lonnie Harvel Memorial Scholarship, noted in the story at left. To learn more about establishing a scholarship fund or contributing to an existing fund, contact the Office of Advancement at 678.407.5588. engage.ggc.edu
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Advancing GGC
NetworkGGC
Enables Grizzlies to Connect
NetworkGGC.com
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GC’s Office of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations (AGAR) recently launched a special networking platform designed to allow members of the GGC community to connect with each other easily and conveniently. “We are excited to offer this service,” said Nate Jones, director of AGAR. “NetworkGGC members can share photos, announcements and life events with each other in a private site available only to GGC alumni, students, faculty and staff.” The site includes a jobs board, a calendar of events, a member directory and convenient feeds from GGC Alumni Association social media. “The platform also enables one to request a mentor or volunteer to be a mentor for others,” Jones said. “This allows the entire GGC community to support each other.” To join, go to NetworkGGC.com and sign in with a LinkedIn or Facebook profile. Other sign-up options also are available.
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Class of 2008
Where Are They Now? Here is a sampling of what some 2008 charter alumni are doing. Connect with these and other alumni at NetworkGGC.com Daryouch Aziz, business President and CEO Raydar, Inc. Suwanee, Georgia Harun Erdem, business Procurement Specialist Hes Cable Istanbul, Turkey Chad Miller, business Owner/Operator Miller Realty Solutions, LLC Smyrna, Georgia
Felix Gerster, ’08, business, was among alumni honored at the School of Business (SBA) fall Alumni Network event for his assistance with the school’s accreditation process with the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Shown are Dr. Tyler Yu, SBA dean, Gerster and SBA faculty Dr. Melinda Cline and Dr. C. Douglas Johnson.
The Gallery The #12 men ’s and #8 wom en’s soccer teams had wi nning season s last fall, advancing to the national NA IA Championship Round of 16. Shown is Toni Tiente , ’21, busines s.
a tiny, xamines iology, e excavation at the b , 1 ’2 r, Jase at an orgia. Yesmeen ifact she found nroe, Ge l art near Mo help d a to te t s h e potentia g arris Hom t volunteers sou f H m ia ill n o W r de professo other stu rters. ssistant She and Deeley, a e site’s slave qua n ry th a th Dr. K te a c logy, lo anthropo
7, elby Myers, ’1 tti Hill, ’13, Sh e attending Pa os ni th m g alu on ) am re ucation (SOE nson, ’14, we ion-style bi un Ro re rly School of Ed al, be nu m n, ’14, and Ki ol-specific, an ho sc . l ni ra m ve alu se Jasmin Barto of ties for college ni Mixer, one king opportuni SOE’s fall Alum or tw ne d an ing fun events provid
Veterans Har science, an rison Tobin, ’21, ex ercise d Christop her Fouts business, , ’20, were amo n g those p flags arou lacing nd the ca mpus earl Veterans y on Day morn ing, an an of the Offi nual activ ce of Veter ity ans Succ ess.
Numerous GGC students recently produced and sta musical comedy rred in “The Adda , an interdisciplina ms Family” ry collaboration and Lawrencevill of the GGC Hono e’s Aurora Theatre rs Program .
Office of Public Relations 1000 University Center Lane Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043
Georgia Gwinnett College is an accredited access institution offering targeted baccalaureate and associate degrees meeting the economic development needs of the growing and diverse population of Gwinnett County and the northeast Atlanta metropolitan region. Visit www.ggc.edu. Connect with us @GeorgiaGwinnett
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IN THE NEXT
ISSUE:
Environmental research cluster enables student exploration
Scholar-athletes are champs on and off the field
Nothing deters student from achieving her goals
