Engage Winter 2024

Samantha Smith, ’24, business, was among students using ground-penetrating radar as part of an ongoing research project to determine the location of the quarters of enslaved people who lived and worked at the William Harris Homestead in Monroe, Georgia, during the 1800s. The students used equipment provided by Duncan Balinger of Edwards-Pitman Environmental. He and Dr. Kathryn Deeley, assistant professor of anthropology, led the activity, which located anomalies for future excavation.

IN THIS ISSUE

“We pour into the school, and GGC pours into us. Both our cups are filling.”

— Janson Harris

A new chapter unfolds EXCITING developments at GGC

The last several months have been busy at Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC). We launched a transformative strategic plan for 2023-2025 (see story, page 8), reflecting collaborative efforts to shape the institution’s future. Focal points include expanding academic access and success, enhancing organizational efficiency, engaging our community, elevating the brand, and promoting diversity and inclusion. These priorities will be integrated into all aspects of student and college support and serve as the foundation for the next five-year strategic plan.

The year 2023 saw us achieve significant milestones. We experienced consecutive enrollment growth, improved retention rates, expanded programs, achieved record housing occupancy and successfully received re-accreditation of our nursing program. Other highlights are the growth of student organizations, the academic success of student athletes, and our increasing alumni base.

Ongoing projects, such as the chiller infrastructure expansion, the construction of the Convocation Center and the paving of our gravel parking lots are on track. We eagerly anticipate the grand opening of the Convocation Center late this year.

We extend our gratitude to GGC’s stakeholders for their support in facilitating student achievement through internships, mentorships and career opportunities. Your collaboration and engagement remain vital for realizing our shared mission and vision.

There are so many things for us to be proud of and excited about. GGC is poised for continued success and positive community impact with everyone’s contributions. We anxiously wait to see the outcome of our initiatives.

Go Grizzlies!

Dr. Jann L. Joseph President

Dr. Jann L. Joseph President

GGC is Most Ethnically Diverse for 10th Year

Georgia Gwinnett College is ranked as the most ethnically diverse Southern regional college for the 10th consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report magazine. The same report indicated that GGC ranks #4 in ethnic diversity among regional colleges in the nation. The ranking was based on data reported from the college’s fall 2022 semester.

Notables

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, Ken Scar

Other support: LaKeidra Veal Hill, Laurie Hudson, Hoang Huynh, Simona Lucchi, Barbara Martell, Jarrett Bonner, Allana Walker Collaborators

Jennifer Hendrickson, associate vice president for Advancement

Sloan Jones, chief of Staff

Jackie Todd, associate vice president for Communications

Mailing List

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

Dr. Wenlin Michelle Huang, associate professor of chemistry, was named a 2023 Governor’s Teaching Fellow.

Dr. Christine Miller Divine, vice president of Information Technology/CIO, was named to Briefcase Coach’s list of 50 Inspirational Women Leaders in Atlanta.

1000 University Center Lane Lawrenceville, GA 30043

678.407.5000

• www.ggc.edu

GGC faculty teams recently won $67,775 in Affordable Learning Grants for development of digital materials and related research that will save students about $190,000 annually. Materials will be created for select courses in astronomy, biochemistry and information technology.

The School of Education received the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation’s 2023 Frank Murray Leadership Recognition for Continuous Improvement.

The School of Health Sciences’ baccalaureate program in nursing was reaccredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

See more Notables at www.ggc.edu/notables

History is my passion

After two years as a biology major at GGC, Amelia Porter Lewis encountered challenges with her math courses – courses that were required for her degree.

“I was just not doing well,” Lewis said. Her schoolappointed mentor asked about her interests and helped guide her in switching her major to the field that had always been important to her – history.

“History is my passion,” Lewis said. In fact, she has loved history since she was young and even attended local Civil War and frontier camp programs. She also participated in history-related events as a guide, sometimes wearing period dress.

She thrived in her new major and graduated in 2017 with a bachelor’s in history.

Today, Lewis’ job as assistant to Gwinnett County’s director of the Department of Transportation (DOT) includes researching property records and other historical information related to DOT projects. She also acts as a liaison with the Gwinnett Records Management Department and the Volunteer Gwinnett program.

In 2022, Gwinnett County’s official historian passed away after serving in this volunteer position for 50 years. Lewis applied for the position and won appointment later that year.

As county historian, Lewis serves as an ex-facto member of the volunteer-run Gwinnett Historic Preservation & Restoration Board. She advises the

At left, Amelia Porter Lewis is shown in the parlor exhibit at the Gwinnett History Museum in downtown Lawrenceville.

Amelia

and her mother, Sandi Porter, participated in the 2023 Elisha Winn Fair in Dacula.

board, which in turn advises the county board of commissioners on historic restoration and preservation matters.

She also continues to act as a guide at various historic properties and events, including some outside of the county. Lewis helps monitor what happens on or near historic properties, leads tours in downtown Lawrenceville, conducts research and is writing a couple of books.

“I love to share my knowledge,” Lewis said. “I will probably volunteer about 1,000 hours this year. But because it’s my passion, it doesn’t feel like work.”

Lewis looks back fondly on her supportive GGC faculty and the many friends she made in college. She and her mother were even GGC students at the same time. Sandi Porter, ’19, exercise science, will earn a master’s in public health this year. Lewis herself earned a master’s degree in public administration in 2022.

“I love to share my knowledge.”

— Amelia Porter

She noted the full circle her life has taken in Gwinnett, where she was also named a 2023 Gwinnett Young Professionals 35 Under 35 Winner.

“I was born in Gwinnett, and because of strategic and progressive planning efforts of local leaders, I was able to complete my education and earn a bachelor’s degree in Gwinnett, and now through my job and volunteer work, I can give back to my community.”

Above,

Porter Lewis

Greek Life to Expand at GGC

Now with two Greek organizations, GGC plans to add more.

Last fall, 14 students were inducted into the Upsilon Xi chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA). Founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C., in 1908, AKA is the first intercollegiate, historically African American sorority.

AKA follows the Phi Xi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (APhiA), GGC’s first fraternity, which was chartered in 2022. Both organizations are part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council’s historic, first “Divine Nine” African American fraternities and sororities. In fact, APhiA was the first, and AKA the second, to be founded. Now the first and second Greek organizations established at GGC, they will soon be followed by several more.

“Greek life has a lot of benefits,” said Dr. Matthew Robison, associate provost for Student Affairs. “It is really one of the best ways to connect and find belonging within a campus community.” This connection can help young students

adapt to college, find student mentors and academic support, and develop lifelong friendships.

Most Greek organizations are committed to service, civic engagement and philanthropic activities. By giving back to their communities, they instill a commitment to citizenship among their members which they will carry with them after college.

Greek organizations also provide social and leadership development, as well as skill-building that helps equip students for work and life after graduation. The sense of brotherhood and sisterhood distinguishes Greek organizations from other student groups.

“While Greek organizations contribute to their members’ success in college, they also provide an alumni network that can carry on for decades after commencement,” said Robison. “It’s like another family.”

At left, community AKA members gathered for the Upsilon Xi chapter’s induction ceremony. At center, APhiA members collect trash on campus during the 2024 MLK Service Day. At right, an AKA member symbolically raises her hand to contemplate her reflection of self in a mirror during the Upsilon Xi induction ceremony.

Indeed, the APhiA and AKA new member presentations were attended by APhiA and AKA brothers and sisters of all ages from across the Gwinnett and Atlanta areas, eager to welcome the new members into the family.

“Attending the induction ceremony with my AKA sisters was incredibly meaningful – their presence and encouragement made me feel like I’m part of something bigger than myself,” said chapter president Rachell Henry, ’25, management information systems. “I’m thrilled to see this community growing at GGC, and I know many more students will benefit like I have.”

The sense of brotherhood is what inspired Jason Harris, ’24, cinema and media arts production, to join APhiA. He had grown up watching his grandfather benefit from the extended family and networking as a member of another Divine Nine fraternity.

“I enjoy forming a bond in brotherhood with great men at all different points in life,” said Harris, now Phi Xi president. “Greek life helps you engage with other students who are working toward a common goal. It can also make you more focused as students and serve as an incentive to maintain your GPA.”

Access to all of these benefits of Greek life can also attract prospective students.

“Students who are aware of Greek life and aspire to be a member of an organization often select their college based on the presence of Greek life on campus,” said Dr. Roslyn Brown, AKA advisor and director of GGC’s Career Services.

Robison said the college is in the process of bringing another two or three Greek organizations onto the GGC campus by the end of 2025, with many more to follow in the years to come. As GGC expands its Greek life program, the college will provide support for eventual Greek games, orientations, competitions and awards.

“Greek organizations benefit the entire campus community because their members are more engaged,” Robison said. “They have a higher participation in other campus groups and activities, creating a positive and vibrant ripple effect across all of student life.”

“We pour into the school, and GGC pours into us,” Harris said of the Greek/campus relationship. “Both our cups are filling.”

Ensuring a Bright Future for GGC and its Students

Strategic planning is key to the college’s continuing success.

For almost 20 years, GGC has made a difference for thousands of students by providing affordable access to higher education in a supportive, inclusive environment designed to help them succeed.

Engaged faculty mentor students throughout their college years, encouraging them to expand their horizons. Regardless of their background, GGC students can find themselves conducting research, presenting at a conference, gaining experience in internships, studying abroad and preparing for careers or graduate school.

Because students’ needs are constantly changing, the college must constantly adapt.

A record of successful planning

Behind the scenes, strategic planning has guided GGC’s growth from its inception, including everything from academics to facilities and administrative functions, and always focused on supporting student success.

GGC continues to add new degree programs and concentrations to adapt to changes in employment opportunities for students and the economic development needs of the region. This process can take two or three years of planning.

GGC also continues to schedule construction of new facilities to coincide with the growth and changing needs of the student body. The convocation center now under construction will host large events such as orientations, ceremonies such as commencement and convocation, athletic competitions and concerts, and provide expanded wellness and fitness facilities and flexible space for learning and collaboration.

To ensure that the convocation center and other externally-focused activities align to support a dynamic relationship between the college and the community, Dr. Darin Wilson was recently named vice president of the new Division of Campus and External Engagement. This division oversees athletics, external/government relationships, campus events, and related campus resources.

Always looking to the future

GGC has operated under several successive strategic plans. Its current two-year plan for 2023-25 will be followed by a five-year plan that will carry the college to its silver anniversary in 2030.

“We are excited about this phase of GGC’s growth and development,” said Dr. Jann L. Joseph, president. “This two-year plan, and the one to follow, will shape the future of the college for decades to come, build upon the foundation that has already been laid, and strengthen GGC’s academic excellence, innovation, inclusivity and community engagement.”

– Dr. Jann L. Joseph, president

Photo: Kyle Norton

2023-2025 Strategic Plan Priorities

GGC’s 2023-2025 plan includes the following four priorit y areas and objectives. Each objective includes several specific goals, shown in the full plan, which is available online at www.ggc.edu/StrategicPlan.

1.

Expand Academic Access, Engagement and Success

A. Expand academic offerings to attract students with diverse backgrounds and educational goals.

B. Create curricular and cocurricular opportunities that support student enrollment goals and increase persistence, retention and graduation rates.

C. Enhance academic and student support services to promote the academic success of all GGC students.

2.

Ensure Organizational Efficiency and Effectiveness

A. Continue strategic stewardship of staffing, financial resources, space and facilities.

B. Attract and retain talented, qualified and engaged faculty and staff invested in the achievement of student success.

C. Ensure that campus facilities, services and processes facilitate achieving campus goals and reflect core values.

D. Continue to elevate use of data-driven decision making as well as data privacy and security.

3.

Elevate our Brand and Engage our Community

A. Increase brand awareness through promotion of the GGC experience.

B. Enhance campus and community engagement.

Enhance Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

A. Enhance access to opportunities in support of diversity, inclusion and belonging.

4.

B. Fostering a culture of attitudes, values and beliefs that embrace diversity and inclusion.

C. Implement formal policies and practices that promote diversity, inclusion and belonging.

D. Provide organizational support to foster a culture of fairness, belonging and learning.

SIM Lab Brings Wall Str

“The lab differentiates itself from all of the other academic spaces with this piece of technology.”

— Austin Hamilton

Street into the Classroom

Vernon Cohen “walked into a wonderful experience” when he first entered the School of Business’ (SBA) new simulation (SIM) lab.

This new, high-tech space features a real-time, LED stock ticker that wraps around the room, self-contained workstations with on-demand monitors and wireless collaboration areas.

“The ticker is one of the cooler items on the entire GGC campus,” said Austin Hamilton, ’23, business. “The lab differentiates itself from all of the other academic spaces with this piece of technology.”

“It is a vibrant room that adds an aura of excitement,” said Cohen, an internal auditor for 15 years. “I am into Wall Street and stocks, so I was astounded. I like the computers that come out of the desk at the push of a button and readily available to the students, as well.”

“The lab’s technology enables faculty to have a full conversation with students joining the class remotely and enable them to colaborate with students who are in the classroom,” said Dr. James Weisel, professor of accountancy, who teaches data analytics and international accounting.

This feature is important to students like Cohen and Hamilton, who already have bachelor’s degrees but must have additional courses before taking the Certified Public Accounting (CPA) exam. Such students may already be working and unable to always attend classes on campus.

“Classes with a hybrid focus encourage students to continue their education,” Hamilton said. “The SIM lab has allowed me to connect with students in class virtually with ease. The ability of teachers to share different screens at one time enhances the experience drastically, especially during late-night classes.”

“I prefer an in-person class, but that may not be the case for everyone,” said Patricia Rivera Davila, ’24, business, who plans to be a CPA, as well. “Being able to collaborate with students virtually while being in the classroom is great.”

Donors and School of Business Board of Visitors (BOV) members attending the SIM lab’s ribbon-cutting ceremony were Sean Auerbach, vice president of Operations for Assurant and BOV; Jonathan Holmes, partner with Mighty 8th Media and BOV Development Committee chair; Dick LoPresti of LoPresti Capital, LLC; Chrissy Rosen, GGC executive director of individual engagement and BOV; Dr.Tyler Yu, SBA dean and BOV; and Don Balfour, former BOV member and Georgia senator.

More than 20 friends and donors saw the vision and potential of the SIM lab and contributed to the GGC Foundation to support its creation and supplement college funding. Guests from those companies, along with the SBA Board of Visitors, were on hand to join GGC leadership as they cut the ribbon for the new space.

“Projects like this reaffirm the significant impact that philanthropy has on our students, our college and our broader community,” said Jennifer Hendrickson, associate vice president of Advancement. “This lab is an example of how philanthropy often bridges the gap between good and great.”

Cohen has advice for his younger classmates.

“Look up at the tickers every now and then do some research on investing in some of these companies. It’s never too early to start investing, especially as a young college student.”

At left, students Patricia Rivera Davila, Vernon Cohen and Austin Hamilton are shown with Dr. James Weisel, professor of accountancy, in the School of Business’ new SIM lab.

STUDENTS ATTEND NATIONAL CONFERENCE AT WEST POINT

A group of four, high-performing Georgia Gwinnett College students were selected to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point’s 74th Annual Class of 1971 Student Conference on U.S. Affairs (SCUSA 74). This prestigious conference allows students to work with scholars and practitioners on developing proposals addressing essential topics in U.S. foreign policy.

While attending SCUSA 74, the students got an intimate glimpse into the daily life of the United States Corps of Cadets, future officers in the U.S. Army. Delegates interacted with cadets on conference roundtables, resided in the cadet barracks and ate meals in the cadet mess hall.

Dr. Laura Young, associate professor of political science and chair of the Political Science, Criminology and International Studies Department, said the conference is an excellent experience for students who want to have a career in foreign affairs.

“It’s a great supplement to what we teach in the classroom because this type of hands-on experience is hard to replicate,”

said Young. “The diversity of individuals the conference brings together helps students see different perspectives they might not have considered.”

The theme for SCUSA 74 was “Innovation and the Future of American Foreign Policy.” Participants were asked to grapple with questions like:

• How can the United States innovate to tackle the pressing challenges of domestic and foreign policy?

• How will U.S. institutions promote innovation to support democracy and economic development at home while bolstering the nation’s soft and hard power abroad?

• How effectively will the nation’s international partners and its competitors employ emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and renewable energy, to advance competing visions of the future?

Peyton McGuire, ’24, political science, said his biggest takeaway was the international perspective he gained from the issue his table discussed: China and the Pacific.

“My roundtable had delegates from Japanese, Canadian and Italian service academies, as well as international students from the Philippines, Taiwan and China,” he said. “Listening to their perspectives helped broaden my understanding of the issue and how it impacts other nations and their people.”

McGuire said he will take the experience with him long after he leaves GGC.

“The people I interacted with – whether militar y or civilian –were all fantastic teammates with service-oriented mindsets,” he said. “Being in an environment like that reinforced my commitment to my degree program, my pursuit of graduate education and my dedication to entering public service after graduating.”

At left, Peyton McGuire, ’24, political science (at right), pauses for a photo with some of his SCUSA 74 colleagues on the grounds of West Point.

Deans’ Chili Cook-off Winners

Overall winners, blind tasting

2023 Grizzlyfest was a‘Thriller’

GGC’s homecoming celebration, Grizzlyfest, expanded in scope this year and showcased a Halloween theme for many of its activities.

During the week, a collaboration of multiple campus partners presented a variety of campus events, including a haunted carnival, a Lip Sync Battle, a Sneaker Ball and the Gauntlet, an event participation competition for student organizations.

The week culminated in the main event on Saturday, attended by students, alumni and their families, faculty, staff and community guests. In addition to Grizzlyfest’s usual games, table activities, Deans’ Chili Cook-off, presentation of the homecoming king and queen, and entertainment by several student groups, the event also served up door prizes, candied apples, popcorn and funnel cakes.

Attendees were treated to a flash mob dancing to “Thriller” and exhibition cricket games with the Atlanta Cricket League and GGC students.

Grizzlyfest Week also included the first Parents and Family Day, which included a breakfast and a fun Parents Family Feud Game featuring student survey answers. The second annual Grizzly Crawl, an alumni networking event, was held in downtown Lawrenceville.

Don’t miss out next October – make plans to bring your family to Grizzlyfest on October 26, 2024!

1st: Dr. Chavonda Mills, School of Science and Technology (SST) dean

2nd: Dr. Derek Stone, School of Education interim dean

3rd: Dr. Tyler Yu, School of Business (SBA) dean

Best-tasting chili, open vote

1st: Dr. Diane White, School of Health Sciences dean

2nd: Dr. Chavonda Mills, SST dean

3rd: Dr. Tyler Yu, SBA dean

Alumni Help Spur G Corporate Affiliates

When Mariam Mirzoyan, ’17, business, was at GGC, she approached School of Business (SBA) faculty and Advancement staff about inviting members of the GGC Foundation’s Corporate Affilates Program (CAP) to a networking event for the SBA Honor Society, of which she was president.

The event was a great success, and is now held every semester for all SBA students and CAP members supporting SBA.

Mirzoyan never forgot the win-win value of CAP. When she later became a branch manager for PNC bank, she suggested that her vice president come to campus and learn about CAP. As a result, PNC is now one of the newest CAP members.

Developed in 2016, CAP builds and strengthens strategic relationships between GGC and businesses in Gwinnett, metro Atlanta and beyond. CAP members represent a broad range of industries and bring a wealth of experience and insights to their interactions with students and faculty in on- and off-campus activities.

“Several alumni have introduced their employers to the CAP program,” said Chrissy Rosen, executive director of individual engagement. “It’s very rewarding because it indicates that our students appreciate the mutually beneficial aspects of the program and want to help expand those opportunities for their companies and GGC students.”

Andrea Ricardo, ’11, business, was the first alum to refer an employer to CAP several years ago. When she moved on to her next employer, Hennessy Automobile Companies, she recommended that it join CAP, as well.

“I have a passion for talking to students and helping them find career resources.”

— Valerie Allen

Valerie Allen, ’10, business, a charter member of the GGC Alumni Board, introduced her employer to CAP in 2023.

“I wanted to get Windham Brannon, LLC involved in CAP because I knew it would be a good opportunity to get the firm more connected on campus and give more people at the firm an opportunity to meet with GGC students,” Allen said. So far, Windham Brannon has participated in two career fairs, Grizzly networking nights and Student Center tabling.

“I have a passion for talking to students and helping them find career resources,” Allen said. “The CAP program enables me to be more present on campus with accounting students and offer a connection for answering their questions about accounting careers.”

CAP members may also recruit GGC students for internships and/or employment. Justin Savage, ’20, business, participated in a professional development program (PDP) offered by WIKA. This program exposes students to various company functions, rotating them through assignments and projects.

Shown are Megan Gantt, ’24, business (center), with Marten Transport, LTD representatives Maribeth Knueve, senior vice president of Dry Van Operations, and Justin Hurd, vice president of Southeast Operations.

rowth in Program

“My experience in the PDP program has had a massive impact on my future career choice,” said Savage, who concentrated in supply chain management and recently completed a master’s in supply chain analytics. He expected to pursue a supply chain career, but is now an assistant controller at WIKA’s Houston, Texas, location.

“Understanding both supply chain and finance has made me an asset to my company, and I wouldn’t have explored this path without being in the PDP program at WIKA,” he said.

Megan Gantt, ’24, business, has been interning with Marten Transport, LTD for about a year, and will begin a full-time position with the company after she graduates in May.

“My responsibilities as an account manager involve fostering and maintaining client relationships, overseeing logistics operations, and promptly addressing stakeholder needs,” said Gantt, whose business degree is also in the supply chain management concentration.

“Opportunities offered through CAP have been instrumental in my personal and professional development, as I have gained valuable insight into an expanding industry,” she said. “My internship has been both challenging and rewarding and a great learning experience.”

Sean

several students attending a recent Lunch and Learn hosted by the School of Business.

GGC CORPORATE AFFILIATES

The GGC Corporate Affiliates Program (CAP) included the following organizations as of Feb. 15, 2024. If you are interested in becoming a CAP member or referring a business to the program, please contact GGC Advancement at 678.407.5588 or advancement@ggc.edu

School of Business

• Associated Credit Union

• Assurant

• Fastenal

• Georgia Banking Company

• Hennessy Automobile Companies

• Lanier Island Resorts

• Marten Transport, LTD

• Peach State Federal Credit Union*

• PNC

• RYBD Advisors and Accountants

• WIKA*

• Windham Brannon, LLC

School of Science and Technology

• Clearview

• GenSpark

• Jireh Supplies

• MetroPower

GGC Athletics

• Northwestern Mutual

*Charter CAP member since the program began in 2016

Auerbach, vice president of Operations for CAP member Assurant, at right, has a discussion with

Andrea Ricardo, ’11, business (second row, center), facilitated this meet and greet session with School of Business leadership and representatives from her employer, Hennessey Automobile Companies, which is now a CAP member.

Internship Program Introduces Students to Nonprofit Sector

In less than a year, an innovative internship program has placed 33 GGC students with 22 local nonprofit organizations.

GGC’s Nonprofit Internship Program offers juniors and seniors internship opportunities with nonprofit organizations in Gwinnett County and the greater Atlanta area.

Interns may work up to 25 hours/ week and are paid up to $17/hour. A collaboration between the GGC Foundation and multiple donors, including the Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia CFNEG), the program is supported by charitable donations. The program is designed to inspire interest in nonprofit careers, provide real-world work experiences and contribute to students’ financial stability as they attend school.

Inc.

Jennah Baksh, ’24, management information systems, was paired with an internship at Rainbow Village, Inc., a Duluth nonprofit focused on serving families experiencing homelessness.

As a research and data analytics intern, she performed research, summarized data and prepared reports, which she presented to Rainbow Village leadership. In the process, she also worked with the nonprofit’s community outreach team, shadowed the chief financial officer and spent time with the CEO.

“Working at a nonprofit gave me a different perspective in comparison to a corporate role,” Baksh said at a recent

luncheon where officials reported to participants about the program’s progress. “I learned how IT impacts the nonprofit sector and how tools that are also used in the corporate field are used to provide impact toward a nonprofit’s mission.” Also speaking at the luncheon was Britt Ramroop,CFNEG’s director of fundholder experience.

“The nonprofit sector is the third-largest employer sector in the United States,” she said. “Coming out of COVID, nonprofits need help more than ever because the need of the communities is bigger than it ever has been. Being able to show these students the things they are passionate about can also be a way to serve others, give back and truly make an impact doing what they love.”

“Without this internship, I don’t think I would have considered nonprofit work,” said Baksh, who plans to pursue an MBA with a concentration in business analytics. “Working in the nonprofit sector is different from corporate work in that your work is directly impacting the community you are serving.”

The GGC Foundation seeks additional donations to expand the Nonprofit Internship Program in both Gwinnett County and across the Atlanta region. For more information, contact GGC Advancement at 678.407.5588 or advancement@ggc.edu.

Jennah Baksh, ’24, management information systems, Dr. Jann L. Joseph, GGC president, and Randy Redner of Wellspring Nonprofit Resource,

visit at the recent Nonprofit Internship Program luncheon.

Students enjoy the recently renovated coffee shop space in the library.

Students discuss story telling and story boarding at an Art Club workshop.

Tyler Walsh,’11, business, shown at right, received the 2023 Regents Hall of Fame Alumni and Distinguished Friends Award, the first GGC alum to do so.

A new tradition began at the first new student convocation last fall – rubbing a miniature grizzly statue’s head for luck.

More than 185 students took part in the 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Service Day. Here, students weave plastic bag mats for distribution to the homeless. discuss shown Distinguished the to do miniature

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

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