Engage, Summer 2017

Summer 2017 Volume 4, Issue 2

SERVICE:

MENG GIVES BACK TO HER NEW COUNTRY Page 4

S c h o la r sh ip recip ien ts e n c o u r a ged to pa y it f o r w a rd

Sc hool of Educati on marks m i l est ones, c hanges

OL AS cel ebrat e s 10t h anni versary

A new tradition begins - Georgia Gwinnett College recently installed a bronze grizzly statue specially created by local artist Gregory Johnson of Cumming. The statue will be formally dedicated in a ceremony to be held later this year. Located at the flag poles adjacent to the main lawn, the statue immediately became a popular backdrop for students to take photos of themselves, their friends and loved ones. Here, 2017 biology graduate Nathaly Leguizamon and her family pose for photos following the spring commencement ceremony.

Shown are her sister-in-law Alma Leguizamon, brother Christian Leguizamon, father Henry Leguizamon, Nathaly Leguizamon, mother Lucia Leguizamon and sister Gizelle Leguizamon.

Summer 2 017 Volume 4, Issue 2

CONTENTS P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G E ............................................................... 2 COLLEGE NEWS Notables........................................................................................................ 3 OLAS celebrates 10th anniversary............................................................... 10 School of Education marks milestones, changes.......................................... 14 Grizzlies continue winning tradition.......................................................... 2 0

OUR FOUR PILLARS IN ACTION SERVICE Meng gives back to her new country.................................................. 4

C R E AT I V I T Y CIP program offers interdisciplinary learning experience.............. 6

SCHOLARSHIP Let’s go lead the world!.......................................................................... 8

LEADERSHIP Confidence propels Mirzoyan to succeed....................................... 12

A D VA N C I N G G G C McAdams sees life through a different lens..................................................16 Scholarship recipients encouraged to pay it forward by giving back.............18 Grizzlies Helping Grizzlies...........................................................................19

T H E G A L L E R Y ....................................................................................... 21 On the cover: Ren Tang and Ying “May” Meng take a boat ride during their volunteer work at Gulf Islands National Seashore at Pensacola, Florida. Both information technology majors will graduate this summer. Photo courtesy of Meng. e n g a g e. g g c. e d u

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President’s Message

GGC’S

International

student body reflects the Gwinnett region Georgia Gwinnett College’s

vibrant student body and Dr. Stas Preczewski

campus culture mirror the vibrant community it serves. With more

than 907,000 residents, Gwinnett County is the second-largest

county in Georgia by population and ranks number one among Georgia counties for naturalized citizens at 11 percent and non-citizens at 14 percent.

Gwinnett’s dynamic economy and close proximity to Atlanta

attract people from all over the world. GGC’s student body

reflects this broad diversity, representing more than 120 nations.

In addition, our student body includes a significant number

of immigrants who are now naturalized U.S. citizens, as well as

better serve his own nation of Kosovo.

We also celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Organization of

Latin American Students. This independent, registered student

organization was the first founded by GGC students and is one of several internationally themed groups on campus.

GGC offers opportunities for students to enhance their

educational experience with global perspectives. Our Quality Enhancement Program infuses our curriculum with internationalized courses leading to a global studies certification.

GGC’s Office of Internationalization enriches campus life with

a variety of academic and cultural activities, and dozens of our students take advantage of study abroad opportunities.

All of these factors immerse GGC students in a uniquely

the children of immigrants.

robust educational experience that prepares them for life and

GGC is an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution.

here in Gwinnett and beyond.

Of special note is that with 18 percent Hispanic students, Ours is truly an international community.

In this issue of Engage, we introduce you to two students

who emigrated to the United States for more opportunities

and another who came to the U.S. to attend college so he could

The Atlanta Korean Cultural Center’s “Three Drum Dance, Nanta” group performs during GGC’s Global Awareness Week, presented by the Office of Internationalization.

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careers as engaged citizens in today’s global economy, both

Warm regards,

Stas Preczewski

Notables GGC’s Mentoring and Advising Center will receive a 2017 Outstanding Institutional Advising Program Certificate of Merit from the National Academic Advising Association at the organization’s annual conference this fall in St. Louis, Missouri. This award recognizes innovative and/or exemplary practices resulting in the improvement of academic advising services. Shown are staff members (front row) Charlene Fletcher, Diana Rowe, Darrah Henry, Dr. DeAnna Jackson, Dr. Karen Jackson, Wendy Anderson, Nancy Ciudad-Simmons, Cara Kelly, Camelia Rubalcada, Charmaine Troy and (back row) Benjamin Pearce.

Elizabeth Vance, ’17, biology with teacher certification, is GGC’s first Peace Corps Prep Program graduate.

The Georgia Gwinnett College Magazine

Dr. Christopher I. Brandon, Jr., associate professor of biological sciences, spent two

weeks as a faculty member for the Robert A.

Paul Emory-Tibet Science Initiative at Sera Mey Monastic University in Bylakuppe, Karnataka State, India.

We Value Your Input

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

Production

Dr. Tom Lilly, director of Academic Assessment and associate professor of English, recently completed the 2017 Leadership Gwinnett program.

Dr. Latanya Hammonds-Odie, associate

professor of biology, co-authored the article, “Applied Theatre Facilitates Dialogue about

Career Challenges for Scientists,” in the May 2017 issue of the Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education.

Syed Hyder, ’17, biology, is the first GGC student to win an

Undergraduate Student Award in Environmental Chemistry from the Division of Environmental Chemistry, Inc. of the American Chemical Society.

Dr. Jennifer H. Stephens, deputy chief of staff, was selected as state chair of the American Council on Education Women’s Network.

Homero Gonzalez, ’11, business, received

Editor-in-chief: Sally Ramey Photography: Rod Reilly, Jason Braverman, David Tullis Graphic design: Libby LeBlanc Writing: Sally Ramey, Nancy Badertscher, Amy Lancaster, Carol McEntee Engage Online team: Rycca Blanton, Educational Technology Server Team Other support: Dan Cassavaugh, Dawn Gadar, Laurie Hudson, Hoang Huynh, Amy Lancaster, Barbara Lund, Sydney Smith, Candace Williams-Brown

Strategic Communications and Positioning Renée Byrd-Lewis, vice president Sloan Jones, associate vice president Asia 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.

Georgia Gwinnett College 1000 University Center Lane Lawrenceville, GA 30043 678.407.5000 www.ggc.edu

four Emmy Awards at the 2017 Southeast

Emmy Awards Gala, bringing his total to 16.

See more Notables at www.ggc.edu/notables

Georgia Gwinnett College is an accredited, four-year, degree-granting unit of the University System of Georgia. e n g a g e. g g c. e d u

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Meng gives back to Ying “May” Meng came to the U.S. in search of opportunity.

She found a new home.

When Ying “May” Meng

accounting in Beijing and worked for

United States, she reflects

to the field of information technology (IT) .

discusses her life in the

on the reception she and her

several years in a position that exposed her When the couple emigrated to the

husband, Ren Tang, have re-

U.S., they stayed first in Los Angeles,

“Everyone has been so kind and

college to obtain bachelor’s degrees in IT.

ceived since moving here in 2008. supportive,” Meng said. “They in-

California, before deciding to return to

Drawn to Gwinnett County because of

spired me to give back to my new home.”

its diversity, Meng said the couple chose

China, Meng obtained a college degree in

summer, the two naturalized U.S. citizens

Born in a small town near Shanghai,

to enroll at GGC after a campus tour. This both will graduate with honors. Her IT

degree concentration is digital media and his concentration is network security.

Meng’s plans beyond graduation

focus on continuing to serve her new

country. This service began in California, where she provided videography and

video editing support for her church’s

mission to help the homeless. Since moving to Gwinnett, she has jetted across the country to continue assisting the church.

Meng and her husband volunteer for

the National Park Service, putting in many hours of support at Cane River Creole

National Historical Park and Gulf Islands

National Seashore. Their work has includ-

ed cleaning beaches, supporting Earth Day events and creating video tour guides.

However, her most significant contri-

bution was inspired by a GGC employee.

Ying “May” Meng, Holly Heitman, assistant department head for Access Services, and Lilian Wang, library technical assistant, discuss the computer status check schedule at the library’s Information Commons Help Desk, where Meng has worked as a student assistant for five years.

Naval Reserve seal used with permission.

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her new country

Micah Seibel and Sen. Brandon Beach (R-Alpharetta) discuss legislation before the start of the day’s session in the Georgia Senate.

While in school, Meng supports

volunteering to help.

her education by working as a student

Meng’s “can do” attitude enabled her

assistant. When she was relatively new to

to juggle her Reservist duties, campus

Kaufman Library & Learning Center, she

Whenever registration time approached,

campus, working part-time at the Daniel J.

job, volunteer service and studies.

met a then-library supervisor who talked

she promptly responded to her mentor.

to her about service in the U.S. Navy.

“She would come in with her multi-

Elisia George was a Navy officer with four

semester study plan drafted, ready for

Reserves. Meng was intrigued.

that to her,” said Dr. Bob Lutz, associate

years of active duty and four years in the

discussion. I didn’t even have to suggest

“I asked her many questions once I

professor of IT, who has been Meng’s

knew she was in the Navy,” Meng said.

mentor since 2012.

George regaled Ying with stories of

Meng said she hopes to parlay her

travel on the seas and of a sailor’s life

IT degree, digital media expertise, prior

aboard a ship.

work experience and English/Chinese Ying “May” Meng

“I hope others can learn from my experiences and be inspired as others have inspired me.”

– Ying “May” Meng, ’17

She also received the Military Out-

standing Volunteer Service Award for her work with the National Park Service and her former church’s homeless project.

According to Lt. Commander Dave

Weber, Meng has been an asset since the

bilingualism into a leadership role in

the Reserves. She also plans to pursue a master’s degree in IT.

“I hope others can learn from my

experiences and be inspired as others

have inspired me,” she said. “They can do this, too.”

day she joined his Reserve unit, always

“I wanted to be a part of that team,” the

soft-spoken Meng said. “Her story inspired me and I felt strongly about giving back.”

Both Meng and Tang joined the Naval

Reserves in 2013. Since that time, she said GGC’s library staff members have been

flexible when her work schedule had to be

changed to accommodate Reservist duties.

“They never complained,” she said.

Ying “May” Meng staffs a literature table at Cane River Creole National Historical Park in Natchitoches, Louisiana.

Photo courtesy of Meng.

“They would just always say, ‘Come back safely.’”

Meng, an electrician’s mate 2nd Class,

recently was named a Reserve Blue Jacket of the Year by Atlanta’s Navy Operational Support Center for her “superior performance” throughout 2016.

Meng found the Blue Jacket award

humbling and inspirational, encouraging her to continue to work hard “and to be a better me.”

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C I P

PROGRAM OFFERS INTERDISCIPLINARY LEARNING EXPERIENCE

W

hen Dr. Charles Pibel came to Georgia Gwinnett, he saw an opportunity

to create an innovative, interdisciplinary learning experience for students.

The Community Innovations Projects

(CIP) program creates a collaboration

between student/faculty teams and community organizations around a question or a challenge. The teams develop research activities designed to solve or increase

understanding about the problem, conduct research and report their findings.

STUDENT

COMMUNITY

“CIP activities are usually found at

schools with engineering and science

programs,” said Pibel, who spent his un-

dergraduate years at an institution where a

FACULTY

CIP-like program has run for about 60 years.

“Here at GGC, the Center for Teaching

Excellence (CTE) has worked to adapt the

concept into a pilot interdisciplinary activity

that provides outstanding learning opportunities for students in a wide range of majors.”

The initiative also expands the college’s

ability to provide students with holistic, high-impact, real-world experiences.

“Relatively few students are able to

obtain internships because there just are

Political science majors Santessa Young and Max Doster prepare standard solutions for analysis of hazardous air pollutants.

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Photos courtesy of Drs. Charles Pibel and Kathryn Zimmermann.

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not enough positions available,” said Pibel.

Georgia Gwinnett’s CIP program also

“However, the CIP program provides rich,

may be a first for an access institution.

involves many more students, helping

by the CTE, with support from the schools

and become more competitive for the job

and coordination by Dr. Kelsey Woodard,

internship-like learning experiences and

participating students enhance their skills market after graduation.”

This is an important benefit of the

The initiative’s pilot year was launched

of Liberal Arts and Science and Technology, experiential learning specialist in the CTE.

The pilot CIP program selected two stu-

program, considering employer preferences

dent/faculty teams and each team included

In addition, the CIP initiative promotes

received research credit for their projects.

for applied experiences (see figure below). and reinforces GGC’s interdisciplinary culture. It provides more diverse scholarship

opportunities for faculty, and offers another

both science and liberal arts majors who

Faculty team leaders also represented both science and liberal arts disciplines.

The CIP initiative’s second year

Working with GreenLaw, an Atlanta en-

supports two projects. One focuses on en-

levels of two types of air pollutants in several

needs in collaboration with The Next Stop

light on whether higher rates of these pol-

integration of former prisoners into society,

socio-economic status. Some correlation

Reentry Alliance in Lawrenceville.

way for the college to build collaborations

vironmental law firm, one team researched

riching the lives of individuals with special

“By engaging with Gwinnett and sur-

Georgia locations. The team sought to shed

in Suwanee. A second project involves re-

lutants were associated with areas of lower

in collaboration with the Greater Gwinnett

with businesses and other constituents.

rounding communities to provide learning outside the confines of traditional class-

rooms and meet the economic develop-

ment needs of the region, this program is

perfectly aligned with GGC’s mission and vision,” Pibel said.

According to U.S. employers:

was found with middle- to low-income areas.

The other team was charged with looking

at ways to improve the connectivity between the college and its local community. This

three-student team conducted a qualitative survey of community stakeholders regard-

88% say: It is important for colleges

ing the planned corridor between campus

knowledge needed to complete a

team’s community collaborator was

to prepare all students with the skills/

and downtown Lawrenceville. The second

significant applied learning project.

Lawrenceville Mayor Judy Jordan Johnson.

However, only 14 percent think most

Pibel said he looks forward to the

initiative’s continued expansion to include a larger number of faculty and students.

Above: Santessa Young, political science, Dr. Kathryn Zimmermann, Drasti Patel, biology, and Max Doster, political science, with a passive air sampler they mounted at the Elachee Nature Science Center in an area under study.

Below: GGC student Drasti Patel, biology, describes her CIP group’s research poster at an American Chemical Society meeting in San Francisco, California, this spring. The group’s project involved measuring air pollutant levels in various Georgia locations.

college students are so prepared.

80% say: It is very important for

recent graduates to demonstrate the ability to apply learning in real-world

settings. However, only 23 percent of employers think recent college graduates are so prepared.

60% say: All college students

should be expected to complete a significant applied learning project before graduating.

Students who have done

collaborative research projects with peers have an 82 percent likelihood of hire.

Source: Association of American Colleges and Universities, 2015 e n g a g e. g g c. e d u

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Let’s go lead the world!

To say that Flurim Aliu is driven is an understatement, but it is because he has seen his loved ones separated by war and instability. He has seen his homeland recover from conflict, but it is not yet flourishing. He is determined to drive that change.

The first time Flurim Aliu left home, he hid under the seat of a

For this reason, Aliu sees family time as precious. Although, he

Born during conflict culminating in the 1998-99 war that

“This time I left voluntarily,” he said. “I left to pursue my dream

bus. Only two years old, he was escaping a war.

dismantled the nation of Yugoslavia, Aliu was among about one

million displaced Albanians. For his safety, Aliu’s parents sent him to live with his grandparents in Germany.

“I grew up not really knowing my parents,” he said. “I saw

chose to leave home again.

in the land of opportunity.”

That dream is to become a politician who can help lead his young nation of Kosovo to prosperity.

pictures and I heard stories, but I never saw them. I didn’t sit

“Even after almost 10 years, my people are still some of the

monsters were hiding under my bed.”

families to find jobs to feed them,” he said. “I want to change

When Aliu returned a few years later, his grandmother told him

condition she is in right now. I want to be a good big brother to

on their laps and listen to fairytales, or go to their room when

to hug his father, but he didn’t know who his father was and approached a cousin instead.

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poorest in Europe, and they must still move away from their

that. Kosovo and I grew up together, and it hurts me to see the her and hold her hand while she learns to walk – so her future and that of her people can be better.”

“We each came to this college for our own special reasons. And we each are leaving it today with our own special gifts. I came to GGC with dreams. I am leaving it with Dave Vigliotti, Flurim Aliu, Leonora Aliu, Ganimete Elshani, Joni Elshani and Tammy Vigliotti after the 2017 spring commencement ceremony.

goals and plans for how to achieve them.”

– Flurim Aliu, ’17

To accomplish this, Aliu knew he needed a college degree in

This past fall, Aliu interned at The Carter Center, focusing on

in Kosovo, so he set his eyes on the United States and GGC.

research position with Optimal Solutions Group in Washington,

political science and related experience. Opportunities were rare

Aliu came to GGC through a program involving Grace Family of Churches, Kosovo Hope and GGC’s Office of Internation-

alization. He and his roommate, Joni Elshani, ’17, information

the Syria Conflict Mapping Project. He recently obtained a

D.C. He plans to continue his studies at either Yale University or the University of Singapore and is determined to make a difference for his home country.

technology, were the first from their hometown to come to the

“I came to GGC to learn how to be a good leader. I am

of Lilburn and Matt and Kelly Harvie of Grayson provided host

in leadership,” Aliu said.

U.S. for college through this program. Dave and Tammy Vigliotti homes for the young men while they attended college.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Aliu eagerly developed his leadership skills both on campus and in the political science arena, resulting in an impressive resumé for one so young.

He served as a senator and a director in the Student Govern-

ment Association and as president of the International Student

Association. He also worked in the Student Center as a student engagement specialist.

During summers, Aliu worked as a commissioner for the Kosovo Central Commission of Elections, an intern at the United Nations Populations Fund and an intern in the Department of Economic

Diplomacy in the Republic of Kosovo’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

At the School of Liberal Arts 2017 CREATE Symposium, Flurim Aliu, center, discusses a group research project for an economics course. The topic involved economic prospects for youth in low-income areas.

confident that I have built a rock-solid foundation for my future

Selected to speak at the 2017 spring commencement, the

honors graduate reminded his classmates of their common

experiences with the college’s supportive culture and caring

faculty. While they did not study the same subjects or all look the same, they shared a unique experience at GGC that will stay with them for the rest of their lives, he highlighted.

“We each came to this college for our own special reasons. And we each are leaving it today with our own special gifts,” Aliu

said in closing. “I came to GGC with dreams. I am leaving it with goals and plans for how to achieve them. Thank you, Georgia Gwinnett College, for making this possible! Class of 2017 – let’s go lead the world!”

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OLAS Students, faculty, parents and alumni

CELEBRA ANNIVER The reunion allowed current members

recently gathered to mark the 10th

to appreciate how long OLAS has been

student organization, the Organization of

growth through the years. The event

anniversary of GGC’s first registered Latin American Students (OLAS).

OLAS was conceived in 2007 by Rico

Torres, ’08, business, and Dr. Jessica

Damián, former professor of English, to enable GGC Hispanic/Latino students

active and enabled alumni to see OLAS’ symbolized that it’s not just an organization, but an interconnected family where all members share a vision of a strong community at GGC and beyond.

“OLAS has given GGC students a

to connect with their culture, campus and

solid vehicle for growth and achievement

and exemplifies leadership and service.

Guevara-Galeano, ’17, president of

community. Today, it has 300 members

outside the classroom,” said Mark

OLAS. “We’re a family that strives to develop and support each member academically and personally.”

More than 60 attendees enjoyed food,

fellowship, a live musical performance and

a segment during which guests shared how OLAS impacted their lives and their com-

munity. Past presidents attending included Homero Gonzalez, ’11, business, OLAS’

first president, and Estefany Palacio, ’14, English, who served two terms.

“During my tenure as president, we

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ox rst row) R cluded (fi in o S n r io n ife u n e OLAS re ishel Cabrera, Jen izol, M T ered for th e th z, a e lin g ir e u ff m a a q c lR nd st n, Crysta Trevino, Ja nda Duran, , alumni a atali Mari smeralda Students lvarez, Bre nt, Susan everino, N onica Sandoval, E A S k ic sa rr lis a e D Ara ,M Garcia, M Montanez, Jimenez, Dr. T.J. rla Olguin Mark iga, Luis errez, Ka Tomas Omar Zun Ibeth Guti

ATES 10TH RSARY always sought to build OLAS based on

Palacio. “The great thing about OLAS is that

OLA S Kenz membe rs M a Sa e ndi, Alfre lissa Se v do C oron erino, Ca a Jr. milo and Nata Hernand li Ma e rin e z, Roxan njoy fello a Solis, M wsh ish ip w hile el Cabre listen with local businesses and nonprofit r ing t a, Darric o the k maria Alvarez, organizations. They partner with Volunteer O chi b and. mar Zun iga, GGC and Junior Achievement to serve

ronment of involvement and friendship that

work with the Georgia Association of Latin

faculty and staff and works to ensure

American Association to advocate for

volunteering with groups such as GALEO,

what our members felt was important to

them,” said Gonzalez. “A connection to our culture was important, but we also sought

to demystify the process of reaching higher education for Hispanic/Latino students.”

“I love OLAS and was so happy to

celebrate its success at the reunion,” said

it welcomes everyone and fosters an envicontinues beyond the collegiate years.”

OLAS’ mission leverages GGC’s core

values with a focus on education, service

and advocacy. The organization works with middle and high school student clubs and school and community partners to foster

college awareness and readiness through

events such as college fairs, open houses and mentoring programs. It also hosts an

annual soccer tournament to fund a scholarship for GGC students.

Members engage in community

outreach by building working relationships

ndra jada, Aleja w) Mariela Te ro z, d e n d o c n e a (s , Lisa Fern rnandez, Gonzalez, xana Solis osales, Camilo He ro e m o H yR zalez, row) oto, Shirle mma Gon y Mancillas, (third Tejada, E Rivera, da Ka in o L rt Rosanny e r. b D o ., ig orona Jr Shaikh, R dos, Alfredo C sly Grana uçi, Aizaz alacio, Ye heneta K X P ora. y t, M n n is fa ra u e A L st n r. aleano, E es and D m -G ri ra G va y e re u Co kG

the Gwinnett community, and they also

Elected Officials (GALEO) and the Latin equal rights, DACA recipients, immigra-

tion reform and other issues that impact surrounding communities.

“OLAS has given GGC students a solid vehicle for growth and achievement outside the classroom.”

– Mark Guevara-Galeano, ’17 “OLAS provides a collective sense of

community to students by helping them celebrate their diverse cultures,” said

campus life is thriving. By connecting and Boy Scouts of America, Garden Plaza

Senior Living Community, Junior Achievement, the School of Transitional Studies

and others, we are able to provide service to our community that also develops our members and our college,” he said.

Guevara-Galeano also expressed

appreciation for OLAS’ faculty advisors, beginning with Damián and currently,

Dr. Richard Rawls, professor of history.

“Both have been essential in the creation

and continuity of OLAS and have been such great mentors and friends to the

organization and its members,” he said.

Guevara-Galeano said he became

Tomas Jimenez, senior associate vice

involved in OLAS because he felt that

students. “The members are great GGC

just academics and believes that is the

president for Student Affairs and dean of ambassadors and their commitment to service is unparalleled.”

there was more to going to college than case for most members.

“I believe OLAS will continue to thrive

According to Guevara-Galeano,

at GGC because we prepare members to

unwavering support of GGC’s faculty.

said. “We have a long-term vision in place

OLAS could not have thrived without the He noted the contributions of Dr. Adolfo

Santos, dean of the School of Liberal Arts, Dr. Justin Jernigan, dean of the School

of Transitional Studies and Carl Woods, director of Wellness and Recreation.

“OLAS has a great relationship with

be leaders from the first day they join,” he that involves growing relationships with

community partners and hosting meaningful events. I look forward to seeing OLAS

prosper and provide the GGC community with an enhanced college experience for many years to come.”

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Mariam Mirzoyan, ’17 has worked in the optical industry since she was a teen, including three years in Germany, giving her personal experience in international business.

Confidence

propels Mirzoyan to

succeed When Mariam Mirzoyan came to GGC, she had

returned from living in Germany, was going through a divorce and was worried that she had lost her study skills.

Her situation left her with doubts, but the support

did not offer a future for their children, so the family moved to Gwinnett County.

Like many immigrants, Mirzoyan’s parents found

that foreign education and experience do not always

could not imagine at the time.

groceries and her mother works in retail.

“When people believe in you, you have an

earn comparable careers in the U.S. Her father stocks “This is why I work as hard as I do,” said Mirzoy-

obligation to prove them right,” she said.

an. “Their sacrifice matters. Failure is not an option.”

In their native Armenia, her father was a successful

careers, and she will soon graduate with a degree in

Mirzoyan’s family emigrated when she was 10.

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teacher. However, due to decades of war, Armenia

of her loved ones and mentorship from her GGC professors propelled her to succeed in ways she

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businessman and her mother was a kindergarten

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Today, Mirzoyan’s three siblings have professional

business administration with a concen-

organization at GGC before, but in its

in which she already is experienced.

student seminars, a fundraiser and

tration in international business – a field

first year, she led SBD in holding three

Mirzoyan has worked in optical offic-

SBA’s first Grizzly Networking Night,

es since she was a teen, including three

a job fair featuring only employers

years in Germany, where she moved

requiring a bachelor’s degree.

with her then-husband. After returning

“Dr. Young pushed me to conquer

to Gwinnett towards the end of 2014,

my fears, and he never let me doubt

at GGC. Dr. Kathleen Pinson, interim

how big my dreams were.”

she got another optical job and enrolled

myself,” she said. “It didn’t matter

associate dean for the School of Business

Mirzoyan worked as a resident

Administration (SBA), advised her to major in business during orientation.

Moved by Pinson’s belief in her

ability to succeed, she took the advice.

advisor, served as chief of staff for the Mariam Mirzoyan, ’17, with the European Union flag.

This belief in Mirzoyan by others became a theme defining her GGC experience.

Student Government Association and

was named to SBA’s Student Advisory Board. She also volunteers on the

Duluth Fall Festival organizing committee.

She said the highlight of her GGC career was an in-

“Every professor I’ve encountered had so much

ternational business study abroad course featuring pri-

them,” she said. She recalled emailing Dr. Benjamin

leaders in Belgium, France and Switzerland. Pre-travel

faith in me. I know I am where I am today because of Akins, assistant professor of legal studies and taxation,

to introduce herself and express concern about starting over as a student. To her surprise, he responded.

“It felt good to know that my college prepared me so well for having professional discussions with prominent business leaders around the world.”

– Mariam Mirzoyan, ’17 “I couldn’t believe he took time to email me during

his summer break,” she said. “The advice he gave me

vate, in-depth discussions with international business work involved researching these organizations.

“This trip gave me the opportunity of a lifetime,”

she said. “It felt good to know that my college pre-

pared me so well for having professional discussions with prominent business leaders around the world.”

Mirzoyan researched the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and was so impressed that she hopes to work for the ICRC.

While her optical work and time in Germany

brought personal experience to her coursework and

class discussions, Mirzoyan said the trip changed her as a student.

“I approached classes with a different mentality.

helped me succeed in all my classes. This made me

This trip, my previous experiences and my courses

choosing GGC.”

element.”

more comfortable about going back to college and for Mirzoyan cited many examples of faculty showing

concern for her, inspiring her to believe in herself and facilitating opportunities to expand her experienc-

es. One advised against a job offer because she was

have prepared me for a successful future in any

With her GGC degree, international experience,

fluency in three languages and confidence in herself, Mirzoyan is ready to make her mark.

“capable of so much more.” Another checked on her when she missed classes due to the flu.

“It leaves me speechless how these professors care

about students,” she said. “My professors not only

know my name. They know who I am. They know my story.”

Dr. Brett Young, assistant professor of management

information systems, encouraged her to serve as the first president of Sigma Beta Delta (SBD), the international business honor society. She’d never led an Photos courtesy of Mirzoyan.

Mariam Mirzoyan’s international business study abroad group is shown on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland.

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School of Education marks milestones, changes Now with just over 600 alumni, Georgia Gwinnett College’s School of Education

(SOE) is a significant source of new teachers for Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) and other local school systems.

As SOE continues its growth, it has introduced some changes and celebrated milestones.

First induction ceremony This spring, dozens of friends and family members gathered

in the Student Center to watch SOE’s graduating seniors take part in the school’s inaugural induction ceremony.

These ceremonies share similar elements but each is unique to its institution.

GGC’s ceremony was highlighted by its seniors’ recognition

A tradition within the education field, such ceremonies

of their GCPS cooperating teachers, who had been invited to

and recognizes their commitment to their chosen profession.

from their student teacher for their support and mentorship.

celebrate students’ achievements in becoming educators

the event. Each received a certificate and appreciative hug

“Our students and the college owe a lot to the investment Symbolizing the partnership in producing new teachers, the processional of the recent induction ceremony included GGC students, faculty and administrators as well as cooperating teachers. Cody Bates, ’17, early childhood education, and Dr. Katharine Page, assistant professor of curriculum and instruction, decided to lead the procession holding hands.

of time and energy cooperating teachers provide during the student teaching experience,” said Dr. Cathy Moore, dean

of SOE. “It meant a great deal to our students to personally

express their gratitude to these first, important, professional role models. This is a relationship they will never forget.”

The ceremony also included presentations of three special awards for outstanding students Makayla Crafton, Paul Hedges and Logan Segars.

Georgia’s 2016-17 State Teacher of the Year, Casey Bethel of New Manchester High School in Douglasville, gave a

dynamic keynote address and Debbie King, a GCPS math

coach, reflected on the role of a life-long educator. Remarks were provided by Dr. T.J. Arant, senior vice president for Academic and Student Affairs and provost.

Graduating seniors received the gift of a commemorative journal. The event ended with a reception.

“This first induction ceremony established a meaningful

tradition for generations of education students to come,” said Moore.

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Recognition of teacher certifications For the first time, students receiving teacher certifications

with their bachelor’s degrees from other GGC schools were formally recognized at spring commencement. The college

offers teaching certification for majors in biology, chemistry, English, history, mathematics and political science.

“We felt that these students should be noted for the extra

work they devoted to obtaining their teacher certifications in addition to their degree requirements,” said Moore.

These students also participated in the SOE induction ceremony.

Early childhood education major Esmeralda Trevino, ’17, pauses for a photo with Penny Clavijo, principal of Rock Springs Elementary School, where Trevino has been hired as a teacher.

Program changes Starting with the 2017-2018 academic year, the SOE will implement a year-long student teaching experience that

will include both fall and spring semesters, and will gradu-

ate its students at the spring commencement ceremonies.

“Spending the complete, full academic year with the same teacher will provide our students with the opportunity to

experience all facets of teaching for the year,” said Moore.

“Our students will gain first-hand experience with preparing the classroom for new students in August, and they will work with their cooperating teachers on developing lessons throughout the academic year.”

Reggie Hairston, ’17, special education, visits with Dr. Michael Blake, a part-time special education faculty member, and Randal Taylor, ’17, special education. Hairston and Taylor are two of GGC’s first paraprofessional graduates.

The induction ceremony will be held each spring the week before commencement.

First paraprofessional graduates This spring, SOE also graduated its first four paraprofessional students through a unique program developed in cooperation with GCPS.

Many paraprofessionals have two-year degrees. The GGC/ GCPS program enables these individuals to complete their bachelor’s degrees while continuing to work full-time. They are also able to apply their professional work experience

toward the degree requirements for either early childhood education or special education.

“This program provides paraprofessionals with a convenient and time-effective way to complete their education,” said Moore.

Celina Chau, ’17, early childhood education, hugs her GCPS cooperating teacher.

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McAdams sees

Hannah McAdams refuses to let circumstances define her destiny Staring through the lens of her

throughout her childhood, McAdams fell

thank the organization’s president and

education seemed unattainable; college

assistance at GGC’s annual Scholarship

behind in school. Her pursuit of higher was not mentioned at home.

However, with an eighth-grade educa-

tion, McAdams earned her GED, set her

sights on college and never looked back.

“I have seen my family struggle with

camera, Hannah McAdams focuses on

finances because they did not have

images she hopes will last a lifetime. Her

the cycle. I have always loved learning.

the subject before her, skillfully capturing photography hobby has turned into a

side business, providing McAdams with a creative outlet and nurturing an inherited love for an art form that transcends time

college degrees, and I wanted to break

speak at the reception as a representative of all GGC scholarship recipients.

“I hope to one day make an impact

in someone’s life the way you have impacted mine,” McAdams said to Boutwell in her remarks.

“Hannah’s story reaffirms why we con-

tinue to support GGC and its remarkable

by my circumstances growing up.”

vered through challenging circumstances

“My destiny was not going to be restricted Having the financial means to attend

college was yet another challenge to

my mother; she was an avid photogra-

funding, McAdams needed additional

pher,” McAdams said.

Reception. In fact, she was selected to

Knowledge is power!” said McAdams.

– and loss.

“My inspiration for my photography is

CEO, Marshall Boutwell, for the financial

conquer. After exhausting all student loan

students,” said Boutwell. “She has perseto obtain her degree. All of us at Peach

State look forward to the many successes that lie ahead for her.”

For the young woman who spent

financial assistance to remain in school.

years in continuous transition, McAdams

of motivation, never far from McAdams’

Giving up has never been an option,”

College. As a student, she cultivated

lost her mother in a traffic accident. The

earning the Peach State Federal Credit

Her mother remains a constant source

mind. McAdams was just six when she

life-altering event caused a ripple effect

which continued long after her loss. Her

family structure was fractured. Frequently moving from county to county each year

“I did not come this far to stop here.

she said. For the hard-working McAdams, Union Scholarship afforded her the

opportunity to pursue her degree in special education.

McAdams was able to personally

found her home at Georgia Gwinnett

her passion for education. As a student

teacher, she looked to positively influence her first-, third- and fourth-grade students at Craig Elementary and Baggett

Elementary schools in Gwinnett County.

“If I inspired one student to be

self-driven and realize their goals, it

would make every bit of the hard road that has led me here worthwhile,” McAdams said.

During her time at GGC, McAdams

found a mentor in Dr. Yvonne Hefner, as-

sistant professor of special education. She cited Hefner’s knowledge, encouragement and expertise as leading her to where she is today. The fondness is reciprocated.

Peach State Federal Credit Union President and CEO Marshall Boutwell poses for a portrait with Hannah McAdams,’17, at the GGC Foundation’s recent Scholarship Reception.

McAdams spoke at the reception about how much it meant to receive the Peach State Federal Credit Union Scholarship.

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life through a different lens “Hannah is a highly motivated

student who takes her work seriously.

Her dedication to her work, flexibility and

the willingness to grow has been obvious throughout her classes in GGC’s special education program. Other teacher can-

didates admire and turn to her for advice or collegial sharing,” Hefner said. “Han-

nah has transformed her own life and is

committed to continually bettering herself and the lives of those around her. She is an amazing person and truly shines!”

McAdams will receive her bachelor’s

degree in December, the first in her

family to do so. She plans to earn a doctorate in occupational therapy, allowing

her to continue working with individuals with special needs. She said she feels her past was the decisive motivator to pursue an education.

“I knew there was more to life than

what I had experienced early on,” she

said. “Circumstances will not define me, my character will.”

“If I inspired one student to be self-driven and realize their goals, it would make every bit of the hard

Hannah McAdams is shown with her camera during a portrait session she recently conducted at Sims Lake Park in Suwanee.

To see her work visit www.hannahmcadams. com.

road that has led me here worthwhile.”

– Hannah McAdams, ’17

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Scholarship recipients encouraged to

A

PAY IT FORWARD

BY GIVING BACK

s the sun set on the GGC campus one evening in late spring, the Daniel J.

Kaufman Library & Learning Center was a flurry of activity. Many inside

were preparing for their final projects, presentations and exams of the semester.

For one group of students, the evening included shaking hands with the individuals who helped make their academic aspirations a reality.

The annual Scholarship Reception set the stage for donors and scholarship

recipients to meet, and as they did, the snapshot of GGC’s rich diversity was

evident. While their backgrounds may differ, those in attendance share a love for education and understanding of the profound value of philanthropic support.

The philosophy of giving back was the common thread woven throughout

the evening’s program. Both Bartow Morgan, Jr., chair of the GGC Foundation

Development Committee, and keynote speaker Marshall Boutwell, president/CEO of Peach State Federal Credit Union encouraged the students to do so. Boutwell went a step further by challenging recipients to give back to the very fund from

which they received the scholarship. Even a small amount each month is feasible, he added.

Cedrick Dizala Mukinay, ’17, biology, plans to fulfill that challenge when he is

able. A native of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mukinay witnessed the effects of financial difficulty firsthand. “I have personally known students who

were forced to drop out of school because their parents could not afford tuition,” he said. Mukinay views financial assistance via his scholarship as a gift of opportunity and is grateful for the education he received at Georgia Gwinnett.

“Scholarships enable students like me to achieve their dreams,” Mukinay said.

He is most proud of his involvement in two research projects with GGC faculty

while he was a student. He hopes the valuable lessons learned alongside faculty will help him with his next endeavor – admission to medical school. Mukinay

hopes to fulfill his dream of becoming a doctor to help prevent infectious diseases.

Selected Scholarships Endowed

Andersen Family Scholarship The Lee and Marshall Boutwell Veterans Scholarship Taylor Hardin Scholarship in Business Administration and Finance Daniel J. Kaufman Scholarship Lawrenceville Police Scholarship Elridge W. McMillan Regents Scholarship Milton M. Ratner Foundation Scholarship Linda Shumate Endowed Scholarship Carl D. White, Sr. Scholarship

Annual

BrandBank Scholarship Fund Georgia Gwinnett College Nursing Scholarship Georgia Gwinnett College Scholarship Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful Scholarship Gwinnett County Bar Association Scholarship Kaiser Permanente of Georgia Nursing Scholarship Pamela Kramer Nurse Leader Scholarship Dr. Laurence M. Lesser Nursing Scholarship Fund Peach State Federal Credit Union Scholarship University System of Georgia Foundation Scholarships Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of Georgia Scholarship

For information on funding a GGC scholarship, contact 678.407.5588 or advancement@ggc.edu.

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Left: Cedrick Dizala Mukinay, ’17, biology, talks with GGC Alumni Board members Tyler Walsh, ’11, business, and Brigette Fontenot, ’13, biology, at the recent Scholarship Reception. Right: Bartow Morgan, Jr., center, pauses for a photo with biology majors Tyler Heath, ’19, and Rayann Arslan, ’17, recipients of the Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful Scholarship.

2017 Day of Giving exceeds event goal Myra Beamon, ’17, political science, Elease Dillard, ’15, biology, and Dan Nolan, chief of staff, participated in the second annual GGC Day of Giving in March. This 24-hour crowdfunding event included a robust, multi-media marketing campaign featuring 15 pre-produced video clips and nine live-streaming interviews from campus.

The efforts yielded more than 150,000 social media impressions, a 34 percent increase from last year. As the day ended, GGC students, alumni and community donors hit 141 percent of the event’s goal, a 51 percent increase compared to the first Day of Giving in 2016.

Grizzlies Helping Grizzlies Emergency funding helps keep students on track for graduation All students share one common

goal – to graduate. However, unex-

campus community is truly incredible.”

About 40 students have benefited

pected situations can threaten to derail

from Grizzlies Helping Grizzlies. Stu-

GGC program can help them persevere

program by faculty, staff and fellow

a student’s education. Fortunately, a through difficulties.

Tomas Jimenez, interim senior

associate provost for Student Affairs

and dean of students, started Grizzlies Helping Grizzlies in 2014 after noticing

dents needing help are referred to the students. A committee then vets the distribution of emergency funds. The most common needs are for assistance with food and housing.

One recent situation involved a

an increase in the number of homeless

resident student without a place to go

and help those impacted by unanticipat-

She could not stay in the residence

students. His role enables him to identify ed, non-academic challenges.

“This is one of the programs at GGC

of which I am most proud,” he said.

“Experiencing firsthand how students’

lives are changed from the support of our

for winter break due to family difficulties. halls, which are closed for break. A friend referred her to the program and Jimenez extended a helping hand.

“That was one of those pivotal mo-

Partnering with the Office of Advance-

ment, the first crowdfunding campaign

for Grizzlies Helping Grizzlies was held

in early May, yielding 131 donors. Plans for future campaigns are slated for next year in hopes they will become as successful as the Day of Giving campaign (see photo above).

“GGC truly transforms the lives of

our students, one student at a time,” Jimenez said.

To make a gift to Grizzlies Helping Grizzlies, contact Nate Jones at 678.407.5551 or njones20@ggc.edu.

ments for me at GGC,” said the student. e n g a g e. gg c. e d u

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GRIZZLIES CONTINUE

WINNING TRADITION In just four seasons of post-season eligibility, Georgia Gwinnett College has been one of the most dominating athletic departments in the country, having won seven national championships and 10 conference titles in just five years. The Grizzlies’ all-time record is 712-231-18 for an impressive .750 winning percentage. Five of Georgia Gwinnett’s six teams competed for national titles in the 2016-17 academic year.

MEN’S SOCCER: The Grizzlies finished with a 13-4-3 record and a No.

23 ranking in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Coaches’ Poll and captured their third Association of Independent Institutions (A.I.I.) title in four seasons. WOMEN’S SOCCER: The women’s squad posted its fifth season with 10 or more wins, reaching the A.I.I. Tournament in Denver, Colorado, as top seed. The Grizzlies look to continue their growth in 2017-18 under new head coach Dr. Mike Giuliano.

BASEBALL: The Grizzlies finished the 2017 regular season at No. 14, winning their third A.I.I. championship in four years. SOFTBALL: GGC

reached a program-best No. 5 ranking while winning the most games in a single season, 50, in the program’s short five-year history. The Grizzlies also captured their second A.I.I. title in three seasons.

MEN’S TENNIS: Ranked No. 1 throughout the entire season, GGC brought home its fourth straight NAIA national title and maintained its 55-match undefeated streak, dating back to 2015, to finish 2017 with a perfect 23-0 record. The Grizzlies recently broke the NAIA record for consecutive days ranked at No. 1, holding the top spot for 1,099 days. WOMEN’S TENNIS: As the NAIA’s No. 1 ranked team, the Grizzlies captured back-to-back NAIA National Championships, winning their third title in four seasons.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: For spring 2017, five of GGC’s six teams

posted a 3.0 GPA or higher. The Grizzlies also tallied a record semester GPA of 3.002 while turning in GGC Athletics’ highest-ever yearly GPA. Overall, 68 of GGC’s 117 student-athletes posted a 3.0 or higher GPA. 20

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The Gallery Photo cutline to come.

Students experience a demo of precise, computerized drone control during the School of Science and Technology’s annual STaRS event, which allows students and faculty to showcase a variety of science projects and research.

Above: Erin Lucier, ’17, business, was among those greeting aspiring Grizzlies during Admitted Student Day. This was the third year for the event, which provides newly admitted students an opportunity to get to know faculty, staff and students and to receive more information on the many services available to them when they enroll at GGC.

GGC students discuss cutting-edge visualization technologies with members of Leadership Gwinnett, who visited the media lab during a recent visit to the college.

Below: GGC President Stas Preczewski takes a CPR lesson from Savannah Weaver, ’17, during a demonstration by nursing students on the lawn. The students educated more than 100 people in support of the campus’ HeartSafe efforts.

Reggie Hairston, ’17, special education, explains linear functions during his spring semester student teaching assignment.

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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

Mark your calendar now!

Georgia Gwinnett College Homecoming 2017

Saturday, Oct. 21

uR SO Spirit Competition uG winnett Great Days of Service uS pirit Day uH omecoming Court Presentation uS tudent Picnic u Appreciation Reception for alumni, faculty, staff and friends uG rizzlies men’s soccer game vs. Bryan College, 1 p.m. uA nd much more!

For more information: www.ggc.edu/homecoming