Graham’s gift also endows the Graham Fellows (formerly known as the Graham Innovation Scholars) and ties the group to the GCCI. “The Center broadens the base of what we are trying to do in the Fellows program, by involving faculty and community in collaborative activities,” said Graham. “The CCI will be home for the Graham Fellows, and will also serve as an extension. More people – faculty, students, and the community – will be drawn into collaborative activities.” “The Graham Fellows program is one of the student arms of the GCCI,” said Dominic DelliCarpini, Dean of the Center for Community Engagement. “The Fellows, along with the Engaged Scholars, will be central to engaging other students across campus in the work of the GCCI.” An Executive Director of the GCCI will be hired and report directly to President Thomas Burns. The GCCI office is in the Diehl House on Kings Mill Depot Road. “Pulling the pieces together for the GCCI couldn’t have happened at a better time,” said Jeff Vermeulen, Chief of Staff to the President, and Executive Director of York College’s Knowledge Park. “The GCCI will be an established, functioning unit of the College ready to incorporate the first phase of Knowledge Park partners under roof in the late fall/early spring next year.” Graham was a member of the York College Board of Trustees from 1983 to 1995, and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in 2002. Through his business, Graham made the initial gift that launched the York College Community Opportunity Scholarship Program (YCCOSP). He also made significant gifts to York College to name the Graham School of Business and Graham Field at the Grumbacher Sport and Fitness Center. “Entrepreneurial thinking encompasses collaboration,” Graham said. “Entrepreneurs figure out how to involve input from all areas, or they will fail. Collaboration is just necessary for activity of all sorts. The Center will enhance students in their profession and throughout their lives as they experience innovation through collaboration. Hopefully, this will be a real difference maker for YCP as competition for students gets tougher.”
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