Celebrating Achievements & Excitement for the Year Ahead!
Dear Gavilan College Family,
I hope everyone is having a great summer. It's been a whirlwind summer but a fantastic one for Gavilan College. Our summer enrollments are up by 25% (740 students), a significant achievement in which we can all take pride! This is a testament to the collective effort and dedication of our entire Gavilan College community!
As we gear up for a new academic year, I wanted to share some truly exciting news and celebrate the incredible growth and achievements of our dedicated faculty, staff, and students. The progress we've made and the milestones we've reached are a testament to our collective efforts and the bright future for Gavilan College.
On a personal note, reaching 50 this year (yes, the big 5-0!) has me reflecting on the incredible journey that brought my family and me to Gilroy and Gavilan. It's a journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and, most importantly, growth. We are delighted to be in this community, and my commitment to Gavilan remains stronger than ever. I'm honored to continue serving you and our outstanding students as we embark on my third year as your President.
Gavilan College Goes Statewide!
I am thrilled to announce that Gavilan College is now officially part of the State’s Course Exchange as a Teaching College! What does this mean? Our Gavilan College online courses are now featured on the California Virtual Campus (cvc.edu) website, accessible to students across the entire state! This opens doors for even more students to benefit from the expertise of our talented instructors.
A Huge Thank You! This achievement wouldn't have been possible without the exceptional leadership of Sabrina Lawrence, Kyle Billups, Irene Haneta, and Dr. Moaty Fayek, as well as the tireless efforts of our dedicated staff. Their hard work integrating our online systems has made this endeavor a reality. We are deeply grateful for their commitment and dedication. Additionally, a huge round of applause for our 25 instructors who earned their Peer Online Course Review (POCR) certification, ensuring our online courses meet the highest standards. This is a significant achievement and a testament to the quality of education we provide. Congratulations to everyone involved!
Celebrating Generosity and Student Success: Our Annual Scholarship Ceremony!
The power of community was on full display at our second annual Scholarship Ceremony! This heartfelt event brought together our generous donors and deserving scholarship recipients. This year, 133 awards were presented, totaling a remarkable $116,600 in scholarships — a testament to the generosity that fuels our student success! The impact of these donations on our students is truly inspiring. We are deeply grateful to Alyssa Munoz, who led the coordinating efforts, our Financial Aid team, and all the employees who helped make this event successful. Also, thanks to our donors and our Educational Foundation for their support. Congratulations on delivering a fantastic event!
Rocking and Enrolling for the Future!
Our Student Services team and dedicated staff from across the college hosted a fantastic "Rock and Enroll" event (formerly Super Saturday). This vibrant event assisted new and returning students with admissions, counseling, campus tours, and registration, ensuring a smooth start to their academic journey. Thanks to Dean Diego Espinoza, Director Lelannie Mann, the Student Services Team, and everyone who contributed to this successful event. Don't forget – we’ll be replicating this event on August 16th at the Hollister site at Briggs!
Science Alive Inspires and Receives Grant Support!
The Community Foundation of San Benito County has awarded Science Alive a $3,000 grant thanks to Judy Rodriguez's efforts. This grant will ensure free bus transportation for San Benito County middle school students to attend next year's Science Alive program at our Gilroy Campus, improving equitable access. Per Ken Wagman, please mark your calendars for Science Alive 2025, scheduled for Saturday, March 8th —it will be a blast!
New Gavilan Monument Signs and Exciting Construction Projects!
Have you visited campus lately? You might be surprised! Our new monument signs at the south and north entrances add a touch of pride and symbolize the exciting developments underway. With the Hollister Campus nearing completion, we're also gearing up for a series of construction projects to enhance our Gilroy Campus. Congratulations to Serafin Fernandez and the Capital Projects team for their outstanding work! Stay tuned for their upcoming communications regarding construction activities.
Fall Convocation – Save the Date!
Remember to mark your calendars for the fall Convocation on Friday, August 23rd. We're finalizing the details and will share them soon. We eagerly anticipate welcoming everyone back for a fantastic academic year.
With immense pride in our accomplishments and optimism for the future, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you. Together, we ensure Gavilan College remains a beacon of opportunity and excellence!
Kind Regards,
Dr. Pedro Avila
Superintendent/President
instagram.com/gavilanprez/
facebook.com/gavilanprez/