Campus Updates from Dr. Avila
Dear Gavilan Community,
As we begin the new year and our spring semester, I want to to take a moment to welcome you back and thank you for the work you do every day. It has been good to see our campuses come back to life as the semester gets underway.
As the spring semester begins, I feel confident in the direction of our college, and I am appreciative of the professionalism I see across the district. Classes are getting started, staff and faculty are reconnecting with students, and the college is settling back into its regular rhythm after the break.
I also want to acknowledge the current political climate. Gavilan's role is clear: we are here to educate students, protect their rights, and uphold freedom of speech. And while we do not take political positions as an institution, we do take our responsibility to maintain campuses that are safe, respectful, and focused on learning very seriously.
Thank you for your continued commitment to Gavilan College. I look forward to the work ahead this semester.
Warm Regards,
Dr. Pedro Avila
Community Visibility & Engagement
Hollister One Year Anniversary
On January 15, we marked the one year anniversary of the Hollister Campus with a strong turnout from students, employees, and community partners. The celebration reflected the role the campus has quickly come to play in expanding access to higher education in San Benito County. I am grateful to everyone who joined us and to those whose work continues to shape the campus and its future.
Hollister Time Capsule Ceremony
As part of the Hollister Campus one year anniversary, we held a time capsule ceremony to pause and reflect on this moment in the college’s history. The items placed in the capsule capture the people, priorities, and sense of possibility that have shaped the campus in its first year and will speak to the future we are building together.
As part of the Hollister Campus time capsule, I wrote a letter addressed to future Gavilan students, to be opened 100 years from now. The letter reflects on this moment in the college’s history, the values that guide our work today, and my hope that Gavilan continues to serve its community for generations to come.
Time Capsule Photos Time Capsule Letter
Celebrating Our Employee of the Month
Gavilan College is proud to recognize an outstanding employees whose dedication and daily contributions strengthen our campus community.
Employee of the Month, December 2025 – Gladys Elizondo
Senior Financial Aid Specialist since July 10, 2019
Gladys Elizondo was recognized as Gavilan College’s Employee of the Month for December 2026. As a Senior Financial Aid Specialist, she is known for her exceptional dedication to student success and her ability to create a welcoming, supportive environment for all students. She consistently goes above and beyond through one-on-one support, behind-the-scenes problem solving, and a willingness to step in wherever her department needs support. Her professionalism, commitment, and positive presence have made a meaningful and lasting impact on students and colleagues across the college.
Hollister Convocation
Convocation at the Hollister Campus was a welcome chance to bring the Gavilan community together in one place. Faculty and staff from across the district gathered to reconnect, share ideas, and start the semester side by side. Being in the same room highlighted the relationships and shared purpose that carry our work forward and reinforced the sense of community that spans both campuses.
Project Management Training
Earlier this month, the college hosted a three-day Project Management training led by an expert facilitator from the American Management Association. The training brought together Senior Program Specialists, Division Assistants, Program Specialists, and Departmental Assistants for focused, hands-on professional development.
Over three days, participants strengthened core project management skills, including planning and controlling projects, managing time and priorities, solving project challenges, coordinating work across teams, and improving communication. This training supports the day-to-day operational work that keeps the college moving and reinforces shared practices that promote clarity, efficiency, and collaboration.
Explore Updates from each area through the links below
Human Resources - Lucy Alvarez
Administrative Services - Marilyn Morikang
Student Services - Dr. Renee Craig-Marius
Academic Affairs - Dr. Moaty Fayek
Kind Regards,
Dr. Pedro Avila
Superintendent/President
5055 Santa Teresa Boulevard | Gilroy, CA 95020
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