December 2018

Three trustees sworn in for governing board
12/17/2018 - New members Linda Cartwright and Brad Monroe, along with re-elected board member Debbie Justeson, were sworn into office for the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Governing Board on Dec. 11.

Trio wins top award for college district's support staff
12/12/2018 - Cohesion and excellence are concepts often expressed in threes. The Three Musketeers. The Three Tenors. The Three Wise Men. The Triple Crown. The three Olympic medals. The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District has a winning trio of its own – the winners of the 2018 Chancellor/Classified Senate Award -- who were lauded Tuesday night by the Governing Board in recognition of their exemplary work. The jobs of the winners – Rochelle Weiser from Grossmont College; Gwen Nix from Cuyamaca College and Gabriella Avila-Garcia from District Services, are varied, representing the broad expanse of tasks performed by non-instructional staff .

Grossmont College recognized as Champion of Higher Education
12/06/2018 - Grossmont College was recognized as a Champion of Higher Education by the Campaign for College Opportunity for its work to significantly increase the number of students earning an Associate Degree for Transfer, an associate degree that guarantees transfer to a California State University institution.

Open enrollment begins for spring 2019
12/05/2018 - Spring semester is just a calendar page away at Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges and much is in store for the new year. Open enrollment begins Tuesday, Dec. 4, for the new semester, which starts Jan. 28 with new courses, first-time programs and more free textbooks used in classes. Tuesday is also the first day of open registration for intersession classes, offered Jan. 2-26.

November 2018

New director at Heritage of the Americas Museum
11/28/2018 - Brittany Gardner was a student at Avocado Elementary School when she fell in love with the Heritage of the Americas Museum during a third-grade field trip. Less than 20 years after that excursion, Gardner was recently named the museum’s new executive director.

Rice Family Foundation wins Garrett civic leadership award
11/15/2018 - A foundation that has provided more than $1 million in donations to Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges has been honored with the second annual Bill and Judy Garrett Civic Leadership Award.

Theater under construction at Grossmont College reaches new heights
11/10/2018 - A construction milestone of the Grossmont College Performing and Visual Arts Center was celebrated Thursday by educators and officials autographing the last structural beam going up on what promises to be a landmark structure.

Student veterans to see expanded services, facilities
11/09/2018 - Just in time for Veterans Day, the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District has good news about expanded services and new facilities in store for its nearly 1,700 student veterans. The two colleges have each secured $200,000 in state grants to expand outreach and services to veterans and their dependents. In addition, both colleges have plans in place to nearly triple the size of their veterans resource centers, with construction at Cuyamaca College set to begin next spring.

Nov. 9 chamber music performance at Cuyamaca
11/05/2018 - Winds from the San Diego Symphony will join pianist Jessie Chang in a unique chamber music concert set for Friday, Nov. 9, at Cuyamaca College’s Samuel M. Ciccati Theatre.

October 2018

Oct. 18 renaming for Samuel M. Ciccati Performing Arts Center
10/12/2018 - New signage officially designating a Cuyamaca College cultural hub as the Samuel M. Ciccati Performing Arts Center and the Samuel M. Ciccati Performing Arts Theatre – in honor of the former college president for a $1 million gift – will be unveiled during an October 18 ceremony at the Rancho San Diego campus.

Grossmont College launches drone program with free piloting classes
10/11/2018 - Grossmont College’s much-anticipated Drone Technology Program launches Oct. 30, with grant-funded classes offering free, comprehensive instruction designed to train novices to become FAA-certified commercial drone pilots with skills to pursue jobs or to become self-employed.

College district has much to cheer about with new vice chancellor
10/02/2018 - Crediting community college for setting him on a quest for learning, Sean Hancock went on to attain two advanced degrees and top posts as a college administrator, and is now the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District’s first Vice Chancellor of Student and Institutional Success.

Music reverberates with start of ECHO season
10/02/2018 - An assemblage of internationally-acclaimed musicians who have performed at symphony halls around the globe are lined up for the second season of the Cuyamaca College ECHO Chamber Music Series, which kicks off Oct. 11 with a 7:30 p.m. concert featuring a selection of Mozart violin sonatas.enter a summary

September 2018

Swing Under the Stars music fundraiser at Grossmont
09/28/2018 - The Grossmont College Music Department will host its first-ever Swing Under the Stars concert and student scholarship fundraiser on Thursday, Oct. 11, in the Main Quad of the East County community college.

Grossmont College 40th Annual Career Expo a big draw
09/19/2018 - One of the oldest and largest community college job fairs in the county continues its successful run with the 40th Annual Career Expo at Grossmont College set for Wednesday, Oct. 10. It is free and open to the public.

Three faculty at Grossmont, Cuyamaca colleges lauded by peers
09/17/2018 - Three instructors at Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges have been selected by their peers as among the academic year’s best faculty members. The honorees were announced at fall convocations in recognition of their exemplary service to the two East County campuses.

Grossmont to mark 40th anniversary of PSA Flight 182 crash
09/13/2018 - The 40th anniversary of the PSA Flight 182 crash in San Diego that killed 144 people and scattered wreckage and carnage across North Park will be remembered at an event Sept. 25 at Grossmont College. Family members of those who perished, as well as first responders and PSA workers, will share their memories following a free, public screening of the documentary film, “Return to Dwight and Nile,” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25, at Grossmont College’s Griffin Gate, Building 60.

Latinx Heritage Month at colleges
09/10/2018 - Food, music and dance at Cuyamaca College and a visit at Grossmont College by nationally acclaimed poet Yosimar Reyes will highlight a series of special events honoring Latinx Heritage Month at the two East County colleges from mid-September to Nov. 1.

Literary works celebrated at Grossmont College Fall Reading Series
09/07/2018 - A celebration of banned books, readings from former rock groupie Pamela Des Barres and a collection of poetry crafted by Grossmont College Professor Joe Medina are among the highlights in this year’s annual Fall Reading Series at Grossmont College that continues Sept. 12 with an Open Reading at the college library.

August 2018

Diversity Dialogues fall workshops at Cuyamaca College
08/31/2018 - Microaggressions and cultural misunderstandings are among the topics tackled this fall when Cuyamaca College launches its latest series of Diversity Dialogues with a Sept. 13 workshop focusing on latent biases.

Anonymous donation to fund future Auto Technology scholarships
08/28/2018 - An anonymous San Diego County couple motivated by a desire to give back to the community has pledged $100,000 to help students at Cuyamaca College’s award-winning Automotive Technology program fund their education.

District's bond program lauded for transparency
08/27/2018 - The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District has received a perfect score on the transparency of its information about the Proposition V construction bond program.

Fall concert series begins at Cuyamaca College
08/23/2018 - A wide range of musical styles – from Korean folk to the soundtrack to Guardians of the Galaxy – is coming to Cuyamaca College’s Samuel M. Ciccati Theatre courtesy of the annual Fall Concert Series that launches Aug. 27.

Dramatic fusion of jazz, Korean music coming to Cuyamaca
08/17/2018 - Ten years ago, a then-13-year-old Chase Morrin gave the premiere performance at Cuyamaca College’s jewel of a theater, now known as the Samuel M. Ciccati Performing Arts Center. On Monday, Aug. 27, Morrin returns at 7:30 p.m. to Cuyamaca College to perform the music of GaPi, an enthralling fusion of jazz and Korean folk music that last year won the Korean equivalent to a Grammy. It is the first concert of the college’s fall semester.

Cuyamaca College's auto tech to start new degree program
08/08/2018 - Cuyamaca College’s Automotive Technology program and a coalition of independent repair shops are primed to launch a new associate degree program that will enhance paid hands-on training opportunities and lead to more jobs for graduates.

2018-19 Grossmont College Theatre Arts season gets underway
08/02/2018 - The critically acclaimed masterpiece “Arcadia,” an adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Goloshes of Fortune,” and the dramatic comedy “She Kills Monsters” are among the classics headlining the Stagehouse Theatre’s 2018-19 season at Grossmont College.

July 2018

Grossmont College offers ironworkers' apprenticeship program
07/25/2018 - If joining the ranks of well-paid ironworkers piques your interest, Grossmont College is partnering with Ironworkers Local 229 to offer a two-week pre-apprenticeship program to introduce trainees to the field, after which they may be selected as paid apprentices with starting salaries and benefits  totaling nearly $30 an hour.

Cuyamaca College receives state diversity and equity award
07/17/2018 - Cuyamaca College is one of two community colleges statewide to be honored today with the 18th annual Dr. John W. Rice Diversity & Equity Award for its innovative program that facilitates timely completion of math and English classes.

Fall registration opens at Grossmont, Cuyamaca colleges
07/03/2018 - With the start of fall semester Aug. 20, open registration is just days away for almost 30,000 students working toward university transfer, training for high-skill jobs or expanding their horizons at Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges.

Beauty and the Beast: A New Musical opens
07/02/2018 - Beauty and the Beast: A New Musical is coming to the Grossmont College Stagehouse Theatre from July 26 through Aug. 4 as part of the annual Grossmont College Summer Theatre Arts Conservatory.

June 2018

DJ travels from Rwanda to Grossmont College to share story
06/19/2018 - For three years, Olivier Ndacyayisenga, a DJ who lives in Rwanda, has been communicating by Skype with Grossmont College summer students about the culture and heartrending history of his African country. Now, with the help of two faculty members, Olivier will talk in person at Grossmont College about the Rwandan genocide and deliver a simple message: that hope exists even in the face unthinkable tragedy.

Records set by largest graduating classes at Grossmont, Cuyamaca colleges
06/11/2018 - Commencement day is always a day of celebration and promising futures as students take part in a time-honored processional, while families and friends cheer and beam with pride. This year’s graduation ceremonies at Cuyamaca and Grossmont colleges were ones for the record books as a highest-ever 2,500 graduates received more than 5,500 degrees and certificates on June 6 and 7. These numbers translate into a 23 percent increase in the number of graduates and a 20 percent hike in the number of degrees and certificates compared to 2017’s record-setting numbers.

May 2018

Conference to educate educators on teaching economics and personal finance
05/31/2018 - The San Diego Center for Economic Education at Cuyamaca College is co-hosting three-day course on economics and personal finance in late June that is designed for high school and community college instructors in building impactful lesson plans for their students.

Grossmont Theatre student makes professional debut at Cygnet Theatre
05/30/2018 - Grossmont College Theatre Arts student Demetrius Clayton has seen a bit of the world as a Marine Corps vet, but he describes his first professional role in the Cygnet Theatre production of “The Wind and the Breeze” as a real jaw-dropper.

Something for everyone in summer session classes
05/29/2018 - This summer’s classes at Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges offer something for everyone, from recent high school graduates to working adults or those looking to get into shape with a variety of health and fitness classes.

Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Promise unveiled
05/25/2018 - The governing boards of two East County high school and college districts are making a promise to high school seniors: commit to your college success, and you will receive a free year of tuition at Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges.

District signs agreement with Prague university
05/22/2018 - An agreement signed between the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District and a Prague university will allow graduates who have earned a degree from one of the two East County colleges to continue their education in the Czech Republic.

Record number of Grossmont, Cuyamaca graduates to receive more than 5,500 degrees, certificates
05/21/2018 - A continuing focus on student success and a streamlined process for university transfer are yielding record numbers for Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges, where a highest-ever 2,500 graduates will receive more than 5,500 degrees and certificates on June 6 and 7.

Cuyamaca College opens new vineyard for viticulture program
05/18/2018 - A new half-acre vineyard at Cuyamaca College that is part of a groundbreaking viticulture apprenticeship program to meet a growing demand for skilled workers in the region’s wine making industry will be officially dedicated on June 4.

Eighteen programs recognized for boosting graduates' careers
05/17/2018 - Eighteen workforce programs at Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges have received state recognition for their success in boosting the salaries and careers of their graduates. The programs were recognized as Strong Workforce Stars, an annual recognition by the California Community Colleges honoring career education programs that show significant gains in factors that advance social mobility – a substantial increase in earnings, attainment of a living wage and a job closely matched with the graduate’s field of study.

Bike rides to honor Grossmont College professor
05/14/2018 - Two guided bike rides are being held at Grossmont College May 20 to honor the memory of Grossmont College political science professor Brian Jennings, an avid bicyclist who was killed April 17 while riding his bike in Flinn Springs.

Cuyamaca College Chamber Music series concludes with May 20 performance
05/09/2018 - The inaugural season of a new chamber concert series at Cuyamaca College featuring renowned international musicians concludes Sunday, May 20, with a performance by the Soleil Quartet, a group comprising four esteemed members of the San Diego Symphony.

April 2018

Grossmont College Police Academy cadet graduating at age 73
04/25/2018 - Brian Duncan has wanted to be a cop for as long as he could remember, but for the 73-year-old El Cajon resident, that wish has remained an unrequited dream. At least until now. He is one of 15 cadets to be graduating Friday from Grossmont College’s 32nd Police Academy and he has his sights set next on joining the El Cajon Police Department as a reserve officer.

Annual Career Manufacturing Tour set for May 3
04/19/2018 - Military veterans, college students and others looking at their job options are invited to take part in the East County Economic Development Council’s annual Careers in Manufacturing Tour and Panel Series co-hosted by Cuyamaca College on Thursday, May 3.

Multiple marketing, PR awards for East County College District
04/16/2018 - The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Marketing and Communications Office has been bringing home the metal over the past month with numerous awards recognizing exemplary marketing, communications, design and public relations efforts.

Grossmont College hosts 22nd annual Literary Arts Festival
04/11/2018 - Local author and host of the Southern California reading series, “Vermin on the Mount,” Jim Ruland will kick off Grossmont College’s Creative Writing Program’s 22nd annual Literary Arts Festival on April 23

Grossmont College student wins international broadcasting award
04/09/2018 - Grossmont College broadcast student Alan Perales knows a good story when he sees it. Accompanying his father on a hospital visit for a combat injury from the Vietnam War, Perales had the idea to chronicle the plight of injured veterans in a radio documentary for a Media Communications class. On Sunday, he picked up a first-place international broadcasting award in Las Vegas in the 2018 BEA Festival of Media Arts, billed as the world’s largest digital media and broadcast competition for students and faculty. The Broadcast Education Association is an international professional association for instructors, students and industry professionals in electronic media and multimedia enterprises.

Spring Garden and Butterfly Festival returns for 25th anniversary
04/05/2018 - Up to 5,000 visitors will converge on the Cuyamaca College campus when the annual Spring Garden and Butterfly Festival returns for its 25th year on Saturday, April 28, as the college, The Water Conservation Garden and the Heritage of the Americas Museum present an array of family-friendly events featuring plant sales, craft vendors, wine tasting and more.

Employers flocking to career fair at Cuyamaca College
04/04/2018 - Polish your resume and practice your elevator speech. A record number of employers will be recruiting at the 26th annual East County Career Expo set for Wednesday, April 25, at Cuyamaca College.

March 2018

Salsa Under The Stars: A Scholarship Fundraiser
03/27/2018 - Following last year’s successful debut that drew some 400 music fans and raised thousands of dollars for student scholarships, Grossmont College’s “Salsa Under the Stars” returns Friday, April 13, to the Main Quad.

Cuyamaca College students blossom at landscape competition
03/26/2018 - The Cuyamaca College Ornamental Horticulture program is turning heads after yet another standout performance at the National Collegiate Landscape Competition.

Former Cuyamaca College president donates $1 million to college district
03/21/2018 - From his own experience as a community college student to his time as president of Cuyamaca College, Sam Ciccati knows firsthand the transformative value of education. Through his $1 million gift to the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District announced Tuesday night, scholarships and assistance will be offered to Cuyamaca College students for years to come.

Jazz great Charles McPherson to visit Cuyamaca College
03/21/2018 - Here’s music to the ears of jazz fans: legendary jazz saxophonist Charles McPherson will give a free talk and music demonstration April 5 at Cuyamaca College.

Four from college district receive national award for contributions to community colleges
03/16/2018 - Three instructors from Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges and an administrator from the East County community college district are recipients of a national award recognizing community college teaching and leadership.

February 2018

Three Grossmont College dance students named finalists in Young Choreographers Showcase
02/26/2018 - Three of the top ten finalists in the March 3 San Diego Dance Theater’s Young Choreographers Showcase are Grossmont College dance students, and the only community college students selected.

Grossmont, Cuyamaca colleges award outstanding faculty
02/23/2018 - Cuyamaca College instructors in health education and graphic design and an expert in online learning at Grossmont College have been lauded as among the academic year’s top faculty at the two East County campuses.

Cuyamaca College launches new concert series
02/07/2018 - An East County benefactor who has helped transform the San Diego chamber music landscape is underwriting a new series of concerts at Cuyamaca College’s Performing Arts Theatre featuring renowned international musicians who have impressed audiences as far away as the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall in Moscow.

January 2018

Grossmont, Cuyamaca colleges celebrate Black History Month
01/31/2018 - A presentation at Grossmont College that links educating African-American boys and men to the Black Lives Matter movement and a celebration at Cuyamaca College honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X are among the events planned in February for Black History Month.

Fourth Annual Powwow at Cuyamaca College
01/26/2018 - Cuyamaca College’s Native American Student Alliance is hosting its 4th Annual Powwow on Saturday, Feb. 3, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Communication Arts complex quad in the center of the picturesque Rancho San Diego campus. The free, public event celebrates American Indian culture with a variety of activities including bird singing, gourd dancing and storytelling steeped in spiritual significance.

Cuyamaca College names new vice president of student services
01/25/2018 - Talk about a homecoming. Jessica Robinson, a first-generation college student who began her higher education journey as a Cuyamaca College student some 20 years ago, is the new Vice President of Student Services at the Rancho San Diego campus.

College district's 14-year record of spotless audits remains intact
01/22/2018 - Continuing a winning streak that would be envy of any sports franchise, the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District’s excellent fiscal practices have once again received top marks from independent auditors for the 14th straight year. The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Governing Board was presented last week with unblemished reports detailing the district’s general audit, as well as independent reviews of the financials of the Foundation for Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges, the district’s auxiliary, and the management of Proposition V, the construction bond funds approved by East County voters in 2012.

Grossmont Theatre Arts opens spring season with 'Inside the Actor's Process'
01/13/2018 - Grossmont College’s Theatre Arts Department will kick off its spring 2018 season with its 12th annual Inside the Actor’s Process production, this time focusing on classical theater.

Women in Water Conference at Cuyamaca College
01/05/2018 - California Community Colleges Executive Vice Chancellor Van Ton-Quinlivan, a nationally recognized workforce development leader, will be the keynote speaker at a Jan. 18 Cuyamaca College conference promoting career opportunities for women in the water industry – opportunities that will continue to flourish because of an aging workforce.