Spring 2012 :: Vol.6 No.1

InsideEDGE:

Dining hall heats up for cooking contest

Alumnus shares medi- cal school experiences A large flash mob of dancing GGC students surprised the crowd at this past fall’s Rock-n-Rib Fest in downtown Lawrenceville. As the student body has grown to more than 8,000 students, so has its connection to the local community. Gwinnett When can one say that a new college The college surpassed 8,000 is no longer new? students in January, again repeating College makes Is it when a major highway inter- its unusual pattern of increasing change must be rebuilt to accommodate enrollment from fall to spring its mark the college’s traffic? semesters. The growth has generated Or when officials from another a new energy, fed not only by college travel halfway across the numbers but by more active student First GGC ROTC cadet nation to study its successes? organizations, special events and contracted Perhaps it is when the students other facets of a more established, and faculty begin routinely defeating yet still expanding, campus life. counterparts from more established GGC is still celebrating many institutions in academic competitions. firsts, but now looks to the future Could it be when it is showcased in with different goals in mind. In a major national network TV movie? fact, its leadership has completed Is it when the college is selected the implementation of the college’s to receive a grant through the high- first strategic plan, which focused profile Complete College America on creating the college, and is program? (see story, page 5) developing a new strategic plan Or is it when students are woven devoted to enhancing the college.

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g. r O rofit P n No into a new phase of its growth and to have come so far. The college development as an institution. Story continued on page 2 :: Calendar of Events GGC celebrates historic winter commencement April 6 Summer Semester application deadline The audience at December’s winter April 11 commencement erupted into Button Gwinnett Day enthusiastic applause as Emily April 15 Decision on NAIA membership Valentino was announced as GGC’s April 21 500th graduate. The spontaneous Open House May 2-8 celebration was a surprise, and she Final exams beamed as a photographer captured June 1 the moment for posterity. Fall Semester application deadline “I am very excited and proud,” she Aug. 20 said. “That will always be a special Fall Semester begins Aug. 25 memory for me.” First intercollegiate It was one of many “firsts”cele- soccer games brated during the ceremony. Visit the events calendar at In fact, Valentino represented two www.ggc.edu milestones, as she was a member of the inaugural graduating class for the GGC President Daniel J. Kaufman presents a diploma to Emily Valentino, the college’s 500th graduate and a member of its first freshman class. Story continued on page 7 Georgia Gwinnett College makes its mark: continued from page 1

has already become integral to the community lacked data for other measurements,” Kaufman and state, and we intend to be a player on the said. “We are very pleased that GGC was national and international stages. Thanks to the ranked so favorably based upon the limited data hard work of our staff, faculty and students, available.” Best Colleges is a popular reference Georgia Gwinnett College has built a solid for prospective students and their parents when foundation that promises a bright future.” considering colleges and universities. Georgia Gwinnett College is also one of 200 institutions listed in Colleges of Distinction, a guide listing colleges excelling in four key areas: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant communities, and successful outcomes. GGC debuts on national TV “Game of Your Life,” a made-for-TV movie was partially filmed on the Georgia Gwinnett campus and aired on NBC in December. The movie was about a student who lands a scholarship in an exclusive video game design program. Dozens of GGC students appeared A large movie camera captures a scene in the library during as extras in multiple scenes, giving them an the making of the television movie, “The Game of Your Life.” opportunity to experience real-life film making. “GGC was a great location to film this movie The project organizers distributed iTouch because it embraces all of the qualities of a devices to students who used them to access high-end scholastic environment in an idyllic specially designed organic chemistry flash cards setting,” said David Rosemont, executive and podcasts. These learning modules reinforced GGC President Dan Kaufman guides U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson on a recent tour of campus. producer of HCP Productions II, LLC of Atlanta. basic concepts, allowing faculty to use classroom The movie’s topic foreshadowed the future time for more challenging material. for some GGC students, as the college will Another Georgia Gwinnett team placed third GGC’s national reputation soon introduce a gaming concentration. among 38 institutions in a highly competitive grows rapidly “Gaming technology is important to local social business plan competition held during The college recently hosted officials with the economic development,” said Thomas the University System of Georgia Social University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT- Mundie, dean of the School of Science and Business and Microcredit Forum. This marks Dallas), who hoped to learn from GGC’s success. Technology. “Graduates with this expertise are GGC’s first academic trophy in a state-wide Like Georgia Gwinnett, UNT-Dallas is the in demand as the field continues to expand.” competition. In a recent workshop, the team newest public institution in its state, having earned a shot at a $50,000 business investment. been established in September 2010. The UNT- Students and faculty achieve The five-member Georgia Gwinnett team Dallas team included John Beehler, provost a winning record presented a business plan designed to eradicate and vice president for Academic Excellence Some might think of Georgia Gwinnett as an adult illiteracy in Georgia, entitled “Read4Life!” and Student Success. underdog because of its youth. However, “It is great to visit GGC and review best that is not the case. From athletic club teams Growth impacts highway plans practices in achieving high rates of student to academic competitions, this 21st Century Georgia Gwinnett’s dramatic growth is leading success,” said Beehler. “UNT-Dallas hopes to “success institution” is living up to its reputation. to dramatic changes in the Lawrenceville replicate key aspects of GGC’s model.” GGC’s innovative iTouch Chemistry Project community. The Georgia Department of This marks the first site visit by another took home top honors at the Technology Transportation recently began construction on college seeking to learn from Georgia Gwinnett, Association of Georgia (TAG) 2011 Excalibur a new interchange at Route 316, Collins Hill but Kaufman said it will not be the last. Awards Ceremony. The prestigious program Road and Route 20 to accommodate increased “We intended that the college would be a recognizes innovative use of technology in the traffic generated by the college. The project wellspring for innovation and new ideas,” fields of business and education. will be completed in late 2014. Kaufman said. “Thanks to our faculty and staff, This was the first time Georgia Gwinnett In addition, the City of Lawrenceville plans this part of our vision is coming to fruition.” educators entered the competition, which to widen and improve the Collins Hill Road Another national distinction was Georgia attracted more than 20 other Georgia institutions. corridor, linking the college more easily to the Gwinnett’s selection as one of only eight The iTouch Project was designed to improve vibrant downtown area and local events. institutions in this year’s American Council the retention rate in the college’s chemistry Considering that the college, its faculty on Education (ACE) Internationalization discipline. It is common at any college to find and students have attained such impressive Laboratory. Guided by ACE, Georgia Gwinnett that 40 percent of students who take Organic achievements in only its sixth year, the future will increase global engagement by working Chemistry I do not take Organic Chemistry II. bodes well for Georgia Gwinnett. on strategic planning and student outcomes and participating in site visits, peer reviews and other activities. “Being a 21st century institution means embedding internationalization within our core mission,” said Anthony Pinder, director of Internationalization. “Our participation will build on current successes and advance the college’s internationalization efforts.” National distinctions achieved In only its sixth year, GGC ranked 70th in the list of “Best Regional Colleges – South” in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2012 edition of Best Colleges. Key factors vaulting GGC into the rankings were the percentages of full-time faculty (82), the acceptance rate (96) and alumni giving (32). Its peer ranking was also significant. A team of GGC faculty and staff took top honors at the Technology Association of Georgia 2011 Excalibur Awards Ceremony “Because GGC is still a young institution, we for the iTouch Chemistry project. www.ggc.edu Dragon boat racing inspires student, teammates to succeed

It is a known fact that involved students stay in college. For this reason, Georgia Gwinnett College strives to ensure that its students have a variety of venues through which they can enrich their college experience. One student found inspiration in one of the college’s more unusual activities … racing a dragon boat. GGC has competed twice in the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Race Festival at the Lake Lanier Canoe and Kayak Olympic Venue. Last year, the students competed with only 17 people – three short of a full team – and walked away with an impressive third place finish against much larger and more experienced teams. The team was better prepared for this year’s race, with 26 members, some of whom alter- The Grizzly Dragon Boat Team (#5) races in a tight heat against one of its competitors. nated between the race’s three heats. They out-paddled seven other collegiate teams, fin- collegiate success to his participation in the and I believe that, too,” said Vakili. “I saw ishing only two-tenths of a second behind the race and other outdoor recreational activities. my team members grow and become leaders first place team. “I had attended other schools and I was through participating in this club for this race. Steeped in a 2000-year-old Chinese tradition, unsuccessful,” Vakili said. “When I came to These activities allow you to see a side of peo- dragon boat racing honors the memory of GGC, I decided to be involved in as many ple you don’t always see in the classroom.” failed efforts to save a drowning man. activities as possible. As a result, I have done The Grizzly Dragon Boat Team club will The boats themselves are specially hand- well at GGC, and I am happier here than at race again next year, and the members have crafted in only a few Hong Kong boatyards. any other school. I have the same brain as be- already taken steps toward ensuring victory The 39-foot boats are made of teakwood or fore, so I know it is because I have gotten in- by holding elections to secure solid leader- fiberglass and adorned with a dragon head volved in events like the Dragon Boat Race.” ship, perpetuating the organization Vakili and tail. The race exposes the students to Vakili had so much fun at last year’s race founded. Someday, the club hopes to obtain its Asian traditions including special dances and that he established the team as an official own boat. With third and second place finish- ceremonies to bless the boats and awaken the student organization, which requires steps es behind them, the team is focused on taking dragon’s spirit for the race. designed to help students consider structure, first place. However, Kaveh Vakili said he believes the purpose, leadership and other factors neces- Vakili will have graduated by then and race is much more than paddling and tradi- sary to ensure a club’s success. plans to attend graduate school, but he in- tion. As one of the team’s original members “President Kaufman says that education is tends to be there to cheer his fellow Grizzlies and now team captain, he credits his overall not confined to the four walls of a classroom, into the number one spot.

Leadership earns student place on national stage

Kaveh Vakili’s leadership higher education, so they to attend college. One can only imagine what with the GGC Dragon came to the U.S. as refugees the day meant to them, having fled repres- Boat Team was one of the about 12 years ago. sion to see their eldest son speak at the official reasons he was selected The move was challenging, commemorative observance for one of the as one of 10 students who as Vakili spoke no English world’s greatest civil rights leaders. presented parts of “Let My when his family arrived in People Go,” a litany of com- Atlanta. However, he perse- memoration included in vered and will complete his the nationally televised, of- bachelor’s degree in business “I believe in challenging ficial Martin Luther King, Jr. administration this semester. myself and pursuing Commemorative Service. “I believe in challenging “I was honored to have myself and pursuing oppor- opportunities to broaden this opportunity to speak tunities to broaden myself as myself as a person... at the MLK event,” he said. Kaveh Vakili a person,” Vakili said. “Since “To me, it represented how I’ve been on this campus, I love this school. the possibilities in this country are endless.” a lot of things have happened to give me Vakili was born in Iran to a family that was opportunities to do things like this. I love this It’s given me a chance part of a religious group repressed by the Ira- school. It’s given me a chance when other nian government. Individuals practicing the schools would not.” when other schools Baha’i faith were not allowed to pursue higher Vakili’s parents, Farhang and Rouhangiz would not.” education or obtain many types of jobs. Vakili of Sugar Hill, watched the MLK event Vakili’s parents wanted their three sons to on television at home with his brothers, one a -Kaveh Vakili have a brighter future, specifically including recent college graduate and the other planning

Latin American studies certificate introduced

Georgia Gwinnett College students may now The certificate recognizes knowledge and altered significantly by global and earn a certificate in Latin American studies, understanding of a region of growing impor- regional economic diversification and developed by the Americas Council of the tance, both economically and culturally. growth. The Southeast is one of the University System of Georgia. The course of study is designed to be inter- U.S. regions most integrally linked Offered through the School of Liberal Arts, disciplinary and complementary to existing to rapidly evolving Latin American the 18-credit-hour certificate is available to undergraduate programs. nations. An estimated 700,000 students in any bachelor degree program. U.S. relations with Latin America have been Latinos live in Georgia. College hires its first intercollegiate coaches; applies to NAIA

With the Grizzlies’ first season of competition only five months away, Director of Athletics Dr. Darin Wilson has wasted no time in hiring a staff of talented, enthusiastic coaches to build the college’s first intercollegiate athletic programs. “I am very excited to have built such an out- standing team of coaches,” said Wilson. “They all have winning records as coaches but more importantly, they understand that the core of the athletic experience is helping young people to develop the skills and attitudes they need to succeed in life, no matter their career path. They are also committed to reaching Georgia Gwinnett College’s goal of creating a quality athletics program in record time.” The hires were made as GGC applied to be- come a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The Grizzlies plan to field varsity teams in men’s and wom- en’s soccer, softball, men’s and women’s tennis, and baseball in the 2012-2013 school year.

Men’s baseball – Brad Stromdahl

Brad Stromdahl became the Grizzlies’ first coach, and will lead the development of its men’s baseball program. A former catcher, he played two years of junior college baseball at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minn., and two years at Division-II Southwest Minne- sota State University before a short stint playing professionally in independent baseball leagues. He made coaching stops at Southwest Min- nesota State, Marshall University and Central Michigan University before spending the last six years at . He also coached collegiate summer baseball in the Coastal Plain League and Northwoods League. “As a baseball coach this job is interesting So far, the Grizzlies’ intercollegiate athletics staff includes (center) Dr. Darin Wilson, director of Athletics and (clockwise because Gwinnett is flush with baseball talent. from top) Ian Potter, assistant athletics director for Compliance, Academic Services and Game Operations; Mandy Schneider, assistant coach - women’s soccer; Kevin May, assistant coach – men’s soccer; Steve DeCou, head coach – men’s soccer; I plan to make it a point of emphasis to get that Kat Ihlenburg, head coach – women’s softball; Erin Lee, business manager; Dom Martelli, head coach – women’s soccer and local talent. When you recruit the local student Brad Stromdahl, head coach – men’s baseball. athlete, they not only have ties to the communi- ty, but they will be great alumni and supporters 2005 at Reinhardt College and the past seven “Georgia Gwinnett represents a once-in-a- of the program in the future,” Stromdahl said. years at the College of Charleston. lifetime opportunity,” DeCou said. “I’m excited “National championships are in our future,” to build a new program at an institution that is Women’s softball – Kat Ihlenburg Ihlenburg said. “That is the bar that has been growing, and in a location with a great talent set by the GGC administration, and I wouldn’t pool. GGC is a hidden gem, but the world will As a college softball player, Kat Ihlenburg want it any other way. I expect us to be a team know about us in a couple of years.” caught and played outfield for Barry Universi- to be reckoned with regionally in the NAIA ty, helping to guide the Buccaneers to the 2002 within four years, and a program with a na- Women’s soccer – Dom Martelli Division II College World Series. tional profile of success within eight years.” She brings eight years of collegiate softball Veteran women’s soccer coach Domenic Mar- coaching experience to GGC, spending 2004- Men’s soccer – Steve DeCou telli will lead the Grizzlies’ women’s soccer program. He comes to Georgia Gwinnett Col- Men’s soccer coach, Steven DeCou, also has no lege with 18 years of Division I coaching expe- doubts that the Grizzlies will make an intense rience. He spent the last 12 seasons at Georgia impact on the face of national collegiate soccer State University, where he served as the insti- within a few short years. tution’s winningest coach in school history, DeCou played soccer at Tennessee Temple amassing a record of 109-106-25. University and later earned a master’s in sports “It’s thrilling to be a part of what is beginning medicine from the United States Sports Acad- to take place at GGC,” said Martelli. “This is a emy, an athletics-specific graduate school. golden opportunity – a college growing academ- He then served as head coach at Huntington ically, technologically and athletically. To start a College in Huntington, Ind., guiding the For- new program and be on the cusp of building a esters to their first winning campaign in eight new athletic facility is extremely exciting.” years in 2001. From there, he coached at Trinity A native of Newburgh, N.Y., Martelli played Christian College. He also spent three summers collegiate soccer at Ohio State University. He coaching in the United Soccer Leagues’ Premier began coaching at the U.S. Military Academy Development League. DeCou spent the last five at West Point, until taking the head position at years as head coach and assistant director of Georgia State. Martelli also served as a Region athletics at Belhaven University. III Olympic Development Program staff coach and has spent countless hours recruiting, coach- GGC Baseball Coach Brad Stromdahl signed the college’s ing and teaching soccer in metropolitan Atlanta. first official incoming freshman athlete, AJ Davis of Parkview High School in Gwinnett county. www.ggc.edu

Assistant soccer coaches – Kevin May and help us build strong programs. And it doesn’t Mandy Schneider hurt that almost all of our staff have personal “The community has been connections to the state of Georgia or even the Kevin May has joined the Grizzlies as assistant very welcoming. Everyone Gwinnett region.” men’s soccer coach. He spent the last three The staff has experienced an enthusiastic years as the director of soccer operations at we’ve met has been excited response from potential student athletes, the University of Connecticut. He began his receiving numerous phone calls, e-mails and coaching career as an assistant coach at his and supportive. We’re office visits. DeCou and Martelli expected alma mater, Nazareth College in Pittsford, N.Y., building great relationships about 50 students for the first soccer tryout – then served as an assistant coach at Rochester about 180 showed up. Institute of Technology, Rochester, N.Y. and that will help us build “The college has no lack of talent,” Wilson Coupled with his collegiate coaching experi- strong programs.” said. “We’re creating a program that will pro- ence, May spent time coaching high school boys vide opportunities to athletes who can compete in club programs in New York and Connecticut. -Dr. Darin Wilson at all levels. While my office is devoted to inter- Mandy Schneider, assistant women’s soccer collegiate athletics, the Wellness Center offers coach, comes to GGC with five years of a variety of intramural sports as well as some Division-I coaching experience, spending the very competitive club teams.” 2007 and 2008 seasons as an assistant at Jack- ty’s history to hold a record of 1,000 career kills In fact, the Grizzly Baseball Club team won sonville University and the past three years as and 1,000 career assists. the 2011 Fall Men’s Amateur Baseball League an assistant to Martelli at Georgia State. Championship. The Basketball Club recently In addition to her collegiate coaching experi- Breaking ground and forging ahead defeated Clayton State in a special exhibition ence, Schneider served as an assistant at Salem game, and the Swim Club has defeated athletes High School, her alma mater, coached several Much work remains to be done in the months from much larger institutions in its first seasons. club teams and currently serves as the 14 and leading up to the Grizzlies’ inaugural season. under girls’ coach with the Atlanta Youth A decision on the college’s acceptance into More than athletics Soccer Association. the NAIA is expected in mid-April, and a search continues for tennis coaching staff. While currently focused on ramping up their Professional staff – Ian Potter and Erin Lee The college eagerly awaits final approval programs and recruiting their charter teams, of its $13.5 million athletics complex from the Wilson’s staff members all agree that coaching The Office of Athletics has two additional staff University System Board of Regents. Once con- is about much more than athletics. members. Ian Potter is assistant athletics direc- struction is approved, work will begin on the “Coaching at the college level is not about tor for Compliance, Academic Services and facilities, which will be located along Collins wins and losses,” DeCou said. “It’s about im- Game Operations. Potter worked in a similar Hill Road near GGC’s main entrance. pacting lives and helping young people learn position at Augusta State and has been an ath- “The construction schedule will be a chal- skills that enable them to become contributing lete himself, competing in high school football, lenge,” Wilson said. “We all knew we would be members of society.” basketball and track at Berkmar High School in developing this program at a record pace and Gwinnett County before joining the Clemson we are committed to being ready for the soccer University track team. season the fall.” Potter will ensure GGC’s compliance with The Grizzlies’ historic, first policies regarding athletic eligibility, financial intercollegiate event will be a aid, academic standing, team participation, double-header for the men’s recruiting activities, playing & practice seasons, and women’s soccer teams camps/clinics and amateurism. He also serves against Tennessee Temple as a liaison to the college’s offices of Admis- University at home, Aug. 25. sions, Financial Aid and the Registrar. Wilson and his coaching Erin Lee, business manager, has a background team have worked quickly that provides a broad perspective on her duties to build contacts, visit local overseeing budgets for the Office of Athletics and high school coaches and serving as liaison with the GGC Business Office. host prospective athletes Former head volleyball coach at Florida on campus tours. Institute of Technology, Lee has experience in “The community has been marketing, fundraising and licensing opera- very welcoming,” Wilson tions. Lee was a star volleyball player and team said. “Everyone we’ve met captain at the University of Alabama, receiving has been excited and sup- General cheers on Student Government Association President Seijin the distinction of SEC Scholar Athlete of the portive. We’re building great Tranberg and Director of Athletics Darin Wilson as they make the first Year in 2003 and was the first in the universi- relationships and that will ceremonial goals on GGC’s new intramural soccer fields.

GGC selected for Completion Innovation Challenge

Georgia Gwinnett will receive $150,000 as part of Coastal Georgia. The grant will fund pilot in- and electronic writing analysis to as- of the $1 million Completion Innovation Chal- novative remediation programs that, if success- sess students who place into reme- lenge grant recently awarded to Georgia by the ful, will serve as models for other institutions. dial math and/or English. While Complete College America program and sup- “The overall goal is to transform remedial Georgia Gwinnett College already ported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. education by helping students shorten the time has teaching modules in remedial Georgia is one of 10 states to win the grant out it takes to complete remedial education so they math, the grant will fund devel- of 33 that applied. The 18-month implementa- can move forward with college-level courses,” opment of similar modules in tion grants support innovative, high-impact col- said John Muth, dean of the School of Transi- remedial English. Faculty men- lege completion initiatives designed to enhance tional Studies. “Our program is unique in that torship, the hallmark of a GGC student success and close attainment gaps for students may take remedial courses at the same education, will play a key role in traditionally underrepresented populations. time they are taking some selected college-level facilitating student engagement Georgia Gwinnett College is one of two Uni- courses, enabling them to improve and apply in the program. versity System of Georgia (USG) institutions to their skills more quickly.” receive grant funds, the other being the College GGC’s program will use diagnostic software GGC receives $50,000 gift from Gwinnett Federal Credit Union

Gwinnett Federal Credit Union (GFCU) has made a gift of $50,000 to majoring, or who intend to major, in early childhood education, special Georgia Gwinnett College for an additional scholarship in the School education, or other major leading to teacher certification. of Education. “This gift from Gwinnett Federal will support GGC in its commit- “This gift celebrates our 50th anniversary and represents continued ment to recruit talented individuals into the field of education,” said support of GGC’s mission,” said Cathy Moore, dean of the School of Marshall Boutwell, president/CEO Education. “We are delighted and of Gwinnett Federal. “We are proud honored to partner with GFCU in the to be associated with the college mission of building quality future and be part of its important impact teachers for our community.” on students and our community.” “Scholarships are critical in enabling “We are deeply appreciative students to pursue their education,” of this gift, which will be added Buckheister said. “And in turn, they to the Gwinnett Federal Credit benefit the community at large by Union Scholarship Fund that was providing a skilled workforce of established last year,” said Lori educated, contributing citizens. Buckheister, director of Development Establishing scholarship funds is an at GGC. “Thanks to this generous easy way to create a legacy and make support, we will now be able to a lasting impact.” support two deserving GGC students Individuals or businesses interested with an annual Gwinnett Federal in supporting scholarships or other Credit Union scholarship.” important needs at GGC are invited Marshall Boutwell, president and CEO of Gwinnett Federal Credit Union, presents a The fund provides scholarships in check for $50,000 to GGC President Daniel J. Kaufman and School of Education Dean to contact its Office of Development the School of Education for students Cathy Moore. at 678-407-5588.

Alumnus returns to inspire others

GGC alumnus Jason Lee recently visited amputation due to an arm injury. With only a campus to give his former classmates an nurse at his side, he had to decide which one encouraging message: medical school is a very to treat first. achievable goal. “I told them I’d want to save them all, but “Six months ago, I was sitting in your seat that if I had to choose, I’d save the person with and now I’m a medical student,” said Lee, a punctured lung,” he said. “I found out later a biology major who graduated from GGC there was no right answer, but the fact that I last June with a 4.0 grade point average. Lee wanted to save all of them showed that I had has maintained that 4.0 average as a first- the heart for the job.” year medical student at the Medical College Lee’s dedication to becoming a doctor began of Georgia. When he spoke to his former in elementary school when he witnessed a man classmates, he emphasized the importance of falling in his native Taiwan. Bystanders stared balancing studies with personal growth. at the injured man, but did nothing to help him. “I used to ask myself, ‘Am I good enough? In spite of his young age, Lee approached the Jason Lee A doctor has to know so much,’” he said. “But hysterical man, pulled his hair aside, saw that he yes, you are good enough.” had a serious injury and summoned help. of the Grizzly Vital Signs Allied Health Club Lee’s philosophy of study and play also hit “It was then I realized I wanted to help and was a member of the Biology Club. home with the audience. people,” he said. “They taught me leadership skills,” he said. “You have three choices in med school: Lee attended Mill Creek High School, where “It showed me how to be responsible.” study, have fun, or sleep. But you can only he took AP science classes and filed more Lee has high praise for all of his professors, choose two. If you choose all three, you will than 150 hours of volunteer work, some at but was particularly inspired by Drs. Diane forfeit your goal. So, choose to study and VistaCare Hospice. Lee said such volunteer Dorsett, Candace Timpte and Julia Paredes. sleep,” he said, laughing. “If you manage your work is noticed by medical school admission From the start, Lee worked closely with his time, you’ll still have some fun.” officials, but he emphasized the impact it can Georgia Gwinnett professors to assure his Lee provided insight into the screening have on personal development. academic life would be successful. process. During his interview, Lee was asked When he came to GGC in 2008, Lee dove as “The pool of dedicated professors that are how he would respond to a situation in which deeply into extra-curricular activities as he did here to help you is great. The courses are all three people had life-threatening injuries: his mainstream studies. He founded GGC’s relevant. They really get you prepared to do a coma, a punctured lung and a possible Environmental Club, served as vice president the work.”

Alumni association board formed

The recently formed GGC Alumni Association Board provides leadership and supports a long-term relationship with the college, alumni and com- munity through academic excellence, leadership and tradition. The alumni board fosters a spirit of fellowship and loyalty by providing alumni with opportunities to participate in the life of the college, encour- aging charitable giving by alumni to the college and promoting communi- cations between alumni and the college.

The inaugural board will lay the foundation for future alumni boards. Attending a recent meet- ing were, front row: Valerie Allen (2011), Gina Horner (2010), Lawana Haynes (2010), Susan Clarke – executive secretary (2011), Stephanie Hewes (2011); back row: Chad Miller – president (2009), Jason Michno (2011), Dr. Daniel J. Kaufman – GGC president, Homero Gonzalez (2011), Tiffany Powell (2011) and Daryouch Aziz – vice president (2008). Not pictured is Ross Muramaru (2009). www.ggc.edu Students face off in “Iron Chef”-style competition

The heat was on in the GGC dining hall as two teams of students competed in an “Iron Chef”-style contest to create the best dishes for a panel of judges. Under professional guidance, the teams had to plan, prepare, plate and serve an appetizer or salad, a main entree and a dessert within an hour and a half – and all including a secret ingredient: wasabi. “We did this to get students involved and give them a taste of what goes on in the kitchen,” said Joe Polanco, GGC’s executive chef and mentor for the winning team. “The students came up with ideas for the dishes and we helped them with execution. They did an awesome job.” In a “kitchen stadium” staged in the main dining room, the students received personal instruction from their mentors, and looked skilled themselves as they tackled double boilers and complex reduction sauces. Their audience included event judges, guests and students. “I signed up because I thought it would be fun and I love to cook,” said Neil Hilario, a freshman majoring in biology. “Chef Polanco taught me techniques I will use in the future.”

Student Neil Hilario, right, offers some advice to Battle of the Chefs teammates Derrell Brown and Cessely King. The students were members of Chef Joe Polanco’s winning team.

GGC completes innovative pilot funded by Frankin Foundation

Georgia Gwinnett College recently completed achieving scores at the highest level. “REPLAY Online” at the 2011 conference an innovative pilot project thanks to a grant The Franklin Foundation grant funded of the Special Interest Group on Computer from The John and Mary Franklin Foundation the project, “Resources for Educators and Science Education. of Atlanta. The pilot addressed an alarming Programming Learning Activities for Youth “We deeply appreciate the foundation’s trend among students taking the Advanced (REPLAY) Online,” which enabled Georgia support of this pilot, which resulted in Placement Computer Science (APCS) test Gwinnett College to help prepare 14 students strategies for improving the teaching of the in Georgia. and one online instructor for the AP computer APCS course by using knowledge-based Among students from demographic groups course. This was accomplished by boosting technological developments,” said Lori that are traditionally under-represented in the students’ confidence through an engaging Buckheister, director of Development. science, technology, engineering and mathe- summer programming experience before they “Like the Franklin Foundation, Georgia matics (STEM) disciplines, pass rates are took the AP course. Gwinnett College believes that a knowledge- significantly lower than those of other students. The grant also made it possible for the based economy is essential to healthy In addition, very few of these students are project team to make a presentation about regional development.”

GGC celebrates historic winter commencement: continued from page 1

School of Education, which also included Katie highly educated. So by earning this degree, you facility large enough for the ceremony. Burrows, Stephanie Heinrich, Heather Kulp, have put yourself in the best possible position “Winter commencement was nearly Ann Marie Miller, Nicole Olano and Erica long-term. And I can’t tell you how important double the size of our 2011 spring Wagoner. Three other students earned their it is to think long term.” commencement,” said GGC President teacher certifications through the School of Almost 160 students turned their tassels at Daniel J. Kaufman. “As we pass the four- Education - Meagan Eads, Bradlee Miller and the Gwinnett Center ceremony, the first time year mark for our first, smaller freshman Jonathan Mihetiu. GGC has graduated more than 150 students. classes, we expect the sizes of our Mihetiu also doubled up on his milestones as It was GGC’s largest graduation class to date, graduating classes to grow dramatically.” one of the college’s first three students to earn warranting a first-ever move to an off-campus history degrees. His classmates were Samantha Mihalak and Bradlee Miller. James Gregorie also represented a first for Georgia Gwinnett College – the first graduate of its ROTC program. He is a member of a military family and a graduate of Collins Hill High School. He said the program’s emphasis on leadership appealed to him. In yet another first, the college graduated its first majors in exercise science, including charter graduate Rhonda Tingle, one of the original 118 students who enrolled when Georgia Gwinnett first opened its doors in 2006. Tingle’s fellow inaugural exercise science majors include Amada Coker, Rachel Florio, Nicole Urbizo, Judy Zeitang and Paul Derr. Richard Tucker, a member of the University System of , presented the keynote address at the ceremony. “In earning your degree, you have done the right thing – the best thing – for your future,” Tucker said. “In this modern, global, interconnected world, the future belongs to the The School of Education’s first graduates celebrate at winter commencement. www.ggc.edu Photo Gallery

The GGC Men’s Club Basketball team defeated the Men’s Club Basketball team, 94 to 76, immediately following the Feb. 4 NBA matchup between the Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers. To play in the Philips Arena, both teams sold 100 tickets to the NBA game. Shown are Ryan Smith – manager/announcer (seated); front row: Teiko Johnson – assistant coach/advisor, Jay Steele, Faibein Davis – president, Eric Jones, Arion Bolds, Timothy Walker, Tony Manning – volunteer head coach; back row: Josh Chase, Georgia Gwinnett recently erected a new sign at its main entrance on Collins Hill Road. The CJ Colbert, Ryan Ransom, Michael Blakey and Anthony Whiting. 14-foot sign replaces the college’s original, temporary sign. The sign was produced with the help of Accent South Media of Lawrenceville and designed by McFarland-Dyer & Associates of Suwanee. The unique sign features a square arch of silver metal, echoing similar square arches on the GGC Library and Learning Center as well as its signature administrative building.

General greets Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp during the 2012 Gwinnett Day at the Capitol.

LeadingEDGE

GGC President Dan Kaufman celebrates with student Jose Targa, the Spring 2012 :: Vol.6 No.1 college’s first cadet to sign a commissioned officer contract with the U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). 1000 University Center Lane Lawrenceville, GA 30043 Phone: 678.407.5000 Web site: www.ggc.edu E-mail: [email protected]

Director of Public Affairs: Jennifer Stephens Director of Development: Lori Buckheister Director of External Affairs: Merri Brantley We Value Your Input Send your ideas and comments on Leading Edge, GGC’s official newsletter, to [email protected] or call 678.407.5549.

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Editor: Sally Ramey Photography: Jason Braverman, Demetrios Lambros, Hillary Meister, Kathleen Moore, Sally Ramey, Anthony and Jennifer Stalcup Art Direction and Graphic Design: Mark Baran, Libby LeBlanc

Editorial and creative services provided by the Georgia Gwinnett College Visitors taking tours of the Georgia Gwinnett College campus are guided Office of Public Affairs. by one of these enthusiastic and knowledgeable student ambassadors. For A four-year degree-granting unit of the University System of Georgia. information about visiting campus, visit www.ggc.edu.