A Great Dedication

On Friday, October 9, 2009 in the big white tent in front of the school (in the pouring rain) I mingled with the students and staff of Great Bay Community College. As I munched on crackers, cheese, and roasted veggies I looked around and saw proud faces of those around me. That evening was very inspiring as a student and I could feel the pride radiating off of the staff.

I flipped through the program for the night and learned about the schools history. Did you know that our school was created in 1945? President Arvelo welcomed us all, greeted all of the school supporters including our Governor, state legislators, the schools Board of Trustees, and the new building's Architects. Each and every one of these people made it possible for the move to Portsmouth.

Governor Lynch spoke and called Great Bay Community College a "Jewel". He explained that community colleges help local communities and the state as a whole by providing customers, products, and workers with skills and qualifications that assist in economic development. Gov. Lynch has recently granted $19,000,000 to the CCSNH system. He also commended on GBCC's nursing program and the Running Start program.
Paul Halloway, the Chair of the Board of Trustees for GBCC, Emily Zoulias, our own Student Senate President, and Richard A. Gustafson, the Chancellor all spoke. In tough economic times, education will make us all competitive. The message that I heard repeatedly was "pride" and "real sense of purpose" of our students. The Chancellor made a critical point that will stick with me and that was that our school is in a "position to serve" and put us in a "position to succeed." When the students succeed the school succeeds.

After the speeches, the president and Governor cut the ribbon and tours of the college began. I walked through the school and the staff (and caterer's) were walking the halls and giving demo's in their class rooms. I decided to venture over to the Science department and this is what I found

Overall, it was a nice evening and I learned a lot about the college. The staff was so proud and I could feel that as I passed through the halls. Each department was showcased from admissions, to CAPS. I was honored and humbled to be a part of this great night.