GCC’s colossal renovation has added a refreshing appeal to a community college that opened in 1965. Since then, over 292,000 students have enrolled in credit courses at GCC.

“We have spent money wisely; this is a reflection of the times,” said Charles F. Jeffery, Assistant Dean and construction liaison.

Step by step, voters from Maricopa County are closer to approving an important plan for the Maricopa Community Colleges to be paid for with general obligation bond funds totaling $951 million. The anticipated bond financial plan is estimated to bring $60 million to GCC, which will contribute to the expanded transformation, which will impact all who attend.

Tentatively, there are construction plans for at least one or more buildings, West Vogel Ave will undergo construction to improve traffic flow in and out of the campus and additional parking is being considered.

All renovations will include new technology and upgrades. Computers are also budgeted into the future; wireless technology is coming soon.

According to Dean Jeffery, Spring 2004 will inaugurate the John F. Prince Library’s newly tinted, glare reducing windows and the Fine Arts building’s new 80 cubic foot kiln. Efforts to renovate the Student Union’s dinning area as well as adding a new cable tunnel for MCTV are currently in progress. The removal of the circular carousel at the Enrollment Center, along with other anticipated improvement plans, will offer more space for students. Painting, replacement of vertical blinds throughout most buildings and carpet replacement have been the main ingredients to the beautification itinerary of campus grounds.

“My plea to all is to bring awareness and my role is to improve communication. The no food and no drinks signs have been here for ten years but we still have stains on the carpets,” said Dean Jeffery.

Construction updates and upcoming events will be made public when all renovation plans are approved and funded this coming November.