Welcome Back Busters!

Welcome back busters, hope all students had a great summer! There are a bunch of new and exciting things here on campus that are going to help students have the absolute best college education experience. Dr. Ryan Ruda, president, and CEO, speaks to inform students of the new resources available here on campus. To begin, on the Buster Biz app, students now have access to mental and physical healthcare in person and online. Dr. Ryan Ruda elaborates,

 “It gives students the opportunity to speak with someone face to face or online if preferred, students have 24/7 access to it, and it is free of charge.”Students also can come in contact with a doctor that can prescribe them medication if they are feeling ill or need any physical medical care. Another addition to GCCC is the new STEM Success Center located next to the FOUSE building. Its purpose is to expand opportunities for students involved in science, technology, engineering, and math classes. Dr. Ryan Ruda added,

 “(the STEM Success Center) is a place where students can meet in groups, have a quiet place to study, and a place where students can just hang out when transitioning to classes.” There was another chem lab added and new classrooms for upcoming robotics and cybersecurity programs. Students who studied Cybersecurity would graduate with a certificate previously, and GCCC is now making it a degree. For students involved in crop production programs, there is going to be a greenhouse added to the campus. It will be located to the north of the tennis courts.

“The greenhouse will be like an enclosed learning laboratory for students who want to learn about planting crops, water management, fertilizers, pesticides, and many more.” Ruda said. Crop production is big in our area of civilization and the new greenhouse will benefit students who are involved in crop production or want to be involved in crop production. It also helps out current farmers with a promise of possible next-generation farmers. Lastly, the endowment association has been working toward a goal to have 50 more scholarships available to help students achieve their academic careers. The endowment scholarships are 10,000-dollar scholarships that are distributed out to college students from companies and people who want to help students succeed. Dr. Ryan Ruda says,

 “ This year alone we have gained 20 more endowment scholarships.” GCCC is always creating opportunities for students to be successful and endowment scholarships, campus expansion, and scholarships are a few of many. 

Here is a special message from Dr. Ryan Ruda to kick off a great school year, “Students are the number one priority at Garden City Community College, with that, take advantage of the resources that are available, such as free tutoring and counseling services and quality faculty and staff.  Be responsible for your success.  As always, It’s a GREAT day to be a Buster.”