On November 19, 2013, Board President William Garrett proudly received recognition from County of San Diego Board of Supervisors Vice-Chairwoman Dianne Jacob as a Live Well San Diego Recognized Partner for the district’s “commitment to policy and systems improvements by establishing, implementing, and maintaining health, safety, and preparedness policies that impact students, employees, and visitors.”  Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District is among the first higher-education institutions to join the Live Well San Diego network.

County Supervisor Dianne Jacob applauded the district for its commitment to the community through the development of systems and services that contribute to healthy, safe, and thriving individuals: the Cuyamaca College Intergenerational Garden and nutrition education programming, the Water Conservation Garden, the farmer’s market held weekly at Cuyamaca College, and the Project SHINE program offering English as a second language classes to recent immigrants and refugees with a focus on health literacy.

Marie Brown-Mercadel and Ellen Schmeding, County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency Deputy Directors, presented the trustees with the history of the Live Well San Diego program and its efforts to address the key areas of nutrition, exercise, and smoking prevention and cessation.  The County of San Diego is committed to recognizing and honoring entities that support the creation of healthier, safe and more self-sufficient communities.

Grossmont College is described as an academic village both in physical layout and in philosophy.  The 135-acre campus, Learning Resource Center, and other student services provide the necessary resources for academic success. With a motto of, “Changing Lives through Education,” every administrator, faculty and staff member is committed to help students achieve their educational goal. With its vision of “Learning for the Future,” Cuyamaca College offers a wide scope of challenging courses and degree programs.  Committed and passionate faculty coupled with comprehensive student support services help create a sustainable pipeline for successful students.

During finals week, both Grossmont and Cuyamaca College held de-stress events for students including therapy dogs and depression screenings in partnership with the County. Chancellor Cindy L. Miles remarked that Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges have made great strides in ensuring the well-being of students and the entire campus communities by promoting positive choices, healthy nutrition and a wide range of informational programs. In reference to the new designation, she added, “Our Live Well San Diego partnership with the County only reinforces our ongoing commitment to improve the health, safety and quality of life of our students and employees.”

Photo (from left): Marie Brown Mercadel, County of San Diego Deputy Director; William Garrett, Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Board President; Dianne Jacob, County of San Diego Board of Supervisors Vice-Chairwoman; and Ellen Schmeding, County of San Diego Director of Aging and Independence Services