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While these changes are exciting on their own, Rose has found it powerfully symbolic that they get to move ahead with them in the centennial year. “As we approach year one hundred of the college, we want the community to know that the work Gavilan does, and the services it provides the community, are multi- faceted,” Rose said. “Gavilan is not just an instructional institution, but a community base that provides open access facilities to the public and remains student-centered.” “Since 1919 the soft launch was to focus on the community’s thirst for education. We’ve never strayed from that mission. We continue to serve our district with pride and purpose and a distinct characteristic which allows us not to become too industrialized.” The centennial celebration is an opportunity to high- light all the many aspects of Gavilan that the college’s leaders have worked so hard to build over 100 years. Alumni activation “The centennial celebration has also been a great way to connect with alumni,” Rose said. “This includes compiling an extensive alumni database and doing outreach to alumni asking what their Gavilan story is, what their connection to the college is.” “The community would look very different if Gavilan had never been built,” Rose observed, noting that many elected officials, business owners, law enforcement folks, nurses and more have come through the college. “When I talk to the community, I always ask how many are Gavilan alumni, how many have a family member who attended, how many have come to walk the arboretum or attend a game. Since the sixties, people have treasured this place.” 44 GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN april/may 2019 gmhtoday.com