PVCC Puma Press: May 2005

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	Photo by DJ Greenfield
	Director of the Learning Support Center, David Gerkin, reflects on his years at PVCC with pride
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In fall of 2005, Paradise Valley Community College will say goodbye to one of its longtime staff members, David Gerkin, director of the Learning Support Center and Student Development Office. Gerkin will be leaving to become a faculty member in the Counseling Division at Glendale Community College.

Gerkin has been at PVCC since before it opened in 1987, when he began his career as the grounds keeper. Since then, Gerkin has held the titles of Learning Center technician, Learning Center coordinator and Learning Center director, a position he assumed nine years ago. He has also been teaching counseling courses as an adjunct faculty member for the past 10 years. Gerkin received his master’s degree in counseling and bachelor’s degree in adult education from Ottawa University and is currently enrolled in a Ph. D. program at Walden University.

In his role as LSC director, Gerkin has been responsible for directing management of the LSC programs and services including free tutoring, study skills workshops and the Structure of Intellect and Supplemental Instruction programs, as well as learning support materials such as software, videotapes and print.

“The job he has done in handling the LSC has been great,” says Alison Livingston, administrative secretary in the LSC.

Dr. Rick Sheets, director of the Computer Commons and former director of the LSC, was Gerkin’s mentor. He says, “David has done an excellent job. He has continued to focus on the student success needs and the services to support those needs.”

Gerkin’s move to Glendale Community College will have him working directly with students in the courses he will be teaching as well as the counseling sessions, which he says he is looking forward to. “I am very excited about my new position at GCC, but at the same time, I am sad to be leaving so many good friends here at PVCC,” says Gerkin.

Friends and colleagues are also excited for him, yet sad to see Gerkin go. Livingston says, “I’m really happy to see him move on to a new future but I’m sorry to see him leave PVCC. He certainly will be missed. He’s been a good boss. Good friend. Good-bye.”

Sheets says, “I am truly sorry to see PVCC lose such a valuable asset. In addition to his continued good work in the LSC, David has provided leadership and support for a number of important campus initiatives and activities, including but not limited to Employee & Organizational Learning, Underprepared Student Initiative, Student Retention, MAT (Management Policy Group), Staff Development and Training, Strategic Planning, Budget Review and two of PVCC’s three Self-Studies for accreditation.”

Sheets says that Gerkin is a “committed, stable, strong individual” who has left a mark on many of PVCC’s initiatives. “He has left a legacy of commitment, connections and compassion for others,” says Sheets.

The compassion that Gerkin has shown has been evident in many aspects of his career. One of the most memorable efforts he put forth was when he wrote and recorded a song in the memory of fallen colleague, Cindy Shoenhair, who fell victim to breast cancer. “I believe the heart-warming song embodies David’s beliefs and is a reflection of his attitudes and approach to life,” says Sheets.

Gerkin says he has many memories at PVCC including “working, learning, playing, laughing, crying, sharing, singing, eating and drinking (coffee) with the students, staff and faculty who have become (his) friends over the years at PVCC.”

However, the strongest are the years that he worked in the LSC with his friend Suzi Crescenti. “She was the Office Coordinator, and she used to tell anyone who would listen that she was my boss. She kept the center running smoothly every day and was the first one in each morning. She taught me how to laugh at myself —not to take myself too seriously—and what it means to be a true friend. She continued to teach me significant life lessons about the importance of family, friends, compassion and love until the day she died of cancer in 2002.”

The legacy that Gerkin is leaving at PVCC is certainly one that has left an impression on all of those around him and he will be sorely missed.