Chris Gray, Ph.D.
Founding President, Erie County Community College of Pennsylvania
Each semester, we host one of my favorite events at Erie County Community College: Pizza with the President.
The concept is exactly what it sounds like. We provide pizza to students, and I get the opportunity to sit down, talk with them, hear their stories, and learn more about their experiences. While there is certainly value in the quantitative data that comes to us through reporting dashboards and enrollment numbers, nothing compares to hearing directly from the students we serve.
Recently, I held Pizza with the President at our West campus and EC3 @ YLI locations, which serves many students from Erie County's east side and surrounding communities. As always, the conversations were insightful and inspiring, but most of all, they were powerful reminders of why our college exists.
One student I met was a returning adult learner from North East. Prior to coming to EC3, he worked in the trucking industry. Because of some medical challenges, however, he found himself needing to pursue a different career path. Rather than viewing that situation as the end of his story, he decided to see it as the beginning of another chapter. He decided to enroll at EC3 to strengthen his English skills and prepare himself for new employment opportunities.
What struck me most was not simply his determination; I was floored by the sacrifices he makes to attend class. Because he lives in a rural area where public transportation is limited, he catches a bus around 8:00am and travels into the city long before his classes even begin. He then spends several hours at a local grocery store before walking over to campus when it is time for class.
When I spoke with him, he shared a concern that many students carry with them. He said he had only completed his GED and worried that his English skills were not strong enough for college courses. Having worked in higher education for many years, I reassured him that this feeling is far more common than he realizes. Most students doubt themselves at some point. Most students wonder whether they are capable. His feelings were, in other words, natural.
What I saw in this man was not someone lacking ability. Rather, I saw someone with optimism, resilience, and a willingness to work hard. Those qualities often matter far more than people realize. His story reminded me that courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is continuing to move forward despite that fear.
Later, a group of younger students walked in together. Based on their appearance, I assumed they were recent high school graduates, so I asked where they were from. They told me they had recently graduated from Fort LeBoeuf, Seneca, and Iroquois High Schools.
What immediately stood out was how quickly they had become friends. Although they came from different schools and different communities, they were already building relationships with one another. I've long believed that one of the most rewarding aspects of working in higher education is watching young people grow into adulthood. Students arrive uncertain about who they are and what their future might hold. Over time, they develop confidence, discover new interests, and form connections that often last a lifetime. Watching those students interact reminded me that college is about much more than coursework. It is also about community and belonging.
I also spoke with a student who graduated from Fairview High School just last year. I was surprised to learn that she was taking classes at our east side location because the drive from Fairview to YLI is substantial. Curious, I asked what brought her here. She explained that her schedule was the deciding factor. Two days each week, she attends classes at our EC3 @ YLI location, and on two other days, she attends classes at our west campus. She had built a schedule that allowed her to access the courses she needed while balancing the other demands of her life.
Her story served as another reminder that student success often requires flexibility. Today's students are managing jobs, family responsibilities, transportation challenges, and countless competing priorities. They are constantly finding ways to make education fit into already busy lives.
Just as the event was coming to an end, another student stopped in. He was wearing a Moes shirt and mentioned that he had just gotten off work. Unfortunately, he was rushing to class, so I did not have enough time to hear his full story. Still, his energy was contagious. In those brief few moments, it was clear that he was determined and eager to keep moving forward. I found myself wishing we had another hour to talk.
As president of the college, I do not get as much direct student interaction as I would like. Administrative responsibilities often pull me into meetings and strategic conversations. Those activities are important, but they are not what brought me into this profession in the first place.
I came up through the ranks as a teacher. At my core, I still see myself as an educator. Because of that, I take a great deal of pride in knowing that our work ultimately serves students and helps create opportunities for people throughout our region.
That is why events like Pizza with the President mean so much to me. They give me an opportunity to reconnect with the individuals at the center of everything we do. They constantly remind me that every student has a story, and their stories matter. Some are changing careers. Some are taking their first steps after high school. Some are balancing work and family while pursuing their educational goals. Some travel long distances and overcome significant obstacles simply to make it to class.
Together, they represent the heart of Erie County Community College.
EC3 is often called the community's college, and after spending an afternoon with students at our YLI and West locations, I was reminded once again why that description fits so well. Our students come from different backgrounds, different communities, and different stages of life, but they share a common desire to build a better future.
It is a privilege to hear their stories, and an even greater privilege to be part of their journey.
Our community. Your college.
