Chris Gray, Ph.D.
Founding President, Erie County Community College of Pennsylvania
It's been many years since I've been a full-time faculty member who had to prepare syllabi for the new semester, but old habits die hard – or so they say. With July 4th behind us, we begin the long, slow slide into fall. I can't help but look ahead to the coming academic year, which is just over a month away. It seems that I'm not alone as, if you've been to the store lately, you probably noticed that Halloween decor is out because, apparently, "Summerween" is a thing. I'm probably showing my age, but I understand this even less than Christmas-in-July sales. It still looks and feels like summer outside, but something has shifted. Although the new semester is just over a month away, we are beginning to turn our eyes toward fall here at EC3 as well.
Four years ago, I moved out here to become EC3's founding president. I joined my team on a grand adventure to build a different kind of community college: one within and derived from the community that it serves. We've now seen thousands of students enter our doors and helped get them to where they wanted to be. We've held three graduation ceremonies to celebrate our students and their accomplishments as they changed their lives and ours. And it's just about time to get ready to do it all again. I, of course, can't wait!
Before we open the doors to welcome students to join us for our fourth year, though, we do have a couple of summer events coming up that I wanted to mention.
First, save the date for Thursday, July 24 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm here at Erie West. We hope that you will come to celebrate the grand opening of the Gateway District Disc Golf Course with us. This exciting ribbon-cutting event is a great opportunity to learn how to play, walk the new course, and enjoy some light refreshments along the way. You'll also hear from local educational and community leaders about how this new space will benefit our region. With raffle prizes and a welcoming atmosphere, it's sure to be a fun afternoon for all. This course is the result of a partnership between EC3 and Montessori Regional Charter School, and it ushers in a new, accessible recreational space to Millcreek for year-round disc golf.
And in August, EC3 will once again take part in Erie Gives. That date is August 12, 2025, so mark your calendar now. Erie Gives is a 24-hour opportunity to unite as a community and support the causes that matter most. By selecting Erie County Community College (EC3) at ErieGives.org, you can help open doors for students working toward their associate's degree or certificate. Every gift, big or small, makes a meaningful difference, and we are super grateful to all who participate. If you would prefer to donate by check, you can simply download the check form and mail it by Tuesday, August 5. Thank you in advance for your continued support of EC3 and our mission of helping Erie County students and believing in the power of education.
Then, August 18 ushers in next round of courses for the early fall semester, and we'll set off once again and do what we do best: help our students change their lives.
Our community: your college.
