Community: GCC’s Patrons Club presents annual fashion show

John Davitt, former superintendent/president of Glendale Community College, was remembered for his longtime support of the college’s Patrons Club during the annual fashion show earlier this month at the Castaway restaurant in Burbank.

In her opening remarks, Betty Musacco, the club’s president, asked the 240-plus attending to pause for a moment in his memory. He passed away in May.

Musacco also thanked his wife, Gael, for continuing to support the club by attending the luncheon that day and for being a model in the show.

“Dr. John Davitt was our adviser for many years and we will never forget the support that both of you have given us,” she said, adding that a tribute was made to him on a page in the program.

Present Superintendent/President David Viar thanked members of the Patrons Club for their hard work and dedication to organizing the annual event that raises funds for scholarships and grants for students at the college.

“Thank you for your service to others and your dedication to helping educate future generations,” he said. “You, indeed, are helping others as the motto of today is ‘Growing Toward Success Through Education.’ That’s our theme today and that’s what the Patrons are all about.”

Every year, the college scholarship program awards more than $300,000 in scholarships and grants to deserving students, said Paul Schlossman, dean of student affairs, and more than 500 students receive some kind of an award each year.

“The total makes us one of the largest scholarship programs in our community college system in the state and that success is really due to the strong partnerships we have with organizations and community members who share in our commitment to helping our students and we are very proud to have one of our longest partnerships with the Glendale College Patrons Club,” Schlossman said.

The Patrons Club’s contribution is $25,000 each year, he added, and it is one of the largest single sponsors.

“Students at Glendale (Community) College need the financial help more than ever, because nearly 60% rely on some type of financial aid to cover the costs to attend college and these dollars are being stretched very thin, and that’s why the work of the Patrons Club and guests’ attendance at this event is so important,” Schlossman said.

Lisa H. Brooks, executive director of the Glendale College Foundation, promised to keep her comments brief and one person started to clap.

“But not that quick!” Brooks quipped. She then thanked every person in the room for continuing their support of the Patrons fundraiser.

“You are the ones making a difference in our young students’ lives. Thank you,” she said.

Chairwoman Marianne Jennings thanked her committee including Judy Gorham, Margaret Dickson, Pat Beggs, Leila Layseca, Karen Wharton, Carolyn Payne, Shirley Wright, Angela Vukos, Scott Rubke, Samir Abou-Rass, Flora Corsini, Austin Kemei, Margaret Hammond, Lynda Burns, Geri Costello, Aida Avanousian, Susan Cisco, Lainy Cullen, Tamara Hughes, Cameron McGee, Barbara Jordan, Ellen Antonyan and students of the Glendale College Theatre Guild.

Members and representatives from the college modeled glittering styles provided by Holiday Hats & Gowns. They were Gael Davitt, Jane Viar, Tamara Hughes, J.C. Moore, Pamela Rosas, Heather Glenn, Margaux Corsini, Erin Kurasz, Saodat Aziskhanova and Sharis Davoodi. Escorting them on the runway were Supt. Viar, Austin Kemie, Samir Abou-Rass, Shara Davoodi and Francisco Aguilar.

The big winner of the day was Carol Kemp, who took home the $1,000 cash prize.
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JOYCE RUDOLPH can be contacted at rudolphjoyce10@gmail.com.