Garden City Community College representatives embarked on a “Building Community Connections: GCCC Listening Tour” in Lakin on Feb. 22 at Cottonwood Coffeehouse, 108 N. Main St.
The goal of the listening tour is to actively connect with and gain a deeper understanding of the needs of the area’s school districts and community stakeholders while also sharing GCCC updates.
Dr. Ryan Ruda, GCCC President, said the inspiration for this initiative stemmed from his interactions with the Garden City community during his “Coffee with the President” events.
Recognizing the value of direct engagement, Dr. Ruda aims to extend a similar opportunity to
the service area communities.
“During our visits, we intend to conduct a town hall listening event to foster connections and gather input from stakeholders and community partners. We firmly believe that visiting each community can foster a deeper understanding of the educational priorities and concerns and find ways that Garden City Community College can assist,” he said.
Highlighting the broader significance of the tour, Dr. Ruda emphasized, “This listening tour aims to create a platform for open and constructive dialogue, enabling us to gain insights into our service areas’ unique opportunities and challenges. The feedback is invaluable as we work together to shape the future of GCCC.”
The first stop in Lakin will feature coffee sponsored by Bank of the Plains. Stay tuned for future
tour date announcements.