PRESS RELEASE
Please join the Board of Trustees and GCCCU staff in celebrating a new era in higher education collaboration as the Greater Cincinnati Consortium of Colleges and Universities transforms to the Greater Cincinnati Collegiate Connection, or GC3.
GC3 taps the collective power of higher education in Greater Cincinnati to strengthen every aspect of our regional economy, culture and quality of life and make a lasting difference in every life we touch. With a workforce of more than 18,000 professionals, GC3 serves more than 138,000 students and delivers more than $2 billion in annual economic impact to the region. Through cross-registration, professional development and other programs, GC3 connects 18 premier colleges and universities to the region’s corporate, government and civic leaders and positions Greater Cincinnati as one of the nation’s leading hubs for higher education excellence.
“Over the past year, I have talked with economic, business and civic leaders who all agree higher education is a true asset to the region. No one had any idea there are 18 regionally accredited, non-profit institutions, most within a 15 mile radius of downtown”, says Janet Piccirillo, Executive Director. “That concentration of colleges and universities is typically found in the largest cities and we have it right here in Greater Cincinnati.” Not only is there no reason for a student to seek a higher education outside of the region, but the opportunities for businesses in Greater Cincinnati are huge. The support and resources available through the GC3 colleges and universities rival much larger metropolitan areas.
The GC3 Board of Trustees view this transformation as another example of the value of collaboration and partnerships which are already common amongst the 18 GC3 colleges and universities. Ms. Piccirillo adds “It is exciting to think in an industry based on recruiting students and tight budgets, the GC3 presidents know the benefit of working together to promote Greater Cincinnati as a place to get an outstanding education, a region where you can be gainfully employed and is a terrific place live.” Not only does GC3 facilitate collaboration amongst its 18 colleges and universities, but also between higher education and the workforce development and business communities.
Go to www.gccollegiateconnection.org for more information on GC3 and to view the GCCCU to GC3 Announcement video.