Gogebic Community College (GCC) is a public community college located in Ironwood, Michigan. It was established as Ironwood Junior College in 1932. The college has a main campus in Ironwood and an additional location in Houghton, Michigan, to serve Houghton County and nearby areas.
GCC provides two-year associate's degrees, short-term training programs, and other educational opportunities for the local community. During the 2013–2014 academic year, the college had 1,097 students. Of these, 18% were from outside Michigan, and 6% were from minority groups. The estimated cost for the first year of study was $15,328 for students who live in Michigan and $16,486 for students who live outside of Michigan. The college follows a semester schedule for its academic terms.
Campuses
The main campus of Gogebic Community College is in Ironwood, Michigan. It has three main classroom buildings: the Rutger Erickson Academic Building, the Carl Kleimola Technical Center, and the Jacob Solin Center for Business Education. There is also the Skilled Trades Building, which is near the campus on Greenbush Road, and the Building Trades Annex, which is across the street on Jackson Road. The campus also includes the Mount Zion Recreational Complex, which is owned and operated by the college. This facility is managed by students, staff, and faculty from the school's Ski Area Management program.
The David G. Lindquist Student Center includes a gymnasium and the home court for the Samson basketball and volleyball teams. It is also used as a practice facility for the women's softball team. The building has an indoor cushioned walking track, an aerobics studio, weight rooms, a student lounge, a game area, a snack bar, and a cafe called Courtside.
Gogebic Community College offers classes during the day and evening at the Copper Country Center, which is located in the Copper Country Mall in Houghton, Michigan.
Student life
There are many student groups at the college, such as Student Senate, Phi Theta Kappa, Cru, ADAPT (Alcohol, Drug Awareness and Prevention Team), The Chieftain, Cheerleading, Creative Arts and Performance Club, and Intercollegiate Athletics.
The student newspaper, called The Chieftain, is published multiple times each year.
The GCC Athletic Program has three college-level teams. Gogebic Community College is part of the National Junior College Athletic Association in Region XIII. The Samsons play against teams in Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota in women's volleyball, men's and women's basketball, and co-ed Esports. Other sports offered include football, basketball, softball, tennis, golf, and bowling. The mascot for GCC athletics is Sam the Samson, who is not a yeti.
Notable alumni
- Steven E. Day, Coast Guard Rear Admiral (Lower Half)
- Jay W. Johnson, served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from Wisconsin (1997–1999) and 36th Director of the United States Mint
- Richard A. Sofio, Michigan state representative and educator