Glendale Community College (GCC) in Glendale, California, has quietly shaped the careers of several prominent figures, particularly in entertainment, demonstrating the power of accessible community college education. As a two-year institution founded in 1927, GCC serves over 15,000 students annually, offering affordable pathways to four-year universities like UCLA and CSUs through its strong transfer programs. While not boasting Nobel laureates (nobel-laureates) or U.S. presidents, its notable alumni from Glendale Community College highlight success stories in Hollywood and music, inspiring prospective students and job seekers eyeing academic jobs in Glendale or higher ed jobs in California.
The entertainment sector stands out among famous graduates of Glendale Community College. Comedic legend Steve Martin honed his early skills at GCC before transferring to UCLA, launching a career with films like The Jerk and stand-up that redefined humor. Actor Dennis Franz, known for his Emmy-winning role as Andy Sipowicz in NYPD Blue, credits GCC for foundational drama training. Musicians Micky Dolenz of The Monkees and Brian Setzer of Stray Cats also attended, channeling campus experiences into rock 'n' roll fame. These Glendale Community College celebrities underscore the college's role in nurturing talent amid Los Angeles' creative hub, just minutes from major studios.
Beyond glamour, GCC alumni impacts ripple through local communities and industries. Their achievements emphasize community colleges' importance: low-cost entry (tuition around $46 per unit for residents), diverse programs in arts, sciences, and vocational training, and high completion rates (over 70% transfer success per recent data). For job seekers, this translates to real-world preparation; check Rate My Professor for GCC faculty insights or explore higher ed jobs nearby. Unique aspects include GCC's scenic Verdugo Mountains campus fostering creativity and its partnerships with local employers.
Implications for students and parents? Attending GCC opens doors without debt burdens, as seen in alumni trajectories. No major controversies shadow its record, focusing instead on equity—serving 50% first-gen students. Visit the official GCC site or Wikipedia page for more. For entertainment figures, view entertainment-figures. Considering transfer? Pair with scholarships and career advice on AcademicJobs.com.
Glendale Community College (GCC) in Glendale, California, has nurtured notable alumni from Glendale Community College who shine in entertainment, sports, and local politics, proving that community colleges launch extraordinary careers. While there are no U.S. presidents, billionaires, or Nobel laureates among its famous graduates, GCC's impact in Hollywood and athletics is undeniable. These famous graduates of Glendale Community College inspire students eyeing community college jobs or transfers, with many crediting GCC's foundational courses for their breakthroughs. Explore more in detailed lists like entertainment figures or sports figures.
GCC boasts a star-studded lineup of actors and musicians who've conquered Hollywood and stages worldwide. From banjo-strumming comedy kings to Emmy-winning detectives, these alumni turned community college basics into blockbuster success.
GCC's athletic alumni dominate Olympics, showcasing discipline from campus pools to global podiums.
Local leaders from GCC shape Glendale's future, rising from classrooms to city hall.
These Glendale Community College celebrities highlight pathways to stardom—check faculty reviews on Rate My Professor or pursue higher ed jobs nearby in Glendale. For more, visit GCC's official site or Wikipedia notable alumni.
Discovering the achievements of Glendale Community College notable alumni can ignite your own ambitions, whether you're a prospective student eyeing transfer pathways or a job seeker inspired by real-world success stories. Glendale Community College (GCC), located in Glendale, California, has built a reputation for launching careers through its affordable associate degrees, certificates, and strong transfer programs to universities like UCLA or Cal State LA. While high-profile celebrities or Nobel laureates from GCC aren't prominently listed in major databases, alumni consistently excel in practical fields like business, healthcare, education, and public service—fields vital to Southern California's economy.
We've rated key categories on a 10-point scale using available data from sources like the college's alumni association and community college benchmarks. These ratings reflect verified impacts, transfer success rates (over 80% of GCC students transfer successfully), and alumni contributions to local communities. Here's a breakdown:
| Category | Rating | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Entertainment Figures | ✭✭✭☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ (3/10) | GCC alumni have dipped into acting and media, but no A-list stars dominate headlines. Focus here builds creative skills via theater programs. |
| Sports Figures | ✭✭✭✭✭☆☆☆☆☆ (5/10) | Athletic Hall of Fame highlights local athletes; GCC's Vaqueros compete in California championships, paving ways to pro or coaching careers. |
| Politics | ✭✭✭✭☆☆☆☆☆☆ (4/10) | Alumni serve in local government and community leadership, leveraging GCC's civics courses for roles in city councils or nonprofits. |
| Millionaires & Billionaires | ✭✭☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ (2/10) | Few ultra-wealthy, but many build entrepreneurial success in LA's tech and real estate scenes post-transfer. |
| Criminals (Negative Impact) | ✭☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ (1/10) | Minimal notoriety; GCC emphasizes ethics and positive paths. |
| Nobel Laureates | ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ (0/10) | None recorded, typical for community colleges prioritizing accessible education over elite research. |
These ratings inspire by showing GCC's strength in foundational success. Advice: Network via the GCC Alumni Association—join events like the annual Golf Classic to connect with graduates. To boost your trajectory, prioritize transferable credits, internships, and clubs. Check Rate My Professor for top GCC instructors in high-impact majors like nursing or business. Job seekers, explore community college jobs or higher ed jobs nearby. Students in Glendale can find opportunities via academic jobs in Glendale. For career tips, read how to write a winning academic CV. With dedication, you could be the next standout notable alumni from Glendale Community College.
Know a distinguished graduate of Glendale Community College? Add them to this listing below — include their name, role, field of study and what makes their career or contribution stand out.
Browse the list of professors at below. Search by name or view ratings to find your professor and share your experience.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gene L. Coon | Screenwriter and television producer | unknown | Gene L. Coon was a key writer and producer for the original Star Trek series, credited with developing the Klingons and contributing to episodes of Bonanza and other shows. |
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ara Najarian |
| Mayor of Glendale |
| political science |
| 1979 |
| Served multiple terms as Mayor and City Councilmember of Glendale, California, advocating for transportation and environmental issues. |
| Katcho Achadjian | California State Assemblymember | unknown | Represented California's 33rd Assembly District from 2010 to 2016, focusing on agriculture, small business, and veterans' affairs after attending Glendale Community College. |
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rod Beck | MLB Relief Pitcher | unknown | Former Major League Baseball closer known for his time with the San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, and others, earning two saves titles and three All-Star selections. | |
| Steve Kemp | MLB Outfielder | unknown | Outfielder who played 10 seasons in MLB with teams like the Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners, hitting .270 with 143 home runs. | |
| Jeff Suppan | MLB Pitcher | unknown | Veteran MLB starting pitcher who played 17 seasons, including a World Series appearance with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2006. | |
| Garrett Cooper | MLB First Baseman | 2011-2012 | Current MLB player for the San Diego Padres, previously with the Miami Marlins and Arizona Diamondbacks, known for his power hitting. | |
| Mychal Rivera | NFL Tight End | 2009-2010 | Former NFL tight end drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 2013, later playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars. | |
| Austin Seibert | NFL Kicker | 2015-2016 | Professional kicker who has played for the Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers, and New York Jets. |
