Building a Legacy of Growth and Fiscal Strength

February 03, 2020 - 02:30 PM

When Mike Gregoryk retires this winter, he leaves behind a campus he helped transform. 

As vice president of administrative services for the past 15 years, Gregoryk's work impacted the college's physical campus, fiscal health, and technological support to keep the campus running smoothly.  

Gregoryk was instrumental in the passage of two general obligation bonds, Measure RR and Measure GO, and is a key member of the leadership team overseeing the design and construction of the college’s major buildings.  Combined, both bonds will provide more than $1 billion in funding for campus construction that benefits students and the community. Past projects include the Equity Center, Business and Computer Technology Complex and the Design Technology Building. The college is currently building Hilmer Lodge Stadium and a Student Center, with more high-impact projects in store. 

“In a relatively short period of time, Mike helped transform Mt. SAC’s physical campus,” said President & CEO William Scroggins. “It was through his leadership that we passed two bonds that are keeping our classrooms and labs at the cutting edge. Our facilities rival those of the very best four-year colleges, giving our students an edge when they get to the job market.”

 A hallmark of Gregoryk's work is the ability to anticipate upcoming challenges and shift strategies to keep the college in the best possible financial shape.

He led the college’s transition to become fiscally independent from the Los Angeles County Office of Education. The college established a trust under his tenure, currently at $77 million, to fund retirement health benefits. President Scroggins credits this with attracting and keeping Mt. SAC's highly qualified faculty and staff.

In addition, during the Great Recession, the college was able to weather extensive budget reductions with minimal cuts through smart financial planning, investments and savings.

"These actions are behind the scenes for the most part, but they meant that we could build incredible learning spaces, save livelihoods, save taxpayers millions of dollars, and so much more. These are gifts that will benefit generations of students and employees," said Scroggins.

When Gregoryk came to Mt. SAC in 2005, he called it a dream come true. 

He is especially proud of the administrative services team, which he built from the ground up, creating a division that includes fiscal services, facilities planning and management, information technology, technical services, campus police and safety, risk management, technical services, and contract services for food services and bookstore.  

"Everybody thinks of this as the Mt. SAC family and that is very true," he said. "The people who work here really love to be here and that shows in how they work. They really make it all possible."

When asked the secret of his success, Gregoryk again, pointed to the team saying, “It is about communicating with my team and being able to work with all facets of the college, from staff and faculty to the students.”

Gregoryk is also actively involved in the community, serving as past president of the Regional Chamber of Commerce – San Gabriel Valley, and as a board member of the Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center Foundation. He also is a past president of the California Community Colleges Association of Chief Business Officials, as well as the current chair of the LA County First District Consolidated Oversight Board.

Among his many recognitions during his 40-year career, Gregoryk received the Business Officer of the Year Award from the National Association of College and University Business Officers, of which he is a past president.

Prior to Mt. SAC, Gregoryk served as the deputy chancellor for the Ventura County Community College District for 10 years, including a time as interim president of Oxnard and Ventura colleges.

“Mike’s legacy is evident in the physical buildings, but also the college’s financial health,” concluded Scroggins. “While the buildings and construction get the most attention, the underlying fiscal strength of the college is the greatest gift that Mike leaves behind.”

Gregoryk is now getting ready to help transition a successor. The Mt. SAC Board of Trustees has confirmed Morris Rodrigue as the next VP of Administrative Services. Morris is currently Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Administrative Services at Shasta College in Redding, California.