This is the second article in the Operations series.
By Corey Mobley, internal communications student assistant
Events at Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) thrive where collaboration meets creativity. From student ceremonies and academic gatherings to large-scale community events and film productions, every event is the result of teamwork across departments.
Behind the scenes, Danise Lindo, director of ceremonies and events; Brenda Melendez, events project coordinator; and Jennifer Simpson, associate director of business operations, ensure each event reflects GGC’s mission of engagement, excellence and connection.
For faculty and staff, the event planning process begins with an idea. Lindo and Melendez help transform that idea into a successful experience.
“Our role is to guide the campus in creating events that are not only well-executed but meaningful,” Lindo said. “We ensure every event aligns with GGC’s mission and creates a sense of belonging, celebration and pride.”
The team works closely with departments to define each event’s purpose and audience, which determines everything from timing to venue selection.
Lindo oversees the college’s signature ceremonies, including Commencement, First-Year Convocation and major donor and community events, ensuring milestone experiences reflect GGC’s values and leave a lasting impression on students, families, alumni and guests.
“The first step is always clarity,” Lindo said. “We need to know what a team intends to accomplish before anything else.”
Timing, she emphasized, can make or break an event. She recommends beginning planning eight to 12 weeks in advance for smaller events and six to 12 months for major signature events.
“Balancing creativity with structure ensures events are enjoyable, impactful and aligned with both departmental and institutional goals,” she said.
To ensure every detail is covered, the team collaborates with Information Technology, Facilities, Auxiliary Services and other groups within Operations to provide a seamless planning experience. Once the planning phase concludes, the next challenge is promotion.
“People show up when they see value, whether it’s networking, celebration or learning,” Lindo noted.
She encourages using a layered communication strategy that includes the faculty and staff newsletter, 25Live calendar, digital signage, email, the campus app, social media and word of mouth.
While Lindo and Melendez focus on internal and ceremonial events, Simpson leads the coordination of external events hosted on campus.
Outside groups must contact Simpson and complete a reservation request form detailing date, time, space needs and catering or audiovisual (AV) requirements.
“After the contract process is complete, we decide if the event needs AV or setup support and determine the layout so I can relay everything to my events team,” Simpson explained.
The process involves several layers of review, including insurance verification and campus leadership approval, so Simpson encourages early planning and communication.
“The process usually takes about a month,” she said. “Most external groups contact me six months to a year ahead, but I appreciate at least two to four weeks’ notice for smaller requests.”
In addition to conferences and community gatherings, GGC has also become a destination for film productions. Films such as “Family Plan” starring Mark Wahlberg, “Bad Boys 4” featuring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, and the pilot series “Stumble” have all been filmed on campus.
Whether supporting internal celebrations or high-profile productions, GGC’s events teams exemplify collaboration and professionalism. Through careful planning, clear communication and creative problem-solving, Lindo, Melendez and Simpson ensure every event reflects the excellence and community spirit that define Georgia Gwinnett College.
For additional information regarding internal events, contact dlindo [at] ggc.edu (Danise Lindo).
For additional information regarding external events, contact jsimpson23 [at] ggc.edu (Jennifer Simpson).