OF AWARDS
Man of the Year : Tom Cline
As a 35-year Gilroy resident , Tom Cline is well-known in the community , having served in various organizations over the years , including the Gilroy Garlic Festival .
Cline began volunteering with the Garlic Festival Association eight years ago . He served several years as the Assistant Chair of Refuse and the Chair of Refuse . Then Cline filled roles on the Board , including President of the Garlic Festival Association in 2019 . Cline and the Board met the challenges that came with COVID-19 and postponement of the 2020 Festival and the reimagining of the 2021 Garlic Festival .
In receiving this award Cline said , “ I was surprised , humbled , and I appreciate it . It wasn ’ t my own effort I was recognized for — it ’ s for the whole team and the Garlic Festival Association . I think people see the value of what the Association has done for the community .”
Over the years , Cline has served in other various roles in the Gilroy community , too . “ I don ’ t do things for recognition — I try to do things to help ,” Cline said . He has served in New Hope Community Church for 34 years ; in parent groups while his kids were in school ; as President of the Gilroy Exchange Club ; and on the Garlic Festival Association ’ s Visit Gilroy Board .
Cline owns and runs his own business , Cline Glass Contractors , a commercial glass company , which he bought from his brother 11 years ago . Cline ’ s father began a glass company in 1962 , and he has worked over the years with his family in the glass industry . He especially appreciates the flexibility of owning his own company . “ It ’ s allowed me to contribute to my community and give back .”
Cline and his wife Cindy appreciate the small town feel of Gilroy and that everyone knows each other . He said , “ Gilroy has a real sense of community , and it ’ s beautiful everywhere .”
Cline ’ s inspiration is his wife and his faith in God . He attempts to follow Jesus ’ example and put others above himself . His goal for the near future is to “ help the community rebound with all the COVID and financial challenges from over the last couple of years .” He is looking to make a positive impact in the community . “ I want to be a part of the solution , to make things better .”
woMan of the Year : dr . Kathleen rose 2022 Woman of the Year Dr . Kathleen Rose retires this spring after 40 years in higher education . As the Superintendent / President of Gavilan Community College in Gilroy , she has contributed 13 years of her career serving the community . Dr . Rose started at Gavilan in 2009 as Vice President of Instruction , followed by Executive Vice President . She then became the Superintendent and President six years ago . seven years , serving as Dean and then Vice President of Instruction . She also taught classes for thirty years at the undergraduate and graduate level .
“ I view myself as an accidental leader because I ’ ve been propelled into opportunities to lead , based on my experience and how I have shown up in the workplace . And so I ’ ve been really fortunate in that way . I ’ ve learned a lot about leadership as a result .”
Dr . Rose has been involved in the community in other capacities beyond her role in education , including Gilroy ' s Economic Development Committee , the Chamber of Commerce Education Committee ; and Gilroy Rotary .
Dr . Rose considers receiving this award as an honor . “ To be recognized as someone who is a community change agent is a really exceptional way for me to end my career .” She said .
Dr . Rose came from a family of educators and earned her degree in English and a teaching credential . She left her home state of New York in 1981 and came to California in 1998 with her kids , where she ran the Monterey campus of Chapman College for a few years . Next , she transitioned to Hartnell College in Salinas for
In her retirement , Dr . Rose plans to travel , spend time with her grandkids , and stay involved in Gilroy and the Gavilan community — look for her at sporting or theater events . She has truly appreciated Gilroy ’ s support of Gavilan and looks forward to the college ’ s growth in the future .
“ It ’ s come full circle for me ending my career as a superintendent / president , because I feel like I ’ ve had the opportunity to do the same kind of mentoring for others that was certainly done for me when I was younger .”
18 SPRING 2022 gmhTODAY Magazine gmhtoday . com