Maria Colozzi Retiring After 21 Years in GTCC President's Office

"I have always had a family and a welcoming feel from the day I started here. There has always been such a caring atmosphere for the employees, students, and community. That has given me a sense of pride working for an organization like that."

For 21 years, Maria Colozzi has been a cornerstone of the President's Office at Guilford Technical Community College. As the senior executive administrative assistant, she has been a steady presence, a helpful guide, and a dedicated servant to the college community. This December, as she prepares for a well-deserved retirement, Colozzi reflects on a fulfilling career defined by kindness, loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to the people of GTCC.

Her journey to GTCC was not a direct one. After working in the corporate world for over two decades and facing multiple layoffs in fluctuating industries like textiles and furniture, Colozzi sought stability. Recalling an earlier job in education, she decided to apply for the executive secretary to the president position at GTCC. An internal candidate was hired for that role. Still, her impressive qualifications led to her being hired as the executive secretary for the Executive Vice President, Dr. Sonny White. She has been an integral part of the President's Office ever since.

"I have always had a family and a welcoming feel from the day I started here," Colozzi shares. "There has always been such a caring atmosphere for the employees, students, and community. That has given me a sense of pride working for an organization like that."

Over her 21 years, Colozzi has been a firsthand witness to the college's remarkable evolution. She has seen the construction of four new buildings, the opening of a new campus, and countless renovations, including two of her own office moves during the Medlin Campus Center building renovation. She has watched GTCC's programs expand, and its reputation grow, solidifying its role as a key player in the local economy and a well-known institution across the state.

In the President's Office, no two days were ever the same, a fact Colozzi always enjoyed. Her role was dynamic, involving everything from juggling calendars and planning numerous events to assisting nearly every division at the college in some capacity. She has had the unique opportunity to work closely with college leadership, the Board of Trustees, GTCC Foundation board members, and, most importantly, the students.

"I have enjoyed working with student ambassadors, hearing their success stories and what brought them to GTCC," she says. "I have seen our own students become employees at GTCC; that is so awesome."

Colozzi's impact extends far beyond daily administrative duties. She was instrumental in a massive project to reorganize the college's 500-page management manual. She also played a vital role on the hospitality team during two separate Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Comission on Colleges accreditation visits. Her dedication and excellence have not gone unnoticed; she is a two-time recipient of the President's Award for Outstanding Service and Innovation, earning the honor in 2015 and 2022.

"Maria embodies the very best of GTCC — kindness, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. For more than two decades, she has been a steadying presence and a trusted colleague whose professionalism and warmth have shaped the culture of the President's Office and beyond. Her quiet leadership and genuine care for people have left a lasting imprint on the college, and her legacy will continue to shine through the many lives she's touched," shares Jan Knox, Vice President of College Advancement.

When asked what motivated her to serve in a community college setting for so long, her answer is simple: "Serving the people. It is an honor to serve our students, my co-workers, and the community."

As retirement approaches, the reality of a new chapter is setting in. An individual who has been working since her early teens, Colozzi is used to being around people and assisting others. While she anticipates missing daily interactions, she looks forward to a life without alarm clocks or set schedules. Her plans include spending more time with family, enjoying the outdoors, traveling, and dedicating more time to volunteer work at her church and in the community.

When reflecting on the legacy she hopes to leave, Colozzi's wishes are humble and heartfelt. "I would like to be remembered for being kind, loyal, and helpful," she says. Her advice to new employees is equally grounded: "Be patient, the road can be bumpy, but the journey is worth it!"

Among all her experiences, she says the most memorable are the exceptional people she has met and worked with along the way. These cherished memories and friendships make retiring bittersweet but fill her with gratitude.

"It has been a privilege to serve Guilford County, the State of North Carolina, and Guilford Technical Community College," she concludes.

As Maria Colozzi embarks on her next chapter, the entire GTCC community thanks her for more than two decades of dedicated service, profound impact, and the quiet, steady kindness that helped so many Make Amazing Happen.