Geography Student Presents Paper on Human Trafficking at Minnesota Conference

Amanda Colegrove, currently President of the GRCC chapter of the International Geographical Honor Society, recently presented a very well-received paper at the West Lakes Division of the Association of American Geographers Annual Meeting in Minneapolis. Ms. Colegrove’s research is devoted to “Human Trafficking in Central America.”

This is a worldwide issue, and in Latin America it has been found to be particularly pervasive.  For example, both Mexico and Belize have experienced an increase in this activity since the relatively recent implementation and enforcement of laws in other global regions, and here it has been shown to diffuse broadly within the framework of interregional migration. The paper examined these issues and discussed the underlying factors unique to the region and those it has in common with the global community. Ms. Colegrove is a 2009 recipient of the GRCC Social Sciences Department Elizabeth Knapp Scholarship.

Map of Approved Smoking Locations Near Campus

As you are likely aware on September 14, 2009, GRCC Police Officers began issuing noncompliance tickets to students and employees. It should also be noted that virtually all businesses and organizations directly adjacent to GRCC in downtown Grand Rapids are also smoke-free properties and that GRCC students and employees are obligated to respect these policies as well (or face arrest for trespassing by Grand Rapids Police which carries a $200 fine and criminal record).  The closest areas where smoking is allowed include:

1. Veterans Memorial Park one block south of Bostwick Commons
2. Division Avenue on the west of campus
3. Michigan Street to the north of campus
4. Cancer Survivors’ Park (currently closed for construction) half a block north of Bostwick Commons

Click Here or visit www.grcc.edu/smokingareas for an interactive map illustrating these locations.

Biology Education Students Learning to use Grand Rapids Public Museum

These photos come from GRCC Biology Education Professors Sarah Krajewski and Laurie Foster and depict a recent visit by GRCC biology education students to the Grand Rapids Public Museum to learn how that superb facility can be used as a learning tool for their own future classes.

Will Your Office Have Special Holiday Hours?

If your office will change its hours in the days leading up to the upcoming Thanksgiving or Winter Shutdown holidays, please visit www.grcc.edu/holidayhours and record them so that we can better inform students and the community.

GRCC in the News: 11/18/09

GRCC nat’l title hopes dashed by error: Clerical mistake means team is not eligible
WOOD TV | Tuesday, 17 Nov 2009, 8:59 PM EST

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – GRCC coach Tony Annese had to break the news to his team Tuesday: It was a clerical error made by the athletic office. One of the player’s names was not listed on a roster submitted to the NJCAA before the season started. That player participated in one play of one game, and for that, the Raiders’ national championship hopes were dashed.  (More)

GRCC International Guitar Series Presents Thomas Viloteau (11/19/09)

On November 19, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. GRCC’s International Guitar series will present Thomas Viloteau, 2006 Guitar Foundation of America Solo Competition Winner.  The performance will take place in the GRCC Recital Hall (Room 200) on 142 Ransom Street.

Born in Paris in 1985, Thomas Viloteau began his musical education at age twelve in Port St. Louis (France). In 1998, he entered the Escuela de Música Juan Pedro Carrero in Barcelona, Spain, where he studied with Maité Rubio, also participating in numerous masterclasses with Alvaro Pierri. Two years later, he entered the Conservatorio Superior de Música de Barcelona where he studied with Joan Furio.

For more information, visit www.grcc.edu/guitar

GRCC Geography Students Explore the Gerald R. Ford Museum

During the Ford Presidency, a number of events occurred that had far-reaching ramifications for people in the U.S. and throughout the world. Of particular significance were the Fall of Saigon, Mayaguez Incident and energy crisis sparked by the Arab Oil Embargo. Recently, GRCC World Regional Geography students (accompanied by GRCC Professor Mike DeVivo) took part in a field trip to the Ford Museum to enhance their learning of Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Welcome to the World, Liam Tiano

Congratulations to GRCC Biology adjunct faculty Todd Tiano and his wife Becky who welcomed their son Liam into the world November 1st.  Liam was in such a rush that he had to be delivered at home because there was no time to get to the hospital.  The family is healthy and doing well.

Green Tips to Build on GRCC’s Green Savings

As a result of GRCC’s Energy Management program, from May08 through September ’09 the college has saved a grand total of $861,345 by reducing its energy impact by 48,757 MMBTU (or 4,921 equiv. metric tons of CO2).  That’s like taking 883 cars off the road for a whole year (or growing 125,881 tree seedlings for 10 years).

To continue this good work, the Energy Management department asks that during winter and through the holidays we all consider the following guidelines when decorating our offices (and homes).

• Purchase energy efficient lights and light bulbs such as LED lights. LED holiday lights use about 99 percent less energy than larger, traditional holiday bulbs and last up to 100,000 hours when used indoors.
• Moderation is the key to saving energy while still creating a festive atmosphere. Wait to decorate with lights closer to Christmas break and cut down on the number of strings you use. Plug in your lights two to five hours a day, making sure to turn off your lights whenever you leave your office area, and when you leave for the day.

GRCC Participates in Great American Smokeout (11/19/09)

Thursday, November 19, 2009 Grand Rapids Community College will host its two events as part of its 2^nd year of participation in the Great American Smokeout (created by the American Cancer Society) that encourages smokers to cut back or quit by providing them with education and resources.

Great American Smokeout Events:

1. Adopt-a-smoker – This portion of the event encourages nonsmokers to invite friends and loved ones to quit smoking and support them in that effort by Adopting them.  Visit www.grcc.edu/smokeout for more information.  For other resources, visit www.grcc.edu/beingtobaccofree
2. G.A.S. Stations – There will be G.A.S. Stations at various locations around campus open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at with information tables and resources.  Locations: 4th Floor Main Building, ATC Computer lab, 1st Floor Sneden Hall, Cafeteria, and Winchester Alley. There will also be Stations at the Tassell & Thompson M-TECs, Midtown Campus, and both Learning Corner locations.

Grand Rapids Community College’s campuses have been tobacco-free since November 20, 2008.  More: www.grcc.edu/smokeout