GRCC Names David Custer Named Distinguished Alumni for 2010

David Custer has been a member of the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation Board of Directors since 1989 and became chairperson in 2008.

His appointment marked the first time the foundation’s leadership position was held by someone other than the GRCC president. Custer has  also been involved in numerous boards and organizations in the  greater Grand Rapids community and across West Michigan.

His business, Custer Workplace Interiors, employs approximately 100 people and is located on Grandville Avenue, in a jewelry factory he renovated.  For his many contributions to GRCC and the community, GRCC is proud to recognize David Custer as the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Recipient.

GRCC Professor Keith St. Clair to Discuss Turkey

GRCC Social Sciences professor Keith St. Clair will present an inside look at the fascinating nation of Turkey on Monday, April 12, 2010 from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. in the Calkins Science Center Auditorium (3rd floor – room 348).

Video: Sustainability Series “Food, Inc.” Panel Discussion

Courtesy of GRCC’s Media Technologies department, streaming video of the panel discussion that took place last week following a screening of the documentary “Food, Inc.”  that was part of GRCC’s Spring Sustainability Series.  The panel featured Grand Rapids’ local food experts Dan Gendler, Anja Mast, Jerry Adams, and Devin Maloney.

Art and Bev’s Specials: 4/6/10-4/9/10

GRCC’s student-run bistro, Art and Bev’s has the following specials for the week.  For more information, visit their website: www.grcc.edu/artandbevs

Tuesday

• Ham & Turkey Sandwich on Pretzel Bread $4.00
• Spinach Artichoke Pizza $4.00
• Soups: Chicken Noodle Soup or
• Chilled Strawberry Soup w/Coconut Granola

Wednesday

• Meatball Sub w/ Chips $4.00
• Cobb Salad w/ Creamy Avocado Dressing $4.00
• Soups: White Chicken Chili or Roasted Vegetable Soup

Thursday

• Pasta Bar $5.00
• Steak Fajita w/ Tortilla Chips $5.00
• Taco Salad in a Tortilla Bowl $4.00
• Soups: Moroccan Soup w/ Couscous or Broccoli Cheese

Friday

• Sloppy Joe w/ Fries $2.50
• Calzone $4.00
• Brown Bag Lunch: PB&J on Cinnamon Swirl Bread or Turkey & Cheese on Whole Wheat Bread w/ Drink $3.50
• Soups: Gazpacho Soup or Cheesy Bacon Potato Soup

GRCC in the News: 4/6/10

School board, parents quiz Grand Rapids school staff over plans for more online classes
By Kym Reinstadler | The Grand Rapids Press | April 06, 2010, 12:28AM

GRAND RAPIDS — In front of a packed auditorium, Grand Rapids school board members quizzed district administrators for more than three hours Monday on what’s become a controversial plan to change the way many classes are taught next fall — and how much the new online component would cost the schools. […] “Please take your time to investigate,” said Tom Neils, whose colleagues at Grand Rapids Community College have developed online courses. “If this decision causes 250 students to leave the district, by my math, you will have lost the $1.5 million you hoped this move would save.”  (More)

Former Wolverine World Wide CEO to be inducted into Junior Achievement West Michigan Business Hall of Fame
By Shandra Martinez | The Grand Rapids Press | April 06, 2010, 5:09AM

GRAND RAPIDS — It’s not surprising that someone who has led of one of the country’s oldest shoe companies has made a big footprint in the West Michigan business community.  Former Wolverine World Wide CEO Timothy O’Donovan will be inducted into the Junior Achievement West Michigan Business Hall of Fame next month. […] Juan Olivarez, past president of Grand Rapids Community College and current president of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, will receive a Bronze Leadership award.  Oliver[e]z is being recognized for his years of service to JA. (More)

GRCC’s Library and Learning Commons Needs Your Input

Have your say:  GRCC’s Library and Learning Commons (LLC) plans to spend two weeks collecting data about how people use their collections and services.  They invite you to have your say in the way the LLC runs.  Click here to take a brief survey.

Famed Athlete Dick Beardsley at GRCC on 4/13/10

Dick Beardsley will speak at the Ford Field House on April 13th at 6:30 p.m.  Beardsley became the most famous runner/athlete in the world – by losing a race.  In the 1982 Boston Marathon,Beardsley finished two seconds behind Alberto Salazar in a contest often called one of the most memorable in marathon history. After retiring from running, Dick had a series of near fatal accidents that left him addicted to pain killers. His story of overcoming extreme obstacles speaks to anyone who loves competition, who has survived catastrophe, or who has pursued a seemingly impossible goal.  Admission is free and open to the public.

Video: Morris Dees Diversity Lecture

Courtesy of GRCC’s Media Technologies department, the streaming video of the Bob and Aleicia Woodrick Diversity Lecture Series featuring author, lawyer and activist Morris Dees:

College Channel Special Programming: 4/5/10-4/18/10

GRCC’s college channel (Channel 28) special programming listing has been updated with programming for April 5 – April 18.  Included in the schedule are: Cooking with Angus #80 Cheese, Global Experience Festival 2010, 18th Annual Mid America Guitar Ensemble Festival – Closing Concert, Teacher Ed Pathways: Portfolios, Lunch & Learn Series by Monica Smith, “25 Days to Health and Wealth,” Diversity Conversation: Morris Dees interviewed by GRCC Professor Mike Light (available as streaming video below), Bob and Aliecia Woodrick Diversity Learning Center presents Morris Dees, co-founder of the Southern Poverty Law Center, and much more…

Get Reasonably-Priced Automotive Service and Help GRCC Students Learn

Brakes pulsating or squeaking?  Air-Conditioning blowing warm?  Fluids in need of a flush?  Check Engine light on?  Suspension shakes or noises?  Need a free inspection before your summer vacations?

Please help the Automotive Technology program’s students gain some valuable experience working on these issues.  The program’s service session begins on May 4 and ends on June 11.  Most vehicle makes and models are welcome.  The age of the vehicles accepted is typically limited to ten years, with some exceptions.  Customers are charged only for necessary parts.  With no labor charge, the repair costs are often cut in half!

To schedule an appointment, contact Chad Lodenstein at clodenst@grcc.edu or extension 3006.

Rakeeta Ellis: April S.T.A.R. of the Month

Congratulations to Rakeeta Ellis for winning April’s STAR of the Month Award.  Rakeeta has assisted with the Disability and Occupational Support Programs for the last year and a half.  This office requires a very special person who possesses kindness, cooperation, insight and stability.  Rakeeta exudes all of these qualities and more!  Rakeeta’s co-workers consider her a valuable member of their team and are very thankful for her dedication to GRCC!

Administrative Professional’s Week (4/19/10-4/23/10)

Administrative Professional’s Week (formerly Secretary’s Week)  begins Monday, April 19, 2010.  All employees are encouraged to take time to thank GRCC ESP and Administrative Assistants for all they do to make GRCC a College of Distinction.  Employee Professional Development & Enrichment will host a reception for ESP and Administrative Assistants on Tuesday, April 20 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.  Supervisors are asked to help cover offices and departments to allow their ESP or Administrative Assistant to attend this reception.

Video: Tutorial – Groupwise – Auto Archiving

From the Learning Academy: Forgetting to archive your messages?  Let’s set up auto-archiving so you don’t have to remember.