Condolences to the Family, Friends and Colleagues of Ned Fenlon

This week,  GRCC Distinguished Alumnus Edward “Ned” Fenlon passed away at the age of 106, leaving behind an impressive and inspiring legacy.  The college was fortunate enough to capture this interview with Ned and produce this biographical video when he was honored with GRCC’s Distinguished Alumni award in 2005:

Following high school, Fenlon attended then GRJC from 1923-1925, before leaving for the University of Notre Dame. Following his undergraduate studies, Fenlon attended St. Louis University Law School in 1928 and graduated from La Salle University Law School in 1929.

In 1933 Ned Fenlon was elected to the Michigan State Legislature, one of two Democrats where he introduced legislation paving the way for construction on the Mackinac Bridge. Fenlon was also instrumental in the construction of two other bridges, the Blue Water and Soo International, along with the establishment of State Police posts throughout Michigan.

Fenlon also takes pride in his relationship with Michigan’s Native American community. As a young boy he learned the Ottawa language and worked closely with local tribes during his 23 years as the 33rd Judicial Circuit Court Judge in Northern Michigan. He even earned the name “Tchi Ajigon,” which means “In order to build the bridge.”

For a full biography of Ned written by the Petoskey News, click here.

GRCC in the News: 9/23/10

GRCC football team looks to rebound from loss
Published: Thursday, September 23, 2010, 10:00 AM | Dean Holzwarth | The Grand Rapids Press

GRAND RAPIDS — Grand Rapids Community College sophomore linebacker Nick Reyna believes his team can do one of two things this week.  It can dwell on the disappointment of last week’s first loss of the season against Iowa Western, or come out motivated to correct mistakes and forge ahead against Ellsworth Community College on Saturday at Houseman Field.  (More)

Harper looks to even record against No. 9 Iowa Western
By Jonathan Cregier | Daily Herald Staff | Chicago DailY Herald

Harper College’s football team welcomes the ninth-ranked team in NJCAA, Iowa Western (4-0), to Saturday’s 1 p.m. kickoff in Palatine.  Iowa Western is fresh off a victory over No. 5 Grand Rapids Community College (15-12). […] Iowa Western is fresh off a victory over No. 5 Grand Rapids Community College (15-12).  (More)

Michigan legend Ned Fenlon dies at 106 – A memorial service will be held in the spring
Petoskey News | By Brandon Hubbard News-Review Staff Writer | 4:30 p.m. EDT, September 22, 2010

Edward “Ned” Fenlon, the former state representative, circuit court judge and unsung champion of the legislation that enabled the two peninsulas of Michigan to be connected by the Mackinac Bridge more than 20 years before its creation, died Sunday at 106 years old. […] Fenlon attended Grand Rapids Community College from 1923-1925, before completing an undergraduate degree at Notre Dame University, where he held the record for the oldest surviving alumnus in recent years.  (M0re)

Will FIRE Be On Your Campus This Semester?
September 22, 2010 | by Jaclyn Hall

As you can see from the map above, the Campus Freedom Network’s (CFN’s) Speakers Bureau is going to have a busy fall semester! Through the Speakers Bureau, students can invite FIRE speakers to their universities to tell their fellow students about threats to liberty on campus and teach them how to defend their rights. Some highlights on our fall schedule include: Azhar will also give two speeches in Michigan hosted by the Center for Inquiry, including at Michigan State University on September 29 and a joint event with Grand Valley State University and Grand Rapids Community College on September 30.  (More)

Local pair playing with U.S. National Junior Sled Hockey team
Published: Wednesday, September 22, 2010, 11:00 AM | Steve Vedder | The Grand Rapids Press

For Chris Melton, the toughest part was waiting to see if a long-standing dream would come true.  The 16-year-old Zeeland East junior figured he had done all he could to make the 2010-11 U.S. National Junior Sled Hockey team. […] In the end, Melton and Anderson, now a freshman at Grand Rapids Community College, both did enough.  (More)

Upcoming Safezone Training Opportunities

The SafeZone program is a diversity education program that is tailored to the higher education environment. The workshop incorporates real life scenarios and practical information to foster an atmosphere of understanding and inclusion. The program philosophy provides not only a safe space for all people, but also increases communication and understanding among people. One of the goals of SafeZone is to emphasize that all individuals will be treated and respected as human beings leading to a productive, safe and supportive campus within which students and staff may flourish. The next sessions are scheduled Friday, October 15 or Monday, April 18, 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Please register at dlcregistration@grcc.edu.

Security Reminder About Thefts on Campus

Since the beginning of the semester, Campus Police have taken reports on six different larcenies that have occurred in the Main/Cook buildings.
We have lost several projectors and computers as well as bookbags and textbooks.

We would like to remind you to take extra care in securing your items in and around your work space as well as the office/classroom itself.
Starting today, the campus is hosting several art exhibits for the “Artprize”. For the next two-and-a-half weeks the Main building will have extended hours so the community can enjoy the artwork . With the building being open an extended amount of time and with an increase of foot traffic, we ask that you be extra vigilant in securing your area.

The Campus police also have received reports of a white male subject that has entered offices, looked around, helped himself to coffee and then left the area. If you have anyone enter your office that does not have business with your department, and seems to be just looking around, please contact Campus Police at ext. 4010.

Thanks for helping us make this a safe learning environment.

Volunteers Needed for Peace Studies Conference

The Second Annual Peace Studies Conference is happening Monday 9/27 www.grcc.edu/peace2010 through Wednesday 9/29 in the ATC and GRCC needs assistance at the registration tables.  Do your part for global harmony, meet people from around the world and enjoy conference refreshments – check the schedule below and see if you’re available to lend a hand.  Please contact Stacey Herrick at sherrick@grcc.edu or 234-4283 if you can help.

Registration Tables

Monday, September 27, 2010

• 8:30 – 10:00am
• 11:30 – 2:00pm – Mandatory
• 2:30 – 3:30pm

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

• 7:30am – 9:15am – Mandatory
• 10:00am – 10:45am
• 12:30pm – 1:15pm
• 1:45pm – 2:45pm
• 3:45pm – 4:15pm
• 6:30pm – 7:15pm

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

• 7:30am – 9:30am – Mandatory
• 10:30am – 11:00am
• 1:00pm – 1:30pm
• 2:30pm – 3:00pm

Grant Writing Class (10/20/10-10/22/10)

A grant writing class conducted by grant-writing consultant Thomas A. Jones on October 20-22   GRCC.  From the description: ”  Basic Grant Writing will teach you to plan, organize, and write effective grant proposals. In this course, you will obtain hands-on experience outlining a proposal that applies to your organization. You will leave the course with a well organized manual that will guide you through the grant writing process for years to come. You will have the knowledge and confidence to seek and obtain funding through the competitive grants process.”

For more information, download this flyer (.pdf)

Winchester Alley Closed 9/23/10 From 11am-1pm

Winchester alley (the alley behind the Main/Cook buildings) will be closed tomorrow 9/23 from 11am to 1pm to load a printing press from printing services.   Please plan accordingly.

GRCC Chili Cook-off Benefit for United Way (10/19)

Sponsored by the WE Team & College Advancement, this fundraiser for the GRCC United Way Campaign will happen Tuesday, October 19, 2010 from Noon to 1:30 p.m. in the ATC Banquet Rooms.

Chili Maker Details

• This contest is open to all GRCC Faculty, Staff, Student Employees & Retirees
• There will be 3 categories of chili:
  No legged chili: Do your best to impress with your best version of any vegetarian or vegan chili. No animal protein. Don’t try anything fishy…
  2-legged chili: Test your mad skills by creating your best chili using any of our fine feathered two-legged friends. Cluck-cluck, Quack-quack, Gobble, gobble…
  4-legged chili: Be a traditionalist and show us how you think a real chili should taste using beef, pork, or any meat that comes from a four-legged creature. Save a horse…
• You must provide at least 1 gallon of chili in a Crockpot with a serving utensil
• There is no entry fee for chili makers
• You can enter multiple categories or multiple recipes
• Chili will be judged by Chefs from our own Secchia Institute for Culinary Education according to the following criteria: Aroma, Consistency, Appearance, Flavor/Taste, Does it leave you wanting more?
• A winner will be selected from each category with a Grand Prize being awarded to one of the three category winners.

Registration deadline is Tuesday, October 12. Provide your name, department, and category you will be entering to Employee Professional Development & Enrichment at employeedevelopment@grcc.edu.  If you have questions, contact Bob Lacy or Liz Timmer.

Video: Gallery of Heritage Restaurant Students in Action

This animated slideshow highlights the superb work done by the students in the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education as they learn their craft serving the patrons of the Heritage Restaurant: