Photos and Video: Senator Carl Levin Speaking to World Affairs Council of Western Michigan

Yesterday, Michigan’s Senator Carl Levin spoke on campus at an event organized by the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan about US foreign policy in Afghanistan.  The packed room at Sneden Hall included a class taught by former Michigan State Representative Michael Sak, whose students had the opportunity to interact with Senator Levin and even pose a question during the interactive portion of the lecture.

View a full gallery of photos here.  The entire program is also available on Youtube (embedded below).

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GRCC in the News: 2/22/11

Sen. Carl Levin speaks at GRCC
WZZM | Written by Chris Zoladz | February 21, 2011

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) – Michigan Senator, Carl Levin, says there are signs of significant progress in the war effort in Afghanistan. The democrat visited Grand Rapids Community College Monday to share his findings with the World Affairs Council. (More)

U.S. Sen. Carl Levin speaks to Grand Rapids audience on Afghan issues
Published: Monday, February 21, 2011, 2:51 PM | Jeff Cranson | The Grand Rapids Press

GRAND RAPIDS — U.S. Sen. Carl Levin today reaffirmed his belief there is progress in Afghanistan and said President Obama’s decision to set a timeline for U.S. troop withdrawal has motivated the Afghan military. (More)

The Job Hunt: Retraining
WZZM | Written by Peter Ross | February 21, 2011

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) – Many people looking for work never expected they would ever have to, like Suzanne Currier of Ionia. […] Bob Nagel is taking building construction classes at Grand Rapids Community College. The government is paying for them through the Trade Readjustment Act, since his long-time job at Wolverine was moved out of the country. (More)

GRCC men lose to Lansing CC in Kelly McEwen’s final home game as Raiders coach
Published: Monday, February 21, 2011, 11:55 PM | Brian VanOchten | The Grand Rapids Press

GRAND RAPIDS — In 37 years as a basketball coach at the high school, college and professional levels in West Michigan, Kelly McEwen prided himself on being a teacher of the game first and foremost. (More)

Go Luba! World Ice Art Championships Feb 22-March 27

Luba Petrash, GRCC’s Banquet Chef and culinary program ice-carving instructor, will be heading to both the National Ice Carving Championships and the World Ice Art Championships in Fairbanks Alaska, which features ice artists from around the world Feb. 22 through March 27. She’s teaming up with Steve Kosch, a former SICE student.

If you haven’t heard of these renowned competitions, you need to hear about “The Arctic Diamond.”

Petrash explains that in a typical ice carving contest, the competitors work on a 40 inch x 20 inch x 10 inch block of ice. But in Alaska, teams of two develop their creations using one block of ice measuring 5 feet x 8 feet x 3 feet and weighing 7,200 pounds. Volunteers are busy months in advance farming, cutting and stockpiling the high grade, blue-hued ice, unique to Fairbanks waters, and dubbed “The Arctic Diamond.”

The Importance of Mental Health Awareness

February 22, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. in the ATC Auditorium (Room 168), the Black Student Union will present a program about the issue of mental health awareness and its impact on the African-American community.

The lack of knowledge and education surrounding mental health can often keep a person bound. This community event will explore mental processes, emotional intelligence, stress management, coping and suicide prevention and awareness. The lack of acknowledgement, education and dialogue around mental health in the African American community has done more harm than good, and has touched more homes than we care to admit. Get educated, and be equipped! Post Reception to follow.

Thanks to Network 180 & the Mental Health Parity Discussion Group for their collaboration!

GRCC Running Team Triple Crown Running Series

Attention all runners! Please join our GRCC Running Team. This is the second year that we are entering a team in the local running team competition called the “Triple Crown Series”. Last year we finished in 6th place out of 34 teams in Division I (500 or more employees).

The three 2011 Triple Crown races are:

• Irish Jig 5K (March 19)
• Brian Diemer Amerikam 5K (June 11)
• Reeds Lake Run (June 25)

Each race is 5 kilometers, or 3.1 miles. GRCC will be competing in Division I along with Steelcase, Amway, Spectrum, etc. The team with the lowest points wins the competition. Only the top five runners score points. Slower runners do not affect the team score. Points are scored by your place in your age group and gender. You can see past year results at http://www.ClassicRace.com Triple Crown rules stipulate that Full time staff and spouses are eligible to be on the team. There is an individual online registration fee (~$25) required for each race. Last year, GRCC helped finance this entry fee so individuals only had to pay $10 per race. This year’s budget is still being determined. Did I mention that all team members receive a very cool GRCC running shirt?

If you are interested in participating, please contact Jim Fox in the HR Dept before March 10. For those who are interested in keeping up with the Team’s progress, join our Facebook group, GRCC Runners.  SEE YA ON THE ROAD!

JIM “MOLASSAS” FOX, GRCC human resources department, ph: 234-3195, JFox@grcc.edu