Photos – First Grad Fest a Success

The 1st ever Grad Fest was a hit; in one day, we serviced nearly 360 students that will be participating in our commencement ceremonies. There was a constant line all day!

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Students were able to receive all the information they needed about commencement, all in one place. A big thank you to Student Life, Student Records, Follett Bookstore, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Call Photography, GRCC Media Services, The Dean of Students Office, Alumni Relations, IT, Jostens, Creative Dining, and Jim Schultz from Facilities. This day would not have been possible without all of their help. This was a great way to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates, and get them ready for commencement next Friday!

Congratulations to Jonathan Kamphuis – Math Awareness Contest Winner

The results for the Math Awareness Month Contest are in. The grand prize winner in the student division is Jonathan Kamphuis. He wins a GRCC sweatshirt. The grand prize winner in the staff division is Paul Nylaan, and he will receive a $25 gift card to the GRCC Bookstore. A special thank you goes out to the GRCC Bookstore for generously providing these prizes.

GRCC in the News – 4/20/11

Photos, video: Grand Rapids tour shows where your trash goes
Published: Wednesday, April 20, 2011, 9:32 AM | Ursula Zerilli | The Grand Rapids Press

GRAND RAPIDS — For some, rolling the trash bin to the end of the driveway is all they want to know about waste disposal in their community. Others wonder where their garbage really goes after the truck roars away. […] About 30 people from the curious category joined Sara Yob, a Grand Rapids Community College teacher, for the first Greater Grand Rapids Garbage Tour on Tuesday.   (More)

Killing of Kalamazoo Officer Eric Zapata is part of alarming national trend of violence against police, chief says
Published: Tuesday, April 19, 2011, 12:48 PM | Alex Nixon | Kalamazoo Gazette

KALAMAZOO — Veteran Kalamazoo Public Safety Officer Eric Zapata, a father of three children, was shot and killed late Monday night, Chief Jeff Hadley said at a press conference today. [Zapata is an alumnus of GRCC’s Criminal Justice program]  (More)

WMEAC and GRCC to Celebrate Earth Day With Earthwork Music
WMEAC by WMEAC (WMEAC) on Tuesday Apr 19th, 2011 | The Rapidian

The West Michigan Environmental Action Council and Grand Rapids Community College are celebrating Earth Day with a special concert featuring top acts from Earthwork Music at Fountain Street Church in Grand Rapids on Friday, April 22. Proceeds benefit the Grand River Water Festival and WMEAC’s work to protect water and build sustainable communities in West Michigan.  (More)

Family members say apparent shooting victim Brandon Bryant was a beloved, gentle giant
Published: Tuesday, April 19, 2011, 10:52 AM | Barton Deiters | The Grand Rapids Press

GRAND RAPIDS – They called Brandon Bryant a big gentle guy who was liked by just about anyone who met him. […] Bryant said her son graduated from City High School, delivered newspapers for The Grand Rapids Press and completed auto mechanic training at Grand Rapids Community College while working at IHOP.  (More)

McJob Fair: unemployed flocking to McDonald’s on first National Hiring Day
Published: Tuesday, April 19, 2011, 1:30 PM | Shandra Martinez | The Grand Rapids Press

GAINES TOWNSHIP – Jabria Hill was up at 8 a.m. at McDonald’s this morning. Not for an egg McMuffin but a chance at a job. […] Hill is looking for a job help pay her expenses when she attends college. She plans to attend Grand Rapids Community College in the fall to begin studying for a career in nursing.  (More)

GRCC Family Picnic Helpers Needed

The WE Team needs help with the GRCC Family Picnic being held on Saturday, June 18 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. They need game helpers, food helpers, set up helpers, and clean up helpers. Shifts will be 60 to 90 minutes. If you can help, contact Liz Timmer via email.

Correction Ver 2.0 – Special Kent Philharmonia Orchestra Concert With Malcolm Brannen

[Corrected Ver. 2.0]On Friday, May 6, the Kent Philharmonia Orchestra will present its final concert of the season at St. Cecilia, 8:00 and retiring GRCC Professor Malcolm Brannen be conducting the second half of the concert. The concert starts at 8:00 p.m. and will take place at the St Cecilia Music Center.

Admission is FREE; Malcolm and his wife Marilyn are sponsoring this concert as a gift to the members of KPO and its audience.

Read the full letter from Professor Brannen describing the rich backdrop to the performance here.

GRCC Today Analytics – Improve Your Communication With Science

Now that GRCC Today is published as a blog, it offers the college the opportunity to analyze the content and how readers interact with it.  The blog tracks what users are looking for, when they view it, and other important bits of information that you can use to help shape your messages to make them more effective.

If you would like to learn more about the posts you submit to GRCC Today and how to improve them by studying how users interact with them, contact Derek DeVries in the Communications Department for feedback on an article you’ve submitted.