Thanks From the GRCC ESP Relay for Life Team

Thanks to all who gave in some way, shape, or form whether it was a monetary donations, baked goods, candy, walking, donated items for set-up, or just general support of the GRCC ESP team at the Relay for Life this past weekend in downtown Grand Rapids. At a little over $900, we almost doubled our goal of $500 through online donations, in-person donations, and $150 alone selling candy and bake goods. We had around 30 employees and their families visit our site during the 24-hour period. The event’s goal as a whole was $65,000 and as of Saturday evening they had surpassed that goal at over $73,000.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Photos – Congratulations Dan Scribner Bob Lacy and Len Kosiorowski

Dan Scribner has served as a fantastic building manager with a combined 33 years at GRCC and GRPS. The Music Building, Learning Resource Center, and Student Center are several of the buildings he managed during his career here at GRCC. He will be missed.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Bob demonstrates characteristics of a true team player. He has gone above and beyond as a WE Team Committee Member, MC for the Crazy Office Olympics, and among other things a Flower/Ice Cream Delivery man. He told us he agreed to deliver the Carnations to Employees during National Acts of Kindness Week just for the hugs and thanks. Bob served at GRCC for 20 years. His ambition is inspiring, and his sense of humor will be missed by all.

Over the past 36 years Len Kosiorowski, has provided quality maintenance and support to GRPS and GRCC. His hard work and dedication will be missed.

GRCC in the News – 6/15/11

GRCC and universities sign pact to award degrees retroactively, a move experts say could be replicated across the state
Published: Monday, June 13, 2011, 4:57 PM | Dave Murray | The Grand Rapids Press

GRAND RAPIDS – Michael Bos transferred from Grand Rapids Community College to attend Ferris State University to pursue an elementary education major, but departed before he could earn his associate degree.  (More)

Q&A with MHSAA state-final bound softball umpire Craig Kuipers
By LEE LAMBERTS | The Holland Sentinel | Posted Jun 15, 2011 @ 06:00 AM

Craig Kuipers of Holland has been a referee/umpire/official for 30 years. He worked behind the plate Tuesday afternoon when the Stevensville Lakeshore softball team beat Belding 6-1 in a Division 2 quarterfinal game at Hope College’s Wolters Field. […] I tried out for baseball at Grand Rapids Junior College (now Grand Rapids Community College), but I didn’t make the team.”  (More)

Fail early: Don’t hold innovations hostage
Saturday, June 11, 2011 | MiBiz | MiDesign Blog – The Future of Transportation in West Michigan

We’re all perfectionists in some way. We have a tendency to want to prevent others from seeing our ideas until we think they’re complete and “showroom ready.” […] “You need to get it out there and get iteration feedback,” Chris Pacione, CEO of LUMA Institute, told participants of a 3-day session at GRid70 sponsored by Amway and the Keller Futures Institute at Grand Rapids Community College about using human-centered design to tackle the question of how to encourage more people in West Michigan to use alternative forms of transportation, whether walking, biking, taking the bus or some better mode than using polluting vehicles.  (More)

Today is Global Wind Day

Global Wind Day is a worldwide event that occurs annually on June 15. It is a day for discovering wind, its power, and the possibilities it holds to change our world. GRCC is working hard to provide all the education and training necessary for this important clean and renewable source.

It is also a day for discovery of the work that has already begun by pioneers around the world. In more than 75 countries around the world, including Michigan, wind farms are in operation.

GRCC’s Workforce Training department offers a Wind Safety Certification; as well as, a 3-day Competent Climber and Tower Rescue training or a one day first aid training for Wind Technicians.
Thousands of individuals are involved in the production of energy from wind, but for many people, wind energy is a mystery. Global Wind Day is the day you can visit wind farms, meet experts, and find out everything you want to know about wind energy.

GRCC has partnered with internationally recognized YES/Safety Technology (YST) to develop and deliver an exceptional training program in the United States with the highest quality of wind technician safety training.

The certification obtained through this training is already recognized by major wind manufacturers and wind farm owners across the globe. Our courses are accredited by RenewableUK.

Courses also offered: Arc Flash – Arc Blast Awareness, Composite Technician, LockOut-Tag Out Awareness, and Permit Required Confined Space. Portions of our program focus on hands-on training on our 11 meter indoor climbing facility.