On Saturday, November 5, GRCC hosted 170 young ladies in grades 5-8 for an inaugural STEM Conference. The students were invited to explore the STEM fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics through a set of hands on competitive activities requiring the use of hypothesis, testing, logic, cause and effect and experimentation. The event was a partnership activity with Grand Rapids Community College, West Catholic High School, Catholic Central High School, Kettering University, The Catholic Secondary Foundation for Education, 5/3 Bank and The American Association of University Women.
Dr. Jennifer Batten (Physical Sciences) and Steve Abid (Social Sciences) helped plan, organize and facilitate the activities. The welcome was given by Provost, Dr. Gilda Gely. The girls were hosted at lunch by several GRCC faculty, staff and leaders including: Gilda Gely, Laurie Chesley, Sandy Andrews, Linda Bramble, Anesa Behrem, Lisa Gloege, Leigh Kleinert, Pam Scott and Leah Van Hartesveldt. Special thanks to Chef Aaron Chew, Becky Yoder, Debbie DeWent, Amy Kirkbride, GVSU WISE (Women In Science & Engineering) for mentoring, and Follett Bookstore for their help and support with door prizes. We extend our appreciation to Provost Gely and Dean Chesley for underwriting the cost of parking. Over 200 girls had to be turned away, so plans are underway for next year to allow for an even larger audience.
Courtesy of the Media Technologies Department, these two videos of presentations at the conference are available:
Tracey Hornbeck, Chief Financial Officer at 5/3 Bank explains how and why she became the CFO at 5/3 Bank.
Mary Gilliam, Assistant Professor at Kettering University explains why and how she became a chemical engineer.
The daily employee newsletter of Grand Rapids Community College 