Congratulations to GRAHEN Award Winner Kelly Butler

On Wednesday April 18, at Sneden Hall, Grand Rapids Area Higher Education Network (GRAHEN) hosted the 13th annual Outstanding Adult Learner Award Ceremony and Reception celebrating the accomplishments and achievements of adult and non-traditional students at colleges and universities throughout the Grand Rapids area. There were 10 award recipients from the 11 member schools of GRAHEN (www.grahen.org). These students have the extraordinary ability and determination to successfully balance jobs, classes, families, and community involvement. A winner from each school is selected with the help of nominations from faculty and staff.

The 2012 OAL award recipient from Grand Rapids Community College is Kelly Butler.

Kelly’s unwavering commitment to her family is the driving force behind her motivation and success in college. As a mother of three, with one son deployed in the military and another with Cystic Fibrosis – Kelly has endured challenges and made many sacrifices to achieve her personal and academic goals. Despite her demands at school, Kelly still finds time to advocate for and support the cause near to heart – the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Team Johnny. She also takes much pride in being a military mom to a Marine and enjoys cheering on her daughter in sports.

Kelly has been employed in the health care industry for several years and decided to pursue GRCC’s Radiologic Technology program two years ago. She excels in her courses (earning all A’s in her Radiologic Technology courses) as well in the clinical setting. According to the program director: “Kelly is a leader and role model among her peers and consistently demonstrates a professional attitude as well as compassionate understanding in patient care.” After graduating from GRCC later this month – with honors, Kelly will continue her education in Chicago for an additional training certification in mammography.

Congratulations Kelly!

Operation Get to Work Job Fair – 4/26/12

Meet face-to-face with employers who have or will have full or part-time openings in the upcoming months.  Operation: Get to Work is a free job fair that will be held Thursday, April 26, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at GRCC’s Tassell M-TEC (622 Godfrey SW – South of Wealthy St.— off Market Ave.).

Sponsored by:

• Community Alternatives Program, a branch of Cherry Street Health Services
• Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Western District of MI
• United States Probation & Pretrial Services Office for the Western District of MI

Collegiate Editor Named Community College Journalist of the Year

Collegiate editor Austin Metz has been named the Michigan Community College Journalist of the Year by the Michigan Community College Press Association (MCCPA). The award was announced April 21 at the MCCPA annual conference at Central Michigan University.

Metz also won first-place awards in feature and column writing, and seven other second place awards in multi-media reporting, news writing, in-depth reporting, page design, blogging, and reviewing.

Metz was nominated in a letter of support by Collegiate Adviser Scott McNabb.

Other first-place awards were won by Justin Dawes for feature photography and First Amendment reporting, and Josh Compaan for Blogging.

Collegiate photo editor Stephanie Krings won a second place award for feature photography. Jessica Towell won awards for illustrating, and Chet Eagleman Jr. won an award for multi-media reporting.

The Collegiate staff received a second place for their web site, and an honorable mention for their print edition. Altogether this year’s staff won 26 awards in 28 categories.

GRCC in the News – 4/25/12

Editorial: Which way you should vote in GRCC’s bond election
Published: Wednesday, April 25, 2012, 10:00 AM | Grand Rapids Press

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Grand Rapids Community College is an education cornerstone of our community: One out of three college-bound high school students in Kent County attend GRCC for at least part of their college experience.  (More)

See who’s speaking at GRCC’s commencement ceremony Friday
Published: Tuesday, April 24, 2012, 6:02 PM | Grand Rapids Press

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Lt. Gov. Brian Calley will deliver the keynote address to graduates at Grand Rapids Community College’s 2012 commencement ceremony. GRCC’s commencement, taking place Friday at Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse, will feature approximately 1,874 students, according to the college.  (More)

Changes in teacher retirement system would be violation of trust, say educators
Published: Tuesday, April 24, 2012, 6:43 PM | Grand Rapids Press

When Kathy Kapera started working as a Michigan teacher in 1976, she made about $7,000 a year. […] Fred van Hartesveldt knows the choices. Now 55, he faced a fork in the road in 1989, when he left his chosen profession of law to teach English. He now works at Grand Rapids Community College and serves on the board of the Coalition for a Secure Retirement. He testified before a Senate subcommittee against SB 1040.  (More)
(Also Featured in Bridge Magazine)

Coffee and Conversation With Dr Ender 5/3/12

Join GRCC President Steven Ender for Coffee and Conversation on May 3, at 9:00 a.m. in  ATC 122/124.  President Ender will discuss the significance of the May 8 vote on GRCC’s bond request, what it represents for the college and why it is important for GRCC staff and faculty to be well-informed about the upcoming election.

Networking in 2012 Program from Workforce Training

What is networking in 2012?  Do you really know how to develop a true strategy for building your professional network using the latest methods? Do you know the best ways to sell yourself and your ideas by combining personal communication and the new tools of technology? Start managing your career like you are starting a business.

Let John Rumery and Zoe Carmichael be your personal networking coaches.  John and Zoe will lead group meetings, online activities, and accompany you to community events, where you will receive one on one coaching in a real life networking situation.  Walk away with the skills you need to build stronger professional relationships. This includes communications skills; what you say, how you say it, and the methods now available to get your message out there. Whether using social networking technology or shaking someone’s hand in person; learn how to a make true impression.  This intimate workshop is like no other you have ever seen advertised. John and Zoe take you step by step; teaching you the best way sell yourself and your ideas is to gain connections in the community.

Dates: May 15 – June 28, 2012, class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00-8:00 p.m.  June classes will be announced and will be on-site at actual networking events.

(No class 5/17/2012, 5/22/2012, 5/29/2012)

The cost of the program is $199.00.  Register now using this form.

Reminder – GRCC Ford Fieldhouse Closed for Commencement

The Ford Fieldmouse will close at 2:00p.m. on Friday, April 27, 2012 as we prepare the facility for our Commencement program on Friday evening. Anyone planning to work out on Friday afternoon will need to make alternative plans. The Facility will reopen doors for the Commencement Program only at 4:15p.m. on Friday, April 27, 2012. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.

Golden Raiders Retiree Reception Today From 1-3 PM

The 2012 GRCC Golden Raiders Retiree Reception is being held today from 1:00-3:00 p.m. in the Banquet Rooms of the Applied Technology Center (ATC). This is an annual event designed to bring GRCC retirees together and honor those who are retiring this year. All are welcome to attend.