GRCC In the News, 1-20-14

GRCC Using Google Glass as Teaching Tool

Jan. 17, 2014; WOOD Radio

Google’s technologically-advanced eyewear, Google Glass, is shaping programs at universities and colleges around the country, including in West Michigan.

Grand Rapids Community College is now part of the Google Glass Explorer program and is using the device as a teaching tool.

Ferris State to spend up to $75k to study whether diversity services are up to par

Jan. 17, 2014; MLive

BIG RAPIDS, MI – Ferris State University wants to know if there’s anything it can do to provide a more welcoming, inclusive environment for its diverse student body, and administrators are turning to a consultant can help them find an answer.

… Other schools, such as Grand Rapids Community College, have also commissioned diversity studies. Pilgrim said the university has not yet chosen a firm to conduct the study.

Top 5 things to do in Grand Rapids include Travel and RV Show, Winter Jam, Nuclear Cowboyz

Jan. 19, 2014; MLive

… As part of the 28th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. commemoration activities in West Michigan, Chuck D, former leader and co-founder of the rap group Public Enemy, is scheduled as the keynote speaker at the GRCC Ford Fieldhouse, 111 Lyon St. NE.

2014 Giant Award winners to be honored at annual ceremony

Jan. 19, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Grand Rapids Community College will take time out Jan. 25 for its annual celebration honoring a special group of leaders in the black community.

Faculty recital has been postponed

The Music Department’s faculty recital, featuring Drs. Libor Ondras and Kenneth Bos, originally scheduled for January 24 has been postponed.

E-cigarettes prohibited on campus

You probably already know that GRCC is a tobacco-free campus, but a recent policy change adds electronic cigarettes to that ban.

You can read about the policy change here. Essentially, it adds e-cigarettes to the list of smoking-related products that can’t be sold or used on GRCC properties, including the sidewalks within the campus boundaries.

If you’re looking for help with quitting, click here.

Condolences to the family, friends of Kevin O’Halla

Kevin O’Halla

Kevin O’Halla, GRCC’s chief information officer, died January 16 after a two-year battle with cancer. You can read his obituary here.

“His sense of humor and positive attitude will be missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing him,” President Dr. Steven C. Ender said in an email. “Kevin was a great administrator, colleague and friend.”

The funeral is scheduled to be held Wednesday in Huron, Ohio.

 

Levi Knoll finishes second in ice-carving competition

Levi Knoll and Jessica Miller represented GRCC in this weekend’s Bay Harbor Ice & Spice Festival carving competition. Congratulations to Levi for his second-place finish! Secchia student Becky Rinehart reported on the competition and took photos for Facebook and Twitter. Click here to read her blog on it.

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SSPD Grants: January Funding Opportunity

The deadline for the submission of grant applications for the Support Staff Professional Development (SSPD) program is 4:30 p.m., January 24, 2014. The SSPD application packet and SSPD Guidelines are available in the GRCC Internal Grants area of the Grants Office website at www.grcc.edu/grants. Please note that applications must include a Supervisor’s Approval form, a budget form and budget documentation. If you have any questions about SSPD grants, please contact Lisa Dopke, Grants Coordinator at 234-3340 or ldopke@grcc.edu. Good luck!

PNC Bank Presents Lunch & Learn series

Financial education is a key part of PNC’s commitment to its communities. Throughout PNC’s service areas, their trained professionals provide free financial education seminars which include:

Budgeting

Tue Feb 18^th from 12-1 PM in Room 103 Sneden Hall

Learn how easy it can be to create a personal budget that fits your lifestyle, reduce your debt and discover some practical cost-cutting ideas. PNC Bank will be providing a complimentary lunch to all attending this presentation.

Identity Theft

Mon Mar 11^th from 12-1 PM in Room 125 Calkins Science Center

Each year, identity fraud costs American consumers billions of dollars. In this seminar, find out if you’re taking unnecessary risks with your identity. Learn what you should do if you become a victim of identity theft, and easy, preventative measures to help protect yourself.

Raising Money-Smart Kids

Thu Apr 17^th from 12-1 PM in Room 103 Sneden

By teaching your children about money at an early age, you can help them develop good financial habits-ones they may carry with them for the rest of their lives. Learn which money skills a child should master before leaving home and how to teach young children to save toward a goal.

PNC Bank will be providing a complimentary lunch to all attending these presentations. These sessions are open to all GRCC staff and faculty. Registration is available online at http://www.grcc.edu/staffdevelopment/currentlearningopportunitiesregistration or by calling Staff Development at ext. 4285 if you need assistance.