New library and learning commons director

Please welcome Brian Beecher to GRCC. Brian is the new director of the Library & Learning Commons, taking the place of the recently retired Pat Ingersoll.

After earning his Bachelors of Music and Masters of Library Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Brian spent 25 years in service and leadership roles within academic library settings. He most recently held the position of Dean of Libraries and Instructional Services at Lake County Community College in Illinois.

Please take the opportunity to visit the library and welcome Brian to the GRCC family!

GRCC in the News, 10/10/16

Alma men finish eighth at Lansing CC invitational
10/7/16 – MLive
…Madonna College won the event with a score of 36, while Grand Rapids Community College and Lansing Community College finished second and third.

StandOUT, GRCC’s LGBTQQA+ club, hosts Silence Shoot

StandOUT’s Oct. 17 “Trans Equality and Solidarity” event will feature a Silence Shoot photo session, where students and employees can take a stand in solidarity for trans individuals, whose voices have been silenced through bullying or violence. Show your support for trans individuals everywhere, especially here at GRCC. Along with the photo shoot, there will be free donuts, cider and water. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. in front of the Main Building on the Dr. Juan R. Olivarez Student Plaza (formerly Bostwick Commons).

WMHIP Simply Blue info sessions

Learn about new health plan options available for open enrollment. Our Gallagher benefits agent will hold information sessions on the following dates and times: 

• October 10, 2016 from 1 – 2:30 p.m. in 168 ATC (auditorium)  
• October 17, 2016 from 10 – 11:30 a.m. in 234 Student Center (multipurpose room)
• October 19, 2016 from 12:30 – 2 p.m. in 348 Calkins Science Center (auditorium)
• October 20, 2016 from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in 108 Sneden Hall (multipurpose room)

Title IX video looks at consent

We talk a lot about consent in relationships, but this video dives deeper to explore its meaning: What IS consent? What is NOT consent? Can you give consent while intoxicated, can you change your mind and do you have to give consent out loud? This six-minute video touches on those issues, with our own GRCC students featured!

Walk for Freedom set for October 15

GRCC faculty and staff have been invited to join Grand Rapids’ Walk for Freedom on October 15!

Walk for Freedom will heighten awareness of human trafficking and raise funds to abolish modern-day slavery one step at a time. Michigan current hold the No. 2 spot for human trafficking in the sex trade industry. As of June 30, 2015, the National Human Trafficking Resource Center of Michigan had received 290 calls and 81 case reports of human trafficking.

Walk for Freedom will make its way around the world on October 15, shedding light on the 27 million men, women and children who are still in bondage. The walk  runs from 10 a.m. to noon at Ah Nab Awen Park, and registration is required.