GRCC In the News, 2-16-17

Doug and Maria DeVos Foundation Awards $60,000 Grant to GRCC’s Cruisin’ to College Program

Feb. 15, 2017; Targeted News Service

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Feb. 15 — Grand Rapids Community College issued the following news release:

Grand Rapids Community College’s Summer Learning Academy has been awarded a $60,000 grant from the Doug and Maria DeVos Foundation to expand its work and assist more students.

GRCC’s board approves contract with next president

Feb. 15, 2017; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees unanimously approved a contract Monday, Feb. 13, for its next president, Bill Pink, currently vice president and dean for workforce development.

Keith St. Clair to examine contrasts between China, Taiwan on Feb. 22

Keith St. Clair will explore the historical, political, and cultural contrasts between China and Taiwan based on his recent IIPD trip to both locations.

Despite the One China Policy of the United States, there are two Chinese governments that claim to be the one government of China. The People’s Republic of China controls the mainland and has its capital in Beijing. The Republic of China controls Taiwan and has its capital in Taipei.  Both claim the other’s territory, yet have developed separately since the Communist takeover of the mainland.

Keith will examine the relations between these two countries and discuss the possibility for their reconciliation. His presentation will be on Wednesday, February 22, 2017, from 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. in Room 168 ATC (auditorium). Stop by and bring your class for an informative session.

Mathematics Seminar looks at ‘Tower of Hanoi’

The Grand Rapids Community College Mathematics Department is pleased to announce that it will host its next Mathematics Seminar on Thursday, February 23, 3:00-4:00 PM in 101 Cook.  Our speaker, GRCC mathematics instructor Sang Lee, will discuss mathematics related to the Tower of Hanoi puzzle.  The title and abstract are below.

In 1883 Édouard Lucas, working under the pseudonym M. Claus, created a puzzle that may have been inspired by an ancient legend.  Anyone who attempts to solve this puzzle will notice the need for logical thinking and pattern recognition, which means mathematics is close at hand.  Sang will discuss various aspects of this mathematics and related applications.  Regardless of your puzzle-solving ability or background in mathematics, you are encouraged to attend – everyone is always welcome to our mathematics seminars.

Pop and cookies will be served at 2:45 PM.

Mathematics in the Tower of Hanoi

The Tower of Hanoi puzzle was first introduced by the Frenchman M. Claus in 1883.  The puzzle has been popular ever since, and it can be found in toy/game shops around the world.  The puzzle has drawn interest from a wide range of people, especially those who plan to study computer science.  In this math seminar we will look at some fascinating, beautiful and powerful mathematics hidden in the Tower of Hanoi, along with those mathematicians related to the puzzle.  Tower of Hanoi puzzles will be available for those attending the seminar.

Raider Rush week ends with ‘GRCC Night’ at Grand Rapids Drive

Next week will be GRCC’s Raider Rush, with food, games and contests!

Here’s the lineup of activities:

Feb. 20

• “Breakfast of Champions” with GRCC presidents and the Grand Rapids Drive — Free breakfast (waffles, hashbrowns and orange juice) for the first 200 people from 9-10:30 a.m. on the Main Building’s fourth floor.
• Department decorating contest begins!
• Student organization banners due to the Student Life office.

Feb. 21

• Open gym basketball and a meet-and-greet with the Grand Rapids Drive — 2-4 p.m. in the fieldhouse.

Feb. 22

• Student Leader Dodgeball Tournament and a meet-and-greet with the Grand Rapids Drive — 4-6 p.m. in the fieldhouse.

Feb. 23 (Spirit Day)

• T-shirt Swap — Own a shirt with a not-GRCC school logo on it? Swap it for a free GRCC T-shirt from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Raider Grille. If you already have some GRCC apparel, show it off!
• Department spirit contest ballots due.

Feb. 24

• Pep Rallies — Pep rallies will be held during both the women’s and men’s basketball games, which start at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., respectively, in the fieldhouse. Free admission!
• Homecoming dance — This will start following the basketball games (about 9:30-11:30 p.m.).

Feb. 25

• GRCC Night at the Grand Rapids Drive — The Grand Rapids Drive will face off against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers at 7 p.m. in the DeltaPlex, 2500 Turner Ave. NW. GRCC students, faculty and staff can purchase discounted tickets online, and parking is $5.