GRCC In The News, 02-19-19

GVSU hosting STEM event for middle school students on Saturday
2/18/19 100.5 FM
“Fall in Love with STEM” takes place on Saturday, February 23, on Grand Valley State University’s Allendale campus.
… Additional events focusing on geology, math, biology, astronomy and chemistry will take place from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on the first floor of the Calkins Science Center at Grand Rapids Community College.

ELNC creates hundreds of preschool opportunities for at-risk children
2/18/19 WZZM
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — In a state of crisis — that’s how Michigan’s governor Gretchen Whitmer describes the state’s failing education system. More than 50% of Michigan’s 3rd graders can not read at grade level. Those numbers have been linked to the lack of preschool opportunities in our state.
… “Early education is the most critical area in our society now. We need to do a substantial investment,” says Dr. Nkechy Ezeh, a life-long educator. “We have a window that if you don’t invest and do something we are going to pay more at the end of it. Early education is part of a pipeline that we need to protect, continue to invest in and measure. And, we need to hold people accountable.”
(This article doesn’t mention it, but Nkechy Ezeh is a GRCC alumna.)

Nonprofit hosting Women, Community & the Environment Series
2/18/19 Grand Rapids Business Journal
A local environmental group is planning a three-day event this week to educate the community about clean water issues.
… “Thirst for Justice” film and panel discussion: Feb. 22 from 7-9 p.m. at the Grand Rapids Community College Applied Technology Center, 143 Bostwick Ave. NE, Grand Rapids

Stay tuned for ways to get involved with the Leadership Institute

GRCC family . . . Did you know that the Leadership Institute will soon be launching an exciting initiative designed to draw us together as a campus and give us opportunities to be of service to our community? Here’s what’s coming:

• A free, fun social activity after work.
• Meet some of your GRCC family at a departmental open house planned for this Spring.
• Learn about and participate in volunteer opportunities in the Grand Rapids area with other employees across campus.

Look for more details on this initiative coming soon through GRCC Today.

‘Cooking with Angus’ approaches final episode

After over 100 episodes, the Cooking With Angus TV series created by the GRCC Secchia Institute for Culinary Education will soon release its final episode. Featuring chefs from all over the world and graduates of the program in Grand Rapids, the final episode goes back and forth between Scotland and the USA showcasing an emotional, cultural, and deliciously compelling picture of Chef Angus’ career.

Required Database Security Maintenance this Thursday

Thursday evening, February 21, PeopleSoft Student, HR, Financials, and the Online Center will be down for approximately two hours, between 10 p.m. and midnight, for required database security maintenance.

Recap: Creating Connections breakfast supports scholarly love on Valentine’s Day

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The GRCC Foundation held its 11th annual Creating Connections breakfast on Thursday, Feb. 14. This wonderful morning was spent with scholarship “owners” connecting with their scholarship recipients. Donor Till Peters was featured. Guests were treated to a hot breakfast, a warm welcome by Dr. Mullins and Dr. Pink, and heard from GRCC students Karl Blessing and Dominique Richards. To view the compelling student speeches, click here.

Special thanks to Facilities, Bayard Brooks, Brian Morris, Eric Tanner, Luba Petrash and her team, and Klaas Kwant for their hard work in making this event spectacular for our donors and students!

Don’t miss tomorrow’s tasty ‘Winter Warm Up’ in the Ford Fieldhouse

Winter Warm Up

• Wednesday, February 20, 2019
• 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Room 212 — Ford Fieldhouse

Come join your colleagues for a comforting cup of soup and grilled cheese along with warm conversation and connection! This is a new event replacing the February Sweets & Treats/Flowers & Cupcakes.

Use this as an opportunity to see the upgraded Fieldhouse space if you haven’t already.

Drop by and cozy up!

Financial Aid hosts ‘Learn to Earn’ event next week at GRCC

Saving for the Future: Learn to Earn

February 25-March 2, 2019, is America Saves Week at GRCC!

GRCC is partnering with America Saves in ‘America Saves Week!’ Follow us on Twitter for more information about the #ImSavingFor sweepstakes and for your chance to win cash prizes toward your savings goal.

Special Event: Budgeting and Savings Workshop

• February 26, 1-2 p.m. in Cook Hall, Room 208

At this budgeting workshop learn tips on how to:

• Track expenses,
• Effectively manage money, and
• Monitor credit history through budgeting activities.

For a chance to win prizes after the event, use the hashtag #RaidersAreSaving on Twitter.

Third Annual ‘Fall in Love With STEM’ this Saturday in Calkins

The third annual “Fall in Love with STEM” event takes place this weekend at GRCC!

GRCC faculty and students will lead sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders in “exploration stations,” with activities designed to strengthen science, technology, engineering, and math skills. It’s one of several events organized by the West Michigan chapter of the Association of Women in Science. No advance signup is needed for “Fall in Love with STEM.”

WHEN: Saturday, February 23, from 1-4 p.m.

WHERE: Calkins Science Center, 226 Bostwick Ave. NE

Reminder: time to nominate adult learners for 2019 GRAHEN awards

Attention Faculty and Staff –

Do you know of an outstanding adult learner at GRCC? The Grand Rapids Area Higher Education Network (GRAHEN) are looking for outstanding adult learners whose accomplishments in higher education and contributions in the community merit recognition. This should be a currently enrolled student. GRAHEN defines an adult learner as a ‘college age student in their mid to late 20’s and older.’

The winner will be invited to an awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, held to honor and recognize the student with a Certificate of Achievement and cash award.

Please send your nominations, no later than February 28, to Lori Cook (lcook@grcc.edu) and Francisco Ramirez (framirez@grcc.edu). They will follow up with the nominee on the application process, which consists of submitting an application, writing and essay, and two letters of recommendation. Please contact Lori or Francisco with any questions. Thank you!