GRCC Student Life Director Lina Blair honored by Northern Michigan University for her efforts supporting students during the pandemic

Many Grand Rapids Community College students lost their jobs and faced food insecurity and other challenges as the COVID-19 crisis struck, and Lina Blair sprang into action.

Blair, GRCC’s director of Student Life and Conduct, led efforts to expand the campus food pantry, working with community partners and others to provide thousands of meals and other items so students could continue their education and help their families.

Blair’s efforts were recognized this week by Northern Michigan University Alumni Association, which honored her with an Alumni Service Award.

Recipients, who are nominated and selected by fellow alumni, are honored for significant achievements in their fields, substantial contributions to society, and demonstrated exceptional leadership and civic qualities. Blair was one of four alumni saluted; awards will be presented during Homecoming festivities this fall.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by Northern Michigan for doing a job I love,” Blair said. “I’m part of a great team at GRCC that is passionate about helping students overcome obstacles. We’re fortunate to have community partners who recognized the challenges our students were facing, and stepped up to help us time and again. Working together, we were able to make a difference.”

The alumni association noted Blair “has implemented and maintained numerous service projects and efforts to address barriers to success. She advocates for student support in mental health, COVID-19 relief, and housing and food insecurity. In 2020, she led her team to establish a wider-reaching campus food pantry, with a new location and enough food to supply students in need.”

“The committee members were struck by Lina’s long-term commitment to community service that was already strong when she was a student at Northern Michigan University,” said Diane Husic, chair of the alumni award committee of the NMU Alumni Association’s board of directors.

See Full Article

Tech Tip: Keeping your computer secure when walking away

Did you ever need to leave your desk while you have sensitive documents open? Sometimes it’s not practical to close the windows or minimize everything before you walk away.

For general security purposes we recommend putting your computer in a “locked” state when leaving your desk. Use the keyboard shortcuts below to get your computer into a locked state quickly or view the knowledge base here.

For Windows

Windows + L

For Mac

Control + Command + Q

For more information and helpful tips, please visit the IT Customer Support Portal or contact the IT Customer Support Desk at x4357.

If you have a suggestion or a Technology Tip you think can be useful, you can submit them by emailing techtips@grcc.edu 

GRCC In the News, 7/16/2021

GRCC: Summer enrollment soars above pre-pandemic levels

July 12, 2021; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids Community College announced Monday that summer enrollment has topped pre-pandemic levels as many students take advantage of state programs covering in-district tuition.

GRCC summer enrollment surpasses pre-pandemic levels thanks to tuition-free state programs

July 15, 2021; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Enrollment is soaring even higher than pre-pandemic levels at Grand Rapids Community College this summer thanks to tuition-free state programs that are encouraging Michiganders to earn their degrees.

 ‘Apprenticeships are game-changers:’ Skilled trade industry excited about $10M grant

July 15, 2021; FOX 17

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Thursday morning, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity was awarded a $10,000,000 federal grant. She said it’ll create apprenticeships and employment opportunities for women, people of color, people with disabilities and those without a high school diploma or GED.

… That was the same word Julie Parks of Grand Rapids Community College used to describe the announcement.

NMU Alumni Association announces 2021 Alumni Awards

July 15, 2021; The Mining Journal (Marquette)

MARQUETTE — The Northern Michigan University Alumni Association has announced the four recipients of 2021 Alumni Awards who will be honored during Homecoming this fall.

… Blair is the director of student life and conduct at Grand Rapids Community College where she has implemented and maintained numerous service projects and efforts to address barriers to success. She advocates for student support in mental health, COVID-19 relief, and housing and food insecurity. In 2020, she led her team to establish a wider-reaching campus food pantry, with a new location and enough food to supply students in need. Prior to her role with GRCC, Blair worked at NMU for more than 10 years, where she advised student government, created a new program for NMU’s first-generation college students and provided leadership for the student conduct program.