Daily Archives: October 6, 2021

U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer joins GRCC in celebrating new Veterans Center, helping connect students with services, community

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Grand Rapids Community College students who served in the military have a new support center aimed at connecting them with resources to be successful and be a part of a special campus community.

U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer joined GRCC leaders Wednesday to cut the ribbon on the Veterans Center in the newly renovated G2 floor of Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall.

GRCC President Bill Pink said the college has a history of being a veteran-friendly campus, and the new Veterans Center will increase the ways students connect with support services.

“Our college has always been a place where student veterans are welcomed and supported,” Pink said. “This new Veterans Center will allow us to take this service to the next level. They’ll be able to connect with academic support, but also have a dedicated space to connect with people with shared experiences who are ready to help them with anything they need.”

The U.S. Education Department awarded GRCC a grant in January to create the center, which will serve as a hub for planning and delivering services to students who have served in the armed services.

Meijer, elected in 2020, was deployed to Iraq as a member of the U.S. Army Reserves and worked in Afghanistan for a nongovernmental organization delivering emergency assistance.

“We are so proud of the veterans who have served their country, and the families who have supported them,” Meijer said. “We need to help them get the education they need as well as the support services to help with the transition from the military to college. GRCC’s new Veterans Center is the perfect example of how we can stand with them, and help them build on the skills they’ve already learned in their service to thrive long into the future.”

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Mental Illness Awareness Week runs from October 3–9

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Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. However, mental illness affects everyone directly or indirectly through family, friends or coworkers. That is why each year, during the first week of October, NAMI and participants across the country raise awareness of mental illness, fight discrimination and provide support through Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW).

NAMI is featuring videos from real people sharing their lived experience with some of the symptoms and conditions NAMI is focusing on during MIAW. Watch and share the videos.

REMINDER: Your EAP is available 24/7, 365 days a year!

Did you know? Your Employee Assistance Program is available 24/7, is CONFIDENTIAL and available to all employees (except student employees), their spouses and children living in their household.

We encourage all employees to take advantage of these services offered. EAPs deal with a variety of issues such as depression, anger management, anxiety and physical illness.

All EAP consultations and referrals are CONFIDENTIAL and the services are provided at no cost. You can access EAP services 24-hours, 7 day-a-week the hotline number is (800) 442-0809 or (616) 455-6210.

EAP – A Guide to Your Benefits

Mental Illness Stigma Keeps People From Seeking Help. Our Support Can Make a Difference

Mental and Behavioral Health Resources

Tutor Appreciation Week

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Faculty and Staff, please pass this on to your students.

It’s National Tutor Appreciation Week, and we need your help thanking GRCC’s amazing tutors! It will only take a moment of your time. 

  1. Fill out this quick survey to say thank you to all tutors, to a specific center, or to your favorite tutor.
  2. Are you on-campus?  Stop by a tutorial center and add a note to our appreciation board.
  3. So that all of our tutors can attend our Appreciation Event, all tutoring services will be closed on Wednesday, Oct. 6 from 1:00PM-1:30PM. 

We look forward to sharing your notes with our tutors and thank you for your time!

GRCC In the News, 10/06/2021

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GRCC’s new Veterans Center helping students transition from the military to college

October 05, 2021; secondwavemedia.com

Patrick Coleman wasn’t sure what to do with his life after leaving the U.S. Army in 1995 and didn’t know where he could turn for help.

… Coleman now will be able to help fellow veterans who are Grand Rapids Community College students find those doors. As GRCC’s new veteran’s success coordinator, he is overseeing the college’s new Veterans Success Center, opening this month in the newly renovated G2 floor of Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall.

Alumni Service Award: Lina Blair

October 05, 2021; Northern Today (Northern Michigan University publication)

Northern Michigan University 2021 Alumni Service Award recipient Lina Blair is dedicated to advocating for students and removing barriers to their academic success. She has implemented services related to mental health, COVID-19 relief, housing and food insecurity as director of Student Life and Conduct at Grand Rapids Community College. 

Candidates for Kentwood’s Second Ward seat share their views ahead of Nov. 2 election

October 05, 2021; MLive

KENTWOOD, MI — Two people are vying to represent the eastern half of Kentwood on the city commission.

… Jessica Ann Tyson, 49, is the owner of three businesses: JA PR Group; The Candied Yam, Delightful Southern Cuisine; and Pink Lounge, Dry Salt Therapy. Tyson attended Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo Valley community colleges. She serves on the following boards: the Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan, Kentwood Economic Development Council, River City Scholars – National Heritage Academy, Kentwood Community Foundation and Hello West Michigan.