Learn from the Best: Svetoslav Pavlov brings international experience to Computer Information Systems classes

Come to Grand Rapids Community College and learn from the best. Svetoslav Pavlov, Ph.D. is teaching future network and systems engineers, database specialists, IT managers, software developers and more in the Computer Information Systems Department at GRCC.

CIS students at GRCC can explore a wide range of majors and tracks, and are in high demand in today’s global workforce. But Pavlov knows the strength of the program also lies in its supportive and dedicated faculty – a group he is proud to be a part of.

Pavlov’s professional and academic career gives him the broad range of insight and experience that enriches the learning experience of his students. And the diversity of the student body energizes him to stay responsive to all students. Whether they are online, in person or hybrid, he is connecting with students where they are physically and academically.

Pavlov believes teaching through the pandemic made instructors more flexible and available.

“It makes it easier to reply to the students’ email messages promptly because I do not have to wait until I am done teaching a different class in the classroom,” he said.

Despite his accomplishments, Pavlov wishes he had begun teaching at GRCC earlier in his career.

His passion for both technology and art have stuck with him. For inspiration at work and in life, Pavlov looks to several people.

“My favorite IT professional is Linus Torvalds because of his enormous contribution to the open-source movement,” he said. “My favorite artist is Vincent van Gogh because of the unique radiance in his paintings, and my favorite actor is Tom Hanks because of the immensely diverse range of his work and career.”

Pavlov holds a Bachelor of Arts in Russian Language and Literature from Latvijas Universitate, a Master of Business Administration in Accounting from Davenport University, a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems from Grand Valley State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Russian Language & Literature from Michigan State University.

You will find Pavlov teaching Introduction to Computer Information Systems, Java Programming I, Microcomputer Operating Systems, Microsoft Access Database I, Database Design and Development, Introduction to Networks, Principles of Info Security, Java Programming II, Computer Servicing I / A+ Hardware, and Computer Servicing II / A+ Software.

Highlighting some of our most inspiring alumni

Chef Trimell Hawkins is the first recipient of the Young Alumni Award, which recognizes alumni ages 40 and younger for their community or civic contributions, service in support of GRCC, and exceptional accomplishments in their profession.

Hawkins enrolled in GRCC’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education after leaving the Marines. Since graduating with his associate degree in 2015, he has put his personal stamp on menus throughout West Michigan.

He served as executive chef at the Black Heron, Gravity Taphouse and Forty Acres before accepting the post of executive chef for the Portico Restaurant in the Canopy by Hilton Hotel.

He has participated in ChoppedGR, a fundraiser for the Power of Education Foundation.

Hawkins was presented with his award at a GRCC Foundation gathering on Thursday.

Also attending the event was Loyd Winer, who will be honored at commencement with the GRCC Distinguished Alumni Award.

A notable achievement in Winer’s career was designing the original runways and taxiways for Gerald R. Ford International Airport. He now devotes much of his time and resources giving back to the school that helped him take off and soar.

GRCC student Angela Shaffer honored by Michigan Occupational Therapy Association for service

A student in Grand Rapids Community College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program received one of two scholarships offered annually by a state organization.

Angela Shaffer, who is in the final year of the two-year program, is being honored by the Michigan Occupational Therapy Association.

“We are so proud of Angela,” said Robin Pegg, assistant professor in the OTA program. “She is an active member of our Student Occupational Therapy Association, leading study groups and volunteering in many community projects.”

Shaffer, who is also a member of GRCC’s chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa international honor society, has made sensory take-home kits for elementary students, assisted with a “make-and-take” activity and presentation for the United Methodist Community House’ Child Development Center.

She also has collected tents, sleeping bags and blankets for the homeless, and helped design a yoga practice for MOKA, a nonprofit that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

GRCC’s OTA program is certified by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education of the American Occupational Therapy Association. GRCC boasts a 100% passage rate for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy test for 14 of the past 15 years.

GRCC baseball holds off Lake Michigan rally, then walks off nightcap to sweep doubleheader

The Grand Rapids Community College baseball team built up a 10-run lead against Lake Michigan College, then almost watched it slip away. The team then walked off a win in the nightcap to sweep in a Thursday doubleheader.

GRCC jumped in front in the first inning of the first game, with Caleb Engelsman tripling on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring one run, and the team finishing with eight runs on the board. The team tacked on three more runs in the third inning.

GRCC tallied 12 hits, with Ryan Dykstra going three for three, and Andres Rivera-Calderon, Engelsman, and Jacob Gumieny all managed multiple hits.

Lake Michigan scored a run in the second and two in the fourth, then rallied for five runs in the top of the seventh, falling just shy.

In the second game, Andres Rivera-Calderon’s dramatic single on a 0-2 count drove home a winning run in the bottom of the seventh to give GRCC the 7-6 win.

Lake Michigan scored four runs in the first inning, but GRCC came back to add four runs in the fourth inning, with Engelsman, Rivera-Calderon, and Max Varon all driving in runs.

Traver earned the win, allowing two hits and one run over two-thirds of an inning, striking out one and walking none.

Brad Dunn started the game for GRCC, throwing six and a third innings, allowing five runs on seven hits, striking out five and walking none.

Engelsman went 2-for-3 at the plate, including a fourth-inning home run to lead the GRCC offense.

The sweep brings the GRCC record to 10 wins and 14 losses. The team is back in action on Friday, with a doubleheader against Muskegon Community College.

Submitting Web Page changes

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Web page updates or issues can be emailed to webhelp@grcc.edu. Requests will automatically generate a ticket for our Web & Digital Strategy team on your behalf!

Please include a complete description of the problem or change as well as the URL of the specific web page. The Web and Digital team will work with you on ensuring that the requests are completed properly and in an efficient and timely manner.  

For more information and helpful tips, please visit the IT Customer Support Portal or contact the Web Development Team. 

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 04/08/2022

 Headlines

4/6/22 Community College Daily (American Association of Community Colleges)

Michigan universities see decline in enrollment; numbers increase at community colleges
Fox 17
Grand Rapids Community College had a 4.4% increase from Fall 2020 to Fall 2021. Kalamazoo Valley Community College saw a whopping 49.6% increase in enrollment from 2020 to 2021.

College professor illustrates art apocalypse

4/7/22 Grand Rapids Magazine

Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) will showcase a new exhibit by an assistant professor.

Profesor de GRCC analiza el apocalipsis a travès de 14 anos de obreas de arte en una nueva exhibiciòn

4/7/22 El Vocero

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – Un profesor asistente de Grand Rapids Community College está utilizando 14 años de su obra de arte para ilustrar el apocalipsis en la exhibición más reciente en la Galería de Arte Paul Collins. 

(GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – An assistant professor at Grand Rapids Community College is using 14 years of his artwork to illustrate the apocalypse in the latest exhibit at the Paul Collins Art Gallery.)

Chippewa Hills softball team confident of more wins this season

4/7/22 The Pioneer (Big Rapids)

REMUS – Chippewa Hills softball coach DJ Newman is like any other sports skipper in being very anxious to get a season going.

… “Senior Brynn McArthur is back at shortstop and not only will be a force defensively, but also offensively,” Newman said. “She has recently committed to Grand Rapids Community College to play next year. She broke the school record for batting average and will be a force in the lineup.