Retirement bio of James (Jim) Orzechowski

Jim Orzechowski has spent nearly half a century – 45 years – serving GRCC in the Facilities Department. James worked maintenance and he holds a city of Grand Rapids high pressure boiler engineer license and a national certified pool operator certification.

Jim has spent many years maintaining the Olympic swimming pool at the Ford Fieldhouse Natatorium and he assists with caring for 19 boilers on campus. He also has done general maintenance and provided assistance with other skilled trades.

Jim’s career began working at the Ford Fieldhouse and over the years he was involved with many shows like the circuses, rock concerts, gun & knife shows, Shipshewana, and many more.

His retirement plans include spending time with friends and family and of course, travelling.

Thank you for your years of service and best wishes in retirement, Jim!

Fall 2022 employee learning opportunities open for enrollment

Nearly 40 professional development sessions have been added to the schedule. Several new options this semester! Many interesting, engaging ways to earn your PD credit.

Both in person and virtual formats available.

To enroll, visit your Online Center account, select the Professional Development tile. Session descriptions available as well as dates, times, formats and locations.

Calendar appointments will be sent to hold the time on your calendar. Please be respectful and only register for sessions you are able to attend. Participation is important to the success of the sessions. No shows and last minute cancellations interfere with the facilitation.

Are you seeking job specific training to help you learn more about the functions of your role at GRCC? Talk with your supervisor to learn more about how you may be able to access your department resources to attend conferences, participate in webinars and trainings, and more. Employees are also encouraged to apply for SSPD and IIPD grants to support professional development and job skill growth.

As always, any topic suggestions are welcome!

Winter 2023 employee learning opportunity registration will open around Thanksgiving.

For questions or more information, please contact angelasalinas@grcc.edu.

Veteran Calvin University cross country coach talking helm of nationally ranked GRCC team

Rob Hyde, who has worked 25 years as a coach in Calvin University’s respected cross country team, will take the helm of the nationally ranked Grand Rapids Community College team.

The men’s cross country team is looking to get back to nationals for the third straight season. Last season it finished in seventh place with two runners — Joshua Kipkoech and Coleman Clark — receiving All-American honors for their top-15 performance.    

“I am very excited to get this opportunity to be the head men’s coach at GRCC,” Hyde said.  “I am looking forward to helping continue to grow this program and work with these amazing athletes to achieve their personal and team goals.  It’s my honor to be a Raider now and can’t wait to see where we can go together from here!”

Hyde ran for Calvin for four years from fall 1993 to spring 1997, and then became a student assistant coach. He stayed at Calvin until fall of 2021, coaching as an assistant to the varsity team and leading the junior varsity program.   

Some of Hyde’s former athletes would go on to be MIAA All-Conference, All-Regional, Division 3 All-Americans, with one former athlete becoming a national champion in the 10,000 meters in track.

During Hyde’s 34-year running career, he has been an all-state runner for Godwin Heights High School, a cross country All-American at Calvin University, placed 31st at the Chicago Marathon, and was Michigan Runner’s Masters of the Year when he turned 40.  He holds impressive personal records, including a 2:24 marathon, 31:04 10K and 15:06 5K.

Hyde has coached middle school, high school, college cross country and worked as a private coach. He currently coaches the Grand Rapid’s adult running group, RunGR.

Hyde also created his own business, Run With It MI, LLC, where he organizes 14 races a year.

Hyde replaces Garrett Lacy who recently landed an assistant coaching position at Northwood University for the cross country and track and field teams.

GRCC In the News 08/23/2022

AACC news & notes

8/22/22 Community College Daily (American Association of Community Colleges)

… Creating a water workforce

Academic institutions are key partners in creating the water workforce of the future. At an August 24 webinar, Grand Rapids Community College will discuss a community-based program to educate and prepare students from disadvantaged communities for utility jobs. The webinar is part of an ongoing series hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency in partnership with leading water sector organizations.

What happened to Marvin Sapp’s wife? Biopic retells singer’s life story

8/22/22 The Focus

This week fans of Gospel singer Marvin Sapp got an insight into his life and career so far as his story was explored in a new biopic on TV One. 

… Elsewhere, she (MaLinda Prince Sapp) was a counselor and licensed psychologist who also branched into teaching as a college professor at the Grand Rapids Community College.

Reminder to update your webpages

So much has changed this past summer! The Web and Digital Strategy Department wanted to share a reminder to check your webpages to make sure they are reflecting those changes with up-to-date information.

This may include updating:

• hours listed on your webpages.
• any location changes.
• event information.
• dates.
• bios or contact information.

We know you are all busy gearing up for the fall semester. If you need help with any of these updates, please submit a ticket to webhelp@grcc.edu and we would be happy to assist you.

Thank you for helping us provide the best information and user experience for our students.

Thanks!

The Web Team

Employee Exercise Classes for Fall 2022 semester

How do you take care of YOU? Exercise is one of the most effective ways to relieve stress, build strength, increase energy, and boost mood.

We are fortunate at GRCC that complimentary exercise classes are available to all employees. Wellness is fundamental to job success and workplace satisfaction. 

Great news! Spin is BACK!!! 

All classes are 45 minutes. All levels are welcome. Modify to meet your own fitness needs and goals. For more information, please visit the Employee Exercise website.

Mondays — 5:15-6:00pm

Spin with Kelly

Room 213 FFH

Tuesdays — 12:00-12:45pm

Strength Blast with Lannie

Room 213 FFH

Wednesdays — 12:00-12:45pm

Raider Strong with Lannie

Room 213 FFH

Thursdays — 12:00-12:45pm

Fitness Fusion with Lannie

Room 213 FFH

Please take a moment to register for Fall 2022 semester employee exercise participation. The registration form includes the waiver and calendar appointments will be sent to you so you allot the time to join the workout each week.

As always, please contact angelasalinas@grcc.edu if you have any questions or need further information.

To inspire you, please enjoy this message from Amanda Kruzona, a “regular” at employee exercise classes.

What is your “Wellness Why”? shared by Amanda Kruzona

What makes you “choose” employee exercise at GRCC?

• Access. I don’t have to drive anywhere to get a quality workout, I can clean up before returning to work, and I don’t have to pay for it.
• Satisfaction. I have never regretted a workout.
• Accountability. I have someone looking out for me, making sure that I stay motivated.
  
  

What benefits do you enjoy from participating?

• Better mood
• Easier gratitude – my mood, positivity, self confidence, etc. allow me to appreciate life more.
• Self confidence
• Better focus
• Better sleep
• Positivity
• Healthier choices

How does GRCC employee exercise help make you a better employee?

• Teamwork/camaraderie. I feel the effects of having someone you work with support you on something simple like doing one more squat so I know how it might feel to someone else when you motivate them to do something that improves their work life. Meeting people in informal settings allows you to make more meaningful connections which is a stronger foundation for building relationships as well.
• Motivation. Because I can do hard things like burpees, it makes it easier to do things that are hard professionally.
• Enables work/life balance. I appreciate my work day and get more done so I can spend more quality time with my family. It saves me from having resentment against either.

What motivates you?

• Life longevity
• Happiness
• Role model for family

Dell offers faculty, staff, and students early access to their Labor Day Sale

Look what’s coming soon – You get EARLY ACCESS to Dell’s Labor Day Sale starting August 25th!

• Early Access dates: Aug. 25-31
• Sale goes through Sept. 7
• Savings include: 
  • Inspiron 15 3000 – Laptop $230 (save $70)
  • New XPS 13 Laptop – $849 (save $150)
  • Dell 24 Monitor – $130 (save $90)
  • Inspiron Desktop – $500 (save $100)

     See these offers and more at  www.Dell.com/DellU/GRCC 

As a reminder, here are a few other upcoming events:

• Semi-Annual Sale 9/8 – 9/21
• NEW XPS COMING! Be on the lookout for our newest XPS 13 2-in 1  with new innovative design. Launch planned for 8/25.
  • Infinity edge with stunning 3K display with Gorilla Glass 7
  • Lightweight and portable on-the-go with detachable keyboard
  • Anywhere connectivity with 5G 

 Access the sale and get all the deals on your dedicated member page:   www.Dell.com/DellU/GRCC

You can always save on electronics and accessories with your Member Purchase Program discount. Click on the accessories “exclusive 10% off coupon” box on your dedicated page to access your savings.