Connect with future students at Fall Open Houses

GRCC’s Admissions Team is hosting our annual Fall 2022 Open Houses from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Fieldhouse on Saturday, October 29, and at our Lakeshore Campus on Saturday, November 12. This is normally an event highly attended by prospective students and their families.

The days’ events will include:

• Student Tours.
• Campus Overview and Admissions Presentation.
• Academic Advising and Transfer Presentations.
• Financial Aid Presentation.
• Resource Fair.

We would love to have your department represented. It is a great chance to connect with future GRCC students, answer questions and showcase your department! Please sign up for one or both events so we can reserve a spot for you.

Main Campus Sign Up  (Saturday, October 29)

Lakeshore Campus Sign Up (Saturday, November 12)

If you have any questions, please reach out to Lori Cook and Francisco Ramirez. We hope to see you there. Thank you!

GRCC In the News, 9-9-22

Community college remembers founding trustee

9/8/22 Grand Rapids Business Journal

A Grand Rapids Community College trustee who served the institution since 1991 died this week. 

Consumers Energy to announce 2022 SmartArt contest winner at ArtPrize on Sept. 18

9/8/22 FOX 17

Consumers Energy and Grand Rapids Public Schools will be at ArtPrize to announce the winner of the 2022 SmartArt Contest, an annual art competition focused on clean energy-related subjects, on September 18.

After receiving more than 40 submissions this year, a panel of art professionals from Kendall College of Art & Design at Ferris State University, Grand Rapids Community College, and Grand Valley State University selected the 10 finalists.

Heartrending Michigan Premiere Musical HUNDRED DAYS Heralds Actors’ Theatre’s Return With Raw FolkRock Sound

9/8/22 Broadway World Michigan

For the first time since the pandemic shutdown, Actors’ Theatre in Grand Rapids, Michigan is returning to its home stage at Spectrum Theater on the Grand Rapids Community College campus. Their return also marks the launch of their 40th season in operation.

Once a student aide, Mackenzie Ondersma returns to GRCC as first new athletic trainer in 27 years

Grand Rapids Community College has its first new athletic trainer in 27 years – but one who is very familiar with the program.

Mackenzie Ondersma is replacing Mike Roche as GRCC’s head trainer. She once studied with Roche at GRCC, working as a student aide and often returning as first aid and support staff for various GRCC events.

Mackenzie Ondersma

“I am so excited to return to GRCC as the head athletic trainer,” Ondersma said. “This program is how I got started on my athletic training path and helped me succeed in my education and career. I look forward to working with each and every one of the teams as well as growing this Sports Medicine program to be the best it can be!”

Ondersma worked for Kentucky Orthopedic Rehab Team as an assistant athletic trainer at Asbury University for two years in Wilmore, Ken. where she worked with men’s soccer, men’s basketball, women’s lacrosse, and golf teams.

Ondersma graduated with her undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University in 2020 and completed an internship at GRCC. After graduating with her bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training and passing the Board of Certification Exam, she moved to Kentucky and worked while she earned her master’s degree in Athletic Training from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2021.

She is certified by the National Athletic Trainer’s Association Board of Certification as well as licensed in the state of Michigan and commonwealth of Kentucky.

Ondersma will support about 150 athletes each year in partnership with physicians and medical specialists.

Roche, who retired earlier this year, assisted generations of GRCC student-athletes and has been honored by having athletic scholarships named in his honor.

Roche has served GRCC students for 27 years and in 2021 received the National Athletic Trainer of the Year from the National Junior College Athletic Association.

Plan ahead by using Vacation Leave Bank Calculator

One more National Payroll Week tidbit for you today!  As we head into the latter part of 2022, now is a perfect time to check on your vacation bank balance. You can grab some info off your most recent pay stub and visit our handy Vacation Leave Bank Calculator to see if you’re at risk of losing any vacation time after 12/31/22. Check it out now so you can plan with your supervisor and department if you need to use any vacation before the end of 2022.

Fall 2022 Homecoming – GRCC Spirit Award

In celebration of Fall 2022 Homecoming, the GRCC Spirit Award is back again!

The tradition of the GRCC Spirit Award makes a comeback with updated criteria and a simple nomination process. The criteria are new and fun and the process is easy!  We’re excited to award both a GRCC employee as well as a Golden Raider (GRCC Retiree) with this special honor.   So, do you know a current GRCC employee or retiree who embodies all things GRCC?  Does this individual have unmatched school spirit and make the College a better place to work and learn?  If so, then nominate your Raider for the GRCC Spirit Award.  Complete this form detailing how your nominee meets the four GRCC Spirit Criteria (G – Genuine, R – Radiant, C – Captivating and C – Caring) and is deserving of the GRCC Spirit Award.  

GRCC Spirit Award Criteria

G – Genuine — This person is authentic and true.  This individual’s heart and soul aligns with the College’s mission, vision and values, and brings the best to everything.

R – Radiant — This person can have fun like no other.  This individual goes the extra mile to spread positivity and pride within the GRCC family making the workplace and beyond enjoyable and engaging.

C – Captivating – This person engages others by displaying GRCC pride and positive energy.  This individual’s enthusiasm is contagious inspiring others to be better Raiders.

C – Caring — This person makes caring the pinnacle of what it means to be a GRCC Raider.  This individual extends kindness, compassion, generosity and empowerment to all.

Please submit nominations for the Spirit Award by: 5:00 p.m., Monday September 26, 2022

Questions or more information? Please email angelasalinas@grcc.edu or mreed@grcc.edu. Thank you!