Incoming GRCC President Charles Lepper will be attending Opening Day activities on Wednesday, introducing himself to the campus community and sharing his perspective about his new role.
The event starts with breakfast at 7:45 a.m. at the Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse with the program planned to start at 8:15 a.m.
A virtual option is available for those unable to attend in person. The live stream will be available at: https://youtu.be/JjnJQi9d5Xg
Looking for a great way to start the new semester?
The Student Life Office is looking for volunteers next week to help with Information Stations for the first three days of the semester, January 9-11, 2023.
This event offers staff and faculty the opportunity to connect with students, share the resources available on campus, and most importantly–welcome them into our community!
Please reach out to the Student Resources Coordinator if you have any questions!
Email: rebeccalubbers1@grcc.edu
Phone: x2544
Whether you’re recovering in a hospital, undergoing executive leadership training or keeping up with college classes, you’re going to get hungry.
Andy Schultz has fed all kinds of people in all kinds of places since graduating from the Secchia Institute of Culinary Education in 2009.
Start at GRCC and go anywhere. Every former student has a story to tell about how GRCC gave them the education and opportunity to be successful.
“GRCC is a fantastic school to start out your career,” he said. “It was a community college where I could start out taking my basic general education classes as well as taking my culinary classes at the same time.”
A GRCC internship in Hawaii provided Schultz with his first professional opportunities.
“After my internship was completed, I came back to GRCC to finish my degree,” he said. “After I finished my degree, one week later I was back in Hawaii starting my career.”
When the company that owned Hula Grill, where Schultz was working, opened Duke’s Beach House in Maui, he was hired as its dining room chef.
“After Hawaii, I moved out to Colorado Springs to be the executive chef and food service director at the Center for Creative Leadership,” he said. “It is one of the top leadership programs in the world.”
Three years later, Schultz returned home to Grand Rapids and a job feeding hungry Aquinas College students. He worked to bring fresh, local ingredients to the cafeteria.
“We went to the student body, and that was one of the things they wanted to see,” he said in a 2013 Aquinas profile. “So we provided it, and it’s been well-received, which is great! We’re trying to introduce new products and ingredients to the students than they’re used to growing up with – so one could see this as a bit of education they can take with them for the rest of their lives.”
Schultz also took the opportunity to return to college himself, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Ferris State University through GRCC’s 3+1 program.
He next prepared meals for patients and events at Pine Rest as its executive chef. During this time, he teamed up with his father, GRCC culinary professor Roberth Schultz, chef Marla Poterack and Poterack’s daughter Alyvia to cater a wedding.
That was the start of Four Chefs, a Caledonia-based catering business.
“Four Chefs started out as a part-time job for me,” Andy Schultz said. “Over the years during COVID, the business started to grow, and I decided to turn Four Chefs into my dream job.”
Start your story today at apply@grcc.edu
Professor Hillery Haney used to struggle in French language classes as a student. But her love for the culture and language prevailed and now she teaches students of all levels of the subject.
Haney’s interest in the French language and culture began at a young age.
“Growing up my friend’s mother was from Quebec, and she would teach us colors, numbers, and the alphabet. I loved it,” Haney said.
She began to take French classes in high school and stayed in France with a family for a summer. At the time she felt incredibly homesick, and understood nothing.
Haney kept up with her French studies when she was studying at St. Mary’s College. She studied as hard as she could and was able to spend another year in France living with a family.
“If it weren’t for my time in France I wouldn’t have mastered the language. It was so hard to learn,” she said.
Haney didn’t initially intend to be a teacher, but decided to attend Aquinas College and enroll in a certified secondary teacher program. She taught in the Grand Rapids Public Schools for eight years, and moved to Rabat, Morocco, where she taught French to first through 12th grade students.
After two years in Morocco, Haney spent some time in Nashville, Tenn. before finally returning to Grand Rapids. Bernie Manker, a colleague and friend, encouraged Haney to pursue a career at GRCC. Haney was hired into the School of Language and Thought and has now been teaching for more than 20 years.
Together Manker and Haney have grown the program from three to seven French classes and are constantly growing and improving the curriculum. Haney teaches all levels of French, and enjoys teaching a wide range of students from different backgrounds, ages, countries, nationalities and ethnicities.
“You can’t start out knowing everything or what fun would the journey be?” she said. “Teaching does not get boring because there is always something new that challenges you, like a pandemic for example”.
Haney accredits the successes of the Language and Thought programs to her collegues. The faculty and staff look for ways to help students but also each other. GRCC is a real community that cares for everyone.
More information about the School of Language and Thought can be found here.
Quilt-making ministry gives student a warmer, safer commute
12/23/22 secondwavemedia.com
A young child will have a warmer, safer commute to Grand Rapids Community College’s Fratzke Early Childhood Learn Lab because of a gift from a Holland group and support from a GRCC instructor.
St. Mary’s Ava Schultz signs to play volleyball at Grand Rapids Community College
12/23/22 Petoskey News-Review
GAYLORD ― If you’re a Gaylord St. Mary’s sports fan, you’re probably familiar with the name Schultz.
… Surrounded by family and friends at her college commitment event, Schultz signed her letter of intent to continue her volleyball career at Grand Rapids Community College.
Toddler with special needs receives quilt to keep her warm
12/24/22 MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — A very special little girl will feel a little bit warmer this winter with a custom-made quilt made for her by a Holland-based quilt-making ministry.
Love Sews Ministry created the quilt for Island Hines, 3, after Hines’ Grand Rapids Community College Fratzke Early Childhood Learn Lab (ECLL) instructor, Julie Sizemore, nominated her.
For the national champs, the defense never rests
12/24/22 The Pioneer (Big Rapids)
BIG RAPIDS – One of Ferris State’s own was an architect of easily the nation’s best defense all season.
… (Ryan) Hodges previously worked under Annese for three years as the defensive backs coach at Grand Rapids Community College and helped the Raiders to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II National Championship in both 2009 and 2011.
Princeton educator named keynote speaker for Martin Luther King Jr. event in Grand Rapids
12/28/22 MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Princeton University educator and author Eddie Glaude Jr. will deliver the keynote address at a Grand Rapids event commemorating the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
… The 2023 MLK Day event is scheduled for 6 p.m. Jan. 16 at Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. The annual commemoration is a partnership between Davenport University, Grand Rapids Community College and Grand Valley State University, with support from local sponsors.
Education focus turns to workforce development
12/29/22 Grand Rapids Business Journal
To boost the talent pipeline in 2023, West Michigan colleges are leveling up their offerings to help attract, retain and prepare students for entering the state’s workforce.
… In an effort to make education more accessible to students, Grand Rapids Community College’s (GRCC) communications director, David Murray, said the college will be introducing two new financial aid initiatives in 2023.
Annapolis’ Chad Fisher Jr. signs on to play baseball at Grand Rapids Community College
12/29/22 Press & Guide (Dearborn)
Annapolis senior Chad Fisher Jr. recently signed on to play baseball at Grand Rapids Community College.
Hiring, innovation remain key manufacturing priorities
12/29/22 Grand Rapids Business Journal
According to local leaders, the state of manufacturing in 2023 likely will reflect similar obstacles and opportunities as 2022.
… Earlier in 2022, the program (DeWys University) received accreditation from Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), enabling students to receive up to six college credits toward a degree at GRCC for completing the program.
GRCC, Holland ministry partner to help student with rare condition
12/29/22 The Holland Sentinel
GRAND RAPIDS — An instructor from Grand Rapids Community College and a Holland ministry teamed up this holiday season to help a student with a rare genetic disorder.
GRCC has outstanding faculty and staff members. Help us show students, potential students and community members the quality of the people here at GRCC serving our community by having a current headshot for the website and other uses.
The Communications Department is providing an opportunity for faculty and staff to have free headshots photographed from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 5 – Learning Day – on the third floor of the Student Center in the lounge area.
Without a headshot, the webpage shows a missing photo icon or a RaiderCard photo.
Communications stresses that GRCC provides an affordable education, but more importantly, a quality education. Our expert faculty and dedicated staff members are selling points! Help us highlight your work and attract new students by updating your headshot and web bio.
Policy Meeting
December 2022
3.6 Records Management
3.7 Contracting Authority
The new/revised policies have been added to the College Policies website.
The Teaching, Learning, and Distance Education (TLDE) area is excited to host Learning Day 2023, focusing on GRCC’s Culture of Care. All members of the GRCC community are invited to attend. Please see below for all of the details and we look forward to seeing you on Thursday!
Thursday, January 5, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Ford Fieldhouse or Virtual via Remo
Remo Link: https://live.remo.co/e/learning-day
If you have any questions, please send an email to cte@grcc.edu. Please see below for the planned schedule and visit the Learning Day website for all of the details.
Even if you are attending the sessions virtually from your office/work station, you are welcome to join us for lunch! (Take out containers will be available.)
Learning Day 2023 Schedule
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast and GRCC CARES Resource Fair
9:00 – 9:15 am
Welcome, Dr. Sheila Jones, Associate Provost of Instructional Support & Institutional Planning and Dr. Brian Knetl, Provost & Executive Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs
9:15 – 9:30 a.m.
CARE as a Strategy for Improved Student Success, Dr. Eric Mullen, Dean of Student Success
9:30 – 10:15 a.m.
The Contemporary Student Experience – An Interactive Exploration, Lina Blair, Director of Student Life and Conduct
10:15 – 10:45 a.m.
GRCC Student Perspectives, Video
10:45 – 11:00 a.m.
Break + Networking
11:00 am – 12:00 p.m.
Reflections on Student Needs and Learning: A Panel Discussion
12:00 – 1:15 p.m.
Lunch and GRCC CARES Resource Fair
1:15 – 2:00 p.m.
Introducing GRCC Cares: A Network for Student Support, David Lovell, Associate Director, Title III
2:00 – 2:15 p.m.
Break + Networking
2:15 – 3:15 pm
Care Management: A Panel Discussion
3:15 – 4:00 p.m.
Table Discussion and Feedback
4:00 p.m.
Wrap Up, Additional Learning Opportunities, and Next Steps
Start the year off right by making fitness a part of your routine!
Boost your energy and meet new people and get stronger!
GRCC employees have access to free exercise classes – take advantage of this great wellness benefit and join in the fun! Did you know that you can earn up to 5 hours of professional development by engaging in employee wellness?
Winter 2023 semester
January 9 to April 27, 2023
Mondays
5:15-6:00 p.m.
Spin & Sculpt with Kelly
Rm 213 FFH
Tuesdays
12:00-12:45 p.m.
Strength Blast with Lannie
Rm 212 FFH
Wednesdays
12:00-12:45 p.m.
RaiderStrong with Lannie
Rm 212 FFH
Thursdays
12:00-12:45 p.m.
Fitness Fusion with Lannie
RM 212 FFH
Please complete the registration form and waiver and a calendar appointment for the entire semester will be sent for you to allocate that time to your personal wellness!
Think of it as self care time!
Questions or more information, contact angelasalinas@grcc.edu
You are invited to nominate a GRCC retired faculty or administrator for the Emeritus Faculty Award.
This award was established in 1985 to honor those instructors and administrators whose dedication and creativity have left an indelible mark on the lives of students and colleagues at GRCC. During their tenure at GRCC and since their retirement, they have continued to promote GRCC’s “Commitment to Excellence.”
Please submit online nominations by noon on Friday, February 10, 2023. For more information, please visit the Emeritus Award webpage.
We are looking for local community members and professionals to serve as mentors to our Promise Zone students.
Our goal is to help create and grow a student’s career and life skills, as well as expand their professional networking opportunities.
We want to focus on career-oriented support and coaching by our mentors and provide Promise Zone students with real-life experience to prepare them for their future beyond college.
For more information on the mentor requirements and objectives, visit our mentorship webpage.
The daily employee newsletter of Grand Rapids Community College 