Distingushed Alumni Award
The highest honor bestowed upon a former GRCC/JC student
The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes former Grand Rapids Community College or Grand Rapids Junior College students who — through their distinction in their chosen field of endeavor, service to society, and dedication and loyalty to the college — exemplify the core values of Accountability, Diversity, Excellence, Innovation, Integrity, Respect, Responsiveness and Sustainability.
To be eligible for nomination, the alumnus or alumnae:
- Has earned 30 or more credit hours from GRCC/JC, and
- Exemplifies the core values of the college: Accountability, Diversity, Excellence, Innovation, Integrity, Respect, Responsiveness, and Sustainability, and
- Has made outstanding strides in their professional field, and/or
- Has given outstanding service to their community, and/or
- Has shown outstanding support for Grand Rapids Community College
Young Alumni Award
The GRCC Young Alumni Award will be awarded to an alumnae or alumnus who is under the age of 40 as of Dec 31 in the year submitted. This award recognizes an outstanding alumni who have distinguished themselves at this stage of life through:
- Exceptional accomplishment in their chosen profession.
- Exceptional community or civic service.
- Exceptional service in support of GRCC.
The Young Alumni Award was created in 2021 and was first awarded in 2022 to recognize GRCC Alumni identified as being outstanding in their profession.
Nominations are accepted on an on-going basis. All nominations are kept and reviewed annually, with the winner being selected in January of each year. The 2026 award winner will be recognized for their achievements at GRCC's 2025-2026 Commencement Ceremony. For more information, or to receive a paper copy of this application, please contact the Alumni Relations Manager at foundation@grcc.edu.