Oct. 19, 2022. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Grand Rapids Community College’s efforts to share the stories of students overcoming obstacles and the people who support them was honored by a national organization that supports college advancement efforts.
The 2019-2020 GRCC Foundation Annual Report earned a Best of CASE District V Award in the Fundraising: Annual Reports category from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.
CASE is a nonprofit association based in Washington, D.C. dedicated to educational advancement professionals—in alumni relations, communications, development, marketing, and advancement services—who share the goal of championing education to transform lives and society.
The organization includes both two- and four-year programs.
The Annual Report was created by GRCC’s College Advancement team, which includes members of the GRCC Foundation and Communications team, and is led by Dr. Kathryn Mullins, vice president for College Advancement and executive director of the GRCC Foundation.
The 2019-2020 Annual Report focused on the stories of the people the GRCC Foundation has helped and the lives it has transformed – shared by the people themselves, often telling their stories in their own words.
The edition includes inspiring stories about students and alumni including trailblazing Super Bowl Chef Dayanny De La Cruz, and Amanda Constant, who used the support from a Spectrum Health Care Professionals Education Scholarship to rise above a series of setbacks and complete her Medical Assistant program.
It also highlights alumni and philanthropists Dave and Karen Custer, and 41 years of giving from former college employees Jerry and Jan Benham.
The 2019-2020 Annual Report earlier in the year earned a Gold Paragon and Best in Show Award from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations, an organization that supports and advocates for community colleges.