Nov. 7, 2023, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The founder of a national organization serving former military members will deliver the keynote address at Grand Rapids Community College’s Veterans Day observance.
Amy Batchelder, a GRCC alumna, founded Veterans Rising, which focuses on creating a community of support and social engagement, in 2022. She will speak during the ceremony, which begins at 11 a.m. Nov. 13 on the Dr. Juan R. Olivarez Student Plaza, off Fountain and Lyon streets.
Later in the day, Batchelder will lead veterans in a panel discussion for students and faculty.
Batchelder earned her associate degree in Fine and Studio Arts in 2004 before getting a bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University in 2007. She also studied art therapy at George Washington University.
She has eight years of service as a noncommissioned officer in the Army National Guard and has extensive experience in health and wellness, suicide prevention, and individual and group counseling.
