Oct. 29, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Always remember, at GRCC, you are surrounded by people who want you to be successful and are ready to walk with you on your educational pathway. We are here to help!
Meet Kim Lodewyk. Kim is a problem solver in the mathematics department. If you're a student with a question about a math class, start with Kim and she'll get you the information you need, or get you to the right place!
As the academic secretary, Kim is also the go-to for math faculty members. She supports them by processing waivers, ordering textbooks and software for faculty and students, keeping the department supplies stocked, and more!
Kim is proud to have a reputation for lending a hand. When she attended community college up north, there was little support for students and she felt lost and confused. No one helped her figure out her schedule, let alone her academic pathway.
"I feel so blessed to have the opportunity each day to change that for our Math students," Kim said. "To be that resource for them that they know they can rely on to answer their questions, help them fix or figure out their class schedule, or help them figure out who the correct person is to contact for their situation -- so that they can continue to make progress towards their academic goal."
Kim attended community college part time after high school and worked three jobs to pay her tuition and rent. After five years, and with two classes left to graduate, she decided to enter the military.
Kim spent several years in the armed forces: active duty Air Force, Air National Guard, then active duty Army. She later was awarded the credits she needed to earn an Associate of Science Degree for her military service.
Then she began working in the mathematics department at GRCC, where she's been for almost 20 years! And she has decided to become a student again and is working towards a bachelor's degree.
Kim knows it isn’t easy to juggle family life, work, and attend college at the same time.
"My work helping students is extremely rewarding," she said. "When students start a phone conversation worried and confused, but end it happy and confident in knowing their next steps, that makes me feel like I’ve done my job well."
You can contact the Math Department at (616) 234-4253 and online at grcc.edu/math.