Aug. 9, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – 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.
When Grand Rapids Junior College alumnus Paul Krieger looks back over more than 30 years in the workforce, one “dream job” stands out.
Was it working as a lab assistant, analyzing the expression of receptors for CCK and similar hormones in Xenopus laevis oocytes? No.
Was it teaching English and biology to high schoolers in Beijing? No.
Was it authoring a four-book series of illustrated science guides? Close, but no.
Krieger says he landed his dream job in 1991: biology professor at GRCC.
“I taught courses in anatomy and physiology, general biology, and personal health,” he said. “My former students have launched their own successful careers as nurses, dental hygienists, physical therapists, respiratory therapists, physician assistants, occupational therapists, and medical doctors, as well as many other careers.”
GRCC was Krieger’s own launching pad, back when it was known as GRJC.
“Both of my older brothers attended GRCJ and then the University of Michigan,” he said. “After seeing how well it worked out for them, I followed in their footsteps. I was not mature enough to go away to college as a first-year college student. GRJC gave me the opportunity to start my college career while living at my parents’ home and working a part-time job. This was an ideal situation for me.”
Krieger also credits GRJC with setting him on his career path.
“Since my childhood, I always loved art and science, but I was having trouble deciding on a career,” he said. “Several of my multitalented professors at GRJC inspired me to consider teaching as a career. I decided this would allow me to possible combine my passions for art and science in a meaningful way. This turned out to be a great decision for me and worked out even better than I could have imagined.”
After earning an Associate of Science in 1984, Krieger received a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Michigan and a secondary teaching certificate. He earned a master’s in biological sciences from Wayne State University in 1991.
He started teaching in high schools in Beijing and Jackson before returning to GRCC, where he worked for 28 years.
But his 2019 retirement from GRCC didn’t end his teaching career: He is the author and illustrator of the four-book Visual Analogy Guides series, which cover anatomy, physiology and chemistry.
Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply.