Dec. 29, 2020, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Start at Grand Rapids Community College and go anywhere! Every former student has a story to tell about how GRCC – or Grand Rapids Junior College – gave them the education and opportunity to be successful. We’re sharing some of those stories, and want to hear yours!
GRCC has been a part of Terri Handlin-Mulligan’s life since she became a Grand Rapids Junior College student in the 1970s.
“It took a lot of confidence building to return to school and complete my associate (degree),” she said. “I credit the college’s teaching staff in helping me to realize that I was good at this ‘studying’ thing, and so I just never stopped with my education.”
She majored in general business and received her associate degree in 1974. She then earned a bachelor’s degree in business with a teaching certificate from Western Michigan University and then master’s degrees in career and technical education from the University of Michigan and in educational administration from Michigan State University.
Handlin-Mulligan went on to spend 30 years in classrooms, as a teacher and administrator in Forest Hills Public Schools. She taught business classes, developed mentorships and created volunteer programs for high school students. She also served as director of Adult and Community Education, assistant principal at Forest Hills Central High School and director of Career and Technical Education.
In 1991, she stepped into a major role during a key moment in the college’s history: After 77 years of existence, Grand Rapids Junior College separated from the Grand Rapids school district and became Grand Rapids Community College.
Handlin-Mulligan was part of the first group of 25 Kent County residents to run for seven positions on the newly formed board of trustees. She won that first election and remained on the board until 2013. She was also active in GRCC’s Alumni Association, serving as its president for many years.
“It has been a life-changing experience to see this college grow over the years,” she said. “It became the center of our city -- the place to begin your college education.”’
Handlin-Mulligan, now a career consultant, was GRCC’s 2015 Distinguished Alumna and among the first Salute to Women recipients in 1999.
“I would not have had all the opportunities that I had if GRJC had not helped me get my educational start,” she said.