Jan. 23, 2023, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Tom Barczak is proud of the work he does to ensure that buildings are safe, and he’s proud of the role GRCC has played in his career.
Barczak serves as regional director of Forensic Analytical Consulting Services, a national company that ensures public health safety in buildings.
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.
Barczak first enrolled at GRCC in 1991, majoring in general studies.
“That fall semester at GRCC led to taking courses at Purdue University for six semesters, working toward a degree in biology to pursue a career in medicine,” he said. “With life and family changes, I made a career switch and started working in building sciences and restoration work in 1999.”
Barczak has enjoyed his career in industrial hygiene and environmental consulting.
“My education over the past 20 years has allowed me to travel across the United States and work in various business sectors from residential to health care and even skyscrapers,” he said. “I have also worked in various cities following devastating natural disasters such as hurricanes and other extreme weather events."
When Barczak decided to complete a bachelor’s degree – “a longtime personal goal and professional milestone” – he turned again to GRCC.
“GRCC was a great place to start my collegiate experiences in 1991, but, more importantly, GRCC was the catalyst which allowed me to complete my degree at Ferris State University in 2019,” he said. “The established collegiate partnership between GRCC and Ferris State allowed me to finish my bachelor’s degree along with enhancing my skills and knowledge in key coursework areas such as business law and project management.”
For Barczak, GRCC has been the right place at the right time, twice.
“GRCC is an incredible place to start your college experience, complete valuable coursework to gain knowledge in a career field, and a place to complete your educational goals and achievements.”
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