Dec. 16, 2020 GRAND RAPIDS -- It’s a pretty sweet way to say “thank you” to partners working on the frontlines.
Professors in Grand Rapids Community College's Secchia Institute for Culinary Education transitioned classes online late this semester as local COVID-19 cases spiked, prompting them to come up with innovative ways to help students finish strong.
Chefs Audrey Heckwolf, Sasha Ahmed, Gilles Renusson, and Wilfredo Barajas work with about 35 students in bakery and retail bakery classes, where they learn to prepare cookies, bars, brownies, muffins and other treats.
Professors conducted lessons by preparing pastries in campus labs while students followed along via Zoom. The Secchia team accumulated about 400 items by the time they were done, and wanted to find a way to share the snacks and their expertise with people in our community.
The program has longstanding partnerships with Spectrum Health's nearby Butterworth Hospital, and the chefs wanted frontline workers to now how much they appreciated their hard work, especially as the number of COVID cases increased in recent weeks.
The team loaded bags of treats and brought them up the hill to say "thank you," and recognize the sacrifices frontline workers and others in essential jobs are making to keep West Michiganders safe and recovering.
Spectrum Health is a neighbor, and partners with the college on a variety of programs. The Secchia Institute is a partner in Spectrum’s Culinary Medicine program, and the hospital works closely with other parts of the campus, including supporting scholarships for students interested in health sciences and health careers.
GRCC in the spring and summer assisted Spectrum by donating personal protection equipment and parking spaces to help workers be closer to the hospital.
Grand Rapids Community College offers learners of all ages opportunities to gain credits for degrees or transfer and in-demand career skills leading to rewarding careers. GRCC was established in 1914 – Michigan’s first community college -- and offers affordable classes on weekdays, evenings, Saturdays and online at locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties.