October 9, 2024 Grand Rapids Community College has been recognized as a 2024-25 Gold level veteran-friendly school by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, marking the third consecutive year it has earned this prestigious status. The award demonstrates GRCC’s ongoing commitment to providing student veterans with the support and education they need to succeed.  The Michigan Veteran Friendly Schools program recognizes academic institutions committed to supporting the needs of veterans and military-connected students. Colleges and universities are awarded Gold, Silver, or Bronze level status based on their veteran-centric services and programs.  “Earning Gold level veteran-friendly school status reflects GRCC’s dedication to supporting those who have served in our military,” said  Phil Blanchard, associate director of Veterans Services . “We aim to create an environment that acknowledges the unique experiences of veterans and fosters their academic and personal growth.”  GRCC’s Veterans Services , located on Level G2 of Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall, provides a dedicated space for veterans to connect with campus resources including financial aid, advising and disability support. The center hosts workshops and events, and provides opportunities for networking and social interaction.  Veterans Services offers: One-on-one advising Veterans Administration work-study positions Connections to tutoring and academic support Assistance in completing the VA education benefits process Students can connect with Veterans Services by phone at (616) 234-2578 or by email at  veteranservices@grcc.edu . For more information, visit  grcc.edu/veterans . This story was reported by Amy Soper.

Oct. 8, 2024 On Thursday, October 10, Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) will host its inaugural Giving Day —a 24-hour online fundraising initiative led by the GRCC Foundation aimed at empowering current and future students. Your contributions can be directed toward vital initiatives, including: Scholarship Support: Alleviating financial barriers for students. Emergency Grant Assistance: Providing urgent help for students in crisis. Food Pantry Resources: Ensuring our GRCC food pantry is well-stocked to support students in need. A shining example of commitment to GRCC is Math Professor Nancy Forrest, who has been a dedicated supporter of the GRCC Foundation for over two decades. “I’m happy to donate because I see the continued need among our students,” said Forrest, who has taught at GRCC for 35 years. “Many students work more than one job, balancing families and other challenges all at the same time. I admire them for trying to build the best lives that they can.” Forrest’s contributions also carry a personal significance, honoring her family legacy. One-third of her donation is designated for nursing scholarships in memory of her mother, a nurse, while another portion supports baseball scholarships in honor of her father, a devoted youth baseball coach. The remainder goes to math scholarships. As Forrest prepares for her retirement at the end of this semester, she reflects on the joy of teaching at GRCC. “Our students are all different ages and come from so many different backgrounds,” she shared. “I joke sometimes that somebody picks out the nicest students and puts them in my classes because they are always considerate, they are respectful, and they are friendly.” She encourages everyone—faculty, alumni and the community—to participate in Giving Day. “I know the students are very appreciative of the financial support they get,” she said. “It not only helps them financially, but it’s an emotional encouragement to them to know that people care.” This story was reported by Beth McKenna.  

October 8, 2024  The Grand Rapids Community College Marketing and Communications team recently was recognized for the quality of its work, winning seven district Medallion Awards from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR).  NCMPR recognizes outstanding work in marketing and public relations at two-year community and technical colleges across the United States. GRCC competed in the District 3 Medallion Awards which includes colleges from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and the Canadian province of Ontario. This year, the competition was particularly fierce, with more than 500 submissions received.  GRCC secured two Gold Medallion Awards - one for the 2022-23 Foundation Annual Report and one for the college’s Instagram page.  The  Annual Report highlights the Foundation’s contributions and the impact it makes in supporting students, employees, and community learning. This is the fourth consecutive year that GRCC has received this award for its annual report.  GRCC’s Instagram page ( @GrandRapidsCC ) stood out in the Social Media Page category. The Instagram page also received a National Paragon Award in the spring of 2024 for its engaging content.  The Marketing and Communications team also earned the following awards: Silver Medallion in the Print Advertisement category for a flyer that was handed out at a West Michigan Whitecaps baseball game during an August 2023 event Silver Medallion in the Excellence in Writing - Short Form category for a story about GRCC’s Sondra Davis graduating with her daughters in April 2024 Bronze Medallion in the Booklet category for GRCC’s 2024 commencement program Bronze Medallion in the Notes/Cards/Invitations category for an AI Incubator open house invite Bronze Medallion in the Digital Advertisement category for a series of Challenge Yourself, Choose Your Future ads The  GRCC Marketing and Communications team is committed to sharing the stories of how GRCC is making a difference in the lives of our students and in our communities. The team works together with our campus and community partners to showcase our programs and initiatives and strengthen the college brand. Together, we’ve got this!  This story was reported by Kailee Potgeter.