October 10, 2024 Phalesha Kyes faced many challenges along the way to establishing her event planning business. Now she works to bring attention to organizations and entrepreneurs from underrepresented populations. Kyes and her sisters were removed from their home and grew up in the foster care system. After many placements, she graduated from Lowell High School in 2009. “I was the first one in my family to attend college,” she said. “I didn’t know anything about student aid or scholarships, but because I was a ward of the state, I was able to attend GRCC for free. And so, I did. “It was one of the best choices I ever made.” After graduating with her associate degree, Kyes worked in insurance and foster care before starting By Phalesha Events in 2021. “I pulled my favorite things from all of my prior jobs, including customer service, event planning and public relations, and formed my own,” she said. She does nonprofit, corporate, community engagement and even personal party planning. She enjoys working on all kinds of events but takes special joy in supporting entrepreneurs who, like herself, are Black, Indigenous and people of color. “My mission is to empower and collaborate with as many BIPOC and female vendors as possible for every event,” she said. “And it’s important for me to represent organizations that don’t have the resources to host events or grow their brand due to barriers.” For more information about By Phalesha Events, contact events@byphalesha.events or (616) 292-1208. This story was republished from GRCC’s 2022-23 Foundation Annual Report.

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.