News Summary
Grand Rapids Community College launched its fall semester with the ‘Rise Up and Achieve’ event, welcoming over 100 students and introducing diverse opportunities at the Woodrick Center. The celebration featured food, music, and support programs that foster community and inclusivity. Amid political challenges, GRCC continues to advocate for DEI initiatives while announcing a $46 million renovation plan to enhance student facilities.
Grand Rapids – Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) launched its fall semester on September 4 with an electrifying kickoff event titled “Rise Up and Achieve,” which attracted a diverse crowd of 110 students. This event aimed to welcome students back to campus while introducing them to the various programs and opportunities available through the Woodrick Center for Inclusion and Multicultural Affairs.
The Rise Up and Achieve event featured a lively atmosphere, complete with music, free merchandise, and a buffet that catered to various dietary preferences. Students enjoyed a spread of ice cream, mac and cheese, boneless chicken wings, and plant-based options such as cauliflower wings. Those in attendance included participants from the Woodrick Center’s Community Circles, a program designed to help students connect with one another and build a supportive community.
Alyssa Gamez, the Associate Director of the Woodrick Center, highlighted the wide range of support services available to students, including mentorship programs, academic assistance, professional development resources, and transportation help. Among the attendees was 25-year-old GRCC student Binti Abdi, who has returned to GRCC after time spent at Davenport University. Abdi noted that her experiences have motivated her to pursue a mentorship role within the program.
Jamillya Hardley, the Director of the Woodrick Center, emphasized the significance of fostering care and community engagement among students. The events like Rise Up and Achieve are inclusive and open to all GRCC students, promoting participation regardless of membership status. Gamez reiterated the program’s goal of enhancing cultural competency while celebrating diversity, encouraging students to appreciate the commonalities that unite them.
Students who were unable to attend the kickoff event are still encouraged to engage with GRCC’s offerings by completing a Student Needs survey, which qualifies them for a complimentary giveaway. This initiative reflects the college’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity, especially amid political challenges surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
As a part of an ongoing review of its scholarship programs, GRCC faces potential changes due to the Trump administration’s intention to withhold funding from institutions that do not cease their DEI initiatives. Interim President Lisa Freiburger mentioned that it remains uncertain how many scholarships could be affected during this review process. However, GRCC continues to advocate for an inclusive learning environment and encourages its students to uphold the values of DEI.
In addition to welcoming students, GRCC announced an ambitious $46 million renovation plan targeting two Brutalist buildings from the 1970s on its downtown campus. The renovations aim to address the ongoing challenges of deferred maintenance while creating inviting and user-friendly spaces for academic and recreational activities. These projects are part of GRCC’s Campus Master Plan developed at the end of 2020, with anticipated completion by fall 2026.
Jim Van Dokkumburg, the executive director of facilities at GRCC, underscored the college’s priority of enhancing student spaces through these renovations. Plans include converting the natatorium at Ford Fieldhouse into a multi-use gym to accommodate various sports teams. Additionally, the Learning Resource Center will receive upgrades to support diverse learning environments and house important counseling services.
The renovations will also incorporate new construction for various departments, addressing the modern needs of students, including the increasing demand for hybrid class formats. Notably, funding for the upgrades to the Learning Resource Center features a $16.8 million capital outlay request currently under consideration by state lawmakers.
As of fall 2023, GRCC reported an enrollment of 12,157 students, with nearly 71% being part-time learners. The college remains dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive campus environment while navigating the political landscape surrounding DEI initiatives.
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Additional Resources
- The Collegiate Live: GRCC Woodrick Center Hosts Rise Up and Achieve
- Wikipedia: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- MLive: GRCC to Evaluate Scholarships in Response to Trump DEI Directives
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Scholarship (Education)
- The Collegiate Live: GRCC Selects Presidential Search Firm
- Google News: Grand Rapids Community College
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