News Summary
Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) will unveil a new mascot during Homecoming Week to enhance school identity and unity within the community. After retiring the Raider Racoon, GRCC received over 100 submissions for the new mascot, focusing on distinctiveness and creativity. Voting for the final choice will take place from September 29 to October 3, 2023, encouraging student and faculty participation. Homecoming Week will include various events to foster community involvement and school spirit, culminating in a themed dance.
Grand Rapids, Michigan – Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) is set to unveil a new mascot during its upcoming Homecoming Week celebrations, aiming to strengthen school identity and foster a sense of belonging within the community. The new mascot will replace the original Raider Racoon, which debuted in an Indiana Jones-inspired format but was retired in the 2010s.
The move to find a new mascot was initiated in April 2023 after considering a variety of ideas since the retirement of the Raider Racoon. A broad call for submissions resulted in over 100 entries, which were then narrowed down to three finalists based on criteria such as distinctiveness, creativity, and feasibility for logos and costumed appearances.
The new mascot is intended to represent the core values of GRCC, including dedication, resilience, and inclusivity. By embodying these qualities, the mascot aims to unify students, faculty, and alumni, ultimately fostering pride and a sense of tradition within the college community.
Voting for the new mascot will take place during Homecoming Week, starting from September 29 to October 3, 2023. Students and faculty are encouraged to participate in the selection process and contribute to the creation of a shared identity for the college. The Homecoming Week festivities will commence with various events and activities, designed to engage the campus community.
The celebrations kick off on September 29 with campus dining giveaways and themed events. The following day, September 30, will feature a health fair at the Secchia Institute, emphasizing wellness and encouraging student participation. On October 1, GRCC will host spirit day, inviting students and staff to showcase their school pride by wearing GRCC gear during athletic events and tailgating activities.
Additional activities planned for Homecoming Week include a character-themed event and an office decorating contest, with entries being judged on October 2. The week will culminate in a fairy garden-themed dance on the evening of October 2, with guests required to RSVP to attend.
The Campus Activities Board at GRCC is actively seeking volunteers to help facilitate the Homecoming events, underscoring the importance of community involvement in the celebrations. The new mascot, along with the Homecoming events, is seen as a crucial step in revitalizing school spirit and pride among the GRCC community.
Overall, the introduction of the new mascot and the corresponding Homecoming Week activities are expected to galvanize students, faculty, and alumni, creating a more unified and engaged campus environment.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
GRCC Kicks Off the New Academic Year in Grand Rapids
Students’ College Transition Experiences at GRCC
Additional Resources
- The Collegiate Live: GRCC Mascot Voting
- Wikipedia: Homecoming
- The Collegiate Live: Homecoming Game Plan
- Google Search: Grand Rapids Community College
- The Collegiate Live: GRCC Students Discuss Canvas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Education
- The Collegiate Live: GRCC Launches Search for New Mascot
- Google News: Grand Rapids Community College
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
