The Emeritus Faculty Award award was established in 1985 to honor those instructors/administrators whose dedication and creativity have left an indelible mark on the lives of students and colleagues at GRCC. During their tenure at GRCC and since their retirement, they have continued to promote GRCC’s “Commitment to Excellence” as illustrated by the GRCC values described in the narrative forms.
Emeritus Faculty Award Nomination Form
2023 Faculty Emeritus Winner
Steve Abid
A Grand Rapids Community College economics professor and leader capped off a 27-year career with the 2023 Faculty Emeritus designation.
He’s known for his passion for teaching and care for his students – one even referred to him as her “angel professor” for his efforts to help her be successful.
“For many of our students, GRCC is their first, best option, but for more than a few, we are their last, best option,” he wrote upon retiring in 2020. “So, my goal was to help them to see that they can achieve their goals and I am happy to facilitate that!”
Abid came to what was then Grand Rapids Junior College as a student in 1973, where he often noted he earned a degree and met his wife.
Abid was a high school teacher for 16 years and taught as an adjunct instructor before returning to GRCC full time in 1993 to teach economics.
He served in a variety of leadership roles at the college, and remains active, serving on the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation Board of Directors, to help the next generations.
Abid was recognized during both of GRCC’s commencement ceremonies on Friday, April 28, 2023 at the Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse.