June 23, 2023, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Phoenix Noelle says she “practically grew up” in Grand Rapids Community College's Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center.
Noelle began working for the college in the summer of 2003, she served 15 years with the U.S. Navy submarine fleet and returned to GRCC in 2019. Noelle is now responsible for maintaining the labs and equipment that originally inspired her to pursue a technology career.
“I am humbled and proud to be trusted with the responsibility,” Noelle said. “Everything we do enriches the world around us.”
The Technical Operations department works hard to “futureproof” student experiences. Members help faculty provide the best hands-on education available. Technical Operations are often the unseen workers. The team ensures lab equipment is safe, working, and up to date.
Noelle said wearing GRCC swag is like wearing a beacon of hope.
“Everywhere I go, when folks learn I am from GRCC, we get to talk about their hopes, dreams, and plans,” Noelle said. “I’ve met students who were living out of their vehicles to save money for tuition, or parents fighting to improve their children’s quality of life, or folks on the street looking to GRCC as a way to level up. Every time we talk they have a light in their eyes and a hunger to succeed. First at GRCC, and then wherever their dreams take them.”
Noelle encourages students to ask lots of questions, and to explore any course that is interesting to them. Everyone from administrators, custodians, directors, deans and everyone in between knows how to navigate college and enjoys helping students.
GRCC succeeds by supporting and serving each other. For more information about getting started at GRCC visit grcc.edu.