The numbers are compelling
$1 million in scholarships distributed to 1,571 students during the 2022-2023 fiscal and academic year. Our scholarships are the result of an enduring collaboration that results in a better West Michigan for all of us.
Giving Beyond Self
"Because I believe in what we do at GRCC – and those it impacts – my decision to contribute needed no prompts. It is my great pleasure to give."
- Dr. Nikki Smith
Professor Nikki Smith sees foundation donations as part of her work in transforming students’ lives.
Why do donors support the GRCC Foundation?
For some people, it’s part of a family tradition.
Others are motivated by their gratitude for their GRJC or GRCC education.
Many faculty and staff see first-hand the need for scholarships in their encounters with students.
Dr. Nikki Smith gives for all three of those reasons.
She graduated from GRJC in 1989 and has been a full-time professor in the Criminal Justice Department for 18 years.
“My parents instilled in me early in life the core values of living and giving beyond self,” said Smith, whose father was also a GRJC alumnus.
In fact, her parents encouraged her to enroll at GRJC after she graduated from Central High School. She then enrolled at Grand Valley State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s in social work. This past May, she received her doctorate in education, organizational leadership and development from Cornerstone University.
“I enjoyed every moment of my time at GRJC,” she said. “I was a member of the women’s nationally ranked tennis team for two years, the debate team and a member of the Black Student Union.”
In addition to regular contributions to the foundation, Smith has a scholarship designated for students majoring in Criminal Justice. “I hope to alleviate some of the financial burdens that students often face, allowing them to focus on the overall care of their minds, bodies and souls as they prepare to move into a career of service,” she said. “My three- to five-year goal is endowment.”
Smith, who received a GRCC Excellence in Education Award in 2015, believes the benefits of her donations to the foundation go beyond the scholarship recipients.
“I often think about the mission, vision, values and strategic plan of GRCC,” she said. “These core tenants of our college provide scholars who teach and the staff who support our students the opportunity, through education, to help transform students’ lives. Contributing financially to student scholarships allows others to become conduits of this powerful transformation.
“Because I believe in what we do at GRCC – and those it impacts – my decision to contribute needed no prompts. It is my great pleasure to give.”
Scholarfest Celebrates Olivarezes’ work to improve education access
Scholarfest 2022 paid tribute to the efforts of President Emeritus Juan and Mary Olivarez to improve access to a life-changing education while serving as the debut of the new Secchia Piazza.
Colorful piazza reflects Peter Secchia's legacy
GRCC’s Secchia Piazza has cemented the legacy of a longtime philanthropist and permanently changed the Grand Rapids skyline.
The piazza was the last project personally supervised by Peter Secchia before his death in 2020. An outdoor patio at the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center was transformed into an indoor, multi-use space.
Investing in community
University of Michigan Health-West creates scholarship to strengthen pipeline of nursing talent.
Medical experts will tell you that it’s better to prevent an emergency than treat an emergency. With that in mind, the University of Michigan Health-West is taking steps now to ensure a well trained and diverse nursing workforce.
New Mural celebrates trailblazing president
President Emeritus Juan Olivarez agreed to allow a mural and a GRCC plaza to be named in his honor for one reason: students.
“It really isn’t about me,” he said at the mural unveiling in June.” It’s about having a Latino name on a landmark to inspire other students of color to reach high in their endeavors and to be proud of who they are.”
Alumnus Raymond Trujillo created the mural, depicting a Mexican courtyard, in celebration of Olivarez’s heritage and trailblazing role as the first Hispanic person to serve as a Michigan college or university president.
“The butterflies represent the students here on campus,” Trujillo said. “I was one of those monarch butterflies.”
The mural can be found near the Student Center, along the Dr. Juan R. Olivarez Student Plaza. The plaza, formerly known as Bostwick Commons, was renamed for GRCC’s eighth president in 2013.
Women in Philanthropy marks scholarship endowment by expanding mission
GRCC’s Women in Philanthropy group formed in 2019 with the goal of endowing a scholarship. Despite a two-year hiatus, when members were unable to meet in person because of the pandemic, the scholarship reached endowment status in 2022.
During an Aug. 9 celebration at the Custer Alumni House, group members decided to continue their work, pooling their charitable dollars to support projects that help GRCC students, faculty, staff, departments and organizations.
Quarterly meetings have included presentations on GRCC Cares, a network that addresses students’ basic needs, and plans for a space on campus where faculty, staff and the community can learn about artificial intelligence.
Make a lasting impact for our students
The GRCC Foundation can coordinate with you and your professional advisors to create a lasting impact for our students.
Ways to Give
The GRCC Foundation can help you plan your donation – using whichever method makes you most comfortable.
Feel free to call us at (616) 234-3939, and we’ll answer any questions and help you set up your donation.
Or stop by in person at the Custer Alumni House, 473 E. Fulton St.
Your gift goes beyond GRCC
GRCC is the community’s college. We believe the people we serve — from our students, parents, donors, alumni and employees — are family. You are our family.
Support your college with a gift today and help continue our community's tradition of excellence.
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