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GRCC Players’ Invite Audiences to Ponder Love and Loss With Orion

Jan. 14, 2026 Grand Rapids Community College’s GRCC Players will perform  Orion , a production that invites audiences to reflect on relationships and how we move forward when life doesn’t unfold the way we imagined. Orion tells a story of love’s complexity at the start of our adult lives and those love relationships that end, but never really leave us. After Sam and Gwen’s breakup, friends Scott and Abby help Sam navigate what comes next — while part of Gwen may not be ready to let go. Honest, charming and funny,  Orion explores the reasons why we love and make the sacrifices we do.  “We chose  Orion because it encourages critical thinking from both students and the audience’” said Jonathan Wheeler, manager of Spectrum Theater. “This production focuses on the gray areas in relationships. Rather than offering clear answers, it examines how we respond when life doesn't unfold the way we imagine and then what it means to adapt, resist or let go.” Orion is Matthew McLachlan’s first full-length play. Fans of great contemporary plays are sure to love this poignant debut from a rising star in the playwriting world.  Information and Tickets January 22-24, 2026  7:30 PM Spectrum Theater, Lab Theater, Room 201* $18  General Admission |  $12  GRCC Faculty and Staff | $5  GRCC Student  *Please Note: This production is presented in Spectrum Theater's Lab Theater, an intimate black box performance space with limited seating availability.  Directed by Tom Kaechele Stage Manager - Sevi Cullum  CAST  Sam - Ian Santoyo Gwen - Grace LaFleur Abby - Kiera Zittel Scott - Cyrus Geysbeek Tickets:  grcctheater.ludus.com or call (616) 234-3946

River Raider Email Signatures, Zoom Backgrounds and Stickers — Oh My!

The River Raider is coming to an email signature or Zoom room near you. Email Signatures GRCC employees may add the GRCC Raiders logo to their email signatures. Guidelines for where to incorporate it in your signature are located on the  Logos and Brand Standards web page . Zoom Backgrounds Three different Zoom backgrounds are available on the  Mascot webpage . Download your favorite to add more GRCC spirit to your meetings. Stickers Two River Raider sticker designs are available in the Print and Mail Solutions (formerly ePrint)  online store . Stickers come in packages of 50. Go Raiders!  

HR Notification: Updated Leave of Absence Process

Our Leave of Absence (LOA) process has been updated!  All  Leave of Absence requests will now be submitted through the Online Center. There are now two forms - one for employee-only leaves and one for travel with students. Both forms provide a clearer, more guided workflow to help you submit, track and manage leave requests from start to finish.  To submit a form, please navigate to the  Online Center > Employee Self Service > Employee Forms > Leave of Absence . As a reminder: Please submit requests at least two weeks in advance of the event, when possible. If you have already submitted an LOA via Perceptive Content, there is no need to submit a new form.  Instructional Documents can be found in the KnowledgeBase, HR Resource Center Submitting an Employee Leave of Absence Submitting an Employee Leave of Absence with Students Reviewing and Approving Leave of Absence Forms (Supervisors)

HR Notification: Remote Work Agreement Update and HR Drop-In Sessions Jan. 13 - Feb. 5

Two Updates to Remote Work Policy Remote work agreements completed last year remain valid; however, all employees who continue to have a regular or occasional remote work arrangement will be asked to complete a new Remote Work   Agreement using the updated process this Winter semester. This agreement will only need to be completed once and will no longer be required on an annual basis, unless the employee changes positions within the college.  I.T. has launched a Remote Work Agreement tile in the Online Center, which replaces the previous PDF version of the form. Instructions on how to complete the new agreement were sent to everyone in an email, and employees are encouraged to contact their HR Business Partner with any questions. In addition, a specific remote work schedule is no longer required to be documented within the agreement. Scheduling expectations should instead be discussed between the supervisor and employee and documented according to internal departmental procedures. Sessions Available As previously communicated, Human Resources will also be hosting drop-in sessions for faculty and staff who have questions about remote work or other HR-related topics.  Tuesday, January 13 8 a.m. to noon RJF 204 Wednesday, January 21 8 a.m. to noon ATC, hallway outside Foodology Wednesday, January 28 1 to 5 p.m. SCC 336 Thursday, February 5 1 to 5 p.m.  Zoom -  HR Drop-in session   We look forward to connecting with you and are happy to answer questions or provide clarification as needed.  

First Annual Staff and Faculty Pickleball Tournament Winners: Whitney Marsh and Mary Reed

The Employee Wellness Committee hosted our first annual Staff and Faculty Pickleball Tournament last Thursday and we had a great turnout. We had 7 pairings and played 2 hours of pickleball.  Congratulations to Whitney Marsh and Mary Reed for coming in 1st place. Deb Dewent and Diane Smith came in 2nd. Snacks and drinks were included. It was a great way to relieve some first week back stress and get some exercise in. Everyone had a blast.     

Hands-On Learning With Little Ones for Occupational Therapy Assistant Students

Jan. 12, 2026 Do you avoid certain foods because you don’t like the texture? Or do you avoid wearing certain fabrics because you don’t like how they feel?    If so, then you are experiencing examples of sensory integration issues. “Sensory integration” refers to the body’s capacity for interpreting, processing and responding to internal or external sensory signals, and then responding appropriately.  While it may be no big deal for adults to avoid foods or fabrics they dislike, sensory integration issues can present much bigger challenges for children.  “Children are learning to respond to a lot of tactile stimuli, and sometimes their little processors can’t handle the load,” said Dr. Robin Pegg, assistant professor and academic fieldwork coordinator for the  Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program. “This can make it difficult for them to learn. Their frustration or fear can also lead to inappropriate behaviors in the classroom, such as lashing out.”  Occupational therapy is a discipline that can help children overcome such challenges. At GRCC, OTA students are able to work directly with children through a partnership with the onsite  Early Childhood Learning Laboratory (ECLL).  “Julie Sizemore, an instructor with the ECLL, reached out to me two years ago because she recognized the impact that sensory integration struggles were having on child development,” said Pegg. “She suggested that we team up to give OTA students some incredible hands-on experience. At the same time, we would be helping the kids in the ECLL overcome their sensory integration challenges.”  Robin started by bringing students from her pediatrics class to the ECLL. They observe the classroom, identify the little ones who need some help, and then provide suggestions to help kids work through their sensory integration challenges. “We just completed a new sensory gym,” Pegg said. “It includes two swings, a crash pad, textured walls, tunnels and more. Our OTA students spend part of their pediatrics class here, trying out interventions with the preschoolers.” The peds class partnership worked so well that Julie and Robin expanded the relationship. Now OTA students also do some of their Level 1 field work at the ECLL. They go into classrooms, conduct screenings, and identify the children who need extra support for fine motor skills. Then they spend the rest of the rotation doing activities with the kids and documenting the results. Robin says the students love it, but it’s also transformative to the quality of their education.  “Practicing an activity with your peers is not like working with real kids,” Pegg said. “Kids don’t always cooperate! They say ‘no,’ or they run away, or they do an activity completely differently than it was designed. We put our students right into the messy situations where they have to problem solve and adapt on the fly. This adaptability is critical to their success. One of the biggest compliments I hear from our Level 2 field work partners is that GRCC students come in with more practical understanding and skills than some masters and OTD-level students.”   While the hands-on training benefits the OTA students, it’s also a great way to share knowledge with the ECLL teachers.  “OTA students receive a lot of training on developmental milestones,” Pegg said. “When they can identify developmental issues and then design interventions to help, they are teaching the teachers. This improves the overall quality of the ECLL program, too. We hear a lot about the number of children who are not ready to learn when they start school. The interventions we offer help ensure that our ECLL students have all the skills they need.”  Robin says that the OTA program at GRCC strives to be the gold standard. “We are always upping the ante to provide practical experience,” Pegg said. “When students from other programs visit us, they are amazed at what GRCC has to offer. This program is influencing the quality of OTAs in West Michigan.”   Learn more about the  Occupational Therapy Assistant program at GRCC.

MI-ACE Event at GRCC: Jan. 22

Bring Your Own Lunch and Learn with Jane Newton Shared Stories, Shared Strength Noon -1 p.m. RJF 375 Join the MI-ACE group at GRCC for an inspiring Bring Your Own Lunch and Learn with Jane Newton, MLRHR, SHRM‑SCP, vice president of People & Culture at Creative Dining Services.  She will lead a conversation on the topics of career growth, leadership, and the realities of navigating burnout and mental health as a woman in the workplace. Newton will share her personal journey from working her parents’ deli drive-thru to earning a seat at the executive table—reflecting on the intentional steps, bold decisions and pivotal challenges that shaped her leadership path. With honesty and heart, she will discuss the pressures of high‑visibility roles, her own experiences with burnout and the practices she uses to safeguard her mental health while leading with purpose. A passionate advocate for psychological safety and normalizing mental health conversations, Newton believes that every story shared opens the door for someone else to seek help. Her leadership centers on creating workplaces where people can thrive, feel valued and pursue their potential without sacrificing well‑being. Attendees will leave with practical insights on building a meaningful career, advancing as a woman in leadership, and sustaining both personal and professional resilience. Register via  TLDE or in the Online Center. About Our Speaker: Jane Newton, MLRHR, SHRM-SCP Jane Newton (she/her) leads the Creative Dining Services People and Culture team to deliver strategies aligned to the company’s mission and strategic vision to be the most trustworthy, flexible and attentive hospitality partner. Newton has a heart and mission to serve. She cultivates a work environment where each team member can thrive and be valued for their unique gifts. Her commitment enables Creative Dining to deliver welcoming and authentic hospitality, caring for and engaging every guest and every team member. She is a driving force to make career growth stories come true at Creative Dining and in the hospitality industry. Prior to joining Creative Dining, Newton held positions as HR manager for General Mills and senior human capital consultant for Amway. She has a bachelor's degree in human resource management, a master's degree in labor relations and human resources, and a certificate in Organizational Inclusion and Diversity, all from Michigan State University. She is also a Senior Certified Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management. Creative Dining Services, GRCC’s food service provider, is a trusted hospitality partner that provides sustainable, innovative and personalized dining programs for colleges and universities, Fortune 100 companies, senior living communities, conference centers, hotels, camps and independent K-12 schools spanning over 80 locations in 16 states. The company is headquartered in Zeeland, Michigan. To learn more, visit  creativedining.com . Newton’s Fast Facts Company: Creative Dining Services Position: Vice President of People & Culture Family: Stay-at-home husband, two daughters and a shih-tzu Community involvement: Michigan Hospitality Foundation Board of Trustees Chairperson, West Michigan Works! Explore Hospitality Talent Council Member, True North Community Services Board Member, Junior League of Grand Rapids Sustaining Member Award: 2021 Grand Rapids Business Journal's 40 Under 40 Business Leaders First Job: Working the drive-thru and serving the bulgogi daily special at her parent’s deli Biggest career break: Becoming the head of human resources for Creative Dining Services with a seat at the table Obsession: Food! “Gas station to Gourmet” Currently reading: Golden Son (Red Rising Saga #2) by Pierce Brown About MI-ACE MI-ACE is a statewide organization that is committed to improving the general climate and professional environment for women by identifying, developing, encouraging, advancing, linking and supporting (IDEALS) women in higher education careers throughout the state.  The GRCC MI-ACE group works to offer opportunities at GRCC that align with these goals.  All staff and faculty are welcome to participate. Questions?  Contact Julie Blaszak at julieblaszak@grcc.edu or Amy Lyn at amylyn@grcc.edu.      

Student Life Announcements for Winter Semester

GRCC Student Health Clinic As a reminder, the GRCC Student Health clinic is open for students to visit free of charge on Mondays and Thursdays in ATC 223.  Please share this information with your students! Students can also have health and wellness questions answered by calling Health Bar On Demand: Health Bar On Demand is an added service available 7a.m. to 9 p.m. everyday by calling (616) 200-6412. Involvement Day Involvement Day will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the third floor of the SCC. This is primarily for student orgs, but campus programs offering student activities may also participate, but space is limited. Please contact assistant director of Student Life, Jacob Isaacson for more details at jacobisaacsin@grcc.edu.
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