May 26, 2026 Each year, Grand Rapids Community College celebrates two outstanding alumni with the Distinguished Alumni and Young Alumni awards. This year’s honorees are exceptional individuals who have excelled in their careers and demonstrated profound care for their communities. 2026 Distinguished Alumni: Dr. Orzie Henderson The Distinguished Alumni award is the highest honor bestowed upon a former GRCC or GRJC student. Recipients are recognized for career achievements, public service and dedication to their communities. Dr. Orzie Henderson is a highly respected physician and graduate of Grand Rapids Junior College (now Grand Rapids Community College). He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School. Following medical school, Dr. Henderson completed his internship at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids and a residency in Emergency Medicine at Detroit Receiving Hospital through Wayne State University. He practiced medicine for over fifty years, first in general practice and then in emergency medicine. His research on cerebral resuscitation was published in The Annals of Emergency Medicine, contributing to advancements in emergency medicine. Dr. Henderson has combined his medical career with a deep commitment to service. He volunteered for 16 years at Hope Clinic in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and traveled to Nicaragua five times with Hope Clinic International to provide care for children. Fluent in Spanish, he uses his language skills to connect with patients and communities both locally and abroad. Dr. Henderson credits GRCC as a pivotal part of his journey. In recognition of his family's legacy, he established a scholarship at GRCC in honor of his mother, Josephine Henderson, to support students from the inner city. Dr. Henderson’s story reflects not only his medical accomplishments, but also his deep humanity and belief in the transformative power of education, kindness and perseverance.    2026 Young Alumni: Levi Knoll The Young Alumni award recognizes graduates under 40 for their remarkable accomplishments in their professions, civic engagement and service to GRCC and the community. Levi Knoll is a proud 2014 graduate of GRCC’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education. In 2021, Knoll established Archival Brewing in Belmont, MI, which he operates with his wife, Callee. Archival Brewing has quickly gained recognition, earning a silver medal at the 2025 World Beer Cup, a Gold and a Silver Best of Show at the 2025 Honey Beer Competition, and three consecutive nominations for Best Brewery at the West Michigan Food and Beverage Awards. Knoll’s leadership extends beyond the brewery. He currently serves on the board of the Beer City Brewers Guild and has partnered with Rockford Sustainability, earning Archival a Gold-level Certification for sustainable practices across all areas of the brewery. He has also built strong connections with local farms, malt suppliers and hop growers, ensuring Archival’s success directly supports West Michigan businesses. Knoll remains closely connected to GRCC by collaborating with current and former faculty, staff and students to provide educational and networking opportunities in brewing, culinary arts and hospitality. Knoll has also supported student success by hiring interns and full-time employees from both the Brewing program and the Secchia Institute. Knoll’s accomplishments reflect both his dedication to his craft and his commitment to giving back to the community that has supported his journey.      Nominate a GRCC Alumni Nominations for these two prestigious awards are accepted all year long. The winners are announced in January and celebrated at the college’s commencement ceremony in April. Learn more about the awards and nominate an alumni using the Alumni Awards Nomination form available on the GRCC website.

May 22, 2026 Returning for fall 2026, Grand Rapids Community College’s Water to Work program offers a rewarding and support-centered approach to workforce development. At its helm, program manager Haley Kozal is excited for another year of growth and opportunity for Water to Work and its students. “Students are completing paid on-the-job training while also completing coursework through Bay College and GRCC,” Kozal states. “Additionally, this program is 100% free, meaning there are no out-of-pocket costs for tuition, textbooks or miscellaneous fees. This allows students to make a living while training toward a new career.” Learning Alongside Industry Professionals Over the past few years, Water to Work continues to evolve to best serve participants. With the help of municipal partners, the program is significantly developing its mentorship component, connecting students with not only industry professionals but also retired professionals with decades of knowledge to share. As a vast number of retirements occur in water infrastructure nationally, mentors help prepare the next generation to fill these roles across West Michigan and beyond.   Welcoming New Municipal Partners This year, the program is expanding with the addition of new municipal partners, including the Holland Board of Public Works, the City of Wyoming and Plainfield Charter Township. These partnerships provide students with even more opportunities to gain valuable experience while working in critical roles serving the community. The program boasts a job placement rate of 100%, signaling a promising return on investment for both participants and local communities alike. Originally started by GRCC through a partnership with the City of Grand Rapids, Bay College and nonprofit partners, Kozal gives credit to municipal partners for the program’s success. “Our municipal partners are the key to this program’s success,” Kozal says. “Their commitment to training and mentoring students creates opportunities that truly change lives.” To learn more about the Water to Work internship program, Kozal encourages families to attend Water Pool-ooza on May 30 and June 13. These family-friendly events give you the opportunity to learn more about the program with GRCC staff, Bay College faculty and City of Grand Rapids employees. Attendees can also learn more about the upcoming Water Career Camp for students in grades 6-9.

May 20, 2026 Every so often, a student’s journey reminds us why institutions like GRCC exist. Maurice Baker is one of those students. His story reflects the life-changing power of education, the determination of adult learners and the ripple effect one individual can have across an entire community. “Maurice stands out because showing up doesn’t mean just taking a course or doing the minimum,” said assistant professor and academic advisor, Kristie Kozub. “He shows up with an eagerness to learn, being brave to admit the challenges college brings and bold enough to take the steps that have made it possible to graduate with an associate of arts degree with a concentration in business.” Kozub first met Baker in 2021 during a remote summer Express Advising event. Like many adult learners returning to college, he arrived anxious, excited and full of questions. After learning about Michigan Reconnect, Baker saw an opportunity to pursue higher education later in life — after raising a family and building a successful career in banking. From that first conversation, it was clear that this opportunity meant a great deal to him.  Growing Academically and Professionally  What began as a single advising appointment developed into nearly five years of a meaningful student–advisor relationship. During that time, Baker excelled academically while discovering a strong passion for business, as well as history and English. “As his confidence grew in the classroom, it also became evident in his professional life,” said Kozub. “Over the years, he has earned multiple promotions at work and now leads outreach initiatives that extend beyond a home office and throughout the West Michigan community. “ One memorable moment occurred when Kozub walked into the office one summer and saw Baker — not in person, but on a poster promoting GRCC’s business programs, proudly wearing his backpack. Later that summer, she received a call from a colleague who excitedly reported spotting Baker featured on a GR public bus.   “Interestingly, it was not until nearly a year later that Maurice and I met in person for the first time,” said Kozub. “That meeting was unexpectedly emotional for both of us, marking the culmination of a relationship that had developed virtually through encouragement, persistence and shared commitment to his educational goals.”  Creating A Positive Community Impact Over the years, Baker has proven himself not only to be a dedicated student but also a remarkable leader in the community. He is deeply involved in local organizations, currently serving on the executive board of the NAACP, and was recently elected president of the West Grand neighborhood organization, the largest of its kind in Kent County.     “My efforts and accomplishments weren’t just for me,” said Baker. “They are for everyone who’s working toward a dream. To those of us raising children and grandchildren, balancing marriage, car payments, mortgages and responsibilities of everyday life — I want you to know you can reach your goals.” Maurice Baker embodies the spirit of what GRCC strives to achieve for our students — growth, leadership, and transformation through education. His journey reflects the profound impact that opportunity, determination, and support can have on a student’s life. “I am proud of the work each professor, staff, tutor, and advisor has put into our student’s learning and experience,” said Kozub. “I am proud of Maurice and those like him who have dedicated time, energy and paused other life aspects to pursue education. His story is a powerful example of the life-changing work we do at GRCC and the difference education can make not only for individuals, but for the communities they serve.”