Roots of Resistance: Women Activists during the Progressive Era in Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Grassroots reminds us that everyday people shape history. This presentation turns our attention to women activists in Grand Rapids during the Progressive Era, a time of intense social change and the founding of GRCC. By examining women’s clubs and community organizing, this program will highlight women, especially Black women who used collective action to address education, housing, health and civil rights. Their work represents an early chapter in Grand Rapids’ long grassroots tradition. Date: Thursday, Feb. 26 Time: 12:30-2 p.m. Location: ATC Auditorium (Room 168) Hosted by: Campus Common Reading Committee Sponsors and Partners: Library and Learning Commons, Social Science Department, LSA Transfer Bridges University of Michigan Program, Woodrick Center of Inclusion and Multicultural Affairs Presenter: Sophia Ward Brewer Open to the public and admission is free. About the Campus Common Reading Initiative  The 2026-2027 Campus Common Reading Initiative is a three-phase exploration of history and democracy that intentionally connects the 175th anniversary of Grand Rapids, the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 112th anniversary of Grand Rapids Community College. The project begins with local grassroots movements in Grand Rapids, expands to examine the city’s contributions to American history and concludes by reflecting on GRCC’s role in shaping the lives of people locally and nationally. Grand Rapids Grassroots: An Anthology  is available for free to GRCC students and staff. Pick up your copy in the Library (RJF 5th Floor) or in the office at the Lakeshore campus. The book is also available to read online:  Grand Rapids Grassroots: An Anthology   Contact Sophia Brewer (616) 234 3867 or Dr. Dillon Carr (616) 234-4284 with any questions.

GRCC will conduct a test of the Emergency Phone Alert System (EPAS) on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at noon. A previously scheduled test did not broadcast as expected due to a configuration error. That issue has been resolved, and this message is to confirm the rescheduled test. During the test, a brief message will be sent through the GRCC phone system. Desk and classroom phones will function as a public address system and play an audible announcement across campus. In the event of an actual emergency, this system would be used to share important information and instructions. The test message will last no more than a minute, and we apologize in advance for any disruption this may cause. Thank you for your cooperation and for helping keep our campus safe and prepared.    

  Amy Brannon, support professional for Imaging Sciences, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Dental Auxiliary and CVT Programs, was nominated by Lisa Radak dean of Health Sciences, for February’s Academic and Student Affairs Council’s Above and Beyond Award. Lisa states, “I am honored to nominate Amy Brannon for the Above and Beyond Award. Amy is the ‘total team player.’ Though she serves as the administrative support professional for Health Programs, she proactively seeks opportunities to strengthen the School of Health Sciences (SHS) and GRCC as a whole. Amy’s background as a former Admissions coordinator is an invaluable asset. She leverages her deep understanding of the student lifecycle to support faculty and staff in initiatives that directly impact student success. By generously sharing her institutional knowledge, she ensures her colleagues are supported and never working in isolation. Amy doesn’t just explain processes; she builds them. She creates durable resources and guides that streamline workflows for the entire team. What truly sets Amy apart is her ‘yes’ mentality. She consistently volunteers for outreach events outside her typical scope, such as career fairs, open houses, and campus tours, and serves as a dedicated SHS representative on college-wide committees. In these roles, she ensures the voice of Health Programs is heard and integrated into broader campus decisions. Amy is a true ambassador for GRCC. Whether she is arriving early to host an information station, staying late or coming in for a weekend event, or developing new resources for a colleague, her commitment is unmatched. She embodies the spirit of the Above and Beyond award every single day.” Congratulations Amy!

Alumni Musician: Kelly Keys Thursday, Feb. 19 SCC 234 Multi-Purpose Room Entire event: 11a.m.- 5 p.m. Session 1:  11 a.m.-2 p.m. Light Refreshments  Session 2:   2-5 p.m. (Jazz Music 2-4 .pm.)  Students, staff and community members are invited to engage with the power of visual expression as a reflection of Black history, culture and creativity. This daylong showcase will feature artwork from GRCC students and local artists, highlighting diverse narratives, perspectives and artistic mediums that honor the legacy and lived experiences of Black communities. Guests are welcome to stop in throughout the day to explore the exhibit, connect with artists, and enjoy a welcoming atmosphere. Light refreshments will be available during the early session, followed by live jazz music in the afternoon to complement the visual art experience. This event creates space for reflection, dialogue and celebration through art as a vital form of storytelling and cultural expression. Hosted by the Woodrick Center for Inclusion and Multicultural Affairs in collaboration with campus and community partners, this exhibition affirms the role of the arts in honoring Black history and fostering belonging on campus.

  Raising Voices - Cultivating Care Wednesday, Feb. 25 4:30 -6:30 p.m.  Sneden 108 Free food and refreshments at 4:30 p.m. Program starts at 5 p.m.  RSVP through our Raising Voices - Cultivating Care II form. Raising Voices - Cultivating Care , is influenced by the legacy of Pauli Murray, a Black lawyer, activist, and poet whose legacy remains largely unrecognized. Murray's contributions had a profound impact on American history - namely in civil rights and women's rights; and through her story, participants will learn the transformative power of writing and spoken-word poetry.  During this free workshop, participants will explore themes of identity, justice and resistance. Participants will be guided to create their own original spoken word pieces rooted in personal voice and social change honoring Murray’s vision while speaking boldly from their own lives. Share your voice!  All are welcome - no experience needed! Join us for food and socializing, followed by the program. GRCC Woodrick Center for Inclusion and Multicultural Affairs.

There will be an open house honoring Dr. Triezenberg on March 30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Secchia Piazza.  As his final day as interim president approaches on March 31, we want to ensure everyone has a chance to stop by and share their appreciation.  Stay tuned for more details!    

It is with sadness that we share the news of the passing of retiree Michael “Mike” Arthur Gillan, on January 29, 2026. Mike taught for many years at GRCC and retired in 2015. He will be remembered not only for his many years as a dedicated professor in the Music department, but also for the warmth, humor and down-to-earth spirit he brought to those around him. Colleagues fondly recall his easygoing nature and his trademark cowboy hats, often worn to band rehearsals.  Those wishing to honor his memory may consider a contribution to the GRCC Foundation  Grand River Wind Scholarship in his memory. For more information, read Mike's obituary . Please join us in extending our thoughts and condolences to Mike’s family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. He will be greatly missed.  You can also watch one of his past presentations at the GRCC EdX Faculty Learning Day: Michael Gillan .  

The 2026-2027 Campus Common Reading Initiative is a three-phase exploration of history and democracy that intentionally connects the 175th anniversary of Grand Rapids, the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 112th anniversary of Grand Rapids Community College. The project begins with local grassroots movements in Grand Rapids, expands to examine the city’s contributions to American history and concludes by reflecting on GRCC’s role in shaping the lives of people locally and nationally. Phase One: Local Movements, Local Voices (February–April 2026) Phase One of the Campus Common Reading Initiative invites our campus and community to explore the deep roots of activism, organizing and civic engagement in Grand Rapids through this year’s common reading of, "Grand Rapids Grassroots: An Anthology." This opening phase centers the stories of everyday people whose collective actions shaped education, labor, civil rights, gender equity and community life in the city.   Through a series of public programs, Phase One highlights women activists during the Progressive Era, anthropological perspectives on grassroots democracy, the history of LGBTQIA+ activism in Grand Rapids and a culminating conversation with the book’s editors. Together, these events encourage participants to see local history not as distant or abstract, but as a living foundation for understanding power, resistance and community change today. Get the Book "Grand Rapids Grassroots: An Anthology" is available for free to GRCC students and staff.  Pick up your copy in the Library (RJF 5th Floor) or in the office at the Lakeshore campus. The book is also available to read online:  Grand Rapids Grassroots: An Anthology   More information on Phase One programming to follow. Looking Ahead Phase Two (Spring–Summer 2026) will expand outward, examining how Grand Rapids and its residents have contributed to regional and national movements, connecting local stories to broader American history. Phase Three (Fall 2026–Winter 2027) will turn inward to reflect on Grand Rapids Community College itself — exploring GRCC’s history, legacy, and role in shaping opportunity, access, and democracy as the college approaches its next milestone anniversary. Contact Sophia Brewer (616) 234-3867 or Dr. Dillon Carr (616) 234-4284 with any questions.