Aug. 27, 2026 Grand Rapids Community College is mourning the loss of Aleicia Woodrick, a longtime community advocate and philanthropist whose commitment to women, education and creating opportunities for others helped shape work that continues at GRCC today. Woodrick and her late husband, Bob, were longtime supporters of GRCC and champions of efforts to build a more inclusive West Michigan. Their generosity and advocacy are reflected in the Woodrick Center for Inclusion and Multicultural Affairs , which carries their name and continues their commitment to creating a community where people have opportunities to learn from one another, challenge inequities and thrive. “Aleicia Woodrick believed deeply in the power of education to open doors and in our responsibility to make sure those doors are open to everyone,” GRCC President Dr. Kathryn A. Rogalski said. “She cared deeply about women and girls and about creating opportunities for people who too often faced barriers. Her name is part of GRCC, but more importantly, her values are woven into the work that happens here every day. We are grateful for Aleicia’s generosity, her advocacy and the lasting difference she made for our students and our community.” A graduate of Grand Rapids South High School, Woodrick also attended what was then Grand Rapids Junior College, an experience she recalled fondly when the Bob and Aleicia Woodrick Diversity Learning Center was dedicated in 2006. “Having attended Grand Rapids JC a number of years ago … I have always held a special place in my heart for community college,” she said at the dedication. “And to think that I am again able to be a part of this fine institution truly pleases me.” Woodrick devoted much of her community work to improving the lives of women and girls. She was among the group of women who founded the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum and was active with organizations including Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women and the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Her community involvement extended across West Michigan. Over the years, the Woodricks supported and worked with organizations including Heart of West Michigan United Way, the Student Advancement Foundation, Fair Housing Center, Inner City Christian Federation, Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Butterworth Hospital, Habitat for Humanity and Special Olympics. At GRCC, Aleicia and Bob Woodrick made one of their most significant investments in work focused on inclusion, understanding and opportunity. During GRCC's Open Door Campaign, the couple pledged to expand the college's Diversity Learning Center. In recognition of their gift and their longstanding advocacy, GRCC renamed the center the Bob and Aleicia Woodrick Diversity Learning Center in 2006. Their support allowed the college to expand the center's work with students and the community, including programming focused on racism, inclusion and women's issues. The center later became the Bob and Aleicia Woodrick Center for Equity and Inclusion and today is the Woodrick Center for Inclusion and Multicultural Affairs. For Aleicia Woodrick, the work was personal. Speaking at the center's 2006 dedication, she described her passion as promoting the well-being of women and girls so they could “be safe and become self-sufficient.” She challenged the community not to accept persistent disparities in poverty, wages, violence and discrimination.   “Until women are not disproportionately affected by violence, poverty and discrimination, they deserve and need resources and programs to improve their quality of life,” she said. She concluded by looking toward what she hoped the newly expanded center could accomplish for generations to come. “Let the doors of the Woodrick Diversity Learning Center swing open and give women an equal playing field, so that they are able to lead rewarding and productive lives.” Nearly 20 years later, those doors remain open. The Woodrick Center continues to serve GRCC students and the broader community through programs, education, engagement and opportunities designed to foster belonging and understanding. Aleicia Woodrick's legacy also lives on through the many community organizations she helped strengthen and the people whose opportunities were expanded because she chose to advocate, invest and act. GRCC extends its condolences to the Woodrick family and to the many people throughout West Michigan whose lives were touched by Aleicia's leadership and generosity.

Aug. 26, 2026 A former lead veterinary technician and single mother of three, Patricia Harder, known affectionately as Trish to her students, has worn many hats in her life. In fact, picking up a welding hat was just a matter of chance. ​ “I know a welder, and I wasn’t sure exactly what he did. He was welding in his garage one day, and I thought it seemed cool. He asked me, ‘You want to try?’ I love to learn anything I can, so I did,” said Harder. Impressed by her natural talent for welding, Harder’s friend encouraged her to pursue the trade by taking classes at GRCC. After graduating, Harder was invited to help teach alongside welding professor Nick Pinckney in the Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) , which allows individuals to participate in career and technical education programs for little to no cost. “I didn’t know how to read a tape measure or use most of the tools when I started,” said Harder. “Now, I get to help other people learn the same skills that changed my life.” "I Can Do It, Too" As an instructor, Harder finds that the most rewarding part of her job is connecting with students from diverse backgrounds and experience levels. “I listen to their stories and their frustrations. They look at Nick and think, ‘of course you’re gonna do great, you’ve been welding forever, ’” Harder continues. “So then when I come in, and they hear my story, they realize, ‘wow, I can do it too’”. Harder credits Nick Pinckney and other GRCC instructors for creating a healthy and supportive learning environment that has helped her excel as both a student and instructor. “The instructors here genuinely care. Nick and the other instructors always took the time to answer questions, encourage me and help me grow,” said Harder. Now as an instructor, Harder continues those efforts because of the impact she sees in her students. “Watching someone earn a certificate and realize they’re capable of more than they thought is incredible,” she said. “This program changes lives, and I’m grateful to be part of it.” Register for Metallica Scholars Welding Bootcamp by Oct. 1 GRCC has once again been invited to participate in the Metallica Scholars Initiative, the same program that changed Trish Harder's life. The 14-week welding bootcamp teaches essential skills and helps students prepare for apprenticeships and job opportunities in West Michigan. The program is open to all experience levels. It's perfect for anyone who wants to learn a new skill and get hands-on welding experience. Students pay only $50 for the program. The rest is covered by a grant from Metallica's foundation All Within My Hands. Contact Lannie Collard at lcollard@grcc.edu by Oct. 1 to register. Classes start Oct. 15.