Katy Waltz, an assistant professor of baking and pastry at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), is making waves in the culinary world. Recently honored as the Pastry Chef of the Year at the West Michigan Food and Beverage Awards, Waltz’s journey is a perfect blend of passion, hard work and dedication to the art of pastry and the craft of teaching.  “I started off really young with science fair projects way back in elementary school just trying to figure out how baking works,” she said. “My mom always baked a ton of cookies, so I probably got some of that from her.” Waltz earned a bachelor's degree from Purdue University, followed by a Certificate in Culinary Arts from College of Coastal Georgia. Her passion took her all over the United States from Alaska to Georgia, Oregon and finally Michigan. “At Purdue, I met a chef who encouraged me to learn the back-of-house side of things. That led me to do an internship in Alaska at a bakery,” she said. “After graduating, I completed a three-year apprenticeship at a five-star, five-diamond restaurant in Georgia.” After years of honing her skills in high-end restaurants, Waltz returned to Grand Rapids in 2014 where she would later embrace a new challenge — teaching. She joined GRCC as an assistant professor in the Baking and Pastry program in 2024, which allowed her to blend her expertise with her desire to inspire the next generation of pastry chefs.  “Once I came back to Grand Rapids, I started working at Brewery Vivant. I was there for six years and I had the freedom to create a pastry program from the ground up,” she said. “It was there that I realized my true passion was for teaching. I wanted to help people grow their skills. Then I spent the next three years at the Grove which only further solidified it for me.”  Last month, Waltz was thrilled to be nominated for the West Michigan Food and Beverage Awards’ Pastry Chef of the Year, alongside fellow GRCC faculty Chef Waller and Doug Oor. “It was an honor just to be nominated,” she said. “But when I found out I won, it was overwhelming. It felt like all the hard work I’ve put in over the years was finally being recognized.” Waltz is proud of the impact she’s made on Grand Rapids’ pastry scene and plans to continue her journey of growth and sharing knowledge. “Winning the award was a huge moment for me, but now I’m looking forward to gaining more experiences that I can bring back to my students. I want to travel, attend conferences and learn from others to develop more engaging classes here at GRCC,” she said.  It took Waltz twenty years to become the pastry chef she is today. Her advice to aspiring pastry chefs? “Take it slow and learn as much as you can,” Waltz says. “Everyone is so eager to start their own business or to become head pastry chef right away, but it’s important to learn as much as you can along the way. If you take your time to build your skills, you’ll be more prepared for those leadership roles in the future,” she said. Waltz’s recognition as Pastry Chef of the Year serves as a testament to the rewards of hard work and dedication. As she continues to teach and grow, she remains dedicated to shaping the next generation of pastry professionals at GRCC and beyond. Story reported by Jada Reahm

Since graduating from Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) in 2022, Emma Seeber has quickly made her mark in the field of medical imaging. After completing a prestigious post-graduate program at the Johns Hopkins Hospital Schools of Medical Imaging — alongside two of her Radiologic Technology classmates from GRCC — she was offered a position as a Computed Tomography (CT) Scan Technologist at Johns Hopkins. She’s been thriving in this role ever since. Recently, Seeber was even chosen to be featured in promotional materials for the very same post-graduate program. The opportunity came about unexpectedly. “I was helping a coworker train an X-ray student in CT at the cancer center, and they asked if I’d want to be part of it,” Seeber explained. “I said yes because I’m happy to help in any way I can.” While this moment is certainly a highlight, it represents just a small part of her already dynamic career — one that was built on a solid foundation provided by GRCC’s Radiologic Technology program. At GRCC, students like Seeber receive the education and hands-on training necessary to earn certification as a Registered Radiographer in Radiography. In addition, the program offers exposure to other imaging modalities, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and CT, allowing students to explore potential future certifications. These learning opportunities ensure graduates are well-equipped to succeed in the ever-evolving healthcare field.  Heather Klare, an assistant professor and clinical coordinator in the Radiologic Technology program, observed early on that Seeber had the drive and determination to excel. “Emma advocated for her education and the education of her peers, and she understood that she had to take advantage of every moment in class, lab or clinical to learn the craft of Radiography,” said Klare.  When the opportunity to apply for the highly competitive Johns Hopkins post-graduate program arose — an internship that was not only paid (a rarity in the imaging field)  but also guaranteed employment at one of the world’s leading medical facilities — Seeber didn’t hesitate. She uprooted her life and moved cross-country to Baltimore, though the transition wasn’t without its challenges. “The program was very rigorous and fast-paced, and it was a big adjustment, moving and getting used to a new area,” Seeber admitted. “But it was absolutely worth it. I found a career I love and am deeply passionate about.” Now, working both in the ER during the week and in inpatient care on the weekends, Seeber sees a diverse range of patients every day. “It’s been such a fulfilling experience,” she said with a smile. “It was the best decision I ever made.” Klare is equally thrilled with Seeber’s success. “I could not be prouder of her and all of her accomplishments — personal and professional. I am honored that I got to be a part of her journey,” she said. “Emma is an exceptional student and an exceptional person.” Looking ahead, Seeber has no plans of leaving Johns Hopkins anytime soon. “The environment here is so welcoming, the hospital and my coworkers are so great. I really like it here, and I plan to stay,” she shared. She credits GRCC for helping pave the way for her bright future. “I think GRCC’s program was great and I highly recommend it,” Seeber said. For her, it’s clear the right education, combined with a willingness to seize opportunities, can lead to a rewarding career in healthcare. This story reported by Alissa Griffin.