Welcome to Grand Rapids Community College!
You have made a big step toward your goal of higher education by coming to this college and putting the resources of Grand Rapids Community College behind you. We look forward to showing you how GRCC works.
It is an exciting time to be at GRCC. We are entering our 98th year of serving the educational and workforce readiness needs of the community. We are continuing the tradition of excellence so many have worked so diligently- and with unparalleled passion - to establish in the Greater Grand Rapids community.
Ours is a tradition based on offering accessible, affordable, education and holding the door open to all who know that education is the key to our success, both as individuals and as a community. Our mission here is simple - we are here to teach you in a way that when you leave GRCC, you have the knowledge and skills to be an outstanding candidate for an employer or for another educational institution. That is what we do.
But we don't stop there. We prepare our students to take roles that strengthen our community when they leave here, but also to be ready to step onto the world stage because the interface between local and global is fast disappearing.
Grand Rapids is part of our name, but so is “community,” and the community we serve deserves - and should demand - the best from their community college. And while we all recognize our local city, town and county boundaries, those distinctions are being melded into the West Michigan community. We are evolving - and it's a good evolution and change. One college, many communities - that’s how we work.
To that end, we now have a campus on the lakeshore, as well as satellite sites in Grandville, Rockford, Grandville, Lowell and Byron Center. This year we will serve approximately 32,000 and for each of those individuals that finds a place in our state’s educated workforce, prosperity moves closer to our grasp.
Community colleges have a distinct role among our country’s educational institutions. We need to be an integral part of the lives of the people we serve. You are taking a step into the future, but for the moment you are also in college. You could take a little time to join a group or student activity. Become an active fan at GRCC’s nationally ranked athletic events, treat yourself to some award-winning cuisine at one of our student-run restaurants, or volunteer in your community through one of our many service learning initiatives. It's all a part of the GRCC experience.
Again, welcome to GRCC, the college that has been consistent in change for almost 100 years. I’ve been here just a few of those years, but I can tell you this with confidence: GRCC Works. If there is anything I can do to help you, please let me know. I look forward to seeing you on campus and in our community.
Sincerely,
Steven C. Ender, Ed.D.
President, Grand Rapids Community College
