Karl Jovinge, Breianna Bertossi, Alannah Elliott, Benjamin Craig, Anthoni Phonxana, Breana Gallarzo, Joseph Day and Nick Lopez are participating in the seven-week program. They will be paired with faculty members whom they will assist with research that ranges from engineering to human resources.
They will also experience life at a four-year institution by living on campus and attending a seminar course. For most students, this opportunity would be impossible without the financial support they receive. Michigan Tech gives each student a $2,500 stipend that allows them focus on their learning and clarifying what their academic goals will be moving forward.
The TRIO students will present their research to fellow classmates, faculty and staff on June 22 at Michigan Tech.
To learn more about this partnership program, contact TRIO/Student Support Services at (616) 234-4150.
Students in TRIO recently collected and shipped six boxes of supplies to help students at the Universidad del Turabo in Puerto Rico. On TRIO student is visiting Puerto Rico right now and will meet with the director of the university’s Student Support Services program.
You can help students in Puerto Rico! TRIO will collect supplies during TRIO-palooza, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 13 in room 122 of the ATC. You can learn about GRCC’s TRIO program and do some good!
You can also drop off supplies at the TRIO offices, room 332 in the Student Center, by March 14. Contact Anna Maria Clark at aclark@grcc.edu if you have any questions!
Help students at the Universidad del Turabo by donating:
Students who participated in the summer MICUP program at Michigan Technological University, the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program at the University of Michigan, and the Study Away trip to Salamanca, Spain, will exhibit their research from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. October 25 in the Raider Grille.
Learn about their work and the amazing opportunities that might be there for you! Everyone is welcome, and snacks will be provided.
TRIO/Student Support Services will host TRIOpalooza from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. October 9 in the Student Center’s multipurpose room.
What’s TRIOpalooza? It’s an event for TRIO participants to register for their Winter 2018 classes, meet with their counselor and hang out, play games and have some snack. But it’s also open to students who want to learn more about TRIO — just stop by!
As part of a week of activities leading up to his September 29 investiture, President Bill Pink will welcome GRCC alumni who are participating in a panel discussion.
“Today and Tomorrow: The GRCC Alumni Journey — This Is How We Did It” is open to students and runs 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. September 26 in room 103 of Sneden Hall.
Tatum Kovach, director of external affairs for Student Alliance, will moderate the discussion.
Panel members are:
Tony Helmholdt, automotive technician for Tesla Motors.
Tony Helmholdt
Helmholdt, a Forest Hills Central High School graduate, received an associate degree in automotive technology in 2008 while working part-time as an auto technician at Fox Ford Mazda. In 2009, he took a job rebuilding transmissions at O’Neill’s Transmission Service.
When he wasn’t working on motors on the job, he spent his time … working on motors. In 2007, he converted the family lawnmower to operate on compressed hydrogen gas. In 2008, he converted a motorcycle to operate on full battery electric power. He’s been building — and racing — electric motorcycles for a decade.
In 2010, he joined electric car maker Tesla Motors, working out of Chicago and San Jose, Calif., servicing its fleet of vehicles nationwide.
“Skills I learned at GRCC — combined with some passion — led to my success story, as it opened the eyes of prospective Tesla recruiters,” he said. “GRCC’s fantastic facilities, staff, and training have made a significant difference in my life, and I hope it continues to do so for others who enjoy the program as much as I did.”
Hilda Martinez-Gutierrez
Hilda Martinez-Gutierrez, coordinator of GRCC’s suicide prevention program.
After graduating from GRCC, Martinez-Gutierrez went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in family studies and a master’s degree in counselor education-family counseling, both from Western Michigan University.
Martinez-Gutierrez, who served an internship with GRCC’s TRIO program, is the coordinator of the college’s campus suicide prevention program. The program, funded by a three-year grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, includes activities on both the Main and Lakeshore campuses, training, and crisis response planning.
“GRCC means opportunity to access continuing education at a higher level — exposure to discover the difference within people around me and the world,” she said. “It has provided the space for me to experience my journey, my story which has enhanced my love for working in higher education, most specifically with the college student population.”
Denavvia Mojét
Denavvia Mojét, political consultant and community organizer.
Mojét pursues her passion for educating and empowering vulnerable populations, bolstering civic engagement, and striving for workforce diversity.
Her first efforts were in Benton Harbor, where she observed first-hand the effects of underfunded municipalities, education inequality and the overreaching Emergency Management laws. She received the Key to the City of Benton Harbor for her efforts.
She managed the successful 2016 state House campaign for the 75th District. She hosts the weekly radio segment, “Political Pulse” on Grand Rapids’ 97.3. She recently co-founded Equity PAC, a political action committee that advocates for low-income populations and works to eliminate socioeconomic disparities.
“GRCC gave me groundbreaking experiences, life-changing lessons and a dynamic network that empowered me to succeed in my career and impact my community,” she said. “I’m a better mother, teacher, student and professional because of my time at GRCC and I am proud to be an alumna.”
Sammy Puebles
Sammy A. Publes, performer and founder of the Mixed Roots Collective and One World Diversity LLC.
Publes emigrated from Cuba with his family as a political refugee in 1988. He received an Associate in Liberal Arts from GRCC and a Bachelor of Arts, with a concentration in theater and Spanish, from Western Michigan University.
“I was an immigrant child who didn’t know the first thing about college and how to navigate those waters,” he said. “Thanks to my professors and lifelong mentors like Fred Sebulske, Tom Kaechele and Michelle Urbane from the Theater Department, I was able to prepare myself, discover my passion and eventually pursue my dream of being an actor.”
While living in Chicago, he performed with the Steppenwolf Theater Company, Healthworks Theater, Teatro Vista, Apple Tree Theater, Second City and Lookingglass Theater. He has appeared in the films “Batman Vs. Superman” and “Stone” and on the TV shows “Chicago Fire,” Chicago PD,” “Shameless” and “Empire.”
He has started his own theater company, Mixed Roots Collective, to address inequality of representation in local theater and film. Along with Urbane and Todd Lewis, he has formed One World Diversity in an attempt to address issues of disparity and inclusion and equality in society.
![Eligibility: All degree-seeking students with a 2.0 cumulative GPA, and no money owed to the institution. Date: June 29-July 15, 2018 (17 days). Course: HU 219 Global Studies through International Travel (three credits). Housing: Program participants will be housed with host families. Excursions and Highlights: Two-week Spanish language classes at student proficiency level. Host family stay. Daily afternoon excursions. Guided visit to Segovia and Avila. Excursion to Aveiro Beach (Portugal) – weather permitting. 800-year celebration of the University of Salamanca. Service learning project with Puente Ladrillo. Ruta de Tapas (exploring Tapas’ restaurants). Castanet lesson. 4th of July celebration—Spanish style. City tour of Madrid. Contact: Department of Experiential Learning, Main Building, Level G2, Room 59. traceylacy@grcc.edu. (616) 234-4162 grcc.edu/studyaway. Costs* Program fee (paid to GRCC): $3,850. What is included: Round trip airfare. Accommodations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner while in country. Field trips, excursions and entrance fees. Criminal background check. Travel insurance. Deposit – Due upon acceptance into program: $500. Tuition [plus fees (in-district) paid to GRCC]: $339. What is included: Three (3) credits (based on residential rate) and fees. Potential Additional Expenses: Items listed below may or may not apply to all participants: Passport. Personal expenses. Additional meals beyond what is offered. Travel provider phone (in country use only). How to pay for study abroad? Students are encouraged to pursue financial aid, scholarships and grants to fund Study Abroad. In addition, they may consider personal funds and alternative loans to fund Study Abroad. For more information on funding, visit grcc.edu/studyaway. Contact program directors for more information: Carmela Zapata, Department of Language and Thought, czapata@grcc.edu (616) 234-4666. Anna Maria Clark, TRIO/Student Support Services, aclark@grcc.edu, (616)234-4131. Applications are taken on a first come first serve basis. Apply through February 1, 2018 at grcc.edu/studyaway. *All program information, including courses, duration of program, dates and other logistics are subject to change. Fee subject to adjustment based on actual exchange rates and international airfare. Programs may be canceled due to extenuating circumstances. GRCC Grand Rapids Community College. All participants are welcome. Those in need of accommodations, please contact the Department of Experiential Learning at (616) 234-4162. GRCC is an Equal Opportunity Institution. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.](https://grccraiderbuzz.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/80992-study-away-flyer-spain2.jpg?w=474)
