GRCC student finds new friends, opportunities in Honors Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Leah Nixon

Director of Communications

616-234-4213

lnixon@grcc.edu

April 27, 2015 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. —A Grand Rapids Community College student found friends and unique academic opportunities through the Honors Program.

Northview High School graduate Kaylee Hanson decided that completing her general education requirements at GRCC would be "the smart thing to do" and was accepted in the Honors Program. She loved the smaller classes and interactive experiences that her Honors classes offered.

"Having the smaller classes allowed me to see familiar faces most of the time and I’ve made new friends because of it," she said. "During my first semester, one of my classmates and I actually spoke in one of the monthly board (of trustees) meetings. He and I were able to experience how GRCC listens to proposals not only from groups, but also from students if they had any concerns. He and I were then contacted by board member Deb Bailey, and we ended up having lunch with her and getting a tour of the Steelcase building. It was an incredible experience."

Established in 2004, GRCC's Honors Program provides an enhanced learning environment for high-achieving students through honors courses, opportunities for community engagement and Study Away trips.

Hanson will receive her Associate of Arts degree during GRCC’s commencement at 7 p.m. May 1 in the Van Andel Arena, 130 Fulton St. W. After graduation, she plans to transfer to Aquinas College -- which recently signed an articulation agreement between its Insignis program and GRCC's Honors Program -- and pursue a bachelor's degree in sustainable business.

"Kaylee has been a tremendous asset to the college and has been a model Honors Program student," said Michael Schavey, director of the department of experiential learning. "I'm very excited for Aquinas College to be receiving such a gifted student."

Grand Rapids Community College has been offering educational opportunities in West Michigan for 100 years. Established in 1914, the college offers degree courses, certification and training programs, and workshops and personal enrichment classes. Offerings are held on GRCC’s downtown Grand Rapids campus, and at several locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties, as well as through distance learning.