By Ari’ Browley
A crowd of decorated educators, staff, students, and community leaders gathered in front of the Fountain Street Church on Friday, Sept. 18, to celebrate the investiture of Kathryn Rogalski as the 12th president of Grand Rapids Community College.
The ceremony marks a historic moment in GRCC’s history, as Rogalski became the first permanent woman president of the college.
The investiture ceremony began with introductions by Guillermo Cisneros, president and CEO of the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Salvador Lopez, chairperson of the GRCC Board of Trustees. The Shades of Blue performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” before others spoke about Rogalski’s leadership and vision for the future of GRCC.
Maggie Lancaster, CEO of the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, was the first to give remarks, highlighting Rogalski’s commitment to education, community, and family.
“… The first time I heard the name, Dr. Kathryn Rogalski, it was from our community member, who lit up describing her. How she speaks to the language of one person, how she has built her career on the belief that education should lead somewhere real. It should be the jobs, careers, and stability for families. But the first time I actually met her, she just spoke proudly of her family, lovingly about her kids and her grandchildren, and couldn’t wait for me to meet them,” Lancaster said.
“Thank you to the board of trustees for bringing us a brilliant woman who doesn’t just say the word community in Grand Rapids Community College. She lives it. It is not a formality to her; it is a point…She carries that weight not only as an educator, but as a mother, as a grandmother, as a sister, as an aunt, as a mentor, and as a friend…Dr. Rogalski, this community is now ready to walk or stroll beside you. Let us begin.”
Representation for GRCC’s Lakeshore campus was also present, with Steve Downing, President and CEO of Gentex, a growing technology company, reflecting on the first time he met President Rogalski.
“…It was in that moment I realized that GRCC had truly found a great leader,” Downing said. “Over the course of that conversation, and several others after, I now have an even better understanding of Dr. Rogalski’s background, goals, insight, strategy, and vision. Your vision is compelling…your grit, your grinding forward to your determination, will make your vision our reality, which is what our community absolutely needs.”
Adeline Butts, President of the GRCC Student Government, also spoke about Rogalski’s exceptional leadership.
“…I’m in my third year here at GRCC, and I have seen a few presidents. But to me as a student, and as a representative, Dr. Rogalski has stood out,” said Butts. “… I admire her mission, tenacious attitude, and representing GRCC loud and proud through our school’s values of excellence, diversity, responsiveness, innovation, accountability, sustainability, respect and integrity.”
GRCC’s Provost, Sheila Jones, emphasized GRCC’s mission to serve the community with the right leader.
“… At Grand Rapids Community College, our state’s first community college. We have a proud history serving West Michigan as an open access, comprehensive institution. Among our many values is diversity. In recognizing the dignity of each person and ensuring they have no barriers so our students can achieve their roles. This work is not easy, and it asks that leaders have the ability to ensure continuity while adapting to change,” Jones said.
”You are the right president at the best college. We are ready to stand with you and to support you as you lead GRCC into the next chapter of our history.”
The GRCC Foundation board of directors then presented a $1,000 Promise for the Future Scholarship in Rogalski’s honor.
“… The Promise for the Future Scholarship provides support for students during their last semester. These funds help ensure that financial barriers don’t stand between our students and the finish line,” said Erin Van Egmond, vice president of the College Advancement and executive director of the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation. “This reflects Dr. Rogalski’s belief that every student who begins their journey at GRCC deserves the opportunity to finish it and step confidently into their future.”
Kathleen Bruinsma, Vice Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, presented Rogalski with the Presidential Medallion.
“You bring more than 25 years of experience in academic affairs and in workforce development… But what we found the most impressive, Dr. Rogalski, was your personable, strong, articulate approach,” Salvador Lopez said. “Those are the words that we think of when we talk about the person we are selecting to do this job.”
Mike Light, Professor of History and President of the GRCC Faculty Association, presented the ceremonial mace during the ceremony.
“May this mace be your compass as you ensure that your GRCC remains a bastion of equity, inclusion, opportunity, and community transformation,” Light said.
Derionne P. Pollard, President and CEO of the American Association of Community Colleges, then took the podium.
“… The Raiders who came before you can help build this city, and you help build what comes next,” Pollard said. “Dr. Rogalski, my friend, today you are trusted in the legacy and the future. You did not carry that responsibility alone. You carry with the strength of everyone who …this college before you, and alongside everyone who is in this world today, who believes in what is still yet to come.”
Not only is Pollard a colleague, but also a close friend to Rogalski.
“On a personal note, I want to tell you what I know about Kathryn. She’s kind. She is irreplaceable. She’s brilliant. She is unapologetic about this mission, and most importantly, she’s a student,” Pollard said. “I’ve learned a lot from her in the time I’ve watched her lead. And I’m so honored to talk to a friend, and colleague, and sister, in this fight of protecting the missions of community colleges.”
Finally, Rogalski took the podium, opening up her speech with gratitude for her family and the GRCC community, extending appreciation to former GRCC presidents who supported her along the way.
“…Truly, when I look around this room today, there are so many different chapters of my life. I see my family, my friends. I see former colleagues,” Rogalski said.
Before speaking about her vision for GRCC, Rogalski recognized the Michigan community.
…Before I say anything about our future together, I would like to begin with gratitude…Thank you to our Michigan community colleges, colleagues, our elected representatives, our educational partners, employers, community organizations, and supporters who are here today,” Rogalski said. “Thank you for being here and for believing in the work of this college.”
Rogalski began to talk about the future of GRCC, highlighting the importance of collaboration to achieve a thriving community.
“We talk a lot about, you know, higher education, about the next generation. And today, I can actually look out and see the front line. I’m reminded that what we built today is what they will inherit. And that brings me to what today really means for me,” Rogalski said. “ As (I’m) informally invested as the 12th president of Grand Rapids Community College, and the first permanent woman in the history of this institution. What I feel most strongly is a sense of responsibility.”
Rogalski expressed that GRCC doesn’t belong to its president or anyone in charge; rather, it belongs to the community and should stay that way.
“For 112 years, generations of people have built this college. They have taught students, developed programs, maintained buildings, greatest resources and community partnerships, Rogalski said. “They built something strong. Our responsibility is to care for what has been entrusted to us… to strengthen it while it is in our hands, and to make sure that it’s here and thriving for generations to come. We have our downtown campus here on the hill.”
The president’s mission is rooted in equity and equality, pushing to bring more opportunities to people across West Michigan.
“Education should be accessible, opportunity should be within reach, and GRCC should be present in the communities that count on us,” Rogalski said. “We are not simply located in the communities we serve. We are part of that. GRCC is woven into the fabric of West Michigan.”
Rogalski described her goal for GRCC with three words: “Building vibrant communities.”
“When I talk about vibrant communities, I’m talking about people being able to see a future for themselves and their families. A high school student who can see a path to college and an immediate career. An adult will come back and learn something new. A family with rare stability, and a community where people have opportunities to build their lives,” Rogalski said.
“Our work begins with an individual student, but it does not end there. When the education changes the trajectory of one person’s life, it can change a family. When families have greater opportunity and stability, workplaces and neighborhoods become stronger. When businesses have the technical need, they can grow and create opportunity for others. And when people can learn, work, contribute, and see a future for themselves, entire communities become stronger. That is how vibrant communities are built.”
Rogalski believes people shouldn’t need to mandate the education system alone and hopes to build GRCC into an institution where individuals and families can thrive with endless opportunities within reach.
“My commitment to you is that I will listen… I will keep learning, and I will ask questions when they need to be asked. I will advocate with this college and the people we serve. I will build the relationships inside GRCC, and throughout our communities, and look for opportunities to bring people together, and never forget that the privilege of serving as president comes with responsibility to leave this institution stronger than I found it,” Rogalski said.
The President concluded her thoughtful speech reminding the community why she chose GRCC.
“I find myself thinking less about what is being invested in me and more about what is entrusted to all of us. This college, its mission, its students, its people, its history, and the relationship, the communities to be served in our future. When I look around this room, I see all of those things representing the people who came before us, the people doing their work today, the students whose futures are being shaped here, and the generations who inherit what we know…I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as President of Grand Rapids Community College. I am proud of this college that I have been entrusted to lead. And I am proud of the people who make GRCC what it is. And I am incredibly excited about what we will build together next. Thank you very much.”
The crowd cheered as the ceremonial mace was passed to President Rogalski and she officially began her journey as GRCC’s 12th President.
After the ceremony, music could be heard from Juan Olivarez Plaza where guests could enjoy drinks, a cake crafted by GRCC Culinary students, and a bookmark with President Rogalski’s name engraved on it.
Former Interim President Steven J. Triezenberg commented on Rogalski’s achievement.
“Ceremonies are really important for communities…And so it was a pleasure to be a part of it,” Triezenberg said. “And I am just thrilled that my work as interim did what it needed to do. It bolstered the community for a season. It prepares the community for the presence of a new president. And we got a great new president… She’s genuine. She’s personable, she’s smart, she’s knowledgeable, she knows the business of community colleges. I think she’s gonna be a marvelous leader.”
Former GRCC President Bill Pink also praised Rogalski’s accomplishment, emphasizing how leaders like her are not only important for GRCC’s success but for West Michigan as a whole.
“I’ve gotten to know her at a really good level, it’s so early. And everything I’ve seen from her is not only impressive, but also encouraging for the future of the college,” Pink said. “The thing about it that makes that so significant is, if encouragement of Grand Rapids Community College, in terms of its future, is in place, that means that the future, as far as Grand Rapids and West Michigan is concerned, looks bright as well, because this college, and what happens at this college, is that important to this region. And so, you have to have those kind of leaders here at this college. Otherwise, the community will suffer,” Pink said.
President Rogalski’s monumental achievement as GRCC’s first permanent woman president was recognized by other school leaders.
“Excited,” Pollard said about her feelings towards the moment. “It’s liberating. Much needed, much deserved, and that’s key, much deserved.”
GRCC’s Provost, Sheila Jones, was also proud to witness the historic moment and representation for the college.
“I mean, it’s incredible,” Jones said. “It is very beautiful to see…”
Rogalski reflected on the ceremony, describing the moment with one word: “Grateful.”
“Grateful for the amazing comments, amazing people, I’m so grateful,” Rogalski said.
“We are going to build something amazing together,” President Rogalski said. “We are going to keep on doing amazing work, and to all the students, we are behind you and standing with you, all of you.”
