#United States #Grand Rapids, Michigan #Community College #Kathryn A. Rogalski #GRCC

Grand Rapids Community College Celebrates a New Era

On September 18, 2026, an extraordinary event is set to unfold at the Fountain Street Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) will be officially investing Dr. Kathryn A. Rogalski as the institution's 12th president and the first permanent female president in its esteemed history. This moment marks a significant milestone not just for GRCC, but for the broader landscape of higher education as well.

The investiture ceremony will commence at 3 p.m., gathering a diverse array of attendees, including students, faculty, community leaders, and education partners. This occasion serves as a formal acknowledgment of Dr. Rogalski's leadership and the exciting future that lies ahead for GRCC. Salvador Lopez, the chair of the GRCC Board of Trustees, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Dr. Rogalski has brought an energy and sense of purpose to GRCC that is grounded in listening, collaboration, and a deep commitment to our students. Her investiture is an opportunity to celebrate this historic moment and the promising future we are building together."

Among the dignitaries, Dr. DeRionne Pollard, president and CEO of the American Association of Community Colleges, will highlight the importance of community colleges in shaping educational opportunities across the nation. The ceremony will be emceed by Guillermo Cisneros, president and CEO of the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, further emphasizing the event's community spirit.

An investiture is one of the oldest traditions in higher education, signifying the authority entrusted to a college president. At GRCC, this ceremony will also celebrate the college's mission, traditions, and its vision for the future. Dr. Rogalski takes the helm after more than 25 years of experience in community colleges, where she has focused on improving student success and bridging connections between educational institutions, employers, and the communities they serve.

Dr. Rogalski's journey in higher education is deeply personal. As a first-generation college student from Chicago, she faced hurdles before ultimately earning her degree — a journey that steers her belief in the transformative potential of education. Her devotion to community colleges stems from her own experience, where she began her academic career and later returned as a mother, illustrating the obstacles many students face.

Since her arrival at GRCC, Rogalski has concentrated on fostering an inclusive environment, emphasizing input from students and community partners. Her leadership strategy involves expanding educational access, enhancing student support, and nurturing strong economic partnerships to benefit students and local industries alike. It’s a holistic approach to ensuring that students not only enroll but also successfully complete their programs, equipping them for future challenges.

During the investiture, representatives from various sectors, including Maggie Lancaster, CEO of the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, and Steve Downing, president and CEO of Gentex Corporation, will provide remarks, reinforcing GRCC’s collaborative efforts in the community. The ceremony will also feature Dr. Sheila Jones, GRCC’s Provost, and other faculty members who will welcome Dr. Rogalski, highlighting her deep-rooted connections within the institution.

In recognition of Dr. Rogalski's leadership, the GRCC Foundation will present a donation in her honor, emphasizing the institution’s long-term commitment to supporting student success. The event will incorporate traditional academic honors, including the presentation of the GRCC presidential medallion. This medallion symbolizes the responsibilities inherent in her role and signifies the values of scholarship and leadership the office encompasses.

Dr. Rogalski had previously held significant roles, including serving as vice president of Academic Affairs at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, where she led innovations related to academic programs and workforce development. Her educational qualifications include a Doctorate of Education from Northern Illinois University, a Master of Arts from the University of Chicago, and a Bachelor's degree from Northeastern Illinois University.

As GRCC continues fulfilling its mission of providing accessible and affordable education, Dr. Rogalski embodies the values of determination and hope that education can offer. Her investiture is not merely a ceremonial event; it is a celebration of potential and a dedication to opening doors for future generations of students. For more information and to RSVP for this momentous occasion, visit grcc.edu/investiture.

In summary, the significant investiture of Dr. Kathryn A. Rogalski symbolizes not only her personal journey and aspirations but also reflects the collaborative spirit and future ambitions of Grand Rapids Community College as it continues to serve its community and educational mission with renewed vigor and purpose.