GRCC to Celebrate Historic Investiture of President Kathryn A. Rogalski

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Grand Rapids Community College will celebrate the investiture of Dr. Kathryn A. Rogalski as its 12th president on Friday, Sept. 18, marking a historic moment as Rogalski becomes the first permanent female president in the college's history.

The ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. at Fountain Street Church and will bring together students, employees, community leaders and higher education partners to formally recognize Rogalski's presidency and celebrate GRCC's next chapter. Media are welcome to attend.

"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," GRCC Board of Trustees Chair Salvador Lopez said. "Her investiture is an opportunity to celebrate not only this historic moment for our college, but also the future we are building together. The Board is excited about her leadership and the opportunities ahead for GRCC and the communities we serve."

Dr. DeRionne Pollard, president and CEO of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) will be a featured speaker. Pollard leads the national organization representing more than 1,000 community colleges and their students across the country.

Guillermo Cisneros, president and CEO of the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will emcee the ceremony.

An investiture is one of higher education's oldest traditions, formally recognizing the authority and responsibilities entrusted to a college or university president. At GRCC, the ceremony also provides an opportunity to celebrate the college's mission, traditions and future.

Rogalski became GRCC's 12th president in 2026, bringing more than 25 years of community college experience and a career centered on expanding opportunity, supporting student success and strengthening connections among colleges, employers and the communities they serve.

Her own journey through higher education has shaped that work.

A first-generation college student from Chicago, Rogalski initially left college after two years. She later returned as a new mother, ultimately earning her bachelor's degree and continuing on to graduate school. She has credited the encouragement of her family and a faculty mentor with helping her see possibilities for herself that she had not previously imagined.

That experience has remained central to her belief in the transformative power of education and the role community colleges play in helping students see what is possible for their own lives.

Since arriving at GRCC, Rogalski has emphasized listening and learning from students, employees and community partners while building on the college's longstanding strengths. Her leadership has focused on expanding access and opportunity, supporting students from enrollment through completion, strengthening workforce and economic development partnerships, and fostering a college community where students and employees feel they belong.

Her investiture represents a milestone in GRCC's more than century-long history. As the college's first permanent female president, Rogalski joins generations of leaders who have shaped GRCC while bringing her own experiences and perspective to the presidency.

The ceremony will reflect the range of partnerships that are central to GRCC's work in West Michigan. Maggie Lancaster, CEO of the Grand Rapids Children's Museum and Steve Downing, president and CEO of Gentex Corporation will offer remarks representing community and employer partners.

GRCC Provost and executive vice president of Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Sheila Jones will participate in the program along with Mike Light, professor of History and president of the GRCC Faculty Association, who will welcome Rogalski on behalf of GRCC faculty. And, GRCC Student Government President Adeline Butts will provide the student welcome.

The GRCC Foundation will present a donation in Rogalski's honor, extending the celebration of her presidency into future support for GRCC students.

The ceremony will include academic traditions connecting Rogalski's presidency with the leaders and scholars who came before her.

Faculty and representatives from colleges and universities will also participate in an academic procession wearing traditional regalia. Rogalski will also receive the GRCC presidential medallion, symbolizing the scholarship, responsibility and authority of the Office of the President.

The medallion is a recreation of the college seal. Its three flames represent education's highest purposes and the pursuit of truth, understanding and beauty. The GRCC mace, traditionally carried at investitures, commencements and academic convocations, will also be part of the ceremony. The mace symbolizes the strength of the institution and its commitment to learning, community and service.

Before joining GRCC, Rogalski served as vice president of Academic Affairs and Workforce Development at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College where she led work focused on academic innovation, workforce alignment and student success.

Earlier in her career, she served as a dean at Harper College and held several roles at the College of Lake County, including associate dean, advisor, adjunct faculty member and research assistant.

Rogalski earned her Doctorate of Education from Northern Illinois University, a Master of Arts from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from Northeastern Illinois University.

Her investiture comes as GRCC continues its longstanding mission of providing accessible, affordable education while responding to the changing needs of students, employers and communities across West Michigan.

For Rogalski, that work is rooted in the same promise she experienced as a student: that education can open doors, change the trajectory of a life and help people imagine opportunities they may not yet see for themselves. 

For additional details about the Investiture and to RSVP, please visit grcc.edu/investiture.

About Grand Rapids Community College
GRCC was established in 1914 — Michigan's first community college — and is focused on making college education accessible and affordable. Classes are scheduled weekdays, evenings and Saturdays in Grand Rapids, Holland and online. We offer traditional liberal arts and occupational career pathways, adult education courses and skilled training courses and apprenticeships.

Contact:
Lyndsie Post
(616) 234-4213
[email protected]

SOURCE Grand Rapids Community College