Grand Rapids – – September 11, 2026 -- Grand Rapids Community College will formally invest Dr. Kathryn A. Rogalski as its 12th president on Sept. 18, making her the first permanent female president in the institution's history since its 1914 founding.
Investiture ceremony to draw national and regional leaders on Sept. 18
The 3 p.m. ceremony at Fountain Street Church will feature Dr. DeRionne Pollard, president and CEO of the American Association of Community Colleges, which represents more than 1,000 community colleges nationwide. Guillermo Cisneros, president and CEO of the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, will emcee the event.
Employer and community partners to deliver remarks
Steve Downing, president and CEO of Gentex Corporation, and Maggie Lancaster, CEO of the Grand Rapids Children's Museum, will speak as representatives of GRCC's employer and community partnerships. GRCC Board of Trustees Chair Salvador Lopez said Rogalski's leadership has been grounded in listening, collaboration and student commitment.
Rogalski brings 25-plus years of community college experience
Rogalski, a first-generation college student from Chicago who left college after two years before returning as a new mother to complete her bachelor's degree, previously served as vice president of Academic Affairs and Workforce Development at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. Earlier roles included dean at Harper College and positions at the College of Lake County. She holds a Doctorate of Education from Northern Illinois University, a Master of Arts from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts from Northeastern Illinois University.
Ceremony to include academic procession and presidential medallion
Faculty and representatives from partner colleges and universities will participate in an academic procession in traditional regalia. Rogalski will receive the GRCC presidential medallion, a recreation of the college seal featuring three flames symbolizing education's pursuit of truth, understanding and beauty, alongside the ceremonial GRCC mace. The GRCC Foundation will present a donation in her honor to support student programs. GRCC Provost Dr. Sheila Jones, Faculty Association President Mike Light and Student Government President Adeline Butts will also participate in the program.