2015 Orientation Ambassadors

KELLIE DEVRIES Kellie just finished her third year at GRCC. In 2014, she received her Associates in

Arts with the MACRAO. She worked as an Orientation Ambassador last summer

as well. Since then, Kellie has been working as a Student Employee in the

Enrollment Center. In her spare time, Kellie enjoys hanging out with friends and

family. She also enjoys listening to a variety of music (there are too many genres

to list). She always loves a good cup of coffee from the local small businesses

around Downtown Grand Rapids.

Kellie will be attending Michigan State University in fall. She will be working to

obtain her Bachelors in Interior Design. After her bachelors degree, she plans to

earn another degree in Business.

BEN GIESE

I just graduated from GRCC with an associate's in Web Design &

Development. I plan on transferring to GVSU to get my

bachelor's in Spanish. This is my third year working on campus.

In my spare time I repair and ride road bicycles.

KAITLYN GIBBS Hey everyone! My name is Kaitlyn Gibbs. I am 20 years old and

just completed my second year at GRCC. I am majoring in Nursing

and plan on completing the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)

program and Associates Degree of Nursing (ADN) program while

at GRCC. After completing both programs, I hope to transfer to

either GVSU or MSU for my BSN. I am beyond excited to be an

orientation ambassador for the first time this summer. As well as

having this new opportunity, I have recently become part of our

Phi Theta Kappa chapter on campus - called Alpha Upsilon Kappa.

Being a student at GRCC has offered so many beautiful

opportunities for me to grow academically and personally. I truly

hope you all make the most of the wonderful things GRCC has to

offer! Most importantly - Congratulations and Welcome to Grand

Rapids Community College!

ASHLEY DEVRIES

My name is Ashley DeVries and I've just completed my first

successful year at GRCC. I am studying Network Administration.

If I decide to transfer, I would like to go to New York University

or Ferris State University. My favorite hobby is singing - I

auditioned for The Voice a few years back. A few other hobbies

I have are video gaming and watching anime. I also have two

cats that I love dearly.

SHANYNE VAN STRIEN

Hey! My name is Shanyne (that's sha-neen). I graduated from

Grand Rapids Community College this year and am transferring

to Grand Valley State University for my bachelors in Athletic

Training. My ultimate goal is to get my Doctorate in Physical

Therapy. Other than that, I am a pretty chill person, I like

rock climbing and longboarding and someday I will own a house

on a mountain. Enjoy orientation and I cannot wait to get to

know you! :)

PAGE WILSON

The thing I love most is learning. If I had the money, I would

travel and learn all there is to know about the world. I like to

paint, although I'm not the best. I am pursuing mathematics in

hopes of becoming a teacher, maybe I'll go on to High School

Administration. It would be cool if I were to work at my old high

school, Grandville. Also, I have two pet rats named Snagglepuss

and Cinderella.

ERENDIDA ERAZO-ALAS

My name is Erendida E. Erazo-Alas. I'm from El Salvador. I've been

living in Grand Rapids for seven years. In fact this is the only state

I've been. I finished my ESL program last semester and am taking

EN101 this summer. I like to work out to make my go away. I really

enjoy jogging. I'm married. My husband's name is Franky Calix, and

he came to the United States in 2013. Both of us are studying and

working. My native language is Spanish and I love learning English.

NIC BUSH

My name is Nic and I am originally from Traverse City. I

graduated from GRCC. I graduated from GRCC this

semester with my Associates in Arts and will be

transferring to GVSU in the fall to pursue my Bachelors

in Non-Profit Administration with a minor in Community

Health/changing the world, etc. I play 1,000 instruments

including: Piano, saxophone, ukulele, and drums. Im a

fan of anything that allows me to be loud.

CHARISSA ELMER

Hi, my name is Charissa Elmer. I recently graduated with

my associate's degree in Office Administration and am

working towards completing my bachelor's degree in

Business Administration. I enjoy being able to help

others, volunteering, and playing sports.

JORDAN CAUVEL

Hello, my name is Jordan Cauvel. I graduated from Northview High

school. Prior to graduating high school, I enlisted in the United States

Marine Corps as an infantryman. Upon graduation from Northview

high school I was sent to boot camp where I began my training. After

I completed my three years in the Marines, I was discharged in order

to attend school. I recently completed my first year here at Grand

Rapids Community college. I plan to attend Grand Rapids Community

College for another year and a half until I can transfer to my

perspective 4 year institution. My goal is to achieve my Bachelors in

Zoology and work with various exotic animals. Traveling the world

and studying its extensive wildlife is my ultimate dream.

JD MCPEAK

My name is Jadei D. Mcpeak. I am in my second year at Grand

Rapids Community College and I plan to transfer with an

Associates of Arts to Western Michigan University. There I plan

to pursue a degree in political science. I like to work out, and

physical sports like wrestling and mixed martial arts. I am also a

licensed minister in the Church of God in Christ!

BRITTANY EMPEROR

My current major is Pre- Dentistry. I am going to college to

become an Orthodontist. I plan to attend the University of

Michigan to obtain my Doctorate of Dental Surgery D.D.S. Some

of my hobbies are going to the beach, playing the piano, guitar,

and tennis. :)

SAMUEL CHO

My name is Samuel Cho and I am a second year graduate student

in the College Student Affairs and Leadership program at GVSU. I

earned my Bachelors of Science degree from GVSU where I

majored in Psychology and Criminal Justice. Currently I am a

graduate assistant at GVSU and an Alumni Advisor for GVSU

Asian Student Union. I enjoying playing tennis, soccer, board

games, video games, and hanging out with friends and family.

GWEN HIGGINS

I am a graduate student in the College Student Affairs Leadership program at

Grand Valley State University. I am excited to be working with student

orientations at Grand Rapids Community College this summer! I am originally

from Livonia, Michigan and graduated from Madonna University with a double-

major in English and Communication. While at Madonna I enjoyed working with

students in the admissions office and financial aid, and serving as a peer mentor

helping to lead freshman orientations. I enjoying living in Grand Rapids so far and

experiencing West Michigan. I love reading, traveling, and spending time in the

sun. I am happy to continue working in a college and eager to help students

through their orientation experience.

EVAN MACKLIN

Evan has been working at the college as a full-time employee since 2009

and was a student employee prior to that. He is currently in his last year

of the Master of Education graduate program at Grand Valley State

University. During his free time he enjoys watching and playing sports,

especially basketball. His favorite NBA team is the Cleveland Cavaliers for

now (it all depends on where LeBron James plays) and his favorite

collegiate team is Notre Dame. Evan is a native of Grand Rapids.