Untitled Mural

President Emeritus Juan Olivarez agreed to allow a mural and a GRCC plaza to be named in his honor for one reason: students. “It really isn’t about me,” he said at the mural unveiling in June.”It’s about having a Latino name on a landmark to inspire other students of color to reach high in their endeavors and to be proud of who they are.” Alumnus Raymond Trujillo created the mural, depicting a Mexican courtyard, in celebration of Olivarez’s heritage and trailblazing role as the frst Hispanic person to serve as a Michigan college or university president. “The butterfies represent the students here on campus,” Trujillo said. “I was one of those monarch butterfies.” The mural can be found near the Student Center, along the Dr. Juan R. Olivarez Student Plaza. The plaza, formerly known as Bostwick Commons, was renamed for GRCC’s eighth president in 2013.