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Release Date: 
Wednesday, April 6, 2022

Get to Know HFC: Connie Holland personifies our Welcoming College

A headshot of Connie Holland.

The first person people often see when they enter the Welcome Center is Enrollment Associate I/Concierge Connie Holland and her smiling face.

“I work the front desk at the Welcome Center, so I greet people coming in and direct them to where they need to go. I will answer general questions they may have. I send out a Daily Update to the Welcome Center staff, letting them know who is off or if someone is coming in later or leaving early. I try to keep track of the events happening in the Community Rooms. I communicate closely with Facilities, making sure the Welcome Center stays maintained or if there is a need for something. I advocate for the second floor staff since it is not open to the public. Sometimes I am taking visitors up there and I also take staff their lunch when they order food,” said Holland, of Downriver.

The best possible resource for students and employees

Holland has been in this position for 23 years. She reports to HFC Assistant Director of Enrollment Services, Assessment, and Orientation Nikole Ford-Kondraciuk.

“I’ve worked with Connie for nearly 20 years, and she has always been a steady and patient resource for students,” said Ford-Kondraciuk. “Connie is organized and always thinks 10 steps ahead, planning and ensuring we prepare for the future. I appreciate Connie’s dependability and solid commitment to the College. Connie’s connections and knowledge about College processes and happenings on campus allow students to receive the highest level of service when they come to the Welcome Center. Students often don’t know what to ask or who to ask, and Connie is skilled at deciphering the questions and helping students articulate their needs and finding them an answer. Connie is the glue that keeps the Welcome Center together daily, and the friendly contact students appreciate.”

An HFC connection for 38 years

A Detroit native, Holland is the sixth of eight children. She has been married to Chuck for 10 years. She has two sons, Chris and Liam, and two grandchildren, Eli and Ellie. Her youngest son, Liam, graduated from HFC in 2014, earning an associate degree in art. He also worked as a student employee who reported to HFC recruiter Delphine Davis.

After she graduated from Crestwood High School in Dearborn Heights in 1982, Holland continued her education at HFC (then Henry Ford Community College). She earned a certificate in word processing in 1984. She later earned her associate degree in general business in 2002.

“A year after I graduated high school, a good friend told me I should start going to HFC. She really liked it there and thought I would too. In 1984, I completed a certificate in word processing. I was working full-time and going to school part-time. Shortly after I started working at the College in 1999, I decided to finish my associate degree and started taking classes. At that time, I was a single mom working full-time and took classes part-time. I graduated in 2002. I always joke and say it took me 20 years to complete my associate degree,” she recalled with a laugh.

For Holland, HFC was close to home, and she preferred the small class sizes.

“Most of my instructors were great and so willing to help you individually,” she said.

From putting out fires (literally) to the rewards of helping others achieve their goals

Before coming to HFC in 1999, Holland worked at various local companies.

“When I first started working at HFC, I worked in the Learning Success Center. When someone would ask me what I did at work, I would list a few things and always end with ‘And put out fires – literally put out fires.’ Outside that building there was a trash can, and students would throw their lit cigarettes in there, then it would light the trash on fire. So I would take a container of water and go outside to put the fire out,” she said, laughing. “I’m so glad that smoking has been banned on campus.”

All in all, Holland finds her work very enjoyable.

“I honestly can say I love what I do. I love greeting people and helping them get to where they need to be,” said Holland. “In the 23 years working here, I have worked with and met a lot of great people. I like to refer to my co-workers as my HFC family. I love getting to know some of the students and helping them achieve their goals. For me it is a great feeling and is fulfilling to help others, whether it is a co-worker, student, or just someone walking in the door.”