GRCC In the News, 5-22-13

Energy efficiency: New provider expected to save GRCC $850,000 over 15 years

May 21, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College expects to save more than $850,000 over a 15-year period by mothballing its boilers and purchasing steam from a local provider.

GRCC President Ender ‘embarrassed’ by Belknap Park field, considers $315,000 upgrade

May 22, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College is looking to make $315,000 worth of upgrades to two baseball fields at Belknap Park, a city-owned facility that GRCC athletic teams use for practice and games.

GRCC In the News, 5-21-13

Davenport, GRCC prepare for second year with high schoolers in tuition-free Middle College program

May 20, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Fifteen Kenowa Hills High School seniors will be taking classes on campus at Davenport University next school year, when the second year of Middle College kicks off.

… Davenport, which also has a program with Belding schools, and Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) in partnership with Wyoming schools brought West Michigan its first Middle College programs this academic year. The school districts are currently processing a second group of students to enter the programs, which both institutions say went very well this year.

… “It’s important to recognize that high school students, in many cases, are very capable and ready to take college courses,” said Dan Clark, dean of academic outreach at GRCC, who said 46 of the 50 first-year students plan to continue. “I am very pleased with the partnership with Wyoming schools. The students responded well to the first two courses.”

GRCC trustees expected to release President Steve Ender’s annual evaluation tonight

May 20, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees is expected to deliver its annual evaluation of President Steve Ender tonight.

‘Highly effective’ leadership: GRCC trustees explain how President Steve Ender is helping the college

May 20, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College President Steve Ender is a highly effective leader, keeping the school on sound financial footing and guiding it through projects to renovate facilities and improve student performance, the board of trustees said Monday.

Eighth-graders to visit college campuses as part of Destination Education

May 21, 2013; The Holland Sentinel

Holland — For all eighth-graders at Holland High School, today is a chance to visit college campuses.

The plan is to bus 250 students to area colleges Hope, Cornerstorne, Kendall and two community colleges, Lake Michigan and Grand Rapids, and was organized by Destination Education.

White Lake Guitar Fest June 7-9

May 20, 2013; White Lake Beacon

A wonderful weekend in the White Lake area awaits guitarists of all skill levels.

… (Brian) Morris is in his 20th year as a member of the Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) Music Faculty. An associate of the Michigan Arts and Humanities Touring Program, Morris maintains an active performing schedule performing both as a soloist and with the Grand Rapids Quarts.

GRCC In the News, 5-20-13

GRCC honors members of black student leadership society

May 17, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College is paying tribute on Friday to founding members of a campus group that works to promote academic success among black male students.

GRCC receives $30,000 grant to study ‘institutional culture’

May 16, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College has received a $30,000 grant to study its institutional culture, a move expected to help the school understand how students, faculty and staff engage with GRCC, administrators say.

GRCC’s Nick Jansen battles cancer, returns to baseball field

May 17, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Nick Jansen takes his cuts in the batting cage and laughs when one of his line drives narrowly misses a teammate during a recent practice.

The Grand Rapids Community College sophomore then jogs to third base to field ground balls on the dusty infield at Belknap Field. Jansen, who is listed at 6-foot-1, 170 pounds, is an athletic ballplayer. He keeps his glove low and fields a handful of balls with ease and then takes a break to catch his breath.

MICHIGAN BRIEFS: After job fair fails, firm manufactures new workers

May 19, 2013; Crain’s Detroit Business

When a career fair turned into a disappointment, Jonathan DeWys could have whined that the lack of skilled workers was hampering his company’s growth. Instead, he channeled the lessons into developing a better solution: a new, in-house educational program.

… DeWys Manufacturing has started working with K-12 schools, Grand Rapids Community College and Ferris State University, DeWys said. In particular, the company wants to share manufacturing’s opportunity with high school counselors, many of whom lack firsthand experience with modern advanced manufacturing, he said.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Presents Artist Zhang Huan

May 20, 2013; art.broadwayworld.com

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is honored to feature the work of Chinese artist, Zhang Huan in the summer exhibition, “Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan,” which opens to the public May 24. This retrospective features the profound yet diverse work of Huan and will remain on display until August 25.

… This exhibition is made possible by: The Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation, The Meijer Foundation, the Botanic and Sculpture Societies of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Aquinas College, Grand Rapids Community College and the Pace Gallery, New York, London and Beijing. It is organized by Meijer Gardens in cooperation with the artist and Pace Gallery, New York, London and Beijing.

KVCC announces Sam Goldschmeding and Veronica Hayden as 2013 Dale B. Lake Presidential Award winners

May 17, 2013; MLive

KALAMAZOO, MI — The 2013 recipients of the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Dale B. Lake Presidential Award for athletic, academic and leadership achievement are Sam Goldschmeding and Veronica Hayden.

… He (Goldschmeding) played short stop on several occasions and picked up the three-inning save in the last game of the year vs. Grand Rapids Community College.

GRCC In the News, 5-17-13

Bar workers train to avoid over-serving

May 16, 2013; WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – Police say alcohol played a role in the three deaths that occurred at The B.O.B. in downtown Grand Rapids over the past four years.

… Knowing when to stop is taught in textbooks, too. Dan Gendler runs the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education at Grand Rapids Community College. Gendler points out the curriculum has guidelines and graphs, but warns it’s not an exact science.

“The best way to manage alcohol is just to talk to people,” he said.

He recommends workers talk to customers and ask them questions about where they’ve been, how long they’ve been drinking and if they have recently eaten.

2013 Heritage Hill Tour of Homes blends history with modern lifestyles

May 16, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — After 33 years as a resident of Heritage Hill, Kate Diedrich is still looking forward to the 44th Annual Heritage Hill Tour of Homes.

… On the weekend of the tour, tickets are $20 and available only at the Grand Rapids Community College DeVos Campus, 435 E. Fulton Street.

GRCC In the News, 5-16-13

GRCC’s $700,000 job training grant targets low-income, displaced workers

May 15, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Job training programs at Grand Rapids Community College will get a boost thanks to a $700,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

GRCC accepting applications for vacant board position

May 14, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College is accepting applications for an opening on its seven-member board of trustees.

Queen Anne gem on 2013 Heritage Hill Tour of Homes was ‘adopted, not purchased,’ say proud new owners

May 16, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Marie Koster sums up their relationship with the elegant home they are opening up for this weekend’s Heritage Hill Tour of Homes like this:

“It was an adoption, not a purchase,” says Koster of the 122-year-old Queen Anne style home her family moved into last July.

… On the weekend of the tour, tickets are $20 and available only at the Grand Rapids Community College DeVos Campus, 435 E. Fulton Street.

Kalamazoo Valley CC softball falls into early hole, can’t climb out in national tourney-opening loss

May 15, 2013; MLive

Kalamazoo Valley Community College softball players and coaches have had their backs against the wall at different moments this season, and each time the Cougars have responded well.

… “Our backs are against the wall, but they’ve been there a lot this season. Every time our backs have been against the wall, we’ve come back and fight and played hard and played Cougar softball,” KVCC coach Mike Clark said.

“When Grand Rapids beat us, we went on a run. When we lost in the state tournament, we went on a run. We’ve just got to win our first game tomorrow and go from there. I expect to win that game tomorrow, not just hoping to.”

GRCC In the News, 5-15-13

Former GRCC bookstore manager sentenced to 6 months in jail, $50,000 in restitution

May 10, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A former Grand Rapids Community College bookstore manager was sentenced Thursday to serve six months in jail and pay $50,393 in restitution for stealing from the store.

Muskegon Community College golfers qualify for nationals

May 14, 2013; MLive

MUSKEGON, MI — The Muskegon Community College golf team is headed to the national tournament.

… Rounding out the top five teams were Grand Rapids Community College at 924, Columbus Community College with 925 and Jackson Community College with 926.

GRCC In the News, 5-14-13

Google Glass: West Michigan online physics teacher takes students on virtual field trip to Switzerland

May 13, 2013;  MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Google’s wearable computer, Google Glass, isn’t widely available for purchase yet, but the tech world is buzzing and a West Michigan online physics teacher is one of a lucky few to try out the futuristic frames.

… Andrew Vanden Heuvel, who teaches for Michigan Virtual School, Calvin College and Grand Rapids Community College, said his journey to Geneva, Switzerland, began after a call from Google.

Jazz vocalist Gregory Porter, violinist Regina Carter coming to St. Cecilia Music Center

May 13, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Jazz vocalist Gregory Porter and jazz violinist Regina Carter are a part of St. Cecilia Music Centers 2013-14 jazz series.

… Special guests for the evening will be their fathers: Duane Davis, formerly director of vocal music at Grand Rapids Community College and now a professor of jazz voice at Western Michigan; and Paul Brewer, jazz trombonist and director of instrumental music at Aquinas College.

Be a part of an amazing collection of films

May 13, 2013; WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – If you’re a movie lover, make sure to mark next week off on your calendar. The Grand Rapids Film Festival kicks off on Wednesday and this year’s festival is bringing amazing works of cinematography to several different locations across downtown.

… On May 17, Grand Rapids Community College will host a Producer’s Brunch at 11 a.m. at the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center. That evening, a free outdoor screening of the film “Bicycle Dreams” will take place at Rosa Parks Circle. “Bicycle Dreams” was named the Best Feature Documentary at the 2009 Grand Rapids Film Festival and played at eleven other international film festivals.

Sisters from neighboring schools square off in OK Red girls tennis tournament

May 13, 2013; MLive

GRAND HAVEN — Tim Buck and Brian Hodge became acquainted with each other more than two decades ago through the sport of tennis.

… Demetrius Buck and Clayton Hodge were counterparts in high school and met regularly over the course of four years.

“The boys played against each for four years and then they were the teammates at Grand Rapids Community College,” Tim Buck said. “And then the girls came around, and I just think it’s really cool to have two tennis families like ours, and to have the kids follow in what we grew up doing.”

Muskegon Community College in position to qualify for national golf tournament

May 14, 2013; MLive

MUSKEGON, MI — After winning the state title, the Muskegon Community College golf team is taking a run at qualifying for the nationals.

… Trailing MCC is Jackson Community College (612), Grand Rapids Community College (618), Oakland Community College (621), Columbus Community College (624) and Mott Community College (627).

GRCC In the News, 5-13-13

Departing GRCC board member Terri Handlin reflects on GRCC’s growth, mission

May 10, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – When Terri Handlin was first elected to the Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees in 1991, both the college’s student body and its campus were a fraction of its current size.

Mother’s irreplaceable keepsakes destroyed in Grand Rapids fire

May 11, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — As fire spread through her Southeast Side apartment, Kylie Sylvester understood that she and her 2-year-old son, Alexander, would loss possessions that could be easily replaced.

… Sylvester, who is a student at Grand Rapids Community College, said this is the second time that fire has left her out of a home. Seven years ago, when Sylvester used to live in Arizona, an electrical fire started from inside the walls in the apartment she was living in at the time.

GRIL U participants teens graduate from college

May 10, 2013; therapidian.org

In a time where many of our urban teens are known to drop out of high school, GRIL (Grand Rapids Initiative for Leaders) is proud to announce the college graduations of three of our GRIL U teen leadership program graduates!

… Terrill Charleston graduated from GRCC with an Associate’s degree in Business Education. Charleston plans to work towards his Bachelor’s at Davenport University in the fall. Charleston graduated from the GRIL U program in 2008 through Jubilee Jobs, Inc.

Fracking comes to West Michigan

May 10, 2013; therapidian.org

Perhaps you’ve seen them: billboards that aim to educate the public about horizontal hydraulic fracturing or fracking, a relatively new process of oil and gas extraction from deep shale layers.

(Article is by Maryann Lesert, of GRCC’s English Department.)

West MI Fractivist Sarah Barker sings for a silent spring

May 10, 2013; therapidian.org

Sarah Barker, who performs as Sairuhnade, wrote the song “Silent Spring” in honor of Rachel Carson’s book by the same title, the book often referred to as marking the start of the modern environmental movement, and one that Barker read in an EcoLit and Activism class at GRCC.

(Article is by Austin Stadler, a student in GRCC’s Writing for Publication class.)

West MI Fractivist: Jeff Smith and the ‘People’s EPA’ indict the oil & gas industry

May 10, 2013; therapidian.org

With a welcoming smile and laid back attitude its difficult to imagine that a few short months ago Jeff Smith, founder of Grand Rapids Institute for Information Democracy (GRIID), was in jail for occupying the downtown office of Wolverine Oil and Gas.

(Article is by Tiffany Szakal, a student in GRCC’s Writing for Publication class.)

West MI Fractivist Nicole Berens-Capizzi puts compassion and action up against injustices

May 10, 2013; therapidian.org

Try to imagine living your life without cash. The work you put forth helping other people is paid for in goods or services you need. If you have an extra microwave oven and need a blender, you simply swap items with a member of your community, and neither item goes to waste. This is part of what a Grand Rapids-based organization, Mutual Aid GR is trying to achieve. In addition to their Barter Board, Mutual Aid also assists in planting community gardens and focuses on direct action to help citizens of Grand Rapids who are in need.

(Article is by Martin Simons, a student in GRCC’s Writing for Publication class.)

West MI Fractivist Steve Losher: “We’ve got every right to be here!”

May 10, 2013; therapidian.org

The past year was an exciting one for Steve Losher, president of Michigan Land Air Water Defense (MLAWD), and he has no plans of slowing down in 2013. Carpenter by trade, Losher is finally putting his 25 years of pent up environmental angst to work. Losher has recognized, researched and taken a stand against hydraulic fracking as a founding member of MLAWD, a non-profit organization composed of citizens from all types of backgrounds, in the hopes that people become involved and educated on the dangers of fracking.

(Article is by Noel Fleming, a student in GRCC’s Writing for Publication class.)

Dow grad Allen finishes collegiate baseball career on high note

May 10, 2013; Midland Daily News

Midland’s Michael Allen certainly ended his college playing days on a high note.

… After graduating from Dow High, Allen attended Saginaw Valley State University, then transferred to Grand Rapids Community College, where he played under head coach Mike Cupples, a former minor league catcher in the Oakland Athletics system during the mid-1980s.

Undrafted linebacker getting close look by Bengals

May 12, 2013; Lancaster Eagle Gazette

CINCINNATI — When trying to assess if an undrafted rookie will make the Bengals 53-man roster in September, the first place to look would be linebacker. Of the six linebackers who were on the roster when last season ended, four were undrafted players including Vontaze Burfict and Emmanuel Lamur.

… (Nick) Truesdell, a former Anderson High standout, has not played since 2011 at Grand Rapids Community College after he tore his ACL. Before that he played briefly at UC in 2008, lasting eight games before being kicked off the team due to some legal incidents.

Baseball season ends with regional loss for Muskegon Community College

May 11, 2013; MLive

MUSKEGON, MI — The baseball season came to an end for the Muskegon Community College baseball team.

The Jayhawks finished 34-15 after dropping a 6-3 decision to Grand Rapids Community College in a losers bracket game Friday in the regional tournament in Battle Creek.

Delta College’s stunning tournament roll halted one win shy of World Series

May 11, 2013; MLive

BATTLE CREEK — Delta College delivered a magical run.

But the Pioneers couldn’t complete the fairy-tale finish.

After knocking off the top three seeds to reach the championship game of the NJCAA Regional baseball tournament, the underdog Pioneers ran out of magic one win from the World Series. Grand Rapids Community College came out of the losers bracket to score 8-3 and 3-0 victories Saturday to make Delta’s dreams disappear.

KVCC softball team advances to NJCAA national tournament for first time since 2006 with 8-1 win over Owens CC

May 10, 2013; MLive

Kalamazoo Valley Community College softball coach Mike Clark said he had a feeling this could be a special season for the Cougars softball team on the first day of practice.

… Clark said a pair of losses to Grand Rapids Community College on April 9 seemed to change the tide for his team this season.

Kellogg CC baseball ousted from regional

May 10, 2013; The Battle Creek Enquirer

Kellogg Community College saw their season end with two tough losses on Friday in the NJCAA Division II Region XII Tournament.

The Bruins lost a 5-3 heartbreaker to Delta College in the semifinals early on Friday afternoon and were bounced from the double-elimination tournament by Grand Rapids Community College with an 8-4 loss on Friday night.

Delta baseball one win away from World Series

May 11, 2013; Midland Daily News

BATTLE CREEK– In just its second season as a varsity program, coach Dan Smith’s Delta College baseball team is now one win away from the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II World Series.

The Pioneers, the No. 8 seed in the eight-team double-elimination regional, will play in today’s noon championship game at C.O. Brown Stadium against either Grand Rapids Community College or Kellogg Community College. If Delta loses, there will be a second championship game at 4 p.m.

GRCC In the News, 5-10-13

Two West Michigan manufacturers getting top honors from statewide trade group

May 9, 2013; MLive

LANSING, MI — Two West Michigan manufacturers will be honored when the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) gathers next Tuesday, May 14, to honor the recipients of the 2013 John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year Award.

… With partnerships with Grand Rapids Community College, Ferris State University and Grand Valley State University, DeWys University attracts a pool of applicants eager to learn and train for the many jobs available in manufacturing.

GRCC selects winners of service learning awards

May 9, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Projects by Grand Rapids Community College students that promoted oral hygiene among pregnant teens, educated children about the importance of physical fitness and improved access to the college’s student newspaper have won service learning awards.

Education reform, funding are ‘fracturing our schools’ parent tells State Board of Education

May 9, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Sheila Schindler, mother of a Forest Hills schools student, didn’t mince words when addressing members of Michigan’s State Board of Education at a Grand Rapids community forum on Thursday.

… “People want a simple answer to improving public education but it is an incredibly complicated problem,” Schindler said during the forum at Grand Rapids Community College. Turning schooling into a free market with various choices isn’t going to solve the problem, she said on Thursday, May 9.

Kellogg CC rallies for triumph

May 9, 2013; Battle Creek Enquirer

The Kellogg Community College baseball team stayed hot with a 9-6 win over Grand Rapids Community College in an NJCAA Division II Region XII Tournament game at Bailey Park on Thursday afternoon.

Muskegon Community College update: Baseball, softball drop regional openers

May 9, 2013; MLive

MUSKEGON, MI — The Muskegon Community College baseball team went 1-1 on Wednesday in the regional tournament in Battle Creek.

The Jayhawks dropped their opener 6-2 to Grand Rapids Community College and held on to beat Lake Michigan in the nightcap.

… SOFTBALL: The Jayhawks dropped their regional opener 3-2 to Lansing Community College despite having more hits Wednesday.

… MCC (32-23) plays at noon Thursday against the loser of the Grand Rapids-Owens Community College game.

Kalamazoo Valley CC softball one win from national tournament berth

May 9, 2013; MLive

The Kalamazoo Valley Community College softball team is one win from its first national tournament appearance since 2006.

It wasn’t necessarily easy for the Cougars to get into this position in the NJCAA Region XII District G Tournament. They rallied from a two-run deficit in the sixth inning against MCCAA Western Conference foe Grand Rapids CC by posting four runs in the frame en route to a 5-3 victory at Battle Creeks Bailey Park.

GRCC In the News, 5-9-13

GRCC 2013 Armen Awards

May 8, 2013; WZZM

Entrepreneur Armen Oumedian created and funds the awards as part of his commitment to innovative business practices in West Michigan.

(Video with GRCC’s Michael Schavey.)

Longtime GRCC trustee Terri Handlin to step down in August

May 8, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Terri Handlin, a longtime Grand Rapids Community College board member, announced she’ll step down from her position on Aug. 31, according to a news release issued Wednesday afternoon.

GRCC hosting summer day camps for grandparents and grandchildren

May 8, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A series of Grand Rapids Community College summer day camps aim to strengthen the bonds between grandparents and grandchildren.

Let Robb Ride

May 9, 2013; FOX 17

(Video of Robb Westaby getting training from GRCC’s Motorcycle Safety course instructor Steve Lick.)

Parent reminder: State Board of Education community forum today at GRCC

May 9, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Do you have a question, concern, or suggestion about teaching and learning in Michigan, funding for education, existing state policies, or current legislation being debated?

The State Board of Education is holding a community forum today in the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center at Grand Rapids Community College, 151 Fountain St. NE, from 3 to 6 p.m.

Western Michigan University weighs becoming a smoke-free campus

May 9, 2013; MLive

KALAMAZOO, MI — In the future, smoking students may need to pack nicotine gum or patches along with their dorm fridge: Western Michigan University is weighing the possibility of becoming a tobacco-free campus.

… The University of Minnesota was the most recent, with its board voting to bar smoking throughout campus in early May. The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids Community College and Muskegon Community College are among the more than 20 Michigan campuses that are 100 percent smoke-free.

Muskegon Community College golf team wins state tournament by 24 strokes

May 8, 2013; MLive

MUSKEGON, MI — David Bonter and the Muskegon Community College golf team finished what it started.

… Grand Rapids Community College was second at 904 and Mott Community College was third at 918.

Kalamazoo Valley CC softball’s Kelsea Reed returns from injury to spark team in regional-opening win

May 8, 2013; MLive

Kelsea Reed has been hobbled by a sprained ankle, but on Wednesday night the Kalamazoo Valley Community College sophomore helped jump-start the Cougars softball team.

… KVCC (32-14) will next play in the double-elimination tourney at 2 p.m. Thursday against MCCAA Western Conference rival Grand Rapids CC (35-16). Third-seeded GRCC defeated second-seeded Owens CC, 11-6.

GRCC In the News, 5-8-13

Code Blue security systems opens new Holland headquarters and plant

May 7, 2013; MLive

HOLLAND — Chief Operating Officer David Cook is preparing Code Blue Corp. for a second big sales expansion of the company’s emergency communications and security products with new staff and a new 36,000-square-foot plant at 259 Hedcor St.

… Locally, Code Blue products are used at Spectrum Health, Blodgett and Holland Hospital, Grand Rapids Community College, Hope College and Michigan State University. Nationally they can be found at Cleveland Clinic, Phoenix Airport, Texas A & M and Mass Bay subway system in Boston.

At least nine players will be in on a tryout basis

May 7, 2013; cincinnati.com

Besides the draft picks and undrafted free agents, the Bengals will have a number of players working out on a tryout basis when rookie minicamp starts on Friday. Nine of those players set to participate have local or regional ties.

The two that stand out are CB Cameron Cheatham, who played at UC, and WR/TE Nick Truesdell, who went to Anderson High School and later played at Grand Rapids Community College.

Military Athlete Golfs For Local Cause

May 7, 2013; masslive.com (Massachusetts)

AGAWAM — During charity golf tournaments, it’s a good bet that a former athlete or two will be among the participants. These players haven’t heard the roar of the crowd during their play on the field.

However, one local charity tournament held at Crestview Country Club on Thursday, benefitting the Children’s Study Home of Springfield, there was a current athlete in the midst of the players on the pristine semi-private course. His name is probably not one you’ll find in the box scores, or on an Upper Deck trading card, but one who embodies the ethos of sacrifice, teamwork, and humility.

Who is this player? His name is Saul Bosquez, and he’s the third baseman for the Wounded Warrior Softball team. The team has become something of a national fan favorite.

… Before joining the military, Bosquez played baseball at the collegiate level in his home state of Michigan. He was a catcher and third basemen at Grand Rapids Community College and at Eastern Michigan before deployment.

Muskegon Community College update: Jayhawk golfers lead conference tourney

May 7, 2013; MLive

MUSKEGON, MI — The Muskegon Community College golf team couldn’t have asked for a much better start after the first day of the Michigan Community College Athletic Association championship Monday.

The Jayhawks were the first-day leader with a team score of 590 after the first 36 holes at Elks Golf Course in Port Huron. MCC has a 15-shot lead on Grand Rapids Community College, which has 605. Mott Community College is third at 612.

Owens Softball in Regional Tournament

May 7, 2013; 13abc.com

The Owens Community College women’s softball team will look to advance to the national championship tournament for the second time in three years as the Express compete in the NJCAA Region XII (District G) Women’s Softball Championship later this week. The tournament will occur in Battle Creek, Mich., Wednesday-Friday, May 8-10.

… Teams participating in the tournament include Owens Community College, Ancilla College, Grand Rapids Community College, Muskegon Community College (32-22), Lansing Community College (29-17) and Kalamazoo Valley Community College (31-14).

GRCC In The News, 5-7-13

College experience for special students
5/6/13 WOOD TV
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – The Noorthoek Academy is dedicated to a college experience for special needs students who want to pursue their education after high school. Working in a partnership with Grand Rapids Community College, the program is geared towards mentally impaired students and provides academic and social enrichment to those who have traditionally been excluded from a college experience.

 
State Board of Education: Seeking feedback Thursday at GRCC community forum
5/6/13 MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The State Board of Education is holding a community forum Thursday at Grand Rapids Community College and hoping for broad participation from residents, educators and school district stakeholders.

 
Honey: Spring’s glory reminds us how we all take new forms
5/6/13 MLive
My magnolia has really outdone herself this year. She burst into glory last week with hundreds of white-and-soft-pink flowers. They were so lusciously fragrant that I would go stand under their canopy just so I could get drunk on the sweet smell of heaven.
… So it is with my friend Dick DeVinney, who passed both from and into glory April 20. He was 76, which seems like a good long life. But news of his death took the wind out of me. I couldn’t believe how quickly he had gone.
… Dick was well-known to those who love beautiful music. He was the longtime music minister at First United Methodist Church in Grand Rapids and a music instructor at Grand Rapids Community College. Classical music fans know him as the guy who covered the Grand Rapids Symphony for many years. And art lovers know that he and his wife, Marion, founded First Church’s Celebration of the Arts, a highly regarded, juried exhibition of spiritual and sacred art.

 
CC-Crystal’s Schmitt to play at MMCC
5/6/13 The Daily News (Greenville)
MIDDLETON — Brann Schmitt is moving on in his basketball career.
The Carson City-Crystal senior signed a letter of intent Friday to play at Mid-Michigan Community College.
… “A couple of them talked to me,” he said. “Kalamazoo (Valley Community) College, GRCC (Grand Rapids Community College). But Mid(-Michigan) just had what I liked.”

 
Muskegon Community College recap: Regionals up next for Jayhawks
5/6/13 MLive
MUSKEGON, MI — A little momentum is on the side of the Muskegon Community College baseball team going into the regional tournament.
… The Jayhawks open regional tournament action at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday against Grand Rapids Community College at C.O. Brown Stadium in Battle Creek.

 
Jackson Community College baseball team hopes it can break through at NJCAA regional tournament
5/7/13 MLive
JACKSON — Qualifying for the National Junior College Athletic Association Region XII Tournament is nothing new for Jackson Community College’s baseball team.
… JCC has never failed to qualify for the Region XII Tournament, where the winner advances to the NJCAA Division II World Series. The Jets advanced to the semifinals a year ago before falling to Grand Rapids Community College.

GRCC In the News, 5-6-13

Legendary Grand Rapids West Catholic, GRCC football coach succumbs to prostate cancer

May 5, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS — A legendary Grand Rapids area football coach has passed away.

Fred Julian, who coached at West Catholic High School and Grand Rapids Community College, died Saturday morning due to prostate cancer. He was 75 years old.

Businesses to community colleges: Talk to us

May 5, 2013; reflejos.com

Executives representing some of the largest manufacturers in the U.S. urged community college presidents to reach out and form partnerships to help them train desperately needed middle skills workers at a national summit at Harper College.

… “The stronger the relationship and the communication is between community colleges and employers, and the more we struggle though this journey together, the better opportunity we have to be the right side of the curve,” said Dr. Steven Ender, President of Grand Rapids Community College.

Kalamazoo Valley CC softball slugs way to another outright conference title

May 4, 2013; MLive

KALAMAZOO, MI — If this is Amanda Kotecki’s last-hurrah in college softball, then it appears the Kalamazoo Valley Community College sophomore slugger is saving her best for last.

… The Cougars face Oakland in the MCCAA state tournament semifinals at 2 p.m. Sunday at Delta College in the Saginaw/Bay City area. Winner faces the Grand Rapids/Mott victor 30 minutes after the completion of the KVCC/Oakland game.

Erin Whitaker earns West Shore Community College Outstanding Graduate Award

May 5, 2013; The Ludington Daily News

VICTORY TOWNSHIP– Erin Whitaker has a dedication to all she does — parenting, catering, volunteering and her college career, among her many activities.

… Whitaker plans to go on to Grand Rapids Community College to study culinary arts and already is working toward her bachelor’s degree through Ferris State University, which has a partnership with West Shore.

Athlete of the Week: Chris Wilson

May 5, 2013; The Sentinel-Standard (Ionia County)

SARANAC — Chris Wilson, son of Jack and Karie Wilson, is this week’s Ionia County Athlete of the Week. The Saranac senior is a member of the Redskin Football, boys basketball and baseball teams.

… What are your plans after high school? Do you plan on attending college?

“I want to study criminal justice. I plan on attending Grand Rapids Community College first.”

Saline students from South and West Washtenaw Consortium clean up at competition

May 5, 2013; The Saline Reporter

SALINE — It’s been a banner year for the programs of the South and West Washtenaw Consortium.

… The SWWC sent several teams and individual entries to the annual Skills USA Michigan State Leadership and Technical Skills Competitions hosted in Grand Rapids.

Most of the skills competitions were hosted at Grand Rapids Community College, DeVos Place, M-Tech Tassell and Ferris State University where students tested their skills in areas that they have studied during the past school year in their CTE classes.

WASHTENAW COUNTY: Culinary Arts program sending two to nationals

May 5, 2013; The Saline Reporter

Two students from the South and West Washtenaw County Consortium Culinary Arts program are heading to Kansas City month to compete in the SkillsUSA National Championships.

… Musto said the competition was held at Grand Rapids Community College. The judging was tough, with the lead judge coming from France.

Ann Arbor high school students in building program take first-place in state competition

May 6, 2013; annarbor.com

There are no bleachers filled with screaming fans. No mascot. No cheerleaders.

Still, this team of Ann Arbor high school students brought home the gold recently when they competed in a statewide construction contest held in Grand Rapids. It was the third year running the students from the Ann Arbor Student Building Industry Program took top honors in the SkillsUSA TeamWorks building competition, setting a state record. They advance to the nationals this summer.

(The SkillsUSA competition was held at GRCC.)

Latin Americans celebrate all cultures during 48th annual Fiesta

May 3, 2013; The Holland Sentinel

Holland — Fiesta 2013, opening today, is for everyone of any ethnic group.

(Photo with story is of a GRCC student playing trumpet at last year’s festival.)

GRCC In the News, 5-3-13

Corporate Leaders at Harper Event Urge Community College Presidents to ‘Talk to Us’

May 2, 2013; The Chicago Tribune

Executives representing some of the largest manufacturers in the U.S. urged community college presidents to reach out and form partnerships to help them train desperately needed middle skills workers.

… “The stronger the relationship and the communication is between community colleges and employers, and the more we struggle though this journey together, the better opportunity we have to be the right side of the curve,” said Dr. Steven Ender, President of Grand Rapids Community College.

GRCC In the News, 5-2-13

Biker safety gets a boost

May 1, 2013; Battle Creek Enquirer

Led by Michigan’s Secretary of State, about 30 motorcyclists rode Wednesday to promote safety.

… They chose the site because for more than a year the base has offered a motorcycle training class through Grand Rapids Community College for both members of the Guard and civilians. Senior Master Sgt. Michael LaBruzzy said several people have been trained to conduct the classes and 375 people have taken them in the last year.

… The state has worked with Grand Rapids Community College for six years to provide motorcycle training to 3,600 people, according to Fiona Hert, dean of the School of Workforce Development at the college.

More than 120,000 people have attended training since 2001.

No answer to the call button: Nursing shortage looms in Michigan

May 2, 2013; Bridge magazine

In 2007, warning of a nurse shortage in Michigan and long admission waiting lists for nursing schools, then- Gov. Jennifer Granholm proclaimed: “Something’s wrong with this picture and we are going to fix it.”

… At Grand Rapids Community College, the wait list for its RN program is 3.5 to 4 years. And it has been that length for several years, according to Michelle Richter, GRCC’s nursing school director.