GRCC in the News – 6/30/11

Grand Rapids Superintendent Bernard Taylor to resign, sources say
Published: Thursday, June 30, 2011, 7:45 AM | Rick Wilson | The Grand Rapids Press

GRAND RAPIDS — Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Bernard Taylor was expected to resign today under an agreement reached during what high-ranking school officials close to negotiations on the proposed buy-out say were some of the most contentious in recent memory. […] The move comes as the district also loses its second in command, Lisa Frieburger, the district’s deputy superintendent for finance and operations, who leaves Friday for a new job at Grand Rapids Community College.  (More)

Thanks From Rick Olsen

A heart-felt thanks to all my friends and colleagues at GRCC for your cards, thoughts and enough M&Ms to last me a lifetime! You have made my 9 years at the College both memorable and enjoyable. Thank you.

Rick Olsen

Chem Tech Program Finds Success in Multi-Faceted Promotional Plan

Recently Jennifer Batten, Department Head of GRCC’s Physical Science department worked with the Communications Department to create a promotional plan for the Chem Tech program that included promotional banners (created and printed by the Print Solutions and Graphic Design department), web ads and was supported with radio advertising.  She reports that enrollment in the program has doubled since the plan started.  Check out the results!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

GRCC in the News – 6/29/11

Local students receive scholarships
The Holland Sentinel | Posted Jun 29, 2011 @ 04:41 AM

Holland, MI — The Holland Rotary Club awarded $5,500 in scholarships to eight graduates of five local high schools, including Holland High School, Holland Christian High School, West Ottawa, Careerline Tech and Black River. […] Grajqevic Mustaf, $1,000, West Ottawa High School, planning to attend Grand Rapids Community College  (More)

Stephens signs with GRCC
6/28/2011 11:17:00 AM | Rockford Independent

Senior, left-handed pitcher for the Rams, Austin Stephens, signed a letter of intent to pitch at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) in the fall.  (More)

Pay no Attention to the Printing Number

For the next few days when employees log in to the campus Canon printers, they will see a number after their department. This is normal and is there to assist accounting in the billing process.

Admissions Luncheon Canceled

The recruitment and outreach luncheon scheduled for Friday, July 1, 2011 has been canceled. Please watch GRCC Today for a new date in the upcoming weeks.

Free Lunch for Your Thoughts on Student Outreach and Recruitment

The Admissions Office and Student Affairs is seeking input on new student outreach and recruitment efforts. GRCC staff and faculty who are parents/guardians of high school seniors or college freshmen are invited to a FREE LUNCH on Friday, July 1, 2011, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM to discuss ways in which GRCC can effectively communicate with and recruit high school students.

If you’re interested in participating or would like more information, please contact Jeff Hartman in the Admissions Office at jhartman@grcc.edu.

Student Records Student Employee Alexa Justo Wins Idol Contest

Student Worker Alexa Justo, won first place at the Walker Hometown Idol Contest at the Walker Festival on Saturday, June 18, for her golden voice and rendition of Sweet Child of Mine! She won a ton of prizes and a trophy for first place in the adult competition category.  Read more here.

GRCC in the News – 6/28/11

WMU signs on to help GRCC students earn associate degrees
by Cheryl Roland | June 27, 2011 | WMU News

KALAMAZOO–Western Michigan University was one of four Michigan universities to sign an unprecedented reverse transfer agreement June 13 with Grand Rapids Community College, enabling students to earn an associate degree by combining their GRCC credits with those earned at the school to which they transferred.  (More)

Raider Salute to Paulo Teles

“The Lakeshore Campus staff, faculty and students would like to send a Raider Salute to Paulo Teles for his timely response to our urgent need for a new camera for our Raider Card system. Not only did Paulo effectively managed to turnaround the ordering time from approximately 1-2 weeks to less than 24 hours he also went out of his way to come to the Lakeshore Campus to install, configure and test the new camera. Thank you Paulo for your support and exceptional customer service!”

Congratulations to Jeanne Lacy GRCC Spirit Award Recipient

Surprised & delighted, Jeanne Lacy received the GRCC Spirit Award on Thursday, June 23, 2011. Jeanne is serving as the Educational Support Professional in the Early Education Department. Her special work on the Early Reading First Grant Project was honored by her colleagues. They say Jeanne goes above & beyond to meet the needs of project participants. Congratulations Jeanne, for a job well done!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Video of Jeanne being presented with the award.

GRCC in the News – 6/25/11-6/27/11

Wayland Police, Grand Rapids Community College continue positive partnership
Published: Monday, June 20, 2011, 1:54 PM | Herb Woerpel

The Wayland Police Department recently received a donated hand-held radar unit and dash-mounted radar unit courtesy of the Grand Rapids Community College criminal justice department.  (More)

Mott Community College ranked among top 100 associate-degree producers, grants twice as many diplomas as five years ago
Published: Thursday, June 23, 2011, 8:49 AM | Beata Mostafavi | Flint Journal

FLINT, Michigan – Mott Community College is handing out more than twice as many diplomas as it did five years ago. […] MCC’s degree numbers were behind three other state community colleges – No. 25 Macomb Community College, No. 34 Oakland Community College and Grand Rapids Community College, which ranked 74th.  (More)

OUR VIEW — Public university affordability must become a priority in Michigan
Holland Sentinel | Editorial Board | Posted Jun 23, 2011 @ 09:39 AM

It’s the time of year when state universities in Michigan set their tuition rates for the next school term, and once again the increases bear little resemblance to other economic measures, such as the inflation rate or growth in household income. […] Earlier this month, Grand Rapids Community College trustees approved a 6.84 percent tuition increase and, at the same meeting, a $10,000 raise for the college president.  (More)

Teens pitch ideas to turn school trash into cash during entrepreneur competition
Published: Friday, June 24, 2011, 6:16 PM | Shandra Martinez | The Grand Rapids Press

GRAND RAPIDS — How to turn school trash into cash. […] “The overall goal is to have students understand how entrepreneurship works, how to network with resources in their community and the power of innovation and ideas,” said Peg Schoenborn, the academy’s instructor. She also teaches business education at Rockford High School and Grand Rapids Community College.  (More)

Dominican Center at Marywood names new director
Published: Saturday, June 25, 2011, 5:05 AM | Charley Honey | The Grand Rapids Press

GRAND RAPIDS — On any given day, Mary Vaccaro may run into one of the teachers she had as an elementary student at Marywood Academy. It is one of the many pleasures she finds in her new role as director of the Dominican Center at Marywood. […] Education: Grand Rapids Community College, associate degree in music  (More)

Skateboarders enjoy first time in Meijer State Games of Michigan spotlight
Published: Sunday, June 26, 2011, 9:45 AM | Steve Ungrey | The Grand Rapids Press

GRAND HAVEN — […] When Seeley and other skaters such as Grand Rapids resident Jake Keenan aren’t skating competitively, they often show up in short films that show off the sport’s popularity among the under-30 set. Keenan qualified for the finals. “I started getting serious about skating when I was 12,” said Keenan, who formerly lived in Traverse City before moving down to attend Grand Rapids Community College in January.  (More)

Renewable Energy and Green Careers on Display in Library

If you’ve been in the Library & Learning Commons (LLC) recently, you may have noticed that the display next to the doors leading to the second floor has changed.  For the summer, the theme is renewable energy, with an emphasis on wind energy and smart grid training.  Curated by Michael Klawitter, liaison librarian to the Engineering and Energy & Construction programs, the displays illustrates a sampling of materials available at the library as well as information on the wind energy and smart grid training training programs available via Workforce Training.

As always, if you need any help with finding materials, you can always email a librarian, call the reference desk at 616.234.3868 or just stop in!  More information and pictures

IRS Mileage Change for Reimbursement

The IRS has increased the standard mileage rate to 55.5 cents per mile for business miles driven from July 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011. This increase should be reflected on your reimbursement requests for travel occurring July 1st through December 31st. Please call Cherry at ext. 4033 if you have any questions.

Years of GRCC Foundation service honored

Two important members of the GRCC Foundation Board will step down this month. At the June Board of Directors meeting, President Ender, far right, and Foundation President Dave Custer, far left, presented a plaque to each to formally thank them for their service.

Pictured with Custer and Ender are:

Nicholas Wikar, center left, outgoing Student Congress President, 1 year of service

Glen Borre, center right, of Counsel at Miller Johnson,  15 years of service, 11 as board secretary

New Foundation Board members for the year ahead are:

Chairperson: Dave Custer – Founder and CEO of Custer Workplace Interiors

Vice Chairperson: Deb Bailey –  Director of Corporate Relations, Steelcase

Treasurer: Doug Klein – President, Northern Trust

Secretary: Larry Murphy – Partner, Varnum