GRCC in the News – 4/26/12

Letter writers have two takes on GRCC’s bond election
Published: Thursday, April 26, 2012, 8:00 AM | Grand Rapids Press

[Caption: Grand Rapids Community College is asking voters to approve a nearly $100 million tax hike that would allow the college to finance a long list of repairs and upgrades to campus buildings.]  (More)

Report shows two wealthy donors behind campaign to pass GRCC’s $98.6 million bond proposal
Published: Thursday, April 26, 2012, 6:00 AM | Grand Rapids Press

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Supporters of Grand Rapids Community College’s $98.6 million bond proposal have raised more than $121,000 in advance of next month’s election, campaign finance reports show. But nearly half the total came from two donors: Richard and Doug DeVos, who each gave $25,000 to support the measure.  (More)

Seniors stand in support of citizens for ‘our community college’
April 26, 2012 By the Rockford Squire

Senior citizens and middle-aged workers all around Kent County are coming together in support of the GRCC Yes Campaign for “our community college.” Senior citizens and middle-aged workers join local elected officials, labor organizations, public safety officials, Republicans and Democrats in the large and growing list of individuals and organizations urging Kent County residents to vote yes on this important proposal.  (More)

GRCC’s President Asks Voters To Pass $98M Bond
Reporter Morgan Bond | 6:45 p.m. EDT, April 25, 2012 | Fox 17

KENT COUNTY, Mich — Grand Rapids Community College is looking to make almost $100 million in repairs to the school. “It sounds like a great deal of money, but as a community, I think we owe it to ourselves to maintain the community college and keep things going,” Kathy Izenbaard, one of the voters said.  (More)

No. 8 Express Sweep GRCC, Reach 30 Win Plateau On The Season
Apr 25, 2012 7:12 PM EDT | 13 ABC

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The No. 8 Express softball team swept Grand Rapids Community College 6-1 and 9-3 on Tuesday. Ashlyn Michalak struck out 13 while winning the first game, while Hallie Thompson and Mareshah Scott had solid days offensively.  (More)

Reminder: Operation Get to Work Job Fair Today – 4/26/12

Meet face-to-face with employers who have or will have full or part-time openings in the upcoming months.  Operation: Get to Work is a free job fair that will be held Thursday, April 26, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at GRCC’s Tassell M-TEC (622 Godfrey SW – South of Wealthy St.— off Market Ave.).

Sponsored by:

• Community Alternatives Program, a branch of Cherry Street Health Services
• Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Western District of MI
• United States Probation & Pretrial Services Office for the Western District of MI

Congratulations to GRAHEN Award Winner Kelly Butler

On Wednesday April 18, at Sneden Hall, Grand Rapids Area Higher Education Network (GRAHEN) hosted the 13th annual Outstanding Adult Learner Award Ceremony and Reception celebrating the accomplishments and achievements of adult and non-traditional students at colleges and universities throughout the Grand Rapids area. There were 10 award recipients from the 11 member schools of GRAHEN (www.grahen.org). These students have the extraordinary ability and determination to successfully balance jobs, classes, families, and community involvement. A winner from each school is selected with the help of nominations from faculty and staff.

The 2012 OAL award recipient from Grand Rapids Community College is Kelly Butler.

Kelly’s unwavering commitment to her family is the driving force behind her motivation and success in college. As a mother of three, with one son deployed in the military and another with Cystic Fibrosis – Kelly has endured challenges and made many sacrifices to achieve her personal and academic goals. Despite her demands at school, Kelly still finds time to advocate for and support the cause near to heart – the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Team Johnny. She also takes much pride in being a military mom to a Marine and enjoys cheering on her daughter in sports.

Kelly has been employed in the health care industry for several years and decided to pursue GRCC’s Radiologic Technology program two years ago. She excels in her courses (earning all A’s in her Radiologic Technology courses) as well in the clinical setting. According to the program director: “Kelly is a leader and role model among her peers and consistently demonstrates a professional attitude as well as compassionate understanding in patient care.” After graduating from GRCC later this month – with honors, Kelly will continue her education in Chicago for an additional training certification in mammography.

Congratulations Kelly!

Operation Get to Work Job Fair – 4/26/12

Meet face-to-face with employers who have or will have full or part-time openings in the upcoming months.  Operation: Get to Work is a free job fair that will be held Thursday, April 26, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at GRCC’s Tassell M-TEC (622 Godfrey SW – South of Wealthy St.— off Market Ave.).

Sponsored by:

• Community Alternatives Program, a branch of Cherry Street Health Services
• Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Western District of MI
• United States Probation & Pretrial Services Office for the Western District of MI

Collegiate Editor Named Community College Journalist of the Year

Collegiate editor Austin Metz has been named the Michigan Community College Journalist of the Year by the Michigan Community College Press Association (MCCPA). The award was announced April 21 at the MCCPA annual conference at Central Michigan University.

Metz also won first-place awards in feature and column writing, and seven other second place awards in multi-media reporting, news writing, in-depth reporting, page design, blogging, and reviewing.

Metz was nominated in a letter of support by Collegiate Adviser Scott McNabb.

Other first-place awards were won by Justin Dawes for feature photography and First Amendment reporting, and Josh Compaan for Blogging.

Collegiate photo editor Stephanie Krings won a second place award for feature photography. Jessica Towell won awards for illustrating, and Chet Eagleman Jr. won an award for multi-media reporting.

The Collegiate staff received a second place for their web site, and an honorable mention for their print edition. Altogether this year’s staff won 26 awards in 28 categories.

GRCC in the News – 4/25/12

Editorial: Which way you should vote in GRCC’s bond election
Published: Wednesday, April 25, 2012, 10:00 AM | Grand Rapids Press

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Grand Rapids Community College is an education cornerstone of our community: One out of three college-bound high school students in Kent County attend GRCC for at least part of their college experience.  (More)

See who’s speaking at GRCC’s commencement ceremony Friday
Published: Tuesday, April 24, 2012, 6:02 PM | Grand Rapids Press

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Lt. Gov. Brian Calley will deliver the keynote address to graduates at Grand Rapids Community College’s 2012 commencement ceremony. GRCC’s commencement, taking place Friday at Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse, will feature approximately 1,874 students, according to the college.  (More)

Changes in teacher retirement system would be violation of trust, say educators
Published: Tuesday, April 24, 2012, 6:43 PM | Grand Rapids Press

When Kathy Kapera started working as a Michigan teacher in 1976, she made about $7,000 a year. […] Fred van Hartesveldt knows the choices. Now 55, he faced a fork in the road in 1989, when he left his chosen profession of law to teach English. He now works at Grand Rapids Community College and serves on the board of the Coalition for a Secure Retirement. He testified before a Senate subcommittee against SB 1040.  (More)
(Also Featured in Bridge Magazine)

Coffee and Conversation With Dr Ender 5/3/12

Join GRCC President Steven Ender for Coffee and Conversation on May 3, at 9:00 a.m. in  ATC 122/124.  President Ender will discuss the significance of the May 8 vote on GRCC’s bond request, what it represents for the college and why it is important for GRCC staff and faculty to be well-informed about the upcoming election.

Networking in 2012 Program from Workforce Training

What is networking in 2012?  Do you really know how to develop a true strategy for building your professional network using the latest methods? Do you know the best ways to sell yourself and your ideas by combining personal communication and the new tools of technology? Start managing your career like you are starting a business.

Let John Rumery and Zoe Carmichael be your personal networking coaches.  John and Zoe will lead group meetings, online activities, and accompany you to community events, where you will receive one on one coaching in a real life networking situation.  Walk away with the skills you need to build stronger professional relationships. This includes communications skills; what you say, how you say it, and the methods now available to get your message out there. Whether using social networking technology or shaking someone’s hand in person; learn how to a make true impression.  This intimate workshop is like no other you have ever seen advertised. John and Zoe take you step by step; teaching you the best way sell yourself and your ideas is to gain connections in the community.

Dates: May 15 – June 28, 2012, class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00-8:00 p.m.  June classes will be announced and will be on-site at actual networking events.

(No class 5/17/2012, 5/22/2012, 5/29/2012)

The cost of the program is $199.00.  Register now using this form.

Reminder – GRCC Ford Fieldhouse Closed for Commencement

The Ford Fieldmouse will close at 2:00p.m. on Friday, April 27, 2012 as we prepare the facility for our Commencement program on Friday evening. Anyone planning to work out on Friday afternoon will need to make alternative plans. The Facility will reopen doors for the Commencement Program only at 4:15p.m. on Friday, April 27, 2012. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.

Golden Raiders Retiree Reception Today From 1-3 PM

The 2012 GRCC Golden Raiders Retiree Reception is being held today from 1:00-3:00 p.m. in the Banquet Rooms of the Applied Technology Center (ATC). This is an annual event designed to bring GRCC retirees together and honor those who are retiring this year. All are welcome to attend.

Faculty Emeritus Award Winner – Velvie Green

Our Faculty Emeritus Award winner this year is a model of academic integrity and critical thinking. She lead by example throughout her more than 28 years at Grand Rapids Community college, giving a voice to students and faculty alike.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Dr. Velvie Green is a soft voice, a quiet strength, and a force to be reckoned with. While at GRCC, Dr. Green served as chair of the business department, dean, provost and Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs – all roles in which she asked her faculty for excellence…and modeled it every day. Congratulations, Dr. Green, and thank you for your service to our college and our students.

Workforce Training Scores New Rides Courtesy of Secretary of State’s Office

GRCC’s Workforce Training department received a gift of 21 brand new Yamaha motorcycles from the Michigan Secretary of State’s office. These cycles will be used for our Motorcycle Safety training. We start our 5th year of this program this week – thank you to all our Cycle Coaches for their hard work!

GRCC Journalism Student Creates Documentary Film

GRCC journalism student Dana Finkler has produced a 32-minute video documentary reporting the story of KingDamon Antoine. Antoine is a former GRCC football player who has turned to boxing and recently won the Michigan Golden Glove tournament as a novice fighter.

Finkler, who is an advanced journalism student at GRCC, produced the documentary for a journalism independent study this semester.

The film, in three parts, may be found at www.thecollegiatelive.com under the “Multi-media” – video tab.  Here’s Part 1:

Bridging the Communication Gap With Kelly Sheridan

Staff Development is pleased to introduce Kelly Sheridan, Gordon Food Service Marketplace HR Training & Development Manager, as a new facilitator for the two-part Communications session detailed below. Please register today at grcc.edu/currentlearning

Bridging the Communication Gap – Life Orientations with LIFO® Interpersonal Skills

• Part 1 of 2: Tues May 15, 2012 | 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM | 103 Sneden Hall
• Part 2 of 2: Tues May 29, 2012 | 12:30 – 4:30 PM | 103 Sneden Hall

‘Bridge the Communication Gap’ enables people to get through to others more easily, obtain agreement with less effort, and get things moving quickly. This workshop gives individuals and teams the skills they need to recognize what’s important to other people and to translate their requests, proposals, and instructions so that they will hear, understand, and act on them. This workshop helps teams set priorities and maximize the contributions of all team members. It encourages real problem-solving and real teamwork without creating hassles, hard feelings, or harsh confrontation. It creates long-lasting results by enabling participants to see situations from multiple points of view and take advantage of diversity — rather than resisting it. Learning Objectives: In this 2-part workshop, teams and individuals learn how to: Reduce resistance and increase acceptance by using communication strategies tailored to the needs of their audience; Create a non-defensive, open atmosphere in which information flows more freely, leading to more effective planning and decision making; Resolve differences in values, priorities, and interpretations of information for identifying mutually satisfying solutions; Recognize: Identify other people’s preferred ways of communicating by what they do, say, write, and ask; Translate: Adjust their requests, proposals, and presentations to match other people’s preferred ways of communicating; Answer: Address the key questions uppermost in other people’s minds that must be answered to win their support.

Raider Golf Team Takes Jackson CC Invitational

Congratulations to the GRCC Raider Golf Team on winning the Jackson CC Invitational yesterday. Also congratulations to Drew Reinke, a freshman from Forest Hills Eastern, who was the medalist at the tournament. This is the Raiders second tournament win in the past week.

Medalist Drew Rienke