GRCC In the News, 2-28-13

Colleges and universities discuss how sequester financial aid cuts would impact students

February 27, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — In an effort to offset a possible reduction in federal financial aid, university administrators say they’ll steer students toward outside scholarships and attempt to maximize institutional aid.

… Grand Rapids Community College Interim Financial Aid Director Ken Fridsma said the number of students receiving opportunity grants would drop by about 100 to 150 fewer students.

As of now, about 1,200 students are receiving the grants, with the average award around $350. The number of students on work study would also drop, likely by 40 students.

Work study would shrink as well.

“Any loss of funding is going to affect students” Fridsma said. “It’s going to mean we have less dollars to award to students, less dollars to employee students, and so on.”

LaughFest’s Family Friendly series offers more than comedy for kids

February 28, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Much of today’s comedy comes adult language, topics and humor.

… The Meijer Family Friendly series includes performances by children’s hip-hop artist Secret Agent 23 Skidoo at The B.O.B (1 and 3 p.m. shows March 9-10, $7), a stage show with Strawberry Shortcake and the Doodlebops in DeVos Performance Hall (1 p.m. March 17, $15-$27.50), and an all-day fun zone Super Saturday (March 16, $7) for younger kids during the day and teens at night at Grand Rapids Community College’s Ford Fieldhouse, which Festival Director Joanne Roehm called “an amazingly fun night.”