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.

Professor Assists in Biographical Research about Inventor Grandfather

Betty DeRamus

Claude Harvard

Veteran, award winning journalist, author and biographer, Betty DeRamus, explains the following about her writing: “Usually somebody tells me a story. That’s where some of my best ideas have come from, I’ve heard something and it caught my attention.” The life of Professor Mursalata Muhammad’s inventor grandfather, Claude Harvard, is the subject of Deramus’ latest biography. DeRamus visits campus this week for their first in-person meeting since DeRamus secured a publisher for the biography tentatively titled: The African American Inventor Who “Educated” Henry Ford.

TRiO Student Support Services Kayak Excursion

A former GRCC professor, Jeff Neumann, is a new proprietor with GR Paddling LLC. Jeff provides kayak and canoe excursions in and around the greater Grand Rapids area.

On Friday, May 17th, a group of GRCC TRiO SSS students/advisors went on a Kayak guided excursion with Jeff. Though it was a cloudy day, the trip went well and they all had fun. TRiO Participants: Whitney Harper, Anna Maria Clark, Nathan Swanson, Carly Misech, Kimberly Reis, Philip Curtis, Brenda Lee, Vanessa Alvarez and Jessica McCormick

Check out the rates and excursions @ www.grpaddling.com

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Three sessions scheduled for Fast Track program

GRCC recently hosted an information session on its Fast Track program.

The free Fast Track program is targeted to incoming students who have academic potential but need further instruction in reading, writing and math to be college-ready. The intensive, three-week program strengthens their skills so they can bypass remedial courses and be ready to start regular college courses in the fall.

GRCC is offering three sessions for summer 2013: June 10 through 27, July 8 through 25, and July 29 through Aug. 15. Space is limited. For more information, call 234-2312 or register online here.

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Photos from Golden Raiders luncheon

Some photos from the recent Golden Raiders luncheon:

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GRCC alumnus to hold benefit concert

Brysien Beer, a GRCC TRiO/SSS alumni, is very excited to announce that he will be participating in Michigan State University’s “Master Classes at the Centro Studi Carlo Della Giacoma” in Todi, Italy. This program facilitates an intensive Italian language and opera prep course that will prove invaluable to Brysien, both as a student operatic vocalist now and later as a professional. Educational endeavors such as this one are always quite costly. In addition to initial program fees, there are plane tickets to be bought, food and living costs, enrichment field experiences and miscellaneous costs that are encountered during every international adventure. Brysien is holding a concert event to help raise money for this once in a lifetime opportunity. Brysien would really love it if you could join him.

The concert will be May 30, 2013, 7pm, in Grand Rapids Community College’s Music Center. It will feature operatic works by Verdi, Ravel, Schumann and more. There is no admission fee, but donations will be accepted and very much appreciated. Whether or not you can help financially, please come and support with your eyes and ears.

If you are unable to make it but would still like to make a contribution, contact Brysien at www.Brysien.com for details. Feel free to invite anyone who you think would enjoy hearing Brysien sing.