Monthly Archives: June 2013

GRCC In the News, 6-28-13

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GRCC trustee on colleges $37,000 lobbying contract: The public can get really shafted

June 27, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College like many two-year schools in Michigan pays a lobbying firm to ensure its voice is heard on legislation and other matters at the state Capitol.
…Trustee Richard Ryskamp last week voiced opposition to the colleges annual $37,440 contract with McAlvey, Merchant and Associates, a Lansing-based governmental and political consulting firm.

See how much Michigans 28 community colleges spend on state lobbying

June 27, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The amount Michigan’s community colleges spends on lobbying varies widely, with 18 of the 28 schools engaging in the practice, according to state records.
…The issue of lobbying came up at recent board meeting at Grand Rapids Community College, where one trustee questioned whether it wise for the school to partake in state-level lobbying.

Dr. Sarah Palmer moves dental practice to Grandville

June 27, 2013; MLive

Dr. Sarah Palmer has moved her dental practice to Grandville.
…Palmer is a member of the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, West Michigan District Dental Society, and on the board for Dental Programs at Grand Rapids Community College.

TWO COOKING SESSIONS ADDED TO STAFF DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE:

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We have had a fantastic response to two of the ‘Adult Nutrition Series’ class offerings being presented by Dawn Davies, Public Health Educator from the Kent County Health Department. Due to the popularity of these two classes, we have added a second session to the calendar. Online registration for employees is available at http://cms.grcc.edu/currentlearning. Non-GRCC employees may contact Staff Development at 234-4285 to request enrollment.

 

Cooking With Herbs & Spices

Wed July 24, 2013

12-1:30 PM

Location TBD

Eliminate salt from your cooking and have fun with new flavors! Get tips on using fresh and dried herbs, spices and learn how paring flavors with healthy foods can take your meals to the next level.

 

Cooking Healthy & Delicious the Mediterranean Way

Thu Aug 15, 2013

12-1:30 PM

Location TBD

Discover the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet and how to make it part of your lifestyle. The class will take you on a journey around the Mediterranean by sampling delicious menu items and introducing you to new recipe ideas.

Earn your SCECH poolside this summer

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Sharpen your skills, or learn new ones, any time of the day or night. You may complete any course entirely from your home or office. Earn State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECH) online with our instructor facilitated, online courses specifically designed for teachers! Grand Rapids Community College offers Michigan Teachers and Educational Professionals the opportunity to earn SCECHs online through our partnership with Cengage Learning’s Ed2Go.

Register here!

Choose from more than 45 courses already approved for SCECHs!

GRCC In the News, 6-27-13

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Floyd Mayweather, Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez bask in fan support during Grand Rapids press tour stop

June 26, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS — Floyd Mayweather and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez have decided not to wait until Sept. 14 to start putting on a show.
…Some 4,000 onlookers crammed Houseman Field’s south bleachers and sidelines on a sun-splashed Wednesday afternoon to witness the third stop in the exhaustive 11-city, nine-day press tour in advance of the Mayweather-Alvarez blockbuster.
(Houseman Field is home to GRCC’s football team).

WCCC chief announces retirement timeline

June 27, 2013; MLive

PITTSBURGH, PA — Westmoreland County Community College President Daniel Obara told trustees Wednesday night that he will retire next summer when his contract with the college ends.
…Obara, 70, of Hempfield, was hired in 1996 as vice president of academic affairs and student services. He was named president of the college that enrolls more than 6,000 students in April 2009, succeeding former president Steven Ender.

Get your ducks in a row!

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Do you need help getting ready to sign up for classes at GRCC?  Please join us on Friday, June 28 from 11 AM to 1 PM  at our Lakeshore Campus Thompson M-TEC facility. We will have GRCC staff available to help you with Accuplacer testing, Financial Aid, Academic Advising, Raider Card, Technology Assistance and more.

We look forward to seeing you!
GRCC’s Lakeshore Campus
Thompson M-TEC
6364 136th Ave Pvt.
Holland, MI 49424
616-234-2200

Professional Development Opportunity: Young Professionals of Color Conference 2013

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The college’s work with different organizations offers GRCC employees many unique opportunities to engage and collaborate with our peers throughout the community.  Cascade Engineering is inviting young professionals of color to participate in their second annual conference, intended to launch or enhance professional careers and provide strategies to create a successful work-life balance.

For details, click here.

GRCC In the News, 6-26-13

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Kent Resource Center provides support, services to improve quality of child care, preschool

June 25,, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Kent County parents and child care providers have a local resource in the Great Start to Quality Kent Resource Center to offer free support and services to improve the quality of child care and preschool in the area.

… For example, in May, the center offered a workshop to introduce child care directors and caregivers to Michigan’s Early Childhood Standards in partnership with Grand Rapids Community College. The next session is, “How can I use this?”

GRCC partnering with Wayne State University for two-day course on electric vehicles

June 25, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A two-day course on electric and battery-powered vehicles is taking place at Grand Rapids Community Colleges Lakeshore Campus next month.

Downtown Market announces roster of free cooking demonstrations by local chefs

June 25, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Home chefs and would-be chefs can hone their skills this summer as the new Downtown Market features Chefs At The Market, a weekly event in which popular local chefs offer free, weekly cooking demonstrations.

… July 27: Chef Aaron from Bistro Bella Vita shares the philosophy of sustainability in the kitchen.

… August 17 : Chef Jenna Arcidiacono of Amore Trattoria whisk you away on an Italian culinary adventure, right at the Market!

(Article doesn’t mention it, but Aaron VanTimmeren and Jenna Arcidiacono are GRCC graduates.)

Staff Development offers two cooking classes in July

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Back by popular demand, Staff Development has added two very timely and informative food/cooking sessions to the schedule in July. Please take a moment to register for one, or both of the classes listed below, before all seats are taken. They fill up fast!

Register online at http://cms.grcc.edu/currentlearning or call Staff Development at ext. 4285.

Farmer’s Market Cooking

Thu July 11, 2013

2-3:30 PM

109-111 ATC (classroom kitchen)

Join us for a Farmer’s Market/CSA Cooking Class lead by Tara Rietsma. Be prepared to taste new healthy creations that are focused on using seasonally fresh farmer’s market fare!

Healthy Dinner on a Budget

Tue July 16, 2013

2-3:30 PM

109-111 ATC (classroom kitchen)

Who says eating healthy has to be expensive? Sign up for our “Healthy Dinner on a Budget” and learn to prepare a healthy entree for a family of four, all for under $12. We’ll provide you with tips, techniques and information on how to choose some of the healthiest and most inexpensive ingredients available in your weekly grocery ad. Come and enjoy an afternoon of fun while you learn how to prepare a gourmet meal on a budget!  Session facilitated by Josh Ferguson.

Update on Bostwick ramp project

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The area closures for the Bostwick ramp lighting project will remain the same for the next week. The inner loop work continues, and the contractors will work their way down the next portion of the inner loop next week. More closure updates will follow after the July 4th holiday. Employees are still required to enter and exit through the staff access points.

GRCC In the News, 6-25-13

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Victoria Premiers Luncheon at Berjaya University College of Hospitality

June 17, 2013; bigboysoven.com (Australia)

It was just perfect Sunday morning where I attended a fabulous luncheon invited by the Premier Dr Denis Napthine of the Victoria State Government at BERJAYA University College of Hospitality. That fabulous morning not just only myself and the media but the Malaysian food industry leaders had a taste of Victorian food at this special showcase lunched prepared by Melbourne food icon Daniel Wilson, head chef and owner of Huxtable and the Huxtaburger outlets.

(Article doesn’t mention it, but Daniel Wilson is a GRCC alumnus.)

Supreme Court tightens up Affirmative Action

June 24, 2013; examiner.com

Colleges and universities are going to have stricter affirmative action guidelines to follow after the Supreme Court’s ruling Monday. The Supreme Court is insisting schools look at alternative factors, using the applicant’s race last when making admission decisions. Solicitor General Donald Verrilli was quoted by the “Today Show” stating, “For example, they will look for individuals who will play against racial stereotypes just by what they bring: The African-American fencer, the Hispanic who has who has mastered classical Greek.”

… Grand Rapids Community College’s student body is currently 71% White, 14% African American, and only 7% Hispanic, with 4% unknown. Grand Valley State University is 85% White, 5% African American, and 4% Hispanic, with 1% unknown. Other colleges in Grand Rapids have similar student body populations, including Ferris State University, Calvin College, and Grace Bible College.