Daily Archives: April 13, 2015

GRCC In the News, 4-13-15

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Community colleges struggle to fill classes as economy improves

April 12, 2015; Crain’s Detroit Business

Michigan’s community colleges are confronting a cyclical conundrum they haven’t seen since the last economic revival.

… After years of swelling enrollments, Grand Rapids Community College is being hurt by all of the factors affecting Michigan’s two-year schools including the strong area economy.

Change Ups: O-A-K to erect school project

April 10, 2015; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… EDUCATION

… The National College Testing Association awarded Test Center Certification to Grand Rapids Community College’s Academic Testing Services office and staff based on the excellence and integrity of its services.

Area high school grads making an impact on college sports scene

April 12, 2015; MLive

The winter season has come to an end for local college athletes, and the spring season is hitting its stride on the college sports scene. Following is a look at some area high school graduates who have been making their mark on the college scene:

… Matt Hines is enjoying a big spring with the Grand Rapids Community College baseball team. A freshman from East Kentwood, Hines is hitting .412 for the Raiders, with a .444 on-base percentage.

GRCC hosts STEM event for boys

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On Saturday, April 11, 2015, Grand Rapids Community College hosted nearly 70 6th to 8th grade boys from all over west Michigan to participate in an experiential Science+ Technology + Engineering + Math (STEM) Genius Conference. The day-long conference was designed to encourage young men to seek careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.

Associate Dean Bill Faber began the event by welcoming the participants to Grand Rapids Community College and introducing Jorge Horcasitas, local engineer and Kettering University Alumnus, who talked with the boys about the process of becoming an engineer. Throughout the day, participants carried out hands-on engineering and science activities, which were in part led by Todd Tiano, GRCC Biology Professor. The participants also had lunch with men who are engineering and science professionals who work at local companies including Gentex Corporation and the Van Andel Institute.

Todd Tiano (Biological Sciences), Bernard Liburd (Physical Sciences) and Jonathan Greer (Mathematics) from GRCC also participated in the luncheon. Leigh Kleinert, Kristina Pacelli, Robert Ruddy, Leah Engemann, Pam Scott, Jennifer Batten, and Dan Groh worked with the community partners to prepare for the event. Fifteen GRCC Academic Service Learning students volunteered and helped the participants with the activities. Bayard Brooks, Becky Yoder, Tim Zerfas, Amy Kirkbride, and Chef Luba Petrash helped with event scheduling, set-up, and dining.

The STEM Genius Conference is a collaborative effort between Armen Oumediam, Kettering University, the Catholic Secondary School Foundation, and Grand Rapids Community College.

The next STEM Girl Genius Conference will be held in November 2015.

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Gregory Forbes’ vaccination lecture available on YouTube

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If you did not catch Dr. Forbes’ (Biological Sciences) lecture on the anti-vaccination movement last week, it is now available on YouTube:

More than 2 centuries have passed since the first vaccines were used to prevent disease and the disabilities and death associated with these diseases. However, even after the prevention of many millions of deaths, vaccine skeptics and vaccine conspiracy theories appear to be increasing in frequency even in the light of a preponderance of scientific fact validating the efficacy and safety of vaccines.

This presentation will provide an overview of how vaccines provide protection from disease, how vaccines are manufactured and will review the claims from the anti-vaccine skeptics. These claims will then be addressed utilizing the body of scientific knowledge acquired over the last 2 centuries as well as contemporary research. A comparison of the anti-vaccine movement will then be made to similar anti-science beliefs such as climate change denial, anti-evolutionism and young Earth geology.

NEED HELP WITH SKILLPORT?

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Staff Development has reserved a computer lab in the ATC building and will be available during specific times to assist anyone who would like help with the SkillPort technology. SkillPort is the format being used for mandatory compliance training for all employees at GRCC. There is no need to pre-register. Please come when your schedule allows.

All sessions will be held in Room 213 ATC

  • Fri Apr 17 from 8:30 – 10 AM
  • Fri Apr 17 from 3-4:30 PM
  • Fri May 22 from 9-10:30 AM
  • Fri May 22 from 1-2:30 PM
  • Fri Jun 19 from 10-11:30 AM
  • Fri Jun 19 from 3:30-5 PM

GRCC Employees on the Move

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Please welcome our new employees and congratulate those who have moved and been promoted.

WELCOME TO GRCC!

Bill Pink

Vice President and Dean, Workforce Development

3-23-15

Amy Brannon

Support Professional, Allied Health Programs

4-13-15

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW JOB!

Arthur Johnson

From: Support Professional, Provost’s Office

To: Support Professional, Communications

4-6-15

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO GRCC

Phillip Greene

Program Development Manager

3-14-15

Juan Fernandez

Assistant Professor, Photography

5-1-15

Gayle Johnson

Assistant Professor, Reading

5-1-15

Jennifer Keessen

Assistant Professor, Student Support Services

5-1-15 – Retiring after 23 years of service

Diana Kooistra

Professor, Dental Auxiliary

5-1-15 – Retiring after 27 years of service

Jeanette Lochan

Professor, Nursing

5-1-15 – Retiring after 28 years of service

Raider Salute for Teaching & Learning Showcase

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Thank you to everyone who participated in the 9th Annual Teaching & Learning Showcase on Thursday, April 9th! A special thank you goes out to the 14 presenters and two special guests. We’d also like to give a Raider Salute to the personnel from facilities, IT, catering, and media technologies for all of your assistance to make our event go smoothly.

The lucky winner of the GoPro HERO Camera is Lisa Gloege!

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Library sets summer hours

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Here are the summer hours adjustments for the LLC:

  • 5/1, Commencement 8-5 with limited services.
  • May 2-3, 2015 CLOSED.
  • May 4-8 8am-5pm with limited services,
  • May 9-10 CLOSED.
  • May 11, 2015 Summer hours begin: Mo-Th 8-8; Fr 8-5; Closed weekends.
  • May 25 Campus is CLOSED.
  • July 3 Campus is CLOSED.
  • Aug 17-21; 24-28 Campus is open, but there are no classes; open 8am-5pm with limited services.
  • Aug 31 Fall Classes begin; Fall hours Mo-Th 7:30am-9:45pm; Fr 7:30am-5pm; Sa 10-2; Su 1-5.
  • 9/5-9/7, Labor Day CLOSED.

Celebrate Month of the Young Child

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Each April, Michigan celebrates Month of the Young Child® (MOYC®). This is a time when communities and individuals recognize the needs and rights of young children and their families.

Since 1971, one week in April has been celebrated nationally as Week of the Young Child. In 1985, Michigan expanded the celebration to the entire month of April, with each week having a specific focus.

The week of April 13th, the Child Development & Education Department will be celebrating the Week of the Young Child with activities each day!

Monday, April 13th – Stop by the Child Development & Education Department Office (room 266 Main) to pick up a purple ribbon to wear in support of the Month of the Young Child

Tuesday, April 14th – Wear purple in support of the Month of the Young Child

Wednesday, April 15 – Stop by the Child Development & Education Department Office (room 266 Main) and enjoy some purple snacks

Thursday, April 16th – Stop by the Child Development & Education Department and donate food or decorate a bag for a sack supper for Kids Food Basket (see link for wish list of items needed http://www.kidsfoodbasket.org/donate/juice-box-drive).