GRCC In the News, 6-1-15

Transforming the College to Manage Enrollment Decline

June 1, 2015; evolllution.com

When the recession hit, countless adults were forced to enroll in postsecondary institutions to acquire new skills and retrain for an increasingly knowledge-based, lean economy. Of course, the recovery began and employers began hiring once again, causing enrollments to fall and leaving higher education institutions — especially community colleges — dealing with declining demand and plummeting state appropriations. College leaders are being forced to restructure their budgets to manage these challenges and remain viable over the long term. In this interview, Steven Ender and Lisa Freiburger share some insights into their experience going through this process at Grand Rapids Community College.

Change Ups: Koelzer wins national anthem vote

May 29, 2015; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… EDUCATION

Grand Rapids Community College’s adult English-As-a-Second-Language program received an additional $5,000 in funding through the Michigan Workforce Development Agency based on its 2013-14 performance. Also, the Higher Learning Commission has approved reaccreditation for the college.

Gr. Rapids foundation raises $33.6M for scholarships

May 31, 2015; Crain’s Detroit Business

The Grand Rapids Community Foundation said it has raised $33.6 million to pay for Grand Rapids Public Schools students involved in the Challenge Scholars program to attend college or trade school, MLive.com reported.

… Besides what has been raised, the presidents of Aquinas College, Grand Valley State University, Ferris State University and Grand Rapids Community College in 2013 created scholarships for the 2020 graduates of the program.

Grand Rapids area dining guide: downtown

May 31, 2015; MLive

The Heritage Restaurant Located in the Applied Technology Center at Grand Rapids Community College, this is the culinary school restaurant. Open during selected times September through mid-April and for lunch May-June. 151 Fountain St. NE, 234-3700, www.grcc.edu/heritage. $, $$$

Senior leadership key to Byron Center’s OK Green softball co-championship

May 29, 2015; MLive

BYRON CENTER — With the transition to a new coach this spring, the Byron Center softball team has relied on strong leadership to work its way through the season.

… After graduation, (Maylynn) Kapteyn will play at Grand Rapids Community College and Herrema is going to play at Spring Arbor. Wendland will focus on her studies at Michigan State University and May at Central Michigan. All four seniors have made their mark on Bulldog softball.

Jewish Theater brings historic factory fire to life

May 31, 2015; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WZZM) — On Saturday, March 25th, 1911 a factory fire in Manhattan killed 146 people. The fire escape collapsed and the exit doors were locked.

… The drama opens June 11th at Spectrum Theatre on the GRCC campus.

Condolences to friends, family of Shirley West

We extend our condolences to the friends, family and former co-workers of Dr. Shirley West, formerly director of counseling. Services are scheduled for June 6. To read the obituary, click here.

Street closings scheduled for Festival of the Arts

As you travel through downtown, be aware of scheduled street closings for Festival of the Arts:

• Ottawa Avenue will close from Michigan to Louis streets from 6 p.m. June 4 to 6 a.m. June 5 and from 9 a.m. June 5 to 11 p.m. June 7; it will be open 6-9 a.m. June 5 for inbound business traffic.
• Lyon Street will close from Monroe to Ionia avenues from 6 p.m. June 4 to 11 p.m. June 7.
• Pearl Street will close from Monroe to Ionia from 6 p.m. June 4 to 11 p.m. June 7.
• Pearl will close from Ionia to Division avenues from 6 p.m. June 4 to 11 p.m. June 7.
• Monroe Center will close from Pearl to Ionia from 6 p.m. June 4 to 11 p.m. June 7.