GRCC In the News, 11-30-15

Apprenticeship program aims to create health care careers

Nov. 27, 2015; Grand Rapids Business Journal

A new apprenticeship program that will be offered by a trio of community colleges in West Michigan beginning in January is aimed at creating careers in the health care field.

Grand Rapids Community College, Muskegon Community College and Montcalm Community College have teamed with Mercy Health, Cherry Health, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and Spectrum Health and West Michigan Works! to develop a medical assistant apprenticeship program, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor.

West Michigan colleges open doors for international students

Nov. 26, 2015; Grand Rapids Business Journal

A report says there are thousands of international students on West Michigan college campuses contributing to a top-10 ranking for the state and several colleges’ study-abroad programs are among the nation’s most active.

… The report breaks down the international student enrollment at a number of institutions: Western Michigan University, 1,967; Calvin College, 467; Ferris State University, 458; Grand Valley State University, 394; Kalamazoo College, 141; Calvin Theological Seminary, 118; Hope College, 87; Lake Michigan College, 71; Kalamazoo Valley Community College, 49; Grand Rapids Community College, 43; Aquinas College, 20; Kuyper College, 16; and Kellogg Community College, 11.

3 soloists perform with orchestra’s Messiah

Nov. 27, 2015; Petoskey News

PETOSKEY — Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra will bring the Messiah to Northern Michigan at 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 17-18, at St. Francis Xavier Church in Petoskey. The Messiah has become a Christmas tradition, one which is eagerly anticipated every year. This year, in addition to conductor Libor Ondras, chorus master Peter Sims and the Great Lakes Chamber Chorus, three soloists will perform. Amy Cross, soprano, Katherine Jannakos, alto and Tom Cilluffo, tenor are the guest soloists.

… Alto Katherine Jannakos cannot remember a time when she hasn’t been involved in music. She comes from a very musical family, and early on studied music theory and flute. She didn’t start singing until high school, and later began serious voice study at Grand Rapids Community College. It was there that she discovered her gift and passion for classical vocal performance. After three years she left Grand Rapids Community College and completed her degree at Oberlin Conservatory. In addition to classical music Katherine loves Orthodox liturgical music. She has been music director at St. Paul’s Orthodox Cathedral in Dearborn Heights, Michigan for the past three years.

Locals strive to give hope, love to foster children

Nov. 27, 2015; The Holland Sentinel

Holland, Mich. — Children who have been removed from their families and are struggling to find a place in the world are being taken in and taken care of in a variety of ways in the Holland area.

… (Amber) Clingman earned an associates degree in juvenile services from Grand Rapids Community College, and is finishing up a bachelor’s degree in social work at Grand Valley State University.

Holland’s Community Action House EPIC program helps set, achieve goals

Nov. 26, 2015; The Holland Sentinel

Holland, Mich. — Gratitude changes everything.

… Through EPIC, (Marisol) Ramirez obtained internships at Lakeshore Disability Network and Community Action House. A speaker from Grand Rapids Community College encouraged her to continue her education. This fall, she enrolled there and is on her way to an associate’s degree in social work.

Students get a Jump Start on College Applications

Nov. 27,2015; schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District newsletter)

Wyoming Public Schools, MI — Felicia McCrary has an important role at Wyoming High School: help students get into college. She recently did just that, co-organizing a week of events during which 250 seniors sat down and applied.

… During English class, seniors in the Class of 2016 applied to colleges using Chromebooks, sent out transcripts and completed applications. Nearly every senior applied to Grand Rapids Community College.

See who’s participating in 2016 Dancing with Local Stars charity event

Nov. 25, 2015; MLive

MUSKEGON, MI — The Women’s Division Chamber of Commerce has announced the participants for its annual Dancing with the Local Stars charity event.

… The 2016 Dancing with the Local Stars participants include:

… Sonya Hernandez, Adjunct Professor, Grand Rapids Community College; State Commissioner, Hispanic Latino Commission of Michigan, with Byron Doss, Instructor, Social Dance Studio, Grand Rapids

… Cassy Arsenault, Reporter, FOX 17, West Michigan, with Patrick Johnson, GRCC Dance Faculty Instructor; Co-owner PT Arts, LLC Consulting; President & CEO, West MI Flight Academy.