GRCC In the News, 9-18-17

Anxiety and uncertainty: Fallout from Trump administration’s plan to rescind DACA

Sept. 17, 2017; mibiz.com

West Michigan educators and at least one business group say the Trump administration’s plan to rescind the Deferred Action of Childhood Arrivals program already is leading to anxiety and uncertainty.

… Universities and colleges across Michigan including Western Michigan University, Michigan State University, Grand Valley State University, Ferris State University, Grand Rapids Community College, Kalamazoo College and Kalamazoo Valley Community College have responded with resolutions of support for their DACA students and called for a legislative fix from Congress.
GRCCs Faculty Council recently passed a resolution opposing the DACA decision and supporting the positions of the GRCC administration and Board of Trustees.

Call to action issued on Challenge Scholars

Sept. 15, 2017; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The president of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation says Challenge Scholars is more than about giving families money to pay for college, but preparing and guiding teenagers through the transition from high school to college for a successful career and life.

… Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) announced that all incoming freshman to Union, starting with the class of 2020, will have at least a two-year, tuition-free option for college or career training at the college. GRCC has also committed Success Coaches to work with students to identify college and career goals.

Women in Auto Care Announce 2017 Scholarship Winners

Sept. 15, 2017; Tire Review

Women in Auto Care awarded $65,000 in scholarships this year to 22 female students who are studying to enter the auto care industry.

… The 2017 scholarship winners are listed below:

Post-Secondary Students

… $2,500 Brooke Peckham, Grand Rapids Community College

In Trump era, politics are more visible than ever at Grand Rapids’ ArtPrize

Sept. 17, 2017; The Detroit Free Press

GRAND RAPIDS — When Donald Trump stumbled into last year’s ArtPrize competition, he was still a long-shot presidential candidate running what looked like a losing campaign.

… Her (Patricia Constantine) entry, “Sineater,” on display at Grand Rapids Community College’s Collins Art Gallery, is a mixed-media triptych. Presented using carnivalesque imagery, its middle panel is a self-portrait that conveys the artist’s guilt about teaching within a system that buries students in debt. Images of Trump and Betsy DeVos also appear with the phrases “I want to build a wall” and “No free lunch,” respectively.

Wellness page adds mindfulness video

It’s the third week of September and the semester is in full swing! Do you feel like you need a moment to re-charge your batteries? If so, check out our new mindfulness video on the wellness page. Just 90 short seconds can have you feeling refreshed!

Need a bit more to get you energized? We offer a full schedule of great fitness classes to get your blood pumping and your mind clear! All are welcome* to participate and there’s no need to sign up in advance. There’s something for everyone so come sweat and have fun! Class descriptions can be found online.

*Must be 18 or older. Non-GRCC Participants are asked to pay a small $20 fee per semester.

Questions? Contact Nicole Dekker (x3848, nicoledekker2@grcc.edu)

Sessions offer help with Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship application

Students can get help with their Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship application:

• 12 p.m.- 2 p.m.
• Wednesdays, September 20 and 27; October 11 and 18.
• Room 55 G2 Main Building.
• Applications are due by noon October 24.

College Channel programming through September 22

The latest schedule, through September 22, for the College Channel includes chef Rick Bayless’ presentation to culinary students.

Library hosts chocolate sculpture

Visit the first floor of the Library and Learning Commons to see an amazing chocolate sculpture!

The sculpture, created by chef Francois Behuet during the U.S. pastry team tryouts last month at GRCC, weighs in at about 45 pounds and is constructed of more than $500 of  Valrhona chocolate. It’s not only a fantastic work of art — it smells delicious!

Other works created in the competition can be found around campus:

• A sugar centerpiece is in President Pink’s office.
• A sugar centerpiece is in the office of the assistant deans of Workforce Development.
• A chocolate centerpiece is in The Heritage Restaurant’s display case.

Condolences to family, friends of Virginia Klinesteker

We extend our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Virginia Klinesteker, former clinical director of GRCC’s Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting programs, who died August 19. Services are scheduled for September 23.