Parents of slain teen: ‘Wonderful son’ lost to ‘jealous rage’
Jan. 27, 2018; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Javika Wallace-Hawkins started to worry when her son, Andre Hawkins Jr., 17, didn’t call to say he would be late.
… Her son attended Union High School before transferring his senior year to Grand Rapids Learning Center at Grand Rapids Community College, a college-preparatory high school.
Joseph Thomas LaPenna
Jan. 28, 2018; MLive
LaPenna, Joseph Thomas age 21, died suddenly at his home in Ada on Thursday, January 25, 2018 and is now resting in the arms of Jesus. … He was a 2014 graduate of Grand Rapids Christian High School, attended Grand Rapids Community College and recently completed a semester of studies in Italy through Grand Valley State University.
2018 Giants Award winners to be honored as leaders in Grand Rapids
Jan. 28, 2018; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College will honor and celebrate influential leaders in the African American community at its annual Giants Awards program.
Change Ups: Chow Hound moves to new Burton location
Jan. 26, 2018; Grand Rapids Business Journal
… BUSINESS SERVICES
… The Right Place Inc. appointed new board members to the 2018 Right Place board of directors, with its leadership remaining unchanged. Reappointed officers: chair, Brian Walker, Herman Miller; vice chair, Sean Welsh, PNC Financial Services and treasurer, Mitch Joppich, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Executive committee appointments: Richard P. Haslinger, West Michigan Region Chase. New board appointments: Wayman Britt, Kent County, Jeff Needham, Consumer Healthcare-Americas, Perrigo Co.; Bill Pink, Grand Rapids Community College; Garrick Rochow, Consumers Energy; Rob Spohr, Montcalm Community College; and Bob Wolford, Miller Johnson.
Faculty Recital — Libor Ondras
Jan. 29, 2018; wherevent.com
… GRCC is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music, and offers the Associate in Music Degree with emphasis in Music Education, Music Performance, Music Merchandising, and Recording Technology.
ArtPrize winner designs Festival of the Arts poster
Jan. 27, 2018; Grand Rapids Magazine
The unveiling of the Festival of the Arts poster and the designer behind it is an annual Grand Rapids tradition, and this year’s artist selection is a well-known figure in the community.
… (Chris) LaPorte holds art degrees from Aquinas College, La Coste Ecole de Beaux Arts and the New York Academy of Art. He has taught drawing at Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids Community College, Kendall College of Art and Design, and Aquinas College as well as educational institutions in New York and Michigan.
Take kids somewhere else if not comfortable at MSU, donor says
Jan. 27, 2018; Ionia Sentinel-Standard
Parents who don’t feel safe sending their children to Michigan State University in the wake of the Larry Nassar scandal should send them to other schools, said a university prominent donor and Grand Rapids businessman.
… (Peter) Secchia has been a contributor to the West Michigan area for years and has been influential in the continued development and growth of Grand Rapids Community College’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education. Secchia learned about charitable giving early on from advice he received from Rich DeVos.
Couturier signs to be a Star
Jan. 26, 2018; Ionia Sentinel-Standard
SARANAC — Saranac’s Allison Couturier has signed her national Letter of Intent to play volleyball with Lansing Community College (LCC). The talented athlete will become a Star after she graduates from high school this spring.
… She also looks forward to facing off against beloved Saranac teammate Emma Pachulski on the other side of the volleyball net. Emma is preparing to sign to play volleyball with Grand Rapids Community College, and Ally is thrilled Emma gets to play at the next level, too. “I’ve been playing with Emma for the past six years and the experience has been amazing,” she said. “Now I get to play against her when we play GRCC, and it’s going to be the best.”
![Eligibility: All degree-seeking students with a 2.0 cumulative GPA, and no money owed to the institution. Date: June 29-July 15, 2018 (17 days). Course: HU 219 Global Studies through International Travel (three credits). Housing: Program participants will be housed with host families. Excursions and Highlights: Two-week Spanish language classes at student proficiency level. Host family stay. Daily afternoon excursions. Guided visit to Segovia and Avila. Excursion to Aveiro Beach (Portugal) – weather permitting. 800-year celebration of the University of Salamanca. Service learning project with Puente Ladrillo. Ruta de Tapas (exploring Tapas’ restaurants). Castanet lesson. 4th of July celebration—Spanish style. City tour of Madrid. Contact: Department of Experiential Learning, Main Building, Level G2, Room 59. traceylacy@grcc.edu. (616) 234-4162 grcc.edu/studyaway. Costs* Program fee (paid to GRCC): $3,850. What is included: Round trip airfare. Accommodations. Breakfast, lunch and dinner while in country. Field trips, excursions and entrance fees. Criminal background check. Travel insurance. Deposit – Due upon acceptance into program: $500. Tuition [plus fees (in-district) paid to GRCC]: $339. What is included: Three (3) credits (based on residential rate) and fees. Potential Additional Expenses: Items listed below may or may not apply to all participants: Passport. Personal expenses. Additional meals beyond what is offered. Travel provider phone (in country use only). How to pay for study abroad? Students are encouraged to pursue financial aid, scholarships and grants to fund Study Abroad. In addition, they may consider personal funds and alternative loans to fund Study Abroad. For more information on funding, visit grcc.edu/studyaway. Contact program directors for more information: Carmela Zapata, Department of Language and Thought, czapata@grcc.edu (616) 234-4666. Anna Maria Clark, TRIO/Student Support Services, aclark@grcc.edu, (616)234-4131. Applications are taken on a first come first serve basis. Apply through February 1, 2018 at grcc.edu/studyaway. *All program information, including courses, duration of program, dates and other logistics are subject to change. Fee subject to adjustment based on actual exchange rates and international airfare. Programs may be canceled due to extenuating circumstances. GRCC Grand Rapids Community College. All participants are welcome. Those in need of accommodations, please contact the Department of Experiential Learning at (616) 234-4162. GRCC is an Equal Opportunity Institution. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.](https://grcctoday.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/80992-study-away-flyer-spain2.jpg?w=558)
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