GRCC In the News, 4-12-18

Due to Popular Demand, Michigan College Announces Drone Courses

April 11, 2018; Unmanned Aerial

Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) in Michigan says it is responding to local demand for courses on how to pilot a drone.

News 8 Daybreak

April 11, 2018; WOOD TV

A seven-week training program between Grand Rapids Community College and the Public Works Academy starts today. It’s funded by a grant and gives trainees some skills for in-demand jobs. You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma. We checked this morning and there’s still one seat left for this program, so check it out if you’re interested.

Grace announces hiring of new bowling coach

April 11, 2018; MLive

Grand Rapids, MI – The Grace Bible College Tigers men’s and women’s bowling program officially has its leader.  After an extensive search, Amber Belmont has been named the head coach of the Grace bowling team by athletic director Gary Bailey.  Amber is currently an academic advisor for the adult education program at Grace.  Amber’s husband Hector, who will be her assistant coach, is also employed by Grace in the traditional enrollment department.  Amber and Hector have been married for six years now and they reside in Wyoming, Michigan, with their three daughters Faith (7), Lily (5), and Hannah (1).

Amber was a four-year bowler at Wyoming Lee High School, earning All-Conference honors as a senior.  She was also the Drum Major in Lee’s marching band.  She currently is taking classes at GRCC and Grace.

Graham receives Saranac Outstanding Student award

April 11, 2018; Ionia Sentinel-Standard

Jarrod Graham was honored as the Saranac Outstanding Student Award for the month of March.

… Jarrod’s plans after high school are to attend Grand Rapids Community College and then transfer to Ferris State University. What Jarrod likes best about Saranac is the positive environment within the school.

GRPS students visit campus

This week, about 30 students from Ottawa Hills High School visited GRCC for their orientation, greeted by GRPS Counseling Coordinator Emmanuel Armstrong and David Selmon, associate dean for K-12 Enrollment. Nearly 200 GRPS students will visit campus during the next two weeks. Students will leave with their schedule for next year and will meet with student groups and advisers to cover any questions.

Nominations sought for Excellence in Education awards

Do you know of a faculty or staff member at GRCC who has gone above and beyond their role at the College, in the Community, or in higher education? If so, consider nominating them for the Excellence in Education Award! The Excellence in Education Award was established in 1989 to honor an individual Grand Rapids Community College employee. In 2000, the award was expanded to provide recognition in the form of a staff award, and a separate full-time faculty award. In 2010, an additional award was added for an exemplary adjunct faculty member.

There is a cash award of $1,000 for full-time faculty who have taught at GRCC for at least 5 years, and for adjunct faculty who have taught at least 2 years, with a $750 cash award. Staff members also receive a cash award of $1,000.

Anyone can nominate! Deadline for nominations is May 15, 2018:

• Staff nomination form.
• Faculty nomination form.
• Adjunct nomination form.

Note: The criteria and form for full-time faculty and adjuncts have changed a bit in the past few years, so please be sure to read the guidelines carefully.

Questions?

Faculty & Adjunct: Call the Provost Office (234-3920) or Karen Walker (234-4236)

Staff: Call Nicole Dekker (234-3848).

Condolences to Lisa Freiburger

We extend our condolences to Lisa Freiburger, in Finance and Administration, and her family upon the death of her mother, Carolyn Homminga, on April 7.

Celebrate with Karen Walker on April 18

An open house retirement reception will be held for Karen Walker, of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program, from 4-6 p.m. April 18 in room 421 of Cook. Everyone is invited!

 

Library hosts Exam Cram

Monday, April 16th – Sunday, April 22nd

FREE snacks & beverages everyday

Quiet Study

Group work spaces

 

NEW!  Printmaking sessions with Craftsanity’s Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood

Monday, April 16th 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Wednesday, April 18th 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

 

PLUS on Saturday, April 21st and Sunday, April 22nd

Extended hours from 10:00 am – 10:00 pm (both days)

Tutors available in select subjects

 

No registration required.

Gretchen Robinson, Bernie Manker to celebrate retirements

Please join the Language and Thought Department to congratulate Gretchen Robinson and Bernie Manker on their retirements. Bernie will retire at the end of this semester and Gretchen will retire in early July. There will be a reception to thank them both for their many years of service to our department and the college in the Collins Art Gallery (Main Building, 4th floor) on Tuesday, April 17, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. You are all invited to stop by and wish them well!

JaneAnn Benson to receive statewide award

JaneAnn Benson

JaneAnn Benson, Director of the GRCC Early Childhood Learning Laboratory, is being honored with the Betty Garlick Lifetime Achievement Award at the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children Conference on Friday, April 13, at the Amway Grand Plaza. A longtime advocate for children and the field of Early Childhood Education, JaneAnn’s influence can be found in countless child development programs, in higher education, teacher practice, and with children and families.

An informal get-together in JaneAnn’s honor has been planned at the Fountain Hill Brewery from 5:30-7:30 PM on Friday, April 13, after the conference. This will be a chance for us to recognize the impact that JaneAnn has had on so many lives, programs, and education throughout her years of service in the early childhood field. All are invited – she would love to see your smiling faces. Help us celebrate JaneAnn!