GRCC In the News, 5-31-18

‘This is a milestone’
5/30/18 Grand Haven Tribune
Central High School’s Class of 2018 received a standing ovation as they moved their tassels from right to left Tuesday night.
… (Angela) Bazan plans to attend Grand Rapids Community College. She is considering pursuing a future in business or marketing, but there are many options she could see applying herself to, she said.

10 finalists announced in sixth annual SmartArt
5/30/18 WZZM
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – On Wednesday morning, representatives from Grand Rapids Public Schools, Consumers Energy, ArtPrize and the city of Grand Rapids announced the 10 finalists and their energy-related art work in the SmartArt competition. The finalists were selected by a panel of art professionals from Kendall College of Art & Design at Ferris State University, Grand Rapids Community College and Grand Valley State University.

GRCC In the News, 5-30-18

Appointments, reappointments to campus sexual assault workgroup
5/29/18 upmatters.com
LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Rick Snyder and First Lady Sue Snyder today announced appointments and reappointments to the campus sexual assault workgroup. The workgroup will develop a framework of best practices for preventing campus sexual assault and a model to pilot regional centers to investigate reports of sexual misconduct.
… Kimberly DeVries of Hudsonville is the director of equal opportunity compliance and is the Title IX coordinator at Grand Rapids Community College. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and telecommunications from the University of Georgia and earned a law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law.

‘He tells me to never give up’
5/25/18 schoolnewsnetwork.org (KISD newsletter)
Learning to read words in English is one thing. Understanding phrases like a “friendly sort of darkness” or “amazing photographic memory” is quite another for English-language learners.
… Carolyn Garcia has been reading with (Wayne) Ondersma for the past four years, starting as a limited English speaker who spent seven years of her childhood in Mexico. She plans to attend Grand Rapids Community College this fall for nursing. She and Ondersma have enjoyed reading poems and discussing their meaning.

OP: WM[YOU]
5/29/18 Western Herald (WMU student newspaper)
Name: Brooke Cross
I am a manager at Celebration! Cinema. At Celebration Cinema, we pride ourselves on celebrated service with others and human interaction. We go above and beyond to make people feel valued. So, hand-in-hand with my psych major and my job at Celebrations, I really just want to work with people and make their interactions everyday even better. Celebration! Cinema and Western has really helped me to figure my path out in that aspect. I’ve been a manager at Celebration! Cinema for five years. I am a transfer student from Grand Rapids Community College, but, I feel like Western has so many opportunities for me to expand what I’ve learned at my job, there are also more opportunities for me to expand my knowledge on people and getting to know them better.

Inclusion Advisor Information Session Next Week

Join Human Resources and The Bob and Aleicia Woodrick Center for Equity and Inclusion for lunch to learn more about “Inclusion Advisors.”

The Inclusion Advisor role is a pilot program for interested GRCC full-time tenured faculty or staff to serve on screening committees. The purpose of the Inclusion Advisor role is to support our committees in exercising equitable and inclusive practices in screening, hiring and advancement for all individuals.

Over the last year, the Human Resources and Woodrick Center teams have worked in developing this new role, and we plan to cover the following information on June 5th:

  • Our proposal document….that explains the purpose, benefits, objectives, roles, and responsibilities.
  • Our “commitment estimate” for the Inclusion Advisor role on a screening committee.
  • An overview of the workshops/training for the role.
  • The application form and process.

Please join us on Tuesday, June 5th, at noon (Student Success Center….336 in the Student Center Building). We will be providing lunch, so please indicate any dietary restrictions.

To sign up, please visit the registration page.

 

GRCC In the News, 5-29-18

Where college students can find emergency money, food and housing
5/26/18 USA Today
College students without a financial safety net are in a tough spot when unexpected costs arise.
… For example, at Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, Mich., assistance is available for students who face emergencies such as losing their job, eviction or utility shut-off. The fund has provided students with over $78,000 in grants and loans since 2014, according to Dave Murray, a school spokesperson.

Change Ups: Gill elected to airport trade associations board
5/25/18 Grand Rapids Business Journal
… EDUCATION
… Grand Rapids Community College president Bill Pink was elected to the Higher Learning Commission board of trustees, which oversees accreditation for degree-granting colleges and universities in 19 states. Pink’s term runs from Sept. 2018 to Aug. 2022.
Grand Rapids Community College students saved more than $2 million in textbook costs this past academic year through a partnership with OpenStax, Rice University’s open educational resources program that provides free, high-quality peer-reviewed textbooks.

Mackinac Policy Conference Agenda: May 31, 2018
5/28/18 FOX 2
Thursday will be the busiest of the week at Mackinac Island with current Governor Rick Snyder speaking and six hopefuls to take over his seat in Lansing debating later in the evening.
… 2:45 p.m. The Future of Work in Michigan: Partnerships Pave the Way to Prosperity
… Panelists: Heidi Kaplan, Senior Community Development Analyst, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve Board, David Meador, Vice Chairman and Chief Administrative Officer, DTE Energy
Bill Pink, President, Grand Rapids Community College

Trends and concerns for boomers’ on bikes
5/28/18 upmatters.com
Noting their disproportionate involvement in crashes, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson is encouraging baby boomers who ride a motorcycle or are thinking about it to take a returning-rider safety course, even if they rode in their younger days.
… The Michigan Rider Education Program first offered a three-wheeled vehicle safety course through a public sponsor in 2015. Since then, 33 students have taken the class. This year, in a pilot program with Can-Am, 12 Can-Am Spyders have been loaned to three-wheeled vehicle rider education courses at Grand Rapids Community College and Schoolcraft College. Three-wheeled vehicle safety courses are also available through select private sponsors listed on the Michigan Rider Education Program training locator Web page.

GRCC In the News, 5-25-18

‘I am going to do something with my life’
5/24/18 The Daily News (Greenville)
BELDING — As Nathan Silman walks across the stage tonight to receive his diploma, he’ll be sharing in the accomplishment with more than 100 classmates.
… Silman plans to attend Grand Rapids Community College with a goal to earn an associate degree and transfer to Ferris State University.

Students earn awards at Heartlands Institute of Technology
5/24/18 Ionia Sentinel-Standard
IONIA — Heartlands Institute of Technology honored its countywide students with awards last week at the career center.
… William Parish was honored with a $2,000 scholarship to attend the Grand Rapids Community College, Secchia Institute for Culinary Education to further pursue the culinary arts field.

City commission meets new officer Kasey Metcalf
5/22/18 The Pioneer (Big Rapids)
(Photo caption) Big Rapids Department of Public Safety Director Jim Eddinger (left) introduces the department’s newest officer, Kasey Metcalf, to Big Rapids City Commissioners and city staff during Monday’s meeting. Metcalf worked with DPS as a service officer from 2013 -15, while enrolled at Ferris State University, and graduated from Grand Rapids Community College. “(Metcalf) is atypical of Millenials; he has shown a reverence to his position,” Eddinger said.

Davis to take reins of university relations for coming months
5/24/18 Western Michigan University press release
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Former reporter and longtime W Magazine editor Paula M. Davis has been appointed interim executive director of the Office of University Relations at Western Michigan University, effective June 1.
… The West Michigan native earned an associate degree from Grand Rapids Community College before continuing on to earn a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Wayne State University in 1998. Before joining the Gazette in 1998, Davis gained experience reporting for the Austin (Texas) American-Statesman and for Crain’s Detroit Business. She also worked for the Detroit Public Schools in its media relations office.

Madison Marble wielding a consistent bat for Sparta softball squad
5/24/18 MLive
SPARTA — Madison Marble continues to swing a productive bat for Sparta’s softball team.
She is a returning senior outfielder who has signed to play at Grand Rapids Community College next season.

Grand Rapids Community College approves pay raises for 2 unions
5/24/18 MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College agreed to new contracts with two of its employee unions – the Police Officers Labor Council and College Employees Benefit Association.

Grand Rapids Community College approves pay raises for 2 unions
5/25/18 University Business
Grand Rapids Community College agreed to new contracts with two of its employee unions – the Police Officers Labor Council and College Employees Benefit Association.
(This article also appeared in College and University.)

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson addresses trends and concerns for boomers’ on bikes
5/25/18 upmatters.com
Noting their disproportionate involvement in crashes, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson Thursday encouraged baby boomers who ride a motorcycle or are thinking about it to take a returning-rider safety course, even if they rode in their younger days.
… The Michigan Rider Education Program first offered a three-wheeled vehicle safety course through a public sponsor in 2015. Since then, 33 students have taken the class. This year, in a pilot program with Can-Am, 12 Can-Am Spyders have been loaned to three-wheeled vehicle rider education courses at Grand Rapids Community College and Schoolcraft College. Three-wheeled vehicle safety courses are also available through select private sponsors listed on the Michigan Rider Education Program training locator Web page.

Raider Salute to IT Department

A Raider Salute from adjunct professor Conshana (Shanda) Vaughn:

I would like to submit a ‘Raider Salute’ to the GRCC IT Department. Wednesday, May 24th, I presented at the GRPS G-Cubed – Raising Her Voice Conference in the ATC Building.  The room I was assigned to had a computer with a browser that had not been updated, so my presentation didn’t work. I contacted the IT department and Ms. Rachel (phone) created a ticket to provide a loaner laptop because the conference was scheduled to start at 9:30A.  Well, the ticket was created at 9:10A and the problem was resolved by 9:24A.  Many THANKS and KUDOS to I want to say their names are Jordyn and Bryan H for their prompt service with a smile.  
Shanda Vaughn poses with the IT staff who helped her save the day during the "GRPS G-Cubed - Raising Her Voice Conference" in the ATC Building

Bollard Project on Commons Begins June 1st

The project to install bollards on each end of the commons is scheduled to begin June 1.  They will start on the north end, and once that is completed, move to the south end.  The installation takes about a week, and then the cement must cure for a couple of weeks to support vehicular traffic.  Each side should take roughly three weeks total.  Pedestrian traffic along the commons will not be impacted, and they will maintain an accessible route.

Vehicular traffic on the commons will be restricted during the project.

Please contact Victoria Janowiak (x3565) if you have any questions or concerns!

GRCC In the News, 5-24-18

‘The Spirit of South High’ | 50 years after closing, legendary school still teaches
5/21/18 WZZM
It’s graduation season. High school students from all over are turning their tassels, signaling they’ve moved into their next phase of life.
… The best indication that the spirit of Grand Rapids South High School will likely continue well after all of the living alums are gone is the scholarship fund that was set up through the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation.
“Every year, two students from the Grand Rapids Public School district are selected to receive the South High Alumni Scholarship Fund,” said James Atkinson, who was a 1958 graduate of South High and is the current president of the South High Varsity Club. “The two students get their tuition to GRCC completely paid for thanks to this fund.”

MAPA Announces 2018 Educational Development Scholarship Fund Recipients
5/23/18 Aftermarket News
The Michigan Automotive Parts Association (MAPA) announced that the recipients of its 2018 Educational Development Scholarship Fund have been chosen by Lansing’s Capital Region Community Foundation. Three $1,000 scholarships were awarded, in addition to a $500 scholarship for the recipient of the 2018 Jud Morrison Memorial Achievement of Excellence Award.
… Brooke Peckham, sponsored by Auto-Wares Group of Companies located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Brooke will be a junior enrolled at Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the fall of 2018 majoring in human resources management to support the growing car care industry.
… Peckham also was awarded the distinguished 2018 Jud Morrison Memorial Achievement of Excellence Award named in memory of MAPA co-founding father and past chairman of the board of directors, Justin H. Morrison. Peckham’s academic achievements and outstanding community service record exemplifies the high standards and commitment to excellence that Jud Morrison stood for.

STAMPS NOTES: With Richards out, Dennis set to step up
5/23/18 The London Free Press (Ontario)
When the Calgary Stampeders announced that Randy Richards was being placed on the six-game injured list, it seemed to clear the way for Derek Dennis to reclaim the teams starting left tackle position.
… From the sideline, receiver Nick Truesdell as looking awfully impressive to this particular reporter.
When he was asked after Wednesday mornings practice, it sounded like (head coach Dave) Dickenson was intrigued by the Grand Rapids Community College product, as well.
(This article appeared in 10 other Canadian newspapers.)

Folias Duo performs on flute and guitar June 3 in Carrizozo
5/23/18 Ruidoso News (N.M.)
Representatives of Carrizozo Music, Inc. announced this week that Folias Duo, international renown husband and wife duet from Grand Rapids, Mich., will perform in a Portico Concert on Sunday, June 3. The concert will be staged from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Carrizozo Womans Club.
… Andrew Bergeron is instructor of guitar and music theory at Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University and Aquinas College. Andrew is a founding performer and composer with the Grand Rapids Guitar Quartet. He is also a Blue Griffin Performing artist.

Mackinac Policy Conference 2018: Full schedule, speakers, how to watch
5/23/18 WDIV
MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. – Michigan’s biggest annual political event, the Mackinac Policy Conference, kicks off on the island on May 30, 2018.
… Thursday, May 31:
… 12:45 p.m. – The Future of Work in Michigan: Partnerships Pave the Way to Prosperity: Panelists: Heidi Kaplan, Senior Community Development Analyst, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve Board, David Meador, Vice Chairman and Chief Administrative Officer, DTE Energy, Bill Pink, President, Grand Rapids Community College.

Condolences to friends, family of Jim Bogdan

We extend our condolences to the family and friends of former History Professor and Social Sciences Divisional Chair, Jim Bogdan (Fr. Jim), who has passed away. Jim served GRJC/GRCC from 1959 until his retirement in 1993.

Services will be held Friday, May 25, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Fr. Jim’s full obituary is available on MLive: http://obits.mlive.com/obituaries/grandrapids/obituary.aspx?n=james-bogdan&pid=189089019