GRCC President Bill Pink elected to Higher Learning Commission
5/14/18 MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College President Bill Pink is one four newly elected trustees to the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) that accredits colleges and universities in 19 states.
‘More than a dream’
5/12/18 The Daily News
Crowded among strangers on a small boat, with the only friends and family he had ever known left far behind in Latin America, Jose Chavez-Estaban made a risky attempt to start a new life in the United States.
…Going forward, Chavez-Estaban said he hopes to eventually enroll in Grand Rapids Community College and place a focus on criminal justice with a goal to become a police officer.
Change Ups: Olivarez receives emeritus award
5/11/18 Grand Rapids Business Journal
Juan R. Olivarez received Grand Rapids Community College’s President Emeritus Award as part of the college’s recent commencement. Olivarez became the first Hispanic president of a Michigan college or university when he was tapped to lead GRCC in 1999. The son of migrant laborers, he has degrees from Aquinas College, Wayne State University and Michigan State University. He was named GRCC’s eighth president and is known for his efforts to develop community partnerships and boost minority enrollment, so all West Michigan students have opportunities for a strong education.
West Michigan’s economic toolbox is missing key IT skills in education, workforce
5/11/18 Grand Rapids Business Journal
The Wall Street Journal on May 2 reported Amazon.com Inc. HQ2 research leaders called 20 of the 238 applicants for its second headquarters to explain why those metro areas were dropped from selection. The answers were not that surprising. As the Business Journal reported in March, one among those bidders, The Right Place Inc., had determined itself that talent and public transportation were stumbling blocks. What is more striking in the WSJ report is several of those rejected metro areas made immediate changes to improve economic toolboxes for any future opportunities. Most specifically, they are focusing on information-technology training.
…The Business Journal reports this week on Grand Rapids Community College and Compass College of Cinematic Arts offering classes to help students meet the current and future demand of workers with drone-operating skills. With recent speculation a possible Amazon fulfillment center may be behind the secret door of Project Rapids coming to the area (neighboring the data center Switch), GRCC officials decided it was the right time to start offering classes. The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International foresees the creation of more than 100,000 jobs in drone work by 2025 and an economic impact of $82 billion.
Colleges swoop in on drone training
5/11/18 Grand Rapids Business Journal
Drones technically called unmanned aircraft systems are increasingly being used in agriculture, real estate, construction, film and a number of other professions.
…Grand Rapids Community College and Compass College of Cinematic Arts are offering these classes to help students meet the current and future demand of workers with drone-operating skills.
Urban soul food restaurant opens
5/11/18 Grand Rapids Business Journal
A local soul food restaurant in the works since last year is opening today.
…Trimell Hawkins, a graduate of the Secchia Institute of Culinary Arts at Grand Rapids Community College and former executive chef for the Black Heron, is Forty Acres’ head chef.
Grand Rapids CC installs laptop vending machine
5/11/18 CR80News
With the swipe of a student ID card, Grand Rapids Community College is offering free laptop rentals to students. The service is being offered via vending machine, giving students an alternative to accessing the technology needed to support their academic work.
May 11th, 2018: Lisle Merrifield, Grant Middle School
5/11/18 Fox 17
GRANT, Mich. — The winner of this week’s FOX 17 and Grand Rapids Community College ‘Classroom of the Week’ is Lisle Merrifield.
Gov. Rick Snyder and TED Director Roger Curtis recognize Marshall Plan for Talent champions
5/11/18 Michigan.gov
LANSING, Mich. Gov. Rick Snyder and Talent and Economic Development Department of Michigan Director Roger Curtis Tuesday met with champions in the education and business sectors to discuss the Marshall Plan for Talent, answer questions and lay the groundwork for continued economic success for the state.
…Numerous Michigan-based companies and education institutions are already supporting the Marshall Plan for Talent through existing and successful programs such as competency-based education models, hiring practices and existing partnerships between business and education. Champions include: …Grand Rapids Community College…
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