Aug. 27, 2019; schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District newsletter)
Uniqua Sparks’ last name is fitting. While she’s welding heavy metal — mask on and fire blazing — the sparks fly.
… Sparks is a student in the first cohort of Metallica Scholars Introduction to Welding at Grand Rapids Community College. Fourteen students graduated Aug. 12 from the eight-week course held at the Tassell M-TEC, 622 Godfrey Ave. SW.
Dr. Bill Pink: Leading GRCC to be the Most Affordable, Quality Educational Option in the City
Aug. 28, 2019; Grander magazine
Dr. Bill Pink, President of Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), grew up in Texas and lived in Oklahoma for 20 years before moving to Grand Rapids over four years ago. He describes this transition from the warmth of the south to the colder Michigan weather as one that has been mostly enjoyable for him, his wife, and teenage daughter, as they become a part of the West Michigan family.
Kathleen L. Bruinsma: Committed to Serving and Making Grand Rapids Truly Welcoming for All
Aug. 28, 2019; Grander magazine
Upon meeting Kathleen L. Bruinsma, local lawyer and member of the Board of Trustees at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), she was excited about sitting down with Grander Magazine for this Back to School edition. Discussing her background in law, Bruinsma’s passion for education and inclusion showed even more, as she spoke on both, particularly inclusion, relating it to the power structure in Grand Rapids, as well as the work and representation that needs to be achieved.
First Look Frenzy: Jefferson J-Hawks
Aug. 27, 2019; WIFR
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) — The hurdle is pretty high if you are the head coach of Jefferson football. Jake Arnold is getting his first chance to leap over it this season as he begins his stint as head coach of a program which has not had a winning season since 1993.
It’s been 25 seasons of losing football for the J-Hawks, who now have a winner on their side. While Arnold has been in the building for the last five years, the Plainfield North alum brings a positive mentality, after winning a national championship with Grand Rapids Community College. Arnold believes the talent is here to turn things around, especially with a team that was within one score in three of its 2018 losses.
Grand Valley State football addresses its Ferris State problem
Aug. 27, 2019; MLive
ALLENDALE – Grand Valley State has a distinguished football history in NCAA Division II, including four national championships, six title games, 19 NCAA playoff appearances and 17 conference titles.
… Before 2012, the Lakers had won 11 in a row and 14 of 15 against the Bulldogs, who weren’t even their top rival. That was Saginaw Valley State. But that changed quickly when Ferris State hired Tony Annese. He had success at high school (three state titles in 22 years) and junior college (two national titles in three years at Grand Rapids Community College), but he had never coached at the NCAA level.
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