International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV)

The world observes Transgender Day of Visibility each March 31 to raise awareness about transgender people.

“Trans Day of Visibility is a day specifically to celebrate trans people’s lives and joys, not as struggles, but as triumphs as something to be happy about, to be proud of, to stand up and say that we are here, we are happy, we’re part of our community and our lives are important. That our lives are worthy and we should be celebrated,” said Olivia Hunt of the National Center for Transgender Equality.

LGBTQ+ Inclusive Fundamentals Team celebrates this day of visibility with an employee profile.

Phoenix Noelle (they/she), a trans-woman veteran, is a technician in the Technical Operations Department and a co-champion for CAP 3.4, the LGBTQ+ Inclusive Fundamentals Team.

They grew up at GRCC spending time exploring the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center while their mother worked in the open computer lab, and now they work from the ATC maintaining and repairing equipment spread out over all of GRCC’s campuses.

She is especially thankful for the family atmosphere at GRCC and looks forward to spending many more years building ever-deepening friendships here.

Phoenix appreciates everyone who has fought to build an LGBTQ+ inclusive community at GRCC and the greater Grand Rapids area.

“I hope everyone here at GRCC feels comfortable as their authentic self, and want all LGBTQ+ folks to know they are not alone,” Noelle said. “We have a growing community of support and invite anyone who feels comfortable doing so to stand up and stand out in whatever way you are able.”

The team encourages other trans people to be visible by displaying a Pride flag or wearing a pin, sticker or t-shirt.

The LGBTQ+ Inclusive Fundamentals Team, CAP 3.4, is dedicated to support GRCC’s greater commitment to equity and GRCC’s values of diversity, innovation, respect, and responsiveness by providing resources that highlight and celebrate trans people and their contributions.

In support of this day, the GRCC Library has a display that provides information about the richness and diverseness of our transgender community. The display will be up for approximately three weeks.

The CAP also wants to highlight community advocates and partners: Grand Rapids Pride Center, StandOut, United Campus Christian Fellowship, and Grand Rapids Trans Foundation.

Congratulations to the 2022 Salute to Women Award Honorees

A recording of the event is available on the GRCCTV Vimeo channel

Shantasia King, Student

Lakisha Beck, Employee

Cynthia Browne, Alumna

GRCC Music sophomores showcasing their talent and skill in recitals

Jonah Walters is a Grand Rapids Community College Music student and plans to continue his studies – and possibly even teach the subject someday.

Walters is among the GRCC Music students who are demonstrating their talent and skill during three Sophomore Recitals next month.

Walters and fellow pianist Madilyne Barbrick will share pieces at 7 p.m. Friday, April 1 at the Linn Maxwell Recital Hall in GRCC’s Albert P. Smith Music Center, 142 Ransom Ave. NE. It’s the first of three recitals featuring five students.

Baritone Matthew Hillen’s recital is planned for 7 p.m. on April 8. He studied with professor Scott Bosscher and will be supported by collaborative pianist Emily Grabinski Conklin.

Brandon Klein, who plays the bassoon, and Matthew Orsillo, who plays the tuba, will be performing at 7 p.m. on April 9. Grabinski Conklin also will be performing in support. Klein studied with professor Anthony Walker, and Orsillo with professor Kathleen Gomez.

All performances are open to the public, and admission is free.

Music Department Program Director Kevin Dobreff said the recitals are an opportunity for students to show what they’ve learned during their time at GRCC, and highlight the department and its faculty.

“The students and instructors work so hard to get to this point,” he said. “We’re celebrating their musical journey, and also showing our greater community the quality of our programs and our people.”

Walters, from Dorr, will continue his education at Grand Valley State University. He plans to study music education with a goal of teaching middle or high school band or choir. He studied at GRCC with Dr. Debora DeWitt.

“I’ve really enjoyed the warm learning environment that GRCC has and the friendliness that radiates from the music building, especially,” Walters said.

“The piano faculty especially are amazing people and pillars of leadership. They have made it easy to practice the piano and put in the many hours a week that practice requires.”

Barbick, from Byron Center, said music has been her passion since childhood.

“I’ve played piano for 13 years now, and my dream is to be a music educator myself one day,” she said.

Her plans after graduating from GRCC are to transfer to a four-year university to complete my bachelor’s degree in Music Education.

Math Awareness Month contest

April is Math Awareness Month so it is time for the Math Awareness Month Contest. Feel free to make it a family affair.

The contest is open to any GRCC student or staff member. If you answer at least one of the three problems correctly, you are in the running for a prize.

Entry forms must be returned to Nancy Forrest (nforrest@grcc.edu) in the Math Department at by Monday, April 15.

Download the form online

PeopleSoft and other systems scheduled to be down for required maintenance

Thursday evening, March 31, all of PeopleSoft which includes the Student and Faculty Online Centers will be down for scheduled patching.  

The updates will start at 9:00 p.m. and finish by 2:00 a.m. Friday.

Child Development & Education courses have undergone a prefix change

Faculty and Staff – please pass this on to your students.

Having trouble finding Child Development/Education classes?

As registration has opened for the Fall and Winter semesters, students may have trouble finding Child Development & Education courses in their Online Center.

These courses have undergone a prefix change beginning in Fall 2022 and can now be found under “EDU” instead of “CD”.

Courses with the prefix “CDA” are part of the Fast Track CDA program.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the Education department at Education@grcc.edu

Thanks!

Commencement changes

GRCC graduates will be celebrated this year with two ceremonies, held on the same day. That’s a shift from the initial plan.

Both ceremonies are planned for April 29. Students from the School of Arts and Sciences are scheduled to be recognized at 4:30 p.m., and students in the School of Workforce Development will walk at 7:30 p.m.

Both events are planned for the Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse.

Details about the ceremonies and are available at grcc.edu/commencement

Additional information for volunteers will come soon.

PeopleSoft and other systems scheduled to be down for required maintenance

Thursday evening, March 31, all of PeopleSoft which includes the Student and Faculty Online Centers will be down for scheduled patching.  

The updates will start at 9:00 p.m. and finish by 2:00 a.m. Friday.

Workforce Wednesday: Andre Broussard II says GRCC helped him reach his goals – and he isn’t stopping

Up until very recently, Andre Broussard II was working as a truck driver — seeing the country and making good money. But like many GRCC Job Training students, his authentic path and passion has a way of showing up and making it known. 

GRCC Workforce Training programs provide in-demand skills leading to rewarding careers. We are introducing students who are heading down an educational pathway and changing their lives by earning occupational certificates.

Broussard’s passion for computers started many years ago, when his family got their first HP desktop computer at home. He was fascinated.

“They used to have this bin of free AOL disks at Walmart so that you could try the internet. I think I grabbed one every time we when there. That is what originally peaked my interest in computers.”

As a teen, Broussard started tinkering with computer hardware and eventually built his own computer at the age of 10.

“Once I did that, I realized that it wasn’t hard for me and that is when I felt like maybe this was my calling.

“In 2006, I graduated from Cassopolis High School. That summer, I took Computer Technology 101 at GRCC. Then, I became a dad and had to set aside my goals. Later, in 2008, I had gotten into working on cars. I took the Automotive Technician program through GRCC’s Job Training. That experience helped me see that it was not the right path for me but it did expose me to GRCC’s Job Training programs.”

It took some time for Broussard to find his way back to his true calling.

“Fast forward to this past year, my son, who is 10 ironically, is really into video/computer gaming. So, I built him a gaming system for Christmas and then built one for myself. Both my son and fiancé said ‘Why don’t you try to do this for a career?’

“Right at that time, the Governor offered Michigan Reconnect and everything just fell into place. I was like, ‘This is my opportunity to go for the one thing that I always wanted to do.’ I took a chance on myself and enrolled in the Computer Support Technician Job Training program.”

When Broussard looked into returning to school, he looked into GRCC’s credit programs and then remembered the Job training programs.

“I figured it would be best for me and my family to do the 18-week Job Training program because that would get me into the workforce quickly.”

The Job Training Computer Support Technician program prepares students to achieve two certifications: the CompTIA A+ Certification and the Network+ Certification. Both of these IT certifications are globally recognized and represent in-demand skills sought by a wide array of employers. This program is designed to address Computer Support from four perspectives: technical, professionalism and employability, business innovation, and design. Students regularly meet local IT technicians, engineers, business owners, and recruiters via Zoom to learn from their experiences and current market expectations.

Committing to the program was not easy. Broussard is taking the Computer Support Technician Job Training Program entirely online, which for him means balancing between being a dad and a student while trying to participate in class over Zoom. But his commitment and hard work is truly paying off!

Andre was recently awarded the first ever MTEC Leadership Award. This award recognizes a student who has gone above and beyond expectation and Broussard has certainly done that!

Here’s an excerpt from his nomination: “Andre is intensely active in acquiring new knowledge, skills, and abilities. However, there is something so much more about Andre – and it is that he expresses great joy while he is learning, and he is eager to fold others into his joy and positivity.”

And there’s more!

“With all the learning and support from my instructor, Moss Ingram, I felt confident enough to pursue a position with Magic Steel, even though the position required 3 years of work experience.” Andre secured an interview and now has been hired as an intern until he finishes his Job Training program.

Broussard is on his way and excited about his future.

“It’s been awesome to see how my accomplishments have impacted my son and family. My mom is proud of me for reaching my goals. I was taught growing up to strive for more and never settle for less. I’m 33 years old now and I didn’t lose sight of my goals. That is how I will continue. Now that I have reached this goal, I will set new ones to achieve. I’m not stopping now.”

GRCC has an unmatched reputation among employers for supplying West Michigan with work-ready technicians. Our graduates specialize in providing empathy for the people they support while solving complex problems using troubleshooting and design thinking methodologies. Students are also taught to focus on human-centered solutions and technology-based innovations for both colleagues and customers.

Next Computer Support Technician program begins May 2, 2022. Grcc.edu/jobtraining

Contact the Workforce Training team for additional information through email at workforcetraining@grcc.edu and by phone at (616) 234-3800.

Tech Tip: International Travel Process

While working at GRCC, you may have the opportunity to travel for your position to many great places, some of which may be internationally.

Make sure you’re fully prepared for your international travel by working with IT to ensure your data is safe.

The below article takes you through the process of submitting an international travel security check as well as requesting a loaner laptop to use.

International Travel Process

For more information and helpful tips, please visit the IT Customer Support Portal or contact the IT Customer Support Desk at x4357.

If you have a suggestion or a Technology Tip you think can be useful, you can submit them by emailing techtips@grcc.edu 

Child Development & Education courses have undergone a prefix change

Faculty and Staff – please pass this on to your students.

Having trouble finding Child Development/Education classes?

As registration has opened for the Fall and Winter semesters, students may have trouble finding Child Development & Education courses in their Online Center.

These courses have undergone a prefix change beginning in Fall 2022 and can now be found under “EDU” instead of “CD”.

Courses with the prefix “CDA” are part of the Fast Track CDA program.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the Education department at Education@grcc.edu

Thanks!

School News Network feature: GRCC Dental students learn new skills while helping senior citizens get care they need

With a toothbrush and teeth model, Grand Rapids Community College student Chyna Schut showed patient Mary Tucker how to properly brush her teeth and gums.

“Brushing the gums, as well as the teeth, helps stimulate blood flow and prevent gum disease,” said Schut, who is a second-year student in the Dental Hygiene Program.

Tucker expressed her gratitude for the cleaning and said the opportunity to receive free dental care from GRCC students was “amazing.”

Like the 20 other patients served at Senior Dental Day, Tucker is a Kent County resident, at least 60 years old, who hasn’t seen a dentist in the past year. Using support from the Area Agency on Aging of West Michigan, students in GRCC’s Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene programs worked alongside area dentists to provide free cleanings, X-rays, exams and referrals for seniors at GRCC’s Dental Clinic.

The agency also assisted eligible patients with registration paperwork and transportation assistance for their appointment.

“We moved through the day like a well-oiled machine,” Schut said. “It was nice having people from the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan here with us today.”

As she prepares to graduate this spring, Schut said Senior Dental Day gave her “senior-focused clinical experience.”

“We’re really lucky to be able to do this,” she said.

Community Experience

GRCC Dental Assistant and Dental Hygiene program professor Christine Dobberstein was “glad to resurrect this event” after not hosting it in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This event introduces students to a volunteer opportunity and public health collaboration. They benefit by getting outside their comfort zones with a variety of patient experiences,” she said.

In her community dental health course, Dobberstein offers students volunteer opportunities with underrepresented populations. Students do not receive any payment or course credit for their services, only practice hours towards the completion of their program.

“Seniors have different dental needs and this program provides experience for management of patients, like if patients need a pillow in their chair or have dentures,” she said. “It’s really cool to see them interacting with students.”

Outside of friends, family and classmates, Dobberstein said Dental Assistant students have not had the chance to work on real patients at this point in their training. For those who had previously worked hours in the clinic, treating senior patients “may be a new experience for some students.”

While observing her students, Colette Smiley, GRCC Dental Program instructor and dental director for Health Network of West Michigan, explained barriers seniors experience when seeking dental care, such as lack of transportation.

“We know seniors don’t have enough dental access,” Smiley said. “They receive little to no coverage when they apply to Medicare and our seniors reach a point where they don’t have the access they need.” 

With dental tools in her mouth, Tucker gave a thumbs up in agreement with Smiley’s statement.

Smiley, who recognizes how well her name fits her profession, also chairs the Kent County Oral Health Coalition, a “convener of organizations and agencies to serve members of the West Michigan community.”

“After patients receive their cleaning, the coalition can refer them to next step services for dental care,” she said.

These services include future cleanings, preliminary dental hygiene exams, X-rays, fluoride treatments and more.

Outside of Senior Dental Day, GRCC’s Dental Clinic offers services throughout the year, including a review of medical and dental history, blood pressure screening, cleanings, preliminary dental hygiene exams, X-rays, fluoride treatments and dental health instruction.

This story was reported and photographed by Alexis Stark of the School News Network.

Employee Cornhole Tournament is coming to GRCC

Join us for a spirited and friendly competition that will bring us together for fun and 

games. The Wellness Champions Team is excited to promote an employee Cornhole Tournament – the first ever at GRCC!

The fun will take place on Thursday May 5 from 11:00am-1:00pm in the back parking lots between Ender Hall and the Custer Alumni House and our rain location is the Ford Fieldhouse.

Get outside (cross your fingers for great weather!), get out of your daily routine for some engaging social interaction and enjoyment – Social Wellness people!

If you happen to have a set of boards & bags we can borrow, please let us know!

Registration will open the week of April 11 – watch for a form in GRCC Today. 

In the meantime, start thinking about your ideal team member and unique team names. A cornhole team size is 2 people.

Questions or more information, please contact angelasalinas@grcc.edu

Technology Notification – Google Chrome update

Google has recently been made aware of a Zero Day exploit, In the coming days,   Google Chrome on all GRCC owned devices will update automatically to close this exploit. If users would like to update this manually before the browser automatically performs the update, please follow the steps below:

1. Navigate to your Chrome Browser
2. In the top right hand corner, click on the Snowman Icon (three dots)
3. Click on Settings
4. Select About Chrome
5. Lastly, check to see if your Google Chrome version is 99.0.4844.84, if it is not this version of the browser, Select Update Google Chrome
6. Once the update is complete, a button will appear next to the Chrome Version that will prompt you to Relaunch. 

For more information and helpful tips, please visit the IT Customer Support Portal or contact the IT Customer Support Desk at x4357.

If you have a suggestion or a Technology Tip you think can be useful, you can submit them by emailing techtips@grcc.edu 

GRCC In the News 03/29/2022

Grand Rapids high school students can attend a one-day African American Male Achievement Conference on March 28

3/25/22 MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Organizers of next week’s African American Male Achievement Conference say they plan to deliver “a day of inspiration, learning, sharing and caring” for Grand Rapids male students in ninth through 12 grade.

The Monday, March 28 event is a collaboration between Urban League of Western Michigan, Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS), Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University, and the City of Grand Rapids, according to a press release.

Nicholas James Thomasma’s mission: Write fine songs, showcase Michigan’s ‘incredible’ talent

3/25/22 Local Spins

In many ways, Nicholas James Thomasma serves as a role model for career musicians attempting to maneuver their way through the often-thorny thicket of a fickle business that presents a challenge for regional artists.

… At 42, the Grand Rapids Community College student and full-time musician also has plunged enthusiastically into volunteer work for Folk Alliance Region Midwest and Michigan Music Alliance, which both strive to guide and create opportunities for performing artists.

 Ferris State names Michigan community college leader as its next president

3/28/22 The Detroit News

Ferris State University announced Monday that Grand Rapids Community College President Bill Pink would serve as its 19th president.

Meet Ferris State’s selection for president, Dr. Bill Pink

3/28/22 The Pioneer (Big Rapids)

BIG RAPIDS — At a ceremony held at Ferris State University’s Big Rapids Campus on Monday, March 28, Bill Pink, president of Grand Rapids Community College, was officially named as the selected finalist to become the 19th president of Ferris State University by the Board of Trustees.

Ferris State University, Calvin University appoint new presidents: Who they are

3/28/22 The Detroit Free Press

Ferris State University’s next president will be Bill Pink, the current president of Grand Rapids Community College, the school announced Monday morning. Ferris’ board will formally give its approval at its next board meeting in May.

Ferris State selects GRCC president to replace retiring president

3/28/22 WZZM

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — Bill Pink, the current president of Grand Rapids Community College, was selected as the final candidate to become the 19th president of Ferris State University.

Current GRCC President Bill Pink picked to lead Ferris State University

3/28/22 FOX 17

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — Today Bill Pink is the president of Grand Rapids Community College. On June 30, Bill Pink will still be president, but he’ll be the 19th president of Ferris University, in Big Rapids.

Ferris State taps Grand Rapids Community College president as sole finalist to be next leader

3/28/22 MLive

BIG RAPIDS, MI – Ferris State University announced Monday that Grand Rapids Community College President Bill Pink is the sole candidate to take the reins from outgoing President David Eisler.

GRCC president Pink picked to lead Ferris State

3/28/22 WOOD TV

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Bill Pink is heading north. The president of Grand Rapids Community College has been named the next president of Ferris State University.

Ferris State taps Grand Rapids Community College leader as likely new president

3/28/22 Bridge Magazine

Current Grand Rapids Community College president Bill Pink will likely be the next Ferris State University president, FSU announced Monday.

Meet Ferris State’s selection for president, Dr. Bill Pink

3/28/22 Midland Daily News

BIG RAPIDS — At a ceremony held at Ferris State University’s Big Rapids Campus on Monday, March 28, Bill Pink, president of Grand Rapids Community College, was officially named as the selected finalist to become the 19th president of Ferris State University by the Board of Trustees.

Meet Ferris State’s selection for president, Dr. Bill Pink

3/28/22 Manistee News-Advocate

BIG RAPIDS — At a ceremony held at Ferris State University’s Big Rapids Campus on Monday, March 28, Bill Pink, president of Grand Rapids Community College, was officially named as the selected finalist to become the 19th president of Ferris State University by the Board of Trustees.

Ferris State hires Bill Pink as University’s next President

3/28/22 WGVU

After conducting a national search, the Ferris State University Board of Trustees Monday announced it had selected Bill Pink to serve as its next President.

Bill Pink is currently the president of Grand Rapids Community College, a position he has held since May of 2017.

GRCC president Pink picked to lead Ferris State

3/28/22 WLNS

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Bill Pink is heading north. The president of Grand Rapids Community College has been named the next president of Ferris State University.

9&10 News at 5

3/28/22 WWTV

(Ferris presidency)

Students give seniors something to grin about

3/28/22 schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District)

With a toothbrush and teeth model, student Chyna Schut showed patient Mary Tucker how to properly brush her teeth and gums.

“Brushing the gums, as well as the teeth, helps stimulate blood flow and prevent gum disease,” said Chyna, who is a second year student in the Dental Hygiene Program.

Tucker expressed her gratitude for the cleaning and said the opportunity to receive free dental care from GRCC students was “amazing.” 

GRPS help Black male students see themselves in leadership

3/28/22 WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Grand Rapids Public Schools administrators have partnered with city leaders to create a safe space for young Black men in the district.

… It’s a part of a collaboration between the Urban League of Western Michigan, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University and the city of Grand Rapids. This year’s theme is Challenges, Choices, and Change.

Ferris State selects finalist for president

3/29/22 Grand Rapids Business Journal

A public university named the finalist in its search for its next president.

Ferris State University (FSU) named Bill Pink, president of Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), the finalist to become the university’s 19th president.

Michigan this Morning

3/29/22 WFQX

(Ferris presidency.)