Lunch with Lepper – Meet GRCC’s new President

Faculty – please share this information with your students.

Students – join us for lunch with GRCC’s new president, Dr. Charles Lepper! You’ll also be able to meet other students, learn about getting involved on campus and other fun stuff!

What: Lunch with Lepper 

Who’s invited: Students!

Purpose: Meet and take a selfie with the new president, connect with students, build community

When: Tuesday, March 14 at noon 

Where: 4th floor RJF – Sponsored by President’s Office and Student Life and Conduct

Food: Mac N Cheese bar, pulled pork and popcorn chicken with various toppings

Erin Van Egmond named executive director of GRCC Foundation, focusing on making education more accessible

Erin Van Egmond, who has spent her career helping students overcome financial obstacles to attend college and change their lives, has been named executive director of the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation.

“The GRCC Foundation plays a vital role in the overall success of our students and the college,” GRCC President Charles W. Lepper said. “My goal is to continue building upon the success of the foundation and expand its reach within our community. Erin has proven herself to be an outstanding professional and has made tremendous contributions to the success of our students, the college, and the foundation.”

Van Egmond has served as the associate director of the GRCC Foundation since 2015, and worked at GRCC since 1998. She started in the Financial Aid Department as a student worker and became part of the foundation team in 2005. She has served as associate director of College Advancement since 2015. 

During her time at the foundation, Van Egmond served as donor relations coordinator, and director of alumni relations before serving as associate director.

“The GRCC Foundation is an important connection between our greater community and the college,” she said. “So many people and organizations in West Michigan support our students because they know an investment in a student is an investment in our community. It is so moving to talk with students who are able to attend college and follow their dreams because a GRCC scholarship helped remove financial barriers.”

The Grand Rapids Community College Foundation awarded $1.3 million in scholarships to 1,642 students during the 2021-2022 fiscal year.

The foundation also works with donors on capital campaigns, raising funds to renovate or build facilities to create opportunities for students. Recent projects include the renovations of Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall, the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center, and the Custer Alumni House, and the construction the Secchia Piazza.

Van Egmond is a Grand Rapids native who earned an associate degree at GRCC, then a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Masters of Higher Education and Adult Learners from Grand Valley State University.

Raider Salute to the Facilities custodial and maintenance staff

The Facilities custodial and maintenance staff did such an amazing job last week setting up, tearing down, and supporting 4 large Fieldhouse events within a 6-day span.

Many staff members who work in other campus buildings came over to support these events and it was truly a team effort.

You are appreciated!

Sincerely,
Whitney Marsh
Ford Fieldhouse Director

Teaching, Learning, and Distance Education (TLDE) news

Welcome back from spring break!

We hope everyone had a relaxing break. See below for upcoming events and news from TLDE.

Save the Date – TLDE Faculty Showcase, April 13:

Please plan to join us at noon on Thursday, April 13 for this year’s Faculty Showcase.  We’re planning to feature faculty projects as well as a conversation about faculty members’ use of and reaction to Artificial Intelligence (AI).  The event will be held in the ATC auditorium in a HyFlex format with both virtual and in-person attendance options.  Lunch will be provided.  Stay tuned for an RSVP form and more details!

Adjunct Recognition Event – Survey Reminder:

Our adjunct faculty members received a survey invitation in their inboxes before spring break.  If you have not already done so, please complete the survey, found here, before March 17th.  Your feedback is essential as we continue to plan a Winter 2023 Adjunct Faculty Recognition event!

Reminder – Blackboard Ultra Base Navigation:

On Saturday, May 6th, between 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., GRCC IT will be updating Blackboard to incorporate the new Ultra Base Navigation. This new navigation has a sleek, modern look and feel, and will save you time with simpler workflows and easier access to important information.  Learn more on the Blackboard Ultra Base Navigation Transition Hub.

Featured Upcoming Workshops/Events:

1. Understanding the New General Education Outcomes – Friday, March 17th, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Virtual
2. Understanding Blackboard Ultra Base Navigation – Tuesday, March 21st, 10:00 a.m. – 11. a.m. – Virtual
3. LibreFest 2023 – Wednesday, March 22 and Thursday, March 23, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. **Lunch will be provided on both days.
4. Winter Semester TLDE Faculty Liaison Office Hours, Virtually: Tuesdays 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. (email dvilmont@grcc.edu to request a virtual appointment).  
5. Adjunct Faculty Support: Please reach out to Alyssa Spoolstra, Adjunct Faculty Liaison, via email to alyssaspoolstra@grcc.edu. 
6. TLDE Office Information: The TLDE office location is RJF 373.  TLDE staff are available Mondays – Fridays from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. to assist you!  Please stop by the office, email cte@grcc.edu, or call 616-234-3205 and we will be happy to assist you!

Please visit CTE’s Calendar and Programming webpage for the current listing of all Winter 2023 Professional Development opportunities being offered by TLDE!

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IT Knowledge Base survey for faculty and staff

In efforts to better serve the needs of our campus community, the GRCC Information Technology Department would like you to take a few minutes to complete this short survey regarding our online Knowledge Base system.

Your feedback will assist us in planning future improvements to the system to ensure that we are providing relevant information for you 24/7.

This survey will be available until Friday, March 31, 2023.

Please reference the Knowledge Base Website while answering questions.

Click on the link to access the survey: GRCC IT Knowledge Base Faculty/Staff Survey

Community College Survey of Student Engagement: March 13 through March 31

Every two years, students at GRCC take part in the Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE). For the 2023 iteration, this survey will be open to students Monday, March 13 through March 31, 2023.

They will receive an email to their GRCC student email with a link to the survey and their unique access code.

Please encourage your students to complete this survey, as it provides us with the student perspective that is crucial to our work!

Student responses are anonymous and will be aggregated when analyzed.

At that same time, the faculty version of this survey will be administered and will be sent directly from CCSSE. We appreciate all feedback in order to make meaningful and impactful decisions.

If you have any additional questions, please contact institutional research at IR@grcc.edu.

Learn From the Best: GRCC alum Jonathan Wyckoff returned to teach CNC students in-demand skills

Jonathan Wyckoff teaches his students how to use CNC machines in a hands-on job training program. At the end of 18 weeks, students receive job placement assistance and enter the workforce. 

Wyckoff was a GRCC student in 2014. He graduated with an Associate of Arts and Sciences and continued to Ferris State University where he received his bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering. 

Wyckoff worked for Herman Miller as an engineer and a machine technician for eight years. He began to expand his career in 2002. His family’s history of teaching, and his love of the art of machine equipment brought him to GRCC. 

As a CNC Machine Tool professor, Wyckoff teaches students to use machine tools to shape and cut metal to precise dimensions. The pieces CNC’s create are then used to create vehicles, medical equipment, and more. 

Wyckoff loves watching his students see things in the world and know how those items are made. He also enjoys working with the other job training staff, many he referred to as his “college machining buddies”. 

Wyckoff enjoys helping students and the students enjoy learning from him as well. 

Matthew Collins, a Machine Tool/CNC student said, “Jonathan Wyckoff has been super. The lab is a very comfortable environment, it is great. He really focuses on hands-on skills. The day goes really fast because we are always working on parts and you have to really pay attention to what you are doing.”

Wyckoff encourages students to explore the endless opportunities that GRCC offers. He advises students to be unafraid of trying different classes and programs, and to continue exploring until they find the right fit.

More information about the CNC Machining Job Training program can be found at grcc.edu/cnc. 

My Story Started at GRCC: Michael Herblet II gained skills to build a career leading to creating Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea

Michael Herblet II’s business education at Grand Rapids Community College is hard at work as he builds his Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea location.

Start at GRCC and go anywhere. Every former student has a story to tell about how GRCC gave them the education and opportunity to be successful.

Herblet graduated with his associate degree in 1987 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Western Michigan University. He then embarked on a career in operations and supply chain management.

He decided to open Sweetwaters at 601 Bond Ave. NW in 2019 as a way to combine his longtime dream of owning a business with his knowledge and passion for coffee, tea and gourmet beverages.

One of Sweetwaters’ first big jobs? Supplying beverages for the 2019 Creating Connections, a breakfast organized by the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation as a way to connect scholarship recipients to donors. Herblet was happy to support the college that played such a key role in his life.

“GRCC was the perfect fit for me as a high school graduate,” he said. “It provided the academic, social and athletic opportunities I was looking for in a college. My experiences at GRCC provided the tools I needed to succeed at WMU, Amway, business ownership and Oliver Healthcare Packaging.”

Start your GRCC story today here.

Versiti Blood Drive is right around the corner

Last year, we worked together to collect over 30 units of blood. It is heartening to know that together we have accomplished so much good.

Our goal is to have 25 donors at our blood drive on March 22, 2023. We are currently a third of the way there!

Please consider one of three ways to support the community: roll up your sleeve and donate blood, support those who donate by volunteering at the blood drive, or pledge to support our efforts by posting to your social networks about this great community initiative.

Attached below is a poster you can share with your colleagues and students. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Rebecca at rebeccalubbers1@grcc.edu about joining the blood drive team, or reach out with any questions you may have.

Thank you again for your assistance and for making our blood drives a huge success. Let’s make an even bigger impact on March 22 by reaching our goal!

Drop-ins are always welcome, and you can reach out to Rebecca if a time slot that works for you isn’t available!

Sincerely,

The Versiti Team

Saturday Family Swim: April 1

Not heading anywhere for Spring Break this year?

Take the kids to the waters of the Ford Fieldhouse pool for some aquatic fun on Saturday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to noon! 

Employees and children, grandchildren, nieces/nephews, etc. are all welcome!

Kid friendly lunch included for all attendees courtesy of HR!

Sign up to let us know how many are coming. Lifeguards will be available. 

Questions or for more information, please email angelasalinas@grcc.edu.

GRCC women’s basketball team headed to NJCAA national tournament with dominating win over Glen Oaks

The Grand Rapids Community College women’s basketball team punched its ticket to the NJCAA Division II National Basketball Tournament with a dominating victory over Glen Oaks Community College on Saturday.

GRCC, the No. 5 seeds in the Great Lakes B District Tournament, defeated No. 2-seed Glen Oaks 83-66 earning the championship.

“Can’t say enough about this group of sophomores,” coach David Glazier said. “We talked about being built for this opportunity and today, as a group, they cemented that legacy we’d been talking about for a week. Grace Lodes and Sally Merrill just dominated their performances. But without everybody doing their job, we wouldn’t have had the success that we’ve earned.”

The win came off a huge, 28-point performance from Merrill, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.  

Lodes, a sophomore, had another commanding night, scoring 27 points and snatching 15 total rebounds, four of them on offense and 11 as a defender.

GRCC as a team commanded the free throw line, shooting 19-22.

Lodes and sophomores Marlene Bussler were named to the All-Tournament Team, and Glazier earned District B Coach of the Year honors.

This story was reported by Mackenzie Ondersma

Izzy Regner throws another shutout as GRCC softball team wraps up Florida roadtrip

Izzy Regner finished off her perfect week for the Grand Rapids Community College softball team with a 7-0 shutout over South Suburban College on Saturday to conclude the team’s play in southern Florida.

Earlier in the day, GRCC was defeated by Waubonsee Community College, 7-3.

Waubonsee  broke a three-all tie with four runs in the final inning.  Macy Huver took the loss, giving up three unearned runs. GRCC scattered eight hits, led by Annika Roersma and Jaye Guchelaar with two each.

In GRCC’s final game of the 12-game road trip, both teams were held scoreless until the top of the fourth, when Autumn Scott broke the tie with a two-out two-run double.  Scott finished with a game-high three hits.

GRCC scored five more runs in the fifth and Regner held South Suburban scoreless the rest of the way.

Regner finished her week with a 6-0 record, 0.67 ERA, and 81 strikeouts, allowing just six walks. She also led the team in batting with a .576 average and eight extra base hits.

Four other GRCC players finished the trip batting .300 or better: Guchelaar, .526; Scott, .455; Lauren James, .395; and Makayla Noon, .333.

GRCC comes home with a 7-5 record and isn’t scheduled to play again until March 24, when it takes on Delta College in a five-game series to begin conference play.

This story was reported by Ben Brown.

Carly Sluiter drives home winning run in extra innings as GRCC softball tops Waubonsee Community College

The Grand Rapids Community College softball team won a thriller of a game against Waubonsee Community College in extra innings, and then dropped an 11-7 decision in their final game on Friday. 

GRCC had a 4-3 lead going in the final frame of the game, but Waubonsee tied it up in the next inning. 

After GRCC was shut down in the bottom of the seventh, Waubonsee scored three runs in the eighth.  GRCC matched that to force a ninth inning, and Carly Sluiter came through with the game-winning single to score Lauren James.

Jaye Guchelaar led the offense with three hits and James added two hits.  Seven other GRCC players had one hit, totaling 12 in all.

Macy Huver picked up her first collegiate win, coming in relief of starting pitcher Izzy Regner, who left the game in the seventh inning after 141 pitches and 11 strikeouts.

In the second game, St. Louis Community College came out on top in the slugfest that included 25 total hits, including 11 again from GRCC’s bats.

Guichelaar led the team again with three hits, including two doubles. Alyssa Wierenga, James and Samara Kolehouse each had two hits, including a home run for Kolehouse – her first of the season.

GRCC will play its final two games of their trip on Saturday as it faces Waubonsee at 11:30 a.m. and then finishes up with South Suburban College at 2 p.m.

This story was reported by Ben Brown.

GRCC In the News 03/13/2023

Students can learn all about water sustainability at Water Pool-ooza

3/11/23 WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A program for those who love water is happening in Grand Rapids this weekend. Water Pool-ooza is hosted by Grand Rapids Community College and the City of Grand Rapids to teach students about water sustainability. 

Dream Jobs: From EE Grad to Three-time Entrepreneur

3/12/23 Michigan Technological University publication

Last Mile Cafe opened its first storefront in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in December 2022—the next step in making a dream reality for Arick Davis ’15 and his fiancé, Sarah Laman. 

… Davis took an atypical path to Michigan Tech and small business ownership. A Grand Rapids native, he applied to Tech coming out of high school, but was not accepted. He enrolled at Grand Rapids Community College and proved his academic ability. He then had his choice between the University of Michigan and MTU. He chose Tech.

Free roller skating event aims to build positive relationships between kids and police

3/13/23 MLive

KENT COUNTY, MI – The Kent County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a roller skating event on Thursday, March 30 that aims to help build positive relationships between police and kids in the community.

… (Officer Yamel) Marmolejos graduated from Grand Rapids Community College in 2017 and has served the Lansing Police Department and Kent County Sheriff’s Office over the last seven years. She has worked as a road patrol officer and is also bilingual in English and Spanish, she said.

March Music Madness: Dropkick Murphys, May Erlewine, Sam Bush, Band Battle photo recap

3/13/23 Local Spins

EDITOR’S NOTE: From Ferndale and Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids, Saugatuck and Kalamazoo, it was a hectic week of live shows firing up March. Scroll down for photo and video highlights, along with recap of a Ferndale fundraiser for Michigan artists performing at SXSW in Austin this week.

… Grand Rapids’Short Panic — Kyle Kuhn on drums, David Ophoff on guitar, Mitchell Evink on bass, Joe Schimmelmann on saxophone, Ben DeWitt on guitar and Megan Meadows on vocals — capitalized on their Grand Rapids Community College Music Program training to deliver an upbeat, audience-pleasing, evening-ending set to outpoll impressive performances by four other acts: Common Molly (punk), Adrian Wright (hip hop), Rabbit Fur (alt-folk) and Van Tassel’s Uncanny Elixir (archaic folk/pop). (The winner was chosen from a combination of judge John Sinkevics’ scores and fan voting.)

GRCC Policies updated

Policy Meeting

February 2023

14.5 Campus Closing due to Inclement Weather & Emergency Conditions

• Updated building names and titles

14.14 Building Access Raider Card

• Changed Campus Police to GRCC Police or GRCC Police Department throughout the document.
• IX C. Removed reference to local law enforcement (as they do not have card access)
• X. C Changed “against college policy to “prohibited”
• X. D. 9 changed the wording but not the meaning

14.19 COVID-19 Vaccination Policy for Health Program & Early Childhood Learning Lab Employees

• Revised to reflect that dates which were previously imposed (for reporting vaccination status; providing proof of vaccination; and seeking exemptions) by the Policy have lapsed.  The proposed revised Policy requires new covered employees (e.g., new hires and transfers) to provide their vaccination status and proof of vaccination (or seek an exemption) as soon as practicable.

• Revised to reflect the rescission of the College’s Face-Covering Policy.

11.2 Grants

                Under Procedures:

• Addition of responsibility for tracking cost share and value calculation
• Addition of responsibility for certifying time and effort by grant-funded employees
• Addition of required obligation to participate in federal external evaluation if selected
• Addition of obligation to comply with federally-mandated disclosure requirements and financial conflict of interest reporting
• Addition of responsibilities related to subawards and monitoring of subrecipients 
• Addition of obligation regarding records retention for federal grants
• Addition of responsibility for grant closeout
• All detailed information was moved from the Policy Statement section to the Implementation and Administration of Grant Awards section. Where applicable, references to the specific sections of 2 CFR 200 were inserted and details that had been taken verbatim from those sections were moved to the department’s Grants Administration Guide.

The new/revised policies have been added to the College Policies website.