Save the Date
GRCC Golf Scramble & Cookout
May Fore (4), 2018
More info to come!
Save the Date
GRCC Golf Scramble & Cookout
May Fore (4), 2018
More info to come!
“GRCC has not had a homecoming in a long time. That changes now!”
Homecoming 2017 will take place the week of October 16th. There are activities that you can take part in throughout the week. On Thursday, October 19th, faculty, staff, students, and alumni are all invited to a Raider Tailgate. The tailgate will take place in the Raider Grille from 5-6:30 p.m. Food will be provided, and there will be family-friendly activities. Then head on over to the Fold Fieldhouse to cheer on our GRCC Volleyball team as they take on the Lake Michigan Red Hawks.
For more information about all of the Homecoming activities, please visit grcc.edu/homecoming.
The Grand Rapids Community College Men’s Basketball team has advanced to the NJCAA National Tournament. GRCC plays #6 seed Essex County (NJ) today at 2pm ET, in Daville, IL. Watch it live.
If the Raiders win today, they will play tomorrow, March 23 at 9 p.m. ET. If they should lose, they will play at 12 p.m. ET. All games can be seen on NJCAATV (available on Apple TV, FireTV and Roku).
The Men’s Basketball team held on to beat Mid-Michigan Community College 81-76 on Tuesday Night in front of a packed Ford Fieldhouse crowd.
GRCC has advanced to the NJCAA District 9 semifinal game against the #1 seed Muskegon Jayhawks. The game will be played at St. Clair County Community College on tonight, March 9 at 7:30 p.m.
The game will be lived streamed and can be seen live at www.sc4athletics.com. Some of the semifinal games will also be live broadcasted on line at www.thumbtailgater.com on channel 1.
The GRCC Men’s Basketball team will once again face Mid Michigan Community College tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Ford Fieldhouse. The two teams have previously squared off twice, both times the Lakers of MMCC used strong first halves to pull away from the Raiders. Tonight marks their third game against one another and is the most meaningful. The winner of tonight’s match-up will advance to the District 9 Semifinal game on Thursday, March 9 in Port Huron, MI. The losing team’s season will be over.
Despite two losses against the Lakers, GRCC finished the season with a better overall conference record (11-7) than MMCC (10-8), securing home court advantage in tonight’s quarterfinal game. The winner of tonight’s match-up will face #1 seed Muskegon Community College.
GRCC has been led all season by its dynamic back court of Sophomores Jeffrey Drake-Todd and Arthur Pearson. Drake-Todd averages a team high 21.3ppg, 4.9apg and 4.9rpg. Pearson has also filled it up this season, averaging 18.3ppg, 4.4apg and 5.7rpg. Getting their normal production tonight along with strong contributions from Zachary Pangborn, Corey Jones, Maxwell Prendergast, Darron Ewing Jr., A.J. Whittaker, Bryce Elliot and Jarmichael Heard will be the key to the Raiders success.
The Lakers of Mid Michigan pose a stiff challenge for the Raiders. Guards Malik Clincy 16.7ppg and Mikhail Myles, 19ppg have wreaked havoc on the Raiders defense in the two previous match-ups. The Raiders were unable to keep the Lakers out of the paint area and the Raiders were caught out of position, leading to easy buckets for the Lakers.
Tonight’s game is scheduled to tip at 7:30 p.m. in the Ford Fieldhouse. Admission is free for all spectators.
President Obama turns down invitation to speak at GRCC graduation ceremony
April 28, 2015; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Administrators at Grand Rapids Community College aimed big for the school’s spring commencement ceremony when they asked President Barack Obama to deliver the keynote address.
Caring for a loved one? You’re not alone.
April 24, 2015; WOOD TV
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — You never know when you might have to become a loved one’s primary caregiver. It can happen gradually over the years, or with a single diagnosis or accident.
… “Its sort of a win-win-win,” explains Mike Faber of the GRCC Older Learner Center. “It was a win for the providers who have resources, for the caregivers in need, and for the community as a whole.”
Glen Oaks softball team drops weekend doubleheaders
April 27, 2015; Three Rivers Commercial-News
CENTREVILLE — The Glen Oaks Community College women’s softball team dropped two doubleheaders over the weekend.
Tom Muckel’s Lady Vikings were swept at home on Saturday by Jackson Community College 10-4 in eight innings and 18-5 and dropped two games on Friday at Grand Rapids Community College 10-1 and 10-2.
Muskegon Community College recap: Kyle Lawson ups pitching record to 8-1
April 27, 2015; MLive
MUSKEGON, MI — Kyle Lawson is showing no signs of slowing down.
The sophomore right-hander for the Muskegon Community College baseball team raised his record to 8-1 on the season with last week’s 7-0 shutout against Grand Rapids Community College.
Volleyball adds two student-athletes for 2015
April 27, 2015; The Official Website of Indy Athletics
INDIANAPOLIS — Head Coach Jason Reed and the UIndy volleyball staff has added a pair of student-athletes for the upcoming season. Shelby Ruffner (Chesterton, Ind./Grand Rapids Community College) and Lauren Koopman (Floyds Knobs, Ind./Floyd Central) will be Greyhounds for the 2015 campaign.
Senior Wellness: Sharing Life Stories
March 10, 2015; WZZM
(Video of Mike Faber, of the Older Learner Center, on the “Senior Wellness” segment.)
Downtown planners will pay for bricks to rebuild historic State Street
March 11, 2015; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A project to rebuild a historic stretch of State Street SE will include brick pavement after all.
… The delay also means the State Street project and a related project to repave Bostwick Avenue NE on the campus of Grand Rapids Community College won’t get done this spring, said Assistant City Engineer Rick DeVries.
Murphy promoted to deputy chief for East Lansing Police
March 11, 2015; The Lansing State Journal
EAST LANSING — When Jeff Murphy started with the East Lansing Police Department 28 years ago, his highest aspiration was sergeant.
… Murphy hired on with East Lansing as a police officer in February 1987 after graduating from the Grand Rapids Community College Police Academy. Police jobs were scarce at the time, and so Murphy figured he would go with whoever hired him and eventually work his way back to his home town.
Hebert throws no-hitter for NWF
March 11, 2015; The Daily Iberian (New Iberia, La.)
Former Loreauville High standout pitcher Evan Hebert threw a no-hitter for the Northwest Florida State College this past Thursday in a 12-0 win over Grand Rapids Community College.
GRCC readies to tap into craft beer industry with new certificate program
March 5, 2015; rapidgrowthmedia.com
Every vibrant city needs a great school to train the next generation of leaders and innovators. Beer City is no different.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has awarded a $2.9 million grant that will allow Grand Rapids Community College to purchase equipment for its machine tool, welding, HVAC, and automotive programs — as well as a new craft beer program.
March 5, 2015; FOX 17
(Video of Chef Angus’ appearance on “Morning Mix”)
Local pro football hopefuls prepare for tryouts in Chicago and at Grand Valley State
March 5, 2015; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Area college football players looking to impress and land a job – maybe not in the NFL, but somewhere as a pro – will be involved in upcoming pro camps.
… Two others are scheduled to perform at the Chicago combine in Corey Stone, a defensive lineman from Ferris State and former member of Grand Rapids Community College team, and running back Bronson Hill, a Grand Rapids Catholic Central grad from Eastern Michigan.
Preview: Chipola travels to play State College of Florida
March 5, 2015; Jackson County Floridan
The Chipola baseball team puts its nine-game winning streak on the line when they head to No. 2 state ranked State College of Florida for a three-game set this weekend.
No. 4 state ranked Chipola (17-5) is coming off a five-game sweep at home vs. Grand Rapids and Alabama Southern. Chipola plays State College of Florida (18-4) on Friday at 5 p.m. then a doubleheader (12/2:30 p.m.) on Saturday in Manatee-Sarasota.
New adviser to push skilled trades issues for Snyder
March 2, 2015; The Detroit News
Detroit Gov. Rick Snyder has tapped a veteran West Michigan public school superintendent to be his new senior education adviser focused on improving the state’s pipeline of skilled trades workers.
… As head of the Ottawa ISD, (Karen) McPhee has overseen a technical education program that partners with area schools, businesses and Grand Rapids Community College to help students find career pathways in the skilled trades, according to Snyder’s office.
Eagles rebound, take pair from Grand Rapids
March 3, 2015; WTXL
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 2, 2015) — The TCC Eagles sweep a doubleheader from Grand Rapids Community College, 7-3 in Game One and 16-2 in Game Two at Eagle Field on Monday.
Lady Pioneers take first two from Cleveland State
March 2, 2015; The Tennessean
GALLATIN — It wasn’t an ideal way to open the season for the Volunteer State Community College softball team, but Sunday’s doubleheader against visiting Cleveland State produced ideal results.
… Vol State was originally scheduled to play Grand Rapids (Mich.) Community College in a doubleheader on Sunday. It would have given the Lady Pioneers four games that day, but rain prevented that from happening. The first game which began shortly after 7 p.m. was stopped in the fourth inning after field conditions became unplayable, and the contest had not reached the point of being ruled official.
The state of American well-being
Feb. 27, 2015; Grand Rapids Business Journal
Although a number of factors such as the rate of uninsured and life evaluation have improved across the country, Gallup-Healthway’s latest State of American Well-Being places Michigan among the bottom 10 states.
… Laura Kennett, assistant professor of exercise science at Grand Rapids Community College, said although she would like to see more detail regarding the design of the survey, she was not surprised by Michigan’s results.
“Unfortunately, Michigan has ranked low for awhile, and part of the reason it doesn’t surprise me is because the information we have around chronic disease in Michigan — what are called preventive health behaviors among Michigan adults — is lower than many other states,” said Kennett. “If people are not engaging in these preventive health measures, then obviously their health is not going to be well.”
Michigan: a state of impoverishment
Feb. 27, 2015; Grand Rapids Business Journal
Grand Rapids Business Journal reports in depth this week on Gallup-Healthway’s latest State of American Well-Being, a study that ranks Michigan in the bottom 10 among all states.
… Laura Kennett, assistant professor of exercise science at Grand Rapids Community College, is quoted in the Business Journal’s page one article: “People don’t realize there are more people in Michigan living at or below the poverty line than other states. Unfortunately, there is plenty of research, plenty of data that shows we can predict people’s health outcomes based on how much money they make and their education.”
Highlights for the month of March
Feb. 27, 2015; MLive
… 26. Wrapping up Grand Rapids Community College’s International Guitar Series is the acclaimed Canadian Guitar Quartet, which is set to perform at 7:30 p.m. The performance will be in the Recital Hall at GRCC’s Music Center, located on the corner of Ransom Avenue and Lyon Street.
FIU Panthers outfielder Brian Portelli caps weekend blitz
March 1, 2015; The Miami Herald
Whenever an FIU Panther hits a home run, he is greeted at the plate not with a high-five or a head-bump, but a standard handshake. The uniquely understated celebration seems to say “Nice to meet you, Gentleman Slugger.”
… Thomas plucked (Brian) Portelli out of baseball obscurity while working a winter camp in Detroit as a visiting instructor. Fat chance an unknown out of Division II Grand Rapids Community College would develop into a contributor, never mind a star. But Thomas took that chance anyway.
MSU Democrats travel to D.C. for retreat
Feb. 27, 2015; The State News (MSU’s student newspaper)
After a Republican sweep in the 2014 midterm elections, MSU College Democrats are reevaluating some strategies to increase membership.
… (Brianna) Shamsuddoha said MSU College Democrats had eight representatives at the retreat. Central Michigan University, Grand Rapids Community College and Northern Michigan University’s College Democrats chapters also sent delegates to the retreat.
MEDC approves $50 million grant to Michigan community colleges
Feb. 25, 2015; mibiz.com
The state of Michigan recently approved a grant to aid community colleges in purchasing equipment and training for students studying skilled trades. Approximately $14.3 million of the states $50 million grant program, coined the Community College Skilled Trades Equipment Program (CCSTEP), was distributed to institutions in West Michigan.
Grand Rapids Community College, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Kellogg Community College, Montcalm Community College, Muskegon Community College and West Shore Community College were among the recipients of the grant.
Senior Wellness: Lifelong Learning
Feb. 24, 2015; WZZM
(Mike Faber, of the Older Learner Center, was featured on this segment.)
Effort aims to boost number of college-bound GRPS grads
Feb. 25, 2015; WZZM
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WZZM) – A wide variety of educational and career groups have come together to help more GRPS students attend college.
… College students shared their experiences about the transition from high school. Isaiah Townsend, a 2014 Ottawa Hills High School grad now attending GRCC, described how he was scared of failing. He said he benefited from mentors who convinced him college was for him.
Meijer Scholar Athlete, Chase Huntey
Feb. 26, 2015; WZZM
This week’s Meijer Scholar Athlete is Chase Huntey, a senior from Morley Stanwood High School, with a 3.96 GPA. Huntey, has been named All-Conference twice, in football, baseball and basketball. His future is on the diamond, where he’ll play and go to Grand Rapids Community College.
Chipola baseball hosts five-game stand this weekend
Feb. 25, 2015; Jackson County Floridan
The Chipola baseball team kicks off a five-game homestand on Friday at 11 a.m. vs. Grand Rapids Community College.
KVCC basketball coach Ron Welch honored by former players, hundreds of fans during final home game
Feb. 23, 2015; MLive
KALAMAZOO, MI – With his arms folded and a look of focus on his face, Kalamazoo Valley Community College women’s basketball coach Ron Welch paced the sidelines Monday just the way Tracy Little remembered from 20 years ago.
… Wearing her dark blue and white KVCC windbreaker from her playing days, Little spoke highly of her former coach and colleague – she formerly coached at Grand Rapids Community College and her first game was against Welch’s Cougars.
Spotlight on human trafficking
2/23/15 WOOD TV
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Human trafficking is a real problem, but it’s not confined to far-away places. A panel discussion on Monday aims to educate the public and break some myths about human trafficking.
… The World Affairs Council of West Michigan is addressing human trafficking in its Great Decisions Discussion Series on Monday, February 23 at 6 p.m. The panel discussion will include Becky McDonald of Women at Risk International and Amanda Colegrove of Crime Victim Advocacy Center. It will be moderated by Michigan Senator Judy Emmons.
(The article doesn’t mention it, but Amanda Colegrove is a GRCC alumna.)
College notes: EGR’s Marcus Hall finds new home playing basketball at Northern Michigan
Feb. 12, 2015; MLive
… WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
… Sara Karamol, Grand Rapids Community College: The sophomore forward has been a double-double machine this season. Karamol (Rockford) had 10 points and 10 rebounds in a 64-56 win over Ancilla on Feb. 11. Karamol, who is averaging 11.6 points and 10.6 rebounds, has had nine double-doubles for the Raiders (5-14).
College Visits Show Students Opportunities
Feb. 6, 2015; schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District newsletter)
Kent City Community Schools, MI — LeKae Scarlavai is finding it just a bit easier to decide what to do with the rest of her life.
… “I was expecting to find the stereotypical community college, but instead I found they basically have everything,” said Matt, a 15-year-old sophomore of his visit to Grand Rapids Community College. “I always thought GRCC was just a typical community college but I was amazed to see all the programs they offer.”
… To that end, freshman visited Grand Valley State University, sophomores Grand Rapids Community College, juniors Ferris State University and seniors are given a choice of the three institutions.
Students offer free tax assistance for low-income families
Feb. 6, 2015; WOOD TV
Accounting students from Davenport University, Aquinas College, Cornerstone University, and Grand Rapids Community College as well as members of the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA) are participating.
Senior Wellness: Long term care
Feb. 10, 2015; WZZM
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WZZM) — Mike Faber from the Older Learner Center at Grand Rapids Community College explains when it’s time to receive long-term care and how to choose the right options.
Allegan County launches program for students to earn associate’s during 5th year of high school
Feb. 9, 2015; MLive
ALLEGAN, MI — Students in the seven Allegan County school districts served by the Allegan Area Educational Service Agency can now earn an associate’s degree at no cost if they commit to a fifth year of high school, county educators announced Monday.
… Allegan County young adults face a stiffer barrier to post-secondary education compared to residents of many surrounding counties because the county does not have a community college. That means students have to pay higher, out-of-district tuition at institutions such as Kalamazoo Valley and Grand Rapids community college, and they also face a longer, more expensive commute.
Feb. 8, 2015; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Sitting among those honored as part of Grand Rapids Community College’s Giants Awards, the Rev. Clifton Rhodes Jr. likely had no idea he, too, was slated for adulation.
As Autocam entrepreneur, Obamacare foe or bicyclist, John Kennedy takes his own route
Feb. 8, 2015; Crain’s Detroit Business
Plunging down a twisting French mountain road on a hot afternoon in 2006, John Kennedy was determined to catch the cyclist just ahead of him.
… In 2012, Autocam established the Advanced Manufacturing Program in collaboration with Grand Rapids Community College and other manufacturers to maintain a better pipeline of manufacturing talent. Applicants accepted into the program start at $13 an hour while they attend classes for a two-year program paid in full by the company, now called the Autocam Precision Components Group of NN.
… Kent County resident Madalyn Bueche, 21, hired in at Autocam in 2012 and simultaneously enrolled in the GRCC Advanced Manufacturing Program. She graduated in 2014 and is now enrolled at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, intent on earning a four-year degree in engineering in three years while working as a machinist full time at Autocam Precision Components. The company pays for her education.
Sophomores killed during winter break memorialized at the rock on Farm Lane
Feb. 9, 2015; State News (Michigan State University student newspaper)
“They were definitely one of a kind,” Diana Nicoletti, an advertising and professional writing sophomore, said of her friends Maura Brandi and Carolena Elowsky at their memorial at the Rock on Farm Lane Sunday night.
… Hannah Herboldsheimer, another hometown friend and student at Grand Rapids Community College, said even at their small high school, Brandi and Elowsky expressed school spirit and love for the people around them.
Hall of Fame guard already part of great fraternity
Feb. 11, 2015; Mansfield News Journal (Mansfield, Ohio)
Don Williams witnessed many a statement game from his running mate, but he knew putting a microphone in front of Melvin Selmon instead of a basketball hoop would be like hitting the mute button.
… David and Melvin would start together in Malabar’s backcourt for one year, when David was a senior and Melvin a sophomore. Both of them are now coaches in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where David has won nearly 500 games at Grand Rapids Community College and Melvin is in his third year of heading a practically unbeatable freshman team at Ottawa Hills High School.
Feb. 9, 2015; MLive
MUSKEGON, MI – Following the team’s six-game winning streak earlier this year, the Muskegon Community College men’s basketball team now has dropped three of its past four games.
The Jayhawks’ (17-6 overall, 7-4 Western Conference) most recent defeat came at the hands of Grand Rapids Community College on Friday, Feb. 6. MCC got off to a poor start offensively by missing layups and not converting scoring opportunities, ultimately falling to GRCC, 82-63.
If you experience chest discomfort, shortness of breath, discomfort in other areas of your upper body, a cold sweat, nausea, or become light-headed you could be having a heart attack. Call 911!
Stroke Warning Signs: Is one side of your face drooping? Is one arm weak or numb? Is your speech slurred and/or is it
difficult to speak? Call 911!
If you see someone unresponsive, unconscious, not breathing and with no pulse they could be having a cardiac arrest. Call 911 and start CPR.
How to Prevent Heart Disease
1. Do not smoke or use tobacco
2. Exercise 30 minutes each day following American College of Sports Medicine Physical Activity Guidelines
3. Eat a heart healthy diet
4. Maintain a healthy weight
5. Get enough quality sleep
6. Know your health numbers (blood pressure screening, cholesterol screening, diabetes screening, body composition, body
mass index, waist circumference)
7. Control Stress and be “well” in all the wellness dimensions (social, spiritual, intellectual, occupational, physical, emotional)
What is Your Risk: Take a Quiz from American Heart Association
FACTS:
-About one in three American kids is overweight and/or obese according to the American Heart Association. Many of those children
struggle with high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and elevated blood cholesterol levels. In addition, excess weight at a young age
has been linked to earlier death rates in adulthood.
-One in three women die of heart disease or stroke, according to the American Heart Association. Education and lifestyle changes,
however, can prevent 80 percent of cardiac events.
-About 600,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year–that’s 1 in every 4 deaths.
-Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. More than half of the deaths due to heart disease in 2009 were
in men.
-Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease, killing nearly 380,000 people annually.
-Every year about 720,000 Americans have a heart attack. Of these, 515,000 are a first heart attack and 205,000 happen in people
who have already had a heart attack.
-Coronary artery disease (heart disease) alone costs the United States $108.9 billion each year. This total includes the cost of health
care services, medications, and lost productivity. (Centers of Disease Control)
Heart Health is a team effort to support a healthy community, consisting of the GRCC exercise science department, nursing department, exercise science club, staff development, older learner center, athletic department, biological sciences department, and the exercise is medicine team.