GRCC In the News, 4-28-15

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.

GRCC In the News, 3-12-15

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 In the News, 3-6-15

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.

Chef Angus

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.

GRCC In the News, 3-3-15

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.

GRCC In the News, 3-2-15

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.

GRCC In the News, 2-26-15

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.

GRCC In the News, 2-6-15

College notes: Jenison’s Kyle Hoek big man on small campus at Kuyper College

Feb. 5, 2015; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Kyle Hoek is the biggest guy at the area’s smallest college.

… “I went to GRCC for three years and I was in between schools,” he said. “One of my friends came out here for an open gym, so I tagged along. After the first three shots I took, the coach said he wanted to recruit me since I am big and I can shoot, too.”

Lady Vikings fall on the road

Feb. 5, 2015; Three Rivers Commercial-News

GRAND RAPIDS — The Glen Oaks Community College women’s basketball team dropped a 55-51 decision Wednesday at Grand Rapids Community College.

LaughFest 2015 brings free family fun downtown with return of adventure challenge race

Feb. 5, 2015; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Gilda’s LaughFest has announced the return of a popular family-friendly event with the Seriously Funny Family Adventure Challenge.

… Teams register and begin racing at GRCC Ford Fieldhouse, 111 Lyon St. NE. Those wishing to preregister can do so online.

GRCC In the News, 7-24-14

See statue of Helen Claytor, latest Grand Rapids Community Legend

July 23, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — A statue honoring the late Helen Claytor was unveiled Wednesday, July 23, by the Grand Rapids Community Legends project. It is the sixth statue placed by the initiative, which is funded by the family of former Universal Forest Products CEO Peter Secchia.

The statue of Claytor, a civil rights activist who became the first African-American president of the national YWCA, was placed in Grand Rapids Community College’s Dr. Juan R. Olivarez Student Plaza. Carla Blinkhorn, CEO of the YWCA West Central Michigan, described her feelings about the unveiling as sad and grateful.

GRCC faculty, staff celebrating college’s 100th anniversary with ‘Ways to Give’ project

July 23, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College faculty and staff are celebrating the school’s 100th anniversary with a series of donation projects, ranging from collecting school supplies for children to sending books to inmates of the Kent County Jail.

Autocam brand to live on after acquisition

July 23, 2014; mibiz.com

While Autocam Corp. will be acquired by a Tennessee-based public company in a deal that was announced in July, the automotive supplier does not expect the sale to have much impact on its West Michigan operations.

… Autocam is also expected to continue its employee training programs, which aim to develop a skilled workforce for the company, he said. Through Autocam’s Advanced Manufacturing Partnership program with Grand Rapids Community College, the company pays for employees education while they continue to work for the manufacturer. Kennedy said he believes those programs will continue under the new ownership, since many of NN’s talent development needs are similar to Autocam’s.

Michigan District 9 Big League team aspires for spot in ESPN televised final

July 23, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — George Rosinski has authored a resume as a Little League manager that, in scale and context, compares favorably to most any baseball manager that has ever managed a club in the state of Michigan.

… (Brad) Buurstra, now an 18-year-old shortstop and righthanded pitcher that will play at Grand Rapids Community College next season, still relishes each trip to a tournament championship as much as the last.

… Union teammate Devin Husted joins Buurstra on the District 9 roster, as does Grand Rapids Community College sophomore pitcher Domonic Cintorino, a Kenowa Hills alum; all three have played together under Rosinski since the Senior League World Series trip to Bangor, Maine in 2012.

Depth may push Central Michigan football forward

July 24, 2014; The Detroit Free Press

The Mid-American Conference may be sleeping on a football giant at Central Michigan.

… (Cody) Kater had a great high school career at Montague and attended Grand Rapids Community College before transferring to CMU.

GRCC In the News, 7-2-14

Maker Faire in Grand Rapids 60 days away; tickets on sale now

July 1, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Grand Rapids’ first Maker Faire is two months away.

… The Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire, organized by GR Makers, the Geek Group, Grand Rapids Community College, Genesis Inc. and the Grand Rapids Public Museum, will be a smaller, community-focused event for its debut, but it will follow the Maker Faire model of celebrating the work of do-it-yourself creativity and tinkering.

Sara Smolenski leads outside of courtroom

July 1, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

A native of Grand Rapids, Judge Sara Smolenski was first appointed to the 63rd District Court of the Michigan Supreme Court in 1996 and has been re-elected every six years since.

… She has earned several accolades for her work in the community: the YWCA Tribute Award, Grand Rapids chamber ATHENA Award and the Salute to Women Award from Grand Rapids Community College several years running.

Tips for aging well

July 1, 2014; WZZM

(WZZM, MIKE FABER) — You don’t need to go searching for the fountain of youth in order to age gracefully. Mike Faber from the Older Learning Center at Grand Rapids Community College visited the WZZM13 Noon News, with some advice on behavior changes you can make to age well.

Somerfield Becomes Second Transfer To Ink With Owens Men’s Basketball

July 1, 2014; ABC 13

Austin Somerfield, a transfer from Grand Valley State University, has signed with the Owens Community College men’s basketball team.

The 2012 Greenville (Mich.) High School graduate played one year at Grand Valley before attending Grand Rapids (Mich.) Community College last year, where he only attended school and didn’t play.

Turks Lead VBL With Eight All-Star Picks

July 1, 2014; WHSV

HARRISONBURG, VA. (WHSV) — The rosters were announced Tuesday for this weekend’s Valley League All-Star game.

… NORTH ROSTER

… Austin Stephens, LHP, Charles Town, Grand Rapids Community College (Rockford, Mi.)

Three Rayder baseball players named Division III All-State

July 1, 2014; Charlevoix Courier

CHARLEVOIX — When you’re good, people tend to notice.

… A worker both on and off the field for Brey, he’s (Ean Walda) a player that will be missed next season. He’ll play college baseball for Grand Rapids Community College next spring.

GRCC In the News, 6-30-14

Change Ups: Heslinga joins land trust nonprofit

June 27, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Justin Heslinga has joined the Land Conservancy of West Michigan as its stewardship coordinator. Heslinga will manage the organizatio’ns 16 nature preserves, including the related environmental care and maintenance programs, events, outreach and volunteers. His background includes the development of ecological assessments and management plans, botanical inventories, endangered species surveys, educational conservation workshops and outreach materials as senior staff scientist and botanist for Cardno JFNew and natural resources technician for the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.

… EDUCATION

Grand Rapids Community College’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education has been named one of Americas Top 20 Culinary Schools by FSR magazine. Criteria included schools that combine classroom theory with hands-on work in well-equipped on-campus classrooms and labs; provide off-campus experience through internships and externships; reach out to off-campus culinary professionals; and have small class sizes and accessible instructors.

Grand Rapids City Manager Appoints New Grand Rapids Police Chief

June 27, 2014; FOX 17

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich (June 27, 2014) — The Grand Rapids City Manager announced the new city police chief Friday.

… He (Greg Sundstrom) also thanked his Advisory Team, comprised of Tom Almonte, Assistant to the City Manager; Christine Arnold, Director of the Woodrick Diversity Learning Center at Grand Rapids Community College; Johnny Brann, Jr., local restaurant owner; Mari Beth Jelks, Managing Director of Administrative Services at the City of Grand Rapids; Joe Jones, Grand Rapids Urban League President; Ralph Mason, retired Grand Rapids Police Lieutenant; and Catherine Mish, City Attorney.

Dow grad Allen playing pro ball, coaching college ball

6/28/14 Midland Daily News

It’s a growing trend among Major League Baseball clubs to hire former catchers as coaches.

… (Michael) Allen currently plays for the Normal CornBelters of Minor League Baseball’s independent Frontier League in Normal, Ill. After graduating from Dow, he went on to redshirt at Saginaw Valley State University for a year before heading to Grand Rapids Community College for one more year and then ending his collegiate career with three years at Davenport University.

GRCC In the News, 6-24-14

GRCC launches provost search

June 23, 2014; The Holland Sentinel

Holland, Mich. — Grand Rapids Community College recently launched a search for a new provost-executive vice president for academic and student affairs.

Allendale quarterback leads Legends team to victory in Muskegon All-Star Classic

June 21, 2014; MLive

MUSKEGON, MI — Allendale’s Haiden Majewski got a chance to showcase his football skills in the Muskegon area Saturday night.

… Majewski broke his ankle in Allendale’s first playoff game last fall and was happy to get the chance to play again. He’s going to Grand Rapids Community College to play baseball.

GRCC In the News, 6-18-14

Culinary school ranks among ‘Top 20’ in US

June 17, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

A local culinary school is one of the best in the nation.

Grand Rapids Community College’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education is featured among the comprehensive culinary programs in the ranking of America’s Top 20 Culinary Schools published last month by Full-Service Restaurant magazine.

GVSU students received more scholarship funds than other Michigan colleges

June 17, 2014; The Holland Sentinel

Holland, Mich. — Students attending Grand Valley State University received more scholarship funds than any other Michigan college from the Grand Rapids Community Foundation this year.

Grand Valley students were awarded a total of $163,000 in scholarships out of a record-breaking $1 million that was given by the foundation this year. Schools that follow Grand Valley on the college list of scholarships are University of Michigan, Michigan State, Grand Rapids Community College and Ferris State.

Black theatre group creates safe space to explore race

June 17, 2014; therapidian.org

Edye Evans Hyde knows Grand Rapids is missing something crucial in its theatre community. This is why she recently started the Ebony Road Players, a nonprofit black theatre troupe that focuses on racial issues. The company took to the stage at Aquinas College’s Kretschmer Recital Hall to present a reading of “The Story” on June 5, a play by a Tracey Scott Wilson. This play is the second performance the Ebony Road Players have held, the first being a choreopoem by Ntozake Shange called “For Colored Girls who have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf.”

… Tom Kaechele, the theater program director at Grand Rapids Community College, is pleased to see a new theatre troupe in Grand Rapids.

“I think it gives any actors in the community more options for shows. If you have experienced theater in Grand Rapids, you know we have a really deep talent pool. The more theatre companies that are around to tap into the talent pool, the better for theater in general,” he says. “To a certain extent, you’ll see some plays at Circle or Civic or Actors Theater that deal with racial issues, but having something someone who specializes in that kind of voice just lightens the community.”

Aging population trends

June 17, 2014; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) — The population of the United States is aging at a dramatic rate, thanks to 76 million Baby Boomers.

… Mike Faber, from the Older Learning Center at Grand Rapids Community College, visited the WZZM 13 Noon News to share about the growing trends as the Baby Boomers are growing older.

Comstock Park’s Brayden Olson overcomes early obstacles to play college hoops

June 18, 2014; MLive

COMSTOCK PARK — Brayden Olson never gave up on his dream of playing college basketball, although the recent Comstock Park graduate had some serious doubts that it was going to happen.

… A big senior year helped Olson get back on the recruiting map. He played a key role off the bench for a Comstock Park team that won OK Blue Conference and district championships. The team included Drake Baar, who has signed with Grand Valley, and Ryan Hurley, who will be playing at Grand Rapids Community College. Jake Bush has committed to play football at Trine University.

Cronkright likes versatility, pitching depth on this year’s Berryhill roster

June 17, 2014; Midland Daily News

Diversity. That was the word that continually came up when Steve Cronkright was discussing this summer’s Midland Berryhill Post 165 American Legion Baseball team.

… The pitching staff for Berryhill will be led by third-year player Evan Marquardt, who graduated this spring from Dow and has committed to Ball State in the fall. He’ll be joined by Charger teammate Alex Sova, a second-year Berryhill player who will attend Iowa Western. Bullock Creek’s Caleb Somerville and Brian Feinauer of Grand Rapids Community College round out the returning pitchers.

GRCC In the News, 6-6-14

GRCC professor wins award for course design

June 4, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A Grand Rapids Community College professor has been recognized for outstanding course design.

Goodwills get creative to address community needs

May 25, 2014; mibiz.com

For Goodwill nonprofits across West Michigan, donations of clothes and other household items help fuel the regional organizations efforts to provide people the training they need to become self-sufficient.

… “We are partnering with Grand Rapids Community College on how to get people into skilled labor positions,” she (Jill Wallace) said. “A lot of these people will apply for these jobs, but many will fail the drug test or don’t have the necessary people skills.”

College notes: Davenport senior caps baseball career with academic award, lands internship with company owned by Cubs CEO

June 5, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – EJ Grochowalski has made a habit of finding the good in tough situations.

… Next, he went from a player on the Grand Rapids Community College team who was so self absorbed that Davenport University coach Kevin Tidey didn’t want to sign, to the eventual captain of the Panthers.

… BASEBALL

… Garret Veihl, Grand Rapids Community College: Veihl saved his best for last. The 6-foot sophomore (Greenville) threw a complete-game, win in the NJCAA regional, beating Jackson 4-2 on May 16. He gave up just five hits and had eight strikeouts in nine innings. He was the lone GRCC player named to the All-Tournament team. He finished his season 5-3 with a 3.56 ERA.

Morning News Guest Anchor – Judge Sara Smolenski

June 5, 2014; WZZM

(Video of Judge Smolenski, who is a GRCC alumna.)

 

 

 

 

GRCC In the News, 6-2-14

GRCC, GVSU to sign articulation agreement

May 30, 2014; The Holland Sentinel

Holland, Mich. — Grand Rapids Community College and Grand Valley State University are forming a partnership to ensure a smooth transfer process between the two schools.

Change Ups: Baker students demonstrate leadership

May 30, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… LINC Community Revitalization Inc. honored community organizations and individuals with the 2014 Community Spirit Awards. Recipients: Cornerstone Award, Cooley Law School West Michigan Public Defenders Clinic; Outstanding Collaborations Award, Grand Rapids Community College; Innovation Award, Doug and Maria DeVos Foundation; Community Spirit Award, Jerry McComb; Community Spirit Award (Youth), Israel Morales; Independent Spirit Award, Erick Picardo; and Legacy Award, retired Grand Rapids Police Chief Kevin Belk.

Urban renewal: Slow-acting antidote or huge mistake? What’s next for Calder Plaza

June 1, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — The burning question when we look at Grand Rapids urban renewal era comes down to this: Was it worth it?

… Caledonia stockbroker Frederick Fleischmann remembers walking through the tail end of urban renewal while attending class at Grand Rapids Junior College (now GRCC) and working at a West Side tool & die shop in the late ’60s.

Troubled past turns into promising future for Lakeview High School senior

May 30, 2014; The Greenville Daily News

LAKEVIEW — Bryan Guernsey’s life to date has been one rife with hard knocks.

… The work he’s been doing on the Unger cattle farm, in fact, has helped give Bryan’s life an entirely new direction. He plans to get an apartment in Grand Rapids this fall and attend Grand Rapids Community College where he will study agricultural science.

Graduation 2014: West Ottawa High School

June 1, 2014; The Holland Sentinel

Holland, Mich. — What are you looking forward to now that you have graduated?

“I’m looking forward to going to GRCC and getting my two years and then transferring to Western and just kinda enjoying my summer.” — Elizabeth Izaguirre

Exercise for aging adults

May 30, 2014; WZZM

(GRCC instructor Jocelyn Bunce appears in a segment on fitness tips for older people.)

Festival of the Arts 2014 Regional Art Exhibition opens today with 288 works

May 30, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Grand Rapids’ 45th annual Festival of the Arts is a week away, but the 2014 Regional Art Exhibition opens tonight at Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts.

… Nick Antonakis, professor of painting and drawing and head of the visual arts department at Grand Rapids Community College, was juror for painting, drawing and prints.

Finalist Named for Next GHC President

May 30, 2014; Coosa Valley News (Rome, Ga.)

Board of Regents Chair Philip Wilheit Sr. and University System of Georgia Chancellor Hank Huckaby has announced the three finalist that will take over as the next president of Georgia Highlands College. The recommended finalist are; Anita K. Bowles, vice president for Academic Affairs, Spartanburg Methodist College, Spartanburg, S.C. Donald J. Green, vice president for Extended and International Operations, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Mich. And, Al M. Panu, senior vice president for University Affairs, University of North Georgia, Dahlonega, Ga.

… Green has served as both Vice Chancellor and Vice President at Ferris State, leading a number of administrative units. Ferris State is comprised of its Big Rapids main campus and 19 satellite locations throughout Michigan. His higher education career also includes administrative and teaching posts at Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Rapids, Mich., and Davenport University, Grand Rapids, Mich. Green also operated a consulting firm, D. Green and Associates. Green holds a bachelor of arts degree from Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., a master`s degree in labor and human resource management from Ohio State University, Columbus and an Ed.D. in educational leadership from Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Mich.

Union baseball coach wishes there was another Buurstra brother

May 30, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS — When filling out his lineup cards this spring, there were two specific non-vowel letters that Grand Rapids Union baseball coach Mike Eddington penciled in more than any others. They were the letters B and R, which just happen to represent the first two letters in brother.

… A three-sport standout at Union who also played football and basketball Brad will be attending Grand Rapids Community College and continue his baseball career there.

 

GRCC In the News, 5-29-14

Maya Angelou: West Michigan educators recall poet’s impact on students

May 28, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – As news of Maya Angelou’s death spread Wednesday, educators throughout West Michigan recalled how they and their students were impacted by the work of the African American poet.

… Mursalata Muhammad, an English teacher at Grand Rapids Community College, was saddened by Angelous death, saying it was her goal to one day meet the famous writer.

Better Bites – Summer Quiona Salad – Chef Terri Rees

May 28, 2014; WZZM

(Article is a recipe.)

… Chef Terri Rees specializes in intimate dinner parties, culinary classroom education, demonstrations and select speaking engagements. She is passionate about your food and her mantra is “a personal chef experience.” After spending 25+ plus years in corporate America in sales and project management she returned to Grand Rapids Community College graduating from their prestigious Culinary Arts Program. She has shared her lifelong passion for food in several area businesses: Assistant Catering Chef for corporate fine dining at Bissell Corporation; Chef at Steelcase Corporation’s executive dining facility at historic Meyer May House; Sous Chef at Davenport University. Chef Terri I Rees is a featured instructor at Spartan Stores Culinary Classroom, Rylee’s Ace Hardware and Frederick Meijer Gardens. She also volunteers in local food-oriented programs, teaching selection and preparation of healthy food for MSU Extension’s Cooking Matters, Family Network of Wyoming, and other organizations. She has been named the 2013 Chef Educator of the Year from the American Culinary Federation of Grand Rapids and has been featured in Parade Magazine.

Kalamazoo Growlers build inaugural roster with Michigan-first approach, have 12 players from in-state schools

May 29, 2014; MLive

KALAMAZOO, MI — Joe Carbone said he wanted to stay as local as possible when building the Kalamazoo Growlers’ inaugural roster and for the most part it was mission accomplished for the team’s first manager.

… Other in-state Growlers players include Caleb Baragar, a Jackson Community College pitcher from Jenison, Jeremy Carrell, a Wayne State infielder from St. Clair, Jacob Waters, a Grand Rapids Community College infielder from Lansing, Dylan VanPutten, a GRCC infielder from Middleville and Grant Van Putten, a Calvin College outfielder from Holland.