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, 1-23-15

GRCC considers hiking tuition on pricey programs as it looks to close $2 to $5 million budget hole

Jan. 22, 2015; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — In an effort to reduce a looming budget deficit, Grand Rapids Community College is considering charging students more for high-cost programs such as nursing, culinary arts and dental.

Is former Muskegon coach Tony Annese a candidate for Central Michigan football job?

Jan. 22, 2015; MLive

MUSKEGON, MI – When the word spread about Dan Enos’ departure as head football coach at Central Michigan University, the speculation already started about his replacement.

… (Tony) Annese, who led Muskegon to state titles in 2004, 2006 and 2008, went on to Grand Rapids Community College and led Ferris to an 11-0 regular season in 2014.

GRCC In the News, 1-12-15

GRCC president says Obama’s free community college proposal a ‘great thing for this country’

Jan. 10, 2015; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College President Steven Ender said a proposal that would make the nation’s two-year colleges tuition free would be “a great thing for this country,” and would help build the educated and skilled workforce West Michigan needs to thrive.

GRCC’s new head of workforce development: Our primary focus is let’s get you into work

Jan. 9, 2015; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The new head of Grand Rapids Community College’s School of Workforce Development says he wants to forge relationships with businesses and provide the relevant training students and displaced workers need to land a good paying job.

Change Ups: Dickinson recognized for improving naval leadership

Dec. 26, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… EDUCATION

… Grand Rapids Community College announced a third of the 80 students graduating in December from its Job Training program have secured employment.

… GRANTS

Aquinas College, Grand Rapids Community College and Grand Valley State University announced they will share a $65,000 grant from Grand Rapids Community Foundation to create and support a two-year Engaged Departments Initiative.

Change Ups: ECCU raises money to benefit Wounded Warriors

Jan. 2, 2015; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… EDUCATION

Grand Rapids Community College, with funding help from JP Morgan Chase & Co., now offers an industrial sewing course that costs students $35. The classes are in response to increased workforce demands. Steepletown Neighborhood Services and Blue Marble Threads provided machines and helped develop the curriculum.

Grand Rapids could drop elective classes required for alternative education students to graduate

Jan. 8, 2015; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Public Schools is reviewing a plan to drop electives from the required course load for alternative education students to keep them in the district and expedite graduation.

… GRPS has a total of 186 alternative students, according to the most recent numbers, in four programs: Grand Rapids Learning Center@Grand Rapids Community College, Southeast Career Pathways, Bethany Christian Services and Kent County Correctional Facility. School leaders say alternative students have been leaving to go to other programs such as in Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, where they are not saddled with electives.

Snow, ice lead to crashes around Michigan; many schools shut

Jan. 9, 2015; Oakland Press

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) — Snow and ice-covered roads are blamed for numerous crashes around Michigan and many schools across the state are closed.

… Grand Valley State University and Grand Rapids Community College also closed.

Inside Track: Webster whips up ingredients for successful business

Jan. 9, 2015; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Business owner, foster mom and baker extraordinaire Katie Webster adds a sweet creative flair to the Holland community.

Webster’s passion for the culinary arts began at a young age, and after attending Grand Rapids Community College’s culinary school, she discovered she didn’t want to hide in the kitchen. For Webster, owner of Second Floor Bakery in Holland, it is the pairing of food and the emotions that food brings out in people that are important.

Behind the Kitchen Door…with Bar Divani Executive Chef Baird

Dec. 28, 2014; MLive

Inspired to pursue the culinary arts by Jack Tripper from the late 1970s, early 1980s TV show “Three’s Company,” Jeff Baird began his training in high school before completing the culinary arts program at Grand Rapids Community College. His favorite restaurant is Fricano’s, which should come as no surprise since he is a Grand Haven native. When he’s not maintaining a “positive attitude” in the kitchen as the executive chef at Bar Divani, Baird is blowing off steam playing guitar with punk band The Bitters. This chef is “hardcore” when it comes to food and music.

Rockford welcomes new police officers

Jan. 5, 2015; MLive

The city of Rockford is beginning 2015 with four new additions to its Police Department.

… William Burnett and Braden Myers were hired after graduating from the Police Academy program at Grand Rapids Community College earlier last year. Tyler Glass graduated from the police program at Ferris State University and was hired in August, Jones said.

The curious story of Jenison’s Gus Penning, whose football dream led to a spot on Baylor’s team

Jan. 1, 2015; MLive

DALLAS — Baylor tight end Gus Penning has the sort of story that will get every current or recently finished high school football player’s heart beating faster.

… So Penning, whose only camp exposure was at Purdue one summer, decided to play football at Grand Rapids Community College in 2011 and redshirted that first season with the program.

Area high school grads making an impact on college sports scene

Jan. 11, 2015; MLive

The fall season has come to an end and the winter season is well underway for local college athletes. Following is a look at some area high school graduates who have been making news both in the fall and winter seasons on the collegiate level.

… A pair of former Rockford basketball players are playing key roles for the Grand Rapids Community College women’s basketball team. Sophomore forward Sara Karamol is averaging a double-double for the Raiders with 12 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. Karamol is also shooting 50.8% from the field and adding 3.6 assists per game. Karamol scored a season-high 15 points in two different games this season and also pulled down 17 rebounds in two other games. Sophomore point guard Andrea Straw leads the Raiders in assists with 5.7 per game and is adding 1.1 steals. Straw is averaging 10.9 points per game, is shooting 48.5% from the field, and is averaging 4 rebounds per game.

… The Grand Rapids Community College men’s basketball team is getting a strong effort from freshman forward Kevin Brower. Brower is averaging 9.3 points per game, along with 9 rebounds and 1.5 assists. Brower is shooting 46.3% from the field.

College notes: Emily Spencer caps volleyball career with second Player of Year award at IPFW

Dec. 25, 2014; MLive

… DeMarkus Stuckey, Grand Rapids Community College: Stuckey, a sophomore guard, has been on fire this season. He score 24 points in a win over Schoolcraft CC on Dec. 17 and is averaging 23.4 points per game. Stuckey (GR Catholic Central) had a season-high 39 points on 17-of-32 shooting against Alma College JV on Nov. 24.

… Andrea Straw, Grand Rapids Community College: Straw had a season-high 28 points and 11 assists in an 86-78 loss to Davenport JV on Dec. 10. Straw (Rockford) is averaging 10.9 points and 5.7 assists for the Raiders.

Grand Valley State volleyball player heads to Rose Parade after penning essay about losing starting job

Dec. 26, 2014; MLive

ALLENDALE, MI — The disappointment Grand Valley State’s Clair Ruhenkamp felt after she lost her starting job on the Lakers volleyball team has ultimately turned into a positive for her this holiday season.

… But in her junior season, Kaitlyn Wolters, a transfer from Grand Rapids Community College, came in and eventually won the starting job. It’s the routine competition of sports, but it was a new challenge for Ruhenkamp.

GRCC In the News, 12-22-14

State’s focus on workforce development plays to GRCC’s strengths, president says

Dec. 21, 2014; mibiz.com

As companies across the country and in West Michigan pay close attention to talent issues, they’ve largely looked to community colleges as the go-to source for skilled workers. However, attracting students to technical training programs and sourcing funding for those programs continue to be issues for those schools. During his tenure, Grand Rapids Community College President Steven Ender has worked to grow the college’s programs and curriculum to meet the needs of employers in West Michigan. He spoke with MiBiz about the role community colleges will play in training workers in the coming year.

Change Ups: Volunteer inspires Dégagé patrons

Dec. 19, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… EDUCATION

… Grand Rapids Community College announced Laurie Chesley will step into the role of provost. She was formerly dean of GRCC’s School of Arts and Sciences. GRCC’s provost-executive vice president for academic and student affairs reports directly to the president and serves as the chief academic officer, with major responsibilities for strategic planning and guiding all aspects of teaching and learning.
Veteran coach David Selmon is interim head coach of Grand Rapids Community College’s men’s basketball team following the departure of T.J. Carnegie, who accepted an out-of-state job opportunity.

Construction Workforce Development Alliance key to developing skilled trades talent, Wickstrom says

Dec. 21, 2014; mibiz.com

As the president of Ada-based Erhardt Construction Co., Ben Wickstrom wants to attract people not only to his firm, but also to the larger construction industry. Wickstrom was one the founding members of the Construction Workforce Development Alliance (CWDA), a group consisting of three local trade associations. He spoke with MiBiz about how the group aims to create a pipeline of workers.

… “We formed this partnership to address the common, shared focus of attracting new people to the construction industry and developing and maintaining a training system to train people currently in the industry and the new people coming in. We formed a partnership with Grand Rapids Community College. They are a supporting member of the CWDA. Michigan Works! is a also a supporting member of the CWDA.”

MSU fan Gus Penning goes from Grand Rapids CC to Baylor TE

Dec. 20, 2014; The Detroit Free Press

Gus Penning contributed to the roar that swept through Spartan Stadium late on the night of Oct. 22, 2011, after Michigan State receiver Keith Nichol grabbed a Hail Mary pass from Kirk Cousins and muscled past the goal line to beat Wisconsin at the buzzer.

… He was a freshman tight end at Grand Rapids Community College at the time, unrecruited out of Jenison High but determined to make a player out of himself. On Jan. 1 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, he’ll line up for No. 4 Baylor (11-1) against his former favorite football program, and he’ll try to help the Bears beat the No. 7 Spartans (10-2) in the Cotton Bowl.

GRCC In the News, 12-17-14

After 57 years on the job, 83-year-old ‘Swiss’ Imfeld retires from the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

Dec. 16, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — After 57 years behind the scenes at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and its predecessor, the Pantlind Hotel, Franz Swiss Imfeld stood front and center as his colleagues celebrated his career and retirement on Tuesday, Dec. 16.

… Tuesday’s reception in the hotel’s Imperial Ball Room included Swiss-themed dishes and desserts prepared by culinary students at Grand Rapids Community College, where two scholarships are awarded to second-year culinary every year in Imfeld’s name.

Senior Wellness: Increasing Longevity

Dec. 16, 2014; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WZZM)– Everyone wants to live a nice, long, healthy life. There are some habits that contribute to that. Mike Faber from the Grand Rapids Community College Older Learning Center stopped by the WZZM13 studio to discuss longevity.

Quarterback Casey Therriault thrives in Germany as he leaves his past conviction behind

Dec. 16, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Casey Therriault accepts that his football career — and his life, really — will be judged differently because of a 2009 involuntary manslaughter conviction, but he continues to move forward and succeed as a professional quarterback.

… At 6-foot-3, 210 pounds and a football background that also includes college success at Grand Rapids Community College, Jackson State and then a stop in the Canadian Football League, 25-year-old Therriault would seem worthy of at least a look in an NFL camp.

College notebook: Locals playing MIAA hoops

Dec. 16, 2014; The Battle Creek Enquirer

The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association is the nation’s oldest college conference, with teams annually tapping into local pipelines to keep the league’s talent pool strong.

… The Bruins’ Dec. 18 contest at Marygrove College J.V. has been canceled, with their next game set for Jan. 5 at Grand Rapids CC.

GRCC In the News, 12-1-14

Change Ups: Ike receives WGVU Engage award

Nov. 28, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… EDUCATION

Grand Rapids Community College has selected three finalists in its search for a new provost-executive vice president for academic and student affairs: Laurie Chesley, dean of GRCC’s School of Arts and Sciences; Tony D. Hawkins, instructional dean of humanities at Montgomery College in Maryland; and Bill Pink, vice president of academic affairs at Oklahoma State University.

Walker family proud to have son join police ranks

Nov. 28, 2014; MLive

WALKER — A Walker dad who has served with the Walker Fire Department for years said he couldn’t be prouder of his son who was recently hired by the Walker Police Department.

… (Steven) Ritzenheim was working for the Rockford Police Department when he accepted the Walker position. While he was a senior at Kenowa Hills High School and later while attending the Grand Rapids Community College’s law enforcement academy, Ritzenheim had interned with the Walker Police Department. He said he liked working in Rockford, but being a Walker police officer was always his dream.

Education group purchases pyramid from Steelcase

Nov. 26, 2014; WOOD TV

GAINES TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — A non-profit education group announced it is purchasing the iconic pyramid building once occupied by Steelcase Inc. for $7.5 million.

… The group has also established a Leadership Council, headed by Grand Rapids Community College Board Chair and former Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Bert Bleke, to focus on developing the educational programs and curriculum.

Former Muskegon High School coach Tony Annese continues success with Ferris State football

Nov. 28, 2014; MLive

MUSKEGON, MI – Even for Tony Annese, this might be a little ahead of the game.

… Annese has won at every other coaching stop along that way — at Montrose, Ann Arbor Pioneer and Jenison in addition to Muskegon in the high school ranks, and at Grand Rapids Community College before taking over at Ferris in 2012.

 

GRCC In the News, 11-13-14

‘Frontlines of Freedom’ radio host speaks out on Veterans Affairs shakeup

Nov. 12, 2014; MLive

ZEELAND — A nationally syndicated radio talk show host based in West Michigan says this week’s shakeup at Veterans Affairs is a step in the right direction, but fears it may be a case of too little, too late.

… Gillem received two Purple Hearts, five Bronze Stars and a Silver Star for his valor in battle in Vietnam. He currently teaches American government at Grand Rapids Community College.

Tony Annese and Ferris State’s fast rise to success: What veteran coach did to turn around the Bulldogs

Nov. 12, 2014; MLive

BIG RAPIDS, MI — Tony Annese remembers Dec. 22, 2011 “like it was yesterday.”

… What’s happening at Ferris State has happened before with Annese. He went 195-41 in 22 years at the high school level, including three state titles, and then went 30-4 in three seasons at Grand Rapids Community College. He’s won everywhere he’s been.

GRCC In the News, 10-30-14

How Daniel Lopez learned to stop fearing the worst, and started planning for the best

Oct. 29, 2014; Michigan Radio

It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.

… (Daniel) Lopez is 18 years old, a freshman at Grand Rapids Community College. This trip came about through a partnership between the West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology and an organization called Park Journeys, which takes high school juniors and seniors on trips to national parks. Lopez went to Yellowstone in July. But the final phase of the program is a trip to Washington D.C.

See how much GRCC Board of Trustees candidates have received in campaign contributions

Oct. 29, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The four Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees candidates have raised more than $83,000 in contributions, according to campaign finance records released last week.

$10,810 in donations: One GRCC trustee funds campaign of board hopeful

Oct. 29, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees candidate Jim Harvey has lots of supporters, ranging from elected officials, church leaders and organizations such as Right to Life of Michigan and Citizens for Traditional Values.

Show Gun offense a hit at American Canyon

Oct. 29, 2014; Napa Valley Register (Calif.)

AMERICAN CANYON — The terminology for the offensive linemen is the same as last year. The same blocking schemes are in place from last year.

… (Tony Annese) He took over as head coach at Grand Rapids Community College in 2009 and turned the Raiders into a national junior college power. GRCC claimed the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II National Championship under his guidance in both 2009 and 2011.

GRCC In the News, 10-27-14

Students pay it forward in Kalamazoo with Cougars Creating Community event

Oct. 24, 2014; MLive

KALAMAZOO, MI — Early Friday morning, students from Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Grand Rapids Community College, Western Michigan University and the Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine fanned out across the Kalamazoo area with the sole purpose of paying it forward.

Inside Track: Troy Yarbrough is happiest when he’s building something

Oct. 24, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Growing up, Troy Yarbrough discovered he had a knack for grasping the intricacies of science and mathematics.

… He enrolled at Union High School but then dropped out, eventually earning his high school diploma in 1984 through the alternative high school program offered at Grand Rapids Community College.

… He first worked as a finish carpenter starting in 1991, becoming a licensed builder in Michigan that same year and enrolling in Grand Rapids Community College with an emphasis on its carpentry program. His fondness for swinging a hammer hasn’t dampened through the years.

Tony Kimbrough at home and having fun leading the East Kentwood gridders

Oct. 26, 2014; MLive

EAST KENTWOOD — An outstanding quarterback during his playing days, East Kentwood head football coach Tony Kimbrough always had coaching in his blood.

… From Creston, Kimbrough went on to coach at both Western Michigan University and Grand Rapids Community College, before eventually arriving at East Kentwood.

GRCC In the News, 9-29-14

Inside Track: Chef turns his focus to teaching life skills to local youths

Sept. 26, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

The charred remains of Tommy Fitzgerald’s boyhood home have served as an unlikely spark for helping to steer teens lives in a constructive direction and the reason he recently closed his downtown café.

… Kitchen Sage’s six-month after-school mentorship for teens is held inside the Basilica of Saint Adalbert’s kitchen. It includes internships and externships, such as learning to serve as a host, wait tables at a local eatery, or work with social media. Upon completion, the teens can earn a ServSafe Food Handler Certification and potentially a scholarship to Grand Rapids Community College’s culinary program or some other higher learning institute.

Will $50,000 in ArtPrize Artist Seed Grants alter the course of the $560,000 competition?

Sept. 29, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — ArtPrize, the world’s largest art prize, has the clout to change lives with its twin $200,000 grand prizes.

… Tracy Snelling, who entered “The Stranger,” a short film about a man who wanders the world, found the opportunity to be in ArtPrize would give him the nudge to complete the project. His work is on view at Grand Rapids Community College’s Collins Art Gallery.

Library love story leads to handmade business

Sept. 28, 2014; MLive

Sometimes handmade business partnerships start in the most unlikely ways.

… “What Marianne is leaving out… is that she basically had never made a terrarium in her life was very inspired and then decided ‘I’m going to start a terrarium business,’ stopped her job and started up Bird and Feather,” explained (Sean) Maginity, a Grand Rapids Community College grad.

Skippers go 1-3 at Raider Invitational

Sept. 28, 2014; The Times Herald (Port Huron)

GRAND RAPIDS — The St. Clair County Community College volleyball team went 1-3 on the weekend at the Grand Rapids CC Raider Invitational.

Unfinished business: Sanderson Jr. picks up where Sr. left off

Sept. 28, 2014; The Times Herald (Port Huron)

DeAngielo Sanderson Sr. is reliving his dream.

… Sanderson Sr. averaged a school record 10.7 yards per carry his junior year while electrifying fans at Memorial Stadium. But he suffered an injury early in his senior season and attended Grand Rapids Community College, where they changed him to a cornerback. He said he rebelled when moved and only lasted one season before returning home.

Grand Rapid Area Chamber of Commerce PAC endorses in GRCC, school board races

Sept. 26, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — The Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee (PAC), the Friends of West Michigan Business, endorsed Friday, Sept. 2, for the first time in the races for the Grand Rapids Board of Education and Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees.

GRCC In the News, 9-3-14

First day of school brings changes for students

Sept. 2, 2014; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WZZM) – Tuesday was the first day of school for thousands of students across West Michigan, and with a new school year come some changes. Superintendents from Rockford, Wyoming, and Grand Rapids Christian Schools talked with WZZM 13 about their changes. Security was a big topic of discussion for each.

… (Superintendent Tom) Reeder also gave an update on the Wyoming schools’ “middle college” program, a collaboration with Grand Rapids Community College.

Film director Brian Miller to host workshop at GRCC’s Spectrum Theater

Sept. 2, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Director Brian Miller is returning home to take part in a one-night only workshop for those looking for tips on how to make it in the movie business.

Miller, an East Grand Rapids native who most recently directed two films starring Bruce Willis, will be at GRCC’s Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain St. NE, on Wednesday, Sept. 10. Miller was also at the directorial helm of the film Caught in the Crossfire starring Curtis 50 Cent Jackson, which was filmed in Grand Rapids.

Why Grand Rapids’ first Maker Faire called ‘hugely successful’ by organizers

Sept. 3, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — If you build it, they will come.

… The Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire, organized by GR Makers, Grand Rapids Community College and Genesis Inc., as well as the Geek Group and Grand Rapids Public Museum, followed the Maker Faire model of celebrating the work of do-it-yourself creativity and tinkering.

Local athletes compete at collegiate level

Sept. 3, 2014; Cadillac News

… Grand Rapids Community College sophomore Katlyn Agren (Cadillac H.S.) has 15 digs and two assists in early-season action for the Raiders’ volleyball team.

Former AFL quarterback Tony Kimbrough takes the reins at East Kentwood

Sept. 1, 2014; MLive

KENTWOOD — First-year head football coach Tony Kimbrough spent 2013 as East Kentwood’s defensive coordinator, but now that he’s in the top spot for the first time in his career, he expects to return to his offensive roots, where he spent quite a few seasons either at GRCC, Western Michigan University, or in the Arena Football League.

GRCC In the News, 8-27-14

Mental health and aging

Aug. 26, 2014; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) — Much attention is giving to physical health during the aging process, but mental health is often overlooked.
Mike Faber of the Older Learner Center at Grand Rapids Community College visited WZZM 13 News Tuesday, to give some advice on treating mental illness.

WATCH: The Maker Faire Movement Readies For First Ever West Michigan Show

Aug. 26, 2014; WOOD Radio

The first annual Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire is scheduled for this weekend, Saturday and Sunday August 30 & 31, at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

… The Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire is originally a collaboration of the GR Makers, The Geek Group, Grand Rapids Community College, Genesis Inc. and the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

All eyes on starting quarterback Rush as Kater guns for top position

Aug. 26, 2014; Central Michigan Life (student newspaper for Central Michigan University)

Sophomore Cooper Rush has been named the Central Michigan University football teams starting quarterback heading into Thursday nights matchup with Tennessee-Chattanooga.

… Senior Cody Kater was a standout at Grand Rapids Community College before coming to CMU, where he earned the starting job in training camp. He was sidelined with a broken collarbone last season.

GRCC In the News, 8-25-14

Tom Rademacher: Happy 100th birthday to GRCC, the ‘Little College That Could’

Aug. 24, 2014; MLive

Happy 100th Birthday to Grand Rapids Community College, which I have reason to celebrate in the name of Foosball, T.S. Eliot, Dave Clark, back handsprings, Emerson & Thoreau, countless laps in the pool, nictitating membranes, the people at 7-Up, and a certain girl named Nicki with whom I spent quality time on the roof of the Main Building.

GRCC toasts area’s philanthropic spirit as it turns 100

Aug. 22, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

As Grand Rapids Community College celebrates its 100th birthday, staff and students are participating in service projects to give back to the community.

College & charter school students head back to class

Aug. 25, 2014; FOX 17

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — While the majority of public school students have one more week of summer vacation to savor, most colleges and charter school students will be heading to class Monday.

… Grand Rapids Community College is celebrating 100 years with a new partnership and new sports teams.

Declining demographic, better economy impact enrollment

Aug. 22, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Students are beginning to take their seats as college classes kick off for the fall semester, but enrollment may face challenges in the future.

… Tina Hoxie, dean of student affairs at Grand Rapids Community College, noting that Kent County’s unemployment rate is lower than the state average, said declining enrollment also can be blamed on the improving economy.

5 tips to relieve back-to-school stress from Grand Rapids native, magazine publisher

Aug. 25, 2014; MLive

WEST MICHIGAN — As parents and children prepare for the upcoming school year, magazine publisher and Grand Rapids native Debra Gano shared five tips to help relieve back-to-school anxiety.

… Gano, a Forest Hills Northern High School graduate, is the publisher and founding editor of the international self-esteem magazine, Be Your Own You, for young girls. Before joining BYOU magazine, the former actress and model taught in the fashion merchandise department at Grand Rapids Community College and was a former freelancer for The Grand Rapids Press. She now lives in Denver, Co.

Tinkerers gathering in Grand Rapids

Aug. 22, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

A collection of creative thinkers, tinkerers and makers will come together Saturday and Sunday at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

… Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire was organized by GR Makers, The Geek Group, Grand Rapids Community College, Genesis Inc. and the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

Greenwich Village Art Fair Scheduled for September

Aug. 25, 2014; WIFR

ROCKFORD (WIFR) — The 66th Greenwich Village Art Fair takes place Sept. 1314, rain or shine, on the grounds of Rockford Art Museum at Riverfront Museum Park, 711 North Main Street in downtown Rockford, Illinois. Gates are open 10 a.m.6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.5 p.m. Sunday. Admission at the gate is $5 for adults, free for children 12 and younger. Advance tickets are $3 and are available at Alpine Bank location and RAM Store. All proceeds support Rockford Art Museum programs throughout the year.

… More than 150 artists from across the nation will exhibit at this year’s fair. Types of artwork represented include paintings, jewelry, sculpture, glass, ceramics, textiles, photography, wood, mixed media and more. Artists compete for awards on the first day of the fair, where their work will be viewed by 2014 Judge Juan Fernandez, a working artist based in the Chicago suburbs and photography professor at Grand Rapids Community College in Michigan who previously taught at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.

Striking gold with Silver Line? Grand Rapids bets $40 million on state’s first bus rapid transit system

Aug. 24, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — From the second-floor of The Rapid’s headquarters in downtown Grand Rapids, Conrad Venema looks out at U.S. 131 cutting through the heart of the city.

… The Silver Line equates to roughly $3.5 million to $4 million per mile of investment, Venema said. Grand Rapids’ Downtown Market, Van Andel Arena, DeVos Place, Grand Rapids Community College and many more housing developments and eateries lie on the route’s northern end and the hope is that the growth spreads southward.

One-time Ohio State redshirts look for big role on offense

Aug. 24, 2014; The Lantern (Ohio State University’s student newspaper)

A typical highly-touted college football recruit hopes to see the field as soon as they arrive on campus, but that doesn’t always happen.

… While Wilson is entering his true sophomore season, the other three players Meyer singled out all redshirted last year. Marshall is a redshirt-freshman, (Corey) Smith is a redshirt-junior after transferring from Grand Rapids Community College in Michigan before last season and Thomas is a redshirt-sophomore who played as a true freshman in 2012 before sitting out last year.

GRCC In the News, 8-22-14

GRCC president reflects on highlights, challenges as new school year approaches

Aug. 21, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – President Steven Ender highlighted the accomplishments and challenges facing Grand Rapids Community College as students, faculty and staff ready for a new school year and a series of events marking the institution’s 100th anniversary.

Jimmy Carter visits downtown

Aug. 21, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Former President Jimmy Carter is visiting downtown Grand Rapids for a lecture and book signing.

The 39th president and his wife, Rosalynn, will visit on Sept. 22 as part of Grand Rapids Community College’s Diversity Lecture Series. It’s the 20th anniversary of the series and the college’s 100th anniversary.

Better Bites: Corn Chowder

Aug. 20, 2014; WZZM

(Video features Mark Kingshott, a SICE alumnus.)

Grand Rapids Football Tour: East Kentwood coach Tony Kimbrough vows to end revolving door

Aug. 21, 2014; MLive

EAST KENTWOOD, MI — East Kentwood coach Tony Kimbrough knows what’s more important than success for the Falcons.

… “I made a promise to these kids that no matter what happens, I’m here for the long haul,” he said. “I’ve coached at several places (including two years at Western Michigan and three years at Grand Rapids Community College) so I’ve been at the top of the coaching platform.”

 

GRCC In the News, 8-21-14

Bastendorff shooting victim David Hortman was just visiting the Oregon coast

Aug. 20, 2014; Coos Bay World (Coos Bay, Ore.)

COOS BAY — David Hortman decided to take a jaunt west after working at an RV rally in Redmond last week.

… Hortman was a 1989 graduate of nearby Kenowa Hills High School and attended Grand Rapids Community College and Kent Career Technical Center.

Founders beer, Love’s Ice Cream will kickoff ArtPrize 2014 volunteer rally

Aug. 20, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — ArtPrize is offering bribes to prospective volunteers.

… Grand Rapids Community College hosts the gathering from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with tastes of Love’s Ice Cream’s locally-sourced, organic frozen treats, and the debut of Founders Mosaic Promise, the official beer of ArtPrize 2014, and the second of five annual, specialty brews inspired by the urban exhibition and art competition.

Reese grads reunite for final season of college careers

Aug. 20, 2014; tuscolatoday.com

REESE — The Reese High School volleyball team had its Class C state title hopes dashed in 2010 when they were knocked off in the semifinals by eventual champs Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central.

… The 61 middle-hitter (Chelsea Stockmeyer) got her start at Grand Rapids Community College before transferring to Oakland Community College for her sophomore season.

Baylor tight end tandem poised for important role in Brile’s offense

Aug. 21, 2014; Waco Tribune (Waco, Texas)

TreVon Armstead was stunned when the Baylor coaches asked him to move to tight end last fall.

… Before arriving at Baylor last year, (Gus) Penning had already been to two junior colleges. After redshirting as a true freshman, Penning left Grand Rapids (Mich.) Community College when the school dropped the football program.