GRCC Homecoming 2017

“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.

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, 1-15-15

Kent County judge reflects on leadership, shares stories from the bench

Jan. 14, 2015; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Kent County District Judge Sara Smolenski has seen a lot during her time on the bench.

… “But I believed in myself,” said Smolenski, a Grand Rapids native who’s an alumna of Grand Rapids Community College, the University of Michigan and Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

Quick Hits: Laker teams head to U.P.

Jan. 15, 2015; The Lanthorn (GVSU student newspaper)

The Grand Valley State men’s and women’s basketball teams will cross the Mackinac Bridge hoping to improve their road records this week at Northern Michigan and Michigan Tech.

… The transfers, Amanda Glaza (Grand Rapids Community College) and Danielle McCormick (Indiana State), are on campus this semester.

GRCC In the News, 1-13-15

GRCC names VP and dean for workforce development

Jan. 12, 2015; Grand Rapids Business Journal

A Grand Rapids Community College provost finalist will assume a new executive leadership position at the school.

School leaders to meet with Pyramid STEM hub founders, learn more about plans

Jan. 12, 2015; MLive

CALEDONIA, MI – Grand Rapids school leaders will join other districts, charter and private schools Tuesday, Jan. 12, at the Steelcase pyramid building to hear more about an education hub under development.

… Bert Bleke, chair of the Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees and former Grand Rapids Public Schools superintendent, is heading a Leadership Council for the schools that will occupy the campus.

Laker volleyball announces 2015 recruiting class

Jan. 12, 2015; MLive

Grand Valley State head volleyball coach Deanne Scanlon has announced the signing of seven student-athletes that will begin their collegiate careers at GVSU at the start of the 2015 season. Staci Brower (Byron Center), Jillian Butsavich (Milford), Madilyn Keller (Hudsonville), Brooke Smith (Croswell), and Taylor Stewart (Macomb) are all in-state prospects that will come in as freshmen in the fall. Transfers Amanda Glaza (Grand Rapids Community College) and Danielle McCormick (Indiana State) are on campus this semester and help form the newest group of Laker volleyball players.

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, 12-2-14

Why GVSU is a dangerous Elite Eight team

Nov. 30, 2014; The Lanthorn (Grand Valley State University’s student newspaper)

In four days, I saw the Grand Valley State volleyball team go from pretty good to elite.

… (Kaitlyn) Wolters, the first-ever GLIAC Setter of the Year, also knows what it takes to win in the postseason. She and her twin sister, Kourtney, won a NJCAA Division II National Championship at Grand Rapids Community College in 2012. That experience can’t hurt.

Local athletes competing at collegiate level

Dec. 2, 2014; Cadillac News

Men’s Basketball

… Mid-Michigan Community College sophomore Trevor Gernaat (McBain NMC) scored 17 points and grabbed seven rebounds in the Lakers’ 93-85 win over Grand Rapids Community College on Tuesday.

GRCC In the News, 11-14-14

Michigan Honors: Hayes Cargill, 88, of Grand Rapids: ‘They saw me coming, so they gave up’

Nov. 13, 2014; MLive

U.S. Army Paratrooper veteran Hayes Cargill of Grand Rapids says he narrowly escaped an immense battle with the Japanese during the waning days of World War II.

(Article doesn’t mention it, but Mr. Cargill attended Grand Rapids Junior College.)

GVSU seniors ready for one final go-round

Nov. 13, 2014; The Lanthorn (Grand Valley State University’s student paper)

Six members of the Grand Valley State volleyball team stood before family and friends inside Fieldhouse Arena on Saturday for a pre-match ceremony to honor the seniors on Senior Day.

… Their bond was further strengthened by a pair of twin sisters, Kaitlyn and Kourtney Wolters, who won a NJCAA Division II National Championship at Grand Rapids Community College in 2012.

Congratulations to the volleyball team!

GRCC Volleyball is heading to the NJCAA National Tournament after winning the 2014 NJCAA District F Championship! Learn more here.

GRCC In the News, 10-29-14

Restaurant Week 2014 brings culinary institute fund within striking distance of six figures

Oct. 28, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — The final act of the 2014 Restaurant Week promotion from Experience Grand Rapids resembled how it began, with a great meal and a perfect pairing.

While both diners and restaurants benefit from the annual celebration of local cuisine featuring meals paired with everything from wine and beer to ciders, coffees, and teas, it is the duet of Restaurant Week and the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education at Grand Rapids Community College that couples great meals with a great cause.

Mott Community College volleyball team seeks first regional title in program history

Oct. 28, 2014; MLive

FLINT — The storied run continues for the Mott Community College volleyball team, and this time they’re looking to make history.

… After back-to-back wins to reach the finals, including a four-set victory over No. 12 Grand Rapids Community College in the semis, Mott lost in five sets to No. 17 Oakland.

GRCC In the News, 10-24-14

GRCC student killed in Holland fire wanted to be professional chef

Oct. 23, 2014; MLive

HOLLAND, MI — Jeremiah Smith, the 29-year-old man killed in a house fire Saturday, was attending Grand Rapids Community College in hopes of becoming a professional chef.

GRCC psychology lecture series examines creativity, death, self-justification

Oct. 23, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Grand Rapids Community College psychology department will host three lectures from November through March, focusing on topics ranging from creativity to death to self-justification.

IONIA: New public safety officer sworn in

Oct. 23, 2014; The Ionia Sentinel-Standard

IONIA, Mich. — A new officer has joined the Ionia Department of Public Safety, and he has training in all three areas needed by the city: police, fire and medical.

… Joshua McCarthy is a 2009 graduate of Jenison High School. He graduated from Grand Valley State University Police Academy, and holds an associate’s degree in fire science from Kalamazoo Valley Community College and a second associate’s degree from Grand Rapids Community College. Joshua McCarthy is Police-, Firefighter 1 and 2- and Basic Emergency Medical Technician-certified.

College notes: FH Central grad Jason Stacy has soccer goal go viral with help of ESPN SportsCenter

Oct. 23, 2014; MLive

… Drew Pennington, Grand Rapids Community College: Pennington (GR Forest Hills Northern) finished tied for 15th at the Kohler Collegiate Classic at Whistling Straights, home of the 2015 PGA Championship on Oct. 21. He shot a 155 (75-80) to help the Raiders to an impressive fifth-place finish.

Laura Willson continues North Branch’s tradition of volleyball excellence

Oct. 23, 2014; MLive

North Branch senior Laura Willson may be next in line to hold the exclusive Miss Volleyball title for the Broncos, who’ve had two athletes earn that statewide honor.

… North Branch starts its players young, as Willson began in the fourth grade, and continues to model leadership by inviting former players to summer camps.

“They bring their knowledge from college,” Willson said. “Micaela Deshetsky (2013 graduate, Grand Rapids Community College player) came back and helped me and Mady be better captains. She told us we need to make this team better.”

Volleyball game to raise awareness of pediatric cancer

Brady Bustrum

GRCC’s volleyball team wants to see a fieldhouse full of yellow on Tuesday!

The team is holding its Pediatric Cancer Awareness game during its match against Lake Michigan College at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the fieldhouse. Brady Bustrum, a 5-year-old from Rockford who is battling a brain tumor, will be the honorary captain.

Admission to the game is FREE, and volleyball team members want to see packed stands to show Brady that the Raider Nation has his back!

GRCC In the News, 10-16-14

Lowell defensive end brings Red Arrows, Caledonia together to honor late uncle

Oct. 16, 2014; MLive

LOWELL — Lowell junior defensive end Logan Blough was called to his counselor’s office on Sept. 8, where he took a phone call from his mother.

… Ashley Blough was a standout volleyball player at Caledonia and is now attending Grand Rapids Community College, while Sara Dougherty is an eighth grader at Caledonia. Michele Blough recently posted a photo on her Facebook page of Mr. Dougherty wearing one of Ashley Blough’s volleyball jerseys to a match last year.

College Notebook: Dye earns WHAC medalist honors

Oct. 15, 2014; insurancenews.net

… VOLLEYBALL

GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Katlyn Agren (Cadillac) recorded one kill, one assist and 10 digs as Grand Rapids Community College beat Jackson College 3-2.

GRCC In the News, 10-8-14

ArtPrize 2014: Meet Final 20 artist Gretchyn Lauer, ‘Outcry’

Oct. 6, 2014; MLive

Name: Gretchyn S. Lauer, Grand Rapids

… About the artist: I am a pianist living and working in Grand Rapids as a piano teacher, currently going to school at Grand Rapids Community College and hoping to transfer to the University of Michigan for a master’s degree in piano. I have never had art lessons, and this is my first large oil painting.

Michigan’s 1st fashion incubator boosts state’s clothing and accessory designers

Oct. 8, 2014; MLive

LANSING, MI — Michigan’s first incubator devoted solely to fashion design will give budding clothing and accessory designers a shot at developing a collection and taking it to production.

… Higher education institutions including Michigan State University, Grand Rapids Community College, Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University and Lansing Community College have fashion programs. But (Jeff) Henry said no single school had access to all of this equipment. Some are working on non-industrial home sewing machines, and others use large printers instead of the plotter for patterns. The software they use also may not be as robust, he said.

Paying for college with a credit card rings up extra fees

Oct. 7, 2014; The Detroit Free Press

Paying for one’s college tuition by going online and using a credit card sounds super convenient. But it’s also a really easy way to get hit with hundreds of dollars in extra fees.

… At the other extreme, many community colleges including Macomb County Community College, Wayne County Community College and Grand Rapids Community College do not have an extra fee for using a credit card to pay tuition.

Volleyball rivalry renewed: Grand Rapids Community College remains in first after sweeping Muskegon CC

Oct. 7, 2014; MLive

MUSKEGON, MI — Each season, the premier volleyball rivalry in the MCCAA comes between Western Conference foes Muskegon Community College and Grand Rapids Community College. And this season is shaping up no different.

Area Briefs

Oct. 8, 2014; South Bend Tribune (Ind.)

… Bethel College’s Brian Ulrich carded a 5-over 77 to post a 149 and earn medalist honors and lead the Pilots to a runner-up finish at the Taylor Invitational Tuesday.

Grand Rapids Community College bested the Pilots by two strokes, 605-607, for the tournament crown.

GRCC In the News, 10-7-14

ArtPrize: City High School senior wins Consumers Energy SMART Art competition, earns scholarship

Oct. 6, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A Grand Rapids Public Schools senior won the top prize in the Consumers Energy SMART Art competition for the abstract painting, “The Light of our World.”

… More than 50 students submitted pieces for this year. The top 20 were judged by a panel of experts from Kendall College of Art & Design at Ferris State University, Grand Rapids Community College and Grand Valley State University.

Muskegon Community College sports recap: Jayhawks volleyball to clash with Grand Rapids CC

Oct. 6, 2014; MLive

MUSKEGON, MI — The Muskegon Community College women’s volleyball team has performed well at home all season, which will come into play as the Jayhawks face Grand Rapids CC on Tuesday, Oct. 7.

GRCC In the News, 10-1-14

50 Healthiest College Towns

Sept. 30, 2014; bestvalueschools.com

There are lots of factors to consider when searching for the best college for you. One such factor to consider is the surrounding town(s). It’s doubtful that you’ll spend 100% of your time on campus, so you’ll probably want to think about what kind of attractions are nearby and what kinds of activities are popular with the local community. And if you’re a health nut, you’ll definitely want to consider towns that will cosign your obsession with an active lifestyle and nutritious eating.

… 45. Grand Rapids, Michigan

Grand Rapids Community College, Calvin College, Davenport University, Cornerstone University, Aquinas College, Everest Institute, Grand Valley State University, Hope College, Muskegon Community College, Western Michigan University

While Grand Rapids does average about 75 inches of snowfall each year, the snow doesn’t stop 79.9% of residents from staying physically active. Some may train for the Fifth Third Riverbank Run, the country’s largest 25K road race. Some may hit the trails in the Best Town for Mountain Biking, as named by Outside magazine. Some may just enjoy the walkable downtown area as they move to and from activities. Grand Rapids also has the healthy advantage of local farming, as Michigan is the third largest apple producer in the U.S. and is behind only California in agricultural diversity. This may contribute to the city’s high percentage of residents in a normal weight range (38.8%) and its low diabetes rate (9%). An interesting mix, Grand Rapids has been called one of the nation’s Most Exciting Mid-Sized Cities by Movoto but also the #2 Most Secure Large City by Farmers Insurance.

Why This Michigan Manufacturing Company Wants To Hire More Ex-Cons

Sept. 30, 2014; fastcoexist.com

When Jahaun McKinley was released from prison, he ran into a common problem: It’s extremely difficult to get a job after you have a criminal record.

… Today, Cascade (Engineering) has dozens of former prisoners on its roster. It’s not the only company in the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area to take up the cause, either. Along with a handful of other organizations, including Butterball Farms and Grand Rapids Community College, Cascade leads something called the 30-2-2 initiative, which aims to work with 30 local organizations that will each hire two individuals with criminal background and track them for two years. The goal is to prove that there is a real business case for hiring formerly incarcerated employees.

‘A dream come true’: Scott Merlo named new chief of WMU Department of Public Safety

Sept. 30, 2014; MLive

KALAMAZOO, MI — A Western Michigan University alumnus and veteran of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety who retired as an executive lieutenant in 2012 has been named the new chief of the WMU Department of Public Safety, school officials said Tuesday.

… Since 2012, (Scott) Merlo has worked as a lieutenant and was second in command for the police department at Grand Rapids Community College, which had a total of 13 sworn officers.

GRCC warns of scam artist claiming to be fundraising

Sept. 30, 2014; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WZZM) — A man knocking on doors, claiming to be collecting cash donations for Grand Rapids Community College and the Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids, is trying to scam people, according to GRCC.

NAACP offers funding to increase number of black cops in Grand Rapids

Sept. 30, 2014; Aljazeera America

In a move to help correct a deep racial disparity in the demographics of the Grand Rapids police force, a local Michigan chapter of the NAACP announced Monday that it will offer a $2,500 scholarship to assist African-American men and women cover the costs of police training.

… Students can take the courses they need at Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids Community College or Ferris State University. Becoming a GRPD officer requires at least two years of college, and courses can last 10 to 17 months, (interim NAACP President Cle) Jackson said.

College Notebook: WMU’s Beckwith keeps on winning

Sept. 30, 2014; The Battle Creek Enquirer

… The Kellogg Community College volleyball team played their seventh match in as many days on Tuesday, as the Lady Bruins looked to end an 8-match losing streak.

… After a road loss to NJCAA Division II No. 2-ranked Grand Rapids CC on Sept. 23, the Lady Bruins lost at Ancilla and then dropped four matches at the G.R.C.C. Raider Challenge on Sept. 27-28.