GRCC In the News, 6-20-14

GRCC’s Culinary School Named Among Top 20 in Country

June 19, 2014; The River 100.5

Grand Rapids Community College’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education has been named one of America’s Top 20 Culinary Schools by FSR magazine.

Rookie driver wins bet with dad, payout leads to checkered flag at Berlin Raceway

June 19, 2014; MLive

CEDAR SPRINGS — It’s a safe bet that Austin Hull’s father wont be making another bet with his son anytime soon.

… Here’s how Hull won the bet: He attended classes this year at Grand Rapids Community College and is pursuing an associate’s degree in automotive technology. He plans to keep the ride because his goal is to continue his education at either Ferris State University or the University of Northern Ohio once he finishes up at GRCC.

Changing Stereotypes Men Face

June 2014/Beacon (newsletter for the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children)

I have had the experience of being a male early childhood educator for the past fourteen years. During this time I have had the luxury of working with a diverse population of children and their families. These experiences have included rural, suburban, and urban environments. These have afforded me the opportunities to successfully identify and meet the educational needs of an ever-changing population.

My current position as a lab instructor at the Grand Rapids Community College Laboratory Preschool has, and continues to allow me, to seek further opportunities for children to extend their learning. In addition, the laboratory also provides college students, who enter our classrooms, a chance to gain practical experiences to become more successful educators. Working with students at this level also gives them the skills to more fully understand the developmental needs of the children. Furthermore, this shared responsibility of guiding students contributes to my responsibilities as a mentor, specifically for male teachers entering the field.

(Article written by Andrew Wolinski, from GRCC’s Laboratory Preschool.)

GRCC In the News, 4-25-14

What do the feds know about your car?

April 24, 2014; WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — On Thursday, General Motors reported its worst financial results in more than four years, with its profit falling 86 percent to $125 million. That comes after a $1.3 billion charge to cover a series of recalls announced since early February.

… “It’s important for consumers, it’s important for professional technicians to be able to look up information and make sure that they’re using all the resources available to them,” said Chad Lodenstein a professor of automotive technology at Grand Rapids Community College.

College notes: GVSU’s Ethan Barnes setting records by leaps and bounds

April 24, 2014; MLive

… BASEBALL

… Tommy Enslen, Cornerstone University: Enslen was 2-for-3 with an RBI in a a 5-4 loss to Lourdes on April 19. The junior outfielder (Middleville/GRCC) leads the Golden Eagles (14-20) with a .378 batting average.

Automotive Technology Department accepting summer appointments

Does your vehicle’s engine need a tune-up? Brakes pulsating and/or squeaking? A/C blowing warm? Check Engine Light on? Power window slow to close? Timing belt replacement past due? Engine oil leaks? Bad Vibrations? Strange Noises? Fluids need flushing? Need new Tires? Need an honest (and free) safety inspection?

The Automotive Technology Department is again accepting appointments for the summer semester. The work will be performed under supervision of faculty members. Customers pay only for parts and supplies, with no fee for labor time. Total repair costs are typically half of what is charged by a retail facility, and parts manufacturers’ warranties are valid on any parts we install.

The program accepts vehicles for maintenance and repairs that are up to ten years old. This year’s session starts on May 12 and ends on June 19. To schedule an appointment, please contact Chad Lodenstein, Automotive Technology Department Head, via e-mail: clodenst@grcc.edu.

GRCC In the News, 2-26-14

GRCC, Michigan community colleges partner on automotive technology programs

Feb. 25, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A new agreement will enable students pursuing certificates or degrees in automotive technology to transfer between five community colleges without losing credit for past courses.

The pilot program aims to make it easier for students who move to another part of Michigan to finish their education. The community colleges participating in the program are: Grand Rapids; Delta, near Bay City; Lansing; Montcalm, near Stanton; and Mott, in Flint.

Triumph Music Academy passionate about people

Feb. 25, 2014; therapidian.org

James Hughes, the soft spoken proprietor and unofficial face of Triumph Music Academy, has a passion for teaching and the collaborative spirit which the Academy embraces. His vast knowledge of music, both theory and practice, represents the entire staff of 10, three of which co-founded the Academy with him.

… Hughes moved to Grand Rapids in 2004 where he attended GRCC for guitar. From there he went on the GVSU to study guitar and composition under Carlos De la Barrera and Dr. Bill Ryan.

Flint native, Grammy Award winner Dee Dee Bridgewater joins Grand Rapids Symphony on Saturday

Feb. 25, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Billie Holiday was one of the great iconic singers in jazz history, so it takes another to stand in for Lady Day.

… Bridgewater and the orchestra will be joined by the Grand Rapids Community Chorus, a 90-voice ensemble led by Duane Davis, retired director of vocal activities at Grand Rapids Community College.

Steelcase’s landmark pyramid building being donated to mystery nonprofit for educational hub

Feb. 26, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Steelcase is donating its massive, multimillion-dollar pyramid-shaped former research facility to a nonprofit for use as a STEM-focused education hub that would cater to students in preschool through graduate school, according to officials.

… For example, KISD has STEM programming in mechatronics, information technology and health sciences and works closely with Grand Rapids Community College and area universities.

… Grand Rapids Community College has not been contacted yet. Grand Valley State University was briefed on the concept.

It is easy to make LaughFest a family affair

Feb. 25, 2014; MLive

LaughFest organizers have been very good about indicating the age appropriateness of festival events and shows through its content guidelines. For the eighteen and older crowd, there is CLN or Clean Adult Laughs, indicating the show has no vulgarity but RRR or Rated R…Really shows do.

… Meijer is presenting The Family Friendly Series which includes three LaughFest events. On March 8, the GRCC Ford Fieldhouse will be a busy place as the themed children’s carnival for all ages, Super Saturday, kicks off at 10 a.m. Mini golf, ultimate challenge, laser tag, all sports arena, and hoppy horses are all part of the fun along with some special guests. The event runs until 2 p.m. and is $7 per person.

Transfers show potential in GV debuts

Feb. 23, 2014; The Lanthorn (GVSU student newspaper)

A pair of junior transfers turned in a pair of impressive performances on the mound for the Grand Valley State University baseball team over the weekend in its opening series at the University of Southern Indiana.

GVSU pitcher Aaron Jensen, who played two seasons at Grand Rapids Community College, surrendered just four hits and two runs while striking out five in 8.2 innings of work despite being charged with a loss in his first career start as a Laker.

GRCC In the News, 2-25-14

GRCC partners with other community colleges on transfer agreement for automotive technology programs

Feb. 24, 2014; News International

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids Community College has joined four other state community colleges to offer transfer opportunities to students in automotive technology programs.

5 Michigan community colleges to let automotive students transfer among the schools

Feb. 22, 2014; The Republic (Columbus, Ind.)

LANSING, Michigan — Five Michigan community colleges are partnering on a pilot program to let students in automotive technology programs transfer among the schools without losing credits or having to repeat course work.

Delta College, Grand Rapids Community College, Lansing Community College, Montcalm Community and Mott Community Colleges have signed the agreement. It was announced Friday by Nigel Francis, the state’s senior automotive adviser.

(This was an Associated Press article that also appeared in Michigan Radio, USA Today and mrftech.com.)

Executive chef to take over ownership of Campus Grill

Feb. 22, 2014; The Chronicle-Telegram (Lorain County, Ohio)

Starting in June, Campus Grill will have a new owner as Frank Butcher officially takes over the business from his good friend and mentor, Nick Patouhas.

… “I knew that’s what I wanted to do, and at 15 I started as a line cook on third shift Friday and Saturday nights. After high school I went to college to major in culinary arts at Grand Rapids Community College in Michigan. I never did anything else.”

Did You Leave a Trailer at the Tassell M-TEC? – Come Pick it up Before it Gets Scrapped

Someone left a trailer in the back lot of the Tassell M-TEC that could be a car dolly.  It’s possible they used it to bring in a car for repairs in the Spring of 2012 and forgot to pick it up.  If this is your trailer – please come pick it up immediately or it will be scrapped.

There is no license on the trailer and one tire is flat (however Joseph Knol would be happy to fill the tire up for the trailer’s owner so they can transport it out).

Automotive Technology Department Accepting Car Repair Appointments for Summer Semester

Does your vehicle’s engine need a tune-up? Brakes pulsating and/or squeaking? A/C blowing warm? Check Engine Light on? Power window slow to close? Timing belt replacement past due? Got oil leaks? Experiencing bad vibrations? Hearing clunk noises over bumps? Need an honest (and free) safety inspection?

The Automotive Technology Department is again accepting appointments for the summer semester. The work will be performed under supervision of faculty members. Customers pay only for parts and supplies, with no fee for labor time. Total repair costs are often half of what is charged by a retail facility, and manufacturer part warranties apply.

The program accepts vehicles for maintenance and repairs that are up to ten years old. This year’s session starts on April 30 and ends on June 8. To schedule an appointment, please contact one of the faculty members in the department, preferably via e-mail.

• Chad Lodenstein clodenst@grcc.edu 234-3006
• Brett Atchison batchison@grcc.edu 234-3827
• Ben Smith bsmith@grcc.edu 234-3309

Get Your Vehicle Fixed and Help GRCC Students Learn

Brakes pulsating or squeaking? Air-Conditioning blowing warm? Fluids in need of a flush? Check Engine light on? Suspension shakes or noises? Need a free inspection before your summer vacations? Please help the Automotive Technology program’s students gain some valuable experience working on these issues.

This year’s service session begins on May 2 and ends on June 10. The program accepts most vehicle makes and models, with an age limit of 10 model years. Customers pay only for the parts used in the repairs. With no labor charge, the total cost is often half of the total price found at retail facilities.

Contact either Chad Lodenstein clodenst@grcc.edu, or Brett Atchison batchison@grcc.edu to schedule your appointment.

Students in the Automotive Technology Program Need Your Car, Truck, or Van for Learning Experiences

Brakes pulsating or squeaking? Air-Conditioning blowing warm? Fluids in need of a flush? Check Engine light on? Suspension shakes or noises? Need a free inspection before your summer vacations? Please help the Automotive Technology program’s students gain some valuable experience working on these issues.

This year’s service session begins on May 2 and ends on June 10. The program accepts most vehicle makes and models, with an age limit of 10 model years. Customers pay only for the parts used in the repairs. With no labor charge, the total cost is often half of the total price found at retail facilities.

Contact either Chad Lodenstein clodenst@grcc.edu, or Brett Atchison batchison@grcc.edu to schedule your appointment.

Retirement Reception for Randy Lee

Randy Lee has served our Automotive Technology Department at GRCC for nearly 32 years and he deserves a warm thank you and congratulations as he moves into the next chapter of his life…RETIREMENT!

The Tassell M-TEC faculty and staff want to cordially invite you to Randy Lee’s Retirement Reception on December 14, 2010 from 11am-1pm in the Tassell M-TEC Atrium.

There will be hot hor d’oeuvres, refreshments, and best of all, cake! Please join us in wishing Randy well in his future endeavors.

Video: Automotive Technology Program

GRCC’s Media Technologies department recently produced this piece highlighting the college’s Automotive Technology program and featuring faculty member Dave Alger:

Get Reasonably-Priced Automotive Service and Help GRCC Students Learn

Brakes pulsating or squeaking?  Air-Conditioning blowing warm?  Fluids in need of a flush?  Check Engine light on?  Suspension shakes or noises?  Need a free inspection before your summer vacations?

Please help the Automotive Technology program’s students gain some valuable experience working on these issues.  The program’s service session begins on May 4 and ends on June 11.  Most vehicle makes and models are welcome.  The age of the vehicles accepted is typically limited to ten years, with some exceptions.  Customers are charged only for necessary parts.  With no labor charge, the repair costs are often cut in half!

To schedule an appointment, contact Chad Lodenstein at clodenst@grcc.edu or extension 3006.

GRCC Works: Ask Dennis Rider

Check out the inspirational story of Dennis Rider; a former employee in the furniture industry who has found a new career with the help of Grand Rapids Community College: