GRCC In the News, 11-5-14

Senior Wellness: seniors & driving

Nov. 4, 2014; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WZZM)– Our ability to drive is often a skill we take for granted. Mike Faber from the Older Learner Center at Grand Rapids Community College stopped by the WZZM 13 studio with what to do if you or a loved ones’ driving skills are being affected by factors that come with old age.

Deb Bailey, Cynthia Bristol elected to GRCC Board of Trustees

Nov. 5, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Incumbent Deb Bailey and newcomer Cynthia Bristol won seats Tuesday on Grand Rapids Community College’s Board of Trustees, Kent County election results show.

Censorship on Michigan’s College Campuses Must Stop

Nov. 4, 2014; huffingtonpost.com

Recently two Michigan colleges were exposed trying to censor students.

GRCC In The News, 11-3-14

Grand Haven native Garrett Borns finds pop inspiration and major label appeal in California

Oct. 31, 2014; The Holland Sentinel

Holland, Mich. — When promising young Grand Haven singer and multi-instrumentalist Garrett Borns left for New York a couple of years ago after making a splash on the local music scene, he virtually disappeared into the ether or at least, that’s the way it seemed to those who embraced the charismatic artist.
… Borns, a 2010 graduate of Grand Haven High School who attended the Interlochen Center for the Arts and studied music theory at Grand Rapids Community College, said it helps that he has an amazing management team out here and “they’ve been nothing but loving and supporting and into my vision. Everything has just grown very organically and its a very cool experience.”

Two GRCC candidates to amend campaign finance forms after reporting error

Oct. 31, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Two Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees candidates will file amended campaign finance reports after failing to follow a state law on the reporting of campaign expenditures, according to the Kent County Clerk’s Office.

Mid Michigan men’s basketball opens season with narrow defeat at Lansing Community College, women open with win

Nov. 1, 2014; The Morning Sun (Mount Pleasant)

The Mid Michigan Community College men’s basketball team opened its season with a narrow defeat on the road at 12th-ranked Lansing Community College Saturday by a final score of 90-83.
… The Lakers will look to bounce back from the loss on Wednesday when they travel to Grand Rapids to take on Grand Rapids Community College.
… WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Mid Michigan Community College 70, Lansing Community College 47
… The Lakers will look to continue their fine play when they travel to Grand Rapids Community College on Wednesday.

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, 10-28-14

Jimmy Carter Flip-Flops On Nationwide Same-Sex Marriage

Oct. 27, 2014; huffingtonpost.com

Former President Jimmy Carter said in an interview published Sunday that decisions on same-sex marriage should be left up to the states.

… In September, while speaking at Michigan’s Grand Rapids Community College, Carter said, “I never knew of any word or action of Jesus Christ that discriminated against anyone.”

Term limits vote in Grand Rapids: See who’s funding the campaigns

Oct. 27, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Two construction companies top the list of donors to a campaign opposing city term limits, while an assortment of libertarian-minded conservatives are giving money to support the ballot proposal.

… (Bonnie) Burke and Rina Baker, who’s also spearheading the campaign, each have contributed about $1,500 of their own money. Among other donors: Dr. Ruggero Battan, $220; former Grand Rapids city comptroller Stan Milanowski, $50; Grand Rapids Community College trustee Richard Ryskamp, $50; frequent City Commission critics Tom Grego and Don Zerial each donated $20.

Five seeking to fill three CAPS board seats

Oct. 28, 2014; Cadillac News

… CAPS BOE challenger Michael Bengelink

1. Tell us about yourself. (Age, party affiliation, education, children, approach to government, etc.)

I am 66 years old. I have been employed in the packaging industry for over 45 years. My party affiliation is Republican. I have three children, two of which graduated from Cadillac High School. I graduated from South High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan and attended Grand Rapids Community College and Davenport Business College. I moved to Cadillac in 1977.

4 vie for 3 Ionia Public Schools Board of Education seats

Oct. 27, 2014; Ionia Sentinel-Standard

Ionia, Mich. — Four candidates are running to fill three open seats on the Ionia Public Schools Board of Education.

… Name: Karen Balice-Gregory

Age: 62

Education: Graduated from SSPP in 1969, and had some classes at LCC and GRCC, mostly during my years working with the State of Michigan.

The latest from GRCC TV on YouTube: health, psychology lectures, candidate forum

College Channel programming through Nov. 3

The latest schedule, for Oct. 23 to Nov. 4, for the College Channel includes the GRCC Board Candidate Forum. Check out the offerings here.

GRCC In the News, 10-22-14

Caring for the Caregivers

Oct. 21, 2014; WZZM

(Mike Faber, of the Older Learner Center, did a Senior Wellness segment.)

GRCC board candidate draws sharp questions for his 2001 book, ‘Letters from Perverse University’

Oct. 21, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Candidates at Tuesday’s forum for Grand Rapids Community College’s Board of Trustees race answered a lot of questions from why they were running, the challenges surrounding student success, and what role trustees should play at the institution.

G-Sync: Throwback Thursday (100 years ago)

Oct. 16, 2014; rapidgrowthmedia.com

You can often tell how long a person has lived in Grand Rapids when they start to speak. Sometimes it’s when someone says, “I’ve seen ArtPrize’s Time-Based winner DITA perform at Wealthy Street Theatre for years.” (It was officially renamed Wealthy Theatre after the Community Media Center secured Wealthy Street property.) Sometimes it’s when they give directions: “Head north of the old Herp’s building and then turn left at the former Art Museum.” Both references are sure to raise a confused eyebrow to any new transplant to our region.

Another indicator is when someone references attending the Grand Rapids Junior College, which is correct if they went there pre-1991. But after locals voted to expand the boundaries beyond Grand Rapids to include 20 districts within the Kent Intermediate School District, it became the Grand Rapids Community College. It also ushered in, for the first time, a Board of Trustees elected to serve a six-year term.

GRCC In the News, 10-21-14

GRCC to offer faculty, staff buyouts; savings estimated at $5 million over next decade

Oct. 20, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – In an effort to trim expenses because of declining enrollment, Grand Rapids Community College will offer buyouts to qualified faculty and staff, a move that would generate significant savings and may reduce the likelihood or severity of further cuts, administrators say.

Have a hilarious time at LaughFest

Oct. 20, 2014; WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The nation’s only festival of laughter returns to Grand Rapids March 5 through 15, 2015, for the fifth annual LaughFest! LaughFest is a comedy festival that raises money for Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids.

One highly anticipated event that will make its return is the FUNderwear Run, a 5K race that highly encourages participants to wear their funniest underwear over their running clothes. The race will take place March 8 at 10 a.m. on the Grand Rapids Community College Campus.

NMU’s Mantha in sixth after first day at Kohler Classic

Oct. 20, 2014; uppermichiganssource.com

KOHLER, WIS. — Northern Michigan University senior golfer Ayrton Mantha finished the first round in a tie for sixth place after shooting two-over par (74) as the Wildcats men’s golf team stand in sixth place of 17 teams after the opening round of competition Monday at the Kohler Classic at Whistling Straits Golf Course.

NMU shot a team score of 307 trailing leader Texas Wesleyan by 12 strokes. Grand View is second at 299 and Grand Rapids Community College is third at 301.

GRCC In the News, 10-20-14

Why 2012 public masturbation incident doesn’t appear in GRCC’s annual crime report

Oct. 20, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Scan through Grand Rapids Community College’s 2014 annual security report and you’ll see lots of stats on campus crime sexual assault, robbery, motor vehicle theft and aggravated assault, to name a few.

GRCC hosting forum for Board of Trustees candidates

Oct. 17, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College is hosting a forum for the four candidates seeking two seats on the school’s Board of Trustees.

Business leaders in the news

Oct. 19, 2014; The Detroit Free Press

… John Cameron Jr., a lawyer with Dickinson Wright in Grand Rapids, was installed as the public director for the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy, Albion College, and graduated from Wayne State University Law School. He is a former instructor at Grand Valley State University and Grand Rapids Community College. He has written several books, including “A Practitioner’s Guide to Construction Law.”

Actors’ Theatre names veteran thespian as its next managing director

Oct. 17, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Actors’ Theatre is welcoming a new managing director in November.

… Ben Boerkoel, president of Actors’ Theatre’s board, said he’s excited to put Los’ abilities and passion to work for the company that operates out of Grand Rapids Community College’s Spectrum Theatre.

Raider Salute from former trustee Jan Maggini

Former Board of Trustee member Jan Maggini, who graduated from Grand Rapids Junior College in 1956,  served on the centennial committee and is a member of the Foundation board:

I would personally like to thank all the students, volunteers, staff, faculty and committee members who have worked so diligently this centennial year to give meaning to the word “community” in Grand Rapids Community College. Every event this year exemplifies your passion and dedication. The thrill of being at the Gala and walking along the timeline is only matched by the evening the voters of Kent County voted to redistrict GRJC to GRCC in 1991. It was an honor to be associated with the college then as it still is in 2014. When I left the Board of Trustees three years ago, I expressed my feeling, ” You may leave the college, but the college will never leave you!” That surely was evident at the Gala.

Sto Lat! (May the college live another hundred years).

GRCC hosts forum for Board of Trustee candidates

On Tuesday, October 21 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in 108 Sneden (multi-purpose room), the Academic Governing Council is hosting a forum for the GRCC Board of Trustees candidates. All four candidates, Debra Bailey, Cynthia Bristol, Jim Harvey, and Mike Paskewicz, have been invited to attend and Mike Light will serve as our moderator.

Academic Governing Council hosts candidate forum on October 21

On Tuesday, October 21 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in 108 Sneden (multi-purpose room), the Academic Governing Council is hosting a forum for the GRCC Board of Trustees candidates. All four candidates, Debra Bailey, Cynthia Bristol, Jim Harvey, and Mike Paskewicz, have been invited to attend and Mike Light will serve as our moderator.

West Catholic High School to honor duo with GRCC ties

West Catholic High School is hosting the Second Annual Falcon Awards Night on Wednesday, October 15, 2014. The Falcon Awards Night will recognize and honor alumni and friends for their excellence and service to West Catholic. Two of this year’s honorees have GRCC Connections.

Ed Wagner will be receiving the “Falcon By Choice Award” for his distinguished service at West Catholic as teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal and active community member. Ed was at WC from 1962 to 1991 when he became the Executive Assistant to the President of Grand Rapids Community College.

Deb Bailey will be receiving the “Veritas Award” for her outstanding community service and work with various boards and agencies in the Greater Grand Rapids area. Deb graduated from West Catholic in 1968, and currently serves as a GRCC Board of Trustees member.

The event will take place on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 beginning at 6:00 PM at the Goei Center in Grand Rapids. In addition to the two individuals named above, West Catholic will also honor former principal Sr. Miriam Therese, SSND, Mr. Mike VanGessel (WC ’82) and Mr. Joel Langlois.

Did you know you can help elect GRCC’s Board of Trustees?

Did you know that if you are a Kent County resident, you elect GRCC’s Board of Trustees? This year, four candidates are running for two seats on the November ballot. In order to vote you must be registered. The deadline for registration is Monday, October 6.

You can register at any of the following offices:

• Secretary of State Branch Office
• County Clerk’s Office
• City, Township, or Village Office
• With an Assistant Clerk for Voter Registration
• With a mail-in voter registration application

If you are already registered to vote, you should know that a) Registration in the State of Michigan is considered permanent. However, if you move you must re-register at your new address and b) persons changing their names as the result of marriage or a legal action should report this to their local clerk by re-registering.

For more information, visit https://www.accesskent.com/Departments/Elections/

All four candidates have been invited to attend an open forum on Tuesday, October 21 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM in the Multipurpose Room in Sneden Hall.

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.