GRCC In the News, 2-17-15

Divided GRCC board rejects proposed ‘Respect for Law’ policy

Feb. 16, 2015; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – On its face, the idea sounded simple enough: Grand Rapids Community College should have a policy requiring employees to respect the rule of law.

Students offer free tax assistance for low-income families

Feb. 16, 2015; WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Students from colleges across West Michigan and other organizations are offering free tax filing assistance for low-income families.

… Accounting students from Davenport University, Aquinas College, Cornerstone University, and Grand Rapids Community College as well as members of the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA) are participating.

Event to benefit female entrepreneurs

Feb. 16, 2015; WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A big event is planned on February 19 to empower women and help them get their start in the business world. The Michigan Women’s Foundation’s Young Women for Change program is a group made up of high school girls who work to empower women in their community. The group is hosting a screening of “Miss Representation” on Thursday, February 19. The documentary focuses on the view of women in society. There is a suggested donation of $5 for adults and $2 for students. All proceeds will benefit women entrepreneurs in the community.

The screening is on Thursday at the GRCC Wisner-Bottral Applied Technology Center Auditorium. There is a reception at 5:30 p.m. and the film starts at 6 p.m.

GRCC In the News, 2-16-15

GRCC hosting business career showcase on Feb. 17-18

Feb. 13, 2015; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College is hosting its annual Career Showcase next week, an event where students can explore job opportunities in several business fields.

Opera Grand Rapids’ Robert Lyall says farewell: A look back at 26 years as artistic director

Feb. 15, 2015; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Opera Grand Rapids opened its 30th anniversary season with more than 500 singers, dancers and extras, along with elephants, camels and horses, crossing the stage in a grand procession.

… While productions of Philip Glass’ “The Fall of the House of Usher” in Grand Rapids Community College’s Spectrum Theatre in 1998 and of Tchaikovsky’s “The Queen of Spades,” a joint production with Russian artists and a Russian stage director from the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, (Robert) Lyall is proud of the work he did with opera’s biggest hits.

GRCC In the News, 2-11-15

College Visits Show Students Opportunities

Feb. 6, 2015; schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District newsletter)

Kent City Community Schools, MI — LeKae Scarlavai is finding it just a bit easier to decide what to do with the rest of her life.

… “I was expecting to find the stereotypical community college, but instead I found they basically have everything,” said Matt, a 15-year-old sophomore of his visit to Grand Rapids Community College. “I always thought GRCC was just a typical community college but I was amazed to see all the programs they offer.”

… To that end, freshman visited Grand Valley State University, sophomores Grand Rapids Community College, juniors Ferris State University and seniors are given a choice of the three institutions.

Students offer free tax assistance for low-income families

Feb. 6, 2015; WOOD TV

Accounting students from Davenport University, Aquinas College, Cornerstone University, and Grand Rapids Community College as well as members of the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA) are participating.

Senior Wellness: Long term care

Feb. 10, 2015; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WZZM) — Mike Faber from the Older Learner Center at Grand Rapids Community College explains when it’s time to receive long-term care and how to choose the right options.

Allegan County launches program for students to earn associate’s during 5th year of high school

Feb. 9, 2015; MLive

ALLEGAN, MI — Students in the seven Allegan County school districts served by the Allegan Area Educational Service Agency can now earn an associate’s degree at no cost if they commit to a fifth year of high school, county educators announced Monday.

… Allegan County young adults face a stiffer barrier to post-secondary education compared to residents of many surrounding counties because the county does not have a community college. That means students have to pay higher, out-of-district tuition at institutions such as Kalamazoo Valley and Grand Rapids community college, and they also face a longer, more expensive commute.

Giant Among Giants honoree maintains passion for outreach after decades of leading Grand Rapids church

Feb. 8, 2015; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Sitting among those honored as part of Grand Rapids Community College’s Giants Awards, the Rev. Clifton Rhodes Jr. likely had no idea he, too, was slated for adulation.

As Autocam entrepreneur, Obamacare foe or bicyclist, John Kennedy takes his own route

Feb. 8, 2015; Crain’s Detroit Business

Plunging down a twisting French mountain road on a hot afternoon in 2006, John Kennedy was determined to catch the cyclist just ahead of him.

… In 2012, Autocam established the Advanced Manufacturing Program in collaboration with Grand Rapids Community College and other manufacturers to maintain a better pipeline of manufacturing talent. Applicants accepted into the program start at $13 an hour while they attend classes for a two-year program paid in full by the company, now called the Autocam Precision Components Group of NN.

… Kent County resident Madalyn Bueche, 21, hired in at Autocam in 2012 and simultaneously enrolled in the GRCC Advanced Manufacturing Program. She graduated in 2014 and is now enrolled at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, intent on earning a four-year degree in engineering in three years while working as a machinist full time at Autocam Precision Components. The company pays for her education.

Sophomores killed during winter break memorialized at the rock on Farm Lane

Feb. 9, 2015; State News (Michigan State University student newspaper)

“They were definitely one of a kind,” Diana Nicoletti, an advertising and professional writing sophomore, said of her friends Maura Brandi and Carolena Elowsky at their memorial at the Rock on Farm Lane Sunday night.

… Hannah Herboldsheimer, another hometown friend and student at Grand Rapids Community College, said even at their small high school, Brandi and Elowsky expressed school spirit and love for the people around them.

Hall of Fame guard already part of great fraternity

Feb. 11, 2015; Mansfield News Journal (Mansfield, Ohio)

Don Williams witnessed many a statement game from his running mate, but he knew putting a microphone in front of Melvin Selmon instead of a basketball hoop would be like hitting the mute button.

… David and Melvin would start together in Malabar’s backcourt for one year, when David was a senior and Melvin a sophomore. Both of them are now coaches in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where David has won nearly 500 games at Grand Rapids Community College and Melvin is in his third year of heading a practically unbeatable freshman team at Ottawa Hills High School.

Muskegon Community College sports recap: Women’s basketball surging, men’s basketball hits ‘freshman wall’

Feb. 9, 2015; MLive

MUSKEGON, MI – Following the team’s six-game winning streak earlier this year, the Muskegon Community College men’s basketball team now has dropped three of its past four games.

The Jayhawks’ (17-6 overall, 7-4 Western Conference) most recent defeat came at the hands of Grand Rapids Community College on Friday, Feb. 6. MCC got off to a poor start offensively by missing layups and not converting scoring opportunities, ultimately falling to GRCC, 82-63.

100 Ways to Give: food donations for Bethany Christian Services

For the college’s 100-year celebration, Business Department faculty and students collected food for Bethany Christian Services. Learn more about this project in the video below:

To see the full list of 100 Ways to Give projects, click here. When getting involved, don’t forget to share it on social media by using #GRCC100years and #100waystogive on Twitter and Instagram, and “Grand Rapids Community College” on Facebook.

Condolences to Dan and Cherie Clark

Condolences to Dan and Cherie Clark on the death of Cherie’s mother, Nancy Lou Wiersma, who passed December 19 in Grand Haven. To read the obituary, click here.

GRCC In the News, 11-17-14

Advertising competition offers students real world experience

Nov. 14, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

A group of advertising students from Grand Valley State University and Central Michigan University will have the opportunity to see their ideas translated into a real world advertising campaign for Amway Grand Plaza’s The Hotel Kitchen brand, which produces and sells various sauces.

… The competition is limited to 30 entrants, and students enter individually or in teams. They can come from any college or university in the area, and in the past have come from Calvin College, Central Michigan University, Michigan State University, Western Michigan University, Hope College, Ferris State University, Kendall College of Art & Design, Davenport University and Grand Rapids Community College.

GRCC In the News, 9-2-14

Ronald Weidenfeller

Aug. 29, 2014; News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.)

Ronald L. Weidenfeller, 67, of Apex, NC passed away on Monday August 25th. Ron was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He graduated from Catholic Central High School and continued on to receive a BA from the University of Notre Dame, an MA from Grand Valley State University and an MBA from Western Michigan University. Ron was a professor of Business at Grand Rapids Community College for 33 years.

Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire: See photos of creations displayed at public museum

Aug. 30, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Families gathered Saturday at the Grand Rapids Public Museum for the first annual Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire, an event that featured a variety of models and displays.

… The event was to feature exhibits ranging from rockets and robots to handmade crafts and more. It was organized by GR Makers, The Geek Group, Grand Rapids Community College, Genesis Inc. and the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

Change Ups: Borroughs launches modular cabinet line

Aug. 29, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… EDUCATION

… Grand Rapids Community Foundation announced it has broken the $1 million mark in scholarships, and Grand Rapids Community College noted that $62,000 of that amount went to its students. This year, the foundation provided 642 scholarships, with 44 of those awards going to GRCC students.

400+ open positions available at job fair

Aug. 29, 2014; WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Dozens of companies are looking to fill more than 400 positions at a job fair Friday (August 29).

… Michigan Works! is hosting the fair Friday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Grand Rapids Community Colleges M-TEC at 622 Godfrey SW.

GRCC In the News, 5-23-14

Have Job, Will Enroll

May 23, 2014; Inside Higher Ed

WASHINGTON — A growing number of startups want to play the matchmaker role between community colleges and employers. One of them, WorkAmerica, makes an unusual offer as part of their pitch: students get a legally binding job offer before they enroll at one of the company’s partner colleges.

… College instructors can also issue badges on the platform. Dillow said Workforce IO has collaborated with Grand Rapids Community College, in Michigan, as well as an Illinois campus of Everest College, a for-profit institution.

Graduation 2014: Hamilton High School

May 22, 2014; The Holland Sentinel

… What are your plans after graduation?

… Dillon VanDerKamp: “I’m going to GRCC for sales and marketing.”

Student Graduates after Riding Train of Death through Mexico

May 23, 2014; schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District newsletter)

During the last day of his senior year at Wyoming High School, Jose Sanchez-Bueso completed his final chemistry exam, finishing off the semester with three A’s and two B’s on his report card.

… He is enrolled at Grand Rapids Community College for this fall, and plans to attend a four-year university after receiving his associate’s degree to become a mechanical engineer.

Growlers Land Duo of Crafty Lefty’s

May 22, 2014; MLive

Kalamazoo, MI – The Kalamazoo Growlers have added two left handed pitchers to their inaugural season roster. Dillon Haviland of Duke University and Luke Bolka of East Carolina University will bring collegiate experience as well as dynamic arms to the Growlers pitching staff.

… The Growlers have also added temporary players Jeremy Carrell of Wayne State as well as Jacob Waters and Dylan Van Putten of Grand Rapids Community College to aid the Growlers in early season games.

GRCC In the News, 5-19-14

GRCC students earn awards at national business professionals competition

May 16, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College students took home eight awards at a Business Professionals of America completion in Indianapolis.

Grupos minoritarios de GRCC aumentan pese a prohibición de Acción Afirmativa

May 16, 2014; El Vocero

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN (EVH).- Tras la aprobación de la Suprema Corte de Justicia de los Estados Unidos de ratificar la Prohibición de la Acción Afirmativa en el estado de Michigan, tal como se había aprobado en el año 2006 por un grupo de seis magistrados de la corte del estado, desde entonces universidades y colegios han acatado la ley, dejando de dar privilegios a las minorías a la hora de asistir en busca de educación superior.

Pese a la drástica ley, aun existen centros de educación avanzada donde estadísticamente los números en porcentajes de las minorías siguen aumentado.
En ese sentido, en la ciudad de Grand Rapids autoridades del Community College (GRCC) explicaron como están trabajando con los grupos minoritarios interesados en asistir al centro, tras la aplicación de la prohibición de la Acción Afirmativa.

West Ottawa seniors celebrate their next steps in Decision Day Party

May 18, 2014; The Holland Sentinel

Holland, Mich. — With cheerleaders lining the halls, college mascots giving out high fives and the drum line playing, West Ottawa High School was in celebration mode on Thursday.

… “At first I didn’t want to go to college,” (Darah) Kok said. But with the urging of some friends and teachers, he decided to look into it.
“People started telling me (college) changes your life. I didn’t want to waste my life.”

Kok plans to attend Grand Rapids Community College in the fall on a full ride scholarship.

SECOM-GRCC Partnership Recognized at Annual Armen Awards Celebration

May 16, 2014; SECOM newsletter

Service, innovation, and collaboration are at the heart of Grand Rapids Community College’s annual Armen Awards, a competitive program designed to promote innovative thinking. Created and supported by longtime GRCC supporter Armen Oumedian, the program rewards student teams who design and implement projects that benefit a community organization.

Muskegon sports briefs: Muskegon Community College drops 13-inning marathon in regional baseball

May 16, 2014; MLive

MUSKEGON, MI — It’s going to be a quick turnaround for the Muskegon Community College baseball team.

… The game ended after midnight and MCC (35-17) faces an elimination game at 11:30 a.m. Friday against Grand Rapids Community College in Battle Creek.

 

 

Cameron Lotter wins scholarship

Congratulations to Cameron Lotter, who won the prize scholarship for this year’s Career Showcase. The business administration major received his scholarship today from Paula Sullivan, associate dean of the School of Workforce Development; and business professors Mark Jasonowicz and Bethann Talsma. Don’t let Cameron’s MSU gear fool you: He is looking at Ferris State of Grand Valley State universities after graduation and hopes to eventual own an excavating company.

From left: Mark Jasonowicz, Paula Sullivan, Cameron Lotter and Bethann Talsma.

 

GRCC In the News, 3-5-14

GRCC offering job fair March 11

March 5, 2014; The Holland Sentinel

Holland, Mich. — The Grand Rapids Community College will host a job fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 11 at the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center, 151 Fountain St. NE.

GRCC students earn 1st place in Business Professionals of America competition

March 4, 2014; The Holland Sentinel

Holland, Mich. — Students from Grand Rapids Community College took first place in eight categories during the recent state Business Professionals of America competition.

GRCC joins statewide marketing association

March 4, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

A new association is connecting marketing and communications professionals at community colleges across the state.

Marketing and communications representatives from 28 community colleges, including Grand Rapids Community College, joined the Michigan Community College Marketing and Communications Association, which is affiliated with the Michigan Community College Association.

GRCC urges students, faculty to ‘Run, Hide, Fight’ in event of mass shooting

March 4, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – In an effort to improve emergency preparedness, the Grand Rapids Community College Police Department is teaching faculty and staff how to respond if a mass shooting occurs on campus.

GRCC In the News, 3-4-14

GRCC’s BPA team brings back eight 1st-place awards from state competition

March 3, 2014; News International

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids Community College students recently took first place in eight categories at the state Business Professionals of America competition.

LaughFest FUNderwear 5K offers ‘brief’ jog through Grand Rapids

March 3, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — It’s as close to streaking as you can legally get unless the weather inspires you to wear your underwear over warmer clothes during LaughFest’s FUNderwear run Sunday, March 9.

The race starts at 10 a.m. at the GRCC Ford Fieldhouse, 111 Lyon St. NE; on-site registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Runners can also pre-register for $30 online at laughfestgr.org. Registration includes an official T-shirt while supplies last.

Fountain Street Church holds Mardi Gras fundraising event

March 4, 2014; WZZM

Grand Rapids (WZZM) – If a trip to New Orleans is not in the picture this Mardi Gras do not to worry. Fountain Street Church is bringing a taste of Bourbon Street to Grand Rapids.

… “Why would people not from Fountain Street church want to come? There are several reasons. One of which is this is a venue for not just church but for the GRCC Diversity Learning Center lectures, the Hauenstein center for other groups like LaughFest so we want to invite the community to help support not just the church but the work we do for the larger community,” said Fred Wooden, senior minister for the church.

Muskegon Community College sports recap: Wrestling earns top-10 finish at NJCAA National Championships

March 3, 2014; MLive

… WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: The Jayhawks (16-11) won a pair of games last week. MCC defeated JCC, 86-52, on Feb. 26. MCC led 43-21 at halftime and increased its lead in the second half. Krystal Geers led MCC with 20 points and 16 rebounds, and Abby Rodriguez added 17 points and eight steals.

… The Jayhawks host Grand Rapids Community College Tuesday in the opening round of the Region XII Tournament.

… SOFTBALL: The Jayhawks (0-5) lost all five games they played at the NFCA Lead Off Classic. MCC opened the tournament with a 12-1 loss to No. 9 Wallace-Hanceville on Feb. 28.

… The Jayhawks aren’t scheduled to play again until they travel to take on Grand Rapids CC on March 21.

Local athletes compete at collegiate level

March 4, 2014; cadillacnews.com

… Grand Rapids Community College sophomore Amanda Steig (Reed City H.S.) was 3 for 3 with three RBIs and two runs scored in the Raiders’ season-opening softball win over Davenport University’s JV, 16-5, on Friday in Clermont, Fla.

GRCC In the News, 1-24-14

RapidChat: Mary Brown

Jan. 23, 2014; rapidgrowthmedia.com

RapidChat is a regular feature profiling interesting, diverse, and talented individuals in West Michigan as they talk informally about life, hobbies, work, food, and favorite local haunts. This week, we’re pleased to introduce Mary Brown. Part student, part educator, she’s an Organization Development and Learning Professional with her nose in a book, an interest in zombies, and a soft spot for the unusual suspects.

… MB: I teach in the Psychology and Business departments at Grand Rapids Community College. I am an adjunct professor. At GRCC I tell the students, let’s learn organically together and the students build the content and it morphs and goes in the direction of their interests and how they can apply it back to their interests and their lives. I don’t like to make everything predictable.

Krystal Geers works way into big role on Muskegon Community College women’s basketball team

Jan. 23, 2014; MLive

MUSKEGON, MI — Krystal Geers doesn’t mind rolling up her sleeves and getting to work.

… Recknagel said Geers’ production has really taken off since a 29-point, 16-rebound performance while matched up against Delta College standout Taylor Mantyla in a 76-60 loss on Dec. 23. Since then, Geers’ highlights are 31 points against Lake Michigan Community College and a triple-double against Grand Rapids Community College.

Raider Salute to Mark Jasonowicz, accounting students

Mark Jasonowicz (Business Faculty) and his students in his Accounting courses collected approximately 100 lbs. of food and $300.00 worth of Meijer Gift Cards for the Student Food Pantry. The donations will definitely help during the next few weeks as we approach the holiday season.

For all of those who are attending the Employee Breakfast on Friday, December 13th, please don’t forget that the Student Life Office will be collecting any non-perishable food items at the entrance. Any donation is greatly appreciated! For a list of the high need items, please visit the following webpage http://www.grcc.edu/studentlife/studentfoodpantry

A big THANK YOU to Mark and his students!

Students decorate tree for museum fundraiser

Elaine Gordon, Cassie Dille and Nikki Avery, students in GRCC’s Fashion Merchandising and Interior Design program, decorated a tree for the Muskegon Art Museum’s Festival of Trees fundraiser.

The GRCC students’ tree is called The Midas Touch and here’s how it’s described: “Straight out of King Midas’ court, this tree is golden perfection. With a monochromatic color scheme of gilded ornaments, ribbon, and even the tree itself, it is a breathtaking addition to any room. The Midas Touch is a classic yet exciting design that can be enjoyed for years to come.”

The museum, 296 W. Webster Ave. in Muskegon, is hosting an opening event with live music at 5:30 p.m. November 22; tickets cost $30, with proceeds going to the museum.

The exhibit runs through December 1. For more information, click here.

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