GRCC In The News, 02-25-19

Business owner Michael B. Johnson honored as 2019 Giant Among Giants
2/24/19 MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Michael B. Johnson Sr., a philanthropist and business owner whose wide-ranging interests range from sponsoring youth sports to interior design, a cappella singing and nature photography, has been named this year’s Giant Among Giants in the annual Grand Rapids Community College awards program.

News 8 Daybreak
2/24/19 WOOD TV
Grand Rapids’ 37th annual Giants Awards was a big success. … Some of them may have thought their work has gone unnoticed, including one of last night’s special winners, known for his decades of business in West Michigan as well as providing scholarships and learning opportunities for Grand Rapids Community College and Grand Rapids Public School students.

Change Ups: River City Improv marks 25th year
2/22/19 Grand Rapids Business Journal
… EDUCATION
Noorthoek Academy announced the addition of the following board members: Paul Dymowski, director of center programs for Kent Intermediate School District; Jan Ver Merris, retired special education teacher and high school guidance counselor; Victoria Smalley, estate planning attorney at Bolhouse, Hofstee, & McLean in Grandville; Ric Underhile, associate vice president for the Office of Advancement at Aquinas College; and Tina Hoxie, associate provost and dean of student affairs at Grand Rapids Community College.

Denuncian que activista pro inmigrante, protegido por DACA fue arrestado por ICE en Grand Rapids
2/23/19 El Vocero
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN (EVH) .-Un movimiento pro inmigrante dio a conocer que en una redada hecha por ICE al comienzo de esta semana, uno de sus activistas, protegido bajo DACA, fue arrestado junto a su madre y recluido en Battle Creek.
… Familiares de Reyes, quienes también concurrieron a la rueda de prensa, dijeron que Brandon se mudó a Estados Unidos con su madre de México a los 6 años y ha vivido en Michigan desde el 2003. El activista estudió diseño gráfico en Grand Rapids Community College antes de trabajar con HealthNet West Michigan, una organización de acceso a la salud.
(A pro-immigrant movement reported that in a raid by ICE earlier this week, one of its activists, protected under DACA, ws arrested along with his mother and held in Battle Creek.
… Relatives of (Brandon) Reyes, who also attended the press conference, said that Brandon moved to the United States with his mother from Mexico at age 6 and has lived in Michigan since 2003. The activist studied graphic design at Grand Rapids Community College before working with HealthNet West Michigan, an access health organization.)

‘Special delivery:’ Letter arrives 45 years later
2/21/19 WOOD TV
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A Grand Rapids man found a decades-old letter in his mailbox Thursday that had been sent to the address well before he lived there.
… She (Mary Vaughan Brady) told 24 Hour News 8 that she was 19 years old when she wrote the letter. In June 1974, she had just graduated from community college in Grand Rapids. Her wedding was set for later that year, so she a friend decided to take a trip through Europe beforehand.

Local theatre performing ‘Bad Jews’ by Joshua Harmon in Grand Rapids
2/23/19 WZZM
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids has been around since 1992, and has been performing shows with Jewish themes ever since. This year is no different. From February 27- March 10, Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids is performing Bad Jews.
… All performances will take place at Spectrum Theatre, 160 Fountain Street NE, on campus at Grand Rapids Community College.

GRCC In The News, 02-08-19

Middle school students invited to Fall in Love with STEM
2/7/19 MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Middle school students can participate for free in Fall in Love with STEM events beginning Saturday, Feb. 9, through the West Michigan chapter of the Association for Women in Science (AWIS-WM).
Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids Community College and Hope College are promising fun-filled days of STEM activities science, technology, engineering and math.

Grand Rapids program helps first-generation and minority students get to and through college
2/8/19 Michigan Radio
It’s a happy day when college acceptance letters arrive and high school students start on their journey to obtain a higher education degree.
… “We’re all responsible,” (Shayla) Willis said. “As one of our partners from [Grand Rapids Community College] Chris Sain said, Retention is everybody’s business.”

Assistant Dean and Associate Professor at Western Michigan University Cooley Law School Tracey Brame on Creating Joy
2/7/19 Women’s Lifestyle magazine
Tracey Brame is an Assistant Dean and Associate Professor at Western Michigan University Cooley Law School. Brame was recently elected Vice President of the Grand Rapids Bar Association and also serves as the Vice President of the Grand Rapids chapter of Jack and Jill of America. Tracey is the quintessential #RockstarWoman she uses her gifts to lead, love, and serve in her home, marketplace, and community. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated; serves on the Board of Directors for Linc UP, a nonprofit community development organization; and is the head of the parent organization at Crestwood Middle School in Kentwood. She is the proud wife of Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees, Kenyatta Brame, and mother of two: Kamau, age 12 and Kimani, age 10.

GRCC In The News, 02-07-19

LEDA announces interim executive director
2/6/19 The Holland Sentinel
Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance has announced its interim executive director. In January, the nonprofit announced its executive director, Latoya Booker, was leaving. Booker became executive director in August 2017 after the organization’s founder Gail Harrison, retired.
The interim executive director is Christina Arnold. Recently retired from Grand Rapids Community College’s Bob and Aleicia Woodrick Center for Equity and Inclusion, Arnold currently works as an independent consultant and has experience at expanding the conversations around equity and inclusion in West Michigan. She helped lay the framework for a culture of inclusion at GRCC.

GRCC In The News, 02-05-19

Gone West: WASP Mildred Jane Doyle
2/4/19 aero-news.net (aviation industry newsletter)2/4/19 aero-news.net (aviation industry newsletter)
Another of the members of the WASPs has Gone West. Michigan resident Mildred Jane Doyle passed away Friday at the age of 97.
… Doyle attended Grand Rapids Junior College in 1940, and according to GRCC President Bill Pink, she told him it was an experience that changed her life.

 

GRCC In the News, 5-02-18

Where college students can find emergency money and housing
5/1/18 ABC News
College students without a financial safety net are in a tough spot when unexpected costs arise.
… For example, at Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, assistance is available for students who face emergencies such as losing their job, eviction or utility shut-off. The fund has provided students with over $78,000 in grants and loans since 2014, according to Dave Murray, a school spokesperson.
(This article appeared in 99 other media outlets, including the Houston Chronicle and The New York Times.)

Kent ISD works to grow, bolster Adult Ed after taking over school programs
5/1/18 MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A social worker and community outreach specialist are now working with Kent ISD’s Adult Education Program in its mission to help adults obtain the knowledge and skills for employment and self-sufficiency, officials say.
… Eight students in the program have completed Grand Rapids Community College’s Certified Nurse Assistant program.

SpartanNash Scan Campaign To Support Special Olympics In Eight States
5/1/18 The Shelby Report (retail food industry newsletter)
The SpartanNash Foundation is launching its second companywide retail fundraising campaign of 2018. This campaign will support Special Olympics athletes and State Summer Games in Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. SpartanNash and its charitable giving arm are inviting store guests to join them in supporting Special Olympics through the retail scan campaign, which runs May 2-13.
… In Michigan, the Healthy Athlete is Kayla Cornell. Cornell has competed in Special Olympics since seventh grade, participating in gymnastics, alpine skiing, volleyball, swimming, track and field, poly hockey and softball. She is a graduate of Rockford High School and plans to attend Grand Rapids Community College. She is a manager at a local retail store, and as the SpartanNash Healthy Athlete of the Year, Cornell lives a healthy lifestyle by avoiding pop.

The Four
5/1/18 WWTV
Today is decision day in the country, which means most colleges and universities require potential incoming freshmen to either accept or decline admittance. Baldwin High School celebrated with their own decision day today.
(Video shows an unidentified student announcing that he will attend GRCC in the fall.)

GRCC In the News, 5-01-18

GRCC Graduation Live
5/1/18 WorldNews Network
Live from Grand Rapids Community College, the 2018 Commencement.

New schools chief worked his way up to leadership
4/27/18 schoolnewsnetwork.org (KISD newsletter)
Dream big, work hard and make it happen: That’s the mantra of Craig Hoekstra, a familiar face in the district, who this week was selected as the new superintendent.
Hoekstra is an example of turning that philosophy into reality. After deciding to leave his job as a linen delivery driver to pursue college, the 1990 Wyoming Park High School graduate worked as a night custodian at the former Newhall Junior High. He also took classes to get his associate’s degree at Grand Rapids Community College. From there he worked up the ranks as an educator and administrator, most recently as Wyoming’s associate superintendent for instructional services.

81 high school seniors honored at Kalamazoo RESA awards breakfast
4/30/18 MLive
KALAMAZOO, MI – Eighty-one Kalamazoo County high school seniors were honored at the annual Kalamazoo RESA Seniors Awards Breakfast on Thursday, April 26.
… Trevor Patterson
… College: Grand Rapids Community College
Career: Business

Sports briefs: Hunter Kehoe, Logan Briggs, Patriot Game, GT Bay Gymnatics
4/30/18 Traverse City Record-Eagle
… BATTLE CREEK — Logan Briggs was 3-for-4 with four RBIs to lead Kellogg Community College to an 8-0 win over Grand Rapids Community College.

College Roundup: Local athletes competing at the collegiate level
5/1/18 Cadillac News
… Lansing Community College sophomore Gabby Hoaglund (Cadillac H.S.) got the win in the Stars’ 8-0 victory over Lake Michigan College on April 24. She allowed no runs on two hits and no walks while striking out one.
Sophomore teammate Jodi VanPelt (Cadillac H.S.) added a hit and an RBI. VanPelt also had a hit in a 10-1 win over Grand Rapids CC on Friday.

Swiss continues record season for SVSU baseball
5/1/18 Petoskey News
… The wins just keep on rolling in for Lansing Community Colleges softball team.
… (Hannah) Hoth finished last week with one hit, two runs scored and four RBIs to help the Stars top Lake Michigan College, Grand Rapids Community College and Ancilla College.

GRCC In the News, 4-30-18

Change Ups: Penning named member of Arthur W. Page Society
4/27/18 Grand Rapids Business Journal
… EDUCATION
Grand Rapids Community College has a laptop vending machine available to its students located in the GRCC Student Community Center’s counseling area. Students can use the laptops for free by swiping their college ID card.
Secchia Institute for Culinary Education student Heather Stadt received Grand Rapids Community College’s Arthur Andrews Award, which goes to the Delta Pi Alpha student with the highest cumulative GPA and the greatest number of honor points. Stadt will receive this spring her Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences in Culinary Arts.

Corrections officers complete academy training
4/30/18 Herald-Palladium (St. Joseph)
Six Berrien County Sheriff’s Office deputies have recently completed a local corrections officer training academy.
Deputies Heather Saberniak, Brittany Zabel, Nicholas Jewell and David Helfman attended the academy at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Deputies Victoria Doan and Amanda Tober attended the academy at Grand Rapids Community College.

Mushroom Head Malt Company debuts at Steele Street Brewing in Ionia
4/28/18 Ionia Sentinel-Standard
SARANAC — Mushroom Head Malt Company products made its debut last weekend in Ionia at Steele Street Brewing.
… The Vierzens also learned Monday that the head brewer of the B.O.B. in downtown Grand Rapids is interested in their product, and Grand Rapids Community College is bringing their brewing class out to see their setup in the fall.

MCC’s Vandenbrand finishes in first place at Jayhawk Invitational golf tournament
4/28/18 Local Sports Journal (Muskegon)
Muskegon Community College golfer Tyler Vandenbrand finished in first place individually at the Jayhawk Invitational at Stonegate Golf Course on Friday.
… The MCC team finished second in the event with a score of 326, just behind first place Grand Rapids Community College, which won the event with a 324.

GRCC In the News, 4-4-18

The Brothers Bronkema
4/3/18 The Torch (Ferris State University Newsletter)
Landing a head coaching position can be difficult for some but for the family of Ferris men’s basketball head coach Andy Bronkema, it seems to run in the blood.
… Luke [Bronkema] has just recently finished his second campaign as the Grand Rapids Community College Raiders basketball head coach. In two seasons, he has led the Raiders to a record of 43-22 and a National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) District 9 championship in 2017-18.

Public Works Academy to provide skills for local jobs
4/3/18  Community College Daily
Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) has teamed up with local municipalities on a Public Works Academy that will give people in-demand skills and guaranteed interviews for open jobs.

Invitan a participar en Segunda Ceremonia Anual para Latinos Graduados de Colegios
4/3/18  La Prensa Toledo
LANSING, MI: La Comisión Hispana de Michigan (HLCOM, por sus siglas en inglés) invita a todos los estudiantes latinos de Michigan a participar en la Segunda Ceremonia Anual para Latinos Graduados de Colegios que se llevará a cabo el próximo 6 de abril [2018] de 6:00 a 9:00pm, en Lansing Center, número 333 avenida E Michigan, de esta ciudad.
… Entre los registrados se encuentran graduados de licenciaturas y maestrías de las siguientes escuelas: Davenport University, Ferris State University, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University, Lake Michigan College, Michigan State University, Mott Community College, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Siena  Heights University, University of Michigan, Wayne State University y Western Michigan University.
(The Hispanic [Latino] Commission of Michigan (HLCOM) invites all Latino students in Michigan to participate in the Second Annual Graduate Ceremony for Colleges that will be held on April 6 [2018] from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., at the Lansing Center, 333 E Michigan Avenue, of this city.
…Among those registered are graduates of bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the following schools: Davenport University, Ferris State University, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University, Lake Michigan College, Michigan State University, Mott Community College, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Siena Heights University, University of Michigan, Wayne State University, and Western Michigan University.)

GRCC In the News, 2-13-18

Student senate looks at credit structuring, upcoming elections 

2/12/18 The Lanthorn (GVSU’s student newspaper)

At its general assembly Thursday, Feb. 8, the Grand Valley State University student senate discussed the current credit block at GVSU, a potential partnership with the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts and the upcoming Student Senate Week.
… “All I did was email [the UICA],” said Rachel Jenkin, chair of the campus affairs committee. “I asked about, on average, how much it costs per month for these universities, how many students are coming and how long the partnership has happened. They said that they had just created the partnership with GRCC (Grand Rapids Community College) a month ago, so they’re fairly new to all of it. Then they explained how it’s $5, and they just contact the university at the end of each month, and the university pays $5.”

GRCC In the News, 10-27-17

Beer and Dragons at Public Museum
10/27/17 100.5 FM
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) is partnering with New Holland Brewing and the Grand Rapids Community College brewing students in November and it’s all about Beer and Dragons!

GRCC In the News, 10-20-17

GRCC takes new approach to helping students choose, pursue degrees
10/19/17  MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Beginning this winter, Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) is launching Academic Pathways, a new approach to student success and college completion.

Morning Buzz: 5 things to know for October 19
10/19/17  Fox 17
1. The grandson of civil rights leader Cesar Chavez will wrap up his Grand Rapids trip today.
…On Wednesday he [Andres Chavez] spoke to students at Grand Rapids Community College, calling on the next generation to make life better for immigrants.

GRCC in the News, 10-12-17

QB Casey Therriault, ‘White Tiger’ once profiled on ESPN, is retiring

10/11/17  MLive

Grand Rapids native Casey Therriault, a quarterback whose odyssey has included time in prison for manslaughter, a featured piece on ESPN and, most recently, plans for a movie biop from Sony Pictures, says he’s retiring as a player.

…The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Therriault starred at Wyoming Park High School where he graduated in 2007, and he played at Grand Rapids Community College. In 2009, he led the now-defunct program to the National Junior College Athletic Association championship game and a 9-1 record.

 

‘It’s my dream come true’

10/11/17  Grand Haven Tribune

MUSKEGON Kylee VanTol’s excitement is infectious as she discusses her upcoming performance on the Frauenthal Center’s stage.

…VanTol was previously involved in Spring Lake High School’s 2012 production of The Sound of Music. She is currently a Grand Rapids Community College student through Noorthoek Academy and a Grand Haven Community-Based Instruction student. She’s also on the board for the academy and an assistant for Covenant Life Church’s Regatta program.

 

UIX: Costume couture takes on different roles in West Michigan

10/12/17  Rapid Growth Media

An old joke about penguins goes like this: two of them are standing on an iceberg, and one of them says to the other, “you look like you’re wearing a tuxedo.” And the other one replies, “How do you know I’m not?”

…Olson found work as head of visual merchandising in a clothing store at Woodland Mall. Prior to that, obtained a degree in Fashion Merchandising at Grand Rapids Community College, an undergraduate degree in fine arts at Northern Michigan University, and took classes in graphic design at the then Kendall School of Design.

GRCC In the News, 10-10-17

Cascade Township names candidates for vacant fire chief position
10/9/17  MLive
Cascade Township has started the final interviewing process with the top five candidates for their vacant fire chief position.
…[Gregory Ginebaugh] obtained his bachelor’s degree in fire science from Lake Superior State University in addition to an associate’s degree in fire science from Kalamazoo Valley Community College and an associate’s degree in general studies from Grand Rapids Community College.

GRCC president praises Kentwood’s relationship with the community college
10/9/17  MLive
KENTWOOD – Dr. Bill Pink, president of Grand Rapids Community College, said when it comes to running an institution of higher learning, two words that remain ingrained in his mind are “relevant” and “responsive.”

Student loan fraud often involves stolen identities
10/9/17  Credible
These days, it’s not unusual for students attending graduate school to take on six-figure student loan debt.
…Schools allegedly targeted by Rogers allegedly included Grand Rapids Community College and Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Prosecutors said Rogers did not attend the classes that he enrolled his victims in, and spent the aid he obtained in their names on himself.

GRCC In the News, 10-9-17

Man indicted in $150K student-loan scheme at GRCC, KVCC
10/6/17  MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A Grand Rapids man is accused of using others’ identities to obtain $150,000 in fraudulent student loans and Pell Grants.
… He enrolled online at Grand Rapids Community College, Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Texas Southern University. He then sought student loans and grants.

Grand Rapids man charged with student loan and grant fraud
10/6/17  WZZM13
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. – Brandon Kenon Rogers, 31, is facing student loan and grant fraud charges after defrauding the U.S. Department of Education of approximately $150,000 in a wire fraud scheme. Rogers is also charged with identity theft as a part of the scheme.
… According to the Department of Justice, Rogers used others’ identities and posed as them when applying for student loans and Pell Grants in their names. He also enrolled in local community colleges, including Grand Rapids Community College and Kalamazoo Valley Community College using those identities.

Change Ups: King Media earns first place standing
10/6/17  Grand Rapids Business Journal
President and founder of King Media, Coleen King, won first place in the PR News Agency Elite Awards in the category of Digital/Social. The agency received the award for work performed for Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant. In 2016, King Media planned a multichannel campaign to help Tabor Hill earn a spot in the USA Today 10Best American Winery Restaurant competition. King Media’s social media campaign enabled Tabor Hill Winery to climb from 16th place to fourth place, earning top 10 honors.
… Grand Rapids Community College recently graduated 11 people from its new training program for corrections officers.

U.S. Green Building Council Announces LEED Homes Award Winners
10/6/17  Coatings World
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced the recipients of its annual LEED Homes Awards, which recognizes projects, architects, developers and homebuilders who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and innovation in the residential green building marketplace.
… In 2016 Kent County’s Habitat for Humanity chapter built 15 homes earning LEED certification 10 receiving Gold and five Silver. To date, Habitat Kent has built 158 LEED-certified homes. On average, Habitat Kent’s LEED certified homes save homeowner’s $67.12 per month over an average Michigan home. Habitat Kent also partners with Grand Rapids Public School and Grand Rapids Community College to provide professional green construction experience to the next generation workforce.

GRCC In the News, 10-6-17

In brief
10/6/17  Herald Palladium
COLOMA An Illinois man was treated at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph, after accidentally shooting himself in the leg Wednesday at the Coloma Rod and Gun Club.
… Sheriff’s deputies complete training: Two Berrien County Sheriff’s deputies, Timothy Morris and Derrick Allred, graduated recently from the first Local Corrections Officer Academy at Grand Rapids Community College.

Five years of high school can net East Kentwood students a college degree
10/5/17  MLive
KENTWOOD, MI – Grand Rapids Community College is expected to sign an agreement Monday, Oct. 9, with Kentwood Public Schools for its sixth tuition-free Early/Middle College program.

MI bill targets loophole allowing felons into police academies
10/5/17  WoodTV.com
LANSING, Mich. (WOOD) Felons are being accepted into Michigan police academies and receiving weapons training because of a loophole, according to Republican Sen. Rick Jones of Grand Ledge.
… Former Flint officer Jermain Reese, who is now a professor of criminal justice at Grand Rapids Community College, says he fully supports the proposed change.