GRCC In the News, 3-3-15

New adviser to push skilled trades issues for Snyder

March 2, 2015; The Detroit News

Detroit Gov. Rick Snyder has tapped a veteran West Michigan public school superintendent to be his new senior education adviser focused on improving the state’s pipeline of skilled trades workers.

… As head of the Ottawa ISD, (Karen) McPhee has overseen a technical education program that partners with area schools, businesses and Grand Rapids Community College to help students find career pathways in the skilled trades, according to Snyder’s office.

Eagles rebound, take pair from Grand Rapids

March 3, 2015; WTXL

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 2, 2015) — The TCC Eagles sweep a doubleheader from Grand Rapids Community College, 7-3 in Game One and 16-2 in Game Two at Eagle Field on Monday.

Lady Pioneers take first two from Cleveland State

March 2, 2015; The Tennessean

GALLATIN — It wasn’t an ideal way to open the season for the Volunteer State Community College softball team, but Sunday’s doubleheader against visiting Cleveland State produced ideal results.

… Vol State was originally scheduled to play Grand Rapids (Mich.) Community College in a doubleheader on Sunday. It would have given the Lady Pioneers four games that day, but rain prevented that from happening. The first game which began shortly after 7 p.m. was stopped in the fourth inning after field conditions became unplayable, and the contest had not reached the point of being ruled official.

GRCC In the News, 11-11-14

GRCC partnering with school district to launch West Michigan’s third Middle College program

Nov. 10, 2014; MLive

CEDAR SPRINGS, MI — Cedar Springs Public Schools will be the third Kent County district to offer high school students the opportunity to graduate with both a diploma and a college degree through a new Middle College partnership with Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC).

Free meals, events in honor of Veterans Day

Nov. 10, 2014; WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Several restaurants are celebrating Veterans Day by offering a free meal to all veterans and active-duty military members on Tuesday.

… Grand Rapids Community College will be holding their first Veterans Day ceremony complete with a tree-lighting and the planting of 100 flags.

GRCC President Dr. Steven C. Ender will deliver a short speech during the ceremony, set for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday on the Dr. Juan R. Olivarez Student Plaza.

“This is the first time for this event at GRCC,” Ender said. “I’m proud and humbled to be a part of this new tribute to both the veterans who have been part of our 100 years in West Michigan and to the more than 300 veterans who are part of our campus community today.”

GRCC In the News, 10-9-14

One man on an ArtPrize mission

Oct. 9, 2014; rapidgrowthmedia.com

When the ArtPrize winners are announced this weekend, a few talented artists will go home thousands of dollars richer, and many of those involved with the Grand Rapids arts community will, we assume, go home and take a nap. But if he plays his cards right and if venues don’t close early, foiling his carefully laid plans — one local man will go home with the satisfaction of having quietly visited every single venue for the fourth year in a row.

… “Because of my love of architecture, I love being downtown. I spend a lot of time looking up at the buildings. Back when I grew up, downtown was just a part of me,” says (Bill) Terkeurst, who was born and raised in Grand Rapids, graduated from Creston High, and attended Grand Rapids Community College and Hope College before moving to the east side of the state to teach. He returned to West Michigan in the early 90s and is now a computer programmer with Hewlett Packard.

Grand Rapids-area colleges, universities release new campus crime statistics

Oct. 9, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – New federally mandated campus crime reports show just how often Grand Rapids-area college students get caught drinking, possessing drugs, and committing acts of sexual assault and robbery on campus.

(Article does not mention GRCC, but the sidebar includes a link to GRCC’s campus security reports.)

10-year, $15M Midtown Center block renovation finally complete

Oct. 9, 2014; The Holland Sentinel

Holland, Mich. — It took 10 years, about $15 million, the work of several organizations, donations, collaborations and so much more, but now the city of Holland’s Midtown block is complete and many say the renovation was a success.

… The building adjacent to Pine Avenue opened first. It now houses several small businesses and organizations in individual suites. Grand Rapids Community College has classes there. The old gym was renovated into a rental hall complete with a stage. The renovations meant opening the expansive windows to the room, allowing in a lot of natural light.

Seven graduate from Lakeshore Medical Assistant program

Congratulations to our graduates of GRCC’s Lakeshore Medical Assistant program! Six out of seven of the students already have job offers and are in the process of being hired! The seventh is currently in the interview process (second interview!).

The class met three evenings a week and started September 2013. They met at the Midtown Center in Holland and were the first class offered as a part-time program.

Great work by all the students and instructors!

 

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GRCC signs up new students at Allegan Tech Center

Once again GRCC staff (Angela Long (Admissions & Enrollment/Counseling), Angela Salinas (Admissions & Enrollment Center) and Miguel Espinoza (Lakeshore Campus) ventured out into the community and to represent the College on Thursday May 8 at the Allegan Tech Center Decision Day event. This was an opportunity to help graduating seniors sign up for Orientation and prepare for Fall start at GRCC as well as answer questions for juniors. The GRCC table was a fun place to be as we debuted our new prize wheel (spin the wheel, answer a question, get a piece of candy!) as well as interest card drawings for GRCC t-shirts. There were nearly 500 students from Allegan County high schools in attendance at the event. Future students were able to get helpful information and materials and get their questions answered about GRCC!

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Raider Salute to Evan Macklin, Campus Activities Board, Danielle Nyland

A HUGE recognition to Evan Macklin, Campus Activities Board and Danielle Nyland for making it possible for the Lakeshore Campus to host its first ever Finals Relaxer Week! Evan and the CAB funded the food and T-shirts, but if it were not for the logistical efforts of Danielle Nyland, this would not have been feasible at all of our locations. The comments received from students and faculty have been nothing but positive. Thank you for making this happen!

GRCC In the News, 3-17-14

Change Ups: GRCC professor earns state coalition award

March 15, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Grand Rapids Community College wellness professor Melanie Schiele-Gady has earned the Faculty-Staff Community Service Learning Award from Michigan Campus Compact, a coalition of college and university presidents who are committed to fulfilling the public purpose of higher education. The biennial award goes to those who have made the most outstanding contributions to service learning and community service. Students in Schiele-Gady’s wellness classes work with elementary schools in the Grand Rapids district on a healthy living curriculum.

Michigan’s Best Doughnut contest: Apple fritters at Meyers’ Bakery in Lake Odessa not to be missed

March 15, 2014; MLive

LANSING — Meyers Hometown Bakery and Beanery finished a close second in mid-Michigan’s Best Doughnut poll and has become a staple in the small town in Ionia County.

… (Jeff) Meyers has always had an eye on cooking and baking. After graduating from high school, he attended the culinary arts program at Grand Rapids Community College before taking his first food service job.

Ottawa County Administrator Al Vanderberg appointed to state council

March 15, 2014; The Holland Sentinel

Holland, Mich. — Ottawa County Administrator Al Vanderberg will become a member of the Michigan Municipal Services Authority and its executive committee, Gov. Rick Snyder announced Thursday.

… Vanderberg also serves as adjunct faculty at Grand Valley State University and Grand Rapids Community College and as the chairman of the board of directors of the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council. He has a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Michigan and a master’s of public administration in urban administration from Michigan State University.

Families chicken dance and more during LaughFest adventure challenge race

March 16, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — If you saw folks running around downtown acting strange on Sunday, fear not. It was all in good fun.

… The event began and finished at the Grand Rapids Community College Ford Fieldhouse. It ran noon to 4 p.m.

GRCC In the News, 6-26-13

Kent Resource Center provides support, services to improve quality of child care, preschool

June 25,, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Kent County parents and child care providers have a local resource in the Great Start to Quality Kent Resource Center to offer free support and services to improve the quality of child care and preschool in the area.

… For example, in May, the center offered a workshop to introduce child care directors and caregivers to Michigan’s Early Childhood Standards in partnership with Grand Rapids Community College. The next session is, “How can I use this?”

GRCC partnering with Wayne State University for two-day course on electric vehicles

June 25, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A two-day course on electric and battery-powered vehicles is taking place at Grand Rapids Community Colleges Lakeshore Campus next month.

Downtown Market announces roster of free cooking demonstrations by local chefs

June 25, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Home chefs and would-be chefs can hone their skills this summer as the new Downtown Market features Chefs At The Market, a weekly event in which popular local chefs offer free, weekly cooking demonstrations.

… July 27: Chef Aaron from Bistro Bella Vita shares the philosophy of sustainability in the kitchen.

… August 17 : Chef Jenna Arcidiacono of Amore Trattoria whisk you away on an Italian culinary adventure, right at the Market!

(Article doesn’t mention it, but Aaron VanTimmeren and Jenna Arcidiacono are GRCC graduates.)

2013 GRAHEN Outstanding Adult Learner Award Ceremony

On April 10, 2103, Grand Rapids Area Higher Education Network hosted the 13th annual Outstanding Adult Learner Award ceremony and reception celebrating the accomplishments and achievements of adult and nontraditional students at colleges and universities throughout the Grand Rapids area. There were 11 award recipients from the 11 member schools of GRAHEN. These students have the extraordinary ability and determination to successfully balance jobs, classes, families, and community involvement. A winner from each school is selected with the help of nominations from faculty and staff.

The 2013 OAL award recipient from Grand Rapids Community College is Paul Drenth.

GRCCwinnerGRAHENOAL2013Paul Drenth has made himself into a successful adult learner in a short amount of time. He has remained focused on his goal of securing a highly coveted spot in the Ferris State University Doctor of Pharmacy program, which he achieved and will undertake this upcoming fall. After enduring the effects of the automotive industry’s downsizing measures, Paul made the bold decision to return to school and begin a new journey in life which ultimately resulted in a great personal and academic achievement. His commitment to his family strongly motivated him to accomplish his goals.

Paul has remained connected and involved in the community throughout his busy time as a student at GRCC. He gives back to the community by participating in Habitat for Humanity endeavors, volunteering his electrical expertise for his fellow church members, assisting with youth sports and career days as well as supporting the Multiple Sclerosis Society charity through fund raising and care of those with the disease.

Paul’s hard work in his classes has earned him all A’s for the past 11 semesters at GRCC. Peers often look to Paul for academic support and guidance and follow his example in the classroom. One of Paul’s professors, Dr. Jennifer Batten, commented that Paul “is easily in the top 5 percent of all the students that I have taught at GRCC.”

This year also brought additional pride to GRCC as one of our own staff members won the Outstanding Adult Learner Award as well.

GRCCstaffOALwinnerMiguel Espinoza, who works at GRCC’s Lakeshore Campus in Holland, is in the Master of Social Work graduate program at Western Michigan University-Grand Rapids. He has worked hard to maintain a high grade-point average in this program, while remained devoted to community involvement and certainly his commitment to excellent customer service and student support at GRCC. “Miguel feels that through social work he will best be able to utilize his bilingual and bicultural skills assisting those who most need the help, empowering them to bring out their creative talents to live truly meaningful lives, while making a positive impact and contribution to society.”

Congratulations, Paul and Miguel!