GRCC In the News, 4-28-15

President Obama turns down invitation to speak at GRCC graduation ceremony

April 28, 2015; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Administrators at Grand Rapids Community College aimed big for the school’s spring commencement ceremony when they asked President Barack Obama to deliver the keynote address.

Caring for a loved one? You’re not alone.

April 24, 2015; WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — You never know when you might have to become a loved one’s primary caregiver. It can happen gradually over the years, or with a single diagnosis or accident.

… “Its sort of a win-win-win,” explains Mike Faber of the GRCC Older Learner Center. “It was a win for the providers who have resources, for the caregivers in need, and for the community as a whole.”

Glen Oaks softball team drops weekend doubleheaders

April 27, 2015; Three Rivers Commercial-News

CENTREVILLE — The Glen Oaks Community College women’s softball team dropped two doubleheaders over the weekend.
Tom Muckel’s Lady Vikings were swept at home on Saturday by Jackson Community College 10-4 in eight innings and 18-5 and dropped two games on Friday at Grand Rapids Community College 10-1 and 10-2.

Muskegon Community College recap: Kyle Lawson ups pitching record to 8-1

April 27, 2015; MLive

MUSKEGON, MI — Kyle Lawson is showing no signs of slowing down.

The sophomore right-hander for the Muskegon Community College baseball team raised his record to 8-1 on the season with last week’s 7-0 shutout against Grand Rapids Community College.

Volleyball adds two student-athletes for 2015

April 27, 2015; The Official Website of Indy Athletics

INDIANAPOLIS — Head Coach Jason Reed and the UIndy volleyball staff has added a pair of student-athletes for the upcoming season. Shelby Ruffner (Chesterton, Ind./Grand Rapids Community College) and Lauren Koopman (Floyds Knobs, Ind./Floyd Central) will be Greyhounds for the 2015 campaign.

GRCC In the News, 3-12-15

Senior Wellness: Sharing Life Stories

March 10, 2015; WZZM

(Video of Mike Faber, of the Older Learner Center, on the “Senior Wellness” segment.)

Downtown planners will pay for bricks to rebuild historic State Street

March 11, 2015; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A project to rebuild a historic stretch of State Street SE will include brick pavement after all.

… The delay also means the State Street project and a related project to repave Bostwick Avenue NE on the campus of Grand Rapids Community College won’t get done this spring, said Assistant City Engineer Rick DeVries.

Murphy promoted to deputy chief for East Lansing Police

March 11, 2015; The Lansing State Journal

EAST LANSING — When Jeff Murphy started with the East Lansing Police Department 28 years ago, his highest aspiration was sergeant.

… Murphy hired on with East Lansing as a police officer in February 1987 after graduating from the Grand Rapids Community College Police Academy. Police jobs were scarce at the time, and so Murphy figured he would go with whoever hired him and eventually work his way back to his home town.

Hebert throws no-hitter for NWF

March 11, 2015; The Daily Iberian (New Iberia, La.)

Former Loreauville High standout pitcher Evan Hebert threw a no-hitter for the Northwest Florida State College this past Thursday in a 12-0 win over Grand Rapids Community College.

GRCC In the News, 2-26-15

MEDC approves $50 million grant to Michigan community colleges

Feb. 25, 2015; mibiz.com

The state of Michigan recently approved a grant to aid community colleges in purchasing equipment and training for students studying skilled trades. Approximately $14.3 million of the states $50 million grant program, coined the Community College Skilled Trades Equipment Program (CCSTEP), was distributed to institutions in West Michigan.

Grand Rapids Community College, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Kellogg Community College, Montcalm Community College, Muskegon Community College and West Shore Community College were among the recipients of the grant.

Senior Wellness: Lifelong Learning

Feb. 24, 2015; WZZM

(Mike Faber, of the Older Learner Center, was featured on this segment.)

Effort aims to boost number of college-bound GRPS grads

Feb. 25, 2015; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WZZM) – A wide variety of educational and career groups have come together to help more GRPS students attend college.

… College students shared their experiences about the transition from high school. Isaiah Townsend, a 2014 Ottawa Hills High School grad now attending GRCC, described how he was scared of failing. He said he benefited from mentors who convinced him college was for him.

Meijer Scholar Athlete, Chase Huntey

Feb. 26, 2015; WZZM

This week’s Meijer Scholar Athlete is Chase Huntey, a senior from Morley Stanwood High School, with a 3.96 GPA. Huntey, has been named All-Conference twice, in football, baseball and basketball. His future is on the diamond, where he’ll play and go to Grand Rapids Community College.

Chipola baseball hosts five-game stand this weekend

Feb. 25, 2015; Jackson County Floridan

The Chipola baseball team kicks off a five-game homestand on Friday at 11 a.m. vs. Grand Rapids Community College.

100 Ways to Give: school supplies needed for ABO students

The Bob and Aleicia Woodrick Diversity Learning Center, Office of Equity Affairs and the Older Learner Center are collaborating on a #100WaystoGive project to collect items for students in Alpha Beta Omega. You can see a list of needed items in the flier 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.

View this document on Scribd

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.

How is your heart?

If you experience chest discomfort, shortness of breath, discomfort in other areas of your upper body, a cold sweat, nausea, or become light-headed you could be having a heart attack. Call 911!

Stroke Warning Signs: Is one side of your face drooping? Is one arm weak or numb? Is your speech slurred and/or is it
difficult to speak? Call 911!

If you see someone unresponsive, unconscious, not breathing and with no pulse they could be having a cardiac arrest. Call 911 and start CPR.
How to Prevent Heart Disease
1. Do not smoke or use tobacco
2. Exercise 30 minutes each day following American College of Sports Medicine Physical Activity Guidelines
3. Eat a heart healthy diet
4. Maintain a healthy weight
5. Get enough quality sleep
6. Know your health numbers (blood pressure screening, cholesterol screening, diabetes screening, body composition, body
mass index, waist circumference)
7. Control Stress and be “well” in all the wellness dimensions (social, spiritual, intellectual, occupational, physical, emotional)
What is Your Risk: Take a Quiz from American Heart Association

FACTS:
-About one in three American kids is overweight and/or obese according to the American Heart Association. Many of those children
struggle with high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and elevated blood cholesterol levels. In addition, excess weight at a young age
has been linked to earlier death rates in adulthood.
-One in three women die of heart disease or stroke, according to the American Heart Association. Education and lifestyle changes,
however, can prevent 80 percent of cardiac events.
-About 600,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year–that’s 1 in every 4 deaths.
-Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. More than half of the deaths due to heart disease in 2009 were
in men.
-Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease, killing nearly 380,000 people annually.
-Every year about 720,000 Americans have a heart attack. Of these, 515,000 are a first heart attack and 205,000 happen in people
who have already had a heart attack.
-Coronary artery disease (heart disease) alone costs the United States $108.9 billion each year. This total includes the cost of health
care services, medications, and lost productivity. (Centers of Disease Control)

Heart Health is a team effort to support a healthy community, consisting of the GRCC exercise science department, nursing department, exercise science club, staff development, older learner center, athletic department, biological sciences department, and the exercise is medicine team.

 

 

100 Ways to Give: Equity Affairs, Diversity Learning, Older Learner centers team up to help ABO students

The Bob and Aleicia Woodrick Diversity Learning Center, Office of Equity Affairs and the Older Learner Center are collaborating on a #100WaystoGive project to collect items for students in Alpha Beta Omega. You can see a list of needed items in the flier 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.

View this document on Scribd

GRCC In the News, 12-17-14

After 57 years on the job, 83-year-old ‘Swiss’ Imfeld retires from the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

Dec. 16, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — After 57 years behind the scenes at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and its predecessor, the Pantlind Hotel, Franz Swiss Imfeld stood front and center as his colleagues celebrated his career and retirement on Tuesday, Dec. 16.

… Tuesday’s reception in the hotel’s Imperial Ball Room included Swiss-themed dishes and desserts prepared by culinary students at Grand Rapids Community College, where two scholarships are awarded to second-year culinary every year in Imfeld’s name.

Senior Wellness: Increasing Longevity

Dec. 16, 2014; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WZZM)– Everyone wants to live a nice, long, healthy life. There are some habits that contribute to that. Mike Faber from the Grand Rapids Community College Older Learning Center stopped by the WZZM13 studio to discuss longevity.

Quarterback Casey Therriault thrives in Germany as he leaves his past conviction behind

Dec. 16, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Casey Therriault accepts that his football career — and his life, really — will be judged differently because of a 2009 involuntary manslaughter conviction, but he continues to move forward and succeed as a professional quarterback.

… At 6-foot-3, 210 pounds and a football background that also includes college success at Grand Rapids Community College, Jackson State and then a stop in the Canadian Football League, 25-year-old Therriault would seem worthy of at least a look in an NFL camp.

College notebook: Locals playing MIAA hoops

Dec. 16, 2014; The Battle Creek Enquirer

The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association is the nation’s oldest college conference, with teams annually tapping into local pipelines to keep the league’s talent pool strong.

… The Bruins’ Dec. 18 contest at Marygrove College J.V. has been canceled, with their next game set for Jan. 5 at Grand Rapids CC.

GRCC In the News, 12-3-14

Wolverine Worldwide outfitting GRPS construction students again with gear to work in frigid temps

Dec. 2, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Grand Rapids Public Schools’ Academy of Design and Construction students working out in the elements on Habitat for Humanity homes have been provided with gear to work in cold weather.

… The Academy of Design and Construction is located on the district’s Innovation Central High School campus, 421 Fountain St. NE, with three other career-oriented, public-private partnership programs. Major district partners include: Rockford Construction, Triangle Associates, Christman, Progressive AE, Michigan State University, Ferris State University and Grand Rapids Community College.

Behind the Kitchen Door…with Chef Adam Watts

Dec. 2, 2014; MLive

From cycling to communications to culinary adventures, Chef Adam Watts took a roundabout path to the restaurant kitchen.

… Culinary education: Culinary Arts degree from Grand Rapids Community College’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education, with hopes of (someday) completing a bachelor’s degree in Culinary Management.

Senior Wellness: Caring for the caregiver

Dec. 2, 2014; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WZZM)– As people age, it can become harder to let go of independence and accept help.

Mike Faber from the Grand Rapids Community College’s Older Learning Center shares how people can help a spouse or loved one who is resistant to care.

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, 11-4-14

Encore U: It’s Never Too Late To Go To College

Nov. 3, 2014; Forbes

Here is a figure that may stun you: The number of Americans who are 55 and older will grow to 112 million by 2030, according to the United States Census Bureau. That is an increase from 76 million today. Viewed another way, the population of Americans age 55 and older will double in the next 25 years.

… Here are a few examples of Encore U campuses and how they are helping to prepare older adults for new careers:

… Grand Rapids Community College: This campus has created an Older Learner Center to meet the educational needs of older men and women in its community through public events and training programs. For example, they provide health education programming that is funded by the Kent County Senior Millage. These services benefit local residents age 60 and over.

Student Describes Experiences, Obstacles of Living in Poverty

Nov. 4, 2014; schoolnewsnetwork.org

Godfrey Lee Public Schools, MI — Lee High School senior Jordan Lovett headed to cross-country practice after her final class of the day.

… The dual enrollment English course offered at Lee through a partnership with Grand Rapids Community College means Jordan already will have three credits under her belt when she graduates. She plans to soon begin applying for grants and scholarships, with help from high school staff members.

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, 9-24-14

Watch Jimmy Carter discuss Gerald R. Ford, U.S. being ‘constantly at war,’ bombing ISIS

Sept. 23, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Former President Jimmy Carter spoke to a packed house Monday at Grand Rapids Community College, touching on topics ranging from his relationship with Gerald R. Ford, women’s rights and U.S. military intervention in Iraq.

Julie Bulson preaches emergency preparedness

Sept. 23, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

At Spectrum Health, Julie Bulson brings a host of insights and leadership governance gathered during her 30 years in health care, 20 of which are in emergency preparedness.

… Bulson has co-authored several professional articles and teaches senior-level nursing students as a guest lecturer at Grand Rapids Community College and Grand Valley State University’s Kirkhof College of Nursing.

Exercise for older adults

Sept. 23, 2014; WZZM

Regular exercise can make a big difference in the quality of life as we get older. Mike Faber from the Older Learner Center at Grand Rapids Community College visited the WZZM13 News at Noon to share ways to stay active during aging.

Howell’s Samples has first Cleary ace

Sept. 23, 2014; Livingston Daily

SOUTHFIELD — Hogan Samples hit the first hole-in-one in the history of Cleary University golf on Tuesday as the Cougars finished fourth at the Lawrence Tech Invitational.

… The Cougars finished fourth overall out of the 14 teams competing. Grand Rapids Community College and Wayne State tied for first at 608, followed by Mott Community College (612) and Cleary (615).

GRCC In the News, 9-22-14

Former president visits Grand Rapids this week

Sept. 21, 2014; Michigan Radio

Former President Jimmy Carter will be in Grand Rapids on Monday.

President Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter are scheduled to appear at Grand Rapids Community College as part of the school’s diversity lecture series.

GRCC Older Learning Center hosting events in honor of college’s 100th anniversary

Sept. 19, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community Colleges Older Learning Center, which is dedicated to providing outreach and educational opportunities for the region’s elderly residents, is celebrating the institution’s 100th anniversary with two free discussions.

Inside Track: Judo inspires Grand Rapids lawyer in and out of court

Sept. 19, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Whether he’s defending a client inside a courtroom or slamming an opponent on a judo mat, one thing about Eric Richards remains consistent.

… At Grand Rapids Junior College — now Grand Rapids Community College — Richards said he began applying himself after finding wonderful professors who inspired him to study history. He eventually went on to study history at Michigan State University, but found that, like many students are finding today, jobs for someone with his major just weren’t there.

Grand Rapids area mayors team with volunteers in Grand River Cleanup

Sept. 20, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Area mayors and hundreds of volunteers took to the Grand River as part of the annual Mayors’ Grand River Cleanup.

(Article doesn’t mention GRCC, but the photos show A.J. Helmus, Mario Rivera, Hana Christoffersen and other GRCC Biodiversity Club members.)

Expungement Workshop in Grand Rapids

Sept. 19, 2014; FOX 17

As part of the United Way’s annual Day of Caring, Jubilee Jobs teamed up with Cooley Law School and others to hold an Expungement Workshop.

(The segment doesn’t mention it, but GRCC participated in the event.)

Editorial: Press endorses Debra Bailey and Mike Paskewicz, the 2 best candidates for GRCC Board

Sept. 21, 2014; MLive

Four candidates are vying for two, six-year seats on the seven-member Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees in the Nov. 4 election. The best candidates to help guide the college are Debra Bailey and Mike Paskewicz.

 

GRCC In the News, 8-29-14

GRCC showcases $41 million in campus renovations completed over past two years

Aug. 28, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Students returning to Grand Rapids Community College this week saw plenty of changes around campus, after a series of summer projects renovated classrooms, updated lab equipment, and added new windows and fire suppression systems.

President Carter, Gov. Snyder to speak in Detroit

Aug. 28, 2014; KTAR

DETROIT (AP) — Former President Jimmy Carter and Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder will speak at an Islamic conference in Detroit this week.

… The 89-year-old Carter is set to visit Michigan again on Sept. 22 as part of Grand Rapids Community College’s Diversity Lecture Series.

See these ‘incredible toys’ at Grand Rapids’ first Maker Faire at Grand Rapids Public Museum

Aug. 28, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI The Geek Group calls the “World’s Largest Newton’s Cradle,” and at a glance, it’s hard to disagree.

… The Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire, sponsored by Grand Rapids Community College and the Grand Rapids Public Museum, will be a smaller, community-focused event.

First apples of season donated to Food Bank

Aug. 28, 2014; therapidian.org

Instead of throwing a party, Riveridge Produce Marketing, a West Michigan apple grower, packer and sales company, decided to celebrate their 25th anniversary by feeding the hungry. On Wednesday morning, they invited volunteers from Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank to their orchard in Conklin to pick nearly 600 pounds of Ginger Gold apples for local families in need.

… Lannie Collard was among the volunteers at the orchard. An instructor at Grand Rapids Community College, she brought a group from her grandparent/grandchild program to help.