Category Archives: President's Office

GRCC In the News, 1-12-15

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GRCC president says Obama’s free community college proposal a ‘great thing for this country’

Jan. 10, 2015; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College President Steven Ender said a proposal that would make the nation’s two-year colleges tuition free would be “a great thing for this country,” and would help build the educated and skilled workforce West Michigan needs to thrive.

GRCC’s new head of workforce development: Our primary focus is let’s get you into work

Jan. 9, 2015; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The new head of Grand Rapids Community College’s School of Workforce Development says he wants to forge relationships with businesses and provide the relevant training students and displaced workers need to land a good paying job.

Change Ups: Dickinson recognized for improving naval leadership

Dec. 26, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… EDUCATION

… Grand Rapids Community College announced a third of the 80 students graduating in December from its Job Training program have secured employment.

… GRANTS

Aquinas College, Grand Rapids Community College and Grand Valley State University announced they will share a $65,000 grant from Grand Rapids Community Foundation to create and support a two-year Engaged Departments Initiative.

Change Ups: ECCU raises money to benefit Wounded Warriors

Jan. 2, 2015; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… EDUCATION

Grand Rapids Community College, with funding help from JP Morgan Chase & Co., now offers an industrial sewing course that costs students $35. The classes are in response to increased workforce demands. Steepletown Neighborhood Services and Blue Marble Threads provided machines and helped develop the curriculum.

Grand Rapids could drop elective classes required for alternative education students to graduate

Jan. 8, 2015; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Public Schools is reviewing a plan to drop electives from the required course load for alternative education students to keep them in the district and expedite graduation.

… GRPS has a total of 186 alternative students, according to the most recent numbers, in four programs: Grand Rapids Learning Center@Grand Rapids Community College, Southeast Career Pathways, Bethany Christian Services and Kent County Correctional Facility. School leaders say alternative students have been leaving to go to other programs such as in Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, where they are not saddled with electives.

Snow, ice lead to crashes around Michigan; many schools shut

Jan. 9, 2015; Oakland Press

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) — Snow and ice-covered roads are blamed for numerous crashes around Michigan and many schools across the state are closed.

… Grand Valley State University and Grand Rapids Community College also closed.

Inside Track: Webster whips up ingredients for successful business

Jan. 9, 2015; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Business owner, foster mom and baker extraordinaire Katie Webster adds a sweet creative flair to the Holland community.

Webster’s passion for the culinary arts began at a young age, and after attending Grand Rapids Community College’s culinary school, she discovered she didn’t want to hide in the kitchen. For Webster, owner of Second Floor Bakery in Holland, it is the pairing of food and the emotions that food brings out in people that are important.

Behind the Kitchen Door…with Bar Divani Executive Chef Baird

Dec. 28, 2014; MLive

Inspired to pursue the culinary arts by Jack Tripper from the late 1970s, early 1980s TV show “Three’s Company,” Jeff Baird began his training in high school before completing the culinary arts program at Grand Rapids Community College. His favorite restaurant is Fricano’s, which should come as no surprise since he is a Grand Haven native. When he’s not maintaining a “positive attitude” in the kitchen as the executive chef at Bar Divani, Baird is blowing off steam playing guitar with punk band The Bitters. This chef is “hardcore” when it comes to food and music.

Rockford welcomes new police officers

Jan. 5, 2015; MLive

The city of Rockford is beginning 2015 with four new additions to its Police Department.

… William Burnett and Braden Myers were hired after graduating from the Police Academy program at Grand Rapids Community College earlier last year. Tyler Glass graduated from the police program at Ferris State University and was hired in August, Jones said.

The curious story of Jenison’s Gus Penning, whose football dream led to a spot on Baylor’s team

Jan. 1, 2015; MLive

DALLAS — Baylor tight end Gus Penning has the sort of story that will get every current or recently finished high school football player’s heart beating faster.

… So Penning, whose only camp exposure was at Purdue one summer, decided to play football at Grand Rapids Community College in 2011 and redshirted that first season with the program.

Area high school grads making an impact on college sports scene

Jan. 11, 2015; MLive

The fall season has come to an end and the winter season is well underway for local college athletes. Following is a look at some area high school graduates who have been making news both in the fall and winter seasons on the collegiate level.

… A pair of former Rockford basketball players are playing key roles for the Grand Rapids Community College women’s basketball team. Sophomore forward Sara Karamol is averaging a double-double for the Raiders with 12 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. Karamol is also shooting 50.8% from the field and adding 3.6 assists per game. Karamol scored a season-high 15 points in two different games this season and also pulled down 17 rebounds in two other games. Sophomore point guard Andrea Straw leads the Raiders in assists with 5.7 per game and is adding 1.1 steals. Straw is averaging 10.9 points per game, is shooting 48.5% from the field, and is averaging 4 rebounds per game.

… The Grand Rapids Community College men’s basketball team is getting a strong effort from freshman forward Kevin Brower. Brower is averaging 9.3 points per game, along with 9 rebounds and 1.5 assists. Brower is shooting 46.3% from the field.

College notes: Emily Spencer caps volleyball career with second Player of Year award at IPFW

Dec. 25, 2014; MLive

… DeMarkus Stuckey, Grand Rapids Community College: Stuckey, a sophomore guard, has been on fire this season. He score 24 points in a win over Schoolcraft CC on Dec. 17 and is averaging 23.4 points per game. Stuckey (GR Catholic Central) had a season-high 39 points on 17-of-32 shooting against Alma College JV on Nov. 24.

… Andrea Straw, Grand Rapids Community College: Straw had a season-high 28 points and 11 assists in an 86-78 loss to Davenport JV on Dec. 10. Straw (Rockford) is averaging 10.9 points and 5.7 assists for the Raiders.

Grand Valley State volleyball player heads to Rose Parade after penning essay about losing starting job

Dec. 26, 2014; MLive

ALLENDALE, MI — The disappointment Grand Valley State’s Clair Ruhenkamp felt after she lost her starting job on the Lakers volleyball team has ultimately turned into a positive for her this holiday season.

… But in her junior season, Kaitlyn Wolters, a transfer from Grand Rapids Community College, came in and eventually won the starting job. It’s the routine competition of sports, but it was a new challenge for Ruhenkamp.

GRCC In the News, 12-22-14

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State’s focus on workforce development plays to GRCC’s strengths, president says

Dec. 21, 2014; mibiz.com

As companies across the country and in West Michigan pay close attention to talent issues, they’ve largely looked to community colleges as the go-to source for skilled workers. However, attracting students to technical training programs and sourcing funding for those programs continue to be issues for those schools. During his tenure, Grand Rapids Community College President Steven Ender has worked to grow the college’s programs and curriculum to meet the needs of employers in West Michigan. He spoke with MiBiz about the role community colleges will play in training workers in the coming year.

Change Ups: Volunteer inspires Dégagé patrons

Dec. 19, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… EDUCATION

… Grand Rapids Community College announced Laurie Chesley will step into the role of provost. She was formerly dean of GRCC’s School of Arts and Sciences. GRCC’s provost-executive vice president for academic and student affairs reports directly to the president and serves as the chief academic officer, with major responsibilities for strategic planning and guiding all aspects of teaching and learning.
Veteran coach David Selmon is interim head coach of Grand Rapids Community College’s men’s basketball team following the departure of T.J. Carnegie, who accepted an out-of-state job opportunity.

Construction Workforce Development Alliance key to developing skilled trades talent, Wickstrom says

Dec. 21, 2014; mibiz.com

As the president of Ada-based Erhardt Construction Co., Ben Wickstrom wants to attract people not only to his firm, but also to the larger construction industry. Wickstrom was one the founding members of the Construction Workforce Development Alliance (CWDA), a group consisting of three local trade associations. He spoke with MiBiz about how the group aims to create a pipeline of workers.

… “We formed this partnership to address the common, shared focus of attracting new people to the construction industry and developing and maintaining a training system to train people currently in the industry and the new people coming in. We formed a partnership with Grand Rapids Community College. They are a supporting member of the CWDA. Michigan Works! is a also a supporting member of the CWDA.”

MSU fan Gus Penning goes from Grand Rapids CC to Baylor TE

Dec. 20, 2014; The Detroit Free Press

Gus Penning contributed to the roar that swept through Spartan Stadium late on the night of Oct. 22, 2011, after Michigan State receiver Keith Nichol grabbed a Hail Mary pass from Kirk Cousins and muscled past the goal line to beat Wisconsin at the buzzer.

… He was a freshman tight end at Grand Rapids Community College at the time, unrecruited out of Jenison High but determined to make a player out of himself. On Jan. 1 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, he’ll line up for No. 4 Baylor (11-1) against his former favorite football program, and he’ll try to help the Bears beat the No. 7 Spartans (10-2) in the Cotton Bowl.

GRCC In the News, 12-16-14

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Business Journal names Newsmaker nominees

Dec. 11, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

The more, the merrier, right?

The Grand Rapids Business Journal has expanded its Newsmakers of the Year awards for 2014, adding several new categories that reflect continued economic expansion.

… Education

John Dunn, Western Michigan University

Steven Ender, Grand Rapids Community College

Richard Pappas, Davenport University

GRCC names provost

Dec. 15, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

The new provost at Grand Rapids Community College is an experienced administrator and educator.

Inside Track: His vision for the theater is to be part of the change

Dec. 12, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

In November, Kyle Los joined Actors Theatre as managing director.

… (Fred) Sebulske, who was a faculty member with the Grand Rapids Community College theater department, founded Actors Theatre in 1980. He was a strong leader with a clear vision, and Actors thrived under his tutelage, but by his retirement, funding had become a challenge and remains so today.

GRCC In the News, 10-14-14

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Man gets probation and suspended jail term for crash that killed Grandville High student, cousin

Oct. 13, 2014; MLive

MECOSTA COUNTY, MI — The driver in a crash that killed two cousins – a Grandville High School student and a Coopersville man – was sentenced to two years probation and a suspended jail term.

… Two passengers in his vehicle, Michael Aguilar, 22, of Coopersville, and Roman Aguilar-Emmons, 18, of Wyoming, were killed in the May 3 crash. Fuentes-Perdomo was seriously injured. The driver of the pickup truck, a 31-year-old Cedar Springs man, suffered injuries that were not life-threatening.

(This article does not mention it, but Roman Aguilar-Emmons had enrolled in GRCC’s Police Academy.)

Trayvon Martin’s mom to speak at West Michigan colleges to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy

Oct. 13, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Sybrina Fulton, the mother of Trayvon Martin – whose fatal shooting in 2012 sparked a nationwide debate and protests over racial profiling – will speak in January at programs celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids Community College and Davenport University.

Ask the Community College Presidents

Oct. 9, 2014; WGVU

(Video features President Ender, Robert Ferrentino of Montcalm Community College, and Dale Nesbary of Muskegon Community College.)

Changing lives, one ramp at a time

Oct. 13, 2014; WOOD 8

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich (WOOD) — Recently, a group of students from GRCC’s Tassell M-TEC Construction Trades teamed up with the pros at Home Repair Services to work on a very special project. Every year Home Repair Services teams up with the Grand Rapids Home Builders Association for Community Repair Days. They help to build wheelchair ramps for disabled and low income. For the students, it was a great chance to get out of the classroom and see what happens on a construction site. Home Repair Services tries to build 15 wheelchair ramps a year.

18th Annual GRAND RAPIDS GRAND AWARDS Are Announced

Oct. 14, 2014; broadwayworld.com

For performers and audiences alike, the name on everyone’s tongue this week is “The Grand Awards!”

… Community theatres presently participating in the Grand Awards are Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, Jewish Theatre, Actors’ Theatre, Circle Theatre, and Master Arts Theatre. Participating colleges include Grand Rapids Community College, Aquinas College, and Cornerstone University.

Meet the teacher: Kentwood Public Schools welcome 37 new teachers

Oct. 13, 2014; MLive

KENTWOOD, MI — With a little over a month at a new school under their belts, MLive and The Grand Rapids Press asked area school districts to share information about new staff members.

… Stacey Stankewicz, resource room teacher at Explorer Elementary School. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Aquinas College and a Master of Arts degree in special education from Ottawa University. Previously, she taught in London, England, and Grand Rapids Community College.

GR officials see development as next stop for bus rapid transit

Oct. 13, 2014; Crain’s Detroit Business

The first exploration of bus rapid transit in the Grand Rapids area is already halfway to its goal of 5,000 riders a day most weekdays. And although nothing is shovel-ready yet, city officials think developers are starting to get interested in investing along the corridor of the new bus line.

… “We are hearing that we have a lot of Grand Rapids Community College students and a lot of people who are working on Medical Mile, especially Spectrum Health employees,” (Jennifer) Kalczuk said.

 

West Catholic High School to honor duo with GRCC ties

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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.

GRCC In the News, 9-8-14

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Guest column: GRCC is here to stay as it reaches its 100th birthday, president says

Sept. 6, 2014; MLive

Grand Rapids Community College is marking a momentous occasion this fall: its 100th birthday! As president, it is an honor and humbling to serve at the helm of the college during this amazing milestone. Founded in 1914 as Grand Rapids Junior College, there were 49 students enrolled. This past year, GRCC served more than 33,000 students.

(Guest column by President Ender.)

Change Ups: Cooley Law student earns Great Deeds Award

Sept. 5, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… EDUCATION

… Grand Rapids Community College has announced the recipients of its 2014 Excellence in Education Awards: Faculty Award, Tom Neils, chemistry professor in the physical sciences department; Adjunct Award: Mary Beth O’Rourke, adjunct instructor, physical sciences department; and Staff Award, Mary Kay Bethune, customer service manager in the financial aid office.

Recession’s End ‘A Bad Thing’ for GRCC

Sept. 5, 2014; WOOD Radio

While the big Universities report enrollment increases this year, the Community Colleges are losing students.

GRCC says that’s because the Recession is over, more people have secure jobs, and no longer need re-training.

Men’s Cross Country to Race in Titan Invitational

Sept. 5, 2014; EMU Eagles (Eastern Michigan University athletics department website)

YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — Eastern Michigan University’s men’s cross country team is set to run in its second meet of the 2014 campaign after opening up the season with a win at the Toledo Home Opener, Aug. 29. This week, the Green and White will stay close to home to compete in the 28th Annual Running Fit-Detroit Titan Cross Country Invitational, Sept. 6 in Northville, Mich.

… Fifteen teams will headline the men’s race, including: Bucknell, Concordia, Detroit, EMU, Grand Rapids Community College, Lawrence Tech, Macomb Community College, Madonna, Marygrove, Michigan-Dearborn, Northwood, Oakland, Rochester, Schoolcraft, and Wayne State. Last year, Martin Nelkie won the overall title in 20:44 and led the Titans to a team victory with 37 points. Nelkie has since graduated, but Detroit returns eight runners from last season’s roster.

GRCC In the News, 8-22-14

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GRCC president reflects on highlights, challenges as new school year approaches

Aug. 21, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – President Steven Ender highlighted the accomplishments and challenges facing Grand Rapids Community College as students, faculty and staff ready for a new school year and a series of events marking the institution’s 100th anniversary.

Jimmy Carter visits downtown

Aug. 21, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Former President Jimmy Carter is visiting downtown Grand Rapids for a lecture and book signing.

The 39th president and his wife, Rosalynn, will visit on Sept. 22 as part of Grand Rapids Community College’s Diversity Lecture Series. It’s the 20th anniversary of the series and the college’s 100th anniversary.

Better Bites: Corn Chowder

Aug. 20, 2014; WZZM

(Video features Mark Kingshott, a SICE alumnus.)

Grand Rapids Football Tour: East Kentwood coach Tony Kimbrough vows to end revolving door

Aug. 21, 2014; MLive

EAST KENTWOOD, MI — East Kentwood coach Tony Kimbrough knows what’s more important than success for the Falcons.

… “I made a promise to these kids that no matter what happens, I’m here for the long haul,” he said. “I’ve coached at several places (including two years at Western Michigan and three years at Grand Rapids Community College) so I’ve been at the top of the coaching platform.”

 

GRCC In the News, 5-28-14

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How GRCC’s Board of Trustees rated President Steve Enders performance

May 27, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College President Steven Ender is a highly effective leader, and is helping the school accomplish goals ranging from student satisfaction to improving transfer rates to four-year schools.

Grand Rapids Community Foundations Challenge Scholars & Partners

May 27, 2014; WOOD TV

The Challenge Scholars Program relies on partnerships to help students achieve their dreams.

… College partners like Aquinas College, Ferris State University, Grand Rapids Community College, and Grand Valley State University have provided scholarship packages to our Challenge Scholars.

Davenport’s EJ Grochowalski named Capital One Academic All-America of the Year

May 27, 2014; MLive

YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — Davenport baseball graduate EJ Grochowalski had well understood the balance between the academics and athletics during his senior year, and for that the College Sports Information Directors of America selected the first baseman its Capital One Academic All-America of the Year award Tuesday. The 11-man Capital One All-America College Division Baseball First Team is comprised of student-athletes from the NAIA, Canadian and two-year institutions and must own a 3.85 grade-point average.

Grochowalski, who transferred to Davenport from Grand Rapids Community College before the start of the 2013 season, graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA in finance last month.

Watts to pilot John Glenn cagers

May 28, 2014; Observer & Eccentric (Farmington Hills)

Rod Watts established a winning track record during his seven seasons as boys basketball coach at Lansing Eastern and hopes parlay that same success at Westland John Glenn.

… Watts is a graduate of Lansing Waverly H.S. and played football at Grand Rapids Community College before a knee injury cut short his playing career.

GRCC In the News, 5-20-14

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New Presidents or Provosts: Aquinas College (Mich.), College of Charleston, CC of Philadelphia, Humboldt State U., Marquette U., Minnesota State University-Southeast Technical, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

May 20, 2014; Inside Higher Ed

… Gilda Gely, provost and executive vice president at Grand Rapids Community College, in Michigan, has been named executive vice president and provost at Aquinas College, also in Michigan.

Michigan’s Best Taco: Meet Arturo Armijo, Gonzo’s friend and taco expert

May 19, 2014; MLive

KALAMAZOO, MI — Arturo Armijo knows a lot about tacos.

… Armijo retired from Grand Rapids Community College after 20 years; he most recently was the executive assistant to the president. He has been involved with various programs and organizations, and helped make Grand Rapids a sister city with Zapopan, Mexico.

New laptop added to get-well wishes for injured student

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Bad things sometimes bring out the best in all of us, and the entire Grand Rapids community has rallied to support GRCC student Osman Koroma, who was seriously injured when he and his guide dog were hit by a car in March.

While he’s determined to resume his studies here, his laptop was destroyed in the accident. President Ender decided that was where he could help. He purchased one for Mr. Koroma and it was delivered to him last week.

Mr. Koroma was resting after a therapy session when the laptop arrived, but he said he’s very appreciative – and very excited. He plans to return to our campus this fall!