GRCC hosts STEM Girl Genius Conference

On November 1, Grand Rapids Community College hosted 100 sixth- to eighth-grade girls from all over Michigan to participate in an experiential Science+ Technology + Engineering + Math (STEM) Girl Genius Conference.

The daylong conference was designed to encourage young women to seek careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. Dean Laurie Chesley began the event by welcoming the participants to Grand Rapids Community College and introducing Dr. Veronica Moorman, of Kettering University, who gave the opening address: “Enzymes: How Chemistry Runs at the Speed of Life.” Throughout the day, participants carried out hands-on engineering and science activities, which were led by GRCC Biology Professor Leigh Kleinert. The participants also had lunch with women who are engineering and science professionals at companies such as GE Aviation, Gentex Corporation and the Van Andel Institute.

Anesa Behrem, Amy Kudrna and Laurie Foster from GRCC also participated in the luncheon. Kate Kryger, Jan Colvin, Janis Qualls, Dan Groh, Leigh Kleinert, Laurie Foster, Amy Kudrna, Amy Kirkbride, Kristina Pacelli, Leah Engemann, Pam Scott, and Jennifer Batten worked with the community partners to prepare for the event. Twenty GRCC Academic Service Learning students volunteered and helped the participants with the activities. The STEM Girl Genius Conference is in its fourth year and is a collaborative effort between Fifth Third Bank, Kettering University, the Catholic Secondary School Foundation, and Grand Rapids Community College.

 

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GRCC hosts English conference

GRCC is hosting about 200 English faculty Thursday through Saturday for the Two-Year College English Association Midwest Conference. Many GRCC English department faculty members are attending and presenting, and Dean Laurie Chesley will speak at a luncheon during the event, which was last held in Michigan in 2000. Twelve Midwest states and Manitoba, Canada, are included in the region covered by the organization.

 

GRCC In the News, 2-26-14

GRCC, Michigan community colleges partner on automotive technology programs

Feb. 25, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A new agreement will enable students pursuing certificates or degrees in automotive technology to transfer between five community colleges without losing credit for past courses.

The pilot program aims to make it easier for students who move to another part of Michigan to finish their education. The community colleges participating in the program are: Grand Rapids; Delta, near Bay City; Lansing; Montcalm, near Stanton; and Mott, in Flint.

Triumph Music Academy passionate about people

Feb. 25, 2014; therapidian.org

James Hughes, the soft spoken proprietor and unofficial face of Triumph Music Academy, has a passion for teaching and the collaborative spirit which the Academy embraces. His vast knowledge of music, both theory and practice, represents the entire staff of 10, three of which co-founded the Academy with him.

… Hughes moved to Grand Rapids in 2004 where he attended GRCC for guitar. From there he went on the GVSU to study guitar and composition under Carlos De la Barrera and Dr. Bill Ryan.

Flint native, Grammy Award winner Dee Dee Bridgewater joins Grand Rapids Symphony on Saturday

Feb. 25, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Billie Holiday was one of the great iconic singers in jazz history, so it takes another to stand in for Lady Day.

… Bridgewater and the orchestra will be joined by the Grand Rapids Community Chorus, a 90-voice ensemble led by Duane Davis, retired director of vocal activities at Grand Rapids Community College.

Steelcase’s landmark pyramid building being donated to mystery nonprofit for educational hub

Feb. 26, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Steelcase is donating its massive, multimillion-dollar pyramid-shaped former research facility to a nonprofit for use as a STEM-focused education hub that would cater to students in preschool through graduate school, according to officials.

… For example, KISD has STEM programming in mechatronics, information technology and health sciences and works closely with Grand Rapids Community College and area universities.

… Grand Rapids Community College has not been contacted yet. Grand Valley State University was briefed on the concept.

It is easy to make LaughFest a family affair

Feb. 25, 2014; MLive

LaughFest organizers have been very good about indicating the age appropriateness of festival events and shows through its content guidelines. For the eighteen and older crowd, there is CLN or Clean Adult Laughs, indicating the show has no vulgarity but RRR or Rated R…Really shows do.

… Meijer is presenting The Family Friendly Series which includes three LaughFest events. On March 8, the GRCC Ford Fieldhouse will be a busy place as the themed children’s carnival for all ages, Super Saturday, kicks off at 10 a.m. Mini golf, ultimate challenge, laser tag, all sports arena, and hoppy horses are all part of the fun along with some special guests. The event runs until 2 p.m. and is $7 per person.

Transfers show potential in GV debuts

Feb. 23, 2014; The Lanthorn (GVSU student newspaper)

A pair of junior transfers turned in a pair of impressive performances on the mound for the Grand Valley State University baseball team over the weekend in its opening series at the University of Southern Indiana.

GVSU pitcher Aaron Jensen, who played two seasons at Grand Rapids Community College, surrendered just four hits and two runs while striking out five in 8.2 innings of work despite being charged with a loss in his first career start as a Laker.

Transfer forums scheduled

As part of the Division of Academic and Student Affairs’ initiative to further the Completion Agenda at GRCC, and specifically to improve our students’ transfer rates, we are offering three Transfer Forums for faculty and staff at the College. These interactive three-hour sessions are designed to provide information to faculty and staff about how to create curricular connections that improve transfer and how to use advising resources and strategies to improve students’ transition to four-year schools. The sessions are also designed to gather ideas about how as a College we can improve transfer.

The first forum is today – Monday, December 2 – from 3:00 to 6:00 in 108 Sneden.

Refreshments will be served. You do not have to rsvp, but it would be appreciated. Just email Amy Kirkbride at akirkbride@grcc.edu.

If full-time faculty attendees wish, they may receive 3 hours of College Service for their participation in a forum.

GRCC hosts STEM Girl Genius Conference

On November 2nd, Grand Rapids Community College hosted 205 fifth- to eighth-grade girls from all over Michigan in an experiential Science+ Technology + Engineering + Math (STEM) Girl Genius Conference.

The day-long conference was designed to encourage young women to seek careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. Provost Gilda Gely began the event by welcoming the participants to Grand Rapids Community College and introducing Elyse Kleifgen, optometry student at Ferris State University, who gave the opening address.

Throughout the day, participants had the opportunity to carry out hands-on engineering activities and engage with women in STEM field careers, including Dr. Julie Davis Turner, assistant dean at the Van Andel Institute Graduate School; Leigh Kleinert, GRCC biology professor; Linda Bramble, GRCC chemistry professor; and Leigh Eriks, Catholic Central HS chemistry teacher. The participants also had the opportunity to have lunch with women who are engineering and science professionals who work at companies including GE Aviation, Gentex Corp. and the Van Andel Institute.

Many professional women from GRCC also participated, including Kathy Roberts, Tari Mattox, Patricia Dockham, Amy Kudrna, Laurie Chesley, Jodi Dickerson, Laurie Foster, Kate Kryger, and Jan Colvin. Pam Scott, Leah VanHartesveldt and Jennifer Batten worked with the community partners to prepare for the event.

The STEM Girl Genius Conference is in its third year and is a collaborative effort between Fifth Third Bank, Kettering University, the Catholic Secondary School Foundation and Grand Rapids Community College.

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GRCC In the News, 10-4-13

Thompson M-Tech offers courses for veterans under GI Bill

Oct. 3, 2013; The Holland Sentinel

Holland — The Ottawa Area Intermediate School District’s Thompson M-TEC, 6364 136th Ave., is now an approved Veterans Administration GI Bill facility, meaning veterans who qualify for the GI funding can use their benefit to take classes at Thompson M-TEC.

… Thompson M-TEC is a collaborative venture of Grand Rapids Community College and the OAISD. It offers a variety of college and non-college credit adult programming.

Yavapai College names new vice president

Oct. 3, 2013; Prescott Valley Tribune (Ariz.)

Yavapai College has hired Stuart Blacklaw, Ph.D., as its new vice president of instruction and student services.

… After 12 years as a full-time faculty member, Blacklaw became the associate dean for curriculum and assessment at Jefferson Community College in Watertown, NY, and later served a similar role as a dean at Monroe Community College in Rochester. Blacklaw also served as an assistant dean in the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Grand Rapids Community College.

Local athletes compete at collegiate level

Oct. 1, 2013; cadillacnews.com

… Grand Rapids Community College freshman Katlyn Agren (Cadillac H.S.) was part of the Raiders’ 3-0 win over Ancilla on Tuesday in Grand Rapids. Agren recorded two kills, an ace and eight digs against the Chargers.

GRCC In the News, 6-12-13

Esteemed former Grand Rapids Civic Theatre managing director Paul Dreher has died

June 12, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Paul Dreher, former managing director of Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, died Tuesday after a brief illness. He was 80.

… In retirement, Dreher continued to direct shows and design lights for companies, including Circle Theatre, Jewish Theatre, Heritage Theatre, Grand Rapids Community College, Calvin College, Aquinas College as well as for Grand Rapids Civic Theatre.

GRCC accepting students for summer Fast Track program

June 12, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College is accepting applications for a summer program that aims to help students bypass remedial courses and move into college-level classes.

‘So You Think You Can Dance’ finalists include Grand Rapids dance instructor

June 12, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Among the 33 dancers remaining on this season of “So You Think You Can Dance”, a reality dance competition that airs on FOX, one name may sound familiar. Markus Shields is a Grand Rapids dance instructor and choreographer from The Moving Company.
(Story doesn’t mention it, but Shields is a former GRCC student, according to his bio.)

GRCC In the News, 6-11-13

Investing in STEM education at two-year colleges could fill skills gap, GRCC says

June 10, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Amy Koning knows that jobs in science, technology, engineering and math are a major driver of West Michigan’s economy.

As associate dean of operations at Grand Rapids Community College’s school of workforce development, she often hears from employers such as advanced manufacturers who can’t find applicants with enough STEM skills to fill vacant jobs.

GRCC dean recognized as ‘distinguished leader’ by American Council on Education

June 10, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Laurie Chesley, the dean of arts and sciences at Grand Rapids Community College, was recognized by the Michigan chapter of the American Council on Education as a leader in higher education.

GRCC hosts free employment training for high school grads

June 11, 2013; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) – Teenagers and young adults in Kent County are participating in a free event to help them land jobs and internships.

The “Ready Now!” program, hosted by Grand Rapids Community College, runs through Thursday.  More than 100 people are expected to attend.

The latest from GRCC TV on YouTube: music awards

“Music Awards 2013”

Matt Douglas has two book signings in April 2013

Dr. Matt Douglas, of GRCC’s Biological Sciences Department, has two book signings during April 2013.

He will be signing copies of Butterfly Chronicles: Mattie the Monarch, Buddy the Buzzbomber, and Zoe the Blue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m April 5 at Schuler Books, 2660 28th St.  SE. The illustrator, former GRCC zoology student Brandy Van Zalen, will be there, and adults will be able to handle Monarch butterflies and caterpillars, feed them, and observe all preserved specimens of fantastic butterflies and moths.

A second book signing is scheduled for 11 a.m. April 20 at Pooh’s Corner Bookstore, 1886 Breton Road SE.

‘Musical Moods’ concert scheduled for April 19, 2013

“Musical Moods,” a Music Department concert benefiting the Albert P. Smith Endowment, features instrumental and choral ensembles and select student soloists. It starts at 7:30 p.m. April 19, 2013, in the St. Cecilia Music Center’s Royce Auditorium.

Tickets are $12 for adults or $8 for students and seniors; they are available at the door. For more information, call (616) 234-3940 or click here.

Laurie Chesley to receive Distinguished Leader Award

The state’s leading professional development network for women in higher education will present its top award to two leaders during its annual conference in June.

The Michigan ACE (American Council on Education) Women’s Network will present its Distinguished Leader Award to:

• Laurie Chesley, dean of arts and sciences at Grand Rapids Community College.
• Phyllis Ivory Vroom, deputy president of Wayne State University.

Chesley has worked at GRCC since 2005. Prior to that she served as dean of humanities at Montgomery County (Pa.) Community College, and assistant vice president for academic affairs at Ferris State University.

Chesley is known among her colleagues for her strong leadership and mentoring skills. She has supported faculty-led conferences that have raised awareness of women’s issues on campus and in the community. She is a past recipient of the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Faculty Excellence Award.

Before being named deputy president of Wayne State, Vroom served as dean of the university’s School of Social Work until her retirement in 2011. Vroom has written book chapters and articles on women of color in leadership positions; she has also been widely recognized for her mentoring skills. Vroom has received many awards, including the first Wayne State University Michigan ACE Network Woman of Distinction Award in 2011.

Both women will receive their awards at the Michigan ACE Women’s Network conference, set for June 3-4 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing. For more information about the network, visit www.miacenetwork.org.

School of Arts and Sciences celebrates Valentine’s Day with brunch

The Educational Support Professionals of the School of Arts and Sciences enjoyed brunch and conversation on Valentine’s Day. Amy, Laura, Melissa, Frita, Janis, Staci, Gretchen, Kim, Gail, Stacey, Jeanne, Shelly, and Kathy are the best! Thanks for keeping the School running smoothly! Laurie, Mike, and Bill

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Raider salute to GRCC’s cooperative education, internship faculty

Gov. Snyder has proclaimed February “Cooperative Education and Internship Month.” Cooperative education and internships help train talent as Michigan students gain skills by linking career instruction with supervised training and experience on the job, highlight employment opportunities, and allow students to gain necessary skills that help ease the transition from school to the workplace.

Thanks to the faculty supervising internships and cooperative education this winter semester: Sue Baglien, Jim Muth, Gary Ebels, Nikki Banks, and Scott Lampe work with students in the School of Workforce Development, and Diane Sparks works with students in the School of Arts and Sciences.

School of Arts and Sciences hosts strategy session

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On Friday, February 1, the School of Arts and Sciences held an event entitled “Be True to Your School:  An SAS Strategy Session.”  During this event, 68 participants shared ideas prompted by a series of questions regarding liberal arts education at GRCC and how it can be strengthened.