GRCC In the News, 3-6-15

GRCC readies to tap into craft beer industry with new certificate program

March 5, 2015; rapidgrowthmedia.com

Every vibrant city needs a great school to train the next generation of leaders and innovators. Beer City is no different.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has awarded a $2.9 million grant that will allow Grand Rapids Community College to purchase equipment for its machine tool, welding, HVAC, and automotive programs — as well as a new craft beer program.

Chef Angus

March 5, 2015; FOX 17

(Video of Chef Angus’ appearance on “Morning Mix”)

Local pro football hopefuls prepare for tryouts in Chicago and at Grand Valley State

March 5, 2015; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Area college football players looking to impress and land a job – maybe not in the NFL, but somewhere as a pro – will be involved in upcoming pro camps.

… Two others are scheduled to perform at the Chicago combine in Corey Stone, a defensive lineman from Ferris State and former member of Grand Rapids Community College team, and running back Bronson Hill, a Grand Rapids Catholic Central grad from Eastern Michigan.

Preview: Chipola travels to play State College of Florida

March 5, 2015; Jackson County Floridan

The Chipola baseball team puts its nine-game winning streak on the line when they head to No. 2 state ranked State College of Florida for a three-game set this weekend.

No. 4 state ranked Chipola (17-5) is coming off a five-game sweep at home vs. Grand Rapids and Alabama Southern. Chipola plays State College of Florida (18-4) on Friday at 5 p.m. then a doubleheader (12/2:30 p.m.) on Saturday in Manatee-Sarasota.

GRCC In the News, 2-27-15

Craft beer program, virtual welding machines: How GRCC will spend $2.9 million state grant

Feb. 27, 2015; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College will use a $2.9 million state grant to buy new equipment and expand its workforce development programs, an investment administrators say will benefit students as they train for jobs in high demand fields.

MEDC grant delivers $2.9 million to GRCC

Feb. 26, 2015; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WZZM) — Grand Rapids Community College can start a new craft beer program, thanks to a multi-million dollar grant.

GRCC play ‘From White Plains’ tackles bullying issues

Feb. 26, 2015; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) — Grand Rapids Community College’s theater department is performing a play that focuses on bullying, compassion and suicide.

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.

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.

Nominations sought for Internship Employer Award

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2015 Outstanding Internship Employer Award!

Last year, Bob Schultz, professor from the Secchia Institute of Culinary Education, presented TS Restaurants with GRCC’s first Outstanding Internship Employer Award.  Please consider nominating an employer with whom you have worked to be thanked and recognized this year.  The nomination form can be found here and the deadline is February 20.

GRCC In the News, 2-3-15

Snyder touts career tech education in GR stop

Feb. 2, 2015; WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — There are thousands of well-paying jobs available in Michigan right now, according to Gov. Rick Snyder. The problem, he says, is not enough people with the skills to fill them.

… Dayna Frownfelder, a welding student in at the Grand Rapids Community College M-Tech program, wishes she had known about what was available beyond a four-year degree when she was a high school student preparing for the future.

‘The Poetry of Love’

Feb. 2, 2015; The Petoskey News

The Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra series of Sunday recitals will present Libor Ondras and friends in a program titled The Poetry of Love at 4 p.m. on Sunday.

… Pianist Sheryl Lott is a frequent solo and collaborative performer, and is currently on the piano faculties of the Interlochen Arts Camp and Grand Rapids Community College. She has performed most recently on a tour of the British Isles with Big Rapids-based womens choir Voca Lyrica, and is working on a series of recitals and a CD with the Aries Trio. She collaborates in performance frequently with many members of the Grand Rapids Symphony and Grand Valley State University faculty and Libor Ondras. She has studied with Ralph Votapek, Ian Hobson, Albertine Votapek, and Joseph Evans, and received her DMA from Michigan State University in 2005.

Muskegon Community College sports recap: Women’s basketball extends streak, men’s basketball in first place

Feb. 2, 2015; MLive

MUSKEGON, MI – After seeing its season-high, six-game winning streak snapped last week, the Muskegon Community College men’s basketball team bounced back with a decisive 87-78 victory over Lake Michigan College on Friday, Jan. 30.

… Following three games last week, the Jayhawks only have two this week – but they’re both on the road. MCC plays Wednesday, Feb. 4 against Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Friday, Feb. 6 against Grand Rapids Community College.

GRCC In the News, 2-2-15

GRCC hosting open houses for manufacturing partnership that pairs students with businesses

Jan. 31, 2015; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College is hosting two open houses next month for a job training program that pairs eligible students with West Michigan manufacturers.

Grand Rapids schools partnering with local colleges and groups on mentoring initiative

Jan. 30, 2015; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Public Schools is launching a new initiative called “Grade School to Grad School,” (G2G) developed to help address the achievement gap and develop a national model for educating young men of color, officials say.

The program is being done in collaboration with Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University, the Grand Rapids Urban League, Boy Scouts of America, Grand City Sports, and Western Michigan University Cooley Law School.

Grand Rapids weighs in on free community college proposal

Jan. 30, 2015; therapidian.org

In his State of the Union address on January 20, President Obama articulated his hope that two years of college becomes as free and universal in America as high school is today by the year 2020.

… Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) Provost Laurie Chesley believes that providing free community college would benefit not only students, but the Grand Rapids community at large.

As Aquinas expands dual enrollment, see how West Michigan districts stack up on the measure

Jan. 31, 2015; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A new partnership between Aquinas College and three Catholic high schools could boost the number of dual enrolled high school students in the region.

… Wyoming Superintendent Tom Reeder credited the district’s Middle College partnership with Grand Rapids Community College, in which students take GRCC and high school courses simultaneously and earn a high school diploma and associate degree in five years.

33rd Annual Giants Awards & Banquet

Jan. 30, 2015; WZZM

Since 1983, thirteen African American individuals and/or organizations are recognized annually for their exceptional contributions shaping the history and quality of life of greater Grand Rapids. The idea for this event grew out of need for recognizing notable contributions of African Americans to the quality of life in Grand Rapids. The founders for this event, Dr. Patricia Pulliam and Cedric Ward decided to engage a group of people from the community to plan the event.

… Proceeds from the event are contributed to the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation’s Milo M. Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund. Two or more scholarships are awarded annually. The scholarships are presented to African American students as perpetual memorials to Mr. Brown.

2015 Giant Award winners to be honored as leaders in Grand Rapids

Jan. 31, 2015; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Grand Rapids Community College will honor and celebrate influential leaders in the African American community at its annual Giants Awards program scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at DeVos Places Steelcase Ballroom, 303 Monroe Ave. NW.

GRCC In the News, 1-13-15

GRCC names VP and dean for workforce development

Jan. 12, 2015; Grand Rapids Business Journal

A Grand Rapids Community College provost finalist will assume a new executive leadership position at the school.

School leaders to meet with Pyramid STEM hub founders, learn more about plans

Jan. 12, 2015; MLive

CALEDONIA, MI – Grand Rapids school leaders will join other districts, charter and private schools Tuesday, Jan. 12, at the Steelcase pyramid building to hear more about an education hub under development.

… Bert Bleke, chair of the Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees and former Grand Rapids Public Schools superintendent, is heading a Leadership Council for the schools that will occupy the campus.

Laker volleyball announces 2015 recruiting class

Jan. 12, 2015; MLive

Grand Valley State head volleyball coach Deanne Scanlon has announced the signing of seven student-athletes that will begin their collegiate careers at GVSU at the start of the 2015 season. Staci Brower (Byron Center), Jillian Butsavich (Milford), Madilyn Keller (Hudsonville), Brooke Smith (Croswell), and Taylor Stewart (Macomb) are all in-state prospects that will come in as freshmen in the fall. Transfers Amanda Glaza (Grand Rapids Community College) and Danielle McCormick (Indiana State) are on campus this semester and help form the newest group of Laker volleyball players.

GRCC In the News, 1-12-15

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, 8-13-14

GRCC offering homeland security course

Aug. 12, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A new course on homeland security at Grand Rapids Community College aims to prepare students for a “world of ever-evolving threats,” according to the college.

Tech companies search for talent in West MI

Aug. 12, 2014; WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The U.S. Labor Department announced Tuesday that in June, employers advertised the highest number of monthly job openings in more than 13 years. At the same time, some industries in West Michigan have a number of well-paying open positions that they can’t seem to find the workers to fill.

… Four months ago, OST partnered with economic development group The Right Place and places like Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids Community College, Kent Intermediate School District and Spectrum Health to form West Michigan Tech Talent a group focused on attracting and retaining technology workers in West Michigan.

Understanding more about dementia

Aug. 12, 2014; WZZM

Many of us have loved ones in our lives struggling with dementia.

Mike Faber of the Older Learner Center at Grand Rapids Community College visited WZZM 13 News at Noon to dispel some of the misconceptions surrounding dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Ingredients contest kicks off Restaurant Week GR

Aug. 12, 2014; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS – A summer salmon salad.

… Promoters say some restaurants have booked up early in advance of Restaurant Week, which is held during the peak of the summer harvest. Proceeds from the week help fund scholarships for students at GRCC’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education.

Grand Rapids Jazz Festival: Two days, 10 acts, totally free, opens Saturday

Aug. 12, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Grand Rapids Jazz Festival is back.

… Local favorites performing in Rosa Parks Circle include Cooper, Hay, Van Lente Group; and vocalist Edye Evans Hyde and the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra in the festival co-sponsored by the City of Grand Rapids.

West Michigan-based acts also include Evidence Jazz Group led by saxophonist Michael Doyle; and Grupo Aye, which was part of the inaugural GRandJazzFest lineup.

(Article doesn’t mention it, but Edye Evans Hyde and Fred Knapp, a member of Evidence, are GRCC alumni.)

 

 

 

GRCC In the News, 7-16-14

Michigan is begging for skilled workers

July 15, 2014; Michigan Radio

If we don’t find new ways to teach the right skills and train more workers, Michigan is going to be badly hurt.

… In response to this issue, (Autocam CEO John) Kennedy opened up a program in partnership with Grand Rapids Community College that will take qualified applicants into an apprentice program. They work at the plant while being paid to go to school for the skills they need. When they graduate from the program they could make up to $17.50 an hour or more.

Keeping your brain active throughout aging

July 15, 2014; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) — As we get older, it’s important to exercise our minds along with our bodies.

Mike Faber from Grand Rapids Community College’s Older Learner Center points out that memory loss is not an inevitable consequence of aging. He says there are many things we can do to keep our minds active.

 

GRCC In the News, 7-15-14

GRCC celebrates 100 years with 100 Ways to Give

July 14, 2014; The Holland Sentinel

Holland, Mich. — Grand Rapids Community College’s faculty and staff are celebrating the school’s 100th anniversary with 100 Ways to Give, a series of service projects to aid community organizations that help area veterans, kids and others in need.

Education system ‘missing the boat’ with more than 70,000 well-paying jobs on the table in Michigan

July 14, 2014; MLive

At Metal Flow in Holland, company officials wish they could clone workers like Kyle Hubers.

… In West Michigan, manufacturers pay workers to earn a one- or two-year degree in manufacturing at Grand Rapids Community College while they earn on the job as apprentices.

Story Matters: Jessica Blair compares life at Degage to her home in Heritage Hill

July 14, 2014; therapidian.org

The Rapidian’s story fort was collecting our community’s stories at the Movies in the Park in Ah Nab Awen Park on July 11. Jessica Blair, who moved here from Texas to study culinary arts at GRCC, was homeless for the first months in our city. She describes life in her first neighborhood on Division Street and life now, in an apartment in Heritage Hill as she continues her studies.

NOBLE Conference: Over 1 Thousand Law Enforcement Executives in Grand Rapids

July 14, 2014; WZZM

At least 1,200 command-level officials and community leaders from local, state and federal agencies are expected to attend the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) Annual National Training Conference and Exhibition this week, right here in downtown Grand Rapids., July 12-16 at DeVos Place Convention Center.

… Over 200 students from West Michigan will have the opportunity to dialogue with law enforcement, discuss potential career opportunities, and tour the campuses of Grand Rapids Community College and Grand Valley State University’s downtown campus. In addition, one local Grand Rapids Public Schools student will receive a $2,000 scholarship, on behalf of NOBLE.

GRCC In the News, 6-27-14

Construction alliance earns statewide honor

June 26, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

An industry-wide initiative has been recognized by the Michigan Works! Association for its accomplishments in building the talent pipeline for opportunities in construction throughout West Michigan.

… Norm Brady, president and chief executive officer at the ABC Western Michigan Chapter, said the Prosperity Award recognized the collaborative arrangement that has developed among the three associations of CWDA and its strategic partners: Michigan Works! Kent & Allegan Counties and Grand Rapids Community College.

Four GRCC certificate programs now approved for federal student aid

June 26, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Four certificate programs at Grand Rapids Community College are now eligible for student financial aid.

Bruce Willis movie ‘The Prince,’ from Grand Rapids director Brian Miller, to debut in August

June 27, 2014; MLive

The new movie from Grand Rapids-born director Brian Miller, “The Prince,” has a new trailer and an official release date. The action-thriller stars Jason Patric, Bruce Willis and John Cusack.

… The director attended Grand Rapids Community College and studied filmmaking at Grand Valley State University before moving to Los Angeles in 2003.

Learn how to cook in the moment

June 26, 2014; The Holland Sentinel

Holland, Mich. — Salt of the Earth’s Executive Chef, Matthew Pietsch, will host the Chef Series at the Holland Farmers Market on Saturday. Beginning at 10 a.m., Pietsch will share ideas for recipes that will allow cooks to shop at the Farmers Market in the morning and have a gourmet meal ready that same night for dinner.

… Pietsch is a West Michigan native who has been involved in the hospitality industry since 1997. After he graduated from the Grand Rapids Community College Culinary Arts program, he held an apprenticeship with the US National Pastry Team. He worked throughout West Michigan for several years as an executive pastry chef and later relocated to Dearborn, where he operated the famed Opus One kitchen and managed Opus Ones corporate food service program for Ford Advertising.

Women’s Club scholarship winner

June 26, 2014; The Post (Cedar Springs)

The Cedar Springs Women’s Club awards an annual $1,000 scholarship to a female of any age who resides in the Cedar Springs School District. She may be considering any type of skill training or degree program. The award is made without regard to race, creed, color, religion or national origin.

… Kate (Miller) is a very motivated young woman who is planning to attend Grand Rapids Community College for a year and then transfer to Central Michigan University to work for a Bachelors in Kinesiology and a minor in Spanish. She hopes for a career as a Physical Therapist.

Grand Rapids’ next police chief is a two-man race, forum crowd says

June 26, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — A public safety director in Port Huron could be the frontrunner for city police chief, based on an informal survey of people who attended the second public forum featuring four finalists for the job.

… The committee members are Tom Almonte, assistant to the city manager; Christina Arnold, director of GRCC’s Woodrick Diversity Learning Center; Johnny Brann, Jr., restaurateur; Mari Beth Jelks, the city’s managing director of administrative services; Joe Jones, Grand Rapids Urban League president; Ralph Mason, retired Grand Rapids police lieutenant; Catherine Mish, city attorney; and Sundstrom.

 

GRCC In the News, 5-30-14

Michigan governor highlights shortage of skilled workers at business policy conference

May 30, 2014; clickondetroit.com

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. – Michigan can gain a competitive edge over other states by filling a skills gap that leads to good jobs going unfilled because of a lack of qualified candidates, Gov. Rick Snyder said Thursday.

… A similar program is Grand Rapids Community College’s Advanced Manufacturing Partnership.

Sarah Waller: The Tech Center’s Iron Chef

May 30, 2014; schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District newsletter)

Kent ISD, MI — Let it be said here and now OK, so written here and now that the raspberry patch in my back yard cannot grow fast enough, and I have a diminutive warrior of a teaching chef to blame.

… Sarah (Waller) learned from among the best, beginning with instructors with the award-winning culinary program at Grand Rapids Community College, where she enrolled in 2001.

Campaign launched to spread the word about free preschool in Kent County

May 29, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – If your child will be age 3 or 4 by Wednesday, Oct. 1, Kent County educators and children’s advocates want you to apply for free preschool through either through the Great Start Readiness Program, Head Start or private scholarships.

… Free preschool partners in Kent County include Great Start Readiness Programs, which is sponsored by Grand Rapids Public Schools, David D. Hunting YMCA, Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative, Grand Rapids Ellington Academy of Arts and Technology, Head Start, Hope Academy, and Grand Rapids Community College. More partners will be added in June 2014.

Grand Rapids’ downtown housing market has reached ‘a point of critical mass,’ report concludes

May 29, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Grand Rapids downtown apartment market has reached a point of critical mass that is likely to attract new investors and new developers, a Chicago-based commercial real estate firm concluded in a report published this week.

… One exception was the Lofts at 5 Lyon, a former office building that has been converted to student housing. Rents in the building near Grand Rapids Community College are at $2.31 per square foot the most expensive in the downtown market, thanks to the owners ability get $2,480 a month for a 4-bedroom apartment.

Silver Line bus to start running in August

May 29, 2014; WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The new Silver Line bus system will start running to downtown Grand Rapids a matter of months.

… Thirty-four stops have been set up on the Silver Line route, four of which are still under construction. The bus route will run down Division Avenue and then loop by Mercy Health Saint Mary, the community college and the Medical Mile; along Monroe Avenue downtown; and then around to The Rapid central station off Grandville Avenue SW.

Incoming Volleyball Class Named to PrepVolleyball.coms Top 100

May 29, 2014; cmuchippewas.com

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. — PrepVolleyball.com has included Central Michigan’s 2014 recruiting class in its national Top 100.

… The Chippewas will also benefit in the back row as 5-11 junior Nicole Czehowski transfers from Grand Rapids Community College, where she played on the Raiders National Junior College Athletic Association Division II National Championship team in 2012.

 

Kelsee Mullins joins School of Workforce Development staff

Please welcome Kelsee Mullins, ESP for Manufacturing/Manufacturing Apprenticeship, Applied Technology, Computer Information Systems, Architectural and Mechanical Design departments.

Kelsee received her Associate Degree from Grand Rapids Community College in 2011. She is currently working on finishing up her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with Ferris State University, at their Grand Rapids Campus. Kelsee started her GRCC career in the Music Center with Kevin Dobreff and Kathy Kolehouse and worked there for a year and a half as a part-time contingent employee. She is very grateful and honored that her first GRCC career experience was with Kevin and Kathy. Kelsee then took her current position as a full-time contingent employee and now permanent. She is excited for this opportunity and extremely excited to be working with these departments.