GRCC In the News, 10-29-13

Glasgow students come out on top in cookery contest

Oct. 26, 2013; The Evening Times (Glasgow, Scotland)

Vanessa Daley and Michael Shedden, from City of Glasgow College, travelled to Michigan to represent Scotland in an international cooking contest.

… The students are both enrolled in the college’s HND professional cookery course and were given the chance to participate in the Nations Cup Challenge at Grand Rapids Community College.

Theater group invites GRCC board to performance following criticism over play featuring nudity

Oct. 28, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – In the wake of public criticism over a play it staged featuring male nudity, a theater group housed at Grand Rapids Community College is inviting the school’s Board of Trustees to attend its next production.

GRCC In the News, 10-21-13

GRCC symposium to focus on creation, role of United Nations

Oct. 19, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – In an effort to commemorate the founding of the United Nations, a series of panel discussions next week at Grand Rapids Community College will focus on the creation of the international body and its impact on the world.

Aquinas, GRCC sign articulation agreement

Oct. 18, 2013; Grand Rapids Business Journal

The region’s community college is joining forces with a four-year school to ensure that students will have an easier time continuing their education.
Grand Rapids Community and Aquinas colleges are entering into an agreement that will allow faculty from both schools to work together on creating a seamless transfer experience for GRCC students.

Grand Rapids hosts international food contest

Oct. 18, 2013; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) – What’s in the box? That’s what students at the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education at GRCC are wondering because the Nations Cup is taking place with the mystery food box being at the center.

Leona Spencer, lifelong Grand Rapids resident, community activist, dies at age 86

Oct. 19, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Leona Spencer was never too busy to help.

… Spencer’s community activism earned her plenty of recognition. In 2006, she received Grand Rapids Community College’s Giant among Giants award, which recognizes individuals who’ve worked to improve the quality of life in Grand Rapids.

West Michigan colleges not interested in social media degree

Oct. 18, 2013; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Getting a master’s degree in social media is now a possibility at some universities and colleges in the U.S. For example, Southern New Hampshire University and Excelsior College in Albany, N.Y., both have added MBA’s in social media.

… While the East Coast might be ready for social media degrees, West Michigan higher education platforms are not as interested. Although the feedback from local colleges and universities has been supportive of offering social media training and implementing it in class work, many faculty members feel a full degree is unnecessary. The Business Journal checked in with Cornerstone University, Calvin College, Hope College, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University, Ferris State University, Kendall College of Art and Design, Western Michigan University and Davenport University, and none of those West Michigan colleges or universities offers degrees in social media.

RA of Crawford plans to tie the knot

Oct. 20, 2013; The Herald (Cornerstone’s student newspaper)

The RA from Crawford is one step closer to being a married man.

… With (Tanner) Ward being an audio production major and (Karlie) McNamara just starting Grand Rapids Community College after cosmetology school, both were worried what an engagement might do to their school work. But, Ward decided that it would be worth it and secretly started picking up extra shifts over the summer to pay for an engagement ring.

GRCC In the News, 10-18-13

GRCC, Aquinas College partner to ease transfer process for prospective students

Oct. 17, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A new agreement signed this week will make it easier for students at Grand Rapids Community College to transfer to Aquinas College.

Nations Cup 2013 at Grand Rapids Community College

Oct. 17, 2013; MLive

(Series of photos.)

GVSU setter helps transform volleyball team into national title threat

Oct. 17, 2013; MLive

ALLENDALE, MI — Grand Valley State University volleyball coach Deanne Scanlon didn’t have to look far to find a “five-tool setter” who could help transform her young Laker team into a championship threat.

The player, Kaitlyn Wolters, landed in Allendale from 15 miles away at Grand Rapids Community College, where her coach, Chip Will, a former Scanlon assistant at GVSU, saw a potential fit between a player that led the Raider program to a national title and the Lakers, who are trying to claim a second crown since 2005.

Nations Cup countries tune in to competition

GRCC set up a Nations Cup stream for the participating countries and, as you can see, all of them tuned in for the competition — even if they live several time zones away!

Nations Cup competition starts October 17

The biennial Nations Cup International Student Culinary Competition, sponsored by GRCC’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education, starts October 17. As you can see, Team Mexico is excited!

GRCC In the News, 10-14-13

Change Ups: GRCC dedicates Meijer Center

Oct. 11, 2013; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Grand Rapids Community College recently unveiled its Meijer Center for Business Studies. Located on the second floor of the college’s Main Building, the center features three computer labs with double projection images and one learn lab with triple projection images and powered tables for laptop use; two break-out small group work spaces and one large collaboration suite; a boardroom for shared use and professional simulation activities; and a business center for faculty.

… GRANTS: Grand Rapids Community College announced it has received a federal Child Care Access Means Parents in School grant that will provide $99,424 each year for four years to support child-care services to low-income parents enrolled in GRCC’s Occupational Support program.

Students enjoy international flavor

Oct. 11, 2013; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Beginning Thursday, Oct. 17, two-member student teams from Grand Rapids, Barbados, Canada, Mexico and Scotland will compete in the Nations Cup, a three-day international culinary competition hosted by Grand Rapids Community Colleges Secchia Institute for Culinary Education.

State Rep. Winnie Brinks to deliver keynote address at GRCC women’s leadership summit

Oct. 12, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – State Rep. Winnie Brinks is to deliver the keynote address Monday at Grand Rapids Community Colleges Women in Leadership Summit, an event that is to touch on topics ranging from civic engagement to education.

No. 1 Express Men’s Golf Dominates NJCAA D-II National Tournament Preview

Oct. 13, 2013; ABC 13

Blaze Hogan (Big Rapids/Big Rapids, MI) led the No. 1 Owens Community College Express men’s golf team to a first place finish at the eight-team National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) D-II National Tournament Preview Tournament this weekend.

… The Express led after each round of the event as they shot a 292 the first 18, a 296 the second 18 and a 293 today. They finished with a team score of 881 for all 54 holes, while No. 5 Grand Rapids Community College’s 892 was good for second place.

Grand Awards Gala to recognize best Grand Rapids theater productions, raise money for Combined Theater Scholarship

Oct. 14, 2013; MLive

Imagine a bubbly blonde, perpetually dressed in pink, doing battle with a deep, dark dysfunctional family, and they’re all being chased by a mad, razor-wielding barber and three color-coordinated airline stewardesses.

(Article doesn’t mention GRCC, but Tom Kaechele, Marcia VanKuiken and Jean Reed Bahle are nominated for awards.)

Ferris State coach Tony Annese: Beating Grand Valley again ‘a nice selling point’ in recruiting

Oct. 14, 2013; MLive

BIG RAPIDS, MI — Ferris State coach Tony Annese saw the victory Saturday against Grand Valley State as helpful on the field, but also a windfall in recruiting.

… “Well, the other thing is, we recruit against that school,” said Annese, who has deep ties to the Grand Rapids area. He was a former successful coach at Grand Rapids Community College and Muskegon High School before that. Locally, he also coached at Jenison during his 27 years.

Jason Vander Laan does it again as Ferris State makes it two in a row against Grand Valley State

Oct. 12, 2013; MLive

BIG RAPIDS, MI – Whatever happened in Saturday’s game between Grand Valley State and Ferris State was largely going to be determined by Jason Vander Laan.

… The option worked well again against Grand Valley. When Vander Laan wasn’t running, his presence opened the run game for others, too. The Bulldogs ran for 465 yards, including 91 from Jamaal Jackson and 79 yards and two touchdowns from Korey Ringer, a former back with Grand Rapids Community College.

GRCC In the News, 10-10-13

International students to battle ‘Master Chef’-style at Secchia Institute for Nations Cup Competition

Oct. 10, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Fans of television shows such as “Master Chef” and “Chopped” will want to take note of a local cooking competition featuring culinary students from around the world happening in the kitchens of Grand Rapids Community College’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education.

‘Spanning the Centuries:’ Chamber orchestra performs Sunday in Harbor

Oct. 9, 2013; petoskeynews.com

HARBOR SPRINGS — “Energetic with a genuine will to see students achieve their musical goals,” writes one of Dr. Libor Ondras’ music students at Grand Rapids Community College, where he not only teaches, but serves as director of orchestras and string specialist. He is also the music director of Kent Philharmonic Orchestra in Grand Rapids, and will be the guest conductor and soloist at the 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra concert at the First Presbyterian Church in Harbor Springs.

Halloween and hauntings happenings taking place in West Michigan

Oct. 9, 2013; MLive

… 25 Kent Philharmonia Orchestra: Ghoul Fest Hansel and Gretel (Music), Grand Rapids Community College, 143 Bostwick Ave. NE. Contact for details. Information: www.grcc.edu

Who wins rivalry game between GVSU and Ferris State? Make your picks in Can You Beat Pete?

Oct. 9, 2013; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — It wasn’t until last year that the Grand Valley State-Ferris State game became relevant again, and it appears that will continue Saturday.

… (Tony) Annese, the former head coach at Grand Rapids Community College and Muskegon High School gathered his team on the field and yelled, “Now do you believe?”

Team Canada Takes Home 2011 Nations Cup in Culinary Competition

Over the weekend, the biennial Nations Cup International Student Culinary Competition wrapped up with a six-course awards dinner that served as the final event on which teams were judged.  GRCC welcomed teams from five other nations – Barbados, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Scotland – to compete against a team representing the USA selected from the students of the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education.

When the final results were tallied Team Canada came out on top, taking numerous “best of show” awards and gold medals.  A richly-deserved congratulations are due to Amy Fox, Michael Clarke and coach Kevin Boyce from Team Canada.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Nations Cup International Student Culinary Competition Underway – Photos

GRCC’s Secchia Institute puts on an international student culinary competition every two years called the “Nations Cup,” inviting teams from five nations to the kitchens of the ATC to face off against team USA.  This year, Barbados, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Scotland are vying for the coveted trophy.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

For the full schedule of events and more information, visit www.grcc.edu/nationscup

GRCC Students vs WZZM Anchors in a Battle of the Plate – Video

In honor of GRCC’s Nations Cup International Culinary Competition (happening now in the ATC kitchens), students from the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education visited the news room of WZZM 13 to challenge achors Lee Van Ameyde and Juliet Dragos in “plating” dishes for service.

Congrats and thanks to Department Head Chef Dan Gendler, Competition Judge Chef Ian MacDonald, and students Mike Stapert and Kirsten Weber.

• Video 1: Nations Cup International Culinary Competition
• Video 2: Lee and Juliet Dish it up