Diversity Team launches ‘SpeakUpGRCC’

GRCC’s Diversity Team is updating and renaming the Diversity Center’s “Popcorn Discussions” with students. The first “SpeakUpGRCC” launches at noon February 17 in the DLC with these goals:

• Foster an environment where students have increased awareness and acceptance for campus diversity.
• Provide an opportunity for students to learn and share their points of view with other students.
• Foster open dialogue about social justice issues.

The program’s objectives are:

• Promote critical thinking.
• Promote healthy sustained dialogue.
• Promote understanding and acceptance.
• Build relationships.
• Provide opportunities for students to speak and be heard.
• Build respect for opposing points of view.
• Create and foster civility.

Social contract (governing rules):

• Respect other’s opinions.
• Listen to each other.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Keep an open mind.
• Stay on topic.
• Step up, step back.

BSU hosts one-man play featuring Muhibb Dyer

The Black Student Union invites everyone to experience From Kings to Thugs to Presidents, a high-energy, thought-provoking one-man play with Muhibb Dyer. He will discuss the epidemic of violence plaguing America’s inner cities and the power we have to change our world!

The presentation starts at 6 p.m. February 12 at GRCC’s Spectrum Theatre. A reception with light refreshments starts at 7:30 p.m.

 

Black Student Union hosts poet’s one-man play

The Black Student Union is bringing community activist and spoken word poet Muhibb Dyer to campus for his one-man show From Kings to Thugs to Presidents. Dyer worked to begin the Saving Our Sons—I Will Not Die Young campaign and mentoring program

His high-energy and thought-provoking play explores the epidemic of violence plaguing America’s inner cities, and the power we have to change our world. It runs 6-7:30 p.m. February 12 at the Spectrum Theater. Admission is free and open to the community.

A reception with light refreshments will be held from 7:30-8 p.m. in the theater lobby.

GRCC In the News, 1-26-15

Same-sex benefits: Grand Rapids Community College considers adding coverage

Jan. 24, 2015; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – When John Cowles first came to Grand Rapids Community College in 1999, he was glad to learn there was an equal employment policy in place aimed at ensuring students and employees were treated equally, regardless of sexual orientation.

Local seamstress teams up with GRCC to offer affordable industrial sewing classes in effort to meet industry demand

Jan. 25, 2015; MLive

The industrial sewing machine before her is whirring and in roughly a minute Marisbel Ramos zips around the edge of the fabric, completing the piece that will soon be fitted over the arm of a chair and shipped out the door of Irwin Seating Company.

… A short time later, Metzger connected with Grand Rapids Community College’s Workforce Training program through a contact at Steepletown Neighborhood Services. GRCC administrators were responding to a need identified by local economic development agencies and employers requesting an industrial sewing training program and they needed a sewing instructor.

GRCC conmemora con marcha y actividades el día de Martin Luther King

Jan. 25, 2015; El Vocero

La actividad estuvo encabezada por el Board of Trustees de Grand Rapids Community College, Bert Bleke, y el director de Grand Rapids Community College Black Student Union, Jaedah Pickens.

Aquinas track & field sweeps quad meet

Jan. 23, 2015; MLive

Grand Rapids, MI — Both the men’s and women’s track and field teams won tonight at the Aquinas Quad Meet held at the Cook Track in Aquinas’ Alksnis Athletic and Recreation Building. The Saints hosted Hope, Ferris State and Spring Arbor. The men scored 184 points, topping second place Spring Arbor’s 109, while the women scored 194 to top Spring Arbor’s 116.

… The women’s team claimed 12 first place finishes. Freshman Rachel Spreng (Lansing/Okemos) won the pole vault and hit the NAIA “B” standard with a vault of 3.48 meters. Fellow freshman Adri Sigafoose (McBain/Northern Michigan Christian) claimed the top spot in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:18.65. Sigafoose’s time qualifies her at the NAIA “A” standard. Two Aquinas hurdlers hit the NAIA “A” standard, with Tori DeSira (Dewitt/GRCC) and Erika Heston (Haslett/Haslett) finishing in first and second place. DeSira also won the 200 meter dash.

GRCC In the News, 12-8-14

Protest demands justice, questions future of black community

Dec. 6, 2014; FOX 17

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Community members came together Saturday night in Veterans Park to protest what they are calling the unlawful deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner and what they have to stay about how its affecting their communities.

… The Black Student Union at Grand Rapids Community College organized a peaceful protest in Veterans Park with the message that they are standing together with all the protesters across the country in their fight for justice. More than that, the killings were done by those who are supposed to serve and protect: police officers.

Innovation academies put Grand Rapids high school students on vocation-focused paths

Dec. 7, 2014; Crain’s Detroit Business

Students at Innovation Central High School in Grand Rapids study construction drawings in the classroom before going out into the field with hammer guns and nails to get their hands dirty building houses with Habitat for Humanity.

… Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine, Grand Valley State University, Western Michigan University, Grand Rapids Community College and Spectrum Health are represented on the advisory council of the Academy of Health Science & Technology. Also on the advisory boards are teachers from each school.

Gospel music celebrated at Raider Grille

September is Gospel Music Heritage Month! So designated by an act of Congress in June 2008.

Come Tuesday, and Wednesday, September 23 and 24, to Raider Grille from 10 AM and 2 PM to hear inspiring, encouraging, and uplifting music that moves the soul!

Sponsored by the Black Student Union and the GRCC Christian Fellowship.

“Ending the War on Drugs” presentation tomorrow

Please join the GRCC Black Student Union, ACLU of Michigan, Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids Community Foundation, the African American Heritage Foundation, Wellhouse, and the Grand Rapids Red Project as we welcome Dr. Carl Hart for the presentation, “Ending the War on Drugs.”

GRCC in the News, 3-26-14

GRCC expected to increase parking fees in attempt to help close $1.9 million deficit

March 25, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Student parking fees at Grand Rapids Community College may increase by $1 next fall.

 

Student Photo Wins National Honor

March 25, 2014; Wood Radio

A student at Grand Rapids Community College wins recognition in a national competition.

 

Wealthy Theatre to host evening with Dr. Carl Hart

March 25, 2014; The Rapidian

On Tuesday April 1, at 5:45 p.m. the ACLU of Michigan will present “Ending the War on Drugs” with special guest Dr. Carl Hart.

…This event is made possible by Spectrum Hospital, Grand Rapids Community Foundation African American Heritage Fund and Well House, in partnership with the Red Project and Grand Rapids Community College Black Student Union (GRCC BSU).

 

Washtenaw Community College increases resident tuition 2.2% but offers freeze for early enrollees

March 26, 2014; MLive

Washtenaw Community College is raising tuition for county residents 2.2 percent next year, but offering students a pass on the increase if they register for classes early.

…This year, as WCC charged $91 per credit hour for in-district students, Oakland Community College charged $76, Wayne County Community College charged $102, Grand Rapids Community College costs $103, Macomb Community College charged $89 and Henry Ford Community College Charged $82.

 

GRCC In the News, 1-22-14

The 2014 Festival of the Arts poster

Jan. 21, 2014; WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – Festival of the Arts officials on Tuesday unveiled the poster for this year’s event in downtown Grand Rapids.

… She (Dana Ziebarth) studied art at Grand Rapids Community College, Aquinas College, University of Michigan and Michigan State University. She also studied art history in Florence, Italy and attended master watercolor workshops in Florence, Paris, and Oxford University in England.

MLK Day Celebrations Held Nationwide

Jan. 21, 2014; allaccess.com

KING HOLIDAY celebrations to honor the life and legacy of slain civil rights leader MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. were in full force yesterday. Stations, musicians and dignitaries from coast to coast took part in a variety of activities; here is a snap shot.

… GRAND RAPIDS, MI Rap star CHUCK D, who co-founded the famed hip-hop group PUBLIC ENEMY, was the keynote speaker at GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE 28th Annual DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR Day Commemoration.

LaughFest 2014 adds 4 more acts

Jan. 22, 2014; WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – Four more shows and activities have been added to the 2014 Gilda’s LaughFest lineup.

… The Seriously Funny Family Adventure Challenge has been added to the Meijer Family Friendly Series. This free, fun-filled competition will send teams racing across downtown Grand Rapids, engaging in fun and exciting challenges that require quick thinking, fast acting and many laughs. It is designed for ages 12 and up, and all athletic abilities, or none at all. The event takes place March 16, with on-site registration beginning at noon at Grand Rapids Community Colleges Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse. To pre-register, please visit http://www.laughfestgr.org/show/seriously-funny-family-adventure-challenge.

GRCC In the News, 1-21-14

GRCC joins Google Glass Explorer program

Jan. 20, 2014; News International

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids Community College is adding Google Glass to its teaching resources.

VIDEO: Chuck D talks MLK Jr.’s legacy

Jan. 20, 2014; WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – Chuck D, co-founder of rap group Public Enemy, will be the keynote speaker Monday night at Grand Rapids Community Colleges MLK Day commemoration program.

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Jan. 20, 2014; WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. day is a day to honor the civil rights pioneer. There is an event in West Michigan today to commemorate Dr. King.

(GRCC student Arielle Brown appears on the program.)

Jazz musicians with Grand Rapids ties open St. Cecilia Music Center’s 2013-14 Jazz Series

Jan. 20, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — The family that plays together, stays together, so the saying goes.

… Veteran music teachers Duane Davis and Paul Brewer spent most of their careers teaching music. Davis was director of vocal music at Grand Rapids Community College until his retirement, and Brewer is director of instrumental music at Aquinas College.

Muskegon Community College sports recap: Wrestling picks up pair of wins against ranked opponents

Jan. 20, 2014; MLive

… MEN’S BASKETBALL: The Jayhawks (8-9) snapped their five-game losing streak with a 74-55 victory against Kellogg Community College on Jan. 18. Balanced scoring and hot shooting in the first half gave MCC a 16-point lead heading into the locker room and it only grew from there.

… The Jayhawks lost to Grand Rapids Community College, 80-56, on Jan. 15. Anderson led MCC with nine points and 11 rebounds. Turean Conner had 13 points.

Photos from MLK Day events

A crowd turned out for GRCC’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day events, despite some light flurries and brisk temps.

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Raider Salute for MLK Day participants

The Office of Student Life would like to send a salute to all of the employees and Board of Trustee members who came out to participate in the MLK Jr. Day march and daytime program. We appreciate your support!

Specifically, we would like to send special thanks to Chairperson Bert Bleke, Arielle Brown (BSU President), the Music Department, the Media Department, Shelly Urbane, the Police Department, the Diversity Learning Center and the Fieldhouse staff for helping us accomplish such a great event. Everyone played a critical role in the success of the event and we thank you!

GRCC In the News, 1-20-14

GRCC Using Google Glass as Teaching Tool

Jan. 17, 2014; WOOD Radio

Google’s technologically-advanced eyewear, Google Glass, is shaping programs at universities and colleges around the country, including in West Michigan.

Grand Rapids Community College is now part of the Google Glass Explorer program and is using the device as a teaching tool.

Ferris State to spend up to $75k to study whether diversity services are up to par

Jan. 17, 2014; MLive

BIG RAPIDS, MI – Ferris State University wants to know if there’s anything it can do to provide a more welcoming, inclusive environment for its diverse student body, and administrators are turning to a consultant can help them find an answer.

… Other schools, such as Grand Rapids Community College, have also commissioned diversity studies. Pilgrim said the university has not yet chosen a firm to conduct the study.

Top 5 things to do in Grand Rapids include Travel and RV Show, Winter Jam, Nuclear Cowboyz

Jan. 19, 2014; MLive

… As part of the 28th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. commemoration activities in West Michigan, Chuck D, former leader and co-founder of the rap group Public Enemy, is scheduled as the keynote speaker at the GRCC Ford Fieldhouse, 111 Lyon St. NE.

2014 Giant Award winners to be honored at annual ceremony

Jan. 19, 2014; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Grand Rapids Community College will take time out Jan. 25 for its annual celebration honoring a special group of leaders in the black community.

Black Student Union Hoodie March – Photos

On Wednesday April 4th at 3:15 PM GRCC’s Black Student Union organized a Silent Hoodie March to protest the shooting of Trayvon Martin.

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Trayvon Martin Silent Hoodie March And CRY 4 Justice Rally

On Wednesday April 4th at 3:15 PM GRCC’s Black Student Union invites Faculty, Staff, Students and Community Members to participate in a Silent Hoodie March that will begin at 3:15 pm sharp. The March will begin in the Bostwick Commons on the corner of Lyon & Bostwick and proceed to Rosa Parks Circle and back to campus.   Remember to wear your hoodies.