Congratulations to Juan Cisneros Sr, GRCC student and Adult Education ESL Program student worker, the recipient of the national MS Scholarship Foundation scholarship.
Juan Sr will receive $1,000 for college tuition and a beautiful engraved plaque.
Rick Szczepanski, Adult Education ESL Program Professional Tutor, finished his 18th year of offering scholarships through the Mary J. Szczepanski “Never Give Up” MS Scholarship Foundation.
University Prep Academy, Ottawa Hills High School, Innovation Central High School, and Union High School seniors came to campus last month for group orientations! Check out our new GRCC students below:
Congratulations to GRCC student Chris Bell and his team on winning first place in the API category of hackGVSU 2018 with their “Echo4Education” Alexa app that helps teachers manage the Blackboard Learn Application!
Here is the link to the full article: https://gvsuelearn.wordpress.com/2018/04/14/first-ever-hackgvsu-hackathon-brings-innovative-ideas-to-enhance-blackboard-at-gvsu/
Homecoming 2017 is taking place RIGHT NOW! There are activities that you can take part in throughout the week. On Thursday, October 19th, faculty, staff, students, and alumni are all invited to a Raider Tailgate. The tailgate will take place in the Raider Grille from 5-6:30 p.m. Food will be provided, and there will be family-friendly activities. Then head on over to the Fold Fieldhouse to cheer on our GRCC Volleyball team as they take on the Lake Michigan Red Hawks.
For more information about all of the Homecoming activities, please visit grcc.edu/homecoming.
The goals of this event is to raise awareness among students about mental
health resources and to encourage them to seek help when they hit
roadblocks or have a life crisis that is creating barriers to their success.
Mental Health & Wellness Resource Fair: October 23, 2017 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Professor M. Righa’s Introduction to Business class collected donations for the food pantry. For the community and social responsibility in the contemporary workplace learning outcome.
The BA 103 project brought in 203 items, weighing a total of 213.7 lbs.
Photo by Mackenzie Curtis.
“GRCC has not had a homecoming in a long time. That changes now!”
Homecoming 2017 will take place the week of October 16th. There are activities that you can take part in throughout the week. On Thursday, October 19th, faculty, staff, students, and alumni are all invited to a Raider Tailgate. The tailgate will take place in the Raider Grille from 5-6:30 p.m. Food will be provided, and there will be family-friendly activities. Then head on over to the Fold Fieldhouse to cheer on our GRCC Volleyball team as they take on the Lake Michigan Red Hawks.
For more information about all of the Homecoming activities, please visit grcc.edu/homecoming.
The state of American well-being
Feb. 27, 2015; Grand Rapids Business Journal
Although a number of factors such as the rate of uninsured and life evaluation have improved across the country, Gallup-Healthway’s latest State of American Well-Being places Michigan among the bottom 10 states.
… Laura Kennett, assistant professor of exercise science at Grand Rapids Community College, said although she would like to see more detail regarding the design of the survey, she was not surprised by Michigan’s results.
“Unfortunately, Michigan has ranked low for awhile, and part of the reason it doesn’t surprise me is because the information we have around chronic disease in Michigan — what are called preventive health behaviors among Michigan adults — is lower than many other states,” said Kennett. “If people are not engaging in these preventive health measures, then obviously their health is not going to be well.”
Michigan: a state of impoverishment
Feb. 27, 2015; Grand Rapids Business Journal
Grand Rapids Business Journal reports in depth this week on Gallup-Healthway’s latest State of American Well-Being, a study that ranks Michigan in the bottom 10 among all states.
… Laura Kennett, assistant professor of exercise science at Grand Rapids Community College, is quoted in the Business Journal’s page one article: “People don’t realize there are more people in Michigan living at or below the poverty line than other states. Unfortunately, there is plenty of research, plenty of data that shows we can predict people’s health outcomes based on how much money they make and their education.”
Highlights for the month of March
Feb. 27, 2015; MLive
… 26. Wrapping up Grand Rapids Community College’s International Guitar Series is the acclaimed Canadian Guitar Quartet, which is set to perform at 7:30 p.m. The performance will be in the Recital Hall at GRCC’s Music Center, located on the corner of Ransom Avenue and Lyon Street.
FIU Panthers outfielder Brian Portelli caps weekend blitz
March 1, 2015; The Miami Herald
Whenever an FIU Panther hits a home run, he is greeted at the plate not with a high-five or a head-bump, but a standard handshake. The uniquely understated celebration seems to say “Nice to meet you, Gentleman Slugger.”
… Thomas plucked (Brian) Portelli out of baseball obscurity while working a winter camp in Detroit as a visiting instructor. Fat chance an unknown out of Division II Grand Rapids Community College would develop into a contributor, never mind a star. But Thomas took that chance anyway.
MSU Democrats travel to D.C. for retreat
Feb. 27, 2015; The State News (MSU’s student newspaper)
After a Republican sweep in the 2014 midterm elections, MSU College Democrats are reevaluating some strategies to increase membership.
… (Brianna) Shamsuddoha said MSU College Democrats had eight representatives at the retreat. Central Michigan University, Grand Rapids Community College and Northern Michigan University’s College Democrats chapters also sent delegates to the retreat.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Former Grand Haven man goes missing in Grand Rapids
Jan. 29, 2015; The Grand Haven Tribune
Timothy Groenhout, a graduate of Grand Haven High School in the early 1990s, was last seen in downtown Grand Rapids at about 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21.
… Tim graduated from the Culinary Arts School at Grand Rapids Community College, worked as a chef in downtown Grand Rapids and then headed to Seattle to also work as a chef. He recently moved back to Grand Rapids from Washington, and was living with his girlfriend and looking for a job.
More than 250 positions open at job fair in GR
Jan. 30, 2015; WOOD TV
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Michigan Works! is hosting a job fair Friday on the campus of Grand Rapids Community College.
Check out list of U.S. foreign policy topics for Great Decisions series
Jan. 29, 2015; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Asia, check. Africa, check. Europe, South America and the Middle East: check, check, check.
… Admission is $15, or $10 for members of the World Affairs Council. Students from Aquinas College, Kendall College of Art and Design, Grand Rapids and Montcalm community colleges, and Davenport, Grand Valley State, Ferris State and Western Michigan universities get in free.
College notes: Heart surgery as youth leads GVSU’s Taylor Wiercinski to become great diver
Jan. 29, 2015; MLive
… MEN’S BASKETBALL
… Michael Miller, Grand Rapids Community College: Miller (Caledonia/Grace Bible) had a season-high 21 points against Lansing CC on Jan. 21. He drained five 3-pointers and is averaging 8.9 points per game.
DeMarcus Stuckey, Grand Rapids Community College: Stuckey (GR Catholic Central) had back-to-back 27-point games against Jackson CC and Lansing CC last week. Stuckey leads the Raiders (10-7) in scoring with 21.3 points per game.
… WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
… Jayla Branch, Grand Rapids Community College: Branch has become a dominant scorer for the Raiders. The freshman guard (Wyoming) had 31 points in a 66-61 loss to Glen Oaks CC on Jan. 21. She was 10-of-26 from the field and drained six 3-pointers. She is averaging 14.6 points per game.
Area high school grads making an impact on college sports scene
Jan. 29, 2015; MLive
Following is a look at some area high school graduates who have been making news both in the winter season on the collegiate level.
… Jayla Branch is making a big impact with the Grand Rapids Community College women’s basketball team. A freshman from Wyoming High School, Branch is second on the team in scoring with 14.6 points per game and leads the team in steals with 3.6 per game. Branch is also averaging 2.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. Branch scored a season-best 31 points in a game against Glen Oaks Community College and recorded seven steals against Schoolcraft.
Ferris States Tony Annese has interviewed for CMU head coach job, still on radar
Jan. 29, 2015; The Morning Sun (Mount Pleasant)
Multiple sources this week have confirmed Ferris State head coach Tony Annese has interviewed for the open head coach job at Central Michigan.
… Annese proceeded to take over a program at Grand Rapids Community College that had gone a combined 7-11 the previous two seasons.
LCC student loan default rate dangerously high
Jan. 27, 2015; The Lansing State Journal
LANSING — If Lansing Community College doesn’t bring down its student loan default rate in the next two years, students at the college could lose their eligibility for federal loans and grants.
… Student loan default cohort rates for two-year colleges in the state
… Grand Rapids: 26.4 percent
Message to girls: you are beautiful
Jan. 27, 2015; WOTV
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOTV) — The meaning of inner and outer beauty was the message at the fifth Beautiful U event. More than 100 girls from middle schools across greater Grand Rapids gathered at Ferris State University for the day-long empowerment workshop.
… Part of being beautiful is being healthy. At Beautiful U, this message was displayed with healthy snacks and lunches from the United Dairy Industry of Michigan and Meijer. Participants also got to tour the kitchens at the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education at GRCC. The tour showed them how culinary students prepare food and see first-hand what it might be like to explore a career in the culinary arts.
New ‘Change Agent Award’ goes to co-founders of GRCC program for black males
Jan. 26, 2015; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – – Two men whose leadership program has helped male black students triple their achievement levels at Grand Rapids Community College in just two years will be the first recipients of the Change Agent Award created by the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce.
GRCC faculty: Not offering domestic partner benefits for LGBT employees is discriminatory
Jan. 26, 2015; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College faculty members spoke out Monday in support of adding domestic partner benefits for unmarried couples, saying that in their absence, gays are in effect discriminated against.
Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. King
Jan. 26, 2015; schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District newsletter)
Northview Public Schools, MI — To honor Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, Breton Downs Elementary students held signs expressing Freedom, Peace and Love during a silent march near their school in memory of the civil rights activist.
… Some two dozen students from Northview’s East Campus High School joined the annual King Day March at Grand Rapids Community College. Three teachers accompanied the students on a noon march beginning at the Ford Fieldhouse.
World Affairs Council kicks off discussion series with NPR correspondent analyzing digital privacy
Jan. 26, 2015; MLive
The Great Discussion Series from the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan will begin Monday, Feb. 2, with Aarti Shahani, National Public Radio’s technology correspondent, as the featured guest.
… World Affairs Council of West Michigan’s educational partners and corporate members attend free, as do students, faculty and staff of participating schools including Aquinas College, Davenport University, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University, Ferris State University, Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University, Montcalm Community College, and Western Michigan University.
GRCC students weigh in on President Obama’s plan for free community college
Jan. 21, 2015; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – President Barack Obama’s proposal for free community college was enticing Wednesday for students at Grand Rapids Community College, many of whom said they’ve taken on debt or extra work to cover the rising cost of their education.
Jan. 21, 2015; WOOD TV
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — I had the opportunity to meet and interview Sybrina Fulton, the mother of Trayvon Martin at this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Celebration at GRCC.
The daily employee newsletter of Grand Rapids Community College 