GRCC offers Saturday service, free parking to help potential students enroll
Aug. 20, 2019; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Grand Rapids Community College enrollment team has been calling, texting and emailing hundreds of potential students to help them complete the enrollment process.
Morgan Beers named Holland Sentinel Girls Water Polo Player of the Year
June 19, 2019; The Holland Sentinel
ZEELAND — Morgan Beers was a force in front of the net.
… Beers will attend Grand Rapids Community College next year with hopes of transferring to Grand Valley State.
Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra opens season with local talent
June 19, 2019; Manistee News Advocate
BENZONIA — The Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra (BASO) will launch its 2019 summer season with a stunning performance by talented local musicians.
… She (Carrie Brannen) completed her Bachelor of Music degree at Western Michigan University, where she graduated summa cum laude in 2013, and her Associate of Music degree at Grand Rapids Community College, where she graduated in 2011.
Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame names 2019 members
June 19, 2019; White Lake Beacon
MUSKEGON – The Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame has announced its 2019 class of inductees.
… In the field of Education, the Hall of Fame has selected for membership Roger Schlosser. Schlosser is the retired founder and director of the Irish Studies Program at Grand Rapids Community College, believed to be the only Irish Studies Program at a community college in the U.S.
Highlights of the 2019-20 budget approved by GRCC Trustees
June 11, 2019; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees has unanimously approved a $112.3 million operating budget for the 2019-20 academic year
GRCC partners with HexArmor to create 49 new jobs
June 11, 2019; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees approved a $324,875 Michigan New Jobs Training Program agreement Monday with HexArmor, a global provider of personal protective equipment.
Overcoming homelessness to get her degree, she’s ready to help others
June 11, 2019; schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District)
Five years after sharing her story about growing up in poverty, a mature, confident, 22-year-old Jordan Lovett walked into a local coffee shop. She had graduated days earlier from Grand Valley State University with a bachelor’s degree in social work.
… I checked in with Lovett the next winter. She was struggling as a freshman at Aquinas College. Her grades weren’t great and she was stressed out trying to work, pay the bills, and complete 18 credits. She had already enrolled in Grand Rapids Community College for the next semester, to save money. She was one of many students in college who have the imposter feeling of, “I don’t belong here.” I wrote her second story as a bigger piece about how barriers for low-income college students don’t end at the Admissions Office door.
Sushi caterer rolls with purpose
June 11, 2019; Grand Rapids Magazine
After earning a pre-social work degree, Bawi Sung felt whatever career she found next should center on helping her fellow Burmese orphans and refugees.
… In the U.S., while learning English as a second language, Anu completed ninth grade through high school — where she met her now-husband Aceu Thawng, who immigrated to Grand Rapids in 2008. Anu then earned a pre-social work degree from Grand Rapids Community College.
Chess players gain focus, swagger
June 11, 2019; schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District)
After winning the chess tournament at Comstock Park High School for two years running, Senior Stephen Riley could walk through commencement with a bit of swagger.
… “No one thought I was going to win,” says Stephen, who will go on to classes at Grand Rapids Community College this fall. “I didn’t even think I would win.”
Bucs, Lakers and Trojans represent as All-Stars
June 12, 2019; Grand Haven Tribune
Local volleyball seniors had the chance to suit up one last time in their school colors Tuesday as Muskegon Community College hosted an All-Star game for outgoing players.
… Across the board, the local all-stars will be continuing their careers at the collegiate level. Paulsen and Carlyle got an early introduction to their new home Tuesday, as they will take their talents to play for the Jayhawks this fall. Zenas is set to set at Hillsdale College, while Strohmeyer will continue to terminate points for Lake Superior State University. (Kailey) Carmean and (Kylie) Oberlin plan to remain teammates while attending Grand Rapids Community College and Core will bring the heat at Hope College.
Students receive $500 scholarships from Sparrow Ionia Hospital Foundation
June 11, 2019; Ionia Sentinel-Standard
IONIA COUNTY — Eight students pursuing careers in health care each received $500 in scholarships from Sparrow Ionia Hospital Foundation.
… Scholarship recipients for 2019 are:
… Jeffrey Puehler from Belding High School — attending Grand Rapids Community College for a nurse practitioner degree.
Grand Rapids school board approves interim superintendent contract
June 11, 2019; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Grand Rapids school board approved a contract Monday, June 10, for Ronald Gorman to serve as interim superintendent when Teresa Weatherall Neal retires effective July 1.
(This article doesn’t mention it, but Ronald Gorman is a GRCC alumnus.)
The Women’s Coalition of Motorcyclists Announces the Train-the-trainer scholarship
June 11, 2019; WHFB
In pursuit of the goal of doubling the number of female motorcycle riders by 2020, the Women’s Coalition of Motorcyclists (WCM) has established a train-the-trainer scholarship program in partnership with the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning and Michigan Rider Education Program. The scholarship program will allow for up to 10 WCM paid members to attend the RiderCoach Preparation course to become a certified motorcycle safety coach. In Michigan, only 11 percent (27 of 235) of certified RiderCoaches are female.
… For an application for the Grand Rapids Community College Motorcycle Rider Education Program visit: (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0ByIXC151xB1idkw5Qzlfd3hzcTZxMlVCVnh1ZVJJR3c2T0lv/view )
Jewish Theatre’s “Church & State” combines real-life topics with comedy
June 11, 2019; FOX 17
Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids is combining real, serious topics and comedy in their latest production, “Church & State.”
… The play will be performed at GRCC Spectrum Theatre on the following dates:
10 fun ideas for Grand Rapids-area kids to try over summer break
June 10, 2019 MLive
As of Friday, June 6, the school year had ended for the vast majority of students in Kent and Ottawa counties.
… Grand Rapids Community College offers a few workforce training summer camps at the Leslie E. Tassell M-TEC Center, 622 Godfrey St. SW. The only one with availability now is the Manufacturing Camp for June. Register online by visiting the website.
2019 Rosa Parks Scholars plan to change the world
June 10, 2019; The Detroit News
Detroit — When choosing where to attend high school, Gregory Miller knew he was taking a risk when he picked Cass Technical High School over his neighborhood Renaissance High School.
… Meet the scholars
… Fawzia Ali
Innovation Central High School
College: Grand Rapids Community College
GRCC president discusses role of industry collaboration in higher ed
June 9, 2019; mibiz.com
Since Bill Pink became the tenth president of Grand Rapids Community College two years ago, he has become a leading voice for the state’s network of 28 community colleges. Pink sat down with MiBiz after speaking from the main stage of the Mackinac Policy Conference, an annual gathering of Michigan’s top business and political leaders, to discuss the effect of business executives, education leaders and philanthropy partners coming together to advocate for a better education system.
Change-Ups: ACG Western Michigan Recognized as National Chapter of the Year
June 7, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal
… SPORTS
Grand Rapids Community College hired Jeff Bauer as the men’s basketball coach. Bauer has experience at the NCAA Division I and II levels, including 11 years at his alma mater, Grand Valley State University. Bauer will be the eighth coach since 1965 to coach GRCC’s men’s basketball team. He replaces Luke Bronkema, who had a successful three-year run with two national tournament appearances: a sixth-place finish in 2017 and eighth-place finish in 2018.
Spotlight on the News Special: Inside the 2019 Mackinac Policy Conference & its “One Michigan” theme
June 7, 2019; WXYZ
MACKINAC ISLAND, MI. — On Sunday, June 9, Spotlight on the News will broadcast its 2019 Mackinac Policy Conference special from the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. The 30 minute broadcast will include a smorgasbord of leaders from Michigan and elsewhere. From Chamber President Sandy Baruah to government leaders such as Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield, State Attorney General Dana Nessel, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to ABC News Political Analyst Matthew Dowd and Grand Rapids Community College President Dr. Bill Pink, tune in for their very candid insights and comments.
GRCC reps ‘raid’ high school to share college info
June 7, 2019; schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District)
Union High School juniors Jashiya Moore and Ronjaia McIntosh said they feel excited and nervous about going to college.
… Jashiya and Ronjaia — students who will have college paid for through the Challenge Scholars program — are not alone in having a mix of emotions as they look ahead to college. So Grand Rapids Community College representatives are working to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Mayville’s Rutter inks with Grand Rapids Community College
June 9, 2019; The County Press (Lapeer)
MAYVILLE — From left to right James Brooks, Shelly Brooks, Mayville senior, Alexis Rutter, Coach Brian Skudre and Mayville Head Coach Andrew Morrison are all smiles as Lexi signs her national letter-of-intent to play softball at Grand Rapids Community College Thursday.
June 7, 2019; The Daily News (Greenville)
IONIA — Tyler Hausserman is finishing up his high school golfing career how every golfer his age would like to — at the state finals, which takes place today and tomorrow.
… Hausserman is the first golfer under (coach Bryan) Wetherwax’s six years of tutelage to sign with a college team, signing a letter of intent with Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) May 15.
June 7, 2019; schoolnewsnetwork.org
The Thursday evening before graduation, Lee High School was abuzz with activity as 84 seniors — nervous, excited and anxious to finish the school year — presented their capstone projects to panels of volunteer judges.
… “I think it’s really important to protect the bonds that families need to have,” said Melissa (Montiel), who plans to attend Grand Rapids Community College this fall, then transfer to a four-year school.
‘Church & State’ tackles tough issues on stage
June 7, 2019; WZZM
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — For ten days in June, Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids is taking on tough issues through their performance of “Church and State.” The play, by Jason Odell, deals with school shootings and gun control discussions in politics.
Performances will be at Grand Rapids Community College’s Spectrum Theatre’s main stage. They will be held at 8 p.m on June 13, 15, 20 and 22. There will also be performances at 3 p.m. on June 16 and 23.
Dr Bill Pink – GRCC President at Mackinaw
May 31, 2019; WOOD Radio
GRCC President Dr Bill Pink joined Steve and Rick at the Mackinac Policy Conference.
Statewide education issues take center stage at Mackinac Policy Conference
June 2, 2019; mibiz.com
MACKINAC ISLAND — Education reform took center stage at this year’s Mackinac Policy Conference, the annual gathering of the top business and government leaders in Michigan organized by the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce.
… Grand Rapids Community College President Bill Pink spoke at the Mackinac Policy Conference about a statewide decline in graduation rates, a lack of available training for skilled trades, and decreased rankings in math, reading, and science. He was joined by Detroit Regional Chamber President and CEO Sandy Baruah and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush. During his tenure as governor, Bush was an advocate for school choice, including school vouchers and charter schools.
May 31, 2019; Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education
Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) culinary students will reap the sweet rewards from a partnership with a local theatre company, Broadway Grand Rapids, and the generosity of theater patrons.
GRBJ: Task force wants to make city SAFE
May 31, 2019; WZZM
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRBJ) – An alliance of Grand Rapids city staff, nonprofit and business organizations is reaching out to the community to gather ideas to reduce violence among youth.
… Community organizations partnered with SAFE include Spectrum Health, the Steelcase Foundation, Network 180, Heart of West Michigan United Way, LINC UP, the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan and Grand Rapids Community College, as well as out-of-state organizations like South Bend Group Violence Intervention in South Bend, Indiana, and NOLA for Life in New Orleans.
From Grief and Recovery to Graduation
May 31, 2019; schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District newsletter)
The world as Sparta senior Miguel Vazquez knew it changed on December 5, 2018.
… After graduation, Miguel plans to attend Grand Rapids Community College to complete his general education requirements and then pursue a degree in electrical engineering at Grand Valley State University.
Ionia County K-9 handler Dion Sower promoted to sergeant
May 31, 2019; Ionia Sentinel-Standard
IONIA — Dion Sower knew it was time for a change in his role as he approaches his 17th year with the Ionia County Sheriff’s Office.
… Sower decided to attend the Grand Rapids Community College Police Academy.
Sushi caterer rolls with purpose
May 31, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal
After earning a pre-social work degree, Bawi Sung felt whatever career she found next should center on helping her fellow Burmese orphans and refugees.
… Aceu Thawng, who immigrated to Grand Rapids in 2008. Anu then earned a pre-social work degree from Grand Rapids Community College.
GRCC launches efforts to raise $3 million to improve buildings, boost scholarships fund
May 24, 2019; schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District newsletter)
One in three Kent County high school graduates is connected to Grand Rapids Community College in some way, explained college representatives as they kicked off efforts to raise the final $3 million of $15 million earmarked for facility improvements and scholarships through its A Broader Vision campaign.
Mackinac Policy Conference 2019: Full schedule and agenda, speakers, how to watch
May 27, 2019; WDIV
… The Education Crisis: The Problem
Speaker: Bill Pink, President, Grand Rapids Community College
With more than 25 years of experience in education and workforce development, Bill Pink will share statewide data that articulates Michigan’s current state of education.
MSU, WMU tailor new workforce training programs to fit employers’ needs
May 26, 2019; mibiz.com
In response to employers’ calls for action, colleges and universities throughout the state are making a major shift in their workforce training programs.
… One of the results at WMU is the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership Laboratory (AMP Lab) at the university’s campus in downtown Grand Rapids. WMU operates the AMP Lab in partnership with Grand Rapids Community College and local industry. Students who are interested in going into industrial engineering and advanced manufacturing jobs can earn accreditation at GRCC and WMU while working at a partnering employer. These employers have committed to helping pay for their employees’ tuition.
Precision Machining program at Kent Career Tech Center preparing teens for future
May 24, 2019; WOOD TV
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOTV) – Students from high schools around Kent County are experiencing high school in a unique way. They are learning in state-of-art labs at GRCC’s Applied Technology Center through the Precision Machining Kent Career Tech Center Satellite Program.
Grand Rapids school holds special graduation ceremony for student in the hospital
May 24, 2019; WZZM
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A 17-year-old Grand Rapids high school student wound up in the hospital receiving emergency surgery just weeks before his high school graduation.
… Hassel will remain in the hospital as he continues to heal, but he has plans of attending Grand Rapids Community College in the fall.
Ionia’s Hausserman to tee it up at GRCC
May 24, 2019; Ionia Sentinel-Standard
With just weeks to go in his final season at Ionia High School, Tyler Hausserman secured his golf future with a commitment to Grand Rapids Community College next year.
Young actor headed to Big Apple stage
May 24, 2019; schoolnewsnetwork.org
In this spring’s school musical, “Crazy for You,” Eric Liu played the lead role of Bobby Child. A banker who aspires to be a dancer, the character is “at heart just a big goofball who wants nothing more than to be onstage and have fun with his life,” Eric says.
… Eric hopes the contacts he makes at The Jimmy Awards lands him some auditions and gets him on his way. If not, he plans to study theater beginning at Grand Rapids Community College, and to start auditioning for local productions. Either way, he has his sights set on a career of performing in the kinds of plays that have entranced him.
GRCC’s summer guest student enrollment increasing
May 22, 2019; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Be our guest!
That’s the message Grand Rapids Community College has been sending to students at other universities and colleges and it’s resulted in an increase in guest student summer enrollment.
PR industry hands out PRoof awards
May 23, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal
The region’s public relations industry has recognized the best work over this past year.
… Corporate Social Responsibility Campaigns
Silver – Grand Rapids Community College, “Raising Awareness of New Laptop Vending Machines” campaign
… Reputation/Brand Management
Gold – Grand Rapids Community College for its Ford Fieldhouse Legacy Murals campaign
May 22, 2019; Arizona Republic
Ten Grand Rapids Public Schools students have been selected from a record number of entries in an annual art competition focused on energy-related subjects. The artwork will be on display this fall during Project 1 by ArtPrize through collaboration with the district and Consumers Energy.
… The 10 finalists were judged by a panel of art professionals from Kendall College of Art & Design at Ferris State University, Grand Rapids Community College and Grand Valley State University. The top winner and the winner of a “people’s choice” online contest will be announced Sept. 7 during the opening ceremony of Project 1 by ArtPrize, sponsored by Consumers Energy.
‘I thought what’s the point of getting up? But I got up’
May 21, 2019; Greenville Daily News
HOWARD CITY — Dion’Tae Givens would like to go into a career in law enforcement.
… Dion’Tae has applied to attend Grand Rapids Community College this fall, where he hopes to begin pursuing a career in law enforcement.
GRCC to raise $15 million to increase scholarships, improve facilities
May 14, 2019; WZZM
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Leaders at Grand Rapids Community College launched an effort Tuesday to raise the final $3 million of a $15 million plan to increase scholarships and expand and improve campus facilities.
GRCC’s $15M fundraising campaign targets student scholarships, facilities
May 14, 2019; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College announced Tuesday, May 14, the public phase of its $15 million fundraising campaign for student scholarships and facilities that are more conducive to 21st-century teaching and learning.
Just $3 million shy of goal, GRCC launches public fundraising campaign
May 14, 2019; WGVU
The fundraising campaign is called “A Broader Vision,” and it’s an effort by Grand Rapids Community College leaders to raise “the final $3 million of a $15 million plan to increase scholarships” and renovate two buildings on campus, according to a release.
GRCC launches fundraising campaign for campus renovations
May 14, 2019; FOX 17
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids Community College kicked off a fundraising campaign Tuesday to raise money to put towards campus upgrades.
Attracting four-year students for the summer
May 14, 2019; Community College Daily
Whether it’s because of the lower tuition, the ability to gain credits while living at home, a particular course they want to take, or a preferable option to a summer job, an increasing number of four-year college and university students have been enrolling at community colleges during the summer to take a course — or two or three.
… The number of “guest students” at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) in Michigan increased nearly 80 percent between the advent of its summer marketing push in 2011 and last year. In 2018, 1,374 students from other colleges and universities took GRCC summer courses, nearly a quarter (22 percent) of all students enrolled.
Sophia Carlson, Vivian Gay named top grads at Belding High School
May 14, 2019; Ionia Sentinel-Standard
BELDING — Aerospace engineering and worship ministry are the planned college majors for the top two students academically in the Belding High School Class of 2019.
… (Vivian) Gay, 17, is the daughter of Robert and Nadine Gay. She plans to attend Grand Rapids Community College before transferring to Grace Christian University for worship ministry. Going to Grace would be a dream for Gay, she said, with a goal of becoming a worship leader.
Final comments taken in K-12 Social Studies Standards debate
May 14, 2019; schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District newsletter)
Local educators and students weighed in on the proposed revision of State Social Studies Standards — under debate and hotly contested for the past five years — during a session hosted recently at Kent ISD by the Michigan Department of Education.
… Gertrude Croom, retired Grand Rapids Community College professor, said she attended because of a concern for Michigan students overall, and spoke about the global economy they need to work and live in.
1908 mansion with full pipe organ featured on 50th anniversary Heritage Hill tour
May 14, 2019; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – As the Heritage Hill Association celebrates the 50th anniversary of its annual home tour this weekend, organizers are bringing back a Georgian mansion that was a star attraction on the first Heritage Hill tour in May 1969.
… Advance tickets are $18 and are available on the Heritage Hill Association website, as well as the Heritage Hill association office at 126 College SE, Family Fare and D&W stores, Lake Michigan Credit Union branches, Martha’s Vineyard and Art of the Table. Day of tour tickets are $25 and are available at the ticket booth at the GRCC DeVos Campus, 435 East Fulton St. Children under 12 are admitted free.
GRCC staff and faculty are planning a Raider Takeover of Union High School on Thursday, May 16 to help inform students about college and inspire this next generation of Raiders to pursue postsecondary education.
The event runs from 8 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at Union High, 1800 Tremont NW in Grand Rapids.
The GRCC team will engage with eleventh grade Challenge Scholars students in classrooms.
The goals are to promote academic success, college aspiration, and career exploration and inspire students to continue exploring the endless opportunities available to them.
GRCC colleagues will connect with students and engage in meaningful discussions to help students see college as a possibility. They’ll allow students to get a glimpse of college life and begin exploring how to navigate the transition from high school to college. Students will be informed about college and assist in debunking myths about the college experience GRCC colleagues will share their own educational journeys and career experiences with Challenge Scholars students.
Contact the College Success Center at collegesuccess@grcc.edu, (616) 234-2312 if you are interested in participating.
GRCC welcomes a new group of eager students from Comstock Park High School!
The New Student Orientation for International students was held on campus Friday, January 4th. Orientation runs all day and is filled with important information about federal rules and regulations for students on an F-1 visa, a tour of campus, information on getting around GRCC (bus lines, etc.), lunch, technology, and academic advising information.
The Admissions Office welcomed 10 new international students from Haiti, Brazil, Ethiopia, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, and China. Please help us welcome them to GRCC!
Admissions hosted their annual Spring Open House for prospective students this past Saturday, March 24th. The event was held in the Applied Technology Center. A total of 154 individual prospective students, representing 54 high schools, and their families attended. We saw about 500 people in total during the event. Students were able to attend presentations on Academic Pathways and Admissions & Financial Aid, go on a campus tour, take their placement test, attend a FAFSA completion workshop and meet with staff from 25 GRCC departments. In addition, six academic departments hosted tours of their area for students.
A huge thank you goes out to all staff who attended the event and connected with potential students. In addition, thanks are due to Bayard Brooks, Becky Yoder and Chef Luba for ensuring the event was set up perfectly and students and staff were well fed!
Save the date for the Fall Open House which will be held on Saturday November 3rd!
Here at GRCC, we are fortunate to have many remarkable students. Here’s your chance to help one outstanding adult student from the college with the annual GRAHEN Outstanding Adult Learner (OAL) award. This important award recognizes and celebrates the academic achievements, leadership and community contributions of local adult students.
For nearly 20 years, the Grand Rapids Area Higher Education Network (GRAHEN), of which GRCC is a member school, honors an outstanding adult learner from every one of its 12 member institutions every year.
GRCC faculty and staff can nominate individuals (adult and nontraditional students) from the 2017-2018 school year using the nomination form below. The deadline to submit nominations is March 1, 2018.
If you have questions, contact Francisco Ramirez at (616) 234-3181 or framirez@grcc.edu.
The daily employee newsletter of Grand Rapids Community College 