GRCC In the News, 8-5-19

Change Ups: Wierich appointed to separate art positions

Aug. 2, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… EDUCATION

Grand Rapids Community College launched a new degree in pre-sports management. Students who complete the associate program can then transfer to complete a Bachelor of Science in sports management at Grand Valley State University.

Jets Sign TE Nick Truesdell, Waive OL Tyler Jones

Aug. 4, 2019; newyorkjets.com

The Jets made a pair of moves Sunday, signing TE Nick Truesdell and waiving OL Tyler Jones.

The well-traveled Truesdell, who played collegiately at Cincinnati and also attended Grand Rapids Community College, had a couple of stints in the Indoor Football League (IFL) and multiple stops in the Arena Football League (AFL). He also had brief stays with the Colts and the Vikings and most recently played with the Salt Lake Stallions in the Alliance for American Football. The 6’5”, 246-pounder combined to catch 127 balls for 1,527 yards with 38 touchdowns in the AFL.

Tough spring took a toll, but mid-Michigan generational farmer hopeful

Aug. 4, 2019; The Hastings Banner

Tim Stuart is a 36-year-old farmer who manages approximately 750 acres that he shares with his dad.

… Stuart attended Grand Rapids Community College and earned an associate’s degree in automotive technology, but he returned to the farm with his father.

Memorial tourney going strong in 14th year

Aug, 4, 2019; The Hastings Banner

It has been long enough now that the young men and women chosen to receive the Emily Duits Memorial Scholarship Award, for a graduating senior at Lakewood High School each spring, don’t have their own memories of Duits.

… She’ll (Savannah Stoepker) use the award towards her coming years at Grand Rapids Community College, where she will be a member of the women’s softball team. She has plans right now to study towards a degree in secondary education, eventually moving on to a school like Grand Valley State University.

Automotive Technology students seek vehicles to repair this May

It’s that time of year, again! Automotive Technology students need your vehicles this May.

• Brakes rough or squealing?
• Hearing clunks or rattles over bumps?
• “Check Engine” light on?
• Transmission fluid, anti-freeze, and power steering fluid need a flush?
• A/C blowing warm air?
• Belts squeaking and chirping?
• Power window/locks inoperative?
• ABS warning lamp on?

Automotive Technology students can help with these issues — and more! The students can perform maintenance and repairs on most vehicle makes and models that are 2007 model year or newer. Customers pay only for parts and supplies. With no labor charges, the repair costs are half the typical cost. Our session will run for only THREE WEEKS this year, May 6-24. Appointments are limited.

To schedule an appointment, contact Chad Lodenstein clodenst@grcc.edu or Brett Atchison at batchison@grcc.edu.

Automotive Technology students ready to tackle live service, repairs

Brakes rough or squealing?

Hearing clunks or rattles over bumps?

“Check Engine” light on?

Transmission fluid, anti-freeze, and power steering fluid need a flush?

A/C blowing warm air?

Belts squeaking and chirping?

Power window/locks inoperative?

ABS warning lamp on?

Automotive Technology students can help with these issues — and more! The students can perform maintenance and repairs on most vehicle makes and models that are 2007 model year or newer. To schedule an appointment, contact Brett Atchison at batchison@grcc.edu. Customers pay only for parts and supplies. With no labor charges, the repair costs are half the typical cost. Our session will run for only THREE WEEKS this year, with a start date of May 7.

Condolences to Chad Lodenstein

We extend our condolences to Chad Lodenstein, of the Automotive Department, on the death of his wife, Heidi, on Jan. 9. Services are scheduled from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Jan. 13 at Hudsonville Congregational United Church of Christ, 4950 32nd Ave. in Hudsonville.

GRCC In the News, 9-18-17

Anxiety and uncertainty: Fallout from Trump administration’s plan to rescind DACA

Sept. 17, 2017; mibiz.com

West Michigan educators and at least one business group say the Trump administration’s plan to rescind the Deferred Action of Childhood Arrivals program already is leading to anxiety and uncertainty.

… Universities and colleges across Michigan including Western Michigan University, Michigan State University, Grand Valley State University, Ferris State University, Grand Rapids Community College, Kalamazoo College and Kalamazoo Valley Community College have responded with resolutions of support for their DACA students and called for a legislative fix from Congress.
GRCCs Faculty Council recently passed a resolution opposing the DACA decision and supporting the positions of the GRCC administration and Board of Trustees.

Call to action issued on Challenge Scholars

Sept. 15, 2017; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The president of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation says Challenge Scholars is more than about giving families money to pay for college, but preparing and guiding teenagers through the transition from high school to college for a successful career and life.

… Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) announced that all incoming freshman to Union, starting with the class of 2020, will have at least a two-year, tuition-free option for college or career training at the college. GRCC has also committed Success Coaches to work with students to identify college and career goals.

Women in Auto Care Announce 2017 Scholarship Winners

Sept. 15, 2017; Tire Review

Women in Auto Care awarded $65,000 in scholarships this year to 22 female students who are studying to enter the auto care industry.

… The 2017 scholarship winners are listed below:

Post-Secondary Students

… $2,500 Brooke Peckham, Grand Rapids Community College

In Trump era, politics are more visible than ever at Grand Rapids’ ArtPrize

Sept. 17, 2017; The Detroit Free Press

GRAND RAPIDS — When Donald Trump stumbled into last year’s ArtPrize competition, he was still a long-shot presidential candidate running what looked like a losing campaign.

… Her (Patricia Constantine) entry, “Sineater,” on display at Grand Rapids Community College’s Collins Art Gallery, is a mixed-media triptych. Presented using carnivalesque imagery, its middle panel is a self-portrait that conveys the artist’s guilt about teaching within a system that buries students in debt. Images of Trump and Betsy DeVos also appear with the phrases “I want to build a wall” and “No free lunch,” respectively.

GRCC In the News, 5-15-17

Change Ups: Allen named Catholic Charities CEO

May 12, 2017; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… EDUCATION

… Grand Rapids Community College automotive technology students Bentley Streling and Adam VanPortfliet placed second and third, respectively, in the recent SkillsUSA state championship.

Perpetual growth fuels Switch

May 12, 2017; Grand Rapids Business Journal

More than 1,000 contractors have had a hand in the Switch Pyramid campus in Gaines Township since legislation passed in December 2015 to bring the data center company to West Michigan.

… Switch has multiple partnerships in the works with Michigan companies, including a renewable energy initiative set to be released soon. (Adam) Kramer confirmed a second year of its partnership with ArtPrize and talked about its workforce development with Grand Rapids Community College.

Clothing line founders get creative

May 12, 2017; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Last year, Jack VanGessel and three of his friends launched Southern Hound, a clothing line inspired by popular styles and culture originating from the South.

But a couple of months after the start of their new venture, the four business partners were beginning to feel dissatisfied with the amount of money they were paying for creative services. VanGessel, a student at Grand Rapids Community College, and co-founder Conor Conaboy, a student at Michigan State University, brainstormed ideas and concluded one day, it might be a fun endeavor to start their own creative agency. That day came sooner than they expected.

Inside Track: Dentist seizes business opportunity

May 12, 2017; Grand Rapids Business Journal

John Bruinsma never would have guessed the artificial taste of a sugar-free lollipop would one day lead to the taste of a $2,000 bottle of scotch.

… Growing up in Grand Rapids, Bruinsma always had a passion for science. After graduating from high school ahead of schedule, he went on to continue his education at Grand Rapids Community College.

Our LGBT Fund raises $520,000 to support services in West Michigan

May 14, 2017; MiBiz

GRAND RAPIDS — The growth of a fund established three years ago by a same-sex couple from Grand Rapids proves there’s interest in addressing issues the LGBT community faces in West Michigan.

… (Simon) Kittok, who works for Grand Rapids Community College, said the fund was created to offer more opportunities for transgender individuals to make good lives for themselves.

GRCC In the News, 4-13-17

Morning News

April 13, 2017; WZZM

Family and friends of a man killed in an assault will be honoring his memory tonight. … Julius Vinson was a student at Grand Rapids Community College hoping for a career in real estate.

Tomorrow’s automobile: Grand Rapids is shaping the future of transportation in the United States

April 13, 2017; rapidgrowthmedia.com

Grand Rapids may have made a name for itself years ago in furniture, but today there’s an equally impressive technological revolution happening on its streets.

… A distance from the tire plants on the east side of the state, Lacks Enterprises is designing and rolling out rims and new interior finishes in West Michigan. Engines are being built throughout the state, but many of them will be powered by the technology researched by Johnson Controls, in Holland. And when the industry calls for more talent, students in the advanced automotive department at Grand Rapids Community College will be available to work.

Automotive Technology students ready to tackle live service, repairs

Brakes rough or squealing?

Hearing clunks or rattles over bumps?

“Check Engine” light on?

Transmission fluid, anti-freeze, and power steering fluid need a flush?

A/C blowing warm air?

Belts squeaking and chirping?

Power window/locks inoperative?

ABS warning lamp on?

Automotive Technology students can help with these issues — and more! The students can perform maintenance and repairs on most vehicle makes and models that are 2007 model year or newer. To schedule an appointment, contact Chad Lodenstein at clodenst@grcc.edu.

Customers pay only for parts and supplies. With no labor charges, the repair costs are half the typical cost.  Our session will run for only THREE WEEKS this year, with a start date of May 8.

GRCC In the News, 12-5-16

Appointments, Resignations, Deaths (12/9/2016)

Dec. 4, 2016; The Chronicle of Higher Education

CHIEF EXECUTIVES

Appointments

… Bill Pink, vice president and dean of work-force development at Grand Rapids Community College, was appointed president. He will be the college’s first black leader.

State News 12-1-16

Dec. 1, 2016; The Hastings Banner

… Grand Rapids Community College announced that it has joined the network of Fiat Chrysler-certified technical training sites. FCA US LLC, a North American automaker headquartered in Auburn Hills, established the Mopar Career Automotive Program LOCAL in partnership with the National Coalition of Certification Centers, or NC3, to train approximately 1,000 students annually. The partnership has a goal of building a talent pipeline of certified Chrysler Fiat automotive technicians across the country.

GRCC Political Professor weighs in on Michigan recount

Dec. 3, 2016; FOX 17

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich – The recount of Michigan’s presidential votes is officially set to begin next week.

… Grand Rapids Community College Professor, Neal Getz stopped by FOX 17 Morning News to explain how the process will work.

GRCC Volleyball’s Lauren Wieber named NJCAA DII All-American

Dec. 3, 2016; MLive

Grand Rapids, Mich – GRCC Volleyball’s sophomore OH Lauren Wieber (Grand Rapids, MI, Kenowa Hills (’15)) earned All-American honors after a stand out season recording 433 kills, 103 digs and 30 blocks while starting in 34 of 36 matches.

Inside Track: Marriage leads to career break

Dec. 2, 2016; Grand Rapids Business Journal

During his two-decade career in fundraising, Keith Hopkins has had a hand in more than 175 campaigns, most of them in the West Michigan region.

… Hopkins began his career in education, teaching at Grand Rapids Community College for four years and then Heartland Community College in Illinois for another four years, before joining Monaghan Associates, a fundraising firm in Grand Rapids.

 

 

GRCC In the News, 9-20-16

Community college becomes Fiat Chrysler training site

Sept. 19, 2016; Grand Rapids Business Journal

A local community college is now a certified Fiat Chrysler training site.
Grand Rapids Community College announced that it has joined the network of Fiat Chrysler-certified technical training sites.

Area students receive Law Enforcement Education Program scholarships

Sept. 16, 2016; The Holland Sentinel

The Law Enforcement Education Program recently named Jenna Klokkert, of Fennville, and Austin Lynema, of Zeeland, among the 22 students nationwide who will receive $1,000 scholarships to encourage their pursuit of law enforcement and public safety careers.
Klokkert is a student at Grand Rapids Community College, and Lynema is a student of Grand Valley State University.

GRCC’s 11th ranked men’s XC take 2nd at MSU, women take 3rd

Sept. 19, 2016; MLive

On Friday September 16th GRCC’s men’s and women’s cross country teams made the trek down I-96 for the MSU Spartan Invitational and toed the line for what was their toughest race of the season.

Kelley: A family guide to visiting ArtPrize

Sept. 19, 2016; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. – ArtPrize in Grand Rapids used to be like the World’s Biggest Ball of Yarn. It was fun because it was large and bizarre and a good excuse to stretch your legs after a car ride.

… Local artists:

… Stanley Skopek of Battle Creek, Flight in Wind at GRCC Spectrum Theater Lobby, 160 Fountain NE

Photos from Fiat Chrysler announcement

GRCC is joining Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ network of certified technical training sites.

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Snyder visits construction camp

Kids in GRCC’s construction camp had a visitor Wednesday — Gov. Rick Snyder stopped by to check out the projects! He also talked with automotive, CNC and residential construction students. The next session of the construction camp, which runs August 15 to 18, has a few seats left.

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GRCC In the News, 5-31-16

Alma High’s auto program nationally certified

May 29, 2016; The Morning Sun (Mount Pleasant)

In its second year back, the auto tech program at Alma High School has received national certification.

… College credits earned from successfully completing the auto or other GI-TEC programs can be applied to Baker College, Central Michigan University, Davenport University, Delta College, Ferris State University, Kirtland Community College, Mid Michigan Community College, Montcalm Community College, Grand Rapids Community College, Universal Technical Institute and University of Northwestern Ohio.

Grand Rapids Team of the Week: 5 things to know about the Wyoming baseball team

May 29, 2016; MLive

… Wyoming’s Brendan Berg, Kelvin Morales and Justin Seitz plan to attend Grand Rapids Community College next year, and all three have plans to play baseball at the next level.

 

Automotive technology students ready to tackle car repairs

Brakes rough or squealing?

Hear clunks or rattles over bumps?

Check Engine light on?

Transmission fluid, anti-freeze, and power steering fluid need a flush?

A/C blowing warm air?

Belts squawking?

Power window/locks inoperative?

ABS warning lamp on?

Automotive Technology students can help with these issues, and more! The students can perform maintenance and repairs on most vehicle makes and models that are 2006 model year or newer. To schedule an appointment, contact Brett Atchison batchison@grcc.edu.

Customers pay only for parts and supplies. With no labor charges, the repair costs are often cut in half. The session runs for six weeks, with a start date of May 9.

Raider Salute to Gayl Beals

A Raider Salute from Dan Anderson:

Gayl, a professor in our M-Tech Automotive Department on Godfrey, went well beyond “helpful and knowledgeable” last night. I brought in a motorcycle head with a broken bolt in it (don’t ask!). I didn’t tell Gayle, but an automotive shop and a motorcycle shop had already refused to attempt the extraction. I was expecting to hear that, because the bolt was deep seated and broken at an angle, I’d need to buy a new head–they run $900. Instead, after trying several different drill bits at various angles, out came that little bugger! Thanks so much, Gayle.