GRCC In the News, 9-11-19

GRCC now charging admission for basketball, volleyball games for scholarships

Sept. 10, 2019; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College is now charging admission to volleyball and basketball games to raise funds for additional athletic scholarships.

How quitting helped Jordyn Gates become a Miss Volleyball finalist

Sept. 11, 2019; MLive

Grand Rapids Christian senior setter Jordyn Gates committed to play volleyball at the University of Arkansas when she was 14 years old.

… Gates will be the third daughter in her family to play college volleyball. Her oldest sister Taylor played at Grand Rapids Community College, and Maddy is now playing at Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne. Her brother Brent Gates Jr. played hockey at the University of Minnesota and her brother Brady, 10, is pursuing baseball.

GRCC In the News, 8-30-19

Morning News

Aug. 30, 2019; FOX 17

If you’re going to watch a sports game at Grand Rapids Community College, you’ll have to pay to get in. GRCC is now charging admission to volleyball and basketball games held at Ford Fieldhouse. It’ll cost $3 to get in for anyone 10 years old and up. But students and staff will still get in for free when they show their RaiderCard. You can also purchase season passes. Proceeds will help create additional athletic scholarships.

New Higher Education Programs Of 2019

Aug. 29, 2019; digitalmediasolutions.com

The downturn in undergraduate student enrollment at many universities is putting pressure on marketers to deliver. In this environment, higher education institutions are developing their programs to cater to the various needs of students and employers. Higher education marketers can reference the New Higher Education Programs of 2019 list to better understand their competition and focus on streamlining and improving their school’s programs.

… Precision Production

Welding Skills Certificate Program (CIP Code: 48.0508) – Grand Rapids Community College

This program will prepare students for entry-level positions over two semesters so they can enter jobs in the manufacturing, petroleum, aerospace, automation and medical fields.

GRCC In the News, 8-19-19

First GRCC Students to Receive Metallica Scholarship Graduate

Aug. 18, 2019; WGRD

More than a dozen students got recently graduated from Grand Rapids Community College, and it’s thanks in part to Metallica.

Greta Van Fleet to join Metallica on South American tour

8/17/19 WZZM

Michigan rock band Greta Van Fleet are joining a legendary metal band on a South American tour.

… GRCC was one of 10 colleges selected nationwide for the Metallica Scholars grant. The first class to benefit from the grant graduated on Monday.

1,000 expected to gather Sunday for annual Blessing of the Students

Aug. 17, 2019; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – More than a thousand people are expected to attend the annual Blessing of the Students on Sunday, Aug. 18, at Grand Rapids Christian High School Eagles Stadium.

… Event speakers include: Interim Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Ronald Gorman, Grand Rapids Christians Schools Superintendent Tom DeJonge, Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Payne, Catholic Schools Superintendent David Faber, Grand Rapids Community College President Bill Pink, and Kuyper College President Patricia Harris.

Bay College announces nine Men’s Basketball recruits

Aug. 16, 2019; uppermichiganssource.com

ESCANABA, Mi. — Bay College has announced a nine-player recruiting class for the 2019-2020 Men’s Basketball Team. Six of the nine players are from the U.P. or surrounding area.

… The Norse return 5 letter winners from last season’s roster and open the 2019-20 regular season at Grand Rapids Community College on Friday, November 1, while their first home contest will be on Monday, November 18 when they host UW-Marinette at 8pm.

GRCC In the News, 8-15-19

First Grand Rapids Community College Students to Receive Metallica Scholarship Graduate

Aug. 14, 2019; Yahoo News

From heavy metal to welding metal Grand Rapids Community College graduated more than a dozen people Monday thanks to Metallica.

Transitions: Tarleton State U. Names Finalist for President, Millersville U. Selects Chief Diversity Officer

Aug. 14, 2019; The Chronicle of Higher Education

… CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICERS

Appointments

… Brian Knetl, interim provost at Harper College, has been named provost and executive vice president for academic and student affairs at Grand Rapids Community College.

Football Position Breakdown: Pass Catchers

Aug. 15, 2019; The Eastern Echo (Eastern Michigan University’s student newspaper)

The wide receiving group for the Eagles is one of the most talented in the MAC as EMU has 16 receivers on the depth chart. The collective is as follows: Line Latu, Isaac Holder, Hassan Beydoun, Michael Thompson, Keyan Marshall, Tanner Knue, De’Anthony Ball, Amir Spivey, Joe Nowden, Eddie Daugherty IV, Noah Cameron, Dylan Drummond, Quian Williams, Logan Giordano, Matthew Sexton and Arthur Jackson III.

… Gunnar Oakes is also returning at the tight end position. He caught 11 passes, compiled 143 yards and scored one touchdown in 11 games. He started three games. The other three tight ends are Tre’Shown Fields, Bryson Cannon and Bryce Kemp. Fields is a senior out of Grand Rapids Community College. Cannon and Kemp are from South Carolina and Iowa, respectively, and will look to carve out time on the field.

The Ticker

Aug. 15, 2019; uni-watch.com (uniform blog)

… NBA News: Embarrassing move by the Bulls — it appears the ad patch on their jerseys will no longer be in a matching team color. Awful (from Ryan Cotter). … Pariah Brewing Company in San Diego has a beer named after LeBron James (from Andrew Cosentino). … New uniforms for Grand Rapids Community College. … Andy Bronson, a alumni from Plattsburgh State in New York, saw a post from his alma mater that showed a lacrosse team mostly made up of Plattsburgh alums wearing jerseys inspired by the 1990s Utah Jazz.

Belding graduates compete at GRCC

Dylan McMaster

Hallee Breimayer

Dylan McMaster competed in his sophomore season for the GRCC Raiders basketball team. This season Dylan competed in 23 games and made 15 starts.

Sophomore Hallee Breimayer competed in her second season for the GRCC Raiders basketball team. This season Hallee was the starting point guard, who played and started in all 31 games, lead the team in scoring (13.5/game), three pointers made (63) assists (149) and steals (69). The 149 assists ranked her third in the MCCAA. A highlight of Breimayer’s career was hitting a three pointer with 1.1 seconds remaining, lifting her Raiders to a 60-59 victory over the Jackson Jets to keep their season alive and advancing them to the post-season NJCAA District tournament that was hosted at GRCC.

Student-Athletes interested in competing for one of GRCC’s 8 athletic teams should fill out a recruiting questionnaire at www.grccraiders.com

East Kentwood graduates compete at GRCC

Cam Spicer

D’Avery Moore

Sammie Ryans

The East Kentwood Trio of Sammie Ryans, D’Avery Moore, and Cam Spicer competed this past season for the GRCC Raiders basketball team. The trio helped the Raiders to their first outright conference championship since 2001, and a Region runner-up finish. Sammie Ryans had a breakout season. Ryans was named a 3rd team NJCAA All-American, 1st team All-Conference, All-Region and All-MCCAA. He was the top scorer in the MCCAA, recording 612 points in 31 games. He was second in 3 pointers (106) and averaged 19.1 points per game. Ryans recently signed a national letter of intent to continue his career at Aquinas College. In addition to excelling on the court, Ryans excelled in the classroom as he was named Academic All-Conference and Academic All-MCCAA. Moore played in 27 games this season, averaging 7.7 points per game, Spicer played in 32 games this season, recording 8.6 points per game and 3.8 assists per game.

Tyler Visser

Tayler Goorhouse

Tayler Goorhouse and Tyler Visser competed in their first seasons for the GRCC Raiders softball and baseball teams.

Student-Athletes interested in competing for one of GRCC’s 8 athletic teams should fill out a recruiting questionnaire at www.grccraiders.com

Cedar Springs High School graduates compete for GRCC

Aaliyah Sargent

Dallas Mora

Freshman Dallas Mora ran for the GRCC Raiders Cross Country team this past fall. Mora was named NJCAA Division I All-Region at the completion of the season. Mora competed in the NJCAA Division I National Championships. Mora has placed himself in the top 20 of GRCC Raider National championship finishes after posting an 8K time of 29:57.

Sophomore Aaliyah Sargent competed in her second season for the GRCC Raiders basketball team. Sargent played and started in all 31 matches this season for the Raiders and played in 971 minutes, while averaging 4.4 points per game, 6.6 rebounds per game and 2.6 rebounds per game. Sargent helped the Raiders to an overall finish of 19-12 overall and qualifying for the post season NJCAA Region tournament. In addition to excelling on the court, Sargent was named NJCAA All-Academic 2nd team, as well as MCCAA All-Academic and Academic All-Conference.

Student-Athletes interested in competing for one of GRCC’s 8 athletic teams should fill out a recruiting questionnaire at www.grccraiders.com

Forest Hills graduates compete for GRCC

Ike Kanu

Trystan Thayer

Sophomore Trystan Thayer, Forest Hills Central graduate, competed in his second season of Cross Country for the Raiders. Thayer was named NJCAA DI All-Region and All-MCCAA. Thayer ran his career best time this season at the LCC Invite where he finished with a time of 25:56, which is the second best 8K time in Raider history.Thayer competed in the NJCAA DI National Championships this past fall and placed 51st overall recording a time of 27:42. In addition to excelling on the course this season, Thayer excelled in the classroom. He was named a 2nd team NJCAA All-Academic, academic All-MCCAA and academic All-Conference. Trystan his committed to continue his academic and athletic career at Wayne State University.

Freshman Ike Kanu, Forest Hills Central graduate, competed in his first season for the GRCC Raiders basketball team. Kanu played and started in 32 games this season. He played in 1,003 minutes averaging 11.7 points per game and 11.6 rebounds per game. Ike helped the Raiders to their first outright conference championship since 2005, and a Region runner-up finish. Ike was named 2nd team all-conference, western conference all-defensive team and western conference Defensive Player of the Year.

Jared Bujdos

Mike Gumbko

Sophomore Mike Gumbko and Freshman Jared Bujdos, both Forest Hills Northern graduates, competed for the GRCC Raiders baseball team. Gumbko played in 9 games, making 6 starts batting .313 with 5 hits and 1 double, 1 triple and 5 RBI’s. Bujdos finished the season playing and starting in 35 games batting .269 with 25 hits and 15 RBI. In addition to excelling on the field Gumbko excelled in the classroom earning NJCAA 3rd team academic honors, academic All-MCCAA and academic All-Conference honors.

Student-Athletes interested in competing for one of GRCC’s 8 athletic teams should fill out a recruiting questionnaire at www.grccraiders.com

Hudsonville High School graduates compete for GRCC

Josh Avink

Kendall Griffioen

Freshman Kendall Griffioen competed in her first season for the GRCC Raiders basketball team. Griffioen played in 29 of the Raiders 31 games this season and a total of 443 minutes. Griffioen helped the Raiders qualify for the postseason NJCAA Regional Tournament and an overall record of 19-12.

Freshman Josh Avink and Freshman Dylan Schut competed for the GRCC Raiders baseball team this past fall. Avink finished the 2019 season recording a 4.96 ERA in 24 innings and throwing 18 strikeouts. Schut finished the season recording 9.00 ERA in 7 innings and throwing 7 strikeouts. Avink and Shut helped the Raiders to a 4th place finish in the MCCAA Western Conference. In addition to excelling on the field, freshman Josh Avink was named academic All-Conference and academic All-MCCAA.

Student-Athletes interested in competing for one of GRCC’s 8 athletic teams should fill out a recruiting questionnaire at www.grccraiders.com

GRCC In the News, 6-10-19

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.

Leaving his mark

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.

To cap it off

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.

GRCC In the News, 5-29-19

Jeff Bauer named head basketball coach at GRCC

May 29, 2019; FOX 17

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — Grand Rapids Community College has named Jeff Bauer as it’s next men’s basketball coach.

Grand Rapids Community College names new basketball coach

May 28, 2019; MLive

Grand Rapids Community College has tapped a coach with more than 25 years of experience to lead the men’s basketball team.

GRCC names Jeff Bauer new men’s basketball head coach

May 28, 2019; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College today announced that Jeff Bauer will become the eighth head coach in the program’s history.

College raising $3M

May 28, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

A local college has launched a public effort to raise $3 million.

Grand Rapids Community College has $3 million left to reach its $15-million capital campaign goal.

McBain Vals and Sals

May 28, 2019; Cadillac News

… Fiona Sullivan is a Senior Scholar at McBain High School. She lives in Lake City with her parents Ben and Jolene Sullivan and three younger siblings. While at McBain High School, she has participated in choir, track, National Honor Society, Art and Literature Club, and the Rambler Robotics team. She achieved a 1300 on her SATs. She has participated in the Missaukee Agricultural Youth Show for eight seasons, twice taking Market Grand Champion for her swine projects. She is active within her church family at Prosper Christian Reformed Church in Falmouth. She plans to attend Grand Rapids Community College and pursue studies in literature, art and design.

Don’t forget: food and fun at the Ford Fieldhouse today during March Madness

Between noon-2 p.m. today, March 22, our friends at the Ford Fieldhouse are offering a tasty deal for March Madness:

• CAMPUS COMBO: hot dog, popcorn, and large pop for only $2.00

Basketball bonus – In Room 212, there will be big screens playing live NCAA basketball games!

Come during your lunch time to enjoy this engagement opportunity for the GRCC family!

Questions? Contact Angela (angelasalinas@grcc.edu) or Sue (sgoeman@grcc.edu)

Head to the Ford Fieldhouse this Friday for March Madness fun

Between 12-2 p.m. our Fieldhouse friends are offering a tasty deal for you:

• CAMPUS COMBO: hot dog, popcorn, and large pop for only $2.00

In Room 212, there will be big screens playing live NCAA basketball games!

Come during your lunch time to enjoy this engagement opportunity for the GRCC family!

Questions? Contact Angela (angelasalinas@grcc.edu) or Sue (sgoeman@grcc.edu)

 

Photos from Homecoming 2019

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That’s a wrap! Winter Homecoming 2019 was a huge hit and success. Students, faculty and staff, retirees, alumni, and community members enjoyed a week full of activities, from the rededication of the Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse, to food trucks on the Olivarez Plaza, topped off with a tailgate for the women’s and men’s basketball games. The success of the entire week was truly because of a cross-campus collaboration. A huge thank you to Campus Activities Board, Student Alliance, Facilities, Athletics, Student Life and Conduct, Alumni Relations, Foundation, Human Resources, Campus Police, Creative Dining, and Media. Stay tuned for next year’s homecoming dates! Enjoy the pictures from Friday night’s tailgate and basketball games!

Happy GRCC Homecoming week!

Welcome to Homecoming week at GRCC! There are different activities each day to help us celebrate.

• Monday, 01/14: Involvement Day; Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse Rededication Ceremony
• Tuesday, 01/15: Dive-in Movie: Finding Dory!
• Wednesday, 01/16: Throwback Vibes
• Thursday, 01/17: Pep Rally
• Friday, 01/18: Homecoming Tailgate; GRCC Women’s and Men’s Basketball Games

For more information about any of the activities planned for this week, visit the Homecoming page.