Tag Archives: board of trustees

GRCC In the News, 8-28-19

Posted on by

Heavy-metal ready

Aug. 27, 2019; schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District newsletter)

Uniqua Sparks’ last name is fitting. While she’s welding heavy metal — mask on and fire blazing — the sparks fly.

… Sparks is a student in the first cohort of Metallica Scholars Introduction to Welding at Grand Rapids Community College. Fourteen students graduated Aug. 12 from the eight-week course held at the Tassell M-TEC, 622 Godfrey Ave. SW.

Dr. Bill Pink: Leading GRCC to be the Most Affordable, Quality Educational Option in the City

Aug. 28, 2019; Grander magazine

Dr. Bill Pink, President of Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), grew up in Texas and lived in Oklahoma for 20 years before moving to Grand Rapids over four years ago. He describes this transition from the warmth of the south to the colder Michigan weather as one that has been mostly enjoyable for him, his wife, and teenage daughter, as they become a part of the West Michigan family.

Kathleen L. Bruinsma: Committed to Serving and Making Grand Rapids Truly Welcoming for All

Aug. 28, 2019; Grander magazine

Upon meeting Kathleen L. Bruinsma, local lawyer and member of the Board of Trustees at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), she was excited about sitting down with Grander Magazine for this Back to School edition. Discussing her background in law, Bruinsma’s passion for education and inclusion showed even more, as she spoke on both, particularly inclusion, relating it to the power structure in Grand Rapids, as well as the work and representation that needs to be achieved.

First Look Frenzy: Jefferson J-Hawks

Aug. 27, 2019; WIFR

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) — The hurdle is pretty high if you are the head coach of Jefferson football. Jake Arnold is getting his first chance to leap over it this season as he begins his stint as head coach of a program which has not had a winning season since 1993.

It’s been 25 seasons of losing football for the J-Hawks, who now have a winner on their side. While Arnold has been in the building for the last five years, the Plainfield North alum brings a positive mentality, after winning a national championship with Grand Rapids Community College. Arnold believes the talent is here to turn things around, especially with a team that was within one score in three of its 2018 losses.

Grand Valley State football addresses its Ferris State problem

Aug. 27, 2019; MLive

ALLENDALE – Grand Valley State has a distinguished football history in NCAA Division II, including four national championships, six title games, 19 NCAA playoff appearances and 17 conference titles.

… Before 2012, the Lakers had won 11 in a row and 14 of 15 against the Bulldogs, who weren’t even their top rival. That was Saginaw Valley State. But that changed quickly when Ferris State hired Tony Annese. He had success at high school (three state titles in 22 years) and junior college (two national titles in three years at Grand Rapids Community College), but he had never coached at the NCAA level.

GRCC In the News, 7-30-19

Posted on by

GRCC, Ferris State deal helps with in-demand hospitality management jobs, officials say

July 30, 2019; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – An agreement between Grand Rapids Community College and Ferris State University helps meet the region’s increasing need for qualified restaurant, food and beverage, and hotel management professionals, officials say.

College expanding pre-sports management program

July 29, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

A local college is growing its pre-sports management program.

Beginning this fall, Grand Rapids Community College students will be able to earn an associate degree in the field and then transfer to complete a B.S. in sports management at Grand Valley State University.

Street Talk: Food for thought

July 26, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… Grand Rapids Community College is hosting an event to introduce young women to the world of careers in health care.

GRCC is teaming up with Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore for a Scrubs Camp for girls in seventh through ninth grades from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. July 29-Aug. 1 at Leslie E. Tassell M-TEC, 622 Godfrey Ave. SW. This is the second week of Scrubs Camp this summer, exposing students to health care career options. This project is a part of a grant from the JP Morgan Chase Foundation.

Removing the barriers of a higher education

July 26, 2019; WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Grand Rapids Community College is the pathway to success for many in West Michigan, but there are so many more people who need help to remove the barriers that are keeping them from getting the education they need. Dr. Kathryn Mullins, Vice President for College Advancement and Executive Director of the GRCC Foundation, is here to tell us about their efforts. The GRCC Foundation provided about 1,000 scholarships last year, but they know there are many more students who need help overcoming obstacles.

Program targets boardroom inclusion

July 26, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

A new program is in the works to help the West Michigan nonprofit sector develop and maintain more diverse and inclusive boardrooms.

… Deb Bailey, GRCC board member and former Steelcase corporate relations director, also is providing input as the Ecosystem’s honorary co-chair.

Check out what Rush Creek Bistro is serving for Restaurant Week GR

July 26, 2019; FOX 17

Restaurant Week GR is once again making it’s way to Grand Rapids, where people have a chance to taste dishes from over 70 restaurants.

… It’s so much more than just a week to try a variety of foods, it also helps fund a scholarship program at Secchia Institute for Culinary Education at Grand Rapids Community College. Participating restaurants will donate $1 from every meal purchased during Restaurant Week to the scholarship fund to help train the next generation of chefs.

GRCC In the News, 7-19-19

Posted on by

3 candidates run for Second Ward commission seat in Grand Rapids

July 18, 2019; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Second Ward Commissioner Ruth Kelly is nearing the end of her final term and three candidates are vying to replace her on the Grand Rapids City Commission.

… Her (Milinda Ysasi) endorsements include current city commissioners Ruth Kelly, Senita Lenear and Kurt Reppart, at least seven former city commissioners, and current and former GRPS and Grand Rapids Community College board members.

GRCC In the News, 6-12-19

Posted on by

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:

Board of Trustees forum today to meet candidates

Posted on by

The Faculty Association, Academic Governing Council, and Student Alliance are hosting a forum today which will bring together the four candidates running to fulfill two, six-year terms as members of the college’s Board of Trustees.

The forum will be from 3 – 5 p.m. in 108 Sneden Hall on DeVos Campus.

The format will allow for each candidate to provide a five minute introduction, biography, and statement of reason for wanting to represent the community as a Board of Trustee Member. There will be three questions asked of each candidate in the following areas:  The College’s Values, The College’s Ends as a series of pathways, and the Role of the Board and its members in a Policy Governance Model.

During the final segment of the forum, attendees will be allowed to ask general questions as time permits.

There is no need to register to this event, simply attend.

 

GRCC In the News, 6-26-18

Posted on by

Change Ups: Hauenstein exhibition opens in July

June 22, 2018; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… EDUCATION

Grand Rapids Community College trustees unanimously approved a $112.3-million budget for the 2018-19 academic year, a spending plan that includes the lowest tuition increase in nearly two decades.

News 8 at 5:30 p.m.

June 25, 2018; WOOD TV

Google today announced an IT professional certificate that will be available at Grand Rapids Community College. The certificate aims to train students with no prior experience to be IT support professionals in about eight months. Since its inception nearly five months ago, nearly 40,000 students have enrolled in the online program. Grand Rapids Community College President Bill Pink said the certificate will provide students with in-demand skills. IT support is one of the fastest growing fields in the nation with more than 150,000 open positions.

News 8 at 7 p.m.

June 22, 2018; WOOD TV

More colleges are going tobacco-free. The CDC says more than 2,000 colleges were smoke- or tobacco-free last year, up from about 800 in 2012. … Western Michigan and Grand Rapids Community College are both now tobacco free.

Successful spring sports season at St. Patrick

June 25, 2018; Ionia Sentinel-Standard

The 2018 St. Patrick School spring sports season has officially come to an end.

… Individual honors for our baseball team include:

… William Simon: honorable mention CMAC and has been invited to walk on at Grand Rapids Community College

Street Talk: Completely sustainable

June 22, 2018; Grand Rapids Business Journal

A nonprofit that promotes sustainable business looks like it will remain sustainable.

… Outgoing board members include Dave Rinard, Steelcase, who was selected to receive WMSBF’s 2018 President’s Award; Alison Sutter, city of Grand Rapids; Sharon Darby, Cascade Engineering; Lynette Wolf, Lake Michigan College; Sara Yob, Grand Rapids Community College; and Darwin Baas, Kent County Department of Public Works.

Students honored at Board of Trustees meeting

Posted on by

Four students were honored at the recent Board of Trustees meeting:

  • Marcus Barissi, who studied biological and biomedical sciences,  represented GRCC on the Michigan Community College Association’s All-Michigan Academic Team.  He plans to transfer to the University of Michigan and become an anesthesiologist.
  • Micah Rupert, who is studying computers and information sciences, was also on the All-Michigan Academic Team. After graduating from GRCC in 2019, he plans to transfer to Grand Valley State University for a bachelor’s degree in computers and information sciences.
  • Eli Paparella was honored for being a member of the All-Michigan Academic Team and for being a semifinalist for the Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship. He will receive an Associate of Arts degree with a focus on engineering and plans to transfer to the University of Michigan for a bachelor’s degree in computers and information sciences.
  • Kelly Burrows was also a semifinalist for the Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship. She plans to transfer to GVSU, work in hospice care and write children’s books.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

GRCC In the News, 4-9-18

Posted on by

Change Ups: Sultan snags LaughFest’s Best of Midwest title

April 6, 2018; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… Grand Rapids Community College trustees unanimously approved a 0.88 percent tuition increase for the 2018-19 academic year, the lowest increase in nearly two decades.

GVSU students push for emergency phones on campus

April 6, 2018; WOOD TV

ALLENDALE, Mich. (WOOD) — You’ve likely seen them on various college campuses in West Michigan: blue light emergency call stations that can connect students in distress with the nearest police department.

They’re at Western Michigan University, Hope College, and even Grand Rapids Community College, among others. But you won’t find them at Grand Valley State University in Allendale. Now, a group of students are trying to change that.

Hope College students start DACA scholarship

April 7, 2018; The Holland Sentinel

In October, Hope College students organized a march to support those in the rescinded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which protected hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who were brought into the country illegally as children.

For some students, that march was only the beginning of activism supporting DACA recipients. Four Hope College students — Alejandra Gomez Limon, Emily Salazar, Jonathan Mays and Jocelyn Gallegos — have created a scholarship at Hope specifically for DACA students. Grand Valley State University and Grand Rapids Community College have similar scholarships.

GRCC In the News, 4-5-18

Posted on by

Retired GRCC professor recalls working with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

April 4, 2018; WZZM

In the Spring of 1963, retired Grand Rapids Community College Professor Gertrude Croom was a 16 year old living in a very segregated Birmingham, Alabama.

Contractors earn national awards

April 4, 2018; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Two West Michigan construction firms were honored for their work at a national awards ceremony.

… Rockford’s (Rockford Construction) work on the Grand Rapids Community College Laboratory Preschool earned it the National Excellence in Construction Pyramid Award. The award honors both general and specialty contractors for innovative and high-quality merit shop construction projects.

College’s Latino business center wins grant

April 4, 2018; Grand Rapids Business Journal

A local foundation has donated a three-year grant valued at $150,000 to a university’s Latino business center.

… “The Grand Rapids Community Foundation grant will help fund programs that equip young Latino professionals with the skills, resources, and confidence needed to become leaders at work and in their own communities,” said Carlos Sanchez, the center’s (Latino Business and Economic Development Center) director and a foundation board member. “Our Latino entrepreneurs will be more prepared to launch and expand successful businesses and empowered to take ownership of their future.”

(This article doesn’t mention it, but Carlos Sanchez is a member of the GRCC board of trustees.)