GRCC In the News, 8-28-19

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, 8-27-19

Newsmakers

Aug. 26, 2019; Community College Daily

… Appointments

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has reappointed Grand Rapids Community College President Bill Pink to the Midwestern Higher Education Compact. Pink was originally appointed in 2017 by then-Gov. Rick Snyder. His new term expires in March 2023. The compact focuses on providing greater higher education opportunities and services in the Midwestern region, with the aim of furthering regional access to, research in and choice of higher education for residents.

GRCC First Day of Classes with Dr. Bill Pink

Aug. 26, 2019; WOOD Radio

Dr. Bill Pink, president of Grand Rapids Community College, joined West Michigan’s Morning News to talk about this new year of classes at GRCC.

GRCC In the News, 8-26-19

News 8 Daybreak

Aug. 26, 2019; WOOD TV

Prepare for a full morning commute as most schools are back in session as well as GVSU and GRCC today.

Change Ups: Hon to oversee F&V’s source water protection staff

Aug. 23, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… EDUCATION

Grand Rapids Community College tapped Brian Knetl, interim provost at Harper College in Palatine, Illinois, as provost and executive vice president for academic and student affairs.

NJCAA: Southern Idaho, Coffeyville, Owens try to repeat as national champs

Aug. 25, 2019; volleyballmag.com

National Junior College Athletic Association volleyball is under way.

… NJCAA DIVISION 2

National champion — Coffeyville (1, 40-3): Coffeyville dispatched a second straight title game opponent with ease in 2018, but graduate the kids who fueled the title runs, including Adianez Reyes Rivera (5.75/kps, .384, 436 digs). The question will be whether returning libero Danielle Dodge (3.34/dpg) and middle Erianna Murray (175 kills, .359) can withstand what’s become a top-heavy Jayhawk Conference and rivals Johnson, Cowley, and Highland. Still, it’s a light early schedule with only two ranked teams on the docket for the first month, Highland and Lincoln Land.

… 6 — Grand Rapids (9, 31-8): 2018 is hard to judge for the Raiders, mostly because of coach Chip Will’s late-October health concern which sidelined him for a spell (though thankfully he has now recovered). The players to watch will be Lauren Jonker (MH, 124 kills, 95 blocks) and pin-hitter Danielle Johnston (322 kills, 247 digs). Expect entering setters Kailey Carmean and Tori Wolcott to press for playing time immediately. GRCC will face Kirkwood in their third match of the year and Parkland a week later, which should give a good indicator of whether the Raiders return to nationals this season.

LMU picked third in SAC preseason volleyball poll

Aug. 23, 2019; The Middlesboro Daily News

ROCK HILL, S.C. — The South Atlantic Conference announced its 2019 Volleyball Preseason Coaches’ Poll Friday morning and the Lady Railsplitters of Lincoln Memorial University have been picked in a tie with Carson-Newman to finish third in the 12-team league.

… A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan (Northview HS), (Rylee) Storms returns for her senior campaign after capturing All-SAC Second Team accolades a season ago. Finishing the year with 311 kills (2.88/set), which ranked fifth in the league, the 6-foot hitter was named 2018 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division II Southeast All-Region honorable mention and collected SAC All-Tournament Team plaudits. Tallying 25 service aces to go along with her team-leading kills, Storms will begin the fall as LMU’s returning blocks leader after making 80 total in 2018. She also contributed 203 digs (1.88/set) a season ago and has racked up 544 kills (2.55/set) across the last two seasons of play after transferring to Harrogate from Grand Rapids Community College.

Coach Marcus Cribbs joins huddle at Mount Clemens High

Aug. 23, 2019; The Macomb Daily

Don Williams loves football.

… (Marcus) Cribbs starred at Lake Shore, was a junior college All American at Grand Rapids Community College and then went out to have two outstanding seasons at Ferris State University. A defensive lineman, he was invited to a rookie mini-camp tryout by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival in Grand Rapids Features Music, Food and Demos This Weekend

Aug. 23, 2019; therapidian.org

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of its annual Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival, the Polish Heritage Society of Grand Rapids has turbocharged the free event this upcoming weekend with top notch entertainment and demonstrations of Polish cooking, dance and crafts.

… The Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival is the major fundraiser for the Polish Heritage Society of Grand Rapids, a non-profit organization founded in 1963 to perpetuate and advance the Polish culture that has been so integral to metro Grand Rapids. Among a number of its activities, the society awards scholarships annually to students of Polish descent who attend Aquinas College, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids Community College, and Davenport University.

Fall athletics competition begins at Kellogg Community College

Aug. 23, 2019; WBCK

Kellogg Community College has brought back one sport this fall that will be a welcome addition to the two other sports set to begin their fall schedules this weekend.

… The Volleyball squad is looking to improve on an 8-16 record last season, where the Lady Bruins won seven straight matches over a two-week stretch. Former Pennfieldhead coach Tom VanWienen returns to the sidelines for his third year at Kellogg, and brings in a young group of just four sophomores and eight freshman. The returning players include Jackie Mason and Madison Ducheney (Marshall), Abigail Howard (Delton) and Madison Jones (Hillsdale). Other local talents include Haidyn Markos (Lakeview), Gabby Costello (Bellevue) and Grace Hall (Pennfield). Their schedule begins August 29th with their second season in the new Miller Gymnasium.

… Thursday, September 12th – *Grand Rapids Community College – 6:30pm

… The second season of Cross Country begins for the Bruins, coming from a successful debut in the MCCAA. The two squads will look to keep their momentum after both squads reached the last season’s National Junior College Athletic Association Division III Championships. The largest individual success came from Maggie Wood (Lakeview), who was named NJCAA Division III Second Team All-American, and Kyle Strong (Vicksburg) earning NJCAA Division III All-American Honorable Mention honors. Erin Lane returns as head coach for the Bruins, who begin their season August 30th.

… Friday, September 20th – *Grand Rapids Community College Meet – TBA

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, 8-16-19

CEO Spotlight with Dr. Bill Pink, President of GRCC

8/15/19 spreaker.com

(Radio interview with President Pink.)

10 Things to Do This Weekend

Aug. 15, 2019; WGRD

Restaurant Week GR continues through the weekend. We have a Greek Festival, a Block Party, Find Your Roots, Catch a Baseball Game, Go ORVing for Free, Enjoy some Comedy, Visit the Princesses at the Zoo, Catch some Jazz Music, and Swim with your Dog! You are going to have a busy weekend!

… 1. Restaurant Week GR

Various Locations around Grand Rapids, MI

Runs through Sunday, August 18th, 2019

Cost: Varies

Restaurant Week GR is your chance to Taste the City! Savor specially priced lunches, dinners or both at 70+ area restaurants. Each restaurant will create a special menu highlighting fresh, local ingredients for the event. Restaurant Week GR has provided over $150,000 to students through an endowed scholarship fund at the Grand Rapids Community College Secchia Institute for Culinary Education. Participating locations donate $1 for every Restaurant Week GR meal sold.

GRCC In the News, 7-30-19

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, 7-25-19

WMSBF facility tours spotlight local strides towards circular economy

July 25, 2019; rapidgrowthmedia.com

On July 15, the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum (WMSBF) took 80 people through the Kent County Waste to Energy Facility and City of Grand Rapids Water Resource Recovery Facility. Cosponsored by the Kent County Department of Public Works and Grand Rapids Community College, the event began at the Grand Rapids Community College M-TEC a mile away. The groups shuttled between sites for each hour-long tour.

Shiny new equipment awaits students in welding program

7/24/19 schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District)

Imagine earning a six-figure salary without the need for college.

… Grand Rapids Community College offers a Welding Technology program as well, with equipment compatible to the Tech Center’s.

Tassell M-TEC hosts blood drive on July 23

GRCC is hosting a blood drive from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Tassell M-TEC, 622 Godfrey Ave. SW. You can sign up online for an appointment.

 

GRCC In the News, 7-19-19

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, 7-15-19

Manufacturer dials into workforce training

July 12, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

If you want something done right, do it yourself — such is the philosophy on display at Autocam Medical when it comes to creating a skilled workforce.

The Kentwood-based contract manufacturer of precision surgical and medical components and devices has for the past several years participated in a CNC Machinist Apprentice Program in which it sends entry-level or other workers to Grand Rapids Community College to receive classroom instruction and training in computer numerical control (CNC) machining.

Survey reveals immigrant challenges

July 12, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

A group of community leaders is taking the next step for better immigrant inclusion in Kent County.

… The task force includes the four collaborating organizations, as well as the city of Grand Rapids’ Office of Diversity and Inclusion, The Right Place, the city of Wyoming and the Wyoming Public Safety Department, Justice for Our Neighbors, Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, Kent County Health Department, Kent ISD, Literacy Center of West Michigan, Kaufman Interfaith Institute at Grand Valley State University, Treetops Collective, Refugee Education Center, Bethany Christian Services, African Collaborative Network, African Resource Center, WGVU, Michigan Office for New Americans, Grand Rapids Community College, Welcoming Michigan, Fifth Third Bank, Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Kent County, Spectrum Health, Cascade Engineering, Hispanic Center of Western Michigan and Kentwood Public Schools.

Street Talk: The future is now

July 12, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… Early learners

Grand Rapids Community College’s Early Learning Laboratory recently received a transformation any child would be excited to explore. A carpenter at Rockford Construction, Fernando Zamudio brought GRCC’s vision to life in his latest project that renovated the playground into a space that sparks imagination.

Dental practice spreads joy with community outreach

July 12, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

It’s been more than five months since Lisa Weller woke up with a new set of teeth.

… After she graduates high school, (Arnela) Hamzagic plans to attend Grand Rapids Community College to become a dental hygienist. She also has siblings who plan to attend college and worries that her parents will not be able to financially support all of them.

ICANN Announces Participants NextGen@ICANN66

July 12, 2019; icann.org (press release)

LOS ANGELES – 12 July 2019 – The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has announced the names of the individuals who will participate in the NextGen program at ICANN66, to be held in Montréal, Canada, from 2 to 7 November 2019.

… The individuals selected as ICANN66 NextGen participants are:

… Austin Bollinger, Grand Rapids Community College.

GRCC In the News, 7-11-19

Wreath-laying ceremony to mark President Ford’s 106th birthday

July 10, 2019; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – To commemorate the life of the late President Gerald R. Ford, a wreath-laying ceremony will be held next week marking the late president’s 106th birthday.

… Presenters at the ceremony will include Susan Ford Bales, the Fords’ daughter; Dr. Stephen Barton, Grand Rapids Community College director of choral activities, to sing the National Anthem; Rev. Stephen Holmgren, from Grace Episcopal Church, for invocation; and Major Glen Caddy, to offer benediction.

Salvation Army names new commander for metro Detroit

July 10, 2019; Crain’s Detroit Business

The Southfield-based Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division has named Maj. Timothy Meyer as its new general secretary and metro Detroit area commander.

… She (Maj. Lori Meyer) holds an Associate of Applied Science in early childhood education and training from Grand Rapids Community College.

Mobile Financial Literacy Bus to visit Tassell M-TEC

The Fifth Third Mobile Financial Literacy Bus will be at the Tassell M-TEC on Friday, July 12.  Stop by any time before 3 p.m. to visit the bus and learn more about financial literacy.

GRCC In the News, 7-10-19

Public invited to hear presentations from GRCC’s 4 finalists for provost

July 9, 2019; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College is inviting the public to hear presentations from its four finalists for provost and executive vice president for academic and student affairs beginning Monday, July 15.

Violence reduction group says Grand Rapids SE Side area should be city’s focus

July 9, 2019; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — An evidence-based violence reduction program believes Grand Rapids should target the Baxter neighborhood and surrounding areas, where the city’s “violence problem” is “largely focused.”

… Public meetings were held at Neland Avenue Christian Reformed Church, the Salvation Army Kroc Center, and city hall, with about 110 people attending one of the three meetings. Attendees included representatives from Friend of the Court, Grand Rapids Police Department, Mercy Health, Realism is Loyalty, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Kent County Prosecutor’s Office, Baxter Neighborhood Organization, the mediation center, several churches and the city of Grand Rapids.

GRCC In the News, 6-26-19

Economic Club names board members

June 25, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

The Economic Club of Grand Rapids has a new board chair and group of board members.

… Newest Economic Club board members

… Bill Pink, president, Grand Rapids Community College

Students speak, district listens

June 25, 2019; schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District)

A strategic plan that will guide the district into the future is expected to be brought to the Board of Education this year.

… Students also see value in the middle college program, which allows students to attend high school for five years and finish with both a diploma from Cedar Springs and an associate degree from Grand Rapids Community College.

Polish Heritage Society Brings Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push to Grand Rapids to Celebrate 40th Anniversary of Dozynki Polish Festival

June 24, 2019; therapidian.org

In honor of the 40th anniversary of its annual Dozynki Polish Festival, the Polish Heritage Society of Grand Rapids is bringing the internationally known Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push band to play two nights of the three-day event in August.

… The Dozynki Polish Festival is the major fundraiser for the Polish Heritage Society of Grand Rapids, a non-profit organization founded in 1963 to perpetuate and advance the Polish culture that has been so integral to metro Grand Rapids. Among a number of its activities, the society awards scholarships annually to students of Polish descent who attend Aquinas College, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids Community College, and Davenport University.

GRCC In the News, 6-25-19

Man arrested after struggle with GRCC police

June 24, 2019; WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Grand Rapids Community College says a man was arrested after causing a disturbance on campus Monday.

GRCC launching new welding program to help meet market demand

June 24, 2019; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – When industries or construction are booming as they are in West Michigan, the need for welders increases greatly.

Grand Rapids Community College is launching a new Welding Skills Certificate program fall semester designed to help students gain the necessary skills quickly, so they can enter the workforce and help meet demand.

Men’s Cross County Adds Five For This Fall

June 22, 2019; wsuathletics.com (Wayne State University)

DETROIT — Wayne State University men’s cross country head coach Grant Lofdahl will enter his third year at the helm this fall with the biggest and deepest roster in his tenure.

Lofdahl and his staff have added five newcomers who will join the squad this August.  Two of the five are junior college transfers from Grand Rapids Community College in Sam Borisch (Comstock Park, Mich.) and Trystan Thayer (Grand Rapids, Mich. / Forest Hills Central).  Joining via an NLI are Ransom Allen (Ithaca, Mich.) and Donald O’Keefe (Troy, Mich.), while Jeremy Cavallo (Davisburg, Mich. / Clarkston) will be attending WSU via a Letter of Commitment.

Entrepreneurial effort plants focus on workforce development

June 21, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

The Zeeland-based economic development agency is taking what it has learned from participating in Michigan’s Talent Pipeline Management Academy, launched by Consumers Energy in 2017, and applying it to workforce advancement initiatives along the lakeshore.

… Lakeshore Advantage also is collaborating with educators at Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids Community College, Thompson M-TEC and the Careerline Tech Center, and all of that contact is involving manufacturing.

Small Business Opportunities with the City of Grand Rapids

June 22, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

The City of Grand Rapids Micro Local Business Enterprise, or MLBE, Program is a certification designation for local, small and minority businesses created in 2009 to provide incentives for smaller companies when bidding with the city.

The program is for construction, goods and services and professional services companies seeking to bid competitively with the City of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Community College and Grand Rapids Public Schools.

‘A light that cannot and will not be put out’

June 21, 2019; schoolnewsnetwork.org

In her own words, Gloria Bliss-Ramos has had a “lot gone on” during her high school years. But that didn’t stop her from finishing high school and planning her future.

… Gloria said she is concentrating on becoming the best mother she can be, and has set her sights on a four-month tech program offered at Grand Rapids Community College.

Meet MLive’s 2019 softball and baseball Dream Teams from Muskegon

June 24, 2019; MLive

MUSKEGON – After a bit of a breather, the high school softball and baseball Dream Teams have returned for the Muskegon area.

… Nick Stever, Montague | Senior infielder/pitcher

Stever was the Wildcats’ top player, batting .410 with 25 RBIs and 18 runs scored. On the mound, the Grand Rapids Community College-bound right-hander went 4-1 with a 1.86 ERA in 10 appearances with one save. He was a four-year starter, who earned all-conference, all-district and all-region honors multiple times.

String orchestra welcomes new conductor

June 23, 2019; Guelph Today (Ontario, Canada)

The Guelph Youth Music Centre (GYMC) is pleased to present its new Youth String Orchestras (Junior and Intermediate) conductor, Joy Schuster, who will take up her duties in the fall.

… Upon graduation, Joy was elected a member of the Society of Pi Kappa Lambda. She moved back to her home town of Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1996 where she taught with the Grand Rapids Community College Suzuki program and directed a Music Together program.