GRCC In the News, 2-1-16

Community college taps into craft beer growth with new program

Jan. 31, 2016; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The demand for people with a high level of brewing knowledge has increased with the explosion of the craft beer industry, prompting Grand Rapids Community College to offer a new certificate program beginning this summer.

Change Ups: Applied Imaging moving to larger facility

Jan. 29, 2016; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… EDUCATION

Grand Rapids Community College’s accreditation with the National Association of Schools of Music has been renewed for 10 years, the maximum time period possible.

2016 Giants Award winners to be honored as leaders in Grand Rapids

Jan. 31, 2016; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College will honor and celebrate influential leaders in the African American community at its annual Giants Awards program scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at DeVos Place’s Steelcase Ballroom, 303 Monroe Ave. NW.

Davenport announces list of 32 football signings

Jan. 31, 2016; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS — Davenport University released the list of its latest additions to its football program Saturday.

… Najee Brown-Duren

OL/DL, 6-4, 295

Muskegon HS/Grand Rapids Community College

Second Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Area

GRCC In the News, 1-19-16

“Morning News”

Jan. 19, 2016; FOX 17

… Grand Rapids Community College held special ceremonies throughout the day, which included a performance from the Northview High School Varsity Voices and a spoken word presentation.

“News 8 at 5 p.m.”

Jan. 18, 2016; WOOD TV

… Coming up in our next half hour, we’re going live to Grand Rapids Community College, where a crowd is gathered to hear from a well-known activist on this MLK Day.

“News 8 at Noon”

Jan. 18, 2016; WOOD TV

It wasn’t until 1983 that then-President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Act.

… Eva Aguirre Cooper was there for it (the program) and had a chance to talk with the Black Student Union president at GRCC.

Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. celebrated at GRCC

Jan. 18, 2016; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WZZM) – There were memorial services and remembrance events honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. around Grand Rapids Monday, and while the community has come a long way, the dream may not yet be fully realized.

At Grand Rapids Community College, singing, poetry, and speeches reminded people of a man who gave his life in the fight for equality. Master of ceremonies L.C. Cooper explained the events’ purpose: “Raising awareness for younger students, high school students in the Grand Rapids area.” The cold weather did cancel a planned silent march, but there were still learning opportunities, Cooper said. “More than anything, [I hope] they go and find out more about MLK. I hope this is kind of a spark.”

GRCC marks MLK Day

While the Community Peace March was canceled, the morning and evening programs for GRCC’s Martin Luther King Jr. commemoration went on as scheduled.

GRCC In the News, 1-13-16

Former Muskegon coach Tony Annese headlines sports hall’s 30th induction class

Jan. 13, 2016; MLive

MUSKEGON, MI — When Ferris State coach Tony Annese is on the college football recruiting trail, he tries to spend about an hour at a school and then head to the next.

… He has since moved on to college coaching jobs, first at Grand Rapids Community College, and then at Ferris where he has built that program into a Division II national power. But he still feels a sense of home at Muskegon.

Warner Norcross Announces Winners of MLK Essay Contest

Jan. 12, 2016; prlog.org (Warner Norcross press release)

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Jan. 12, 2016 – PRLog — The contest, which was open to all sixth-graders at Grand Rapids Public Schools, asked students to prepare an essay on one of three topics. Students were given the opportunity to discuss the importance of equal rights in society, a conversation they might have with Dr. King or the impact a quote from Dr. King other than one from his famous I Have a Dream speech had on their life. This year’s competition received 297 entries from students at 10 schools.

… (Twanyea) Smith has been invited to read the top-winning essay at the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Peace Program on Monday, Jan. 18 at 6 p.m. The event will be held at the Grand Rapids Community College Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse. All winners and honorable mention recipients are invited to attend and will be recognized as a group.

GRCC In the News, 11-9-15

Expansion of health sciences education to address talent needs in West Michigan

Nov. 8, 2015; mibiz.com

A partnership between three community colleges and Grand Rapids-area care providers brings a traditional model for training talent into a new area: health care.

Grand Rapids Community College, Muskegon Community College and Montcalm Community College teamed with West Michigan Works! to form a pilot apprenticeship program to train and employ medical assistants at local health care organizations.

West Michigan craft brewing programs gain momentum

Nov. 8, 2015; mibiz.com

As the craft brewing industry continues to grow in West Michigan, several higher education institutions have begun to take action to address brewers talent needs.

… Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) is currently in the process of hiring a new faculty member to head its craft brewing, packaging and service operations certificate program thats slated to begin in the summer of 2016.

Meet the YWCA’s 2015 Tribute Award winners

Nov. 8, 2015; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI Women who lead diversity lecture series, who passionately lead and create new programs in education, and help more than 100 nonprofit organizations build successful fundraising mechanisms. These are among the winners of this year’s Tribute Awards given by the YWCA of West Central Michigan.

… ADVOCACY AWARD

Christina Guajardo Arnold, 53, director of Bob & Aleicia Woodrick Diversity Learning Center at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC)

PROFESSIONS AWARD

Teresa Weatherall Neal, 56, superintendent of Grand Rapids Public Schools.

(This article doesn’t mention it, but Teresa Weatherall Neal is a GRCC alumna.)

Partners plan brewery in downtown neighborhood

Nov. 6, 2015; Grand Rapids Business Journal

A Puerto Rican-themed brewery is coming to Grand Rapids.

… (Edwin) Collazo’s wife, Karen, will lead the kitchen and use her Grand Rapids Community College culinary training.

Jake Vickery turns up pressure on defense for Rockford water polo

Nov. 8, 2015; MLive

ROCKFORD — The Rockford water polo team is ranked No. 1 in the state again this year, thanks in large part to some sterling defensive play.

… (Jake) Vickery plans to attend Grand Rapids Community College and pursue a degree in law enforcement.

Aquinas men’s soccer earns WHAC Honors

Nov. 8, 2015; MLive

Grand Rapids, MI- Aquinas College was well represented in the All-WHAC Men’s Soccer selections. Headlining the honorees for the Saints with First Team accolades were Matt Jackson and Aldony Mendez.

… Jackson (Kalamazoo/GRCC) started all 17 games for the Saints and anchored the stingiest defense in the conference. Overall the Saints allowed .65 goals against per contest and were ranked fourth nationally with eleven shutouts.

 

GRCC In the News, 10-20-15

Black Lives Matter Founder to Speak at GVSU

Oct. 19, 2015; 100.5 FM

Grand Valley State University’s 2016 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Week will feature the social activist behind #BlackLivesMatter.

… Touré will also speak on January 18 at the 30th annual Grand Rapids Community College program and on January 19 at Davenport University.

New GVSU Scholarship Named at Cesar Chavez Gala

Oct. 19, 2015; WGVU

Grand Valley State University representatives surprised the 300 people who drove in from around the state for the 11th Cesar E. Chavez Hispanic Excellence Scholarship and Community Award Gala when they announced an endowment funding two $3,500 scholarships would be named after Lupe Ramos-Montigny.

… The committee also granted $1,000 scholarships to Jim Arizola, Nareida Arroyo, Rosanna Barrera, Leslie Cueva, Flora Garcia, Oscar Rico, and Federico Santos toward their tuition at Grand Rapids Community College. A four-year scholarship for tuition at Davenport University went to Michael Tejada.

GRCC In the News, 10-9-15

YWCA names Tribute winners

Oct. 8, 2015; Grand Rapids Business Journal

West Michigan is full of amazing women who can be celebrated.

… YWCA Tribute Awards winners

ADVOCACY

Christina Arnold

Director of Woodrick Diversity Learning Center

Grand Rapids Community College

… PROFESSIONS

Teresa Weatherall Neal

Superintendent

Grand Rapids Public Schools

(Article doesn’t mention it, but Teresa Weatherall Neal is a GRCC alumna.)

Hastings High School hosting college night Wednesday

Oct. 9, 2015; The Hastings Banner

All high school students from Barry County and the surrounding area are invited to attend Barry County College Night from 6:30 to 8, Wednesday, Oct. 14, in the Hastings High School gymnasium. During the event representatives from more than 50 colleges, universities and military branches will be available to talk with interested students and their parents. Financial aid sessions will be available at 6:30 and 7:15 p.m.

… Institutions currently scheduled to attend College Night include Adrian College, Albion College, Alma College, Aquinas College, Baker College of Owosso, Calvin College, Central Michigan University, Concordia University, Cornerstone University, Davenport University, Eastern Michigan University, Ferris State University, FSU Grand Rapids, Grace Bible College, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University, Great Lakes Christian College, Greater Michigan Construction Academy, Heidelberg University Ohio, Indiana Wesleyan University, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Kalamazoo Valley Career Academies, Kellogg Community College, Kuyper College, Lake Michigan College, Lake Superior State University, Lansing Community College, Lawrence Technological University, Madonna University, Michigan State University, Northern Michigan University, Oakland University, Ohio Tech, Olivet College, Robert B. Miller College, Saginaw Valley State University, Southwestern Michigan College, Spring Arbor University, Trine University, Trinity Christian College, University of Alabama, University of Michigan, U of M Dearborn, U of M Flint, University of Northwestern Ohio, Western Michigan University, WMU College of Education and Human Development, WMU College of Fine Arts, WMU ROTC, WMU College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Michigan Army National Guard, Michigan Air National Guard, United States Army, United States Navy.

Aquinas men’s soccer gets back on track

Oct. 8, 2015; MLive

Southfield, MI- In the midst of a three-game scoring drought against WHAC opponents, the Aquinas College Saints traveled to Southfield looking for some offense. The scoreless streak was quickly ended when Aldony Mendez (Grand Rapids/Northview) scored his third goal of the year during the fifth minute of play. Matt Jackson (Kalamazoo/GRCC) was awarded the assist on the eventual game winner.

Elite Baseball and Softball Training partners with Elite Football

Oct. 8, 2015; MLive

Elite Baseball and Softball Training of Grand Rapids is proud to announce a partnership with newly formed Elite Football, which will add to their already sterling reputation in baseball and softball training.

… Bart Estola, who has 16 years of high school coaching experience, will be working with the defensive backs. Coach Estola was also the defensive backs coach at Central Michigan, Michigan Tech, Grand Rapids Community College and Ferris State University.

Diversity Lecture Series kicks off with ‘Latino Culture and Identity’

Henry R. Muñoz III

The Diversity Lecture Series kicks off with Henry R. Muñoz III on September 23.

Muñoz is board chairman and chief creative officer of TheDream US. He’ll discuss “Latino Culture and Identity” at 7 p.m. in Fountain Street Church.

To see the rest of this year’s Diversity Lecture Series speakers, click here.

GRCC In the News, 7-13-15

Service planned for Equal Opportunity director who left a legacy in Grand Rapids

July 10, 2015; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — The longtime director of the city’s Equal Opportunity Office, who was hailed as the “conscience” of Grand Rapids and feted as a “giant among giants” in the black community, died last month in California and will be memorialized here this weekend.

… Two years ago, Scott-Weekley was honored by Grand Rapids Community College with a Giants Among Giants award.

Maker Faire preps for 3D printing

July 10, 2015; Grand Rapids Business Journal

The second annual Maker Faire, being held in Grand Rapids in September, will benefit from a gift donated by an Ohio 3D printing company.

… The GR Makers, The Geek Group, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University and the Grand Rapids Public Museum are organizing the Maker Faire.

Diversity Learning Center hosts webinar on trans, gender non-binary students

Join us for a Webinar on Tuesday, May 12, 2015

1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., ATC Auditorium

How Campuses Are Failing Trans Students and How Your College Can Be One of the Success Stories

Tuesday, May 12, 2015 | Time: 1 PM (EST) | By: Genny Beemyn

“Trans and gender non-binary students regularly face both institutional and individual discrimination on campuses. Colleges are ethically and legally obligated to be doing more to support them in both policy and practice.” Genny Beemyn, Ph.D.

A rapidly growing number of students are coming out as Trans and gender non-binary before and when they enter college, but many cisgender (non-transgender) faculty and staff lack even a basic understanding of the lives of Trans individuals and how to meet their needs through creating a more gender-inclusive campus.

This webinar by expert speaker Genny Beemyn, Ph.D., will discuss the complex ways that students understand and express their gender identity today and will talk about the best practices and policies to support Trans and gender non-binary students. The session will cover areas such as housing, facilities, health services, admissions, and the classroom. You will learn concrete steps that you can take to make your campuses more Trans inclusive.

The session will also help you understand the:

• Appropriate terminology
• The expectations for preventing discrimination against trans students under Title IX
• The best practices to support trans students
• Trans-inclusive policy language

Session Highlights:

• Become familiar with the latest terminology being used by non-binary gender students.
• Gain greater knowledge of the diverse experiences of trans and other gender-nonconforming college students.
• Learn how trans college students face discrimination in campus housing, facilities, health services, admissions, and the classroom.
• Learn the best practices to meet the needs of trans and other gender-nonconforming college students to address institutional discrimination and comply with federal laws.
• Receive information about new research on the experiences and needs of non-binary gender college students.

Sponsored by the Bob and Aleicia Woodrick Diversity Learning Center

Four to be honored at Salute to Women event today

Congratulations to the honorees at the 2015 Salute to Women celebration!

View this document on Scribd

GRCC In the News, 3-30-15

Michigan colleges teach students how to tap into the craft beer industry

March 27, 2015; USA Today

As college advising rolls around, students may find themselves sitting with advisors trying to determine what path is the most appropriate and debating which major to pursue. Sifting through class lists, options of majors and internship opportunities can be stressful. But some Michigan students will be able to focus on something a little less stressful — beer.

… Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), located in Beer City USA, will provide students with the option to obtain a craft brewing management certificate in 2016 due to a $2.9 million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corp, according to the Grand Rapids Business Journal. The program will reside under The Secchia Institute for Culinary Education.

Latino Youth Conference Shows College a Possibility

March 27, 2015; schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District newsletter)

Kent ISD, MI — When 18-year-old Maritza Martinez enrolls at Grand Rapids Community College next fall, she’ll have a $500 scholarship for books in her pocket to help pave her way.

Inside Track: An advocate for change

March 27, 2015; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Lisa McMichael has seen a lot of changes in the field of occupational therapy since she started her career two decades ago, and she expects to see more thanks to the baby boomer generation.

… McMichael grew up in Grand Rapids, and at the suggestion from a mentor at her church she decided to explore the occupational therapy program at Grand Rapids Community College after she graduated from East Kentwood High School.

Greenville duo signs to play softball in college

March 27, 2015; Greenville Daily News

GREENVILLE — Sarah Newhouse and Elizabeth Niemiec have yet to begin their season seasons of softball, save for practice, for the Greenville Yellow Jackets.

… Newhouse has signed last week to play for Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC), while Niemiec signed in February to play at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC).

GRCC In the News, 3-26-15

Global Experience Festival

March 25, 2015; WZZM

Grand Rapids Community College students will share cuisine and cultures from around the world during the Global Experience Festival on March 27.

Rolling Stone journalist to discuss ‘wealth gap’ Wednesday at GRCC conference

March 25, 2015; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Rolling Stone journalist Matt Taibbi will give the keynote address Wednesday for Grand Rapids Community College’s 2015 Race, Ethnicity and Identity Conference.

Songs of nostalgia with the Oakland East Bay Symphony

March 25, 2015; San Francisco Chronicle

Maestro Michael Morgan got a taste of Diana Gameros’ pure, pretty voice at the Fox Theater in Oakland last winter, when the Mexican-born San Francisco singer performed with the Magik Magik Orchestra. Morgan, who was conducting other pieces on the program celebrating the flexible orchestra’s fifth birthday, pretty much booked her on the spot for this week’s Notes From Mexico concert with the Oakland East Bay Symphony at the Paramount Theatre.

… Gameros studied classical piano and recording technology at Grand Rapids Community College, singing in a chorus that made it to Carnegie Hall. But she opted to pursue songwriting and performing in a personal style influenced by the quiet intensity of artists like the late, great Brazilian singer Elis Regina and her daughter Maria Rita, and bossa nova singer Rosa Passos. She also digs Bjork, the Canadian indie-rock band Patrick Watson, and the late Costa Rican-born Mexican ranchera singer Chavela Vargas, called la voz áspera de la ternura, the rough voice of tenderness.

Council of Independent Colleges names school president to board

March 25, 2015; Grand Rapids Business Journal

A national nonprofit that supports independent higher education institutions has selected a local academic leader to serve on its board of directors.

… He (Juan Olivarez) worked at Grand Rapids Public Schools for more than 11 years and at Grand Rapids Community College for roughly 20 years.

Hometown Heroes 2015 Profiles: Judge Sara Smolenski

March 24, 2015; therapidian.org.

Each year the American Red Cross celebrates the community heroes who inspire us through their commitment to service and their recognition of the humanity of their neighbors down the street, across the country, and around the world.

… The American Red Cross of West Michigan is proud to honor Judge Sara Smolenski with the Mabel Boardman Spirit of Volunteerism Award. Judge Smolenski has proven her commitment to her community through the many services she provides including her active volunteer efforts. Through the years, Judge Smolenski has donated her time and effort to organizations such as Hospice of Michigan, St. John’s Home for Children, the American Red Cross, YWCA, the American Cancer Society, Resources Against Violent Encounters to Women of West Michigan, Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids Laughfest and many other community events.

(Article doesn’t mention it, but Judge Smolenski is a GRCC alumna.)

Raider Salute to Tamber Bustance

A special thanks to Tamber Bustance for helping Trio Peer Mentors Amanda Aguirre, Hien Nguyen, and Enemecia Sepulveda present at the 2015 Latino Youth Conference:

You have given us the opportunity to experience public speaking at a professional level that has helped us excel as college students at Grand Rapids Community College. Because of this experience that you have given us, we have taken these public speaking skills and have used them recently at the MICAPP Student Leadership Summit, where we presented to high school students seeking to attend college. After getting many compliments on our presentation from staff and students it filled our hearts with joy. We are endlessly thankful to have worked with you, and hope to work with you on future projects.

‘Rolling Stone’ journalist to speak at GRCC on March 25

The Diversity Lecture Series and Race, Ethnicity, and Identity Conference will bring Matt Taibbi, Rolling Stone journalist, to campus next Wednesday. Mr. Taibbi will present “The Divide: American Injustice in the Age of the Wealth Gap” at 7 p.m. at  Fountain Street Church.