GRCC offers Saturday service, free parking to help potential students enroll
Aug. 20, 2019; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Grand Rapids Community College enrollment team has been calling, texting and emailing hundreds of potential students to help them complete the enrollment process.
Angel Hernandez
Let’s meet this summer’s orientation ambassadors:
Angel Hernandez is majoring in social work and plans to transfer to Hope College. He enjoys playing soccer and spending time with family and friends.
Cereal in the bowl before milk or milk before cereal? Cereal before milk.
Master all musical instruments or fluent in every language? Fluent in every language
What would you like to learn more about? Astrophysics
Have you signed up for summer orientation yet? You can learn more online.
Amalia Levya Nunez
Let’s meet this summer’s orientation ambassadors:
Amalia Levya Nunez is majoring in molecular biology and wants to research genomics. She plans to transfer to Wayne State University. She enjoys hiking, eating good food, and reading books.
Cat or dog person? Cat person
Something you can’t live without: Clean water
Favorite vacation memory: “On a family trip to Acapulco, my grandpa and I sang a duet to Miley Cyrus’s ‘Wrecking Ball.'”
Amanda Clouse
Let’s meet this summer’s orientation ambassadors:
Amanda Clouse is majoring in 3D animation and game design through GRCC and Ferris State University. She enjoys playing video games and spending time with her dog.
Dream job: Working for a large gaming company and working on the next big game of the year.
Favorite mythological animal: Dragons
Favorite saying: “Everyone looks content.”
Elijah Lewis
Let’s meet this summer’s GRCC orientation ambassadors:
Elijah Lewis is majoring in secondary education and communication. He plans to transfer to Western Michigan University. He enjoys acting and hanging out with friends.
Favorite color: Blue.
Car’s name: Shelia, The She, SheMobile.
What makes you happy? Making other people laugh.
Hunter Eichorn
Let’s meet the summer orientation ambassadors:
Hunter Eichorn is majoring in Criminal Justice and hopes to become a forensics detective. He enjoys physical activity and sports, video games, and paintball!
Dream superpower: Flying
Best piece of advice he’s ever heard: “If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball.”
Celebrity look-alike: Jamie Dornan
Lindsey Jones
Let’s meet this summer’s orientation ambassadors:
Lindsey Jones is majoring in Interior Design and plans to transfer to Central Michigan University. She enjoys breakfast, thrifting, doodling, and hanging out with her mom and her dog Bella.
Celebrity look-alike: People are always telling her that she looks like someone they know!
What makes you happy? Fresh air, friendly people and good food.
What is one thing you couldn’t live without? Oxygen.
Jackie Nunez
Let’s meet this summer’s orientation ambassadors:
Jackie Araiza-Nunez is majoring in social work and plans to transfer to Grand Valley State University. She enjoys working out and spending time with family.
Dream country to live in: Mexico
Cereal in the bowl before milk or milk before cereal? Cereal before milk
Master all musical instruments or fluent in every language? Fluent in every language.
Stephen Na
Let’s meet this summer’s orientation ambassadors:
Stephen Na is majoring in medical social work and plans to transfer to Grand Valley State or Western Michigan University. He enjoys watching and playing sports, socializing with friends, and playing games!
Dream superpower: Teleporting or being invisible.
If you were an animal, what would you be? Lion — king of the jungle.
Favorite ice cream flavor: Mint chocolate chip
Zach White
Let’s meet this summer’s orientation ambassadors:
Zach White is completing his Associate of Business with a special interest in marketing. He enjoys playing basketball and hockey, and loves to hang out with his friends!
Favorite movie: “Talladega Nights”
Favorite color: Black, because it contains all colors
Best piece of advice he’s ever heard: “If you ain’t first, you’re last.” — Ricky Bobby (“Talladega Nights”)
Morgan Beers named Holland Sentinel Girls Water Polo Player of the Year
June 19, 2019; The Holland Sentinel
ZEELAND — Morgan Beers was a force in front of the net.
… Beers will attend Grand Rapids Community College next year with hopes of transferring to Grand Valley State.
Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra opens season with local talent
June 19, 2019; Manistee News Advocate
BENZONIA — The Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra (BASO) will launch its 2019 summer season with a stunning performance by talented local musicians.
… She (Carrie Brannen) completed her Bachelor of Music degree at Western Michigan University, where she graduated summa cum laude in 2013, and her Associate of Music degree at Grand Rapids Community College, where she graduated in 2011.
Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame names 2019 members
June 19, 2019; White Lake Beacon
MUSKEGON – The Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame has announced its 2019 class of inductees.
… In the field of Education, the Hall of Fame has selected for membership Roger Schlosser. Schlosser is the retired founder and director of the Irish Studies Program at Grand Rapids Community College, believed to be the only Irish Studies Program at a community college in the U.S.
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:
10 fun ideas for Grand Rapids-area kids to try over summer break
June 10, 2019 MLive
As of Friday, June 6, the school year had ended for the vast majority of students in Kent and Ottawa counties.
… Grand Rapids Community College offers a few workforce training summer camps at the Leslie E. Tassell M-TEC Center, 622 Godfrey St. SW. The only one with availability now is the Manufacturing Camp for June. Register online by visiting the website.
2019 Rosa Parks Scholars plan to change the world
June 10, 2019; The Detroit News
Detroit — When choosing where to attend high school, Gregory Miller knew he was taking a risk when he picked Cass Technical High School over his neighborhood Renaissance High School.
… Meet the scholars
… Fawzia Ali
Innovation Central High School
College: Grand Rapids Community College
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.
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.
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.
Dr Bill Pink – GRCC President at Mackinaw
May 31, 2019; WOOD Radio
GRCC President Dr Bill Pink joined Steve and Rick at the Mackinac Policy Conference.
Statewide education issues take center stage at Mackinac Policy Conference
June 2, 2019; mibiz.com
MACKINAC ISLAND — Education reform took center stage at this year’s Mackinac Policy Conference, the annual gathering of the top business and government leaders in Michigan organized by the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce.
… Grand Rapids Community College President Bill Pink spoke at the Mackinac Policy Conference about a statewide decline in graduation rates, a lack of available training for skilled trades, and decreased rankings in math, reading, and science. He was joined by Detroit Regional Chamber President and CEO Sandy Baruah and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush. During his tenure as governor, Bush was an advocate for school choice, including school vouchers and charter schools.
May 31, 2019; Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education
Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) culinary students will reap the sweet rewards from a partnership with a local theatre company, Broadway Grand Rapids, and the generosity of theater patrons.
GRBJ: Task force wants to make city SAFE
May 31, 2019; WZZM
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRBJ) – An alliance of Grand Rapids city staff, nonprofit and business organizations is reaching out to the community to gather ideas to reduce violence among youth.
… Community organizations partnered with SAFE include Spectrum Health, the Steelcase Foundation, Network 180, Heart of West Michigan United Way, LINC UP, the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan and Grand Rapids Community College, as well as out-of-state organizations like South Bend Group Violence Intervention in South Bend, Indiana, and NOLA for Life in New Orleans.
From Grief and Recovery to Graduation
May 31, 2019; schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District newsletter)
The world as Sparta senior Miguel Vazquez knew it changed on December 5, 2018.
… After graduation, Miguel plans to attend Grand Rapids Community College to complete his general education requirements and then pursue a degree in electrical engineering at Grand Valley State University.
Ionia County K-9 handler Dion Sower promoted to sergeant
May 31, 2019; Ionia Sentinel-Standard
IONIA — Dion Sower knew it was time for a change in his role as he approaches his 17th year with the Ionia County Sheriff’s Office.
… Sower decided to attend the Grand Rapids Community College Police Academy.
Sushi caterer rolls with purpose
May 31, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal
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.
… Aceu Thawng, who immigrated to Grand Rapids in 2008. Anu then earned a pre-social work degree from Grand Rapids Community College.
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