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, 8-26-19

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, 8-15-19

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.

GRCC In the News, 8-14-19

GRCC graduates first Metallica Scholars from its welding program

Aug. 13, 2019; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Krista Steffens says that the heavy metal band Metallica has changed the trajectory of her life.

Steffens, 28, a married mother of two, graduated Monday, Aug. 12, from a Grand Rapids Community College welding program as a Metallica Scholar. She said she has a new, higher paying job with benefits as a welding fabricator.

First Metallica Scholars grads

Aug. 9, 2019; Community College Daily

Edwin Ponce Juarez went to work in a distribution center warehouse after graduating from high school, but he knew there were opportunities for better-paying jobs in the professional trades.

He became a “Metallica Scholar,” gaining in-demand skills through the welding program at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) in Michigan.

GRCC receives national grant initiative to increase registered apprenticeship opportunities, help students gain an education, on-the-job training

Aug. 13, 2019; La Prensa

GRAND RAPIDS, MI, August 6, 2019:  Grand Rapids Community College has been awarded a $140,000 grant to participate in a national effort to expand registered apprenticeship opportunities, helping students gain a quality education in addition to on-the-job training in a rewarding career.

Jets Sign Veteran CB Marcus Cooper, Waive TE Nick Truesdell

Aug. 13, 2019; newyorkjets.com

The Jets have signed seventh-year cornerback Marcus Cooper and waived TE Nick Truesdell.

… The well-traveled Truesdell, who played collegiately at Cincinnati and also attended Grand Rapids Community College, most recently signed with the Jets on Aug. 10. He previously signed with the Jets on Aug. 4 before being released two days later. Truesdell had a couple of stints in the Indoor Football League (IFL) and multiple stops in the Arena Football League (AFL) and had brief stays with the Colts and the Vikings and most recently played with the Salt Lake Stallions in the Alliance for American Football.

Warner’ Rodney Martin honored on distinguished roster of ’16 Over 60’

Aug. 14, 2019; legalnews.com

A model of excellence, Warner Norcross + Judd attorney Rodney D. Martin is well-suited to be in the class of 16 Over 60 honorees.

… Over and above that, Martin’s work on diversity and inclusion has resulted in receiving the Grand Rapids Bar Association President’s Award and, as part of the Rosa Parks Sculpture Committee, the 2012 William Glenn Trailblazer Award, part of the Grand Rapids Community College Giants Awards.

GRCC In the News, 8-13-19

First GRCC students to receive Metallica scholarship graduate

Aug. 12, 2019; FOX 17

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids Community College sent more than a dozen people out into the world of work Monday, and it’s all thanks to Metallica.

Metallica Scholars celebrate their graduation from GRCC

Aug. 12, 2019; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — “I was actually in housekeeping at a hotel and I didn’t really know what I wanted to do,” says Uniqua Sparks.

That’s when the mother of three heard about the Metallica Scholars program at Grand Rapids Community College.

GRCC welding graduates: ‘Thank you, Metallica’

Aug. 12, 2019; WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The first students whose welding education at Grand Rapids Community College was made possible by heavy metal band Metallica graduated Monday night.

Newsmakers

Aug. 12, 2019; Community College Daily

… Appointments

… Brian Knetl is the next provost and executive vice president for academic and student affairs at Grand Rapids Community College (Michigan). He is currently interim provost at Harper College in Illinois. Knetl previously was Harper College’s associate provost for academic affairs, dean of liberal arts and founding associate dean of the Center for Adjunct Faculty Engagement.

Faces of Ferris: Ryan Hodges

Aug. 12, 2019; ferris.edu

The excellent level of success offered by Ferris State University’s football team in the last seven seasons has made other college programs watchful, and active in their attempts to emulate those achievements.

… “Coach Brady and I had a decade of working together with Coach Annese from our days at Grand Rapids Community College then on to Ferris,” (Ryan) Hodges said. “For four of the previous five seasons, we shared the coordinator’s duties on defense and divided up administrative roles and other behind-the-scenes work for the program. After combining much of my effort with Ryan, it called for some quick adjustment, since I now have more responsibilities.”

GRCC In the News, 8-12-19

New Provost Named at Grand Rapids Community College

Aug. 9, 2019; ccnewsnow.com

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Brian Knetl will be Grand Rapids Community College’s next provost and executive vice president for academic and student affairs, President Bill Pink announced Thursday, Aug. 8.

Street Talk: Patriotic partners prosper

Aug. 9, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… On the job

Grand Rapids Community College has been awarded a $140,000 grant to participate in a national effort to expand registered apprenticeship opportunities.

Northview unveils alternative schooling program

Aug. 9, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Northview Public Schools is launching an alternative high school program to expand career pathways and flexible learning options.

… Some students will spend time at Leslie E. Tassell M-Tech at Grand Rapids Community College. Others will spend their time with companies or other organizations.

Jets Sign TE Nick Truesdell, Waive CB Derrick Jones

Aug. 10, 2019; newyorkjets.com

The Jets have signed tight end Nick Truesdell and waived cornerback Derrick Jones.

The well-traveled Truesdell, who played collegiately at Cincinnati and also attended Grand Rapids Community College, first signed with the Jets Aug. 4 before he was released two days after. He had a couple of stints in the Indoor Football League (IFL) and multiple stops in the Arena Football League (AFL) and had brief stays with the Colts and the Vikings and most recently played with the Salt Lake Stallions in the Alliance for American Football. The 6’5”, 246-pounder combined to catch 127 balls for 1,527 yards with 38 touchdowns in the AFL.

New J-Hawks coach treating Jefferson like a ‘startup’

Aug. 11, 2019; Rockford Register Star (Ill.)

ROCKFORD – In November 1993, Jefferson was finishing up its eighth playoff season in the previous nine years under football coach Joe Blume.

… “I don’t care about the history. (Winning) has to happen sooner or later,” said (Jacob) Arnold, a Plainfield North graduate who played football at Grand Rapids Community College in Michigan and the College of DuPage before finishing up at Rockford University.

GRCC In the News, 8-7-19

GRCC earns grant to grow apprenticeships as part of federal push

Aug. 6, 2019; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College received a three-year, $140,000 grant to grow registered apprenticeships for students and support the local workforce, as part of a federal effort to expand apprenticeships.

Muskegon semi-pro football player is heart and soul, just like in Big Reds days

Aug. 7, 2019; MLive

MUSKEGON, MI – Even though his Muskegon High School football-playing days concluded more than 10 years ago, some things have not changed about Jason Hannett.

… Hannett has emerged as one of the leaders for the Mustangs. After his Big Reds career ended, Hannett played one season at Grand Rapids Community College under Annese. He spent a stint playing semi-pro ball for the Grand Rapids Force. Last year, while living in Texas, he played for the Dallas Bulldogs. His mother moved to Texas when Hannett was in 10th grade, and he went down there for a bit to broaden his horizons.

GRCC In the News, 8-5-19

Change Ups: Wierich appointed to separate art positions

Aug. 2, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… EDUCATION

Grand Rapids Community College launched a new degree in pre-sports management. Students who complete the associate program can then transfer to complete a Bachelor of Science in sports management at Grand Valley State University.

Jets Sign TE Nick Truesdell, Waive OL Tyler Jones

Aug. 4, 2019; newyorkjets.com

The Jets made a pair of moves Sunday, signing TE Nick Truesdell and waiving OL Tyler Jones.

The well-traveled Truesdell, who played collegiately at Cincinnati and also attended Grand Rapids Community College, had a couple of stints in the Indoor Football League (IFL) and multiple stops in the Arena Football League (AFL). He also had brief stays with the Colts and the Vikings and most recently played with the Salt Lake Stallions in the Alliance for American Football. The 6’5”, 246-pounder combined to catch 127 balls for 1,527 yards with 38 touchdowns in the AFL.

Tough spring took a toll, but mid-Michigan generational farmer hopeful

Aug. 4, 2019; The Hastings Banner

Tim Stuart is a 36-year-old farmer who manages approximately 750 acres that he shares with his dad.

… Stuart attended Grand Rapids Community College and earned an associate’s degree in automotive technology, but he returned to the farm with his father.

Memorial tourney going strong in 14th year

Aug, 4, 2019; The Hastings Banner

It has been long enough now that the young men and women chosen to receive the Emily Duits Memorial Scholarship Award, for a graduating senior at Lakewood High School each spring, don’t have their own memories of Duits.

… She’ll (Savannah Stoepker) use the award towards her coming years at Grand Rapids Community College, where she will be a member of the women’s softball team. She has plans right now to study towards a degree in secondary education, eventually moving on to a school like Grand Valley State University.

GRCC In the News, 7-24-19

Ionia High School Athletic Hall of Fame announces Class of 2019

July 23, 2019; MLive

The Ionia High School Athletic Hall of Fame’s Class of 2019 has been announced, and there are athletes ranging from nearly 70 years into the past who will be honored.

… Riley Swinehart (1962)

Swinehart was a four-year gymnast and baseball player, and he played varsity football for one season. He was state champion in the trampoline in 1961 and a member of the 1962 West Central Conference baseball championship team. Swinehart played football, baseball and was a diver at Grand Rapids Community college, and he set a GRCC school record with a .443 batting average. Swinehart attended Central Michigan, where he earned All NAIA honors in gymnastics. He coached numerous sports in high school as well as several years as a football coach at Grand Valley State University.

GRCC In the News, 7-22-19

Change Ups: $40,000 grant makes meal deliveries possible

July 19, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… FOUNDATIONS

Larry Murphy retired as chairman of the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation board of directors, and GRCC alumnus James V. Buzzitta was elected the new chairman after serving as vice chairman. Kristine Babcock was elected vice chairperson and Doug Klein and Nancy Ayres continue as the board’s treasurer and secretary, respectively.

New York Jets will host AAF TE Nick Truesdell for the second time next week

July 19, 2019; nfldraftdiamonds.com

We are learning that Nick Truesdell, the huge target from the Salt Lake City Stallions will be headed to New York for his second visit with the New York Jets early next week. Truesdell worked out for the New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in April and killed his workout for both teams.

… Nick has an amazing story. He was signed by the Colorado Ice as an undrafted free agent in 2014. He played college football at the University of Cincinnati before transferring to Grand Rapids Community College.

Ionia announces athletic Hall of Fame class

July 19, 2019; Ionia Sentinel-Standard

The Ionia Athletic Hall of Fame committee announced the members of the 2019 Class that will be inducted into the Ionia Athletic Hall of Fame.

… (Riley) Swinehart was a four-year gymnast and baseball player for the Bulldogs, as well as varsity football for one year. He was state champion in the trampoline in 1961 and member of 1962 West Central Conference baseball championship team in 1962. He played football, was a diver on the swim team and baseball at Grand Rapids Community college. At GRCC, he set a school record with a .443 batting average. Attended Central Michigan where he earned All NAIA honors in gymnastics. He coached numerous sports in high school as well as several years as football coach at Grand Valley State University.

GRCC In the News, 5-6-19

News at Noon

May 3, 2019; WZZM

Besides Tulip Time, Holland is also celebrating Latino culture this weekend. Grand Rapids Community College’s Lakeshore campus and Latin Americans United for Progress for Fiesta 2019!

Verify: should you wash your chicken?

May 2, 2019; WZZM

MICHIGAN, USA — It’s become the great chicken debate.  Should you wash your chicken before you cook it?

… Our sources are the Food and Drug Administration and Werner Asbenger, the Program Director at the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education at Grand Rapids Community College.

#EndCC Stigma Podcast

May 5, 2019

James K. Robinson: “I was one of those late developers in life, and when I graduated from high school in the bottom third of my class, I got turned down at every college I applied to. Thanks goodness for Grand Rapids Junior College. I was the oldest of six kids; we couldn’t afford a big anyway. So, community college gave me a phenominal opportunity – a chance to do something with my life …”

(This is a podcast by Owens Community College President Steve Robinson. His father, James K. Robinson, was assistant attorney general under President Clinton.)

Young mom surpasses expectations to get to graduation day

May 3, 2019; schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District newsletter)

Two weeks before the start of her freshman year at Godwin High School, Ahnaka Ortiz-Rodriguez landed in the emergency room with abdominal pain. Her mom was with her while they awaited test results. Ahnaka believed she was experiencing some stomach issues, something she dealt with as a child.  When the doctor walked in, Ahnaka and her mom heard the unexpected: “Your daughter’s pregnant.”

… Ahnaka plans to enroll in Grand Rapids Community College, a choice she made because it will allow her to live at home with her daughter. She has already earned credits toward college through dual enrollment, and intends to study nursing, a decision influenced by her experience of having many compassionate and supportive nurses when she had Izzy at Spectrum Health.

Server forms recovery nonprofit

May 3, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

For someone committed to getting sober, working in a restaurant or bar with the sights and smells of beer all day can be tough.

… As a result, she (Nance McGorman) decided to pursue a social work degree to be better equipped to help with those issues. She will be starting pre-social work classes this month (May) at Grand Rapids Community College and hopes to continue her education further after that with the goal of becoming a licensed recovery coach.

Ally Longstreet voted Grand Rapids Press Athlete of the Week 3

May 3, 2019; MLive

Wayland senior Ally Longstreet has been swinging a big bat for the Wildcats this spring.

… Longstreet, an outfielder, plans to continue her softball career at Grand Rapids Community College next year. Longstreet is a three-sport athlete. She was a diver on the swim team this past fall, and she played basketball, too.

Township joins fight against nonprofit tax exemptions

May 4, 2019; Grand Haven Tribune

GRAND HAVEN TWP. — Grand Haven Township has entered the fold to prevent nonprofit businesses from receiving tax exemptions for providing minimal charity.

… Algoma, Plainfield and Sparta townships in Kent County, the City of Kentwood, Rockford Public Schools, Kent Intermediate School District, and Grand Rapids Community College are also part of the agreement.

GRCC to host summer camp with musicians who mash classical, popular genres

April 23, 2019; schoolnewsnetwork.org

Think about Shakespeare and hip-hop, said pianist and composer Brendan Hollins.

… Kevin Dobreff, program director for the GRCC Music Department, is happy to host.

New Ann Arbor Huron football coach aims to snap state’s longest losing streak

May 3, 2019; MLive

ANN ARBOR — Ann Arbor Huron Athletic Director Tony Whiren was searching for someone who can help change the culture of the football program, which has lost 39 straight games — the longest active streak in the state.

… (Antaiwn) Mack served as linebackers coach at Grand Rapids Community College from 2008-11 under Tony Annese, who is now the head coach at Ferris State. Mack, who attended Ypsilanti Lincoln, most recently served as co-defensive coordinator at Ypsilanti in 2014, the last time the Grizzlies reached the playoffs.

GRCC In the News, 3-9-18

News 8 Daybreak

March 8, 2018; WOOD TV

Today we could get a little insight into what Grand Rapids Community College is doing for our future leaders. State reps from across the state will be at the college to talk about it. The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Community Colleges is holding the hearing to talk about what GRCC is doing for Grand Rapids — particularly for skilled trades education.

Residents voice ideas for task force on police bias in Grand Rapids

March 8, 2018; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — The community had a chance this week to contribute to the efforts of a city-appointed task force with the ambitious goal of reducing bias in policing outcomes.

… Task force co-chairs Eric Payne, deputy chief of the city’s police department, and Raynard Ross, a Grand Rapids Community College dean and 3rd Ward representative, welcomed residents who gathered Wednesday, March 7, for the second of four community forums.

Cobras Sign Defensive Back Marquez Gollman

March 8, 2018; Our Sports Central

GREENSBORO- Marquez Gollman (5’11, 190) signs with the Carolina Cobras for his first year of arena football.

Gollman played college football at Grand Valley State University from 2012-2016. Before Grand Valley State, Gollman spent one season playing football in JUCO at Grand Rapids Community College.

Find your career path at Ferris State

March 8, 2018; WOTV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOTV) — Finding the right career path early is important, that’s why Ferris State University Grand Rapids is holding an open house to help students learn more about what they have to offer. The open house is open to anyone, whether you’re looking to come back to school or coming to school for the first time, they have something for everyone.

… Ferris State University Open House

• Wednesday, March 14
• Grand Rapids Community College

GRCC In the News, 2-7-18

GRCC’s $1M grant will train vulnerable residents for public works, health jobs

Feb. 6, 2018; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College received a three-year, $1 million grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to help train residents in vulnerable neighborhoods for in-demand jobs in the public works and health care fields.

Program Aims to Boost Humanities Education in Michigan

Feb. 7, 2018; U.S. News & World Report

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — A new program aims to give community college students greater opportunities to transfer to the University of Michigan to study the humanities.

… The three-year program will lead to similar collaborations with Grand Rapids Community College and Schoolcraft College. It’s expected to create a new model for humanities majors who intend to transfer to University of Michigan from community colleges across Michigan.

Cajun dinner/dance FUNdraiser to celebrate Mardi Gras Creole cuisine, live music and dance instruction

Feb. 6, 2018; Ludington Daily News

The Ludington Area Center for the Arts will celebrate Mardi Gras Saturday, Feb. 10 with a Cajun dinner and dance FUNdraiser.

… Chef Barry Sherlock has designed this year’s menu and will be cooking up his great ideas. Sherlock is a graduate of the Culinary Arts Institute at Grand Rapids Community College. His culinary career has spanned a diversity of endeavors including executive chef of Green Ridge Country Club in Grand Rapids, Mich., hotel and banquet kitchen management and restaurant executive chef/kitchen management. He has additionally owned and operated a restaurant, catered privately and has volunteered his culinary expertise extensively throughout the local community. Sherlock currently serves as the dietary supervisor at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital.

Ann Arbor-area high school grads to make it to the NFL

Feb. 6, 2018; MLive

Few high school football players ever receive a scholarship to play at the collegiate level, and even fewer get a chance to play in the NFL.

… Ypsilanti’s Marcus Benard

… Benard was an unknown commodity coming out of high school and began his collegiate career at Grand Rapids Community College. He spent his last two years at Jackson State, combining for 25 sacks.

News at 6 p.m.

Feb. 6, 2018; FOX 17

The Bruce Doane Senior Baseball Camp had its annual camp last weekend at Grand Rapids Community College, and the shortage and increasing age of umpires at the high school level have become important factors for the camp.

GRCC In the News, 1-3-18

Medical assistant apprenticeship success catalyst for others in region

Dec. 29, 2017; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The success of West Michigan’s Medical Assistant Registered Apprenticeship Program has gotten national attention and is the catalyst for developing other healthcare apprenticeships.

… The Medical Assistant apprenticeship emerged after Mercy Health officials reached out to representatives of Grand Rapids Community College to discuss how to meet the high demand for workers.

Upping the Entry Degree

Jan. 2, 2018; Inside Higher Ed

Community colleges across the country are examining possible new requirements for occupational therapy assistants to get more education, which could result in the elimination of occupational therapy programs on their campuses.

… At Grand Rapids Community College in Michigan, where about 25 students enroll annually in the institution’s occupational therapy assistant program, officials are against increasing the education requirements.

Exec predicts two-year construction boom

Dec. 22, 2017; Grand Rapids Business Journal

The construction boom still has a couple years left on it, based on Ben Wickstrom’s predictions. The president of Erhardt Construction said his company has a steady supply of work going to 2018 and even 2019.

… Erhardt, in collaboration with ABC/WMC, has worked with Grand Rapids Community College to develop training programs for the skilled trades. The company also is starting to branch out into Grand Rapids Public Schools.

Kalamazoo Township to swear in new police chief on Jan. 5

Dec. 28, 2017; MLive

KALAMAZOO TOWNSHIP, MI — Lt. Bryan Ergang will be sworn in as chief of the Kalamazoo Township Police Department on Jan. 5.

… He has an associate’s degree from Grand Rapids Community College, a bachelor’s degree from Siena Heights College, and a master’s degree in public administration from Western Michigan University. He is also a recent graduate of the prestigious FBI Nation Academy.

Kendra DeJonge, GRCC volleyball player earns national recognition

Dec. 28, 2017; The Rockford Squire

A freshman player on Grand Rapids Community College’s volleyball team has received national recognition.

Lakeview’s Vellanti wins MHSFCA Assistant Coach of the Year Award

Dec. 29, 2017; The Daily News (Greenville)

LAKEVIEW — Assistant coaches don’t volunteer their time to win awards and accolades, but that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy them if and when they come about.

… A former Lakeview graduate, (Ryan) Vellanti went to college at Grand Rapids Community College and Aquinas College. He graduated college in 2000 and was promptly hired in 2001 at Lakeview as a teacher and a coach.

Liberty’s 4 newcomers add bulk to lines

Dec. 28, 2017; Salina Journal (Kan.)

The Salina Liberty beefed up the offensive and defensive lines with the signing of four newcomers for the 2018 season.

… (Dana) Harris, who’s 6-3, 318 pounds, is a Detroit native and played at Grand Rapids Community College (Mich.) and Youngstown State.

College honoring African-American leaders

Dec. 29, 2017; Grand Rapids Business Journal

A local college is honoring 12 African-American leaders for their “exceptional contributions” to the quality of life in Grand Rapids.

The Bob and Aleicia Woodrick Center for Equity and Inclusion at Grand Rapids Community College is hosting its 36th-annual Giants Awards and Banquet at 6 p.m. on Feb. 3 at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, at 303 Monroe Ave. NW.

Neighborhoods: Grand Rapids

Dec. 19, 2017; pridesource.com

Named one of the Gayest Cities in America by The Advocate magazine in 2012, Grand Rapids became the 36th city in the state of Michigan to add protections for the LGBT community in its non-discrimination ordinance. This fair and equitable treatment has made Grand Rapids an even more inviting place for young, bright, creative-minded professionals.

… The city’s commitment to helping the LGBT community flourish is reflected in educational settings such as the Grand Rapids Community College which passed a transgender policy allowing students and staff to use the bathroom or locker room of the gender with which they identify. The inclusive Grand Valley State University was recently named one of the top 50 colleges or universities in the country when it comes to being LGBT-friendly.

Lance Werner: LJ’s 2018 Librarian of the Year

Jan. 2, 2018; Library Journal

If you ask Lance Werner, executive director of the Kent District Library (KDL), MI, what makes him a strong leader, an effective legislative advocate, and a champion of access for his patrons, his answer is simple: it’s all about forming relationships — with his staff, legislators, local business owners and CEOs, county commissioners, Michigan Library Association (MLA) administrators, LIS educators, patrons, and anyone else in a 100-mile radius. Ask him again, and he’ll bring up words such as kindness and empathy and that he loves his job.

… Local organizations, including the Literacy Center of West Michigan (LCWM), the Kent Intermediate School District, and Steelcase Corporation, have actively partnered with the library to help implement the program, as well as a collaboration between Grand Rapids Community College and KDL to provide all-ages STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics) programming.

Man sentenced in Hookah Lounge shooting that killed 22-year-old

Dec. 26, 2017; MLive

GRAND HAVEN, MI — The man convicted in the Sept. 2016 shooting death of 22-year-old Anthony Lamb will spend at least the next two decades in state prison.

… Lamb was a 2013 Holland V.R. Tech School graduate who went on to attend Grand Rapids Community College before getting a job at Port City Muskegon Casting, according to his obituary.

18 Grand Rapids Resolutions for 2018

Jan. 2, 2018; experiencegr.com (Grand Rapids Convention & Visitors Bureau website)

Happy New Year! As you think about the coming year and start vacation (or staycation) planning, Grand Rapids needs to be on your radar. With an endless calendar of events, live music all year long, and a dining scene that rivals cities twice our size, there’s something for everyone.

… 14.  Savor local cuisine during Restaurant Week GR
The foodie sensation, Restaurant Week GR, is a city-wide celebration of local restaurants, innovative cuisine, and homegrown produce. It’s the perfect time to try a new restaurant or visit an old favorite. And, as Grand Rapids isn’t one to skimp on food, our celebrated week of dining is actually 12 days long. If you needed another reason to check out even more Restaurant Week GR venues, this 12-day food celebration is all for a good cause. A portion of sales from every meal goes toward the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education Student Scholarship Fund at Grand Rapids Community College.

Classes resume in West Michigan

Jan. 2, 2018; WOOD Radio

Back to school! Most students will return to class on Monday next week, but some Lakeshore districts start on Thursday to accommodate the likelihood of more snow days. A few colleges and high schools start the spring semester later in January, and offer a very short program of concentrated instruction.

… Grand Rapids Community College: Classes begin Monday, January 8.

Medical Mile: a vision for change in Grand Rapids

Dec. 29, 2017; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Thirty years ago, Grand Rapids stood at a crossroads after more than a century as a manufacturing hub for the furniture and the auto industries, the city’s job sectors were changing. Thousands of manufacturing jobs were in decline or moving elsewhere, taking a once vibrant and dynamic economy with them. Our lively, postwar downtown filled with restaurants, shops and small businesses slowly was becoming a ghost town. There simply was not enough business to keep them open. Like many industrial cities in the late 20th century, Grand Rapids was a city in need of creative thought leaders who didn’t adhere to the status quo. Some feared we didn’t have what it would take to turn things around. They were wrong.

… Following the building of the institute, philanthropists, nonprofit entities and private-sector enterprises began showing renewed interest in the Michigan Street corridor, building academic institutions, hospitals and businesses. Together with Grand Valley State University, Spectrum Health, Mercy Health, Ferris State University, Grand Rapids Community College, Michigan State University and many others, we have created a powerful source for economic growth, collaboration and continued development in the heart of Grand Rapids.

(This is a guest column written by David Van Andel, chairman and CEO of the Van Andel Institute.)

GRCC In the News, 12-14-17

Refugees grateful for construction training, jobs and language skills

Dec. 13, 2017; MLive

GRANDVILLE, MI – Two years ago, the future was uncertain for Tony-Kelly Lubanzadio in his native Democratic Republic of Congo.

… To join the program, the refugees were required to have some basic conversational skills to understand the curriculum. Students began their two days per week at Grand Rapids Community College in March.

College earns $1M grant for low-income STEM students

Dec. 13, 2017; Grand Rapids Business Journal

A local college has earned a $1 million grant to support its low-income STEM students.

… Additionally, the project team will enlist area community colleges, including Grand Rapids Community College, Northwestern Michigan College and Muskegon Community College, to help identify potential RISE scholars at their institutions and provide mentoring for those students before they enroll at GVSU.

Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra presents ‘Messiah’

Dec. 14, 2017; The Petoskey News

Once again the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra will bring the “Messiah” to Northern Michigan at 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 14 and 15, at St. Francis Xavier Church in Petoskey.

… (Katherine) Jannakos, cannot remember a time when she hasn’t been involved in music. She comes from a very musical family, and early on studied music theory and flute. She didn’t start singing until high school, and later began serious voice study at Grand Rapids Community College. After three years she left that college and completed her degree at Oberlin Conservatory. She has appeared as a chorus member and in featured roles with Opera Grand Rapids, Oberlin Opera Theatre, Second Act Opera and the Bay View Music Festival. She has appeared as a featured soloist with the Kent Philharmonic, Flint Symphony Orchestra, Bay View Orchestra and Oberlin Orchestra. She is thrilled to be performing with the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra.

Five cool vintage Grand Rapids Christmas gifts you can buy online

Dec. 13, 2017; 100.5 FM

Everything old is new again, and with the continued restoration of old buildings downtown, Grand Rapids has been digging into its past to form its future. Here is some old school vintage Grand Rapids stuff I found online that you can gift to the GR lover in your family.

… 2. Recall the glory days of GRCC football with this mini-football

Grand Rapids Community College (also known as Grand Rapids Junior College used to have an elite junior college football program, one that competed at an elite level on the JC scene back in the day. The Raiders went to such illustrious bowl games such as the Wool Bowl, Valley of the Sun Bowl, and the Dixie Rotary Bowl.

This memento is a steal at $4.99.