East Grand Rapids graduate competes for GRCC

Posted on August 6, 2019 by grcctoday

Cooper Bell

Freshman Cooper Bell finished his first season competing for the GRCC Raiders golf team. Bell helped lead the Raiders to a Conference, State and Regional Championship, where the Raiders qualified and competed in the NJCAA Division II National Championship and finished 14th overall. Bell received many post season awards, following his freshman season. He was named MCCAA Western Conference All-Freshman Team, MCCAA Western Conference Freshman of the Year, All-Conference, a conference medalist, All MCCAA, All Region, All-Region Medalist and PING all-region. In addition to excelling on the golf course, Bell excelled in the classroom as he was named Academic All-Western Conference.

Student-Athletes interested in competing for one of GRCC’s 8 athletic teams should fill out a recruiting questionnaire at www.grccraiders.com

Northview High School graduates compete at GRCC

Posted on July 31, 2019 by grcctoday

Alec Lockwood

Joshua Greiffendorf

Sophomores Joshua Greiffendorf and Alec Lockwood finished their second season competing for the GRCC Raiders baseball team. Greiffendorf played in 13 games recording a 4.45 era while pitching in 11 innings. Lockwood had 40 starts this season batting .259 with 30 hits, 8 doubles, 1 triple and 1 homeroom.

In addition to excelling on the field, Lockwood and Greiffendorf excelled in the classroom as they were both named academic All-Conference.

Freshman Ryleigh Kasianowicz finished her first season competing for the GRCC Raiders softball team. Kasianowicz started in 32 of 34 games while recording a .957 fielding percentage.

Nicholas Ward

Ryleigh Kasianowicz

Sophomore Nicholas Ward finished his second season competing for the GRCC Raiders golf team. Ward was named All-MCCAA and All-Region after helping lead the Raiders to a Conference, State and Regional Championship. The Raiders competed in the NJCAA Division II National Championship, where they finished 14th overall.

Student-Athletes interested in competing for one of GRCC’s 8 athletic teams should fill out a recruiting questionnaire at www.grccraiders.com

Kenowa Hills High School graduates compete for GRCC

Posted on July 26, 2019 by grcctoday

Lindsey Glaz

Ryan Skislak

Sophomore Lindsey Glaz competed in her second season for the GRCC Raiders volleyball team. Glaz helped lead the Raiders to a Conference, State and Region XII Championship, as well as a trip to the NJCAA DII National Championships. The GRCC Raiders finished 6th place overall at the tournament, which is tied for the programs second highest finish at the national championships.

Lindsey has signed a National Letter of Intent to continue her academic and athletic career at Aquinas college.

Sophomore Ryan Skislak competed in his second season for the GRCC Raiders golf team. Skislak was named All-MCCAA after help lead the Raiders to a Conference, State and Regional Championship. The Raiders competed in the national tournament and finished 14th overall.

Student-Athletes interested in competing for one of GRCC’s 8 athletic teams should fill out a recruiting questionnaire at www.grccraiders.com

Comstock Park graduates compete at GRCC

Posted on July 23, 2019 by grcctoday

Sam Borisch

Sophomore Sam Borisch finished running Cross Country for the Raiders this past fall. Borisch was named NJCAA Division I All-Region and All-MCCAA. This season, Sam placed himself in the #1 spot in the Raider record book for top 20 best times. On October 27, Sam ran a career and program best time of 25:54.9 at the MCCAA/Region meet. Borisch finished 3rd overall out of 80 runners, and helped the Cross Country team to a 3rd place team finish. Borisch also competed in the NJCAA DI National Championships, where he finished with a program best time of 27:20 and placed 36th overall. Sam has committed to continue his academic and athletic career at Wayne State University.

Danielle Johnson

Freshman Danielle Johnston competed in her first season for the Raiders this past fall. Johnston was named NJCAA DII All-Region, All-MCCAA, 1st team All-Conference, All-Freshman Team, and NJCAA DII Region XII All-Tournament team. Johnston finished the season second on the team with 322 kills, 5th in digs with 247, and 5th on the team in blocks with 46. Johnston helped lead the Raiders to a Conference, State and Region XII Championship, as well as a trip to the NJCAA DII National Championships. The GRCC Raiders finished 6th place overall at the tournament, which is tied for the programs second highest finish at the national championships. In addition to excelling on the volleyball court, Johnston was named academic All-Conference and academic All-MCCAA.

Austin Bayer

Sophomore Austin Bayer competed in his second season for the Raiders this spring. Bayer helped the Raiders to a Conference and Region Championship. The Raiders also qualified and competed in the NJCAA DII National Championship where they finished 14th overall.

Student-Athletes interested in competing for one of GRCC’s 8 athletic teams should fill out a recruiting questionnaire at www.grccraiders.com

GRCC In the News, 6-27-19

Posted on June 27, 2019 by grcctoday

Charles Chanter, GRCC and statewide athletic leader, dies

June 26, 2019; MLive

Charles Chanter, an athletic and teaching leader at Grand Rapids Community College for more than 40 years, has died.

GRCC In the News, 6-19-19

Posted on June 19, 2019 by grcctoday

John Bos all-star games honor OK conference baseball and softball players

June 18, 2019; FOX 17

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — All-conference baseball and softball players from the OK Conference got a final chance play a high school game and represent their league Tuesday night at Cornerstone University.

Plan failed? Draw up a new one

June 18, 2019; schoolnewsnetwork.org

Two years ago, Chris Hribek will tell you, his high school career was a disaster with failing grades, attendance issues and a big attitude problem.

… Thanks to some tough love by teachers at the Career Academy and a new attitude toward school, Chris got his diploma this spring. Now he’s thinking about going to Grand Rapids Community College to learn welding.

Hausserman named Sentinel-Standard Boys’ Golfer of the Year

June 18, 2019; Ionia Sentinel-Standard

IONIA — Consistency.

… (Tyler) Hausserman was referring to Egypt Valley Country Club, where he’ll play as a member of golf team at Grand Rapids Community College.

GRCC In the News, 6-14-19

Posted on June 14, 2019 by grcctoday

Heavy metal meets metal joining

June 13, 2019; Engineering 360

Rock band Metallica has awarded Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) in Michigan with a $100,000 grant to connect more nontraditional students to in-demand welding jobs.

Ionia’s Hausserman finishes just outside of top 10 at state golf finals

June 13, 2019; The Daily News (Greenville)

IONIA — Ionia senior Tyler Hausserman, the school’s first regional golf champion, performed well at the Division 2 state finals at Forest Akers West Golf Course in East Lansing on June 7-8, finishing three strokes away from clinching a top 10 finish.

… Hausserman will now take his golfing talents to Grand Rapids Community College, in which he signed a letter of intent to play with the Raiders on May 15.

GRCC In the News, 6-10-19

Posted on June 10, 2019 by grcctoday

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.

Leaving his mark

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.

To cap it off

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.

GRCC In the News, 5-28-19

Posted on May 28, 2019 by grcctoday

GRCC launches efforts to raise $3 million to improve buildings, boost scholarships fund

May 24, 2019; schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District newsletter)

One in three Kent County high school graduates is connected to Grand Rapids Community College in some way, explained college representatives as they kicked off efforts to raise the final $3 million of $15 million earmarked for facility improvements and scholarships through its A Broader Vision campaign.

Mackinac Policy Conference 2019: Full schedule and agenda, speakers, how to watch

May 27, 2019; WDIV

… The Education Crisis: The Problem
Speaker: Bill Pink, President, Grand Rapids Community College

With more than 25 years of experience in education and workforce development, Bill Pink will share statewide data that articulates Michigan’s current state of education.

MSU, WMU tailor new workforce training programs to fit employers’ needs

May 26, 2019; mibiz.com

In response to employers’ calls for action, colleges and universities throughout the state are making a major shift in their workforce training programs.

… One of the results at WMU is the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership Laboratory (AMP Lab) at the university’s campus in downtown Grand Rapids. WMU operates the AMP Lab in partnership with Grand Rapids Community College and local industry. Students who are interested in going into industrial engineering and advanced manufacturing jobs can earn accreditation at GRCC and WMU while working at a partnering employer. These employers have committed to helping pay for their employees’ tuition.

Precision Machining program at Kent Career Tech Center preparing teens for future

May 24, 2019; WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOTV) – Students from high schools around Kent County are experiencing high school in a unique way. They are learning in state-of-art labs at GRCC’s Applied Technology Center through the Precision Machining Kent Career Tech Center Satellite Program.

Grand Rapids school holds special graduation ceremony for student in the hospital

May 24, 2019; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A 17-year-old Grand Rapids high school student wound up in the hospital receiving emergency surgery just weeks before his high school graduation.

… Hassel will remain in the hospital as he continues to heal, but he has plans of attending Grand Rapids Community College in the fall.

Ionia’s Hausserman to tee it up at GRCC

May 24, 2019; Ionia Sentinel-Standard

With just weeks to go in his final season at Ionia High School, Tyler Hausserman secured his golf future with a commitment to Grand Rapids Community College next year.

Young actor headed to Big Apple stage

May 24, 2019; schoolnewsnetwork.org

In this spring’s school musical, “Crazy for You,” Eric Liu played the lead role of Bobby Child. A banker who aspires to be a dancer, the character is “at heart just a big goofball who wants nothing more than to be onstage and have fun with his life,” Eric says.

… Eric hopes the contacts he makes at The Jimmy Awards lands him some auditions and gets him on his way. If not, he plans to study theater beginning at Grand Rapids Community College, and to start auditioning for local productions. Either way, he has his sights set on a career of performing in the kinds of plays that have entranced him.

GRCC In the News, 5-21-19

Posted on May 21, 2019 by grcctoday

GRCC eyes high finish at National Tournament

May 20, 2019; FOX 17

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — The Grand Rapids Community College men’s golf team has a formula for its success.

Change Ups: GRVBA receives public service award

May 17, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… EDUCATION

Grand Rapids Community College named Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal its 2019 Distinguished Alumna during the 102nd commencement. Neal was the event’s keynote speaker. Nearly 1,500 students will earn GRCC degrees this year.

Inside Track: Family trauma drives Owens’ prevention passion

May 17, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Andrea Owens carries a notebook around with her that says “teach, love, inspire” on the cover — words that summarize her life goals.

… While at Spectrum, she earned her associate degree in network administration from Grand Rapids Community College, then received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in management — while raising four children — through Cornerstone University’s Professional & Graduate Studies (PGS) division.

Inmates show their culinary skills at annual symposium

May 17, 2019; The Holland Sentinel

The most highly-trained chefs of Branch County are most likely inmates at Lakeland Correctional Facility in Coldwater.

… Guests were seated at an L-shaped table. Some are culinary elite like Chef John Zehnder, owner of Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth and Gilles Renusson, pastry chef and educator at Grand Rapids Community College.

… Other educators included Chef James Kekenyesdi, a culinary arts educator for those with mental illness; Chef Charlie Olansky who teaches at Grand Rapids Community College; Chef Mark Dorman of Sullivan University in Louisville, Ky.; and Chef Kristen Dogan of Branch Area Careers Center.

Volunteers help Kent Co. veterans with landscaping

May 17, 2019; WOOD TV

PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — At 92, George Burr and his wife of 66 years usually have to pick and choose what gets done around the house, but Friday was different.

… Local employers, like Grand Rapids Community College, provided the muscle. Local companies donated the supplies.

Still time to register for the GRCC Golf Scramble and Cookout

Posted on April 15, 2019 by grcctoday

The GRCC Golf Scramble and Cookout returns!

For those of you participated last year, and for those of you who missed out on the fun, mark your calendar for Friday, May 3, 2019.

Don’t miss out on a great time with lots of golf, food, and prizes!

The registration form is available on Google Drive.

REGISTRATION FORM: Payment must accompany your registration. First come, first served basis (25 team limit/limited seating). Registration will be accepted until team/dinner limit has been reached.

Last week to register for the GRCC Golf Scramble and Cookout

Posted on April 8, 2019 by grcctoday

The GRCC Golf Scramble and Cookout returns!

For those of you participated last year, and for those of you who missed out on the fun, mark your calendar for Friday, May 3, 2019.

Don’t miss out on a great time with lots of golf, food, and prizes!

The registration form is available on Google Drive.

REGISTRATION FORM: Payment must accompany your registration. First come, first served basis (25 team limit/limited seating). Registration will be accepted through April 12, 2019, or until team/dinner limit has been reached.