Tag Archives: News

GRCC In The News, 05-02-19

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  • Grand Rapids colleges collide for a cabaret collaboration
    • 5/1/19 The Saint (Aquinas College’s student newspaper)
    • Lights! Camera! Action! This year for the first time, Aquinas and GRCC came together in fun, music, and laughter. Josie Gonzalez, a sophomore at Aquinas helped plan and organize the event with Bridgette Slezak and the Encore! EBoard. Gonzalez informed me that besides having a night full of mystical music, one of the main goals was to create friendships.
  • News 8 Daybreak
    • 5/2/19 WOOD TV
    • The city is hosting an open house for businesses. They’re specifically looking for contractors who specialize in services like landscaping, tree removal, trucking and even IT. The meeting will go over how to apply for contracts and submit bids to the city. It starts at 11 a.m. and goes until 1, and will be held at Grand Rapids Community College’s Tassell M-TEC.

GRCC In The News, 05-01-19

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  • 300 GRCC students haven’t claimed their degrees
    • 4/30/19 95.7 FM
    • A degree is something to be proud of because it shows all the hard work you’ve done to earn that recognition. However, nearly 300 students at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) haven’t claimed their degree.
    • (This was also on 104.9, 100.5 and WGRD.)
  • Reaching a dream
    • 4/30/19 The Daily News (Greenville)
    • IONIA — Tori Wolcott was waiting for this day for a long time.
    • … Wolcott, a senior at Ionia High School and a three-year varsity volleyball player and two-year captain for the Bulldogs, signed a letter of intent to play for the Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) women’s volleyball team, continuing her volleyball career.
  • 4 schools vying to win third 2019 Prom of the Week poll for Grand Rapids
    • 4/30/19 MLive
    • Four Grand Rapids high schools are vying to win the third Grand Rapids Press Prom of the Week poll to guarantee a photographer attends their prom on Saturday, May 4.
    • … In 2018, Ottawa (Hills High School) celebrated its “Harlem Nights” themed prom at Grand Rapids Community College’s Applied Technology Center.

GRCC In The News, 04-30-19

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GRCC In The News, 04-29-19

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  • Convicted killer’s appeal for new trial denied
    • 4/26/19 FOX 17
    • GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A man convicted of killing a woman near Grand Rapids Community College in 2016 has had his appeal for a new trial denied.
  • Returning Citizens – More Than a Workforce
    • 4/28/19 mibiz.com
    • It’s no secret: West Michigan companies need to find a deeper pool of talent.
    • … Butterball Farms, along with Cascade Engineering, has been committed to the 30-2-2 initiative, a program launched in partnership with Grand Rapids Community College in 2012 with a simple concept to get 30 companies to hire two workers leaving jail or prison and track their progress for two years.
  • GVSU announces Hall of Fame class of 2019
    • 4/26/19 The Holland Sentinel
    • Grand Valley State Director of Athletics, Keri Becker, announced the 2019 GVSU Athletics Hall of Fame class. The 2019 class will be the 34th inducted into the Hall of Fame.
    • New members will include: Lucius (Hawkins) Anthony (Inkster, Mich.), football 2001-04; Shannon Carrier (Plainwell, Mich.) women’s soccer (2003-06); Kevin Kremer (Kalamazoo, Mich./Central), men’s golf (2001-2004); Rebecca Rapin (Saginaw, Mich./Nouvel Catholic), volleyball (2007-10); Kelly VanDyke (Wyoming, Mich./Rogers), swimming (2003-06); Doug Woods (Ottawa, Ohio), softball coach/athletic trainer 1976, 1991-2014; Ennis Young (Grand Rapids, Mich./Ottawa Hills), men’s basketball 1996-99.
    • (This article doesn’t mention it, but Ennis Young is an assistant professor in the Psychology Department.)
  • Hankins gains postseason recognition, Sobczak earns two saves for Alma baseball
    • 4/28/19 Petoskey News-Review
    • … Stephanie Kruskie continued her consistent play for Grand Rapids Community College’s softball team last week.
  • Muskegon Community College golf team takes second in its home tournament
    • 4/28/19 Local Sports Journal (Muskegon)
    • The Muskegon Community College golf team fared well in its own tournament, the Jayhawk Invitational, on Thursday and Friday.
    • MCC finished second in the team standings with 342 points, behind first-place Grand Rapids Community College (305).

GRCC In The News, 04-26-19

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  • Westside project team wins Laker Effect Challenge
    • 4/25/19 Grand Valley State University press release
    • A team of Kirkhof College of Nursing students and faculty and The Other Way Ministries staff members won $5,000 during the Laker Effect Challenge to implement their idea of promoting disaster preparedness through a Halloween fun house.
    • … The Laker Effect Challenge asks teams of campus and community members to pitch an idea that will make lasting change in the community. Other teams that competed are listed below:
    • … Mobilizing Community Action for Inclusive Growth: Johnson Center for Philanthropy with Grand Rapids Community College
  • GR Residents show overwhelming support for Human Rights Ordinance
    • 4/25/19 WGVU
    • “Anyone who has actually experienced being called and you have police officers coming to you or interacting in a way that is surprising because you’ve been doing nothing – seeing some accountability measures and seeing some legislation to try and take steps to help put protections in place for people who are experiencing that is crucial.”
    • … But some of the residents who spoke in favor of the ordinance questioned publicly whether Grand Rapids Police Department officers would be held accountable by the ordinance. Here is Neal Walton, a student at Grand Rapids Community College.
    • “How are we going to enforce this ordinance and not just have it to appease people of color or any people of any protected class?”

GRCC In The News, 04-23-19

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  • One West Michigan woman’s journey up the culinary ladder
    • 4/22/19 WOTV
    • GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – The GRCC Sechia Institute for Culinary Education has been shaping young chefs in Grand Rapids for decades. Jacqueline Kastelz is one of those chefs. She’s had a passion for cooking since childhood, and is living her dream as a chef at New Hotel Mertens in Downtown Grand Rapids. But, being a woman trying to climb the culinary ladder certainly doesn’t come without challenges.
  • Kruskie helps GRCC win 3 straight, Lechner places second for GVSU track
    • 4/23/19 Petoskey News-Review
    • Grand Rapids Community College’s softball team got back on track last week.

GRCC In The News, 4-22-19

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  • GRPS growing partners, interest in career academies at Ottawa Hills
    • 4/18/19 MLive
    • GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Public Schools has 19 partners and counting to assist with the development of six career academies planned for Ottawa Hills High School, officials said Thursday, April 18.
    • … The academies along with the Early Middle College program, launched in 2017-18, are expected to grow enrollment. Students can earn a diploma and associate degree in five years through a partnership with Grand Rapids Community College.
  • Change Ups: Hatfields are new franchise owners of Floor Coverings International
    • 4/19/19 Grand Rapids Business Journal
    • … Government
    • Gretchen Whitmer appointed Grand Rapids Community College President Bill Pink to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation Executive Committee, overseeing the public-private partnership focused on creating jobs and boosting the state’s economy.
  • Students, parents invited to free West Michigan National College Fair today
    • 4/22/19 MLive
    • GRAND RAPIDS, MI – College associations are invited students and parents to a free West Michigan College Fair Monday, April 22, at DeVos Place Conference Center.
    • … Local higher education institutions as well as those across the state will be in attendance including: Grand Valley State University, University of Michigan, Western Michigan University, Michigan State University, Ferris State University and the Kendall College of Art and Design of FSU, Marquette University, Hope College, Calvin College, Aquinas College, and Grand Rapids Community College.
  • Jack Pieters named Ionia County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant
    • 4/18/19 Ionia Sentinel-Standard
    • IONIA — After 17 years with the Ionia County Sheriff’s Office, Jack Pieters has been promoted to lieutenant of the department.
    • … Pieters has an associates degree from Grand Rapids Community College and served in the Marine Corps Reserve from 1989-98.
  • ‘He’s ready for the world’
    • 4/19/19 schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District)
    • Nik Ursiny is in charge of his own future, the thoughtful young man explained as he reflected on how far he’s come to graduation. He’s not letting debilitating illnesses determine his fate.
    • … Nik will graduate May 23 from Byron Center High School. He hopes to attend the Grand Rapids Community College Advanced Manufacturing Partnership Program and pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. Prior to starting college in the fall, he will get paid to work through the program, which partners with AutoCam, a Grand Rapids-based manufacturer.
  • Women in craft beer brew up change
    • 4/19/19 Grand Rapids Business Journal
    • Despite a number of female- and minority-owned breweries popping up in West Michigan, most folks in the craft beer industry say it’s a white man’s world.
    • … She (Graci Harkema) said groups, events and programs Founders is eyeing that already exist include Fermenta, which focuses on female brewers; a festival called Fresh Fest that started in 2018 in Pittsburgh for black brewers; and college brewing science programs such as those at Grand Rapids Community College, Ferris State University and Eastern Michigan University. Founders hopes, through the Brewers Association, to help provide grants and scholarships that are diversity-based, which would create a pipeline of empowerment from the ground up.
  • Michigan Matters
    • 4/21/19 WWJ
    • We’re back and talking with Sand Beruah, Denise Ilitch, and Patti Poppe about a variety of things.
    • … Patti Poppe: “It’s (Mackinac Policy Conference) a big, it’s a very important pillar, it’s Prepare Michigan, and that’s sort of a k through forever education ethos that we’d love to create here in Michigan, but we’ve a great lineup of speakers, talking about that, Bill Pink from the Grand Rapids Community College, followed by Jeb Bush, as we mentioned, and then the Launch Michigan panel, with Doug Rothwell, Tanya Allen from the Skillman Foundation.”
  • Street Talk: A river runs through it
    • 4/19/19 Grand Rapids Business Journal
    • The city of Grand Rapids is partnering with Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Rapids Whitewater and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. to host an open house for companies interested in learning more about business opportunities associated with the Grand River restoration project.
  • Grand Rapids taking next step towards restoration of rapids
    • 4/18/19 95.7 FM
    • The restoration of the rapids to the Grand River in Grand Rapids is a years-long project which will bring major changes to the look and activities found in downtown Grand Rapids.
    • … The City of Grand Rapids has announced an open house with Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Rapids Whitewater and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. on Thursday, May 2. The open house is primarily for businesses that provide landscaping, tree removal, trucking, information technology and other services. Their help will be needed when work on the Grand River begins.
  • Open house set to highlight business opportunities for Grand River restoration project
    • 4/18/19 WZZM
    • GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Business owners and local companies interested in learning about the opportunities associated with the Grand River’s restoration project have a chance to do just that in a couple weeks.
    • The free open house event is born from a partnership with the City of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Rapids Whitewater and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. It’s set for 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Thursday, May 2 at GRCC Tassell M-TEC, located at 633 Godfrey Ave SW.
  • News 8 at Noon
    • 4/18/19 WOOD TV
    • There may be some business opportunities surrounding the Grand River restoration in Grand Rapids, and the city wants you to know about it. The city is working with GRCC and the Grand Rapids Whitewater Group to host an open house for companies interested in learning about those business opportunities.
  • A young botanist and a former Bend mayor are vying for COCC board seat
    • 4/21/19 Bend Bulletin (Ore.)
    • The candidates for the Central Oregon Community College board’s sole contested race have two similar goals: clamping down on the college’s campus security force and increasing online course offerings. But that’s about all the candidates agree on.
    • … Regardless of who is elected, COCC will see changes in its near future, as Laurie Chesley, a community college vice president in Michigan, will become the college’s new president in July. Like both candidates, she said she hoped to expand online classes. Currently, the college offers between 75 and 100 online courses per quarter, according to college spokesman Ron Paradis.

GRCC In The News, 4-18-19

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  • Schwannecke inks with GVSU
    • 4/18/19 Traverse City Record-Eagle
    • TRAVERSE CITY — Traverse City Central standout athlete Tobin Schwannecke could hear the clock ticking down the time he had left to make a college decision.
    • … Riley Sullivan (baseball) signed with Macomb Community College, Sam Schmitt (baseball) signed with Grand Rapids Community College, Matt Henkel (tennis) signed with Hope College and Jordon Christopher (track) inked with Adrian.
  • ‘The Wolves’ puts you on a girls soccer team
    • 4/16/19 Grand Rapids Magazine
    • An award-winning play opening this week revolves around the discussions on a high school girls soccer team.
    • … Presented by Actors’ Theatre, the performances will be at GRCC’s Spectrum Theater downtown, at 160 Fountain St. NE.

GRCC In The News, 4-17-19

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  • Grant funds will buy new mobile dental unit for Ottawa County
    • 4/16/19 MLive
    • A dental office on wheels that has been serving Ottawa County for 15 years will be replaced next year through a $200,000 grant to the Ottawa County Department of Public Health.
    • … Funding for the Miles of Smiles program is provided by state grants and foundations, local foundations, donations and county support. Dental services for children are made possible by a volunteer network of more than 100 dentists, hygienists and Grand Rapids Community College dental hygiene students.

GRCC In The News, 4-16-19

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  • Whitmer appoints 3 Kent County residents to MEDC board
    • 4/15/19 MLive
    • GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Three of the 11 new members Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointed to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation Executive Committee are from Kent County.
    • … The three Kent County appointments are:
    • Bill Pink, of Ada, the president of Grand Rapids Community College. He is appointed to represent public entities for a term expiring April 5, 2023.
  • Twin sisters at Ottawa Hills ranked valedictorian and salutatorian
    • 4/15/19 FOX 17
    • GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Twin sisters who are a month away from graduating from Ottawa Hills High School recently learned they will be doing it as valedictorian and salutatorian.
    • … Tai and Sy (Moore) plan to study at Grand Rapids Community College with a major in criminal justice and minor in Spanish. They say they want to help people who like them, are working for a better life.
  • Muskegon Community College baseball team falls twice to Grand Rapids
    • 4/15/19 Local Sports Journal (Muskegon)
    • The Muskegon Community College baseball team dropped both of its games with Grand Rapids Community College on Saturday, falling 4-1 and 5-0.
  • Grand Rapids school board to discuss reopening superintendent search Monday
    • 4/15/19 MLive
    • GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Grand Rapids Board of Education scheduled a work session for Monday, April 22, to discuss the next steps for reopening its superintendent search.
    • … School board member Tony Baker suggested the board consider some other options such as establishing a search committee similar to what Grand Rapids Community College did in 2016 for its presidential search.

GRCC In The News, 4-15-19

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  • Newsmakers
    • 4/11/19 Community College Daily
    • … Appointments
    • Grand Rapids Community College President Bill Pink has been appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation Executive Committee, overseeing the public-private partnership focused on creating jobs and boosting the state’s economy. MEDC works with more than 100 economic development partners, markets Michigan as a place to do business, assists businesses in their growth strategies, and fosters the growth of vibrant communities across the state.
  • Educators say it’s urgent to bring more teachers of color into the pipeline
    • 4/12/19 schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District news service)
    • There’s a clear teacher shortage, Kent ISD educators say, and it’s crucial to fill the teacher pipeline with people who represent students’ ethnicities and backgrounds.
    • … In front of participants, GRCC student Ravel Bowman interviewed Professor Juan Olivarez, distinguished scholar in residence for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University, on changing educational systems to support students of color.
  • Anuncian charla informativa sobre la importancia de ir a la universidad
    • 4/12/19 El Vocero
    • GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN (EVH) .- El grupo Plan de Desarrollo Ciudad de Grand Rapids y la Sinfónica de Grand Rapids, anunciaron una charla informativa , “Hablemos de la importancia de ir a la universidad”, para todas aquellas personas interesadas en descubrir las diferentes oportunidades que colegios y universidades están ofreciendo.
    • … Son nueve las universidades que participaran de dicha charla informativa, entre ellas : Kuyper University, Ferris University, Calvin College, Albion University, GRCC, Western University, Grandvalley University, Cornerstone University y Michigan University.
    • (GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN (EVH) .- The city of Grand Rapids and the Grand Rapids Symphony announced an informative talk, “Let’s talk about the importance of going to college”, for all those interested in discovering the different opportunities that colleges and universities are offering.
    • … There are nine universities participating in this informative talk, among them: Kuyper University, Ferris University, Calvin College, Albion College, GRCC, Western University, Grand Valley University, Cornerstone University and Michigan University.)
  • Leaders developing immigrant integration plan
    • 4/12/19 Grand Rapids Business Journal
    • Local community leaders are working to develop a strategic plan to improve the experiences of immigrants and refugees in Kent County.
    • … The task force includes the four collaborating organizations, as well as: the city of Grand Rapids’ Office of Diversity and Inclusion, The Right Place, the city of Wyoming and the Wyoming Public Safety Department, Justice for Our Neighbors, Michigan Immigrant Rights Coalition, Kent County Health Department, Kent ISD, Literacy Center of West Michigan, Kaufman Institute at Grand Valley State University, Treetops Collective, Refugee Education Center, Bethany Christian Services, African Collaborative Network, African Resource Center, West Michigan Asian American Business Association, WGVU, Michigan Office of New Americans, Grand Rapids Community College, Welcoming Michigan, Fifth Third Bank and Grand Rapids Community Foundation.
  • Davenport University gives students at 2 charters chance to earn a diploma and degree
    • 4/12/19 MLive
    • GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Next year, Davenport University is offering Early Middle College programs at two charter schools, giving students a chance to earn a diploma and an associate degree for free.
    • … Grand Rapids Community College has programs in the Kent and Ottawa ISDs and four districts in Grand Rapids, Cedar Springs, Wyoming, and Kentwood districts. The program at East Kentwood High School launched this school year.
  • Tank this: Diehard fans looking forward to Pistons playoffs
    • 4/11/19 The Detroit News
    • Detroit — When Ahmed AlJorani moved from Baghdad to Farmington Hills in 2007, he found community and energy with the Pistons, as the local NBA team was riding high as perennial championship contenders.
    • … (Joe) Sinke, a Grand Rapids Community College student, will soon also be wearing his fandom on his back.

GRCC In The News, 04-11-19

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  • Mike Olson leaving law enforcement after 49 years
    • 4/10/19 Battle Creek Enquirer
    • Mike Olson is leaving a 49-year law enforcement career he started after a night in a patrol car.
    • … Born in Kalamazoo and raised in several Michigan cities where his father was city manager, Olson had been attending Ferris State University and planning to teach and coach. But he wasn’t convinced that was what he wanted to do and returned to Grand Rapids Community College.
  • Meet Joel Newton: 2019 ABC Craft Professional of the Year Finalist
    • 4/10/19 Construction Executive
    • As the second youngest of 14 siblings—three of whom are police officers—Joel Newton jokes about the struggle to stand out in his family. That shouldn’t be a problem this year. In addition to more than a decade of service in the U.S. Army Reserves, Newton has a new achievement his brothers and sisters undoubtedly will be proud of: being named a finalist for Associated Builders and Contractors’ Craft Professional of the Year award.
    • … Newton completed the ABC electrical apprenticeship program at Grand Rapids Community College and worked for two electrical contractors before joining Michigan-based Windemuller, Inc. in 2012. He’s now a journeyman electrician, foreman and detail manager—earning the role as a liaison between the field and office because of his willingness to help with any task.
  • Jayhawks baseball team improves to 25-7 with a twin bill sweep of Aquinas JV
    • 4/10/19 Local Sports Journal (Muskegon)
    • The Muskegon Community College baseball team continued its strong season with a pair of victories over the Aquinas College JV squad on Wednesday.
    • … MCC, how 25-7 on the season, will host rival Grand Rapids Community College in a conference doubleheader on Friday, starting at 2 p.m.

GRCC In The News, 04-10-19

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  • Open-source textbooks lighten students’ financial load
    • 4/9/19 schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District newsletter)
    • GRCC students are using free, open-source textbooks and saving a total of more than $3 million this year. Students Matthew Grotenhuis and Hunter Crum say the option takes weight off their shoulders financially, and they see it benefiting many of their peers.
  • Dr. K visits TC
    • 4/9/19 The Daily News (Greenville)
    • HOWARD CITY — When Scott Koenigsknecht was given a rundown of possible school districts to visit on behalf of the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), he immediately looked for Montcalm County on the list.
    • … Michael Smith, a Tri County High School sophomore, sat down with Koenigsknecht to explain his involvement with Launch U, a tuition-free Early College program through Grand Rapids Community College and the Kent Intermediate School District.
  • Hot job, cold beer: Going PRO with a high-tech career at MI’s top brewery
    • 4/10/19 Livingston Daily
    • Thanks to Michigan’s ongoing craft beer boom, IPAs and bourbon stouts are becoming as much a part of our state identity as the Ford Mustang and the Chevy Camaro. But what do beer production and auto manufacturing have in common?
    • … To fill its worker pipeline, Founders started an industrial maintenance technician apprenticeship program two years ago, putting existing employees on a high-paying, high-tech career track. Apprentices work toward a two-year certificate at Grand Rapids Community College – which Founders pays for – while receiving full-time on-the-job-training throughout the process. Requirements include two years of production experience at Founders, passing an aptitude test and possessing proven communications and mechanical proficiency skills.
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers have interest in former AAF tight end
    • 4/9/19 The Pewter Plank
    • Since the Alliance of American Football folded over a week ago, numerous players have found homes on NFL rosters. While some may just be camp bodies, it seems that the league served a purpose in its short existence of giving players another shot at getting back into the NFL. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are ready to get in on the AAF fun.
    • … (Nick) Truesdell started his college football career at the University of Cincinnati before transferring to Grand Rapids Community College to finish his collegiate career. He was not drafted after finishing his collegiate career, and was then signed by the Arena Football League’s Colorado Ice.
  • Muskegon-area sports notes: Jayhawks name new wrestling coach
    • 4/9/19 MLive
    • Muskegon Community College’s wrestling program has a long track record of success.
    • … Prior to Davenport, (Brian) Netzler served as a top assistant at Miami University. Previously, he was a top assistant at Austin Peay State University and made coaching stops at University of Mississippi and Grand Rapids Community College.

GRCC In The News, 04-08-19

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  • News at 5:30 p.m.
    • 4/5/19 WOOD TV
    • Gov. Whitmer has named several West Michigan leaders to the important Michigan Economic Development Corp.’s Executive Committee. The group determines what companies get tax breaks and other economic advantages in our state. They include Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell, Grand Rapids Community College President Bill Pink, of Ada. Also of Ada, Krista Flynn, a president at Chemical Bank, and Kyle Caldwell of Rockford, the CEO of the Council of Michigan Foundations.
  • Whitmer Appointments Reshape MEDC Executive Committee
    • 4/8/19 mitechnews.com
    • LANSING – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer made appointments Friday to 11 spots on the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Executive Committee, reshaping the 20-member committee.
    • … Bill Pink, of Ada, president of Grand Rapids Community College, was also appointed to represent public entities for a term expiring April 5, 2023.
  • Gov. Whitmer makes appointments to MEDC Committee
    • 3/5/19 The Macomb Daily
    • Governor Gretchen Whitmer made several appointments to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Executive Committee on Friday, April 5, 2019, including several Detroit-area residents.
    • … Bill Pink, Ph. D. of Ada, is the president of Grand Rapids Community College. Dr. Pink is appointed to represent public entities for a term expiring April 5, 2023.
  • Kalamazoo mayor appointed by governor to serve on MEDC executive committee
    • 4/5/19 WWMT
    • KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Friday the mayor of Kalamazoo is one of the 11 new members appointed to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation Executive Committee, per a statement released from her office.
    • … Additionally from the West Michigan community are Krista Flynn, regional president of Chemical Bank out of Ada, Michigan and Bill Pink, president of Grand Rapids Community College out of Ada, as well.
  • Gov. Whitmer appoints 11 new members to MEDC board
    • 4/5/19 Crain’s Detroit Business
    • Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Friday made sweeping changes to the executive committee of the Michigan Economic Development Corp. with the appointment of 11 new members.
    • … The 11 new members are:
    • … Bill Pink, president of Grand Rapids Community College
  • Education briefs
    • 4/7/19 The Holland Sentinel
    • … Students can save by taking GRCC summer classes
    • Students from colleges and universities can spend their summers in Grand Rapids Community College classrooms, gaining credits they can transfer to their home schools.
  • Change Ups: Colby joins Erhardt Construction to produce custom cabinetry, millwork services
    • 4/5/19 Grand Rapids Business Journal
    • … Education
    • … Grand Rapids Community College provost Laurie Chesley was named president of Central Oregon Community College by its board of directors. Chesley has been GRCC’s provost and executive vice president for academic and student affairs since 2014 and has been with the college since 2005. She assumes her new role July 1.
    • Grand Rapids Community College’s Main Building, which houses classes for more than 5,200 students each week, will be renamed Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall, based on a resolution approved by the GRCC board of trustees. Finkelstein’s financial and business acumen helped him and his brothers grow Michigan Clothiers, the family business started by their parents. Renovations to the building are expected to start in 2021, which will reconfigure existing spaces to meet program needs and provide additional classrooms and study spaces, revitalize labs and art studios, and support technology-based learning.
  • KDL hosting Next Nexus: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Summit in May
    • 4/5/19 FOX 17
    • The Kent District Library is bringing discussions and insights of equity, diversity, and inclusion at an upcoming summit, Next Nexus: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
    • … Other presenters and panelists include Michelle Boisvenue-Fox, director of programming, outreach and collection services for Kent District Library, Sara Proano, community engagement manager for Kent District Library, Graci Harkema, diversity and inclusion director for Founders Brewing, and B. Afeni McNeely Cobham, PhD, chief equity and inclusion officer for Grand Rapids Community College.
  • MCC dance show on April 12-13 in Overbook Theater
    • 4/3/19 White Lake Beacon
    • Muskegon Dance Movement, the Muskegon Community College resident dance company under the artistic direction of Melissa Brunsting, will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, April 12-13, in Overbrook Theater.
    • … Guest artist Deavondre Jones has touched thousands of lives as a speaker, performer and instructor throughout the Midwest. In Michigan, he is best known for his commitment and consistency behind the weekly drop-in class: #DropInWednesdays. A Benton Harbor Promise student, he earned degrees from Grand Rapids Community College and Columbia College in Illinois.