GRCC In the News, 6-17-19

Electric vehicle charging station at GRCC now available for public use

June 14, 2019; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The public can now use the electric vehicle charging station in the lower level of the Grand Rapids Community College parking ramp on Bostwick Avenue, officials announced this week.

Metallica Gives Back

June 14, 2019; allwithinmyhands.org (All Within My Hands Foundation)

Our extended Metallica Family at Blackened American Whiskey had a chance encounter with a Metallica fan whose buddy, it turns out, is a Metallica Scholar. That brief encounter led to us learn all about our first Spotlight Scholar, Jason Church. We think his story is worth sharing, and it all started over whiskey…

Jason was the recipient of AWMH’s Metallica Scholars grant funding at Grand Rapids Community College, encouraging him to continue his training and get his welding certification.

Brother and sister work hard for ‘a better future, a better life’

June 14, 2019;  schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School district)

Anyelin and Yustin Vasquez Lopez are well aware of the Guatemala they came from, the America they came to, and what it will take to succeed here.

… She and her brother are powered by their dreams, as they go from their graduation ceremony at Calvin College toward Grand Rapids Community College this fall.

Fundraising Lunch in Grand Rapids to Help Former Foster Youth Go to College

June 13, 2019; michigan.gov (press release)

LANSING, Mich. – Seat reservations are still available for the fifth annual Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund Benefit to be held on June 26 at Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids.

… Seventeen Michigan colleges and universities have programs to assist former foster care students:  Delta College, Eastern Michigan University, Ferris State University, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Lansing Community College, Michigan State University, Mott Community College, Northwestern Michigan College, Saginaw Valley State University, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of Michigan-Flint, Washtenaw Community College, Wayne County Community College, Wayne State University and Western Michigan University.

Pewamo-Westphalia falls in extras in Division 3 baseball semifinal

June 14, 2019; Ionia Sentinel-Standard

EAST LANSING — The Pewamo-Westphalia baseball team had allowed under 40 runs total to its opponents this season en route to a school-record 31 wins.

… “I tried to get them off-balance by throwing my curveball and then slider, plus I was able to locate my fastball well and trust my fielders to make plays behind me,” (Ethan) Thelen said, who will continue his baseball career next season at Grand Rapids Community College, said. “My arm feels really good right now, but it will probably be a different story tomorrow.

GRCC In the News, 6-12-19

Highlights of the 2019-20 budget approved by GRCC Trustees

June 11, 2019; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees has unanimously approved a $112.3 million operating budget for the 2019-20 academic year

GRCC partners with HexArmor to create 49 new jobs

June 11, 2019; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees approved a $324,875 Michigan New Jobs Training Program agreement Monday with HexArmor, a global provider of personal protective equipment.

Overcoming homelessness to get her degree, she’s ready to help others

June 11, 2019; schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District)

Five years after sharing her story about growing up in poverty,  a mature, confident, 22-year-old Jordan Lovett walked into a local coffee shop. She had graduated days earlier from Grand Valley State University with a bachelor’s degree in social work.

… I checked in with Lovett the next winter.  She was struggling as a freshman at Aquinas College. Her grades weren’t great and she was stressed out trying to work, pay the bills, and complete 18 credits. She had already enrolled in Grand Rapids Community College for the next semester, to save money. She was one of many students in college who have the imposter feeling of, “I don’t belong here.” I wrote her second story as a bigger piece about how barriers for low-income college students don’t end at the Admissions Office door.

Sushi caterer rolls with purpose

June 11, 2019; Grand Rapids Magazine

After earning a pre-social work degree, Bawi Sung felt whatever career she found next should center on helping her fellow Burmese orphans and refugees.

… In the U.S., while learning English as a second language, Anu completed ninth grade through high school — where she met her now-husband Aceu Thawng, who immigrated to Grand Rapids in 2008. Anu then earned a pre-social work degree from Grand Rapids Community College.

Chess players gain focus, swagger

June 11, 2019; schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District)

After winning the chess tournament at Comstock Park High School for two years running, Senior Stephen Riley could walk through commencement with a bit of swagger.

… “No one thought I was going to win,” says Stephen, who will go on to classes at Grand Rapids Community College this fall. “I didn’t even think I would win.”

Bucs, Lakers and Trojans represent as All-Stars

June 12, 2019; Grand Haven Tribune

Local volleyball seniors had the chance to suit up one last time in their school colors Tuesday as Muskegon Community College hosted an All-Star game for outgoing players.

… Across the board, the local all-stars will be continuing their careers at the collegiate level. Paulsen and Carlyle got an early introduction to their new home Tuesday, as they will take their talents to play for the Jayhawks this fall. Zenas is set to set at Hillsdale College, while Strohmeyer will continue to terminate points for Lake Superior State University. (Kailey) Carmean and (Kylie) Oberlin plan to remain teammates while attending Grand Rapids Community College and Core will bring the heat at Hope College.

Students receive $500 scholarships from Sparrow Ionia Hospital Foundation

June 11, 2019; Ionia Sentinel-Standard

IONIA COUNTY — Eight students pursuing careers in health care each received $500 in scholarships from Sparrow Ionia Hospital Foundation.

… Scholarship recipients for 2019 are:

… Jeffrey Puehler from Belding High School — attending Grand Rapids Community College for a nurse practitioner degree.

Grand Rapids school board approves interim superintendent contract

June 11, 2019; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Grand Rapids school board approved a contract Monday, June 10, for Ronald Gorman to serve as interim superintendent when Teresa Weatherall Neal retires effective July 1.

(This article doesn’t mention it, but Ronald Gorman is a GRCC alumnus.)

The Women’s Coalition of Motorcyclists Announces the Train-the-trainer scholarship

June 11, 2019; WHFB

In pursuit of the goal of doubling the number of female motorcycle riders by 2020, the Women’s Coalition of Motorcyclists (WCM) has established a train-the-trainer scholarship program in partnership with the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning and Michigan Rider Education Program. The scholarship program will allow for up to 10 WCM paid members to attend the RiderCoach Preparation course to become a certified motorcycle safety coach. In Michigan, only 11 percent (27 of 235) of certified RiderCoaches are female.

…  For an application for the Grand Rapids Community College Motorcycle Rider Education Program visit: (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0ByIXC151xB1idkw5Qzlfd3hzcTZxMlVCVnh1ZVJJR3c2T0lv/view )

Jewish Theatre’s “Church & State” combines real-life topics with comedy

June 11, 2019; FOX 17

Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids is combining real, serious topics and comedy in their latest production, “Church & State.”

… The play will be performed at GRCC Spectrum Theatre on the following dates:

GRCC In the News, 6-11-19

10 fun ideas for Grand Rapids-area kids to try over summer break

June 10, 2019 MLive

As of Friday, June 6, the school year had ended for the vast majority of students in Kent and Ottawa counties.

… Grand Rapids Community College offers a few workforce training summer camps at the Leslie E. Tassell M-TEC Center, 622 Godfrey St. SW. The only one with availability now is the Manufacturing Camp for June. Register online by visiting the website.

2019 Rosa Parks Scholars plan to change the world

June 10, 2019; The Detroit News

Detroit — When choosing where to attend high school, Gregory Miller knew he was taking a risk when he picked Cass Technical High School over his neighborhood Renaissance High School.

… Meet the scholars

… Fawzia Ali

Innovation Central High School

College: Grand Rapids Community College

GRCC 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 Family Nursing course seeks pregnant volunteers for simulated prenatal visit

The faculty of the Grand Rapids Community College Family Nursing Course are looking for pregnant volunteers for a simulated prenatal visit.  This is not to replace a regular visit with your provider but an opportunity for our LPN students to simulate an office visit with willing participants.

We will hold our simulations on May 6 and May 8 between 10 a.m. and noon.  Lunch will be provided.

If you are interested and available please contact us by email (dzuidgee@grcc.edu) and let us know which date works best for you. Directions and more detail to follow after sign up.

THANK you so much for your help!

 

Recap: practical nursing students participate in Community Health Fair

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GRCC Practical Nursing Students participated in a Community Health Fair at Porter Hills Village on Tuesday, April 16.

Students presented information about topics such as osteoarthritis, obstructive sleep apnea, eye disorders, hypertension, and diabetes. Residents were able to get their blood pressure and blood sugar levels checked, as well as engage with students by participating in the various activities.

Please tell students: Nursing Employment & Education Fair next week in the ATC

Tuesday, March 19, 2019, from 1-4 p.m. in the Applied Technology Center.

Please encourage any students interested in further education and/or a career in nursing to attend.

Students should bring their resumes.

Family Nursing Course seeks pregnant volunteers for simulated prenatal visit

ARE YOU PREGNANT?

The faculty of the Grand Rapids Community College Family Nursing Course are looking for pregnant volunteers for a simulated prenatal visit.  This is not to replace a regular visit with your provider but an opportunity for our LPN students to simulate an office visit with willing participants.

We will hold our simulations on January 14 and January 16 between 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.  Lunch will be provided.

If you are interested and available, please contact Dawn Zuidgeest-Craft, NNP, PNP, MSN, by email and let know which date works best for you: dzuidgee@grcc.edu.

Directions and more detail to follow after sign-up.

Recap: practical nursing students share knowledge with community seniors

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A group of practical nursing students presented various health topics to seniors in the community this past Wednesday at the United Methodist Community House.

This event helped to educate the public about exercise, nutrition, blood pressure, diabetes, and macular degeneration.

Recap: nursing students educate and engage during Community Health Fair

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GRCC Practical Nursing Students participated in a Community Health Fair at Sunset Community Retirement Village on Wednesday, November 28.

Students presented information about medical diagnoses, such as osteoarthritis, pneumonia, eye disorders, hypertension, and diabetes. Residents were able to get their blood pressure and blood sugar levels checked, as well as engage with students by participating in the various activities.

 

Photos from Spectrum Health scholarship event

On Monday, November 12, the GRCC Foundation celebrated with recipients of the Spectrum Health Care Professionals Education Scholarship.  We also celebrated the second year of the partnership between GRCC and Spectrum Health, which made these scholarships possible.  In just two years of this program, over $700,000 will have been awarded to sophomores in our Associate Degree Nursing, Practical Nursing, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Radiologic Technology, and Medical Assisting programs.   We are so thankful to Spectrum Health for providing this opportunity for our students.

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GRCC hosts National Survivors of Suicide conference on Nov. 17

The National Survivors of Suicide Conference will be held at GRCC’s Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on November 17, 2018.

Grand Rapids Community College’s Nursing Department has teamed up with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and West Michigan Survivors of Suicide on the National Survivors of Suicide Conference.

This free conference will feature activities and discussions to support those who have lost a loved one to suicide, foster discussion among survivors, and explore ways to prevent suicide. Students in GRCC’s Nursing program and members of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society will assist with the activities.

A lunch is provided, and parking is free. To register in advance, contact David McDonald at dmcd42@aol.com or (616) 949-3402. You can also register from 8:30-9 a.m. on the day of the conference.

Recap: Boys and Girls Club career workshop with GRCC Nursing

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Through a partnership between Grand Rapids Community College’s Nursing faculty and Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids, several students recently toured GRCC’s Health labs to experience multiple skill areas within the nursing field. GRCC Nursing faculty and students were on hand for demonstrations and to chat about training and careers.

Congratulations to the Nursing department on making this such an amazing experience for all the Boys and Girls Club members who attended!

GRCC In the News, 7-3-18

GRCC Nursing program to lead career workshops for Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids

July 2, 2018; La Prensa

GRAND RAPIDS, MI, June 26, 2018 — High school students will learn about an in-demand career option through a partnership between Grand Rapids Community College’s nursing faculty and Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids.

A girl, a goat and a dream

July 2, 2018; Daily News (Greenville)

MONTCALM TOWNSHIP — As Cecilia Brandt, 17, of Cedar Springs, stumbled into the livestock barn with her goat April on Saturday morning, she had no idea she would be leaving with the top prize.

… She’s also already begun thinking about how she will use the scholarship. Brandt wants to attend Grand Rapids Community College for a time, before transferring to Grand Valley to study biochemistry. After that, she’d like to get accepted into an upper-level veterinarian school.

Nation’s top 2022 basketball player Emoni Bates enrolls at Ypsilanti Lincoln

July 2, 2018; MLive

YPSILANTI — There will be an added buzz inside Ypsilanti Lincoln’s gym during the 2018-19 high school basketball season.

… Elgin (Bates) and (head coach Jesse) Davis played at Grand Rapids Community College together and have remained friends for the past 30 years.

Skirka Named New Murray State Baseball Head Coach

July 2, 2018; West Kentucky Star

MURRAY – Murray State Director of Athletics, Allen Ward, announced the hiring of Dan Skirka as the ninth head coach of the Racer Baseball program.

… Skirka’s first collegiate assistant coaching position was at Grand Rapids Community College in 2007-08 where his team advanced to the NJCAA World Series. He spent the 2008-09 season at Ouachita Baptist working under former Murray State player Chris Moddelmog.

New position at GVSU to study diversity, equity issues in nonprofit sector

July 2, 2018; gvsu.edu

Leaders in the field of philanthropy from across the country have noticed a shortcoming in how the nonprofit sector applies principles of diversity, equity and inclusion throughout its critically important and economically substantial work.

… (Juan) Olivarez brings nonprofit leadership and higher education experience to the position, having served as president of Aquinas College for six years and Grand Rapids Community College for almost 10 years. He also served several years as the president and CEO of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation where he championed innovative community initiatives that focused on improving education opportunities for all people.

GRCC In the News, 6-27-18

Spectrum Theater becomes accessible to hearing impaired

June 26, 2018; Grand Rapids Magazine

In celebration of its newly installed hearing loop system, Spectrum Theater at Grand Rapids Community College is offering a free performance of “Snow White, the Queen’s Fair Daughter” for deaf and hard-of-hearing children and their parents, teachers and friends.

GRCC nursing faculty exposing Boys & Girls Clubs teens to career

June 27, 2018; MLive

As Baby Boomers age and the overall need for health care continues to grow, the demand for nurses and other in-demand health care careers will continue increases, officials say.

GRCC’s nursing instructors and students will lead three summer workshops for high schoolers in the club’s Career Pathways Program.

Google IT training coming to GRCC

June 26, 2018; WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Just one more course at Grand Rapids Community College and Ryan Linak will be out in the real world.

Two alumni credit Laker Connections for their academic success

June 26, 2018; gvsu.edu

Juan Mascorro-Guerrero and Gloire Rubambiza found their way to Grand Valley from Mexico and Uganda, respectively.

… Mascorro-Guerrero graduated from Thornapple Kellogg High School and then enrolled at Grand Rapids Community College, under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. At one point, he was working three jobs to pay off his college debt.

GRPD to hold first two ‘Speed of Trust’ events Wednesday

June 27, 2018;  WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Police Department will hold the first sessions of a community trust building initiative Wednesday, June 27.

“Speed of Trust” will be at Grand Rapids Community College from 8 a.m. to noon. There is an alternate session from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.