GRCC In the News, 7-11-19

Wreath-laying ceremony to mark President Ford’s 106th birthday

July 10, 2019; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – To commemorate the life of the late President Gerald R. Ford, a wreath-laying ceremony will be held next week marking the late president’s 106th birthday.

… Presenters at the ceremony will include Susan Ford Bales, the Fords’ daughter; Dr. Stephen Barton, Grand Rapids Community College director of choral activities, to sing the National Anthem; Rev. Stephen Holmgren, from Grace Episcopal Church, for invocation; and Major Glen Caddy, to offer benediction.

Salvation Army names new commander for metro Detroit

July 10, 2019; Crain’s Detroit Business

The Southfield-based Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division has named Maj. Timothy Meyer as its new general secretary and metro Detroit area commander.

… She (Maj. Lori Meyer) holds an Associate of Applied Science in early childhood education and training from Grand Rapids Community College.

GRCC In the News, 6-25-19

Man arrested after struggle with GRCC police

June 24, 2019; WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Grand Rapids Community College says a man was arrested after causing a disturbance on campus Monday.

GRCC launching new welding program to help meet market demand

June 24, 2019; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – When industries or construction are booming as they are in West Michigan, the need for welders increases greatly.

Grand Rapids Community College is launching a new Welding Skills Certificate program fall semester designed to help students gain the necessary skills quickly, so they can enter the workforce and help meet demand.

Men’s Cross County Adds Five For This Fall

June 22, 2019; wsuathletics.com (Wayne State University)

DETROIT — Wayne State University men’s cross country head coach Grant Lofdahl will enter his third year at the helm this fall with the biggest and deepest roster in his tenure.

Lofdahl and his staff have added five newcomers who will join the squad this August.  Two of the five are junior college transfers from Grand Rapids Community College in Sam Borisch (Comstock Park, Mich.) and Trystan Thayer (Grand Rapids, Mich. / Forest Hills Central).  Joining via an NLI are Ransom Allen (Ithaca, Mich.) and Donald O’Keefe (Troy, Mich.), while Jeremy Cavallo (Davisburg, Mich. / Clarkston) will be attending WSU via a Letter of Commitment.

Entrepreneurial effort plants focus on workforce development

June 21, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

The Zeeland-based economic development agency is taking what it has learned from participating in Michigan’s Talent Pipeline Management Academy, launched by Consumers Energy in 2017, and applying it to workforce advancement initiatives along the lakeshore.

… Lakeshore Advantage also is collaborating with educators at Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids Community College, Thompson M-TEC and the Careerline Tech Center, and all of that contact is involving manufacturing.

Small Business Opportunities with the City of Grand Rapids

June 22, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

The City of Grand Rapids Micro Local Business Enterprise, or MLBE, Program is a certification designation for local, small and minority businesses created in 2009 to provide incentives for smaller companies when bidding with the city.

The program is for construction, goods and services and professional services companies seeking to bid competitively with the City of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Community College and Grand Rapids Public Schools.

‘A light that cannot and will not be put out’

June 21, 2019; schoolnewsnetwork.org

In her own words, Gloria Bliss-Ramos has had a “lot gone on” during her high school years. But that didn’t stop her from finishing high school and planning her future.

… Gloria said she is concentrating on becoming the best mother she can be, and has set her sights on a four-month tech program offered at Grand Rapids Community College.

Meet MLive’s 2019 softball and baseball Dream Teams from Muskegon

June 24, 2019; MLive

MUSKEGON – After a bit of a breather, the high school softball and baseball Dream Teams have returned for the Muskegon area.

… Nick Stever, Montague | Senior infielder/pitcher

Stever was the Wildcats’ top player, batting .410 with 25 RBIs and 18 runs scored. On the mound, the Grand Rapids Community College-bound right-hander went 4-1 with a 1.86 ERA in 10 appearances with one save. He was a four-year starter, who earned all-conference, all-district and all-region honors multiple times.

String orchestra welcomes new conductor

June 23, 2019; Guelph Today (Ontario, Canada)

The Guelph Youth Music Centre (GYMC) is pleased to present its new Youth String Orchestras (Junior and Intermediate) conductor, Joy Schuster, who will take up her duties in the fall.

… Upon graduation, Joy was elected a member of the Society of Pi Kappa Lambda. She moved back to her home town of Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1996 where she taught with the Grand Rapids Community College Suzuki program and directed a Music Together program.

GRCC In the News, 6-21-19

Musical Matrimony Folias Duo to Play Presbyterian

June 20, 2019; Pasadena Now

The Folias Duo ensemble for flute and guitar are set to play Pasadena Presbyterian Church’s “Music at Noon” series June 26.

… In 2018, their self-booked summer tour included twenty concert performances throughout the western U.S., while recent Michigan performance highlights include the Grand Rapids Community College International Guitar Series; the Scarab Club Chamber Music Series in Detroit who presented the duo’s arrangement of Piazzolla’s “Angel Suite” for flute, guitar and string quartet; and the Grand Rapids Art Museum Classical Series who produced a program of Bergeron and Maret’s original works.

GRCC In the News, 6-20-19

Morgan Beers named Holland Sentinel Girls Water Polo Player of the Year

June 19, 2019; The Holland Sentinel

ZEELAND — Morgan Beers was a force in front of the net.

… Beers will attend Grand Rapids Community College next year with hopes of transferring to Grand Valley State.

Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra opens season with local talent

June 19, 2019; Manistee News Advocate

BENZONIA — The Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra (BASO) will launch its 2019 summer season with a stunning performance by talented local musicians.

… She (Carrie Brannen) completed her Bachelor of Music degree at Western Michigan University, where she graduated summa cum laude in 2013, and her Associate of Music degree at Grand Rapids Community College, where she graduated in 2011.

Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame names 2019 members

June 19, 2019; White Lake Beacon

MUSKEGON – The Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame has announced its 2019 class of inductees.

… In the field of Education, the Hall of Fame has selected for membership Roger Schlosser. Schlosser is the retired founder and director of the Irish Studies Program at Grand Rapids Community College, believed to be the only Irish Studies Program at a community college in the U.S.

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, 6-10-19

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

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, 5-6-19

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.

Only two more chances to see “The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey”

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

GRCC Players present The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey by James Lecesne.

The Story: Chuck unravels the story of Leonard Pelkey, a tenaciously optimistic and flamboyant fourteen-year-old boy who goes missing. A luminous force of nature whose magic is only truly felt once he is gone, Leonard becomes an unexpected inspiration as the town’s citizens question how they live, who they love, and what they leave behind.

• January 10 – 12 at 8 p.m.
• Spectrum Theater Lab Space (Room 201)
• Limited seats; call 234-3946 for tickets
• Cost: $5 GRCC students; $10 GRCC staff

GRCC Student cast includes: Eden Heimer, Elijah Lewis, Alexus Voss, Nio Walton, and Trent Woodman.

“The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey” opens tonight

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

GRCC Players present The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey by James Lecesne.

The Story: Chuck unravels the story of Leonard Pelkey, a tenaciously optimistic and flamboyant fourteen-year-old boy who goes missing. A luminous force of nature whose magic is only truly felt once he is gone, Leonard becomes an unexpected inspiration as the town’s citizens question how they live, who they love, and what they leave behind.

• January 10 – 12 at 8 p.m.
• Spectrum Theater Lab Space (Room 201)
• Limited seats; call 234-3946 for tickets
• Cost: $5 GRCC students; $10 GRCC staff

GRCC Student cast includes: Eden Heimer, Elijah Lewis, Alexus Voss, Nio Walton, and Trent Woodman.

GRCC Players perform”The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey” this weekend

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

GRCC Players present The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey by James Lecesne.

The Story: Chuck unravels the story of Leonard Pelkey, a tenaciously optimistic and flamboyant fourteen-year-old boy who goes missing. A luminous force of nature whose magic is only truly felt once he is gone, Leonard becomes an unexpected inspiration as the town’s citizens question how they live, who they love, and what they leave behind.

• January 10 – 12 at 8 p.m.
• Spectrum Theater Lab Space (Room 201)
• Limited seats; call 234-3946 for tickets
• Cost: $5 GRCC students; $10 GRCC staff

GRCC Student cast includes: Eden Heimer, Elijah Lewis, Alexus Voss, Nio Walton, and Trent Woodman.

Free ‘Rock the Vote’ concert next week features The Crane Wives and GRCC music students

WHAT: Rock the Vote – a free concert in the Linn Maxwell Keller Recital Hall

WHO: The Crane Wives, a Grand Rapids-based Americana band, with special guests GRCC students Ben Kolk and Kaitlyn Zittel

WHEN: Thursday, November 1, 2018, at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Linn Maxwell Keller Recital Hall, room 200, in the Albert P. Smith Music Center

This free concert is presented by the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, NextGen America, Lakeside House Shows, and the GRCC Music Department.

GRCC In the News, 10-11-18

BWW Previews: THE MAGIC FLUTE at Opera Grand Rapids Kicks Off a Fresh New Season!

Oct. 10, 2018; Broadway World

A couple weekends ago, September 28th, I was fortunate enough to attend the season kick off for the 51st season of Opera Grand Rapids. … Season kick off artist included: Avalon Cutts-Jones, Camille DeBoer, Cheri Reid, Jason Coffey, Jon Lovegrove, Madelaine Lane, Sarah Allmon, Sara Brown, Sarah Faasse, Trend Broussard, and we can’t forget piano player for all these wonderful artist Dr. Kenneth Bos. Dr. Bos also has played for the Michigan High School Honors choir programs, and teaches music at Grand Rapids Community College.

Schuette foot-dragging on 3M PFAS lawsuit, say Democrats

Oct. 12, 2018; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Michigan Democrats are criticizing Attorney General Bill Schuette for a sluggish response to PFAS contamination, saying the Republican candidate for governor is forcing state regulators to voluntarily request information from 3M rather than using the power of his office to compel disclosures.

… The criticism was leveled by Michigan Democrats in conjunction with the Sierra Club, who appeared at Grand Rapids Community College alongside Belmont residents affected by PFAS contamination from waste dumping in the area by shoemaker Wolverine World Wide.

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.

GRCC In the News, 4-25-18

City of Wyoming swears in new ‘Top Cop’

April 25, 2018; WZZM

WYOMING, Mich. – Long-time Wyoming Police Chief James Carmody will officially step down today, paving the way for Captain Kim Koster to be the new head of the department.

… Koster’s own promotion makes her the first woman police chief in the City of Wyoming. It is a role she is honored to have, but one she seems reluctant to assign too much significance to. Koster believes Kent County is full of good leaders, of both genders, and cites Kent County Undersheriff Michelle Young and Grand Rapids Community College Police Chief Rebecca Whitman as examples of women who she has modeled her career after.

(This article doesn’t mention it, but Kim Koster and Michelle Young are GRCC alumnae.)

Director takes joy in teaching student musicians, to see what they can do and where they go

April 24, 2018; schoolnewsnetwork.org (KISD newsletter)

The Northview High School Jazz Band has burned through another take of Duke Ellington’s “Rockin’ in Rhythm” at a peppy pace, when director Greg Wells decides it’s time for a pep talk.

… He started out studying physics and engineering at Grand Rapids Community College but went back to music his sophomore year, earning a bachelor’s at WMU and his master’s at Michigan State University.