GRCC In the News, 7-15-19

Manufacturer dials into workforce training

July 12, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

If you want something done right, do it yourself — such is the philosophy on display at Autocam Medical when it comes to creating a skilled workforce.

The Kentwood-based contract manufacturer of precision surgical and medical components and devices has for the past several years participated in a CNC Machinist Apprentice Program in which it sends entry-level or other workers to Grand Rapids Community College to receive classroom instruction and training in computer numerical control (CNC) machining.

Survey reveals immigrant challenges

July 12, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

A group of community leaders is taking the next step for better immigrant inclusion 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 Center, Kent County Health Department, Kent ISD, Literacy Center of West Michigan, Kaufman Interfaith Institute at Grand Valley State University, Treetops Collective, Refugee Education Center, Bethany Christian Services, African Collaborative Network, African Resource Center, WGVU, Michigan Office for New Americans, Grand Rapids Community College, Welcoming Michigan, Fifth Third Bank, Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Kent County, Spectrum Health, Cascade Engineering, Hispanic Center of Western Michigan and Kentwood Public Schools.

Street Talk: The future is now

July 12, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… Early learners

Grand Rapids Community College’s Early Learning Laboratory recently received a transformation any child would be excited to explore. A carpenter at Rockford Construction, Fernando Zamudio brought GRCC’s vision to life in his latest project that renovated the playground into a space that sparks imagination.

Dental practice spreads joy with community outreach

July 12, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

It’s been more than five months since Lisa Weller woke up with a new set of teeth.

… After she graduates high school, (Arnela) Hamzagic plans to attend Grand Rapids Community College to become a dental hygienist. She also has siblings who plan to attend college and worries that her parents will not be able to financially support all of them.

ICANN Announces Participants NextGen@ICANN66

July 12, 2019; icann.org (press release)

LOS ANGELES – 12 July 2019 – The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has announced the names of the individuals who will participate in the NextGen program at ICANN66, to be held in Montréal, Canada, from 2 to 7 November 2019.

… The individuals selected as ICANN66 NextGen participants are:

… Austin Bollinger, Grand Rapids Community College.

Raider Salute from preschool

A Raider Salute from the Phyllis Fratzke Early Childhood Learning Laboratory:

It takes a village — this awesome group moved our Play and Learn materials. Thanks to Pat Baldridge for organizing staff and coordinating the truck. We couldn’t do this without each person’s contribution.  

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Recap: German nonprofit Studentenwerk Dresden visits GRCC

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Grand Rapids Community College on Wednesday hosted three guests from Studentenwerk Dresden. Studentenwerk is a German non-profit entity receiving subsidies to provide student support services for several universities in Dresden.

The service includes housing, childcare, counseling, financial aid, and international student services.

The visit is part of an ongoing exchange with Grand Valley State University, which asked GRCC leaders to show the visitors the critical roles a community college plays in its community.

The guests met with Provost Laurie Chesley, Associate Provost Tina Hoxie, Dean Michael Vargo of the School of Arts and Sciences, Dean Amy Mansfield of the School of Workforce Development, and Eric Mullen, associate dean of enrollment management and financial aid.

Stops on their tour included the Secchia Institute for Culinary Arts and the Fountain Hill Brewery, the Laboratory Preschool, the Academic Advising and Transfer Center, Student Life, the Enrollment Center, and the Thompson M-TEC.

Raider Salute from Early Childhood Learning Laboratory to Jeff Smoes

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

GRCC’s ECLL Marsh room would like to thank Jeff Smoes and his helper for bringing the leaf blowers and making a big leaf pile for our kids to play in. Jeff took it upon himself to do this for our kids, saying “I still like to play in the leaves and figured it would be fun for the kids.”

Our kids had a ball. Thank you!

GRCC In the News, 6-22-18

Restaurant Week is coming soon with something new

June 21, 2018; 100.5 FM

Restaurant Week Grand Rapids, (RWGR), announces a third Chef’s Choice option that will be available during the 12-day culinary event in the Greater Grand Rapids area from August 8 19, 2018.

… RWGR not only promotes the Greater Grand Rapids culinary scene, but also provides educational support through a scholarship fund for students at the Grand Rapids Community College Secchia Institute for Culinary Education. Since 2010, Restaurant Week participating restaurants and sponsors have contributed over $143,000 to the scholarship fund. Participating restaurants donate $1 for every Restaurant Week meal sold to the scholarship fund that is granted to selected students within the Institute’s culinary program.

Meet the 2018 Kalamazoo Gazette Baseball Dream Team

June 21, 2018; MLive

KALAMAZOO, MI – From strong seniors to freshman phenoms, the 2018 high school baseball landscape in the Kalamazoo-area featured a group of diverse and talented athletes.

… Dream Team Pitchers

… Trevor Patterson, Sr., Galesburg-Augusta

… The senior Grand Rapids Community College signee struck out 60 batters in 53 2/3 innings, while posting a 7-0 record, a 0.26 ERA and allowing 30 hits, nine walks and two earned runs.

… Dream Team Catchers

… Jimmy Wressel, Sr., Paw Paw

The senior Grand Rapids Community College signee earned first team all-conference and first team all-district honors after batting .426 with a .535 on-base percentage, while throwing out 36 percent of runners from behind the plate.

Architecture projects win statewide awards

Jun 21, 2018; Grand Rapids Business Journal

A group of local firms and projects recently won statewide awards from an association of architects.

… AIA Michigan also presented the Design Award to two Grand Rapids projects: Phyllis Fratzke Early Childhood Learning Laboratory at Grand Rapids Community College won in the building category, and the Ford airport Viewing Pavilion won in the low budget/small project category.

Recap: Michigan map party at the Fratzke Early Childhood Learning Laboratory

On Friday, June 15, GRCC family and friends celebrated the arrival of a ‘Michigan and the Great Lakes’ map in our Preschool Outdoor Learning Environment at the Fratzke Early Childhood Learning Laboratory.  Participants, including Dr. Pink, brought their favorite rock to help leave a permanent mark on GRCC’s new map.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The event also celebrated the retirements of learning lab instructors Cheryl Botham, Paula Kunst, and Penny Folsom, who have a combined 99 years of GRCC teaching experience!  Happy retirement, Cheryl, Paula, and Penny!

Celebrate Retirees at GRCC Preschool Open House TOMORROW, 6/15

Join us for a punch and cookie reception to say happy retirement to Cheryl Botham, Paula Kunst, and Penny Folsom — are all retiring this semester from the Laboratory Preschool. Combined they have worked at GRCC for 99 years!

Friday, June 15, from 4-5:30 p.m.

Phyllis Fratzke Early Childhood Learning Laboratory

Local companies help build preschool playground

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

A big thank you to volunteers from Elevator Service Inc. and Rockford Construction who helped GRCC staff in building the Fratzke Early Childhood Learning Laboratory’s Outdoor Learning Environment on Thursday. Elevator Service President Nate McFadden said Grand Rapids has been wonderful to him and his company, and looks for ways to give back. GRCC Senior Project manager Scott Martin said other companies contributing to the project in recent months include Nugent Builders, Circuit Electric, and JBK Construction. The center on June 15 will celebrate the careers of three retiring lab instructors and add finishing touches to the learning environment’s Michigan map by allowing guests to bring a favorite stone and place it in the map’s slow-curing concrete.

Celebrate Retirees at GRCC Preschool Open House on Friday, 6/15

Join us for a punch and cookie reception to say happy retirement to Cheryl Botham, Paula Kunst, and Penny Folsom — are all retiring this semester from the Laboratory Preschool. Combined they have worked at GRCC for 99 years!

Friday June 15 from 4-5:30 p.m.

Phyllis Fratzke Early Childhood Learning Laboratory

Native American Student Organization (NASO) preschool event recap

The Native American Student Organization hosted a cultural/educational event at the GRCC preschool Thursday, May 10^th.

Activities included:

Music in motion, regalia and instrument displays, hands on building of traditional houses, bracelet making, and Pottawatomie language coloring sheets.

A special thank you (Miigwech) to Lesley Bos and Rachel Beecher for coordinating this event and the preschool for providing a welcoming space.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Phyllis Fratzke Early Childhood Learning Laboratory wins Advocate Award

The GRCC Phyllis Fratzke Early Childhood Learning Laboratory won the Advocate Award for Organization at the first “A Night of the ICONS (Impacting Children of our Neighborhoods)” Early Learning Neighborhood GALA.

Trustee Kenyatta Brame was a speaker for the event.  Dr. Nkechy Ezeh, CEO & Founder of ELNC, is a GRCC graduate.

ELNC’s Mission: To create and provide targeted neighborhood collaborative partners with technical, developmental, and educational support in order to increase the accessibility of early educational resources for vulnerable children.

Congratulations to our amazing preschool team!

Science students share dioramas with preschoolers

Students in Matt Douglas’ science class created dioramas that they recently shared with ECLL.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

JaneAnn Benson to receive statewide award

JaneAnn Benson

JaneAnn Benson, Director of the GRCC Early Childhood Learning Laboratory, is being honored with the Betty Garlick Lifetime Achievement Award at the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children Conference on Friday, April 13, at the Amway Grand Plaza. A longtime advocate for children and the field of Early Childhood Education, JaneAnn’s influence can be found in countless child development programs, in higher education, teacher practice, and with children and families.

An informal get-together in JaneAnn’s honor has been planned at the Fountain Hill Brewery from 5:30-7:30 PM on Friday, April 13, after the conference. This will be a chance for us to recognize the impact that JaneAnn has had on so many lives, programs, and education throughout her years of service in the early childhood field. All are invited – she would love to see your smiling faces. Help us celebrate JaneAnn!

GRCC In the News, 4-5-18

Retired GRCC professor recalls working with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

April 4, 2018; WZZM

In the Spring of 1963, retired Grand Rapids Community College Professor Gertrude Croom was a 16 year old living in a very segregated Birmingham, Alabama.

Contractors earn national awards

April 4, 2018; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Two West Michigan construction firms were honored for their work at a national awards ceremony.

… Rockford’s (Rockford Construction) work on the Grand Rapids Community College Laboratory Preschool earned it the National Excellence in Construction Pyramid Award. The award honors both general and specialty contractors for innovative and high-quality merit shop construction projects.

College’s Latino business center wins grant

April 4, 2018; Grand Rapids Business Journal

A local foundation has donated a three-year grant valued at $150,000 to a university’s Latino business center.

… “The Grand Rapids Community Foundation grant will help fund programs that equip young Latino professionals with the skills, resources, and confidence needed to become leaders at work and in their own communities,” said Carlos Sanchez, the center’s (Latino Business and Economic Development Center) director and a foundation board member. “Our Latino entrepreneurs will be more prepared to launch and expand successful businesses and empowered to take ownership of their future.”

(This article doesn’t mention it, but Carlos Sanchez is a member of the GRCC board of trustees.)

Preschoolers keep busy with books, human body study

The preschool celebrated March Is Reading Month! Scott Martin read “The Little Puppy” to kids in the Marsh and Meadow rooms and then brought a real puppy for them to pet and play with! Dr Pink read “Thelma the Unicorn” to the whole preschool and gave everyone high-fives at the end.

The Marsh room visited the science department as part of a study on the human body. Max Spencer and Aaron Flynn led the kids in activities that included creating a body out of different art supplies and exploring models of an ear, eye, leg and skeleton.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.