GRCC In the News, 8-28-19

Heavy-metal ready

Aug. 27, 2019; schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District newsletter)

Uniqua Sparks’ last name is fitting. While she’s welding heavy metal — mask on and fire blazing — the sparks fly.

… Sparks is a student in the first cohort of Metallica Scholars Introduction to Welding at Grand Rapids Community College. Fourteen students graduated Aug. 12 from the eight-week course held at the Tassell M-TEC, 622 Godfrey Ave. SW.

Dr. Bill Pink: Leading GRCC to be the Most Affordable, Quality Educational Option in the City

Aug. 28, 2019; Grander magazine

Dr. Bill Pink, President of Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), grew up in Texas and lived in Oklahoma for 20 years before moving to Grand Rapids over four years ago. He describes this transition from the warmth of the south to the colder Michigan weather as one that has been mostly enjoyable for him, his wife, and teenage daughter, as they become a part of the West Michigan family.

Kathleen L. Bruinsma: Committed to Serving and Making Grand Rapids Truly Welcoming for All

Aug. 28, 2019; Grander magazine

Upon meeting Kathleen L. Bruinsma, local lawyer and member of the Board of Trustees at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), she was excited about sitting down with Grander Magazine for this Back to School edition. Discussing her background in law, Bruinsma’s passion for education and inclusion showed even more, as she spoke on both, particularly inclusion, relating it to the power structure in Grand Rapids, as well as the work and representation that needs to be achieved.

First Look Frenzy: Jefferson J-Hawks

Aug. 27, 2019; WIFR

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) — The hurdle is pretty high if you are the head coach of Jefferson football. Jake Arnold is getting his first chance to leap over it this season as he begins his stint as head coach of a program which has not had a winning season since 1993.

It’s been 25 seasons of losing football for the J-Hawks, who now have a winner on their side. While Arnold has been in the building for the last five years, the Plainfield North alum brings a positive mentality, after winning a national championship with Grand Rapids Community College. Arnold believes the talent is here to turn things around, especially with a team that was within one score in three of its 2018 losses.

Grand Valley State football addresses its Ferris State problem

Aug. 27, 2019; MLive

ALLENDALE – Grand Valley State has a distinguished football history in NCAA Division II, including four national championships, six title games, 19 NCAA playoff appearances and 17 conference titles.

… Before 2012, the Lakers had won 11 in a row and 14 of 15 against the Bulldogs, who weren’t even their top rival. That was Saginaw Valley State. But that changed quickly when Ferris State hired Tony Annese. He had success at high school (three state titles in 22 years) and junior college (two national titles in three years at Grand Rapids Community College), but he had never coached at the NCAA level.

GRCC In the News, 8-27-19

Newsmakers

Aug. 26, 2019; Community College Daily

… Appointments

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has reappointed Grand Rapids Community College President Bill Pink to the Midwestern Higher Education Compact. Pink was originally appointed in 2017 by then-Gov. Rick Snyder. His new term expires in March 2023. The compact focuses on providing greater higher education opportunities and services in the Midwestern region, with the aim of furthering regional access to, research in and choice of higher education for residents.

GRCC First Day of Classes with Dr. Bill Pink

Aug. 26, 2019; WOOD Radio

Dr. Bill Pink, president of Grand Rapids Community College, joined West Michigan’s Morning News to talk about this new year of classes at GRCC.

GRCC In the News, 8-19-19

First GRCC Students to Receive Metallica Scholarship Graduate

Aug. 18, 2019; WGRD

More than a dozen students got recently graduated from Grand Rapids Community College, and it’s thanks in part to Metallica.

Greta Van Fleet to join Metallica on South American tour

8/17/19 WZZM

Michigan rock band Greta Van Fleet are joining a legendary metal band on a South American tour.

… GRCC was one of 10 colleges selected nationwide for the Metallica Scholars grant. The first class to benefit from the grant graduated on Monday.

1,000 expected to gather Sunday for annual Blessing of the Students

Aug. 17, 2019; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – More than a thousand people are expected to attend the annual Blessing of the Students on Sunday, Aug. 18, at Grand Rapids Christian High School Eagles Stadium.

… Event speakers include: Interim Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Ronald Gorman, Grand Rapids Christians Schools Superintendent Tom DeJonge, Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Payne, Catholic Schools Superintendent David Faber, Grand Rapids Community College President Bill Pink, and Kuyper College President Patricia Harris.

Bay College announces nine Men’s Basketball recruits

Aug. 16, 2019; uppermichiganssource.com

ESCANABA, Mi. — Bay College has announced a nine-player recruiting class for the 2019-2020 Men’s Basketball Team. Six of the nine players are from the U.P. or surrounding area.

… The Norse return 5 letter winners from last season’s roster and open the 2019-20 regular season at Grand Rapids Community College on Friday, November 1, while their first home contest will be on Monday, November 18 when they host UW-Marinette at 8pm.

GRCC In the News, 8-16-19

CEO Spotlight with Dr. Bill Pink, President of GRCC

8/15/19 spreaker.com

(Radio interview with President Pink.)

10 Things to Do This Weekend

Aug. 15, 2019; WGRD

Restaurant Week GR continues through the weekend. We have a Greek Festival, a Block Party, Find Your Roots, Catch a Baseball Game, Go ORVing for Free, Enjoy some Comedy, Visit the Princesses at the Zoo, Catch some Jazz Music, and Swim with your Dog! You are going to have a busy weekend!

… 1. Restaurant Week GR

Various Locations around Grand Rapids, MI

Runs through Sunday, August 18th, 2019

Cost: Varies

Restaurant Week GR is your chance to Taste the City! Savor specially priced lunches, dinners or both at 70+ area restaurants. Each restaurant will create a special menu highlighting fresh, local ingredients for the event. Restaurant Week GR has provided over $150,000 to students through an endowed scholarship fund at the Grand Rapids Community College Secchia Institute for Culinary Education. Participating locations donate $1 for every Restaurant Week GR meal sold.

GRCC In the News, 6-26-19

Economic Club names board members

June 25, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

The Economic Club of Grand Rapids has a new board chair and group of board members.

… Newest Economic Club board members

… Bill Pink, president, Grand Rapids Community College

Students speak, district listens

June 25, 2019; schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District)

A strategic plan that will guide the district into the future is expected to be brought to the Board of Education this year.

… Students also see value in the middle college program, which allows students to attend high school for five years and finish with both a diploma from Cedar Springs and an associate degree from Grand Rapids Community College.

Polish Heritage Society Brings Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push to Grand Rapids to Celebrate 40th Anniversary of Dozynki Polish Festival

June 24, 2019; therapidian.org

In honor of the 40th anniversary of its annual Dozynki Polish Festival, the Polish Heritage Society of Grand Rapids is bringing the internationally known Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push band to play two nights of the three-day event in August.

… The Dozynki Polish Festival is the major fundraiser for the Polish Heritage Society of Grand Rapids, a non-profit organization founded in 1963 to perpetuate and advance the Polish culture that has been so integral to metro Grand Rapids. Among a number of its activities, the society awards scholarships annually to students of Polish descent who attend Aquinas College, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids Community College, and Davenport University.

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, 6-7-19

College presidents celebrate three decades of partnership

June 6, 2019; Corp!

The number of Michigan public colleges and universities creating shared relationships is increasing, a point made obvious by the posting of continuous updates by Michigan Association of State Universities from across the lower and upper peninsulas.

But someone had to be first and that came in 1986 with a relationship between the Grand Rapids Community College and Ferris State University.

‘Fix the Damn Roads’ and Forget Education

June 7, 2019; Dome (politics and policy blog)

Mackinac Island—I left the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Michigan Policy Conference with the same feelings I had walking into the Grand Hotel.  More money isn’t going to fix Michigan’s education crisis—at least until we make some radical structural changes.

… Grand Rapids Community College President Bill Pink reported that by 2020 we will need 175,000 college graduates and another 166,000 with certificates or associate degrees.

 

GRCC In the News, 6-6-19

Mackinac Policy Conference 2019, Part 2: Michigan is getting serious about its education crisis – with solid plans to correct it

May 30, 2019; Saline Journal

The topic of “education” did not come up generally or gently on the first full day of programming at the Mackinac Policy Conference. In fact, it started with a 9:00am session, held before a capacity-plus audience in one of the Grand Hotel pavilion rooms, introduced by a self-described “angry” City of Detroit Arts and Culture Director Rochelle Riley. [1-3]

… In the first “Prepare Michigan” segment, “Framing the Issue,” Dr Bill Pink, President of Grand Rapids Community College, put numbers to the challenge as a way of providing both direction and measures of progress toward goals set. [14,15]

Graciousness and Commitment

June 5, 2019; West Michigan Woman

The first time I met Madison Massara she was a 16-year-old, spinning around effortlessly in a humid, crowded ballet class at Grand Rapids Ballet School.

… Connie Flachs is a West Michigan transplant who has fallen in love with the beauty and community of the Midwest. A passionate communicator, she connects with others through the mediums of dance, writing and activism. Connie is the co-founder of Better Body Image Conference, a nonprofit that advocates for valuing and respecting bodies of all sizes and shapes. She has danced professionally with Grand Rapids Ballet for eight years and performed as a part of various community projects including ArtPrize, the Rapid’s Wave commercial, Embody GR’s Dancing with the Stars, Fountain Street Church, and Eclectic String Music Ensemble. Her curiosity has pushed her to pursue an associate degree from Grand Rapids Community College and a bachelor’s degree in Community Health, Nutrition and Sustainable Food Systems from UMass Amherst. She’s excited to see where her thirst for learning and wanderlust leads her next, and always up to meet new people over coffee. Contact her at conniex721@gmail.com.

GRCC In the News, 6-3-19

Dr Bill Pink – GRCC President at Mackinaw

May 31, 2019; WOOD Radio

GRCC President Dr Bill Pink joined Steve and Rick at the Mackinac Policy Conference.

Statewide education issues take center stage at Mackinac Policy Conference

June 2, 2019; mibiz.com

MACKINAC ISLAND — Education reform took center stage at this year’s Mackinac Policy Conference, the annual gathering of the top business and government leaders in Michigan organized by the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce.

… Grand Rapids Community College President Bill Pink spoke at the Mackinac Policy Conference about a statewide decline in graduation rates, a lack of available training for skilled trades, and decreased rankings in math, reading, and science. He was joined by Detroit Regional Chamber President and CEO Sandy Baruah and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush. During his tenure as governor, Bush was an advocate for school choice, including school vouchers and charter schools.

Grand Rapids Community College collaborates with local theatre group and raises almost $15,000 for culinary scholarships

May 31, 2019; Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education

Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) culinary students will reap the sweet rewards from a partnership with a local theatre company, Broadway Grand Rapids, and the generosity of theater patrons.

GRBJ: Task force wants to make city SAFE

May 31, 2019; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRBJ) – An alliance of Grand Rapids city staff, nonprofit and business organizations is reaching out to the community to gather ideas to reduce violence among youth.

… Community organizations partnered with SAFE include Spectrum Health, the Steelcase Foundation, Network 180, Heart of West Michigan United Way, LINC UP, the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan and Grand Rapids Community College, as well as out-of-state organizations like South Bend Group Violence Intervention in South Bend, Indiana, and NOLA for Life in New Orleans.

From Grief and Recovery to Graduation

May 31, 2019; schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District newsletter)

The world as Sparta senior Miguel Vazquez knew it changed on December 5, 2018.

… After graduation, Miguel plans to attend Grand Rapids Community College to complete his general education requirements and then pursue a degree in electrical engineering at Grand Valley State University.

Ionia County K-9 handler Dion Sower promoted to sergeant

May 31, 2019; Ionia Sentinel-Standard

IONIA — Dion Sower knew it was time for a change in his role as he approaches his 17th year with the Ionia County Sheriff’s Office.

… Sower decided to attend the Grand Rapids Community College Police Academy.

Sushi caterer rolls with purpose

May 31, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

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.

… Aceu Thawng, who immigrated to Grand Rapids in 2008. Anu then earned a pre-social work degree from Grand Rapids Community College.

GRCC In the News, 5-31-19

Mackinac Policy Conference 2019 podcasts: Business, government leaders talk to Crain’s

May 29, 2019; Crain’s Detroit Business

Crain’s Detroit Business reporters Chad Livengood and Sherri Welch and Managing Editor Michael Lee talk to leaders in business in metro Detroit and around the state as well as the movers and shakers in local and state government at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island during the 2019 Mackinac Policy Conference.

… Crain’s Senior Reporter Chad Livengood interviews Grand Rapids Community College President Bill Pink and The Education Trust-Midwest Executive Director Amber Arellano about the worsening educational performance crisis in Michigan’s K-12 schools.

Bill Pink On Michigan’s Education Problem

May 30, 2019; detroitchamber.com

“We have a problem; we have to go about fixing it,” said Bill Pink, president of Grand Rapids Community College on Thursday, May 30 at the 2019 Mackinac Policy Conference.

It’s yet another proposal to fix Michigan’s ‘education crisis.’ What makes this one different?

May 30, 2019; Chalkbeat (education blog)

An ambitious effort to reverse Michigan’s two-decade educational decline was pitched to Michigan’s policy elite this week with a show of broad-based political clout.

…“It’s not just an urban and rural issue,” said Bill Pink, president of Grand Rapids Community College.

Second Chances: GR Christian rapper Steven Malcolm draws on his Jamaican roots for innovative, inspirational sound

May 24, 2019; Revue

With more than 15 million streams of his songs, it’s easy to understand why Steven Malcolm feels like making music is his calling.

… Flashback to 2010 — Malcolm was attending Grand Rapids Community College where he played basketball and began studying criminal justice. Intent on becoming a basketball player or police officer but struggling with his grades, the 18-year-old had no real musical aspirations, nor any connection to church.

GRCC In the News, 5-30-19

Howes: Michigan education crisis deepens, defies quick fixes

May 29, 2019; The Detroit News

Mackinac Island — Michigan is deep in a public education crisis every bit as threatening to its future as the epic auto and municipal bankruptcies, and remedies may prove even tougher to deliver.

… Trends going forward are no less encouraging. According to data compiled by Bill Pink, president of Grand Rapids Community College, Michigan will produce more than 300,000 more high school graduates than the state economy is likely to need by 2020, but under-produce the associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees and graduate degrees likely to be in demand.

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 hosts meeting of West Michigan Presidents Compact Committee

GRCC hosted the West Michigan Presidents Compact Committee this morning. After opening remarks by Khayree O. Williams, of Calvin College, and President Pink, Thomas J. Haas, who retires next month after leading Grand Valley State University for XX years, delivered the keynote address. Participants then discussed diversity and inclusion efforts at their colleges and universities.

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GRCC In the News, 5-9-19

Morning News

May 9, 2019; WOOD Radio

President Pink talked with WOOD Radio’s Steve Kelly about the hiring event today sponsored by the Grand Rapids Racial Equity Initiative.

 

GRPS Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal GRCC’s 2019 Distinguished Alumna

May 3, 2019; Grand Rapids Times

Grand Rapids Community College surprised Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal by naming her its 2019 Distinguished Alumna during the 102nd commencement on Friday, where Neal was the event’s keynote speaker.

Noorthoek Academy at Grand Rapids Community College is celebrating 30 years of lifelong learning

May 8, 2019; WZZM

Noorthoek Academy at Grand Rapids Community College is celebrating 30 years of lifelong learning

GRCC In the News, 5-8-19

40 employers join Thursday hiring event tied to racial equity initiative

May 7, 2019; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Nearly 40 companies will be at Innovation Central High School Thursday, May 9, for a hiring event, organized by the Grand Rapids Racial Equity Initiative.

… The Grand Rapids Racial Equity Initiative is co-led by Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss and Grand Rapids Community College President Bill Pink.

Ionia County trio wraps up GRCC softball careers

May 7, 2019; Ionia Sentinel-Standard

With the season behind them, the Grand Rapids Community College softball team can look to a trio of Ionia County players for much of their offensive success in 2019.

‘We all aspire to learn more’

May 7, 2019; schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District newsletter)

On the Grand Rapids Community College campus, Angie Phillips loves her independence as a Noorthoek Academy student: using her RaiderCard student ID, going to classes in different buildings, eating lunch and serving as Student Leadership Club president.

Harbor Springs’ Kruskie wraps career with GRCC, Petoskey’s Sobczak earns 2nd win for Alma

5/7/19 Petoskey News-Review

Grand Rapids Community College sophomore Stephanie Kruskie saw her career with the Raiders come to an end last week.