GRCC In the News, 9-11-19

GRCC now charging admission for basketball, volleyball games for scholarships

Sept. 10, 2019; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College is now charging admission to volleyball and basketball games to raise funds for additional athletic scholarships.

How quitting helped Jordyn Gates become a Miss Volleyball finalist

Sept. 11, 2019; MLive

Grand Rapids Christian senior setter Jordyn Gates committed to play volleyball at the University of Arkansas when she was 14 years old.

… Gates will be the third daughter in her family to play college volleyball. Her oldest sister Taylor played at Grand Rapids Community College, and Maddy is now playing at Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne. Her brother Brent Gates Jr. played hockey at the University of Minnesota and her brother Brady, 10, is pursuing baseball.

GRCC alums: Check out this fun opportunity to help student scholarships!

Ready, set, glow! On Friday, Sept. 20, join the GRCC Alumni Association for an evening of golf under the stars. Enjoy light appetizers and drinks at Gracewil Country Club with fellow Raiders before heading out for six holes on a specially marked glow-in-the-dark course. Meet the GRCC Raiders golf team and support GRCC student scholarships with your $25 registration fee. For more information, contact Corey Turner at coreyturner@grcc.edu

REGISTER NOW: www.grcc.edu/glowgolf

Registration includes:

• Donation to GRCC scholarships
• Appetizers
• 1 drink ticket (cash bar available)
• Six holes of glow golf*
• GRCC swag

* Please note that this is a walking course – no golf carts.

GRCC In the News, 8-30-19

Morning News

Aug. 30, 2019; FOX 17

If you’re going to watch a sports game at Grand Rapids Community College, you’ll have to pay to get in. GRCC is now charging admission to volleyball and basketball games held at Ford Fieldhouse. It’ll cost $3 to get in for anyone 10 years old and up. But students and staff will still get in for free when they show their RaiderCard. You can also purchase season passes. Proceeds will help create additional athletic scholarships.

New Higher Education Programs Of 2019

Aug. 29, 2019; digitalmediasolutions.com

The downturn in undergraduate student enrollment at many universities is putting pressure on marketers to deliver. In this environment, higher education institutions are developing their programs to cater to the various needs of students and employers. Higher education marketers can reference the New Higher Education Programs of 2019 list to better understand their competition and focus on streamlining and improving their school’s programs.

… Precision Production

Welding Skills Certificate Program (CIP Code: 48.0508) – Grand Rapids Community College

This program will prepare students for entry-level positions over two semesters so they can enter jobs in the manufacturing, petroleum, aerospace, automation and medical fields.

GRCC In the News, 8-26-19

News 8 Daybreak

Aug. 26, 2019; WOOD TV

Prepare for a full morning commute as most schools are back in session as well as GVSU and GRCC today.

Change Ups: Hon to oversee F&V’s source water protection staff

Aug. 23, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… EDUCATION

Grand Rapids Community College tapped Brian Knetl, interim provost at Harper College in Palatine, Illinois, as provost and executive vice president for academic and student affairs.

NJCAA: Southern Idaho, Coffeyville, Owens try to repeat as national champs

Aug. 25, 2019; volleyballmag.com

National Junior College Athletic Association volleyball is under way.

… NJCAA DIVISION 2

National champion — Coffeyville (1, 40-3): Coffeyville dispatched a second straight title game opponent with ease in 2018, but graduate the kids who fueled the title runs, including Adianez Reyes Rivera (5.75/kps, .384, 436 digs). The question will be whether returning libero Danielle Dodge (3.34/dpg) and middle Erianna Murray (175 kills, .359) can withstand what’s become a top-heavy Jayhawk Conference and rivals Johnson, Cowley, and Highland. Still, it’s a light early schedule with only two ranked teams on the docket for the first month, Highland and Lincoln Land.

… 6 — Grand Rapids (9, 31-8): 2018 is hard to judge for the Raiders, mostly because of coach Chip Will’s late-October health concern which sidelined him for a spell (though thankfully he has now recovered). The players to watch will be Lauren Jonker (MH, 124 kills, 95 blocks) and pin-hitter Danielle Johnston (322 kills, 247 digs). Expect entering setters Kailey Carmean and Tori Wolcott to press for playing time immediately. GRCC will face Kirkwood in their third match of the year and Parkland a week later, which should give a good indicator of whether the Raiders return to nationals this season.

LMU picked third in SAC preseason volleyball poll

Aug. 23, 2019; The Middlesboro Daily News

ROCK HILL, S.C. — The South Atlantic Conference announced its 2019 Volleyball Preseason Coaches’ Poll Friday morning and the Lady Railsplitters of Lincoln Memorial University have been picked in a tie with Carson-Newman to finish third in the 12-team league.

… A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan (Northview HS), (Rylee) Storms returns for her senior campaign after capturing All-SAC Second Team accolades a season ago. Finishing the year with 311 kills (2.88/set), which ranked fifth in the league, the 6-foot hitter was named 2018 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division II Southeast All-Region honorable mention and collected SAC All-Tournament Team plaudits. Tallying 25 service aces to go along with her team-leading kills, Storms will begin the fall as LMU’s returning blocks leader after making 80 total in 2018. She also contributed 203 digs (1.88/set) a season ago and has racked up 544 kills (2.55/set) across the last two seasons of play after transferring to Harrogate from Grand Rapids Community College.

Coach Marcus Cribbs joins huddle at Mount Clemens High

Aug. 23, 2019; The Macomb Daily

Don Williams loves football.

… (Marcus) Cribbs starred at Lake Shore, was a junior college All American at Grand Rapids Community College and then went out to have two outstanding seasons at Ferris State University. A defensive lineman, he was invited to a rookie mini-camp tryout by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival in Grand Rapids Features Music, Food and Demos This Weekend

Aug. 23, 2019; therapidian.org

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of its annual Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival, the Polish Heritage Society of Grand Rapids has turbocharged the free event this upcoming weekend with top notch entertainment and demonstrations of Polish cooking, dance and crafts.

… The Dozynki Polish Harvest 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.

Fall athletics competition begins at Kellogg Community College

Aug. 23, 2019; WBCK

Kellogg Community College has brought back one sport this fall that will be a welcome addition to the two other sports set to begin their fall schedules this weekend.

… The Volleyball squad is looking to improve on an 8-16 record last season, where the Lady Bruins won seven straight matches over a two-week stretch. Former Pennfieldhead coach Tom VanWienen returns to the sidelines for his third year at Kellogg, and brings in a young group of just four sophomores and eight freshman. The returning players include Jackie Mason and Madison Ducheney (Marshall), Abigail Howard (Delton) and Madison Jones (Hillsdale). Other local talents include Haidyn Markos (Lakeview), Gabby Costello (Bellevue) and Grace Hall (Pennfield). Their schedule begins August 29th with their second season in the new Miller Gymnasium.

… Thursday, September 12th – *Grand Rapids Community College – 6:30pm

… The second season of Cross Country begins for the Bruins, coming from a successful debut in the MCCAA. The two squads will look to keep their momentum after both squads reached the last season’s National Junior College Athletic Association Division III Championships. The largest individual success came from Maggie Wood (Lakeview), who was named NJCAA Division III Second Team All-American, and Kyle Strong (Vicksburg) earning NJCAA Division III All-American Honorable Mention honors. Erin Lane returns as head coach for the Bruins, who begin their season August 30th.

… Friday, September 20th – *Grand Rapids Community College Meet – TBA

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, 8-8-19

e-Headlines

Aug. 7, 2019; Community College Daily

Michigan college earns grant to grow apprenticeships as part of federal push

Restaurant Week: get a taste of your city

Aug. 7, 2019; WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – Today marks the start of Restaurant Week GR, the best time of year to go out to eat in Grand rapids!  Here with all the details on how you can get in on the fun is Janet Korn from Experience Grand Rapids and Chef Shaun from The Pub at Paddock.

… Participating restaurants donate $1 from every meal purchased during RWGR to the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education Student Scholarship Fund at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC). This helps fund students education in the culinary programs. Over the course, RWGR has donated more Than $150,00 to these scholarships.

Upcoming Golden Raider Happy Hour

The GRCC Golden Raider Retirees are hosting another happy hour! Come and connect with your colleagues and throw a few bucks in the collection box for our Golden Raider Scholarship.

When : Thursday, August 1

4:00-7:00 pm

Where: Vitale’s on Leonard  834 Leonard NE

• Cash bar and food available.
• Folks who are planning on retiring are most welcome.
• Current retirees are welcome to bring friends (even those poor souls who still work).

Join the GRCC retirees for a gathering of friendship and fun!

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.

GRCC In the News, 6-28-19

Mason County Garden Club receives awards, recognizes scholarship winners

June 27, 2019; Ludington Daily News

The Mason County Garden Club has received national recognition from the Michigan Garden Clubs for its 2018 Garden Walk, its website and its social media presence.

… (Kelsey) Kosiboski plans to transfer from WSCC to Michigan State University to complete a degree in crop and soil science and (Breanne) Mallison plans to attend Grand Rapids Community College and transfer to a 4-year university to earn a degree in natural resources and conservation.

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, 6-19-19

John Bos all-star games honor OK conference baseball and softball players

June 18, 2019; FOX 17

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — All-conference baseball and softball players from the OK Conference got a final chance play a high school game and represent their league Tuesday night at Cornerstone University.

Plan failed? Draw up a new one

June 18, 2019; schoolnewsnetwork.org

Two years ago, Chris Hribek will tell you, his high school career was a disaster with failing grades, attendance issues and a big attitude problem.

… Thanks to some tough love by teachers at the Career Academy and a new attitude toward school, Chris got his diploma this spring. Now he’s thinking about going to Grand Rapids Community College to learn welding.

Hausserman named Sentinel-Standard Boys’ Golfer of the Year

June 18, 2019; Ionia Sentinel-Standard

IONIA — Consistency.

… (Tyler) Hausserman was referring to Egypt Valley Country Club, where he’ll play as a member of golf team at Grand Rapids Community College.

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.

Bragg Harvard Muhammad Smith ‘Why We Can’t Wait’ scholarship helps students in public, human services

The Bragg Harvard Muhammad Smith ‘Why We Can’t Wait’ Fund is aimed at assisting students who want to work in public and human services — especially education, healthcare and law enforcement — and can demonstrate cultural competency. Jesalyn Heard earned the scholarship, graduated from GRCC’s Criminal Justice Program and was recently hired to be the first African-American female officer in the Kentwood Police Department.

Hear her story, and from the people behind this important scholarship.

GRCC In the News, 5-29-19

Jeff Bauer named head basketball coach at GRCC

May 29, 2019; FOX 17

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — Grand Rapids Community College has named Jeff Bauer as it’s next men’s basketball coach.

Grand Rapids Community College names new basketball coach

May 28, 2019; MLive

Grand Rapids Community College has tapped a coach with more than 25 years of experience to lead the men’s basketball team.

GRCC names Jeff Bauer new men’s basketball head coach

May 28, 2019; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College today announced that Jeff Bauer will become the eighth head coach in the program’s history.

College raising $3M

May 28, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

A local college has launched a public effort to raise $3 million.

Grand Rapids Community College has $3 million left to reach its $15-million capital campaign goal.

McBain Vals and Sals

May 28, 2019; Cadillac News

… Fiona Sullivan is a Senior Scholar at McBain High School. She lives in Lake City with her parents Ben and Jolene Sullivan and three younger siblings. While at McBain High School, she has participated in choir, track, National Honor Society, Art and Literature Club, and the Rambler Robotics team. She achieved a 1300 on her SATs. She has participated in the Missaukee Agricultural Youth Show for eight seasons, twice taking Market Grand Champion for her swine projects. She is active within her church family at Prosper Christian Reformed Church in Falmouth. She plans to attend Grand Rapids Community College and pursue studies in literature, art and design.

GRCC In the News, 5-17-19

13OYS Mornings: On the road at Frederik Meijer Gardens

May 17, 2019; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – For the last couple weeks, the 13 ON YOUR SIDE Morning Show has been live from a different location in West Michigan. On Friday, May 17, Kamady Rudd and James Starks got a first look at the new rooftop garden space at the Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids.

…In higher education news, Grand Rapids Community College has launched an effort this week to raise the final $3 million of a $15 million plan to increase scholarships and expand and improve on campus facilities.

New Presidents or Provosts: Central Oregon CC, Colorado State U, Columbia College Chicago, James Sprunt CC, Mansfield U of Pa., North Carolina CC System, Presidio Graduate School, Tougaloo College, Tufts U, U of Dallas

May 16, 2019; Inside Higher Ed

… Laurie Chesley, provost and executive vice president for academic and student affairs at Grand Rapids Community College, in Michigan, has been named president of Central Oregon Community College.