Stacia Barczak shares update on Van Marnius Swets Travel Award

We’ve heard back from Stacia Barczak, one of the recipients of this year’s Van Marnius Swets Travel Award:

Hello! I’m sharing these photos as an update to my Van Marinus Swets Award for travel. The award was put to good use!!

Last week, my husband, Tom, and I spent a long weekend in Hilton Head, S.C., and Savannah, Ga. It. Was. So. Hot. But we had a great time and saw a ton. The award helped us with our lodging, which made the trip that much more affordable — so thanks again for providing this fun and important benefit!

We flew direct from GRR to SAV and then drove out to Hilton Head for a night, staying two blocks from the Atlantic Ocean. Then we headed back to Savannah and stayed for two nights in a historic inn that may or may not be haunted (but it WAS once used as a funeral home, so who knows??).

I’ve included photos from various points in our trip. 

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GRCC Orientations for GRPS Classes of 2018

University Prep Academy, Ottawa Hills High School, Innovation Central High School, and Union High School seniors came to campus last month for group orientations! Check out our new GRCC students below:

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GRCC In the News, 3-28-18

“Dead Man’s Cell Phone” offers insights into the impact of technology on relationships

March 27, 2018;  Grand Rapids Magazine

The “loopy and whimsical” play “Dead Man’s Cell Phone” takes audiences on a journey that explores how technology can bring people together in the “most abnormal way possible.”

The GRCC Players are staging the play, written by Sarah Ruhl and first performed in 2007, on March 29 31 at GRCC’s Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain St. NE.

Lean Goes Beyond Manufacturing

March 27, 2018; Michigan Business Network

On this segment of The Leaning Edge features Alen Ganic. Alen studied supply chain management and also received CPIM Supply Chain Management certification from APICS (The Association for Operations Management) and Lean certification from Grand Rapids Community College.

Youth interaction policy unveiled by Grand Rapids police

March 27, 2018; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — A new Grand Rapids Police Department policy guiding officer interactions with youth is now in effect after the final draft was presented to the city commission Tuesday, March 27.

… It instructs officers to prioritize the least-restrictive options when dealing with youth, according to Raynard Ross, a leading member of the public-safety task force and Grand Rapids Community College associate dean.

‘I can finally exhale,’ man’s quest to feel comfortable in his own body nearly complete

March 27, 2018; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Beau VanSolkema lived the first few decades of his life in the wrong body.

… He has been in therapy ever since that day. VanSolkema enrolled in classes at Grand Rapids Community College and got involved with the LGBT community on campus. It was there that VanSolkema established his voice as an LGBT identifierwhile advocating for others. He also began to learn more about the transgender spectrum.

Emma Pachulski receives Scholar-Athlete Award

March 27, 2018; Ionia Sentinel-Standard

EAST LANSING — Emma Pachulski, a senior from Saranac High School, received the Michigan High School Athletic Associations Scholar-Athlete Award. Pachulski was honored at the 2018 MHSAA Boys Basketball Finals at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center in East Lansing, March 24. She was honored at the event by Don Simon, executive vice president for Farm Bureau Insurance, and John E. Jack Roberts, executive director of the MHSAA.

… Pachulski will be using the scholarship funds while attending Grand Rapids Community College and studying theatre & media arts. Pachulski will also be playing volleyball as a GRCC Raider.

GRCC In the News, 3-23-18

New officer joins Hastings Police Department / 3-22-18

March 22, 2018; Hastings Banner

Officer Nate Pickett is the newest member of the Hastings Police Department.

… Pickett is a 2004 graduate of Ionia High School and a 2017 graduate of the police academy program at Grand Rapids Community College.

Reeths-Puffer appoints board member to fill vacancy

March 23, 2018; MLive

MUSKEGON TOWNSHIP, MI – Reeths-Puffer Public Schools Board of Education gained a new member this month.

… (Sonya) Hernandez is an adjunct instructor at Grand Rapids Community College, a commissioner on the Hispanic Latino Commission of Michigan, and the director of the Y Achievers program and Youth in Government at the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids.

Unarmed black youths held at gunpoint distrust police a year later

March 22, 2018; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Just 13, Kaleil Harris has already decided he doesn’t like police. He doubts that will change.

… A public-safety task force — chaired by City Attorney Anita Hitchcock with Deputy Police Chief Eric Payne and Grand Rapids Community College Associate Dean Raynard Ross as leading members – is to unveil a police “youth policy” on March 27.

25 Grand Rapids Staycation Ideas

March 22, 2018; grkids.com

Your kids are on break from school, so you want to plan some fun activities that don’t break the bank or require serious travel. We get it and we are here to help!

… 17. Enjoy fine dining (at a lower cost) at The Heritage Restaurant, GRCC’s acclaimed culinary school restaurant.

 

 

 

GRCC In the News, 3-9-18

News 8 Daybreak

March 8, 2018; WOOD TV

Today we could get a little insight into what Grand Rapids Community College is doing for our future leaders. State reps from across the state will be at the college to talk about it. The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Community Colleges is holding the hearing to talk about what GRCC is doing for Grand Rapids — particularly for skilled trades education.

Residents voice ideas for task force on police bias in Grand Rapids

March 8, 2018; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — The community had a chance this week to contribute to the efforts of a city-appointed task force with the ambitious goal of reducing bias in policing outcomes.

… Task force co-chairs Eric Payne, deputy chief of the city’s police department, and Raynard Ross, a Grand Rapids Community College dean and 3rd Ward representative, welcomed residents who gathered Wednesday, March 7, for the second of four community forums.

Cobras Sign Defensive Back Marquez Gollman

March 8, 2018; Our Sports Central

GREENSBORO- Marquez Gollman (5’11, 190) signs with the Carolina Cobras for his first year of arena football.

Gollman played college football at Grand Valley State University from 2012-2016. Before Grand Valley State, Gollman spent one season playing football in JUCO at Grand Rapids Community College.

Find your career path at Ferris State

March 8, 2018; WOTV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOTV) — Finding the right career path early is important, that’s why Ferris State University Grand Rapids is holding an open house to help students learn more about what they have to offer. The open house is open to anyone, whether you’re looking to come back to school or coming to school for the first time, they have something for everyone.

… Ferris State University Open House

• Wednesday, March 14
• Grand Rapids Community College

GRCC In the News, 11-28-17

GRCC responding to students with food, housing insecurity

Nov. 28, 2017; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College is working to strengthen its systems to support students with food and housing assistance, after a survey found many struggling with food and housing insecurity.

Gift will support health, wellness for local school children

Nov. 27, 2017; Grand Haven Tribune

The Osteopathic Foundation of West Michigan recently announce a gift of $25,000 to the Richard G. and Patricia R. Huff Children’s Support Fund, a donor-advised fund of the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation.

… Patricia Huff is a retired educator whose 45-year career included professorships at Grand Rapids Community College, Baker College and Muskegon Community College.

GRCC In the News, 10-18-17

Morning News

Oct. 18, 2017; WOOD TV

Grand Rapids Community college is inviting the public to attend a lecture tonight from Andres Chavez. He’s the grandson of civil rights and immigration reform activist Cesar Chavez.

Business Journal publishes ’40 Under 40′

Oct. 16, 2017; Grand Rapids Business Journal

The Business Journal’s October 16th issue features a special insert 40 Under 40 which can also be viewed online.

(Among this year’s ’40 Under 40′ are Chris Sain Jr., GRCC’s coordinator of Retention, and alumni Sara Sherry Knoester, Amanda Brand and Terry Rostic.)

Nearly 200 artists featured in juried exhibition

Oct. 16, 2017; The Elkhart Truth (Ind.)

The Midwest Museum of American Art has chosen nearly 200 artists to feature in the 39th Elkhart Juried Regional exhibition. … The judges who selected works for the exhibition were Nick Antonakis, head of the Grand Rapids Community College Art Department, and Bill Hosterman, associate professor, Grand Valley State University Art Department.

First Scholars to hold mixer on August 23

You are invited to our final First Scholars mixer of the year!

At this event, we will facilitate a discussion for parents and their incoming First Scholar student on the benefits of the First Scholars initiative, how to earn points, how to retrieve incentives from points earned, how to engage OrgSync, and academic expectations regarding first-time fulltime students.

When: Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Time: 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Where: Sneden 108

*Light food will be served

GRCC In the News, 7-3-17

Movement with a Message: DanceSpire offers hope while cutting a rug

June 30, 2017; Revue

Deavondre Jones just wants to do two things: Dance and inspire others. With DanceSpire, the 23-year-old is doing just that, combining motivational speaking and dance routines to reach high-school and college students around the state.

… Now, after attending Grand Rapids Community College and Columbia College in Chicago, Jones is on a path to make his younger self proud with DanceSpire. We talked with Jones about where it all started and how he got to where he is today.

Gov. Rick Snyder makes appointments, reappointment to the Midwestern Higher Education Compact

June 30, 2017; michigan.gov (state press release)

LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Dr. Bill Pink of Ada and Tyler Sawher of Lansing, as well as the reappointment of David Eisler of Big Rapids to the Midwestern Higher Education Compact.

… Pink is the president of Grand Rapids Community College. He previously served as the vice president of Oklahoma State University and the associate dean of the University of Central Oklahoma. Pink holds an associate degree from York College, a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Christian University, a master’s degree in secondary education from the University of Central Oklahoma, and a doctorate in curriculum and leadership from the University of Oklahoma. He will represent members at large and fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Stephen Ender.

Inside Track: The ultimate team player

June 30, 2017; Grand Rapids Business Journal

When Chris Sain Jr. was a kid growing up in southeast Grand Rapids, sports weren’t just his hobby — they were his way to stay out of a life of crime, or worse, a life cut short.

…. So Sain moved back home and took a job with GRCC, where he now works as coordinator of student retention, in tandem with his work building Grand C.I.T.Y.

Jubilee celebrates its tenants, Study Hall

June 30, 2017; The Holland Sentinel

There were two reasons to celebrate at Jubilee Ministries this week: the completion of the renovations to the Study Hall and the tenants that fill the Midtown Center.

… Others sharing the three floors of the building are Lakeshore Non-Profit Alliance, Latin Americans United For Progress, Destination Education, Development Strategies, Grand Rapids Community College, Higher Ground Foundation, Holland Community Chorale, Jubilee Ministries, Midtown Counseling, Taking Root Ministries, Young Life, Brownson Properties and Zeeland/Holland Adult Education.

GRCC In the News, 4-18-17

Retiring GRCC president awarded emeritus status

April 17, 2017; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College President Steven Ender, who will retire at the end of April, was awarded president emeritus status by the Board of Trustees in a unanimous vote on Monday, April 17.

Fewer students require remediation courses at Grand Rapids Community College

April 18, 2017; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Fewer Grand Rapids Community College students need developmental education or remedial classes, officials reported to the Board of Trustees Monday, April 17.

Four high school seniors earn Grandville-Jenison Chamber scholarships

April 17, 2017; MLive

Four area high school seniors who excel in academics, extracurricular activities and serving their communities are this year’s winners of the Grandville-Jenison Chamber of Commerce scholarships.

… Scott (Kremers) plans to attend Grand Rapids Community College and study hospitality and business management.

GRCC In the News, 1-25-17

Grand Rapids Public Schools partner with GRCC for Early Middle College Program

Jan. 25, 2017; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. – Imagine what it would feel like to walk across the stage at your high school graduation and leave with not one, but two diplomas. That will, soon, be the reality for dozens of students at Ottawa Hills, in Grand Rapids.

… “I think that is a wonderful opportunity for any kid attending Ottawa Hills to be enrolled in that program,” said Chris Sain, with Grand Rapids Community College.

Lutheran Northwest grad to lead new USPBL club

Jan. 24, 2017; C&G News

ROCHESTER — Earlier this January, the United Shore Professional Baseball League unveiled its newest franchise, the Westside Woolly Mammoths. The club joins the league’s three previously established teams, beginning play at Jimmy Johns Field in Utica on May 11.

… Following his standout prep career, (Shane) McCatty spent two years at Grand Rapids Community College before transferring to Oakland University. He worked his way up to becoming the No. 1 starter for the Golden Grizzlies before being drafted by the Washington Nationals in 2009.

GRCC In the News, 11-9-16

Koetje, Brame, Bruinsma win seats on GRCC Board of Trustees

Nov. 9, 2016; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Incumbent David Koetje and newcomers Kenyatta Brame and Kathleen Bruinsma won seats Tuesday on the Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees, Kent County election results show.

2 incumbents re-elected to Grand Rapids School Board with two newcomers

Nov. 9, 2016; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Raynard Ross and Jen Schottke won re-election to the Grand Rapids School Board on Tuesday, along with newbies businesswoman Kristian Grant and retired teacher Katherine Downes Lewis.

… Ross, 47, associate dean of Student Success and Retention Service at Grand Rapids Community College, won a second term.

GRCC In the News, 10-31-16

Youth football coach had a passion for life, kids

Oct. 29, 2016; Lansing State Journal

LANSING – The Mighty Mites of the Kappa Express football program were playing in the championship game, seven- and eight-year-olds on the field at the Hope Sports Complex, fighting to win.

… Jibreel Goins attended Everett and Sexton high schools, where he played running back and defensive back. He went on to Grand Rapids Community College where he also played football. He came back to Lansing, then played for the Capitol City Stealth and Lansing Lightning football teams. He loved watching football as child and would often write down plays and practice them in front of the television.

GRCC Psychology Department’s Speaker Series tackles the elephant (and donkey) in the room

Oct. 27, 2016; rapidgrowthmedia.com

Trump supporter: What the h*ll are you thinking?

Clinton supporter: How can you even consider supporting…

Third party supporter: What planet are you on?

… If you are interested in taking a deeper dive into the why of political partisanship in this year’s presidential election cycle, you might want to check out the first topic of the  2016-17 season of Grand Rapids Community College’s Psychology Speaker Series.

Explore a world of possibilities at Ferris State Open House

Oct. 28, 2016; WOTV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich (WOTV) — Do you have a student thinking about college? Have you been considering going back and finishing your degree? Regardless of your why, Ferris State is making it easier and more convenient than ever. Ferris is right here at Grand Rapids Community College.

DeWys Manufacturing Inc. Promotes Manufacturing Day to Students and Teachers in the West Michigan Area

Oct. 28, 2016; onenewspage.us

DeWys Manufacturing Inc., a West Michigan based metal solutions company, is pleased to announce their involvement with the National Manufacturing Day event for the fourth year in a row. By opening the doors to the public, this helped to promote the skilled trade industry and allow DeWys Mfg. to promote the advanced manufacturing processes they provide their customers.

This year manufacturing week was celebrated in the West Michigan area from October 2nd through October 8th. A total of 3,100 students visited a variety of manufacturing facilities to gain knowledge, participate in tours and hands on activities to better understand the diverse fields in the industry. DeWys Mfg. hosted 155 students from Kent Intermediate School District, Discover Elementary, and Ridge Park Charter Academy. The students received a tour of the shop, participated in a team building activity, and explored the MCAM trailer provided by Grand Rapids Community College. Along with the tours given to students throughout the week, DeWys Manufacturing hosted 15 math and science teachers organized through the Kent ISD called Teachers in the Industry. This event consisted of the teachers taking a mechanical reasoning test to show the initial steps taken in the hiring process, a short video on DeWys Manufacturing, and a question and answer panel with four of the DeWys team members. This allowed the teachers to learn from the team members about career paths in manufacturing.

Parents plan forum for 9 vying for Grand Rapids School Board

Oct. 28, 2016; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The parents and community of Congress Elementary school will host a forum for the nine candidates vying for four, four-year seats for the Grand Rapids School Board on Wednesday, Nov. 2.

… The candidates running are:

Raynard Ross, 47, is seeking a second term. He is the associate dean of Student Success and Retention Service at Grand Rapids Community College.

Meet the YWCA’s 2016 Tribute Award winners

Oct. 30, 2016; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI –Women who are a voice for the voiceless, who contribute to numerous prominent West Michigan projects, and who volunteer their time and passion for the betterment of others. These are among the winners of this year’s Tribute Awards given by the YWCA of West Central Michigan.

… Advocacy Award

Dr. Nkechy Ekere Ezeh, 52, associate professor for Aquinas College and founder/CEO of Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative

(This article doesn’t mention it, but Nkechy Ekere Ezeh is a GRCC alumna.)

Jayhawks volleyball team wraps up regular season with a victory over Ancilla

Oct. 28, 2016; Local Sports Journal

The Muskegon Community College volleyball team completed a successful regular season Thursday by going on the road and beating Ancilla College 3-1.

… The team finished in second place in the conference, two games behind champion Grand Rapids Community College.

Michigan lawyers extend helping hand during Pro Bono Month

Oct. 28, 2016; americanbar.org

From the tip of the Thumb to the depths of the Great Lakes, the State Bar of Michigan is working to meet the legal needs of low-income Michiganders with a robust pro bono celebration throughout the month of October and beyond.

… Lawyers will assist green card holders apply to become U.S. citizens at a Naturalization Workshop. No prior immigration experience is necessary. All attorneys will be trained through a 50-minute YouTube webinar and a short, on-site orientation. Once trained and oriented, volunteers will then prepare the naturalization application with the applicants. Attorneys specializing in immigration law will supervise and review all applications. The event is being held at Grand Rapids Community College on Nov. 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

GRCC In the News, 10-14-16

Michigan Gave Colleges $500,000 to Fight Sex Assault. Here’s How They Spent It.

Oct. 14, 2016; The Chronicle of Higher Education

Last year Gov. Rick Snyder of Michigan announced a new grant program aimed at preventing sexual assault on the state’s college campuses. More than 30 institutions applied, and a mix of private, public, and community colleges — 22 in total — received a slice of the pie.

… The challenges Grand Rapids Community College faces in preventing campus sexual assault are different from those at four-year colleges. But Kimberly DeVries found that most of the available resources and national training programs are geared toward the four-year experience.

Business Journal names 40 Under Forty class

Oct. 12, 2016; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Forty of West Michigan’s top young professionals will be honored this month by the Grand Rapids Business Journal.

… Honorees

… Sara Brooks

… Chris Sain Jr.

… Daniel Schoonmaker.

(Chris Sain is coordinator of retention, and Sara Brooks is adjunct faculty. Daniel Schoonmaker is a GRCC alumnus.)

Daybreak News

Oct. 14, 2016; WOTV

We’re pleased to announce that the Challenge Scholars program is expanding. Beginning next fall, any students in ninth grade with a GPA of at least a 2.0 can attend Grand Rapids Community College for up to two years.

Downtown Development Authority wants to expand boundaries by 200 acres

Oct. 13, 2016; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) voted to expand its boundaries by nearly 200 acres to encompass 873 acres that would stretch from Leonard Street on the north to the southwest side along Grandville Avenue SW.

… Hoping to gain approval from other taxing authorities, the DDA staff has been lobbying officials from Kent County, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Grand Rapids Community College, the Monroe North Tax Increment Finance Authority as well as the Westside and North Quarter Corridor Improvement Districts

 

GRCC In the News, 10-6-16

How more affluent families get welfare for pricey private colleges

Oct. 5, 2016; MLive

Albion College is one of the most expensive private schools in Michigan and many of its students come from families of means.

(GRCC is included in a chart.)

Crowded field of nine vie for 4 Grand Rapids School Board seats

Oct. 5, 2016; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Nine candidates are vying for four, four-year seats on the nine-member Grand Rapids Board of Education in the Tuesday, Nov. 8, general election.

… (Raynard) Ross, 47, associate dean of Student Success and Retention Service at Grand Rapids Community College, said it is increased graduation rates, test scores, and rates of college attendance, and the potential for more growth, that has him encouraged to seek a second term.

Ferris State, Grand Valley coaches weigh in on hype and over-hype of rivalry

Oct. 5, 2016; MLive

Ferris State vs. Grand Valley State went from a game to a rivalry once Tony Annese arrived in 2012, even though the Bulldogs coach downplays its significance.

… Annese, who has re-energized the Bulldogs program as a whole, brought intrigue to the Grand Valley State game just by his local connection. He won three state championships at Muskegon, was head coach at Grand Rapids Community College and was well known throughout West Michigan before he was hired at Ferris State.

Dominant middle hitter Rachel Brown leading MCC volleyball to a big season

Oct. 5, 2016; Local Sports Journal

MUSKEGON — Opponents have come to respect, and even fear, Rachel Brown on the volleyball court.

… Brown is a big reason by the MCC volleyball team is having another big year, with a 19-9 overall record and an 8-1 mark in the Michigan Community College Athletic Association Western Conference. The team is one game behind first-place Grand Rapids Community College in the conference.