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, 8-5-19

Change Ups: Wierich appointed to separate art positions

Aug. 2, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… EDUCATION

Grand Rapids Community College launched a new degree in pre-sports management. Students who complete the associate program can then transfer to complete a Bachelor of Science in sports management at Grand Valley State University.

Jets Sign TE Nick Truesdell, Waive OL Tyler Jones

Aug. 4, 2019; newyorkjets.com

The Jets made a pair of moves Sunday, signing TE Nick Truesdell and waiving OL Tyler Jones.

The well-traveled Truesdell, who played collegiately at Cincinnati and also attended Grand Rapids Community College, had a couple of stints in the Indoor Football League (IFL) and multiple stops in the Arena Football League (AFL). He also had brief stays with the Colts and the Vikings and most recently played with the Salt Lake Stallions in the Alliance for American Football. The 6’5”, 246-pounder combined to catch 127 balls for 1,527 yards with 38 touchdowns in the AFL.

Tough spring took a toll, but mid-Michigan generational farmer hopeful

Aug. 4, 2019; The Hastings Banner

Tim Stuart is a 36-year-old farmer who manages approximately 750 acres that he shares with his dad.

… Stuart attended Grand Rapids Community College and earned an associate’s degree in automotive technology, but he returned to the farm with his father.

Memorial tourney going strong in 14th year

Aug, 4, 2019; The Hastings Banner

It has been long enough now that the young men and women chosen to receive the Emily Duits Memorial Scholarship Award, for a graduating senior at Lakewood High School each spring, don’t have their own memories of Duits.

… She’ll (Savannah Stoepker) use the award towards her coming years at Grand Rapids Community College, where she will be a member of the women’s softball team. She has plans right now to study towards a degree in secondary education, eventually moving on to a school like Grand Valley State University.

GRCC In the News, 7-30-19

GRCC, Ferris State deal helps with in-demand hospitality management jobs, officials say

July 30, 2019; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – An agreement between Grand Rapids Community College and Ferris State University helps meet the region’s increasing need for qualified restaurant, food and beverage, and hotel management professionals, officials say.

College expanding pre-sports management program

July 29, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

A local college is growing its pre-sports management program.

Beginning this fall, Grand Rapids Community College students will be able to earn an associate degree in the field and then transfer to complete a B.S. in sports management at Grand Valley State University.

Street Talk: Food for thought

July 26, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… Grand Rapids Community College is hosting an event to introduce young women to the world of careers in health care.

GRCC is teaming up with Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore for a Scrubs Camp for girls in seventh through ninth grades from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. July 29-Aug. 1 at Leslie E. Tassell M-TEC, 622 Godfrey Ave. SW. This is the second week of Scrubs Camp this summer, exposing students to health care career options. This project is a part of a grant from the JP Morgan Chase Foundation.

Removing the barriers of a higher education

July 26, 2019; WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Grand Rapids Community College is the pathway to success for many in West Michigan, but there are so many more people who need help to remove the barriers that are keeping them from getting the education they need. Dr. Kathryn Mullins, Vice President for College Advancement and Executive Director of the GRCC Foundation, is here to tell us about their efforts. The GRCC Foundation provided about 1,000 scholarships last year, but they know there are many more students who need help overcoming obstacles.

Program targets boardroom inclusion

July 26, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

A new program is in the works to help the West Michigan nonprofit sector develop and maintain more diverse and inclusive boardrooms.

… Deb Bailey, GRCC board member and former Steelcase corporate relations director, also is providing input as the Ecosystem’s honorary co-chair.

Check out what Rush Creek Bistro is serving for Restaurant Week GR

July 26, 2019; FOX 17

Restaurant Week GR is once again making it’s way to Grand Rapids, where people have a chance to taste dishes from over 70 restaurants.

… It’s so much more than just a week to try a variety of foods, it also helps fund a scholarship program at Secchia Institute for Culinary Education at Grand Rapids Community College. Participating restaurants will donate $1 from every meal purchased during Restaurant Week to the scholarship fund to help train the next generation of chefs.

GRCC In the News, 7-23-19

GRCC has transfer agreement with Grand Valley for Pre-Sports Management program

July 22, 2019; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Professional and college sports are big business.

Grand Rapids Community College has entered into a new articulation or transfer agreement with Grand Valley State University for the 2019-20 academic year regarding its Pre-Sports Management program.

The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division names new officers

July 22, 2019; The Oakland Press

Majors Timothy and Lori Meyer, husband and wife, were recently appointed to The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division, based in Southfield. Timothy was named as general secretary and metro Detroit area commander, and Lori will serve in a newly created role as spiritual life development secretary. They replace officers, Majors Russ and Jan Sjögren who retired at the end of June after a combined 86 years of service to The Salvation Army.

… Lori has an associate of applied science in early childhood education and training from Grand Rapids Community College.

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 & GVSU Work on 2+2 Agreements for students

Be on the lookout for new 2+2 transfer agreements with GVSU in Exercise Science and Sport Management, coming 2019!

Transfer Fair Today in the Student Plaza

The Academic Advising & Transfer Center holds an annual College Transfer Fair in the fall semester.  This is a great opportunity for students to learn more about the transfer schools they intend to transfer to or help students find a transfer school.  You can pick up catalogs, applications, and information about scholarships.  We have invited over 40 schools to participate in the event.

WHERE: Olivarez Student Plaza (Rain place:  SCC, Student Lounge)

WHEN: Today, September 6, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Students honored at Board of Trustees meeting

Four students were honored at the recent Board of Trustees meeting:

• Marcus Barissi, who studied biological and biomedical sciences,  represented GRCC on the Michigan Community College Association’s All-Michigan Academic Team.  He plans to transfer to the University of Michigan and become an anesthesiologist.
• Micah Rupert, who is studying computers and information sciences, was also on the All-Michigan Academic Team. After graduating from GRCC in 2019, he plans to transfer to Grand Valley State University for a bachelor’s degree in computers and information sciences.
• Eli Paparella was honored for being a member of the All-Michigan Academic Team and for being a semifinalist for the Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship. He will receive an Associate of Arts degree with a focus on engineering and plans to transfer to the University of Michigan for a bachelor’s degree in computers and information sciences.
• Kelly Burrows was also a semifinalist for the Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship. She plans to transfer to GVSU, work in hospice care and write children’s books.

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GRCC In the News, 4-19-18

Not your average vending machine

April 18, 2018; AACC 21st Century Center (American Association of Community Colleges)

In Michigan, Grand Rapids Community College students are preparing for exams with the help of an unusual resource: a laptop vending machine.

Curtis Davison commits to Livingstone College

April 18, 2018; FOX 17

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Curtis Davison has committed to play basketball at Livingstone College next season.

Davison averaged 24.4 points per game at Grand Rapids Community College this winter, which was fourth in NJCAA Division 2.

Funeral services set for celebrated pastor with 55-year career

April 18, 2018; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Funeral services are Saturday for a well-known and revered Grand Rapids pastor who had a 55-year career behind the altar.

… (The Rev. Clifton) Rhodes led Messiah Missionary Baptist Church for 45 years and in 2015 was awarded the Grand Rapids Community College’s Giant Among Giants award.

West Michigan’s Jubal Brass to appear in concert on April 29

April 18, 2018; MLive

Jubal Brass, an 18-member brass choir, will present an evening of worship through Christian music at 6 p.m. Sunday, April 29, at Georgetown Bible Church, 4114 Baldwin St., Hudsonville.

… Jubal Brass has a long history of leaders with notable music credentials. Tuba player Paul Hoelzley, co-founder of Jubal Brass, directed the ensemble for two years until he resigned to teach at Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory of Music in Cleveland. The other co-founder, John Scripps, then directed for two years until Charlie Buffham took over the baton. Buffham was a music teacher at Grand Rapids Community College, and served as both conductor and arranger for Jubal Brass. John Varineau then came to Michigan as a music professor at the Grand Rapids Baptist College (now Cornerstone University) and as the assistant conductor of the Grand Rapids Symphony. He directed Jubal Brass for 15 years.

GRCC In the News, 3-14-18

News 8 at Noon

March 13, 2018; WOOD TV

City officials from Grand Rapids will get together with WMU leaders today to celebrate a growing partnership. Western has expanded several campuses from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids in the last few years. That includes the satellite campus on the East Beltline, and more projects are coming. The focus of the event tonight will be the manufacturing lab that will open soon. Businesses in the area and Grand Rapids Community College will partner with the lab.

DACC seeded eighth at NJCAAs

March 13, 2018; Commercial-News (Danville, Ill.)

DANVILLE — The NJCAA Division II National Tournament bracket was revealed on Tuesday with host Danville Area Community College at the eighth seed.

The Jaguars will take on No. 9 seeded Grand Rapids Community College, who is not a stranger to the tournament.

College Sports Roundup

March 13, 2018; Huron Daily Tribune

… Breyton Meeks (Bad Axe 2017): Delivered a season-high 26 points with seven rebounds, two blocks, one rebound and one assist at forward for the Mid Michigan Community College women’s basketball program (21-4) in a 75-56 victory at Jackson College (8-17) on Feb. 26 in Jackson.

In the freshman’s most recent outing, the freshman nabbed her 18th double-digit scoring effort of the season in a 68-65 loss at home to Grand Rapids Community College (14-14) on March 6 in Harrison.

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, 2-7-18

GRCC’s $1M grant will train vulnerable residents for public works, health jobs

Feb. 6, 2018; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College received a three-year, $1 million grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to help train residents in vulnerable neighborhoods for in-demand jobs in the public works and health care fields.

Program Aims to Boost Humanities Education in Michigan

Feb. 7, 2018; U.S. News & World Report

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — A new program aims to give community college students greater opportunities to transfer to the University of Michigan to study the humanities.

… The three-year program will lead to similar collaborations with Grand Rapids Community College and Schoolcraft College. It’s expected to create a new model for humanities majors who intend to transfer to University of Michigan from community colleges across Michigan.

Cajun dinner/dance FUNdraiser to celebrate Mardi Gras Creole cuisine, live music and dance instruction

Feb. 6, 2018; Ludington Daily News

The Ludington Area Center for the Arts will celebrate Mardi Gras Saturday, Feb. 10 with a Cajun dinner and dance FUNdraiser.

… Chef Barry Sherlock has designed this year’s menu and will be cooking up his great ideas. Sherlock is a graduate of the Culinary Arts Institute at Grand Rapids Community College. His culinary career has spanned a diversity of endeavors including executive chef of Green Ridge Country Club in Grand Rapids, Mich., hotel and banquet kitchen management and restaurant executive chef/kitchen management. He has additionally owned and operated a restaurant, catered privately and has volunteered his culinary expertise extensively throughout the local community. Sherlock currently serves as the dietary supervisor at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital.

Ann Arbor-area high school grads to make it to the NFL

Feb. 6, 2018; MLive

Few high school football players ever receive a scholarship to play at the collegiate level, and even fewer get a chance to play in the NFL.

… Ypsilanti’s Marcus Benard

… Benard was an unknown commodity coming out of high school and began his collegiate career at Grand Rapids Community College. He spent his last two years at Jackson State, combining for 25 sacks.

News at 6 p.m.

Feb. 6, 2018; FOX 17

The Bruce Doane Senior Baseball Camp had its annual camp last weekend at Grand Rapids Community College, and the shortage and increasing age of umpires at the high school level have become important factors for the camp.

GRCC In the News, 1-8-18

Longtime GRCC coach and AD Gordon Hunsberger dies

Jan. 5, 2018; MLive

Gordon Hunsberger, one of the most distinguished athletic figures at Grand Rapids Community College, has died at age 93.

At family-owned Micron Manufacturing, workers create their own schedules

Jan. 7, 2018; mibiz.com

WALKER — One West Michigan manufacturer has embraced a Wild West approach to running its shop floor.

… To accompany its apprenticeship program, Micron has partnered with Grand Rapids Community College and Ferris State University to offer internships.

Cedar Springs Library debuts first artists of new year in rotating exhibit

Jan. 6, 2018; MLive

The Cedar Springs Public Library is welcoming its first artists of 2018 to have their artwork displayed as part of their “Artists, Authors & YOU!” program.

… (Lori) Hough studied art at Grand Rapids Junior College, now known as Grand Rapids Community College, and received a degree in zoology from MSU.

GVSU receives $1M grant for STEM initiative

Jan. 8, 2018; The Lanthorn (GVSU student newspaper)

For many incoming freshmen, the shock of a college workload can add stress and strain to their lives. This can be especially true for those pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Often perceived as some of the most difficult college disciplines, Grand Valley State University’s STEM programs have a freshman dropout rate of nearly 60 percent within students’ first two years at school. Last year, department officials decided it was time to take action in a new way.

… The incoming freshmen in this program will largely be recruited from nearby community colleges, such as Grand Rapids Community College, Northwestern Michigan College and Muskegon Community College. Johnson plans to conduct research on students throughout the entirety of their time in the program and hopes to be able to use the information to help other universities struggling with the same issues in their STEM fields.

 

 

GRCC In the News, 12-14-17

Refugees grateful for construction training, jobs and language skills

Dec. 13, 2017; MLive

GRANDVILLE, MI – Two years ago, the future was uncertain for Tony-Kelly Lubanzadio in his native Democratic Republic of Congo.

… To join the program, the refugees were required to have some basic conversational skills to understand the curriculum. Students began their two days per week at Grand Rapids Community College in March.

College earns $1M grant for low-income STEM students

Dec. 13, 2017; Grand Rapids Business Journal

A local college has earned a $1 million grant to support its low-income STEM students.

… Additionally, the project team will enlist area community colleges, including Grand Rapids Community College, Northwestern Michigan College and Muskegon Community College, to help identify potential RISE scholars at their institutions and provide mentoring for those students before they enroll at GVSU.

Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra presents ‘Messiah’

Dec. 14, 2017; The Petoskey News

Once again the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra will bring the “Messiah” to Northern Michigan at 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 14 and 15, at St. Francis Xavier Church in Petoskey.

… (Katherine) Jannakos, cannot remember a time when she hasn’t been involved in music. She comes from a very musical family, and early on studied music theory and flute. She didn’t start singing until high school, and later began serious voice study at Grand Rapids Community College. After three years she left that college and completed her degree at Oberlin Conservatory. She has appeared as a chorus member and in featured roles with Opera Grand Rapids, Oberlin Opera Theatre, Second Act Opera and the Bay View Music Festival. She has appeared as a featured soloist with the Kent Philharmonic, Flint Symphony Orchestra, Bay View Orchestra and Oberlin Orchestra. She is thrilled to be performing with the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra.

Five cool vintage Grand Rapids Christmas gifts you can buy online

Dec. 13, 2017; 100.5 FM

Everything old is new again, and with the continued restoration of old buildings downtown, Grand Rapids has been digging into its past to form its future. Here is some old school vintage Grand Rapids stuff I found online that you can gift to the GR lover in your family.

… 2. Recall the glory days of GRCC football with this mini-football

Grand Rapids Community College (also known as Grand Rapids Junior College used to have an elite junior college football program, one that competed at an elite level on the JC scene back in the day. The Raiders went to such illustrious bowl games such as the Wool Bowl, Valley of the Sun Bowl, and the Dixie Rotary Bowl.

This memento is a steal at $4.99.

GRCC In the News, 12-11-17

Change Ups: 7GenAE garners Honor Award for Native Justice Center

Dec. 8, 2017; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… EDUCATION

A Grand Rapids Community College analysis concludes it adds $413.5 million to the Kent County economy and $34.2 million to Ottawa County’s economy. EMSI, a provider of economic impact studies and labor market data, looked at GRCC’s economic impact through its students, employees and alumni.

GVSU receives $1 million grant for STEM scholarships

Dec. 10, 2017; The Holland Sentinel

Grand Valley State University has received a $1 million grant National Science Foundation’s Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program to form a financial help program for low-income science and engineering students.

… Additionally, the project team will enlist area community colleges, including Grand Rapids Community College, Northwestern Michigan College, and Muskegon Community College, to help identify potential RISE scholars at their institutions and provide mentoring for those students before they enroll at Grand Valley.

GVSU announces speakers for 2018 MLK week

Dec. 11, 2017; The Lanthorn (Grand Valley State University’s student newspaper)

Each January, members of the Grand Valley State University community attend events for Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Week, a celebration of the life of King and his work in the civil rights movement. The keynote speakers for January 2018 are April Reign and Bree Newsome, both of whom made waves in 2015 for their efforts to initiate social change.

Bobby Springer, director of the new Pathways to College Office at GVSU, has been working closely with Grand Rapids Community College and Davenport University to host these speakers. According to Springer, Reign and Newsome are in high demand across the country. Newsome first caught his attention two years ago when she made national headlines after climbing to the top of a flagpole to remove a Confederate flag in Columbia, South Carolina.

DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Rapids Names Executive Chef Colin McPhee

Dec. 8, 2017; hotel-online.com

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Dec. 8, 2017) — DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Rapids Airport, welcomes Colin McPhee as executive chef for the hotel restaurant Ganders. Bringing years of experience, dynamic culinary talent and a creative approach to developing unexpected dishes featuring local fare, McPhee will oversee menu development and culinary creations for the hotel and restaurant as well as catering for on-property events and in-room dining. As the first DoubleTree by Hilton in Grand Rapids, Mich., the 226-room property is just minutes away from popular Grand Rapids attractions and Gerald R. Ford International Airport.

… Prior to joining DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Rapids, McPhee most recently served as the sous chef of J.W. Marriott in Grand Rapids where he oversaw various aspects of the food and beverage outlets, including the mentoring of young chefs. His resume also includes time at Gracewill Country Club, Bar Divani and Timbers Inn in Grand Rapids. A lifelong resident of southwestern Michigan, McPhee earned his Associate Degree in Culinary Management and Pastry Certification from the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education.

Dancing with the Local Stars cast list revealed

Dec. 9, 2017; WZZM

MUSKEGON, MICH. – 56 alumni cast members are returning as participants in the 10th annual Dancing with the Local Stars reunion event.

… Sonya Hernandez, Grand Rapids Community College Adjunct Professor & YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids Director of Y Achievers & Youth in Government, 2016