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 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

New Lothrop graduate competes at GRCC

Autumn Severn

Sophomore Autumn Severn competed in her second season for Grand Rapids Community College. Severn played and started in all 39 matches for the Raiders this season. Severn led the Raiders in assists (1,0001), 3rd on the team in digs (313) and 5th on the team in service aces (26). Severn helped lead the Raiders to a Conference, State and Region XII Championship, as well as a trip to the NJCAA DII National Championships. The GRCC Raiders finished 6th place overall at the tournament, which is tied for the programs second highest finish at the national championships and an overall finish of 31-8. In addition to excelling on the court, Severn excelled in the classroom. She was named a 2nd Team NJCAA Academic All-Academic as well as academic All-MCCAA and academic All-Conference.

Student-Athletes interested in competing for one of GRCC’s 8 athletic teams should fill out a recruiting questionnaire at www.grccraiders.com

Thornapple Kellogg graduates compete at GRCC

Dakota Phillips

Samantha White

Freshman Samantha White competed in her first season for the GRCC Raiders volleyball team this past fall.  White helped lead the Raiders to a Conference, State and Region XII Championship, as well as a trip to the NJCAA DII National Championships. The GRCC Raiders finished 6th place overall at the tournament, which is tied for the programs second highest finish at the national championships and an overall finish of 31-8.

Freshman Dakota Phillips competed in his first season for the GRCC Raiders baseball team. Phillips started in 30 games for the Raiders this year, recording 16 RBI’s, 4 doubles, 2 triples and 3 home runs, paired with a .280 batting average. Phillips helped the Raiders to a 4th place finish in the MCCAA Western Conference

Student-Athletes interested in competing for one of GRCC’s 8 athletic teams should fill out a recruiting questionnaire at www.grccraiders.com

Grand Haven graduates compete for GRCC

Cassidy Schumacher

Lauren Jonker

Freshman Lauren Jonker and Sophomore Cassidy Schumacher both competed in their first season for the GRCC Raiders. Jonker finished 5th on the team with kills (124), and 3rd on the team in blocks with (50). Jonker played in 39 matches and 107 sets for the Raiders. Schumacher played in 26 matches and 36 sets. She recorded 43 kills and 32 digs. The Grand Haven duo helped lead the Raiders to a Conference, State and Region XII Championship, as well as a trip to the NJCAA DII National Championships. The GRCC Raiders finished 6th place overall at the tournament, which is tied for the programs second highest finish at the national championships and an overall finish of 31-8. In addition to helping the Raiders excel on the volleyball court, Schumacher excelled in the classroom as she was named academic All-MCCAA and academic All-Conference. Schumacher recently signed to continue her academic and athletic career at Hope College next fall.

Student-Athletes interested in competing for one of GRCC’s 8 athletic teams should fill out a recruiting questionnaire at www.grccraiders.com

Coopersville High School graduates compete for GRCC

Brooke Klein

Kayla Salyer

Sophomore Kayla Salyer competed in her second season for the GRCC Raiders volleyball team. Salyer helped lead the Raiders to a Conference, State and Region XII Championship, as well as a trip to the NJCAA DII National Championships. The GRCC Raiders finished 6th place overall at the tournament, which is tied for the programs second highest finish at the national championships and an overall finish of 31-8. In addition to excelling on the volleyball court, Salyer was named NJCAA 3rd team All-Academic, Academic All-MCCAA and Academic All-Western Conference.

Freshman Brooke Klein competed in her first season for the GRCC Raiders softball team. Chipman played and started in all 27 games this season, batting .167 with 6 hits, 3 doubles, and 3 rbi.

Student-Athletes interested in competing for one of GRCC’s 8 athletic teams should fill out a recruiting questionnaire at www.grccraiders.com

Saranac High School graduates compete for GRCC

Andi Chipman

Emma Pachulski

Sophomore Andi Chipman competed in her second season of softball for the GRCC Raiders. Chipman was named All-Conference Honorable Mention after her sophomore season. Chipman played and started in all 41 games this season, batting .368 with 46 hits, 3 doubles, 2 triples and 17 rbi.In addition to excelling on the field, Chipman excelled in the classroom as she was named Academic All-Conference.

Freshman Emma Pachulski competed in her first season of volleyball for the GRCC Raiders. Pachulski helped lead the Raiders to a Conference, State and Region XII Championship, as well as a trip to the NJCAA DII National Championships. The GRCC Raiders finished 6th place overall at the tournament, which is tied for the programs second highest finish at the national championships. Pachulski finished the season 6th in kills with 112, and 5th in kills per set with 1.29. In addition to helping the Raiders excel on the volleyball court, Pachulski excelled in the classroom. She was named NJCAA 2nd team All-Academic, academic All-MCCAA and academic All-Conference.

Student-Athletes interested in competing for one of GRCC’s 8 athletic teams should fill out a recruiting questionnaire at www.grccraiders.com

Kenowa Hills High School graduates compete for GRCC

Lindsey Glaz

Ryan Skislak

Sophomore Lindsey Glaz competed in her second season for the GRCC Raiders volleyball team. Glaz helped lead the Raiders to a Conference, State and Region XII Championship, as well as a trip to the NJCAA DII National Championships. The GRCC Raiders finished 6th place overall at the tournament, which is tied for the programs second highest finish at the national championships.

Lindsey has signed a National Letter of Intent to continue her academic and athletic career at Aquinas college.

Sophomore Ryan Skislak competed in his second season for the GRCC Raiders golf team. Skislak was named All-MCCAA after help lead the Raiders to a Conference, State and Regional Championship. The Raiders competed in the national tournament and finished 14th overall.

Student-Athletes interested in competing for one of GRCC’s 8 athletic teams should fill out a recruiting questionnaire at www.grccraiders.com

Rockford High School graduates compete for GRCC

Kendra DeJonge

Mykayla Vallad

Freshman Mykayla Vallad and Sophomore Kendra DeJonge for the Raider volleyball team this past fall. DeJonge finished 1st on the team in kills (509), Digs (428) and service aces (52). Vallad was 7th on the team in service aces with 24. Vallad and DeJonge helped lead the Raiders to a Conference, State and Region XII Championship, as well as a trip to the NJCAA DII National Championships. The GRCC Raiders finished 6th place overall at the tournament, which is tied for the programs second highest finish at the national championships. At the conclusion of the season DeJonge was named 1st team All-Conference, Conference Player of The Year, All-MCCAA, All-Region, NJCAA 1st team All-American, AVCA 3rd Team All-American, NJCAA Region XII All-Tournament team MVP and NJCAA Nationals All-Tournament Team. In addition to excelling on the volleyball court, DeJonge was named academic All-MCCAA and Academic All-Conference. DeJonge recently signed an LOI to play volleyball at Davenport University.

Grant Erbes

Joel Wilson

Hannah Jefferis

Freshman Joel Wilson and Hannah Jefferis competed this past fall for the GRCC Cross Country team. Hannah Jefferis was named All-Region, All-MCCAA and MCCAA All-Freshman team. Jefferis placed herself in the GRCC record books as a top ten runner, finishing with a time of 20:09.

Both Wilson and Jefferis competed in the NJCAA DI National Championships. Wilson finished with a time of 30:38. Jefferis finished with a time of 21:16 at the National Championships.

Rockford graduate Grant Erbes competed this past spring for the GRCC Raiders baseball team. Erbes helped the Raiders to a 4th place finish in the MCCAA Western Conference.

Student-Athletes interested in competing for one of GRCC’s 8 athletic teams should fill out a recruiting questionnaire at http://www.grccraiders.com

Lakewood High School graduates compete for GRCC

Aaron Kietzman

Sierra Stoepker

Sophomores Aaron Kietzman and Sierra Stoepker recently competed in their second season on the softball team for GRCC.

Both Kietzman and Stoepker were starters for the Raiders and earned postseason recognition. Sierra Stoepker was named 2nd team All-Conference and Aaron Kietzman was named Honorable Mention All-Conference. Stoepker was first on the team in HBP (9), Slug % (.654), and was second in doubles and RBI.

Kietzman was first on the team in steals (11) and total bases (64) and 3rd in batting average. In addition to excelling on the field, Kietzman and Stoepker excelled in the classroom. Kietzman was named a 3rd team academic All-American, and both Kietzman and Stoepker were named academic All-Conference and Academic All-MCCAA.

Breanna Wickerink

Katelynn Kietzman

Freshman Katelynn Kietzman and Breanna Wickerink competed in their first season for the Raider volleyball team. Kietzman finished 4th on the team in digs (305), and service aces (29). Wickerink finished 3rd on the team with kills (213) and 6th on the team in total blocks (43). Kietzman and Wickerink helped lead the Raiders to a Conference, State and Region XII Championship, as well as a trip to the NJCAA DII National Championships. The GRCC Raiders finished 6th place overall at the tournament, which is tied for the programs second highest finish at the national championships. At the conclusion of the season Wickerink was named 2nd team all-conference, Lincoln Land Invitational All-Tournament team, and NJCAA Region XII All-Tournament team. In addition to excelling on the volleyball court, Kietzman was named Academic All-Conference.

Student-Athletes interested in competing for one of GRCC’s 8 athletic teams should fill out a recruiting questionnaire at www.grccraiders.com

 

Fruitport High School graduates competing at GRCC

Allyson German

Kelsie Schultz

Sophomores Kelsie Schultz and Allyson German finished their second season competing for the GRCC Raiders. Schultz and German helped lead the Raiders to a Conference, State and Regional Championship, as well as a trip to the NJCAA Division II National Championships. The GRCC Raiders finished 6th place overall at the tournament, which is tied for the programs second highest finish at the national championships.

The Fruitport duo had a strong sophomore season. Schultz, as the starting libero, led the Raiders in digs per set with 3.68 and finished second on the team in digs with 386, and 3rd on the team in service aces with 31. Schultz concluded the season by being named Honorable Mention All-Conference as well as being named to the NJCAA Division II Region XII All-Tournament Team. German finished her second season as the starting middle for the Raiders. She was second on the team in total blocks with 67 as well as leading the Raiders in hitting efficiency with .287.German concluded the season by being named 1st team All-Conference. In addition to excelling on the court, German excelled in the classroom by being named academic All-MCCAA, Academic All-Conference and a 3rd Team NJCAA All- Academic.

Student-Athletes interested in competing for one of GRCC’s 8 athletic teams should fill out a recruiting questionnaire at www.grccraiders.com

Jenison High School graduates competing at GRCC

Carter Chylek

John Huistra

Jenna Smaby

Sophomore Jenna Smaby competed in her second season season for the Raiders this past fall. Smaby helped lead the Raiders to a Conference, State and Region XII Championship, as well as a trip to the NJCAA DII National Championships. The GRCC Raiders finished 6th place overall at the tournament, which is tied for the programs second highest finish at the national championships.

Sophomore John Huistra and Freshman Carter Chylek competed this past spring for the GRCC Raiders. Huistra and Chylek helped the Raiders to a 4th place finish in the MCCAA Western Conference. In addition to excelling on the field, freshman Carter Chylek was named Academic All-Conference.

Student-Athletes interested in competing for one of GRCC’s 8 athletic teams should fill out a recruiting questionnaire at www.grccraiders.com

 

Comstock Park graduates compete at GRCC

Sam Borisch

Sophomore Sam Borisch finished running Cross Country for the Raiders this past fall. Borisch was named NJCAA Division I All-Region and All-MCCAA. This season, Sam placed himself in the #1 spot in the Raider record book for top 20 best times. On October 27, Sam ran a career and program best time of 25:54.9 at the MCCAA/Region meet. Borisch finished 3rd overall out of 80 runners, and helped the Cross Country team to a 3rd place team finish. Borisch also competed in the NJCAA DI National Championships, where he finished with a program best time of 27:20 and placed 36th overall. Sam has committed to continue his academic and athletic career at Wayne State University.

Danielle Johnson

Freshman Danielle Johnston competed in her first season for the Raiders this past fall. Johnston was named NJCAA DII All-Region, All-MCCAA, 1st team All-Conference, All-Freshman Team, and NJCAA DII Region XII All-Tournament team. Johnston finished the season second on the team with 322 kills, 5th in digs with 247, and 5th on the team in blocks with 46. Johnston helped lead the Raiders to a Conference, State and Region XII Championship, as well as a trip to the NJCAA DII National Championships. The GRCC Raiders finished 6th place overall at the tournament, which is tied for the programs second highest finish at the national championships. In addition to excelling on the volleyball court, Johnston was named academic All-Conference and academic All-MCCAA.

Austin Bayer

Sophomore Austin Bayer competed in his second season for the Raiders this spring. Bayer helped the Raiders to a Conference and Region Championship. The Raiders also qualified and competed in the NJCAA DII National Championship where they finished 14th overall.

Student-Athletes interested in competing for one of GRCC’s 8 athletic teams should fill out a recruiting questionnaire at www.grccraiders.com

GRCC In the News, 6-12-19

Highlights of the 2019-20 budget approved by GRCC Trustees

June 11, 2019; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees has unanimously approved a $112.3 million operating budget for the 2019-20 academic year

GRCC partners with HexArmor to create 49 new jobs

June 11, 2019; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees approved a $324,875 Michigan New Jobs Training Program agreement Monday with HexArmor, a global provider of personal protective equipment.

Overcoming homelessness to get her degree, she’s ready to help others

June 11, 2019; schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District)

Five years after sharing her story about growing up in poverty,  a mature, confident, 22-year-old Jordan Lovett walked into a local coffee shop. She had graduated days earlier from Grand Valley State University with a bachelor’s degree in social work.

… I checked in with Lovett the next winter.  She was struggling as a freshman at Aquinas College. Her grades weren’t great and she was stressed out trying to work, pay the bills, and complete 18 credits. She had already enrolled in Grand Rapids Community College for the next semester, to save money. She was one of many students in college who have the imposter feeling of, “I don’t belong here.” I wrote her second story as a bigger piece about how barriers for low-income college students don’t end at the Admissions Office door.

Sushi caterer rolls with purpose

June 11, 2019; Grand Rapids Magazine

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.

… In the U.S., while learning English as a second language, Anu completed ninth grade through high school — where she met her now-husband Aceu Thawng, who immigrated to Grand Rapids in 2008. Anu then earned a pre-social work degree from Grand Rapids Community College.

Chess players gain focus, swagger

June 11, 2019; schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District)

After winning the chess tournament at Comstock Park High School for two years running, Senior Stephen Riley could walk through commencement with a bit of swagger.

… “No one thought I was going to win,” says Stephen, who will go on to classes at Grand Rapids Community College this fall. “I didn’t even think I would win.”

Bucs, Lakers and Trojans represent as All-Stars

June 12, 2019; Grand Haven Tribune

Local volleyball seniors had the chance to suit up one last time in their school colors Tuesday as Muskegon Community College hosted an All-Star game for outgoing players.

… Across the board, the local all-stars will be continuing their careers at the collegiate level. Paulsen and Carlyle got an early introduction to their new home Tuesday, as they will take their talents to play for the Jayhawks this fall. Zenas is set to set at Hillsdale College, while Strohmeyer will continue to terminate points for Lake Superior State University. (Kailey) Carmean and (Kylie) Oberlin plan to remain teammates while attending Grand Rapids Community College and Core will bring the heat at Hope College.

Students receive $500 scholarships from Sparrow Ionia Hospital Foundation

June 11, 2019; Ionia Sentinel-Standard

IONIA COUNTY — Eight students pursuing careers in health care each received $500 in scholarships from Sparrow Ionia Hospital Foundation.

… Scholarship recipients for 2019 are:

… Jeffrey Puehler from Belding High School — attending Grand Rapids Community College for a nurse practitioner degree.

Grand Rapids school board approves interim superintendent contract

June 11, 2019; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Grand Rapids school board approved a contract Monday, June 10, for Ronald Gorman to serve as interim superintendent when Teresa Weatherall Neal retires effective July 1.

(This article doesn’t mention it, but Ronald Gorman is a GRCC alumnus.)

The Women’s Coalition of Motorcyclists Announces the Train-the-trainer scholarship

June 11, 2019; WHFB

In pursuit of the goal of doubling the number of female motorcycle riders by 2020, the Women’s Coalition of Motorcyclists (WCM) has established a train-the-trainer scholarship program in partnership with the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning and Michigan Rider Education Program. The scholarship program will allow for up to 10 WCM paid members to attend the RiderCoach Preparation course to become a certified motorcycle safety coach. In Michigan, only 11 percent (27 of 235) of certified RiderCoaches are female.

…  For an application for the Grand Rapids Community College Motorcycle Rider Education Program visit: (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0ByIXC151xB1idkw5Qzlfd3hzcTZxMlVCVnh1ZVJJR3c2T0lv/view )

Jewish Theatre’s “Church & State” combines real-life topics with comedy

June 11, 2019; FOX 17

Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids is combining real, serious topics and comedy in their latest production, “Church & State.”

… The play will be performed at GRCC Spectrum Theatre on the following dates: