GRCC In the News, 12-2-19

College wins $2.1M federal grant for advising system

Nov. 26, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

A local college has received a $2.1 million federal grant to create a more personalized and effective student advising system.

Grand Rapids Community College was one of three Michigan colleges and the only in West Michigan college to receive the five-year 2019 Strengthening Institutions Program grant, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

Grand Rapids Community college to begin water workforce training

Nov. 27, 2019; Water & Wastes Digest

Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) is set to begin a training program focused on jobs related to water, public works, clean energy and river restoration projects.

New job training program to certify workers for city water systems

Nov. 30, 2019; Michigan Radio

Grand Rapids Community College is launching a new job training program to certify people to work on public water infrastructure.

Bank donates $150K for college training program

Nov. 28, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

A college will start a training program focused on jobs related to water, public works, clean energy and river restoration projects after a bank’s $150,000 donation.

After the grant from JPMorgan Chase, GRCC is teaming up with the cities of Grand Rapids and Kentwood, the nonprofit Grand Rapids Whitewater, the Grand Rapids Chamber and the Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority’s Whitewater Project team on the West Michigan Clean Water and Environmental Certifications Program.

College producing Giant Awards

Nov. 29, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

A college that hosts an annual awards ceremony recognizing African-American individuals and organizations has announced this year’s honorees.

The 38th Annual Giant Awards, hosted by Grand Rapids Community College, recognizes honorees for their “exceptional contributions in shaping the history and quality of life of the Grand Rapids community.”

‘Land of Sweets’ comes to DeVos

Dec. 1, 2019; Grand Haven Tribune

GRAND RAPIDS — In Act II of “The Nutcracker Ballet,” the Prince whisks the slumbering Clara away to the Land of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy holds court in a magical land of make believe.

… To celebrate the season, culinary students at Grand Rapids Community College’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education are creating a sugary wonderland filled with ballerinas in stained-glass sugar and bells made from blown sugar in DeVos Performance Hall in December.

Grand Rapids Symphony Presents Exciting Lineup of Events In December

Nov. 26, 2019; Broadway World Detroit

See Grand Rapids Symphony’s full calendar of events for December 2019!

December 5-8 – Fox Motors Pops

WOLVERINE WORLDWIDE HOLIDAY POPS

… The show includes free hot chocolate, photo ops, holiday music in the lobby by area high schools, and an elaborate “Land of Sweets” holiday extravaganza created by Grand Rapids Community College culinary students. Last but not least, one school-age student will be selected at each concert to come up on stage and guest conduct the Grand Rapids Symphony performing “Sleigh Ride.”

Free@3 features Advent Organ Concert

Nov. 27, 2019; The Holland Sentinel

Richard Van Oss will present a recital ushering in the holiday season at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1 as part of the Free@3 Concert Series. He will perform on First Reformed Church’s Casavant organ. The church, which sponsors Free@3, is at 630 State St., Holland.

… (Julia) Cosgrove holds a masters of music in vocal performance from the New England Conservatory in Boston and a degree in performance from Taylor University. She has sung light opera roles, is a frequent soloist in many local churches, is passionate about oratorio music and is known for her 12 annual performances in Handel’s “Messiah” with the Zeeland Civic Chorus. She maintained a private studio in Boston and has previously taught at Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids Community College, and Hope College. She currently series as the director of Care Ministry at First Reformed Church in Holland.

Jewish Theatre to perform ‘Last of the Red Hot Lovers’

Nov. 30, 2019; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — “Last of the Red Hot Lovers,” a comedy written by Neil Simon, is coming to Spectrum Theater this week. Directed by G.M. (Bud) Thompson, this is the latest from Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids.

Reception to introduce LGBTQ+ Think Tank

GRCC’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will introduce its LGBTQ+ Think Tank with a reception before the Actors’ Theatre production of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.”

The LGBTQ+ Think Tank, for GRCC stakeholders who identify as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual and queer communities and their allies, promotes awareness, agency and advocacy.

The reception begins at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at Spectrum Theater. It will be followed by the play, which runs at 8 p.m. Sept. 19 to 21. A limited number of complimentary tickets will be available for GRCC students on a first-come, first-served basis — email ODEI@grcc.edu and tickets will be set aside for you to pick up at the reception. Tickets are also available for purchase on the Actors’ Theatre website.

 

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:

GRCC In the News, 6-10-19

GRCC president discusses role of industry collaboration in higher ed

June 9, 2019; mibiz.com

Since Bill Pink became the tenth president of Grand Rapids Community College two years ago, he has become a leading voice for the state’s network of 28 community colleges. Pink sat down with MiBiz after speaking from the main stage of the Mackinac Policy Conference, an annual gathering of Michigan’s top business and political leaders, to discuss the effect of business executives, education leaders and philanthropy partners coming together to advocate for a better education system.

Change-Ups: ACG Western Michigan Recognized as National Chapter of the Year

June 7, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… SPORTS

Grand Rapids Community College hired Jeff Bauer as the men’s basketball coach. Bauer has experience at the NCAA Division I and II levels, including 11 years at his alma mater, Grand Valley State University. Bauer will be the eighth coach since 1965 to coach GRCC’s men’s basketball team. He replaces Luke Bronkema, who had a successful three-year run with two national tournament appearances: a sixth-place finish in 2017 and eighth-place finish in 2018.

Spotlight on the News Special: Inside the 2019 Mackinac Policy Conference & its “One Michigan” theme

June 7, 2019; WXYZ

MACKINAC ISLAND, MI. — On Sunday, June 9, Spotlight on the News will broadcast its 2019 Mackinac Policy Conference special from the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. The 30 minute broadcast will include a smorgasbord of leaders from Michigan and elsewhere. From Chamber President Sandy Baruah to government leaders such as Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield, State Attorney General Dana Nessel, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to ABC News Political Analyst Matthew Dowd and Grand Rapids Community College President Dr. Bill Pink, tune in for their very candid insights and comments.

GRCC reps ‘raid’ high school to share college info

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

Union High School juniors Jashiya Moore and Ronjaia McIntosh said they feel excited and nervous about going to college.

… Jashiya and Ronjaia — students who will have college paid for through the Challenge Scholars program — are not alone in having a mix of emotions as they look ahead to college. So Grand Rapids Community College representatives are working to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Mayville’s Rutter inks with Grand Rapids Community College

June 9, 2019; The County Press (Lapeer)

MAYVILLE — From left to right James Brooks, Shelly Brooks, Mayville senior, Alexis Rutter, Coach Brian Skudre and Mayville Head Coach Andrew Morrison are all smiles as Lexi signs her national letter-of-intent to play softball at Grand Rapids Community College Thursday.

Leaving his mark

June 7, 2019; The Daily News (Greenville)

IONIA — Tyler Hausserman is finishing up his high school golfing career how every golfer his age would like to — at the state finals, which takes place today and tomorrow.

… Hausserman is the first golfer under (coach Bryan) Wetherwax’s six years of tutelage to sign with a college team, signing a letter of intent with Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) May 15.

To cap it off

June 7, 2019; schoolnewsnetwork.org 

The Thursday evening before graduation, Lee High School was abuzz with activity as 84 seniors — nervous, excited and anxious to finish the school year — presented their capstone projects to panels of volunteer judges.

… “I think it’s really important to protect the bonds that families need to have,” said Melissa (Montiel), who plans to attend Grand Rapids Community College this fall, then transfer to a four-year school.

‘Church & State’ tackles tough issues on stage

June 7, 2019; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — For ten days in June, Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids is taking on tough issues through their performance of “Church and State.” The play, by Jason Odell, deals with school shootings and gun control discussions in politics.

Performances will be at Grand Rapids Community College’s Spectrum Theatre’s main stage. They will be held at 8 p.m on June 13, 15, 20 and 22. There will also be performances at 3 p.m. on June 16 and 23.

GRCC In the News, 4-18-19

Schwannecke inks with GVSU

April 18, 2019; Traverse City Record-Eagle

TRAVERSE CITY — Traverse City Central standout athlete Tobin Schwannecke could hear the clock ticking down the time he had left to make a college decision.

… Riley Sullivan (baseball) signed with Macomb Community College, Sam Schmitt (baseball) signed with Grand Rapids Community College, Matt Henkel (tennis) signed with Hope College and Jordon Christopher (track) inked with Adrian.

‘The Wolves’ puts you on a girls soccer team

April 16, 2019; Grand Rapids Magazine

An award-winning play opening this week revolves around the discussions on a high school girls soccer team.

… Presented by Actors’ Theatre, the performances will be at GRCC’s Spectrum Theater downtown, at 160 Fountain St. NE.

GRCC In the News, 2-26-19

Business owner Michael B. Johnson honored as 2019 Giant Among Giants

Feb. 24, 2019; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Michael B. Johnson Sr., a philanthropist and business owner whose wide-ranging interests range from sponsoring youth sports to interior design, a cappella singing and nature photography, has been named this year’s Giant Among Giants in the annual Grand Rapids Community College awards program.

West Michigan Lecture Series Tackles Social Issues

Feb. 11, 2019; mibluesperspectives.com (Blue Cross Blue Shield newsletter)

For more than 20 years, a simple lecture series with lofty goals has attracted notable authors, philosophers, poets, media personalities and at least one former president to Grand Rapids.

Grand Rapids Community College’s Diversity Lecture Series seeks to provide insight and understanding of multicultural issues to students and the broader West Michigan community. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is a sponsor of the series, which returns this Wednesday.

Change Ups: River City Improv marks 25th year

Feb. 22, 2019; Grand Rapids Business Journal

… EDUCATION

Noorthoek Academy announced the addition of the following board members: Paul Dymowski, director of center programs for Kent Intermediate School District; Jan Ver Merris, retired special education teacher and high school guidance counselor; Victoria Smalley, estate planning attorney at Bolhouse, Hofstee, & McLean in Grandville; Ric Underhile, associate vice president for the Office of Advancement at Aquinas College; and Tina Hoxie, associate provost and dean of student affairs at Grand Rapids Community College.

Denuncian que activista pro inmigrante, protegido por DACA fue arrestado por ICE en Grand Rapids

Feb. 23, 2019; El Vocero

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN (EVH) .-Un movimiento pro inmigrante dio a conocer que en una redada hecha por ICE al comienzo de esta semana, uno de sus activistas, protegido bajo DACA, fue arrestado junto a su madre y recluido en Battle Creek.

… Familiares de Reyes, quienes también concurrieron a la rueda de prensa, dijeron que Brandon se mudó a Estados Unidos con su madre de México a los 6 años y ha vivido en Michigan desde el 2003. El activista estudió diseño gráfico en Grand Rapids Community College antes de trabajar con HealthNet West Michigan, una organización de acceso a la salud.

(A pro-immigrant movement reported that in a raid by ICE earlier this week, one of its activists, protected under DACA, ws arrested along with his mother and held in Battle Creek.

… Relatives of (Brandon) Reyes, who also attended the press conference, said that Brandon moved to the United States with his mother from Mexico at age 6 and has lived in Michigan since 2003. The activist studied graphic design at Grand Rapids Community College before working with HealthNet West Michigan, an access health organization.)

‘Special delivery:’ Letter arrives 45 years later

Feb. 21, 2019; WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A Grand Rapids man found a decades-old letter in his mailbox Thursday that had been sent to the address well before he lived there.

… She (Mary Vaughan Brady) told 24 Hour News 8 that she was 19 years old when she wrote the letter. In June 1974, she had just graduated from community college in Grand Rapids. Her wedding was set for later that year, so she a friend decided to take a trip through Europe beforehand.

Local theatre performing ‘Bad Jews’ by Joshua Harmon in Grand Rapids

Feb. 23, 2019; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids has been around since 1992, and has been performing shows with Jewish themes ever since. This year is no different. From February 27- March 10, Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids is performing “Bad Jews.”

… All performances will take place at Spectrum Theatre, 160 Fountain Street NE, on campus at Grand Rapids Community College.

 

Find ArtPrize entries at Spectrum Theater, Collins Art Gallery

ArtPrize starts today, and you can explore two venues on the GRCC Main Campus.

Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain St. NE, is open 1-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

The Collins Art Gallery, on the 4th floor of the Main Building at 143 Bostwick Ave. NE, is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Many ArtPrize entries at other venues have GRCC connections:

• GRCC biology professor Paul Krieger’s ArtPrize entry — three illustrations entitled “True to Life” — can be seen at First Park Congregational Church, 10 E. Park Place NE.
• Filippo Tagliati, an associate professor in the Visual Arts Department, and his team have “Belt” on display at the SiTE:LAB venue, 415 Franklin St. SE. They received a Frey Foundation Artist Seed Grant to produce the piece.

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GRCC In the News, 9-20-18

New Western Michigan manufacturing lab open in Grand Rapids

Sept. 19, 2018; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — A new $3 million manufacturing lab for Western Michigan University students is open in Grand Rapids.

… The university announced a collaboration a year ago with Grand Rapids Community College and West Michigan manufactures addressing industry needs, the release said.

News Channel 3 at 6 p.m.

Sept. 19, 2018; WWMT

Beginning next week, Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson will launch a new effort to get more college kids to register to vote. A mobile office will tour the state and make a few stops here. It’ll visit Grand Rapids Community College on Monday.

UIX: Sustainable printing in Grand Rapids goes back decades before B Corps were cool

Sept. 20, 2018; rapidgrowthmedia.com

Imagine someone hands you a business card. A rectangle about three-and-a-half inches long and two inches wide. Their name is embossed on the front, their company and phone number.

… Local partnerships are a mainstay of Crop Marks’ business, which handles print projects for Experience Grand Rapids, Local First, Grand Valley State University, Kendall College of Art and Design, and Grand Rapids Community College, as well as the City of Grand Rapids, the City of Walker, and Kent County.

Dan and Faran put their artistic skills to the test in 13 ON YOUR SIDE ArtPrize competition

Sept. 19, 2018; WZZM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The 13 ON YOUR SIDE Mornings team launched their coverage of ArtPrize 10 from the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Wednesday, Sept. 19, with their own version of the contest.

… Arbor Circle’s ArtPrize entry was created by youth receiving the community based services. It’s a group of masks created by youth ranging from age 5 to 17. They are all on display together at GRCC’s Spectrum Theatre. Click here to learn more about the entry.

GRCC In the News, 9-19-18

Morning News at 5:30 p.m.

Sept. 19, 2018; WZZM

(Representatives from Arbor Circle appeared on the show to judge an art competition between the anchors and to talk about an ArtPrize entry that kids in the program created for display at Spectrum Theater.)

 

Spectrum Theater gets hearing loop system

Deaf and hard-of-hearing children — and their parents, teachers and friends — are invited to a free performance of “Snow White, the Queen’s Fair Daughter” to celebrate a new hearing loop system installed in Spectrum Theater.

The theater’s hearing loop system, which sends a wireless signal that is picked up by hearing aids, was funded through a donation by Quota International of Grand Rapids in memory of lifelong member Eleanor Roberts.

Circle Theatre will present “Snow White: The Queen’s Fair Daughter” by Max Bush at 7 p.m. June 30 at Spectrum Theater. To reserve tickets, call (616) 805-4381 or email kathleenslagal@att.net with your name, number of tickets requested and contact information. Interpreters will be provided for this performance.

“This hearing loop system will greatly improve accessibility for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community when using our theater,” said Sarah Rose, program director for GRCC’s Disability Support Services.

“We are so thankful for the partnership we have with Quota International. In addition to this generous donation, Quota also supports our students through a Quota International Scholarship offered through the GRCC Foundation.”

Quota President Sue Scharf said the organization is proud to be part of the Spectrum Theater project in commemoration of Roberts.

“We were excited to hear about the project as Quota’s mission is to improve communication for the Deaf and hard of hearing,” Scharf said. “Eleanor was passionate about helping the Deaf community, and she also loved theatre. We thought the Spectrum Theatre project would be a perfect memorial for her.”

The play that will debut the hearing loop system is based on the Snow White story as it was told to the Brothers Grimm in 1808. It abounds with adventures and new friends made as part of Snow White’s time in the woods.