Jan. 21, 2025 Following in his late father’s footsteps, Jonathan Wyckoff teaches an 18-week job training program on how to use Computer Numeric Control (CNC) machines. Wyckoff’s father, Michael Wyckoff, taught the same program at Grand Rapids Community College 42 years ago.  “Teaching is in my family,” Wyckoff said. “My dad taught this same program I’m in. My sister and brother-in-law both teach as well. It felt right when the position became available.”  With the course meeting four days a week for eight and a half hours a day, Wyckoff provides students with a classroom environment that resembles the workday. After his own experience working in the industry, specifically with Herman Miller, Wyckoff reflects on how this program sets students up to thrive when they start their own careers.   “I learned it can be hard to get a good gauge for what the workplace looks like in the classroom. Once a month, we do a tour of different companies so students can see the job spaces to get a good look at what they’re working toward,” Wyckoff said. “This program is four days a week and that’s basically a full-time job. It’s considered job experience. I like to make sure our students work on showing up on time since that’s a big advantage in the workplace. I try to make sure they get to where they need to be on time to practice that skill for the industry.”  In addition to setting his students up for practical success in the workplace, Wyckoff focuses on having fun with every project he introduces to the classroom. Projects have included making lightsabers, as well as Spider-Man and Batman inspired helmets. An upcoming project features a Detroit Lions theme. “I think one of my greatest motivations is to always have fun,” Wyckoff said. “We get to make all types of stuff. We’ve made a large-scale Lego block out of metal that we’ve cut down using our manual tools. Whenever I have students around here, typically I like to have some sort of fun project that I’m working on that students can see to boost their motivation to be able to run this equipment and to like running it as well.”  Wyckoff inspires students to dig into the understanding of the machines by working on manual tool projects in the beginning of the course.  “We work on a lot of manual things to get a feel for the process and then we move to the CNC machines,” Wyckoff said.” I love machining and I love being able to do that every day. With all the machines we have you can almost make whatever you want.” In addition to keeping fun at the forefront of every class, Wyckoff creates an atmosphere in his classrooms where students can come alongside their fellow classmates in a helping capacity.  “I love seeing a drive from students toward leadership. There are times when I call on students to see if they can pull out those training skills and help other students. It’s not a bad thing if you’re not strong in this area, but it’s a good thing to practice at it,” Wyckoff said. “It’s inspiring to see other students helping each other out. I had a group of four students who recently graduated that I could draw from to help their fellow students. Leadership, retaining knowledge, it’s amazing to watch students in this space.”  When Wyckoff isn’t in the classroom teaching students how to use CNC machines, he’s on the water competing in one of the ski competitions he partakes in during the summer months. Along with his team, the Grand City Show Skiers, Wyckoff performs a series of events including the pyramid, jumps, barefooting and different choreographed acts. Wyckoff fondly talked about his experience with the ski team.    “I do a lot with training other skiers on how to do different techniques. The skiing helps me with the teaching and the teaching helps me with the skiing,” Wyckoff said. “I’m having a ton of fun with both!”  Wyckoff brings a youthful and experienced presence to the job training program.  “A lot of the students in my class are a similar age to me. It’s amazing to know your students and for them to feel comfortable around me as well,” Wyckoff said. “I am a very flexible person, and I think they know that I care about how they’re doing in this class. I’m not here to fail people, I’m here for them to get through the class with the tools they need to potentially have a career afterward.”  Learn more about the  Machine Tool/CNC Job Training Program at GRCC.  This story was reported by Anjula Caldwell.

The 2025 celebration has been postponed. The new date will be posted soon. Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) is proud to participate in the 39th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration. This year’s event, titled Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence365, will take place on Monday, January 20, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the historic Fountain Street Church in downtown Grand Rapids. The event promises to be a powerful tribute to Dr. King's legacy and a call to action for continued efforts in promoting justice and equality. The theme reflects Dr. King's commitment to nonviolence as a tool for social change, a principle that continues to resonate today. Keynote Speaker: LaTosha Brown This year’s keynote address will be delivered by LaTosha Brown, a nationally recognized thought leader, cultural activist and expert in Black voting rights and voter suppression. Brown is the co-founder of Black Voters Matter, an organization dedicated to boosting Black voter registration and turnout, as well as empowering marginalized communities. She is also a founder of the Southern Black Girls & Women’s Consortium, a $100 million initiative aimed at uplifting Black women and girls across the South. Brown's inspiring leadership and advocacy for social justice have earned her numerous accolades and recognition, including appearances on major networks like ABC, CBS and CNN. As a passionate advocate for Black women's empowerment, Brown's keynote address will highlight the ongoing fight for equality and offer insights on how communities can come together to protect the values of freedom, justice, and democracy. Honoring the Legacy The evening will include several musical and poetic performances, including a stirring rendition of the Black National Anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing, by the congregation and a moving musical selection by the Grand Rapids Community Choir. The ceremony will feature a tribute to Dr. King's legacy along with remarks from notable Grand Rapids leaders. A historical video presentation will further honor Dr. King’s contributions, followed by the announcement of the Inherit the Dream Scholarships. These scholarships, awarded annually to students committed to community service and diversity, recognize those who embody the spirit of Dr. King’s work in their own lives. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration is free and open to the public. We encourage everyone to attend, reflect on Dr. King's profound impact and engage in meaningful discussions about how to carry his vision forward into the future. Together, we can continue his work to build a just, inclusive and equitable society for all.