Sept. 30, 2022, STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College's women's cross country team cruised to victory at the Oakland Raider Invitational with three runners finishing in the top six on Friday while the men's team also was victorious; and in dramatic fashion. GRCC's women's team, ranked No. 6 in the first U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association poll of the season, dominated the field of 13 teams, beating second place Southwestern Michigan College by 22 points; 49 to 71. All-American runners Kaylee Scott and Audrey Meyering along with Rose Meyer finished second, fourth and sixth in the 5-kilometer race with times of 20:07, 20:11 and 20:32. The field consisted of 80 runners from the Michigan Community College Athletic Association. Six of GRCC’s seven runners all ran personal bests for the season, including freshman Zoe Zawacki, who ran 7:37 faster than her first collegiate race. “Kaylee and Audrey ran a strong race together,” coach Sharon Becker said. “I’m thrilled that they were able to help each other power through almost every step together. Audrey was a little dissatisfied that she was unable to hold off the third-place finisher, who passed her at the very end. But moments like that are great ones to learn from. Audrey will be working on her finish kick the next few practices. Becker said she is proud of all of the student-athletes on her team. “Each of them ran an excellent race with their efforts for their last mile of the race continuing to be strong,” she said. “I saw every one of the women Raiders pass competitors or keep their pace so that they were giving every effort to reach the finish line as fast they could possibly go. I’m proud of our team and their commitment to each other and to helping each other. Today was a beautiful day and it was very fun to coach the team.” The men's title came down to the untraditional tiebreaker rule. With GRCC and St. Clair County Community College tied at 59, the race was determined by how each team's sixth-best runner did. By a mere eight seconds, GRCC's Lucas Schneider defeated St. Clair's sixth runner 28:36 to 28:44. “Wild race today!” men’s coach Rob Hyde said. “We had some season-bests today and some not season bests.  What that created was our pack was closer together than normal.  Looking back, that was a blessing in disguise.” Freshman Mason Kolhoff continued his fantastic freshman season, finishing second overall with a time of 26:48, tying his personal best. Andrew Periard was second on the team with a time of 28:02, finishing in 13th place. GRCC is next scheduled to compete in the Muskegon Community College Invitational on Oct. 15.  

Sept.30, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Whether virtual or in person, Dr. Nathan Lindy, builds connections with students, focusing on the success of each one. Lindy, a GRCC physical sciences assistant professor, originally wanted to teach in the K-12 system, but later decided to teach at the college level.  “The strength of the GRCC physical sciences program is the smaller class sizes, where students are able to interact with their actual instructor,” he said.  “Designing teachable labs is hard work and time intensive,” he said. Lindy focuses on building time into labs to connect with students and help them through the material. Using those teaching moments to build bonds with students and learn from them –making him a better teacher.  “My father always taught me to explore the world around me (and beyond), and I’m doing that every day with my physics students at GRCC,” he said.  A former student of Lindy’s shares that though physics is a tough subject, and students should plan to do a lot of studying and be prepared for class, Lindy is very helpful during class and his office hours.  “Dr. Lindy is one of those professors who genuinely cares about your performance in the class as well as your well-being,” they said. Learn PH 115 Technical Physics, PH 245 Calculus Physics 1, and PH 246 Calculus Physics with Lindy at GRCC this winter. Registration is open and classes start Jan. 9, 2022.

Sept. 29, 2022, MUSKEGON, Mich. -- The Grand Rapids Community College volleyball team stayed perfect in conference play, and won its 10th match in a row with a 3-1 victory over Muskegon Community College on Thursday. GRCC beat the rival 26-24, 18-25, 25-21, 25-21. "The team came in with a positive attitude and carried that positive attitude throughout the whole game," freshman Lexi Heavner said. “We didn't let the crowd bother us and we played the game we know how to play. Today proved that we are capable of greatness this season." GRCC had three players reach career-highs in the win; Karissa Ferry, Eliza Thelen and Audrey Gower. Ferry had five blocks and Thelen had eight, including two solo blocks. Gower had 32 digs, including 12 in the third set. One of the biggest keys to the victory was the comeback by GRCC in the third set.  With Muskegon up 17-11, the team went on a 10-0 run, all with Gower behind the service line, and wound up stealing the set 25-21. Audrey Torres led the team in kills with 15 including seven in the final set. Kara Hecht added 13 kills and Ferry finished with 10. Shannon Russell finished with the lone double-double on the team with 40 assists and 14 digs. GRCC, now 10-2 on the season and 6-0 in conference play, have just one day off before the annual Raider Challenge on Oct. 1 and 2.  The Raiders first match will begin at noon and they will face former conference foe Kellogg Community College.  

Sept. 29, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Grand Rapids Community College’s Communications team earned top honors from a national college and communications and marketing organization for efforts including sharing how the Michigan Reconnect program can transform lives. The award was among 17 Medallion Awards earned by GRCC and presented by the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations District 3, which includes community, technical and junior colleges in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin and the Canadian province of Ontario. The GRCC team earned seven Gold Medallions, six silver awards and four bronze awards, presented Wednesday at the organization’s conference in Chicago. “It’s an honor to tell the stories of GRCC students, colleagues and programs,” Communications Director Dave Murray said. “They inspire us to do our best, and we hope their stories inspire others to start an educational journey that will change their lives.” The Communications Department is part of the GRCC College Advancement team, directed by Dr. Kathryn Mullins, vice president for College Advancement and executive director of the GRCC Foundation. The Michigan Reconnect awareness campaign included student profiles that were highlighted by the state government and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, social media campaigns, outdoor advertising and other materials telling people about the program, which covers the cost of in-state tuition for residents age 25 and older. The GRCC Foundation’s Annual Report was among the Gold Medallion winners. It’s the third year in a row the annual report, which shares how students and the greater community benefit from foundation support, has earned a top NCMPR honor. GRCC also earned: A Gold Medallion for flyers sharing how the TRIO Educational Opportunities connect students with college resources A Gold Medallion for the 2022 Commencement program. A Gold Medallion for a poster promoting “Eurdyice,” a performance by the GRCC Players. A Gold Medallion for the “You Think You Know GRCC” television ad, a collaboration with the GRCC Media Technologies team. A Gold Medallion in the Special Event or Fundraising Campaign for “One Day, Four Ribbons Cut,” last year’s celebration of the renovations to Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall, the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center, Steven C. Ender Hall and the Custer Alumni House. A Silver Medallion for holiday cards that highlight students in the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education’s retail baking class. A Silver Medallion for the college’s two viewbooks. A Silver Medallion for the new package students receive when they are accepted to GRCC. A Silver Medallion for the design of the mural on the first floor of Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall. A Silver Medallion in the long-form writing category for a profile of former cross country assistant coach Stephanie Thomas, who returned to GRCC as 27-year-old, joined the cross country team, became an All-American who set a school record that still stands. A Silver Medallion for the @grandrapidscc Instagram account. A Bronze Medallion for an e-card telling donors about the Armen Oudmedian Consecutive Giving Club. A Bronze Medallion for the design of the grcc.edu website. A Bronze Medallion for the design of a logo for the Secchia Institute’s team participating in the NASA HUNCH competition. A Bronze Medallion in the short-form writing category for sharing the story of Seth Noyes, a student who was motivated to succeed after being placed on academic suspension.

Sept. 28, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. –  Audrey Gower, of the first-place Grand Rapids Community College volleyball team, was named Michigan Community College Athletic Association Northern Conference Defensive Player of the Week.  Gower,  a third-year libero from Dimondale, compiled 44 digs and three service aces in three victories for the Raiders last week, all in straight sets. In a doubleheader at Alpena Community College Gower reached the 600-dig milestone, averaging just under five per-set in her five sets of action. Against Delta College, Gower had a  three-set match  career high of 21 digs. "Audrey's a special player," associate coach David Rawles said. “Her grit, fight and will to lay it all out there help her be one of the best defensive players we have ever had at GRCC." Since dropping its first two matches of the season, GRCC has won nine straight, including five in the conference. GRCC will travel to Muskegon Community College on Sept. 29 in a 6:30 p.m. match that will determine the outright lead in the conference as Muskegon is also undefeated. 

Sept. 28, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Come for ArtPrize, then see some of GRCC’s prized art! The campus proudly displays artwork from Grand Rapids artists who are known around the world. There are three paintings from Mathias J. Alten exhibited at GRCC. Alten emigrated from Germany to Michigan as a young man in 1889. He honed his creative skills as a furniture decorator, and took on commissions to decorate local buildings. By 1899 he established a studio and school in Grand Rapids and became one of the region’s most respected artists, specializing in landscapes, seascapes and portraits. Alten’s portrait of Lt. Avery C. Gilleo has special meaning for GRCC, and hangs outside the Veterans Center at level G2 of Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall. Gilleo was among the 49 students enrolled in the inaugural class of what was then Grand Rapids Junior College before enlisting in the Michigan National Guard, and was eventually deployed to France during World War I, and was promoted to the rank of captain. Capt. Gilleo married his GRJC classmate Eleanore Alten – the artist’s eldest daughter. Avery and Eleanor were the parents of Dr. M. Alten Gilleo and Anita Gilleo, who where both GRJC graduates. Two of Alten’s landscapes are on display in Steven C. Ender Hall on GRCC’s DeVos Campus. Michigan Autumn was painted in 1934, and Flowers in a Green Glass Bowl was painted in 1933. All three paintings were generously donated to GRCC by Anita Gilleo. GRCC displays many Paul Collins paintings and prints, with his work hanging in nearly every building on campus. Collins was born in Muskegon but moved to Grand Rapids as a child. He has traveled and painted extensively in the United States and around the world, and his work has been featured in exhibits in 22 states and 13 countries. Collins has long been a GRCC supporter. The gallery was named in his honor in 2003 and is dedicated to providing diverse, high-quality exhibitions for the education and inspiration of the college and the community. “My life and my work is not art about art -- it’s about art that can save us all from destroying each other,” Collins said in 2019. “It’s art that will help show respect for all brothers and sisters. If the artists and musicians really pay close attention to the profound effect they can have on people, I think we’d have less of the negative stuff. Because we really, really have reached a point where we really have to begin to realize we all are created equal and all come under the sign of being brothers and sisters.” Among the best-known works from Collins at GRCC include his painting of Frederick Douglass and a print of his mural celebrating the life of President Gerald R. Ford, with both hanging in GRCC’s Administration Building. GRCC’s Paul Collins Art Gallery is hosting three ArtPrize entries, showcasing digital animation, pen and ink technique and acrylic painting. ArtPrize 2022 runs until Oct. 2 and features 750 entries in the interactive art competition. The Collins Art Gallery is found on the fourth floor of Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall, 143 Bostwick Ave. NE. Until Oct. 2, the gallery will be open from 1-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Guests visiting during the weekend should enter through the doors on the south end of Finkelstein Hall Level G2, near the iconic lion fountain, or through the skywalk connected to Parking Ramp A. Signs or staff will direct you to the gallery.

Sept. 28, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- David Puente moved to Grand Rapids to be with his girlfriend and start a new life and found a new career through Grand Rapids Community College. “My vision of Grand Rapids was much different than what I found to be true,” he said. “There are so many opportunities for people and so many resources to help. The Metallica Scholars welding program is just example of how Grand Rapids is different.” The GRCC Metallica Scholars Welding Bootcamp offers people the opportunity to gain skills for entry level welding positions.  It is a short-term program to get welders work in West Michigan, with the goal of helping these residents grow into apprenticeships or other learning opportunities within the welding field.  Puente had no experience as a welder but wanted to take a welding training program while he was incarcerated. COVID shut down that idea as all hands-on programs were no longer offered. When Puente was released, he heard about the Metallica Welding Scholars program through his parole officer, and got in contact with Tassell M-TEC team members. “I started getting emails and text about the program and I signed up. The people at GRCC have been so helpful.” The program goal is to build an accessible pathway into the field of welding with a focus on producing ready-to-work welders for Kent County companies. This program works to attract, retain, and graduate people of different genders and racial and ethnic backgrounds to welding careers. Puente believes it was all it was meant to be. “I really wasn’t looking for it. It was a real blessing how it all came together. I hadn’t had any welding experience before. I had never held a welding gun. So, when we held that welding gun on practically the first day, I was really surprised at how well I could do it! “I was excited and a little intimidated at first. Nick Pinckney, our instructor, is very good and very knowledgeable. I had all the confidence in him. He never skipped a beat. His teaching is very thorough and that helped build my confidence. Because of that, I knew I would come out of this class knowing how to weld.” For many adult learners, class schedule can be a barrier. “Because the program is offered at night, it allowed me to work during the day. I have to continue working and carrying on my responsibilities. The schedule made this possible for me.” For a long time, Puente didn’t have a career path. “These skills not only allow me to provide more for my family but also give me direction. It’s a good feeling to feel stable and confident that I have given myself the opportunity to live a stable life and develop a career.” Puente grew up listening to Metallica. “It’s great that they have used their resources to give back and make a difference. When you have the opportunity to make a difference you should. I am very grateful. The program has been excellent. The fact that the Metallica scholarship covered the $4,000 tuition was truly a blessing.” Puente plans to gain more skills in the future. “This is not where it ends. This is the beginning of a great thing. This is an opportunity, not just for me, but my whole family is excited about it!” Puente started at Etna as a hand welder in August, making a great hourly wage with opportunities to earn more! “I feel so good about it! This certification gave me the confidence to get a direct hire position.” Metallica Scholars is a partnership between GRCC Workforce Training, the band's All Within My Hands foundation, and the American Association of Community Colleges. The next offering of the Metallica Scholars Welding Bootcamp begins Oct. 27, 2022. To qualify for the program, participants must be 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED, and be able to work in the United States. For more information go to grcc.edu/metallica .  

Sept. 27, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – All-American cross country runner Kaylee Scott of Grand Rapids Community College was named Michigan Community College Athletic Association Women's Cross Country Runner of the Week Scott, a sophomore from Grandville, finished in 2nd place in a field of 87 Michigan Community College Athletic Association competitors at last week's Kirtland Firebird Invitational. “Kaylee deserves the recognition as Runner of the Week,” coach Sharon Becker said. “She has been working on her goals. She is been focused on her goal to get her 5K time faster. It will come. She will get there. She improved so much. Her training and her personal best times will come. She is trusting the coaching and the process and getting the work done. She had been a great leader for others on the team to follow.” GRCC, ranked No. 6 in the first U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association poll of the season, also finished in second place in the race. The Raiders are next scheduled to compete in the Oakland Community College Invitational on Friday Sept. 30. Competition is set to begin at 1:30 p.m. for the women and 2:30 p.m. for the men.