July 22, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- GRCC sociology instructor Rob Roznowski also teaches at Western Michigan University. This unique perspective allows him to see how GRCC supports student and faculty success.  “GRCC excels at providing resources and support services to GRCC students and faculty, which is essential to success in the classroom and everyday life,” Roznowski saidi. “The extensive local and regional high school programs, such as early/middle college and dual enrollment, have provided rewarding experiences for myself and aspiring college students.” Roznowski took advantage of a dual enrollment program in high school to begin taking college classes. He was intrigued by the study of social sciences, and focused on teaching. “My first college course was Principles of Sociology,” he said. “Since then, I have pursued a career path of research and teaching in sociology, in large part thanks to the encouragement and support of my own professors and mentors.” Roznowski went on to earn a bachelor’s and master's degree in sociology from Western Michigan University, and is currently a doctoral candidate. What Roznowski has learned over his academic and professional career is that teaching college courses requires not only preparation, but a healthy amount of self-reflection ”Teaching sociology requires one to build communication skills while managing the diverse impassioned viewpoints of students,” said Roznowski.   As Roznowski continues teaching he does so through a lens of compassion and empathy – something he learned from Dr. Cornel West. “Dr. West always provides deeply insightful social critiques while retaining a sense of optimism and hope for the future,” he said. Roznowski encourages all students to take a course in the social sciences. “The programs and courses offered by the social sciences department at GRCC reflect a multi-disciplinary approach that allows students to prepare for a wide variety of career paths and transfer degrees.” Sign up for SO 251 Principles of Sociology or SO 254 Social Problems with professor Roznowski this fall.  

July 21, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College golfer Arie Jackman is headed to Central Michigan University, selected to be part of the university’s first golf team in 37 years. CMU men's golf coach Kevin Jennings late last month announced his inaugural class of eight signees, all graduating high school or community college at or near the top of their respective classes, according to the university. Jackman graduated from GRCC after attending Caledonia High School. This year he was GRCC’s captain and shot a 224 to capture medalist honors and win by eight strokes at the Michigan Community College Athletic Association championship. His time at GRCC included earning All-MCCAA and All-Region honors and maintaining a 3.75 grade point average. His finished the season ranked No. 82 in the NJCAA Division I and II. "Initially the thing I like about these guys is that they're all intelligent," Jennings said in a CMU post. "They prove it through their academics. They're great people and hard workers. Those elements allow for us for us to create a solid foundation for the revitalized Chippewa men's golf program and where we would like to go and eventually be." CMU, located in Mt. Pleasant, competes in the Mid-American Conference in the NCAA’s Division I. "We will work tirelessly to provide them with the resources to move them towards their desire to improve and be more competitive. I tell them, 'We can write this story the way we want to; we are an open book with blank pages. These guys are willing to step up and take the challenge of a new Division I program."    

July 20, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Buist Electric has partnered with Grand Rapids Community College for more than 15 years on an apprenticeship program, but a recent grant expansion is creating opportunities for students to gain valuable skills while completing their education. Buist has about 70 apprentices enrolled in the GRCC Electrical Apprenticeship program, which allows students to work and gain hands-on experience while taking classes. The federal Expanding Community College Apprenticeships grant helps with expenses for students in apprenticeship programs. This year’s award expanded opportunities for support. The program is led by the American Association of Community Colleges with funding from the U.S. Department of Labor, and is aimed at boosting the number of apprentice programs and services throughout the country. The ECCA project will be conducted over 3 years and will train 16,000 apprentices. GRCC is one of just three colleges in Michigan to be included, and former GRCC President Bill Pink served on the advisory board. Jared Doot is a third-year apprentice and appreciates the opportunity. “Becoming an electrician was truly a leap of faith for me,” he said. “I had been working in the IT field for 15 years when I decided to make a major career change. I have a family to support so I needed a situation that would provide income and training at the same time. Buist and this apprenticeship program was an answer to my prayers. The fact that my employer covers this expense is amazing.” Books for the GRCC Electrical Apprenticeship program typically cost students about $400. Kim Kohlhoff, human resources manager at the Byron Center-based Buist, sees the impact this award has had at her company. “It may not seem like a significant amount. But when you multiply that by 60-70 employees, it is a great deal of money,” she said. “It was a huge benefit for us as an employer to be able to support our employees, but then to receive funds back that we can pour back into the company. As an employee-owned company, this has a positive impact for all of us. We are so grateful to ECCA and GRCC for making this connection and supporting the skilled trades industry.”

July 18, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Fred Julian, who coached the Grand Rapids Community College football team for 18 seasons, was named to the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame. Julien, who died in 2013, is among six athletes, coaches, and organizers named to the Hall of Fame this month. He was named to the National Junior College Athletic Association Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 2003. The Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame honors prominent West Michigan athletes and those who have contributed to sports on a local, state or national level, and presents annual events in support of local youth organizations and charities. Plaques and video displays commemorate the members at Van Andel Arena. Julian became head coach of the football team in 1985, succeeding Gordon Hunsberger, who also is a member of the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame and the NJCAA Football Hall of Fame. Julian led GRCC to the 1988 national championship game and appearances in seven bowl games, including the 1986 Texas Junior College Shrine Bowl, 1987 East Bowl, the 1988 Valley of the Sun Bowl (National Championship Game), the 1990 Mickinnon Travel Midwest Bowl, the 1992 Dixie Rotary Bowl, the 1996 Dixie Rotary Bowl, and the 2002 Graphic Edge/Siglar Printing Bowl. The Detroit native played for the University of Michigan between 1957 and 1959, and played for the New York Titans of the American Football League -- now the New York Jets -- in the team’s inaugural season.   Julian later coached at West Catholic High School for 16 years before taking the helm of the Raiders. Others elected this year are: David Brandt, who played on the offensive line for Jenison High School football, the University of Michigan, the Washington Redskins and San Diego Chargers. Kim Elders, who has been the head men’s basketball coach for more than 1,000 games and 30 years at Cornerstone University and led the dominant program to three NAIA DII national titles. Laura (Heyboer) Heethuis, who set soccer scoring records, was part of four state championship teams at Unity Christian High School and was a three-time All-American at Michigan State University. Josette (Carter) McCullough, who was a three-sport athlete at Ottawa Hills High School, played basketball on scholarship at the University of Delaware and is a leader in youth and women’s sports. Diane House, a former Grand Rapids Public Schools physical education teacher who founded the local Special Olympics program now known as Area 11 and has served for over 50 years in various roles, including CEO. House will be inducted as the special recipient of the Warren Reynolds Lifetime Achievement Award. “It’s another incredible class that demonstrates achievement as athletes and coaches at the highest levels, but also recognizes community impact and tremendous leadership,” Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame Chairman Mark Kimball said. “The Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame is excited to recognize and honor them.” The induction is tentatively planned for Tuesday, Oct. 4 at Van Andel Arena.  Julian joins former Tigers pitcher Dave Rozema, baseball coach Tom Hofmann, basketball coach Gene Paxton, and Hunsberger as Grand Rapids hall inductees connected with the GRCC Athletic Program. Learn more about the Hall of Fame and its members at grshof.com .  

July 18, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Jake Blough is grateful to GRCC not only for his 22-year career but for introducing him to the world beyond his small town. “Coming from a small town, GRCC afforded so much more possibilities to interact with a diverse population, diverse professors and, of course, diverse learning experiences,” said Blough, who graduated from Thornapple Kellogg High School. “I spent a majority of my time at GRCC between the Music program and Computer Science program. Learning how to learn was a really important skill to hone.” Start at GRCC and go anywhere. Every former student has a story to tell about how GRCC gave them the education and opportunity to be successful. Blough was hired by Service Express Inc., a global IT company, just three weeks after his 2000 graduation from GRCC. “Over 22 years, I have gone from field engineering, supply chain, data science and, ultimately, to the CTO position,” he said. For Blough, learning continues to be an essential task. “Service Express was a very small company when I started of only 24 employees,” he said. “Over the years, it has grown immensely to over 900 employees in multiple countries. It took a lot of hard work, creative thinking and learning new skills every single day to keep up.” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply .

July 15, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Professor Julie Bera knows Grand Rapids Community College Dental Program graduates are the best in the state.  “Our reputation comes from our class sizes, that we are CODA Accredited, from our dedicated and experienced faculty, and from the way local dentists support the education of our students,” Bera said.  GRCC offers both dental assisting and dental hygiene programs, allowing instructors to provide a deeper education to students in each program.  Beyond teaching, Bera advises the GRCC Dental Assisting Club, and works statewide to promote careers in dental assisting. For example, she has served on a variety of task forces and committees to address the shortage of licensed dental assistants, and she was instrumental in developing GRCC’s new pathway for working dental assistants to advance in their education and careers.  Despite her advocacy, teaching remains Bera’s passion. And that passion is fed by her relationship building and interactions with students.  “Their excitement for learning as they progress through our dental programs is contagious,'' she said. Bera is also inspired by her team at GRCC, and she never forgets the servant leadership of former GRCC dental program instructor and director Bunny Cookwalter. Bera’s career teaching dental assisting was not something she planned for. “I was working as a dental assistant and decided to go back to college to get a degree, hoping to be a health educator,” she said. I was asked to teach part time at GRCC, after being an adjunct instructor for 10 years, I accepted a full time position in 1999. I have never looked back after 31 years at GRCC - I love teaching!” Bera holds an associate of arts in dental assisting she earned from GRCC when the college was known as Grand Rapids Junior College.  She earned a bachelor's degree in health studies, and a masters degree in educational leadership, from Western Michigan University.  She has served on the Michigan State Board of Dentistry and on the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation. Bera was recently the first recipient of the Michigan Dental Association’s Allied Dental Professional Educator Award from the Michigan Dental Association for her commitment to public service and education.  

July 15, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College women’s cross country team starts its 2022 season on Aug. 8, looking to build on a successful run that includes back-to-back finishes in the national top 10 and two All-American performances. The team, led by coach Sharon Becker, kicks off its season with a team marathon in Beulah and a three-day team camp before scrimmaging Aquinas College.   GRCC will race on Sept. 2 at the Central Michigan Jeff Drenth Invitational in Mt. Pleasant, followed by the annual Calvin Knight Invitational on Sept. 10 at the university’s Gainey Athletic Complex. The Raider Invitational on Sept. 17 kicks off Michigan Community College Athletic Association conference competition, which continues through Oct. 15 with stops in Grayling, Auburn Hills and Muskegon. GRCC will host the MCCAA & Region XII Championships on Oct. 29, a first for the program. Should the Raiders qualify for the NJCAA National Championships, that meet will be Nov. 12 in Tallahassee, Fla. GRCC has three runners returning from the 2021 team, which finished seventh in the NJCAA National Tournament. Returning are two-time NJCAA All-American Audrey Meyering from Middleville, All-American Kaylee Scott of Grandville; and Rose Meyer, from Standale, who recently earned NJCAA All-Academic honors. The team has three incoming freshmen. Chloe Jones graduated from Ogemaw Heights High School, Samantha Sixberry studied at Saugatuck High School and Mariana Zaragoza is coming from St. Ignace High School.  Zaragoza also plans to play basketball this year. Becker said there is still time for students who are interested in running to join the team. “I am optimistic that, together, these six women have what it takes to not only compete as a top team at our conference and regional meet but will also earn a spot and qualify to travel to Tallahassee, Florida for the 2022 NJCAA D2 XC Nationals on Nov. 12,” Becker said. “But no matter the ability of our runners, to put it simply, what I would like even more from each person on our team, is a commitment to each other, the team and a dedication to always give their best effort each day.”    

July 13, 2022 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – A fourth grant from Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation will allow Grand Rapids Community College to help more nontraditional students gain in-demand welding skills. GRCC was one of the first 10 colleges to be supported by the legendary band when it started the Metallica Scholars program in 2018, and has been included every year since. The foundation has provided GRCC with $185,000 over the four years, and the grant helps continue a program aimed at underserved community members, giving them career skills as well as hands-on welding experience. More than 100 GRCC students have earned certificates through the program, a partnership between the band’s foundation and the American Association of Community Colleges. GRCC currently is one of 32 colleges included in the program, and the only one in Michigan. “We’re proud that Metallica and its foundation continue to invest in GRCC and our students,” said John Van Elst, interim executive director of Workforce Training.  “When you provide someone with a new set of skills, you’re doing more than helping them get a new job. You’re changing the course of their lives.” GRCC partners with local employers so students can participate in site visits, employee panels and mentoring to help them determine if welding is a good fit for their career goals. Each student participates in individualized career-preparation with GRCC to ensure they are job-ready upon completion of their welding license. All Within My Hands leaders said the Metallica Scholars program has generated a proven and measurable impact. AWMH added 10 more schools to its roster, investing $1.8 million to expand in year four. “Our goal for the Metallica Scholars Initiative is to shine a light on workforce education and support the next generation of tradespeople,” said Pete Delgrosso, executive director of All Within My Hands. “With the addition of the 2022-2023 Metallica Scholars program, our grants will reach over 2,000 men and women in 32 community colleges across 27 states. We are honored to support these students of all ages and backgrounds and look forward to growing the program even farther in the future.” The foundation said on average, students who complete the program see new job opportunities and increased salary potential up to three times higher than pre-program. The foundation also will continue partnering with the Rockford-based Wolverine Boots & Apparel in a collaboration that has furnished financial support and outfitted Metallica Scholars with work boots. “I drive into Grand Rapids from White Cloud every day for this training, so receiving the Metallica Scholarship was like winning the lottery, and the beautiful boots from Wolverine were a bonus, too!” GRCC student Armondo Medina said. “I’m just so thankful!” Additional information about the program is available at grcc.edu/metallica .  

July 12, 2002, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Three Grand Rapids Community College student-athletes were named to the National Junior College Athletic Association’s All-Academic First Team for their perfect 4.0 grade point averages. Nine GRCC student-athletes were among 9,912 in the nation honored by the NJCAA for achieving GPAs of 3.6 and higher in 2021-2022 All-Academic Awards announced this week. Women’s cross country runners Rose Meyer and Audrey Meyering, along with volleyball player Alena Visnovsky were saluted for earning 4.0 GPAs. “Congratulations to all of our student-athletes for being recognized for their hard work,” Athletic Director Lauren Ferullo said. “It is always exciting to see our student-athletes succeed on the field, but more importantly in the classroom.” On the All-Academic Second Team, with GPAs of 3.8 to 3.99, are baseball players Caleb Engelsman and Joseph Hoeks; Craig Fuller, of the men’s cross country team and Allison Hoop of the women’s cross country team; and Karissa Ferry, who played both volleyball and basketball. Baseball player Brady Owen was named to the All-Academic Third Team for posting a GPA between 3.6 to 3.79. The GRCC women’s cross country team, with a collective 3.52 GPA, finished in the top 15 for team GPA among NJCAA DI, DII, and DIII cross country teams. The volleyball team, with a 3.25 GPA, and golf team, with a 3.22 GPA, also were recognized as Academic Teams of the Year.   

July 11, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.  —The 39 th Annual GIANT Awards and Banquet is returning after a two-year hiatus, commemorating the stellar contributions of Grand Rapids leaders and organizations. “We had to be patient and resilient during the hiatus,” said Dr. B. Afeni McNeely Cobham, Grand Rapids Community College’s chief equity and inclusion officer. “It is an absolute honor for the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to rejuvenate this important tradition.” GRCC, since 1983 has hosted the awards recognizing exceptional leaders who shape the history, quality of life, and culture of the Grand Rapids community. Each award is named after a historical local “giant” whose dedicated service, advocacy, and activism are memorialized through honorees. The event is planned for Oct. 1, 2022, at the JW Marriott Grand Rapids. Limited ticket and sponsorship packages can only be purchased online via Eventbrite starting Aug. 12, 2022. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test is required to attend. Honorees for 2022 are: Floyd Skinner Justice Award: Adam C. Sturdivant, partner, Drew Cooper & Anding. Walter Coe Public Service Award: Shellie Cole-Mickens, founder and executive director, Our House of Blessings. W.W. Plummer Humanitarian Award: Nikeidra Battle-DeBarge, CEO and co-founder, New Destiny Pathways, Inc. Ethel Coe Humanities Award: Henry Sapp, CEO, Better, Wiser, Stronger Inc. Milo Brown Business Award: Daryl D. Reece, owner, Stock Da Bar & Stock Da Bar Vodka. Phyllis Scott Activist Award: Grand C.I.T.Y. Sports, Inc., Chris Sain, Jr., co-founder and CEO, and Preston Sain, co-founder and executive director. Raymond Tardy Community Service Award: Raynard Ross, president, Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education, and associate dean of student success at GRCC. H.C. Toliver Religious Life Award: Julian S. Newman, CEO and founder, The FutureCast Foundation. Hattie Beverly Education Award: Lorenzo Bradshaw, principal, Brookwood Elementary Martha Reynolds Labor Award: Kevin L. Clemens, president, Kent County Court’s union, an affiliate of the Technical, Professional, and Office Workers Association of Michigan. William Glenn Trailblazer Award: Jermale Eddie, co-owner and CEO, Malamiah Juice Bar & Malamazing Juice Co. The nomination process remains open for Junior GIANT scholarship awards. Visit the ODEI website to apply online by Aug. 26, 2022. Each year, the GIANT Awards selection committee undertakes the task of selecting honorees based on the merit of their nomination and stellar achievements. Committee members are: Larry Johnson, Tempy Mann, Darius Quinn, Faye Richardson-Green, and Shannon Wilson. ODEI Assistant Director Erin Mieskowski is the event’s chairperson. Grand Rapids Community College has offered educational opportunities in West Michigan for more than 100 years. Established in 1914, the college offers degree courses, certification and training programs, workshops, and personal enrichment classes. Offerings are held on GRCC’s downtown Grand Rapids campus and at several locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties, as well as through distance learning.