May 6, 2022 - GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Grand Rapids Community College baseball team is postseason bound after shutting out Ancilla College on Friday, 10-0 and 2-0. GRCC ace Jerad Berkenpas, now 7-2 on the season, had seven strikeouts - including five in a row - helping the team to a five-inning run-rule win in game one of the four-game series.  After going without a hit in the first inning, the GRCC bats came alive in the second frame with five of the team’s seven hits, while scoring eight runs. Dylan Chargo hit his fourth home run of the season, a grand slam, and one batter later Xander Reisbig crushed his third home run of the year. Max Varon ended the game with a one-out, walk-off single to score Zacarias Salanas in the bottom of the fifth. MCCAA Western Conference pitcher of the week, Drew Murphy, pitched another gem in game two, striking out eight Chargers, and allowing just four hits over six innings of work. Eliot Traver picked up his eighth save of the season, striking out all three batters he faced in the seventh. Ryan Dykstra drove in the only two runs for GRCC, after a double in the first and a homerun in the third. Dykstra, who plans to play for Oakland University next season, now has a team-best seven home runs. GRCC, which started the season 1-10, has won 12 games in a row since a 3-3 tie against Calvin University on April 19 at LMCU Ballpark. The team will finish its series with Ancilla and the regular season with a double header in Donaldson, Ind. on Saturday. The team will finish either second or third in the conference and will await its seed for regional tournament, which begins Thursday, May 12.  

May 4, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Students in grades six through nine can explore careers through hands-on activities and tour through a series of summer camps offered by the Grand Rapids Community College Workforce Training team. Students can learn about careers in public works, construction, manufacturing, wood working and using drone technology in three-day sessions, some starting as early as June 21. “These camps are a perfect opportunity for students to explore careers, gain hands-on experience, and meet people who are experts in their fields,” said John Van Elst, interim executive director of Workforce Training. “They also are seeing some of the real-world applications for math, science and other subjects they are learning.” Public Works Camp runs July 26 to July 28, and Aug. 9 to 11, is open to students in grade six through nine and costs $25. Other sessions are for students in grades seven through nine. Construction camp runs June 21 to 23, and costs $99. Woodworking camp is scheduled for June 28 to 30, and costs $99. Manufacturing camp is planned for July 12 to 14, and July 19 to 21, and costs $99. Drone technology camp runs June 21 to 23 in Grand Rapids and July 19 to 21 at the GRCC Lakeshore Campus, and costs $75. The Public Works camp includes following water from the Lakeshore to a freshwater plant and a wastewater plant "Behind every drop of water you use, there is a huge team of professionals dedicated to ensuring your water is safe and reliable,” said Hillary Caron, a chemist for Lake Michigan Filtration Plant. “The Public Works camp will be an exclusive, behind-the-scenes experience showing each step of the water and wastewater treatment processes and the available careers in an extremely rewarding industry!" All camps have a limited capacity, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Details are available at grcc.edu/camps.

May 5, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College adjunct psychology faculty member Thi Tran wishes he had known more about navigating funding, student services and academic options at University of Michigan when he was an undergrad.  One of the most impactful things he learned after starting college was that working while he attended college was an option, and that it adds to the college experience. “I am a first-generation student,” Thi said. “I did not receive any guidance from anyone and did not know how to seek out resources. I was also a student that was in the middle, not high achieving but not low achieving and oftentimes those students are forgotten.” Thi shares these life lessons, while also emphasizing mental health awareness, with the students he teaches in PY 201 General Psychology. Teaching at GRCC was a personal goal for him because it’s the college that serves the community where he grew up. “I have always wanted to be a part of GRCC,” Thi said “GRCC serves a large demographic of students in the West Michigan area.” He also shared that he values the diversity of the GRCC student body, and that the strength of the psychology department curriculum is that it emphasizes the scientific method.  Thi also teaches as a part-time faculty member at Lake Michigan College and as an adjunct faculty member at Kellogg Community College. His other work outside of GRCC includes doing research in integrative behavioral health, sports psychology, and behavioral therapies. He also has experience in student affairs through his graduate assistantships, and in providing therapy at clinics, university settings and for Veterans Affairs. Thi holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Michigan. He attended Western Michigan University to earn an M.A. in Counseling Psychology and in Clinical Psychology, and he continues to study at WMU to complete a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. A career in psychology was an easy choice for Thi. “I have been interested in psychology since high school,” he said. “I enjoyed learning about the mind, how it intersects with a variety of other subjects such as medicine, anthropology, sociology and sports.”  Thi finds inspiration for his work in a few of his passions, such as sports and education.  “Steve Nash the retired basketball player, now coach, is my hero because he has always been about the culture,” said Thi. “He was team oriented and about doing things for others. A person I admire is my current advisor, Scott Gaynor at WMU. He is always present, lives through his values, and truly acts as he speaks.”

May 4, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Drew Murphy was named MCCAA Western Conference Pitcher of the Week after his performance against Kalamazoo Valley Community College on April 29. The 6-foot, 4-inch righty from Sturgis tossed a two-hitter in six innings of work, helping his team to a 4-1 victory in game two of the series against conference foe KVCC. Murphy allowed no earned runs while striking out a season best 10 and walking just two batters. For the season, Murphy has started six games, pitching 29.1 innings, while striking out 33 batters.  His 2.86 ERA and three wins rank third on the team. The Raiders are currently on a 10-game winning streak with one more series against Ancilla College before a potential postseason berth. Currently they are all alone in third place in the MCCAA-West with a game lead over fourth place.  The top three teams qualify for postseason.   

May 4, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- It was the kick in the butt Seth Noyes needed. It was 2017 when Noyes tore open a letter from Grand Rapids Community College saying his grades were so bad the college had placed him on academic suspension. “Honestly, I hadn’t really taken college seriously up to that point. But I decided then that I wasn’t going to give up,” said Noyes, now 24. “I took that letter and I hung it above my light switch so I would see it every single day before I left my room. I told myself over and over again that I’d wear that letter on my cap if I ever graduate.” And that’s just what he did. On April 29, Noyes walked across the stage at GRCC’s Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse and proudly accepted his diploma for a Management and Supervision Associate Degree. Pasted to the top of his blue mortarboard was a copy of that suspension letter. “That letter really triggered a change within me,” said the Rockford native. “I contacted the academic advisors at GRCC and they pointed me down a path … but it was the change within me that really helped me travel down that path.” Noyes first enrolled at GRCC in 2015 after graduating from Rockford High School. “But I didn’t have my head in the game back then. It was bad,” he said. After his suspension, Noyes re-enrolled at GRCC in 2018, got help from the college’s academic advisors, and studied hard to raise his GPA. He worked full time at several jobs and paid every penny of his tuition out of his own pocket. Noyes retook several classes he’d failed earlier. Even though he already earned an associate degree, he still has a few more classes to retake to boost his GPA high enough to enroll at Grand Valley State University. But he’s hopeful. “I’d tell other people not to let bad stuff define you. It’s about how you respond to those challenges that shows the kind of person you are.” This story was reported by Beth McKenna.

May 3, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – A free Grand Rapids Community College summer program for graduating high school seniors is aimed at boosting foundational math and reading skills, and preparing them for success. Bridges to College - Raider Ready will be offered in two five-week sessions at both GRCC’s Main Campus in Grand Rapids and the Lakeshore Campus in Holland Township. Some parts of the program will be offered online, and students will have use of a laptop and Wi-Fi hotspot while they are in the program and enrolled at GRCC. This is the program’s second year. Last year, nearly 80% of the 170 students who completed the program improved academically over the course of the summer and said they felt more confident in their abilities and more knowledgeable about support services available to continue helping them. “It’s important for students to start college successfully, then continue building on that strong foundation,” GRCC President Bill Pink said. “We’re continuing this program because it works. We want students to come here, thrive and finish what they started. Bridges to College - Raider Ready helps students prepare to do exactly that.” Students in the program will work with college navigators to prepare for the higher education experience. They’ll meet with advisers, learn about financial aid opportunities, and gain career readiness skills. The program is open to high school graduates of the class of 2021 or 2022 who plan to attend GRCC in the fall. The college provides learning materials, breakfast, bus passes for transportation to and from the campus, and several field trips. “This program is an example of how GRCC serves our community,” Provost Brian Knetl said. “It’s an excellent opportunity for students to get a head start on their college education in terms of academics, but also getting to know all the resources on campus, and meet the people who are here to help.” The first session runs from June 8 to July 6, and the second from July 11 to Aug. 12. Students will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Sessions are held in the morning, leaving time for summer jobs and activities. Information is available at grcc.edu/bridgestocollege , by email at bridgestocollege@grcc.edu and by calling (616) 234-3388.

May 2, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Ryan Dykstra's walk-off single in the bottom of the seventh wrapped up a perfect series for the Grand Rapids Community College baseball team against Kalamazoo Valley Community College on Monday. Earlier in the day, the men's golf team earned a four-stroke victory at the Ancilla College Invitational earning it a share of the Michigan Community College Western Conference championship, and the team’s 13th consecutive title. The baseball team dominated the first game, winning 11-2 while picking up three hits each from Dykstra and Caleb Engelsman. Xander Reisbig collected a game-high three RBI while going two-for-two from the plate. Engelsman also picked up the victory after throwing a complete game with nine strikeouts and just one walk. In the nightcap, the visitors of KVCC went ahead 3-0, with a run in the third inning and two more in the sixth. GRCC rallied to make it a 3-2 ballgame after RBIs from Dylan Chargo and Zacarias Salinas in the bottom of the sixth. Relief pitcher Eliot Traver struck out all three batters he faced in the top of the seventh inning. GRCC started to rally with a leadoff walk by Max Varon. Camden Keatley sacrificed Brady Owen over to second base and one batter later, Jacob Gumieny lined a single through the middle to tie the game. Dykstra singled home the game winning run two batters later. GRCC improved to 24-20-1, 16-8 in the conference, and are riding a 10-game winning streak. The team also is holding on to third place in the conference with four MCCAA-West games remaining. The golf team won its 13th straight conference championship after posting a team score of 306 at the Swan Lake Resort in Plymouth, Ind. Muskegon Community College finished in second place and tied GRCC for the conference title with both teams shooting a 1,538 in the five conference events. Conner Oman was named medalist after posting a career-best 72.  Arie Jackman was second, shooting a 73. Matt Denhartigh finished as the conference medalist with a five-round score of 372, six strokes better than the runner-up from Muskegon. The golf team will be back in action on May 9 and 10 at the MCCAA/Region XII Championships played at the St. Clair Golf Club in St. Clair, Mich.

May 2, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- As a college completion coach for GRCC, Jose Rodriguez provides the support students need to get into their field of study. He compares the job to being “a student’s personal cheerleader.” 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. Rodriguez is a GRCC alumnus, so he knows first-hand the challenges students face. He’s also a current student: pursuing a health sciences degree at Grand Valley State University. He credits GRCC with giving him both the academic and people skills he needs for his dual roles. “GRCC does a great job of accommodating students to their needs,” said Rodriguez, who was involved in ALAS, NIA and the Brother 2 Brother Network on campus. “Being a close-knit community helps when you’re trying to maneuver the challenge that is higher education.” The college completion coach program, offered through the Michigan College Access Network, aims to improve equity and inclusion in higher education. “I have been lucky enough to be able to relate to the population of students I help on a personal level,” Rodriguez said. “Whether it be struggling through a system as a minority, being a first-generation student or facing the struggles of mental health illnesses, I want my students to know there is always light at the end of the tunnel -- and I’ll be there the whole way to guide them. “GRCC is my second home, and I hope it can be yours, too.”  Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply .  

April 29, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College graduates must “play big” in whatever they do in life, GRCC President Bill Pink told graduates at commencement ceremonies on Friday. The college celebrated the graduation of about 450 students spread out over two Friday ceremonies to allow for distancing. The events were the college’s first commencements with both students and spectators since 2019. Pink in his closing remarks shared a story from when he coached basketball, where players were told to strive to give their all and do big things. “I need each of you to play big,” he said. “I need you, in your career after this, and whatever your ‘next’ is, I need to have you playing big. Because you are not just our future, you are our now. We’re in a society today where I need to have you playing big. Because you are the future of West Michigan, and the future of this great city. Because you need to do better than any of us have ever done. You will blow us away with what you do in this world. Playing small does not help us.” Birgit M. Klohs, recently retired as president and CEO of The Right Place, provided the keynote address at each ceremony. Klohs has spent more than four decades working to enhance economic development in West Michigan. Under her leadership, The Right Place Inc. created or retained more than 50,000 jobs and stimulated more than $5 billion in new investment. Among the projects she worked on were the opening of Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine and the creation of the Manufacturers Council. Since stepping down from The Right Place in 2021, Klohs has served as a director for the New Community Transformation Fund, a venture fund she co-founded for entrepreneurs of color. “There is a thread that goes through my story, and that thread is education,” she told graduates. “It is the key to my success, and my journey. And it will be the key to your success and your journey. What you are getting today, with that diploma, they are giving you a key. They are giving you a key to a room you would never enter if you did not have that diploma. What you do with that key, and that room is up to you.” Paul Krieger, a biology professor who retired in 2019, was honored with the 2022 Faculty Emeritus honor. Before starting at GRCC in 1991, Krieger taught at high schools in Beijing and Jackson, Mich. During his teaching career, he wrote and illustrated the four-book Visual Analogy Guides series, which cover anatomy, physiology and chemistry. Loyd Winer, an acclaimed civil engineer, was presented with the Distinguished Alumni Award.  His engineering work took him across the United States and many countries. One of his most memorable projects was designing the original runways and taxiways for Gerald R. Ford International Airport – he still checks up on them from the public viewing area once or twice a week. The ceremonies were the first to celebrate a large group of students who attended GRCC through the Grand Rapids Promise Zone. There were 15 Promise Zone students getting degrees on Friday, and 20 students have graduated through the program so far. Started in 2020, the Grand Rapids Promise Zone is a “last-dollar” scholarship that covers up to 60 credit hours, including the costs of tuition, books, required course materials and any required fees associated with attending GRCC. The ceremonies were the last at GRCC for Pink, who will become the president of Ferris State University this summer. But they were the first in two years with boisterous and celebrating families. The 2020 commencement was conducted virtually due to the pandemic, and the 2021 ceremonies were held with students present but without spectators, and the event spread out over four sessions. Photo by Steve Jessmore.  

April 29, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College baseball team scored two runs in the last inning to pull out a doubleheader sweep of Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Earlier in the day, the golf team finished second at a tournament in Muskegon. GRCC rolled in the first game, topping Kalamazoo Valley 8-2, with Ryan Dkystra starting the scoring with a solo home run.   GRCC then notched three runs in the seventh inning, with Max Varon and Camden Keatley sending runners across the plate with RBIs in the inning. Jerad Berkenpas earned the win, allowing six hits and two runs over seven innings, striking out five and walking none. Grand Rapids Community College Raiders Varsity racked up 18 hits on the day. Xander Reisbig, Caleb Engelsman, Zacarias Salinas, Dylan Chargo, Jacob Gumieny, Andres Rivera-Calderon, Dykstra, and Keatley all managed multiple hits. Reisbig had three hits in four at bats. GRCC won the nightcap 4-1, with Drew Murphy earning the win. The pitcher allowed two hits and one run over six innings, striking out 10. Eliott Traver threw one inning in relief out of the bullpen and earned the save. Dykstra led the team with two hits in three at bats. The sweep brings the GRCC season record to 22-20 and one tie, coming all way back after starting the season 1-10. Meanwhile, the golf team placed second at the Muskegon Community College Invitational on Friday. The team's score of 310 was five strokes higher than the host school, which won the title.  Matt Denhartigh was just two strokes behind the medalist from Mott Community College shooting a 73. Arie Jackman and Conner Oman each posted a 76, while Brad VandenHout and Sam Foss were the other Raider golfers posting an 85 and 91.  GRCC is four strokes down from a conference championship with the last conference tournament being on May 2 at Ancilla College. Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2022. All rights reserved.