March 27, 2022, SHEPHERDSVILLE, Ky. – Matthew Denhartigh shot a 73 in the final round of the Heritage Hill Collegiate, leading the Grand Rapids Community College golf team to an eighth-place finish on Sunday. Sixty-seven golfers from 13 teams competed in the two-day tournament on the cold and windy par-72 course. After shooting a 342 in the first round on Saturday, GRCC, the only two-year college in the field, improved by 27 strokes to finish with a total score of 657. Lawrence Technological University, the host school, won with a 5-over par, 607-stroke performance. Denhartigh improved his day one score by 11 strokes to finish with a 157 and tied for 16th place overall. Lawrence Tech's Liam McEvoy won the tournament with a score of 147 strokes. Arie Jackman nearly cracked the top-20 with a score of 161 strokes, 17-over par. Conner Oman, +24, Sam Foss, +28, and Brad VandenHout, +37, rounded out the GRCC golfers.  "Remember, these are all four year college teams and some of them are highly ranked in the nation," Coach John Forton said. "The Raiders were led by Matt Denhartigh, he carded a brillant 73 on the second day. The weather was cold both days and the wind blew over 30 MPH the first day. I'm extremely pleased by the scores on the second day, it's heading in the right direction as we approach the MCCAA Conference season." 

March 27, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The West Michigan Construction Institute, a construction education center focused on developing the workforce of skilled construction professionals, celebrated its opening with a ribbon cutting with students, Grand Rapids Community College and other partners. WMCI, located at 801 Century Ave. SW, will launch officially during the fall. The institute had a soft launch this semester, with about 75 students and five classes. Enrollment and programs including carpentry, concrete and many others will launch during the fall semester. “Partnering with WMCI is a game-changer for us, because it allows us to expand our rapidly growing electrical apprenticeship program and teach additional courses in an environment dedicated to the craft,” GRCC President Bill Pink said. “GRCC has long been a proponent of the skilled trades, and we’re so thankful for this partnership to grow our offerings and increase the number of skilled tradespeople entering the West Michigan market to embark on rewarding careers in construction.” WMCI is hosting part of the GRCC electrical apprenticeship program. It also offers daytime high school programming coordinated with and through area districts including Grand Rapids Public Schools, Northview and Jenison, as well as a partnership with the Literacy Center of West Michigan, offering a Construction Core program for non-native English speakers. WMCI will host summer camps beginning in June for sixth through eighth graders to explore the construction trades and learn beginning basic skills such as hand and power tool use. “We know WMCI’s new facility will make an impact on the demand for construction jobs in our region, which is needed as Michigan’s labor market remains in a state of flux,” WMCI President Jen Schottke said. “The interest in upcoming courses has been extraordinary – high school and adult students are excited and eager to use their hands and their minds for their career, and put the future into their own hands, literally.” WMCI fills a shared need across the industry for more skilled construction professionals, as well as serving as a hub for talent recruitment, development and placement for the West Michigan commercial construction industry. According to a recent model developed by Associated Builders and Contractors, the construction industry will need to attract nearly 650,000 additional workers nationwide on top of the normal pace of hiring in 2022 to meet the demand. “The demand for trained employees in Metro Grand Rapids and across Michigan is greater than we’ve ever seen. Simply put, we can’t find enough people, and it will only get more difficult with many of our employees approaching retirement age,” said Brian Potter, president of Architectural Metals Incorporated and chairman of the WMCI board of directors. “WMCI will educate hundreds of young, ambitious, expertly trained trade workers every year, which is going to make a huge difference in the market. WMCI’s state-of-the-art facility shows our region’s commitment to trade employment as a viable and noble career option and gives aspiring tradespeople a local facility for hands-on-learning during or after high school.”  Fall 2022 enrollment will open in late spring and WMCI students can select programs including Carpentry - Interior Finishes), and Concrete, as well as pursue certifications or professional development in additional specialties such as becoming a Building Industry Consulting Services International Certified Technician or Copper Installer.  Length of programs range from one-week certification trainings to multi-year craft training programs. Additionally, WMCI is proud to host part of the GRCC electrical apprenticeship program. The West Michigan construction industry is projected to grow almost 16% over the next ten years, while at the same time, nearly 48% of today’s construction workforce are expected to retire within the next 15 years.  

March 25, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The Grand Rapids Community College Communications team’s efforts to share the stories of students overcoming obstacles and the people who support them earned the highest honor in community college marketing and communications on Friday. The 2019-2020 GRCC Foundation Annual Report earned the Paragon Awards “Best in Show” honor, in addition to first place in the Annual Report category from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations, a community college communications and marketing organization representing schools in the United States and Canada. The college also earned first place in the Television/Video Ad category for its “You Think You Know GRCC?” ad during the awards, presented at the organization’s annual conference in Denver. The 2019-2020 Annual Report focused on the stories of the people the foundation has helped and the lives it has transformed – shared by the people themselves, often telling their stories in their own words. The edition includes inspiring stories about students and alumni including trailblazing Super Bowl Chef Dayanny De La Cruz, and Amanda Constant, who used the support from a Spectrum Health Care Professionals Education Scholarship to rise above a series of setbacks and complete her Medical Assistant program. It also highlights alumni and philanthropists Dave and Karen Custer, and 41 years of giving from former college employees Jerry and Jan Benham. The Annual Report was created by GRCC’s College Advancement team, which includes members of the GRCC Foundation and the Communications team. Judges praised the report’s stories, photos, design, and graphics. “The intention was to put the emphasis on people, and they definitely delivered on that,” judges said. “Well put together and visually enticing. Love it.” It’s the second year in a row a GRCC Foundation Annual Report earned recognition. The 2018-2019 report earned a Gold Medallion from NCMPR’s District 3. The “You Think You Know GRCC?” ad also earned a first-place Paragon Award, honored in the Television/Video Ad category. The video battles misperceptions about community colleges in general and GRCC specifically. The 30-second spot features GRCC President Bill Pink and real GRCC students, telling of the college’s impact on students and the greater community. The spot was a collaboration between the GRCC Media Technologies team and the Communications team, and captured the energy of the president and students, posing the question, "Did you know?" and telling about GRCC’s impact and programs.   “Having the president in it, telling people to ‘Come talk to me,’ is a great touch,” judges said. “This ad made me feel like the college has a lot to offer.” Watch the video here. The Paragons are NCMPR’s national awards. GRCC in October earned seven regional awards from NCMPR’s District 3, which includes community, technical and junior colleges in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin and the Canadian province of Ontario. The district awards included Gold Medallions, with GRCC honored for telling the story of first lady Jill Biden’s visit to a campus pop-up vaccination clinic, and a series of cards from President Pink encouraging students and saluting them for overcoming challenges brought by the pandemic.  

March 25, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Athletic programs across the nation shut down during the pandemic, but Grand Rapids Community College student-athletes were able to continue, following strict protocols that emphasized keeping students safe. GRCC Associate Dean David Selmon served as interim athletic director during that period, and is being honored by the Michigan Community College Athletic Association for his leadership. Selmon was presented this week with an MCCAA Appreciation Award, bestowed only three times in the conference’s history. “While Dave was the acting athletic director at GRCC, the entire world was battling the pandemic and the world of athletics was trying to find a safe way forward to reengage,” said Al Perry, MCCAA’s executive Administrator. Perry said many colleges opted to postpone their athletic seasons, while others decided to cancel their activities entirely.  “Instead, Dave decided to roll up his sleeves, lean in and create a safe path forward for GRCC student-athletes to participate in athletics without pause,” he said. “Dave's leadership inside and outside of GRCC was extremely beneficial to our association.” Perry said some athletic conferences in the National Junior College Athletic Association scaled back during the pandemic. “In our region, we had several athletic programs that shut down completely, several of which have yet to begin again; and, honestly, might never begin again. But MCCAA has grown.  “This is directly related to leadership like Dave's during the toughest of times,” he said. “We are grateful to Selmon's time, energy and effort during his time as GRCC interim athletic director and for this we awarded him the MCCAA Appreciation Award." All GRCC teams competed during the pandemic, some with limited or delayed seasons. Selmon set in place extensive safety protocols, limited out-of-state travel and partnered with Ferris State University to provide weekly COVID tests for students, athletes and staff members. During this time period, the men’s and women’s cross country teams finished in the top 10 in the nation with Joshua Kipkoech and Audrey Meyering named NJCAA All-Americans, and the volleyball and women’s basketball teams went to the NJCAA National Tournament, with basketball player Shonyah Hawkins gaining All-American honors.  “Dave has put students first his entire career,” said Tina Hoxie, GRCC’s associate provost and dean of Student Affairs. “He made it very clear that student safety and their academic success were the top priorities and he made difficult decisions. He worked hard to make sure student-athletes could accomplish their educational goals, continue to compete, and compete safely.” Selmon native came to Grand Rapids in 1984 to play basketball at what was then Grand Rapids Junior College. The Mansfield, Ohio native later became GRCC’s basketball coach, compiling a 416-136 record over 20 years – a .751 winning percentage. He was named a conference coach of the year seven times. He was national Junior College Coach of the Year in 1995, when the Raiders reached the NJCAA Division II National Championship game, losing by one point. As a GRCC administrator, he works with the region’s high schools to help students become aware of opportunities offered by GRCC, then directs programs to help them be successful once they are here. “I’m very honored to be recognized by the MCCAA, but I share the credit with the GRCC colleagues who were focused on keeping our students safe, and the athletes who recognized the seriousness of the situation and followed the protocols we set in place. The pandemic disrupted us, but it didn’t defeat us.” Athletic Director Matt Miller of Mid Michigan College also was saluted for his efforts.  

March 24, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Heather Klare knows she is teaching at her best when she sees someone smile because they understand a concept. Klare, like her fictional hero Wonder Woman, works from a place of honesty, care and hope. She is an assistant professor in GRCC’s the Radiologic Technology Department, where students prepare to become radiographers – a career that will always be in demand.  Klare has mentored graduates who go on to take American Registry of Radiologic Technologists exam. After passing, they find jobs in radiographic settings such as major and minor hospitals, medical centers, emergency walk-in clinics, and orthopedic offices. The field of radiologic technology also encompasses specialty areas like interventional radiography, computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound (sonography), radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine. Klare earned her Bachelor of Arts in History, with a Computer Applications minor, from Grand Valley State University. She worked in banking after graduation. But then, like so many adult students who attend GRCC, she decided to make a career change. Klare attended GRCC and earned an Associate of Applied Arts & Science, Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer. After graduation she worked at Metro Health and then Mercy Health St. Mary’s as an interventional radiology technologist. She then took the position of assistant professor at GRCC. “After working in the field for several years, it was time to give back to the community,” she said. Soon after she began her career as a professor, Klare also enrolled at Purdue University Global to earn her Master of Science, Instructional Design and Technology - Adult Emphasis. She graduated two years later and continues to have a big impact on the GRCC Radiologic Technology program. Despite having earned a master's degree, Klare never forgets that she is not done learning. “I’ve learned that you may be prepared, but daily practice is what is necessary to be successful,” she said. Klarecis proud to be making a difference with the faculty and staff in the Radiologic Technology program at GRCC. “Our students really know that we care,” she said. “That I, and the other instructors in the program, feel that the students' success in the program is our success.”

March 23, 2022 - ROCKFORD, Mich. -- The Grand Rapids Community College baseball team made it four wins in a row after nearly shutting out the Aquinas College junior varsity squad on Wednesday, 8-1 at the Meijer Sports Complex. A total of 18 GRCC players saw action, including five pitchers.  Dean Sommer got the start and pitched three shutout innings before Kellan Smith pitched three more scoreless frames. Colton Leatherman, Riley Hawkins and Austyn Adams pitched the final three innings of the nine-inning game. The Raiders outhit Aquinas 11-6, and were led by designated hitter Dylan Chargo, who went three-for-five with three RBI. Shortstop Caleb Engelsman had two hits including a triple in the opening inning, giving the team a 2-0 lead. The Raiders scored one more run in the third, two in the fourth and three more in the sixth.  The Saints scored their lone run in the bottom of the ninth, just before Adams picked off the runner at first to end the ball game. After losing their first 10 games to start the season, GRCC has now won four in a row to improve to 4-10. The team is scheduled to play next on March 25 at 2 p.m. against Mid Michigan College in a double-header at home at Belknap Park. 

March 23, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Ashley Van Bennekom has advice for young parents dreaming of a college degree. “Don’t be afraid to go get it -- anytime, anywhere or in any season of your life,” said Van Bennekom, a 32-year-old mother of three pursuing an interior design degree at Grand Rapids Community College thanks to a Michigan Reconnect scholarship. Tuition-free programs like Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners have been popular for West Michigan adult learners. During the Winter 2022 semester, 21% of GRCC students -- 2,385 out of 11,383 –– were enrolled in the state scholarship programs, which cover the cost of in-district tuition. Michigan Reconnect is the largest effort in state history to ensure that Michiganders who are 25 or older and don’t have a college degree have an opportunity to earn an associate degree or skills certificate with free or deeply discounted tuition. Since its launch in February 2021, nearly 93,000 state residents have been accepted into the program. To date, 54 Reconnecters have graduated from GRCC. Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners are among the tools the state is using to achieve Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s “60 by 30 goal,” which aims to prepare Michiganders for in-demand jobs and bigger paychecks by increasing the number of adults with a postsecondary degree or credential to 60% by 2030. Whitmer highlighted GRCC students in a Wednesday release. “Our goal is to build a better Michigan where every Michigander is equipped with the education and skills they need to get a good-paying job, and the Michigan Reconnect students at Grand Rapids Community College are on their way to high-demand, high-wage careers,” she said. According to recent employment projections, nearly 530,000 jobs in professional trades fields alone will be available in Michigan through 2028. It’s estimated that nearly half those jobs will require postsecondary education. A growing number of older, nontraditional adult learners are heading to college classrooms – many for the first time. GRCC reported a 14% enrollment increase in students ages 30 and older, like Van Bennekom, compared to pre-pandemic enrollment levels. “More Michiganders are earning, or within reach of earning, a college degree or skills certificate thanks to efforts like Michigan Reconnect,” said Susan Corbin, director of the state Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. “We are creating new paths for fulfilling careers for our workers and opportunities for our Michigan businesses to fill critical talent needs so they can continue to compete, grow and innovate.” Van Bennekom decided to start a furniture refurbishing business after she and her husband, Matt, began renovating a historic home in Fulton Heights. She dreamed of getting an interior design degree but was unsure how they’d afford tuition while raising three children, ages 2, 7 and 8. Reconnect, GRCC’s online courses and GRCC daycare for her 2-year-old son gave her the freedom to pursue that dream. “I was amazed when I got a 4.0 and was on the President’s List my first semester at GRCC while juggling it all,” she said. “I work incredibly hard to balance it all.” GRCC President Bill Pink said it’s the college’s mission to prepare people like Van Bennekom to attain their goals and contribute to the community. “This is achieved by providing students with the skills and education that can lead to good careers and enriched lives,” Pink said. “We look forward to continued collaboration with our regional and state partners to provide pathways to success for our region’s students, workers and businesses.” Van Bennekom said there are many nontraditional students like her pursuing their dreams at GRCC. “When you really put your mind to something and you really want it, you can make it happen at any age,” she said. Additional information about how the Michigan Reconnect program can help students start and restart their college education and change their life is at grcc.edu/reconnect, and by emailing reconnect@grcc.edu or calling (616) 234-3366. This story was reported by Beth McKenna.

March 23, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Raiders fans can help the Grand Rapids Community College Athletic Department clear some room in its storage room and show their team spirit by purchasing team apparel and other items at a “yard sale” on Monday. The sale is planned for noon to 3 p.m. on Monday, March 28 in the Gordon Hunsberger Arena in the Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse. The sale includes jerseys, backpacks, jackets, polo shirts and other items, and proceeds will be used to support the GRCC Athletic program. Most of the items are unused, but others have been worn in competition and practice by student-athletes of the past. “We’ve had the opportunity to purchase updated uniforms and other apparel in recent years,” Athletic Director Lauren Ferullo said. “We know there are many Raider fans who would really enjoy wearing these. Rather than keeping them in storage, we want to share them with GRCC students and fans.”

March 22, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College’s Exercise Science program   is one of 156 universities and colleges in the nation and five in Michigan honored by Exercise is Medicine for efforts to create a culture of wellness on campus. Exercise is Medicine is a collaboration between the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Medical Association. Launched in 2007, the effort encourages making physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in clinical care, connecting health care with evidence-based physical activity resources for people everywhere of all abilities. GRCC’s Exercise Science program earned the organization’s gold level designation, with representatives to be honored at the American College of Sports Medicine’s annual meeting in June. The program is one of 73 earning the gold designation, with 60 colleges earning silver and 23 earning bronze. “Exercise is Medicine on Campus is a program calling upon universities and colleges to engage in the promotion of physical activity as a vital sign of health,” GRCC professor Melanie Schiele-Gady said.  “Exercise is a prescription that aids in brain health, body health, and quality of life. We need to continue to educate our campus on the importance of exercise, how to properly exercise, and get everyone working toward the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans guidelines from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that is evidence-based guidance to help Americans maintain or improve their health through physical activity.” Exercise is Medicine’s On-Campus Committee calls upon universities and colleges to promote physical activity as a vital sign of health and encourages faculty, staff and students to work together to improve the health and well-being of the campus community. The organization launched its recognition program in 2014 to honor campuses for their efforts to create a culture of wellness. “We are thrilled to recognize these campuses’ commitment to make movement a part of daily campus culture and give students the tools to cultivate physical activity habits that will benefit them throughout their lives,” Exercise is Medicine Vice President Robyn Stuhr said. “These campus programs are nurturing future leaders who will advance a key tenet of Exercise is Medicine: making physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in health care.” Schools earn gold, silver or bronze status based on their activities. Gold level campuses have created a referral system where campus health care providers assess student physical activity and refer students as necessary to a certified fitness professional as part of medical treatment. Silver campuses engage students, faculty and staff in education initiatives and make movement part of the daily campus culture while bronze level campuses promote and generate awareness of the health benefits of physical activity. Michigan State University, Grand Valley State University, and Central Michigan University also earned gold recognition, and Michigan Tech University earned silver recognition.