March 8, 2022 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College and the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan are hosting a free Senior Dental Day on March 14, helping students gain new experiences while volunteering to help residents. Students in GRCC’s Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene programs will work with area dentists through the Kent County Oral Health Coalition to provide free cleanings, X-rays, exams and referrals. The patients, all Kent County residents, are at least 60 years old and haven’t seen a dentist during the past 12 months. The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan has organized the patients’ initial paperwork and is providing transportation to those who need it. Professor Christine Dobberstein said the event introduces the GRCC students to a volunteer opportunity and public health collaboration. “The students benefit by getting outside their comfort zones with a variety of patient experiences,” she said. “As they haven’t yet started their partner-office rotations, the Dental Assisting students haven’t had the chance to work with patients who are not friends, family or classmates. While the Dental Hygiene students have been seeing patients here in our GRCC clinic, they may not have worked with very many seniors at this point in their clinical education.” Senior Dental Day also gives the Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene students, who are often on very different schedules, a chance to work together as a team to care for a large number of patients, Dobberstein said. GRCC’s Dental Clinic is located on the third floor of the Peter and Pat Cook Academic Hall, 143 Bostwick Ave. NE. Services, offered throughout the year, include a review of medical and dental history, blood pressure screening, cleanings, preliminary dental hygiene exams, X-rays, fluoride treatments, dental health instruction, chemotherapeutic agents and sealants. More information is available online .  

March 7, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer visited Grand Rapids Community College on Monday, touring automotive technology labs and taking about auto insurance refund checks headed to car owners this spring. It’s the third time Whitmer has visited the Leslie E. Tassell M-TEC and fifth visit to GRCC since becoming governor in 2019. The governor toured GRCC automotive tech labs and classrooms, met with students and was greeted by GRCC Provost Brian Knetl. Whitmer was joined by Anita Fox, director of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services, to announce that the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association will complete the transfer of $3 billion in surplus funds to Michigan’s auto insurers this week. Once complete, the transfer will trigger a 60-day deadline for auto insurers to send out required $400 refund checks per vehicle to eligible Michiganders no later than May 9, 2022. “These $400 refunds are game-changers for so many Michigan families,” Whitmer said. “I called for these refunds because I am committed to lowering costs for Michiganders and putting money back in people’s pockets. They are possible because we worked across the aisle to pass bipartisan auto insurance reform, and we will keep working together to grow our economy and build a state where families can thrive.” The MCCA voted in Dec. 2021 to return approximately $3 billion of the surplus funds to Michiganders while maintaining approximately $2 billion in surplus funds to ensure continuity of care for catastrophic accident survivors. Michigan’s auto insurers must now issue refunds to eligible state policyholders of $400 per vehicle, or $80 per historic vehicle, for each vehicle that was insured under a policy that meets the minimum insurance requirements for operating a vehicle on Michigan roads as of 11:59 p.m. on October 31, 2021.  Eligible consumers who do not receive their refunds by the deadline should contact their auto insurer or agent. Additional information is available from DIFS online at Michigan.gov/MCCArefund , or by contacting the agency by phone at 833-ASK-DIFS (833-275-3437). or by emailing autoinsurance@michigan.gov. Whitmer was joined by Shawn Jones, owner of Jones Logistics Services, a trucking small business, and Sarah Weir, Kentwood Public Schools’ homeless student liaison. Photo by Andrew Schmidt.

March 7, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- In the sea of green and white at Michigan State University, Grand Rapids Junior College alum Carolyn J. Miller works with the very greenest.  Miller, who received her associate degree in 1987, is MSU’s plant recorder. 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. “I use GIS (geographic information systems) technology to track and record all the trees and shrubs on campus,” she said. “Not only do I work with GIS, but I update the plant database with pertinent information to all trees and shrubs.” Miller embarked on her higher ed journey at GRJC because of its affordable tuition, small classes and the help available at tutoring labs. “I would spend hours in the math help labs to get the added instruction I needed,” she said. “Knowing that I could succeed in these classes solidified my continued education.”. While she loved all her science classes – “every instructor I had went above and beyond to assist students” – Introduction to Botany and Organic Chemistry I and II were especially pivotal. “My botany professor, Dr. Jack Heydenburg, encouraged me to focus on botany, as he saw my enthusiasm for the plant world,” she said. “I will be forever grateful for his encouragement. “My organic chemistry professor, Dr. Ron Edwards, made me get outside my comfort zone in the lab. I was apprehensive on taking organic chemistry, knowing that I’d have to take it wherever I transferred to, but in the end, it was the best decision to take this class at GRJC.” Miller went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in botany and plant pathology from MSU and is working on a master’s degree in biology at Miami University in Ohio. After working at Frederik Meijer Gardens and then Naples Botanical Garden in Florida, she started at MSU in 2015. “Life is not easy, and to find a career that fulfills you can be even tougher,” Miller said. “Getting all the experience you can in college is a must. Yes, some of those experiences might be lackluster, but in the end, you will not regret those chances. I have always strived to tackle any job, and, ultimately, this led me to my dream job.” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply .

March 5, 2022, FLINT, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College women's basketball season came to an end Saturday, losing in the NJCAA Great Lakes A District Championship game by a final of 70-50 to Muskegon Community College. The team lost Grace Lodes, the top shot-blocker in the nation, for the first half after two quick fouls. But GRCC trailed by just two after the first quarter and eight at the half. Muskegon scored the final five points of the half to pull ahead 38-30 at the break. GRCC, which finished in third place in the MCCAA Western Conference this year, couldn't cut the deficit any closer and the conference champion Jayhawks prevailed by 20. The loss ends GRCC’s season with a 20-11 record. Muskegon improved to 24-4 and is headed to the national tournament on a 13-game winning streak. "Extremely proud of this group and ensuring they did this season," Coach David Glazier said. "A tough ending to a great year, but excited to see this group build on their success." Teammates Sally Merrill and Marlene Bussler earned All-Tournament Team honors after excellent performances that included Bussler's first career double-double and 40 points in the past two games for Merrill. Against Muskegon, Merrill led all scorers with 18 points on 7 of 15 shots from the field and 3 of 7 shots from behind the arc. Allison Kellogg and Bussler each scored nine points and Karissa Ferry led the team with eight rebounds. Season Highlights for GRCC included: Lodes led the nation in total blocks with 99 and ranked top-10 in conference in rebounding. Merrill was sixth in the league scoring 16.2 points per game. She was also top-10 in minutes, field goals made, free throws made, rebounds and blocked shots. Bussler finished top-10 in the conference in assists. Glazier, in his sixth year as coach, posted the most wins in his GRCC career. The team appeared in its seventh-straight district tournament appearance, and second-straight championship appearance. The team finished first in the conference in total rebounds per game, defensive rebounds per game, opponents field goal percentage, block shots per game, and second in the league in opponents points per game, 52.2 points. Photo by Luis Fernandez.

March 4, 2022, FLINT, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College women's basketball is heading to the NJCAA Great Lakes A District Championship after a dominating defensive performance in the semi-finals over Jackson College. GRCC was up just 21-17 after the first half, but outscored Jackson 34-17 in the second half to win 55-34. The 34 points was a season low for Jackson.  “So proud and happy for this group,” Coach Dave Glazier said. “This was a complete team effort with what might have been our best team performance in the biggest moment so far.  Work to be done tomorrow!” GRCC defense, No. 2 in the league, held opponents to less than 50 points in eight games this year. The team also out-rebounded Jackson 60-45, and held it to 22.9% shooting. Sally Merrill, a freshman from Allegan, scored 22 points, including knocking in three of her team's eight three-point baskets. The guard/forward also had a game-high 13 rebounds, including seven on the offensive end. Marlene Bussler was credited to her first career double-double after an 11-point, 11-rebound performance. Allison Kellogg was again a spark off the bench with six points, 10 rebounds and even made her first career triple late in the game. Grace Lodes, tops in the nation in blocked shots, and No. 3 in the nation for blocked shots per game, had seven blocks, along with six points and six rebounds. The team will take on either Muskegon Community College or Mid Michigan College in the championship. The game will be played at Mott Community College in Flint at noon on March 5.  Photo by Luis Fernandez.

Always remember, at GRCC, you are surrounded by people who want you to be successful and are ready to walk with you on your educational pathway. We are here to help! Meet Garrett Esper. Garrett is here to help new students who don't have recent ACT or SAT test scores, letting them know what English and math placement assessments they need. He also helps students schedule those assessments. As the placement specialist for GRCC's Student Services office (formerly Enrollment Center), Garrett oversees the coordination and administration of academic placement testing at the college. As a student employee at GRCC, Garrett learned that helping students is fulfilling work, and he continued at the college in different positions as he earned his associate degree from GRCC, and his bachelor's degree from Ferris State University. "It makes me feel good to know I am helping someone take steps to begin a new chapter of their life," Garrett said. "My passion for our students to succeed is what drives my effort to always go the extra mile to ensure each student feels welcomed and supported." Garrett chose GRCC after high school for the affordability and student support that set the college apart from others in West Michigan. He planned to become a high school English teacher when he began college, but then switched to marketing. "I completed my Bachelor of Science in Marketing at Ferris State University in 2020," he said. "While completing school, I began working as a student ambassador for New Student Orientation, and found the work to be fulfilling. That role made me want a career working in higher education. In 2018, I began working in the Enrollment Center, and finally transitioned to the placement specialist role in 2021." In the six years that Garrett has worked at GRCC, he has learned all about the services and resources available to students. He's ready to help each semester's new students confidently complete assessment testing so they can be placed in the math or English class that is right for them. "I have great experience with helping students navigate the steps to completing admissions and enrollment at GRCC and encourage anyone with questions to connect with me," he said.

March 4, 2022 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Two incoming high school students will attend Grand Rapids Community College tuition-free through a new scholarship opportunity from the GRCC Foundation’s board of directors. The GRCC Foundation Board of Directors Excellence Scholarships, announced today, will go to two students – one each from Kent and Ottawa counties, who are nominated by high school counselors. “Foundation board members are always moved when they hear students sharing how a scholarship helped them overcome financial challenges and move forward with a life-changing education,” said Dr. Kathryn Mullins, vice president of College Advancement and executive director of the GRCC Foundation. “We’re proud to offer this new opportunity and work with counselors in schools across our region. Together, we can change lives.” The foundation plans to distribute $1.4 million in scholarships this year to more than 1,000 students. The new Board of Directors Excellence Scholarships will pay tuition and all fees associated with registered classes. If tuition and fees are already covered by other grants or scholarships, $1,500 will be awarded each semester to cover books, transportation, and other education-related expenses. This award is available for one full academic year: Fall 2022, Winter 2023 and Summer 2023. Students must maintain full-time enrollment of 12 or more credits during the fall and winter semesters to receive these scholarship funds. Summer enrollment is optional; however, students wishing to use this scholarship in the summer semester must be enrolled in six or more credits. High school counselors have until April 1 to nominate a senior based on the following criteria: The student will graduate from a high school in Kent or Ottawa counties in spring 2022. The student has been admitted to GRCC with plans to start classes this fall. The student currently has a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Counselors can consider other factors, including barriers and obstacles the student has faced, involvement in community service, and leadership activities or qualities. U.S. citizenship is not a requirement for this award. Counselors can find additional information and the nomination forms at grcc.edu/fullride .

March 3, 2022, COLUMBIA, Tenn. -- An eight-run fourth inning led the Grand Rapids Community College baseball team to a 15-5 victory over Columbia State Community College on Thursday, snapping a 10-game losing streak to start the season. The win concluded the team’s annual southern trip to start the season, where it challenges itself by  facing tough non-conference teams that have been playing outdoors in warmer climates. "We are very happy with the development of our players," Coach Mike Eddington said. "Our players learned they can compete with the top D1 community colleges in the country, which should give them confidence." Eddington said the team learned it has to do little things to win close games, such as getting bunts down, improving base running and situational hitting. "We also learned our guys will compete and not give up and can move on from a close loss," he said. "We need to continue to try to getter better each day. I think we will our players are together and are motivated to be good." Dylan Chargo, Zacarias Salinas, Caleb Engelsman, Jacob Gumieny, and Ryan Dykstra all contributed in GRCC’s big inning with RBIs. Jerad Berkenpas was the winning pitcher. The righthander lasted five innings, allowing five hits and four runs while striking out one. Eliott Traver and Jeremy Marble entered the game out of the bullpen and helped to close out the game. Patrick Green took the loss for Columbia State, with the southpaw surrendering eight runs on eight hits over two and two-thirds innings, striking out three and walking one. Nicholas Neighbours started the game for Columbia State, lasting three and a third innings, allowing five runs on four hits and striking out one GRCC had 12 hits. Dykstra, Luke Huerta, Xander Reisbig, and Salinas all had multiple hits, with Dykstra getting a single, double, and triple in five at-bats. GRCC’s next game is March 20, facing University of Northwestern Ohio’s junior varsity team in Lima, Ohio.  Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2022. All rights reserved.

March 3, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College is partnering with Amazon’s Career Choice program, providing Amazon’s hourly employees access credits for transfer or degrees and career-focused certificates. The Career Choice program is an Amazon education benefit empowering employees to learn new skills for career success at Amazon or elsewhere. GRCC is one of 140 colleges and universities in the nation, and one of four in Michigan, to partner with the company. “Amazon and employers across West Michigan partner with GRCC to help residents gain in-demand skills and grow a talented work force to strengthen our economy,” GRCC President Bill Pink said. “We are proud of our mission and history of being the place students of all ages turn to for degrees and career certificates to advance in their careers and support their families. GRCC students know we will walk with them and support them along the way to help them thrive.” The program meets individual learners where they are on their education journey through a variety of education and upskilling opportunities including full college tuition, industry certifications designed to lead to in-demand jobs, and foundational skills such as English language proficiency, high school diplomas, and GEDs. In the United States, the company is investing $1.2 billion to upskill more than 300,000 employees by 2025 to help move them into higher-paying, in-demand jobs. Amazon’s Career Choice program has a rigorous selection process for third-party partner educators, choosing partners that are focused on helping employees through their education programs, assisting them with job placements, and overall offering education that leads to career success. “We’re looking forward to GRCC coming on board as an education partner for Career Choice, adding to the hundreds of best-in-class offerings available to our employees,” said Tammy Thieman, Global Program Lead of Amazon’s Career Choice program. “We’re committed to empowering our employees by providing them access to the education and training they need to grow their careers, whether that’s with us or elsewhere. We have intentionally cultivated a partner network of third-party educators and employers committed to providing excellent education, job placement resources, and continuous improvements to the experience. Today, over 50,000 Amazon employees around the world have already participated in Career Choice and we’ve seen first-hand how it can transform their lives.” Additional information on Amazon’s Career Choice is here.