March 3, 2022 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – A tasty and trendy charcuterie board might seem like a challenge to assemble. But Grand Rapids Community College alumna Jennifer Struik has tips that can help even a kitchen novice create a dazzling board. Chef Jen is making the tips available through a March 3 livestream organized by the Grand Rapids Community College Alumni Association. Everyone – alumni or not – is invited to participate by heading to youtube.com/grcc at 5:30 p.m. Thursday. Charcuterie boards have been around since 15th Century France, and started as a way to serve cured pork. Today are a popular serving option at restaurants and gatherings and can include many other types of meats, as well cheese, crackers, fruit, nuts, and other foods. Struik, who is an instructor with the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education, earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in dietetics before earning certifications in Culinary Arts, Personal Chef and Chef Training from GRCC. An executive chef with Root Functional Medicine, she was a winner in Food Network’s “Supermarket Stakeout” in 2020. And, she’s a fan of charcuterie boards, especially when entertaining friends. “I think of charcuterie boards almost as a conversation piece,” she said. “Discussions are stimulated by bringing food into the conversation, and it starts a chain reaction to discuss other topics. They can be kind of an educational tool.” Struik was recognized in 2020 by The Grand Rapids Business Journal as a 40 Under 40 award winner, and has a large following on her “Jenny with the Good Eats” Instagram account.  “We are so lucky to have alumni who are willing to share their talents,” said Jenna VandeKamp, GRCC’s development manager for Alumni Relations and Annual Giving. “Charcuterie boards are the latest culinary trend, and after some guidance from Chef Jenn, you’ll know how to adapt them to different events and preferences.” Have these ingredients on hand to follow along with Struik: Cheeses: Cheddar cheese, goat cheese, brie. Meats: Prosciutto, salami. Condiments: Whole-grain mustard, jam, honey. Fruit and vegetables: Dried fruit, pickled vegetables, fresh berries or grapes, . Other ingredients: Nuts, two kinds of crackers, and fresh herbs for garnish.    

March 2, 2022, PANAMA CITY, Fla. – The Grand Rapids Community College baseball team dropped two one-run games to Gulf Coast State College on Wednesday to remain winless on its annual Southern spring trip. GRCC lost the first game 1-0, a no-hitter with the only Raider reaching base by advancing to first on a dropped third strike. GRCC hurler Caleb Engelsman kept the team in the game, giving up just a first-inning run and scattering four hits over six innings. The Gulf Coast State pitchers struck out 12 and walked none.  In the second game, GRCC scored two runs in the first and another in the second to go up 3-0.  But, Gulf Coast responded by scoring seven runs in the next three innings to take a 7-3 lead going into the sixth inning. Xander Reisbig led off the GRCC rally with a double to left field. After two strikeouts, lead-off hitter Jacob Gumieny singled to put two Raiders on base for freshman Andres Rivera-Calderon.  Rivera-Calderone drilled a base-clearing triple to cut the deficit in half, then scored on Ryan Dykstra’s single to right field. Elliott Traver held the Gulf Coast State scoreless in the bottom half of the inning and gave his team some hope going into the seventh. But GRCC’s offense was unable to score, losing 7-6. GRCC is 0-10 in the season, with the team falling short by one run in four of the defeats. The team either matched their opponents' hit total or out-hit their opponents in four of the games. GRCC is scheduled to play one more game on March 3 before returning home, a nine-inning game against Columbia State Community College starting at noon. The game will be available on the GRCC Athletics YouTube channel.

March 2, 2023, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Marisa Kiliszewski graduated from high school in 2020, right at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. “It was a difficult time to try to figure out what I wanted to do with my future. I didn’t love school, so I got a job and hated it,” she said. GRCC Workforce Training programs provide in-demand skills leading to rewarding careers. We are introducing students who are heading down an educational pathway and changing their lives by earning occupational certificates. “My dad told me about the Metallica welding program a few years ago, so when I saw that there was a new session coming up, I signed up right away,” Kiliszewski said. The GRCC Metallica Scholars Welding Bootcamp offers individuals 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 individuals grow into apprenticeships or other learning opportunities within the welding field. The program is a partnership with GRCC, the legendary band Metallica, it's All Within My Hands foundation, and the American Association of Community Colleges. “This have been a great experience for me,” Kiliszewski said. “I feel pretty fortunate to have gotten in right away. I always thought the trades were cool because that is what my dad does but I didn’t really think that I would go into one. Now that I’m in it, I love it, it’s great!” 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 individuals of different genders and racial/ethnic backgrounds to welding careers. “The education and training part are not as bad as I thought it would be, in fact, it’s pretty good!” she said. “The instructors, Nick Pinkney and Brittany Todd, were really great. I came into the program knowing literally nothing about welding. I didn’t even know that there are different types of welding. “The best part about welding is that it is fun! I get to do things with my hands. I can just go off into my own little world and burn wire.” Kiliszewski is now excited for her future and is already interviewing for welding jobs. “I’m looking to get into a job where I can get some time under the hood and keep working on my craft. I plan to join the pipefitters union, because that is really what I hope to do forever. I will probably come to GRCC for more classes. The instructors are super cool.” Kiliszewski is hoping to work for a company that will offer an apprenticeship or cover the cost of more training and education. “I’ve listened to Metallica my whole life and I’ve even seen them in concert! If I could say anything to Metallica, I would say, ‘You guys rock! This program is awesome. I’m so glad you are doing this! Thanks!’” To qualify for the program, participants must be 18 years of age, have a high school diploma/GED, and be able to work in the United States. For more information go to grcc.edu/metallica .  

Mar. 1, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College women's basketball team advanced to the semi-finals of the Great Lakes A District Championship after a gritty 70-62 victory over Glen Oaks Community College on Tuesday. "Proud of how our kids battled tonight," Coach David Glazier said.  "Gritty win and what turned out to be a solid all-around performance in a win-or-be-done situation.  Looking forward to the challenge that is in front of us on Friday." GRCC improved to 19-10 while Glen Oaks ended their season with an 8-20 record. The Vikings, coming off a victory on Monday, came out strong and out-scored GRCC in the first half 15-13. But GRCC responded by out-scoring the opponents 17-11 in the second period to have a 30-26 lead at the break. GRCC went on a 5-0 run to begin the third quarter and never looked back, leading by 14 points on three occasions. Glen Oaks fought back late in the game, coming within four points at 64-60. But GRCC point guard Marlene Bussler drilled her third three-pointer on the ensuing possession to put the game out of reach. Bussler was solid in all phases of the game, scoring 17 points, grabbing nine rebounds and getting a season-high six steals. GRCC now is heading to the semi-finals for the fifth-straight season. Grace Lodes, who missed the last two games, had a big night, dropping in 12 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and leading the team with five assists. Sally Merrill played all 40 minutes, scoring a team-high 22 points and grabbing seven rebounds. Allison Kellogg came off the bench, shooting 50% from the field and 80% from the free throw line, totaling 12 points and 11 rebounds in 22 minutes. The team will take on Jackson for the third time this season after the Jets won their tournament opener on Tuesday by 12 over Ancilla College. The game will be played at Mott Community College in Flint at 1 p.m. on March 4.  

March 1, 2022, DOTHAN, Ala. – The Grand Rapids Community College baseball team continues to struggle on its season-starting Southern road trip, dropping a doubleheader to Wallace Community College – Dothan on Tuesday. GRCC, now 0-8, watched the opener slip away early and couldn't recover in a 7-3 loss.   Wallace pulled away for good with two runs in the second inning, both on errors. Then the team scored three runs in the fifth inning on singles by Kade Snell and Jake Killingsworth and a walk by Gio Ferraro. Carlos Nolasco earned the win, pitching four and a third innings, allowing one run on two hits and striking out three. Brooks Byers threw two and two-thirds innings in relief, recording the last eight outs to earn the save.   Kellan Smith took the loss, with the righty lasting four innings, allowing six hits and four runs while striking out three. Caleb Engelsman, Ryan Dykstra, Andres Rivera-Calderon, and Fernando Rivera-Calderon each collected hits for the Raiders. GRCC lost the second game 5-1. Wallace put across a first-inning run on a walk by Jake Killingsworth, and a single by Michael Machin, and runs in the second inning on doubles by Zane Faulk and Killingsworth. Righty Brice Dillmore earned the win, allowing two hits and one run over three innings, striking out two. Ben Steward threw four innings in relief. Mason Hammond took the loss for GRCC. The lefty surrendered five runs on three hits over three innings, striking out two. Zacarias Salinas, Xander Reisbig, and Joe Hoeks each collected hits for GRCC. The team looks to rebound on Wednesday, with a doubleheader to Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, Fla.   Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2022. All rights reserved.

March 1, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College is changing its campus face covering mandate, transitioning to a new phase of COVID-19 protocols allowing masks to be an option for students, employees and community members, a move in line with other employers and educators across the region. “We are not declaring victory over COVID -- not yet,” GRCC President Bill Pink said. “But we are in a better place, and we are entering a different phase and adapting, as we have done since March 2020. We will continue to work with the authorities and monitor the data and conditions.” Face covering dispensers will remain stocked and available on campus. “There are many people who will choose to continue wearing face coverings, and it is important for us to respect their decisions and the reasons behind them,” Pink said. “We have been resilient. We’ve shown each other grace and patience throughout this pandemic, and will continue to do so.” The number of COVID-19 cases in Kent and Ottawa counties continues to fall. The Centers for Disease Control has adopted new metrics, and has moved the counties out of the high-risk category. GRCC required face coverings in summer 2021 after the CDC added the counties to the high-risk category. Campus leaders said they would continue to follow data, and seek guidance from health authorities when considering face covering protocols.  Following federal mandates, masks will be required while riding public transportation, including GRCC’s Sneden shuttle bus route that connects the Main and DeVos campuses. Pink said face coverings are just one tool in the college’s efforts to keep the campus community safe. Other changes set in place, such as distancing, increased air filtration, and plastic glass panels at some workstations, will remain. Classrooms will remain at 75% capacity through the end of the semester, and the college will continue offering courses in a variety of formats. Photo by Steve Jessmore.

Feb. 28, 2022, TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The Grand Rapids Community College baseball team lost two close decisions to Tallahassee Community College on Monday, including a tough walk-off defeat for the second day in a row. GRCC is winless on its season-starting road trip, dropping to 0-6. With the score tied at eight in the first game, GRCC had two runners in scoring position with just one out in the top of the final inning, but couldn't get another run across. Tallahassee then scored in the bottom of the inning, winning 9-8.  GRCC outhit the home team 10 hits to eight, with Max Varon, Andres Rivera-Calderon, Ryan Dykstra and Jacob Gumieny all with multi-hit performances. Varon and Dykstra each launched a home run. In the nightcap, the GRCC also out-hit Tallahassee, seven to two, but a three-run first inning for TCC proved to be the difference as the Raiders offense struggled to score more than two runs in the 5-2 decision. Dean Sommer took the loss for GRCC, surrendering four runs on one hit over four innings while striking out six. Dominic Palamara and Gumieny each had two hits to lead the Raiders offense.  The team is back in action on Tuesday against Wallace Community College-Dothan in Alabama. Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2022. All rights reserved.

Feb. 28. 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- While a nursing student at Grand Rapids Community College, Liz Jirous appreciated the support she received from faculty and her fellow students. “The GRCC environment is built for nontraditional students who are juggling many things in addition to getting their education,” she said. “I was able to learn adaptability and flexibility under pressure, which helped prepare me to be a nurse.” 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. After receiving her associate degree in 2008, Jirous transferred to Ferris State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She then received a master’s in nursing from Capella University. She started work as an inpatient nurse at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital soon after receiving her GRCC degree. She then worked as an inpatient supervisor. In 2015, she became the hospital’s pediatric kidney transplant coordinator. Jirous has also come back to GRCC to teach clinicals to nursing students. “GRCC truly wants to see their students succeed and provides the support to help make that happen,” she said. “There is so much value in walking next to someone through their journey versus simply providing vague directions. GRCC did that, and, for me, that was priceless.” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply .  

Feb. 27, 2022, MARIANNA, Fla. – The Grand Rapids Community College baseball team lost a heartbreaker to Chipola College, then struggled at the plate in a second game. GRCC is winless to start the season, dropping to 0-4, with three of the losses at the hands of Chipola. GRCC was down 1-0 in the final inning of the first game when Dylan Chargo tied the game with a home run. But Chipola’s Victor Sanchez walked to lead off the bottom of the seventh and scored on a hit from Peter Vazquez. The pitching was strong on both sides. Chipola pitchers struck out 11, while GRCC hurlers sat down ten. Ashe Ammerlaan was the winning pitcher for Chipola, with the left-hander going two innings, allowing one run on one hit, striking out five and walking none. Kellan Smith took the loss for GRCC. Dylan Eskew started the game for Chipola, surrendering no runs on four hits over five innings, striking out six. Jerad Berkenpas started the game for GRCC. The righty went six innings, allowing one run on five hits, striking out nine and walking one Jacob Gumieny led GRCC with two hits in four at bats. Chipola Indians racked up six hits. Cam Collier and David Castillo each collected multiple hits for Chipola, with Collier going 3-for-3. GRCC was held to just two hits in the second game, losing 9-0. Chipola Indians got on the board in the first inning when Shane Lewis knocked in a run on a ground out. Colton Mercer was the winning pitcher, with the southpaw going four innings, allowing no runs, no hits, striking out four and walking one. Collier, Mike Sokol, and Chase Scott all put in work in relief out of the bullpen, steering their team towards the victory. Caleb Engelsman took the loss for GRCC, throwing three and two-thirds innings, allowing five runs on seven hits. Chipola Indians launched two home runs on the day. Emmanuel Aldoban had a four-bagger in the sixth inning. Lewis had a homer in the third inning. Camden Keatley and Max Varon had the GRCC hits. The team is back in action on Monday against Tallahassee Community College in Tallahassee, Fla. Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2022. All rights reserved.

Feb. 26, 2022, MARIANNA, Fla. -- The Grand Rapids Community College baseball team struggled in its first games of the season, getting shutout by Wallace Community College – Dothan, then losing 7-1 to Chipola College on Saturday. Wallace pitcher Cullen Hartzog hurled five shutout innings, giving up three hits and striking out five. Drew Murphy took the loss for GRCC. The righty went four innings, allowing four runs on eight hits and striking out three. Wallace socked two home runs on the day. Jake Killingsworth put one out in the second inning, and Gio Ferraro had a homer in the fourth inning. Caleb Engelsman, Ryan Dykstra, and Fernando Rivera-Calderon had GRCC’s three hits. Wallace racked up 10 hits. Chaz Salter, Ferraro, and Killingsworth each managed multiple hits, with Salter going 3-for-4. In the second game, GRCC struggled to contain the high-powered offense of the Chipola Indians. Cedric De Grandpre was credited with the victory for Chipola Indians. The righthander surrendered one run on three hits over five innings, striking out nine and walking none. Ben Fiedler threw two innings in relief out of the bullpen. Brad Dunn took the loss for GRCC. The lefthander lasted four and a third innings, allowing four hits and four runs while striking out one. Jacob Gumieny went 3-for-3 at the plate to lead GRCC in hits. Chipola racked up six hits in the game, with Brando Leroux and Zac Rice having multiple hits. Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2022. All rights reserved.