Dec. 13, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – 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. Courtney Gabridge has had many roles in her life: mom, phlebotomist, emergency medical technician, investigator, Realtor. She has never feared change; she embraces it. After graduating from Catholic Central High School in 1996, she enrolled at the University of Dayton. “I quickly realized in a few months’ time that that specific college was not for me and transferred that December of my freshman year to GRCC,” she said. Making that change was life-changing. “What I noticed right off the bat was that the teachers at this college truly care about their students and their future,” Gabridge said. “I noticed how they have a passion for education and believe in what they do. I ended up transferring again to Aquinas College but never forgot my GRCC experience.” She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology at Aquinas and later her EMT certification. “College, in general, taught me to want more for myself out of life, to become educated in all different areas, to succeed, to fail, to be uncomfortable, to have hopes and dreams, to push myself, to never settle, to work hard,” Gabridge said. She credits her GRCC experiences with encouraging her love of learning. “Every experience in life has led me to the current path I am on,” said Gabridge, who works at Greenridge Realty in East Grand Rapids. “I love real estate; I love working for others and helping them.” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply .

Dec. 11, 2021, ALPENA, Mich. -- Sally Merrill's 27 points and Andrew Moore's 19 points led the Grand Rapids Community College basketball teams to victory Saturday at Alpena Community College. Merrill, a freshman from Allegan, surpassed her previous career-high by eight points in the Raiders’ 67-53 victory. Eleven of the points came in the Raiders’ big 25-point second quarter. "Overall the team played really well as a unit," Merrill said after her team's third-straight victory. "We had some lulls that we've got to correct as a group but overall everyone contributed to a solid team victory." That team effort showed as nine Raiders ended up in the scoring column. Grace Lodes, of Comstock Park, scored 12 points and point guard Marlene Bussler, of Battle Creek, added 12 points. Head coach David Glazier was just as proud as the total team effort. "Happy with a solid team victory today," Glazier said. "We saw a number of good things from a number of different players. We also made note of areas where we can continue to improve.  Sally was really good today. She was active, finished scoring opportunities and made plays when we needed them." The women's team is now 4-5 on the season. Moore, a Forest Hills Northern High School grad, was one of eight Raider men who scored in the team's 87-84 victory. GRCC connected on a season-high 13 three-point attempts, including three each from Rico Wade, Jovante Jones and Justus Clark.  Jones, of Saginaw, dropped in 14 while Wade, of Atlanta, Ga. scored all nine from long range.  Clark, from Farmington Hills, scored 18 points. “After a disappointing first half, the team really brought the energy, effort, and enthusiasm in the second,” coach Joe Fox said. “I was very pleased with the team’s response. It feels great to be heading into a long break with a win. We have some things to work on over break, and a long time in which to do it. Even though it was a total team win today, I want to highlight Nyuon Nhial, who really set the tone for us in the second half with his energetic play. He helped us turn the game around.” GRCC's men's team snapped a three-game losing streak and is now 5-6 on the season. The women will then square off against the defending national champions, Lake Land College on Dec. 17 at 5:30 p.m. The men won't resume play until January when the conference season begins. 

A School News Network feature — Sydney Murphy encouraged people at Matthew’s House Ministry to stand up and complete exercises that help the lymphatic system eliminate toxins. Following Murphy’s directions, several people who had come to the northwest Grand Rapids non-profit for a free meal and session led by students in Grand Rapids Community College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program rose from their seats, rubbed and tapped their own neck, chest, hips, the backs of their knees, and wiggled their arms and trunks. “You could be tired, nauseous, have migraines, stiff joints,” Murphy explained. “This is a technique to wake up your lymphatic system by tapping on the main lymph nodes in your body.  This can overall keep your whole body clear of toxins that make you feel sick or foggy.” Since September, as part of fieldwork to become occupational therapy assistants, GRCC students have connected with people who are experiencing homelessness and who utilize programs and services at Matthew’s House. The students serve meals – a recent Tuesday’s menu including chicken, ham, mashed potatoes and all the fixings – before beginning lessons attendees might find of value. Murphy and fellow GRCC students Tanya Dyer, Taylor Barr and Rachel Hill led “Self-care Bingo,” with spaces on the card stating healthy-living practices like “stretch,” “give a compliment” and “exercise.” They also practiced mindfulness through breathing techniques and got to know one another by sharing fun, personal facts: “Strawberry Fields by The Beatles” answered one man about his favorite song. “I’m a mechanic,” another man shared. “I work at the VanAndel Arena,” shared another. “I love walking because I can’t drive a car without crashing,” said Mike Baxter, with a chuckle. After finishing his meal, Baxter said he enjoys participating in sessions with students while having a free dinner. They’ve focused on nutrition, computer and employment skills and where to find resources. Baxter contributed to a resource guide they created. “They talk about personal health, where to shop, how to save money on your shopping. They do price comparisons and everything…. They seem to get more detailed every week,” he said. Murphy sees the value of working with the group as part of her training. “You meet a lot of different people from a lot of different areas of life, and that broadens your horizons,” she said. “It’s a lot of getting to know people and what walk of life they come from. Everyone’s different and needs different things so it’s about really getting to know them on a personal level.”  ‘A Diversity of Experiences’ The partnership allows students to fulfill program requirements, but also provides rich experiences with people they might not otherwise have the opportunity to get to know, said Robin Pegg, assistant professor and academic fieldwork coordinator for the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. “Occupational therapy works across the lifespan. That’s why we try to provide a diversity of experiences to the students,” Pegg said. “This is really exciting that GRCC supports these kinds of community partnerships and promotes us doing this as faculty.” Occupational therapy assistants work with all ages and demographics, and work under supervision of registered occupational therapists. They provide service and intervention with people who have physical, developmental, social or emotional deficits and need specialized assistance. The two-year program, offered through the School of Workforce Development, includes two semesters of field work. At the end of the program the students have an associate degree in applied sciences and are ready to sit for the National Board Exam to become certified and ready to practice. During their visits, GRCC students help Matthew’s House participants learn basic computer and pre-employment skills like writing resumes. They’ve offered a class on resources on where to find free clothes and meals, information they gather through a series of interviews with people in the homeless population. Nutrition has been another focus. Students have shared information on how much sugar is in certain foods, how to make good choices and choose healthy items at food pantries. They’ve taught a lesson, “Cooking without a Kitchen,” for participants who live on the streets. “Students learn and the community benefits,” is the mission, Pegg said. Reggie Lott, assistant director of Matthew’s House, said the GRCC students are helping the participants become computer literate and with other skills, such as budgeting. The ministry serves as a communications hub as well as providing transitional housing and other resources. “I believe it also helps the students become better public speakers and helps them hone their skills when it comes to dealing with the public,” Lott said. Some students were at first nervous about working with the Matthew’s House population, but that quickly changed, she said. “These same students that were scared to death to walk through that door, now just three weeks into it you go in and watch them sitting down, (saying) ‘Hey Lou, how are you today? How has your week been?’” As a student, Hill said she’s enjoying the sessions. “I went into OT because I have a passion for just helping people. I like to see people thriving in their lives and enjoying their lifestyle. I love working with all ages of the population, from kids to geriatrics,” she said. Hill’s learning about what topics and information work with different groups of people, such as those at Matthew’s House. “I think it gives us experience in interacting with people and being able to keep it focused on them and what they want and need.” Students also partner with Ready for Life Academy, which offers post-secondary educational experiences for college-age individuals diagnosed with intellectual disabilities. GRCC students pair with those from Ready for Life to help them access the college curriculum and with living skills, like cooking, shopping, work skills and other home management tasks. This story was reported and photographed by Erin Albanese of the School News Network.

Dec. 9, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- 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 Dan Nyhof. Dan is a counselor in GRCC's Disability Support Services where he meets with GRCC students who have a diagnosed disability. If you get a chance to work with Dan, the two of you will develop a reasonable accommodation plan to support your academic success. After that, you will meet regularly to review your accommodation plan and academic progress, and then adjust your plan, as needed. You will also connect with Dan for academic advising. This can include career exploration, course and degree selection, being connected with resources related to your areas of interest on- or off-campus, career or transfer planning, and more. Dan's work is most rewarding when he sees students execute the educational plans they developed. "A person's journey may not be straightforward, but each experience a student has will help them learn and grow while moving toward their goal," he said. "While I was in school I worked as a dishwasher, barista, baker, cashier, landscaper, substitute teacher, warehouse worker, school counselor, and therapist. Each one of these experiences taught me about myself and helped develop my plans that culminated with me working at GRCC." Dan attended a community college in Illinois, working full time during the day and taking classes in the evenings. "I chose to attend community college because the tuition was cheaper than the university that I was already attending," he said. "The classes also were offered in more convenient times than other options. I was really impressed with that school, so that might have played a part in becoming interested in working for GRCC later." After community college, Dan went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Psychology, a master's degree in Counseling Psychology, and a doctorate in Counseling. He is now a licensed counselor with a limited license as a psychologist. Dan worked at a refugee resettlement agency, in psychiatric hospitals, in outpatient mental health clinics, and in middle and high schools before coming to GRCC. As a high school counselor part of his role was helping students make plans for skilled training or higher education after their graduation. "GRCC was the most helpful in working with me and our high school students," he said. "Many different people (from many different areas) were gladly willing to use their time to meet with our students to help them navigate how to start at GRCC and get a plan together. During this time, I was able to meet many GRCC staff and faculty members and was very impressed with their commitment to the college and the students." During his last job at a high school Dan also began teaching at GRCC as an adjunct faculty member, which grew his interest in working with college students. "I loved teaching these classes and it was such a wonderful experience," he said. "Then I was fortunate to be able to help out in the Academic Advising and Transfer Center with preparing new students for college. This part-time experience helped me realize that GRCC was where I wanted to devote all my time. I have been full time at GRCC since 2014!" You can connect with Dan and his team through email at disability@grcc.edu and by phone at (616) 234-4140.

Dec. 9, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- It all started with a turquoise Easy-Bake Oven. “My parents bought it for me when I was 7 and I baked everything with it. It was the coolest gift I ever had,” said Jodi Holland, now 58. Never in a million years did that little girl dream she’d one day be baking at the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education at Grand Rapids Community College. “It never occurred to me to go to college,” she said. “I’m the youngest of eight children and while our parents never discouraged college, they never really encouraged it either. “Then earlier this year a friend posted something on Facebook about the Michigan Reconnect program and I knew this was a golden opportunity for me to do something I should have done a long time ago: get a college degree.” Michigan Reconnect is a state scholarship program providing free in-district tuition for those ages 25 and older who don’t already have a college degree. This fall, 998 students at GRCC are enrolled through Reconnect. Holland enrolled at GRCC this summer and is working toward an associate degree in culinary arts with a baking and pastry arts certificate. “I’m so lucky not to be racking up a bunch of student loans at my age. I’ve paid for a few books, but that’s it. Reconnect has taken care of everything else,” said Holland, who’s worked her entire life, often just earning enough money to get by and raise her three children. But she’s not pursuing a college degree just for herself. She also hopes to inspire her 15-year-old grandson, Gavin Lietz. “I think it’s one thing to talk to somebody and say, ‘You should do this.’ But if I can say, ‘I’ve done it. Let me walk along beside you and help you,’ that’s a lot different,” she said. Holland says she’s grateful for the support in navigating the world of college, which can be very intimidating. Her husband, Fred, cheers her on, her oldest daughter taught her how to use Microsoft Word and her grandson taught her PowerPoint. Because she’d never been on GRCC’s campus, a young friend who’s a student showed her around, where to park, and how to find the culinary building. “I feel like a pro now,” she said. “lt has definitely been a group effort all along.” Last spring, Holland started getting her feet wet in the culinary arts by working full-time with her husband at an adult living facility in Spring Lake. She does all the baking and her husband, a retired chef, does all the cooking. “We do everything from scratch, and I just love it. It’s the most wonderful job I’ve ever had,” said Holland, who also sells real estate.  Once she graduates, the Hollands dream of opening their own restaurant. And that Easy-Bake Oven from the 1960s? Her husband surprised her three years ago with one just like it from an antique shop. It sits in a place of honor in their dining room. “Believe it or not, Gavin and I still bake with it.” Learn more about how the Michigan Reconnect program can help you start or restart your college education and change your life at grcc.edu/reconnect . This story was reported by Beth McKenna and photographed by Andrew Schmidt.

Dec. 8, 2021, FLINT, Mich. -- Marlene Bussler carried the Grand Rapids Community College women’s basketball team to a 57-48 over Mott Community College, while the No. 1 ranked Mott men's team defeated GRCC 86-64 on Wednesday. The women's team has won two games in a row and is now 3-5 on the season. The team got off to a slow start against MCC, trailing 18-4 after the first quarter and 24-16 at the half. But the team exploded in the second half, scoring 41 points and out-scoring the opposition by 17. Defense clearly won the ball game for the Raiders. The team held the Bears to just 27.3% from the field, forcing 14 turnovers while blocking a staggering 13 shots, including six from Sally Merrill and four from Grace Lodes. Coach David Glazier was proud of his team’s fight. "Credit tonight goes to each kid in our locker room for never letting up, calmly going about our business, and executing the game plan," he said. "I think this group grew as a team tonight, gained a broader idea of what they can be by the end of the year." Bussler, a freshman from Battle Creek, played in all 40 minutes and scored 13 points, grabbed nine rebounds, dished out a team-high five assists and had a team-high five steals.  Merrill, of Allegan, totaled eight points and 11 rebounds while Lodes, a freshman from Comstock Park, added 14 points and nine rebounds. GRCC's men's team, now 4-6 on the season, kept pace in the first half against the No. 1 team in the country. But the second half belonged to the home team. The Raiders trailed by just one with 2:42 left in the first half, but the Bears closed the half on a six-point run to lead 40-33.  Mott would outscore the visitors from Grand Rapids by 15 in the second half to stay perfect at 8-0 on the season. The Raiders shot solidly from the field at 41.3%, and 7 of 21 from behind the arc, but they were out rebounded 55-29 and lost the turnover battle 16-12. Matthew Richards, of Byron Center, was one of three Raiders to reach double figures.  The power forward led the team with 14 points and six rebounds in 20 minutes of action.  Jovante Jones, of Saginaw, had 13 points and three assists while Andrew Moore, of Grand Rapids, dropped in 11 points and grabbed five boards. "It was great for us to get a chance to test ourselves against the No. 1 team in the country twice in the same week," coach Joe Fox said. "We have flashes of the effort and execution that we need, but against a quality team like Mott, you need it for 40 minutes. I thought the team improved from the game Saturday, but at the end of the day you need to turn the corner and finish these games. I’m looking forward to getting back in the gym with the guys to prepare for Alpena on Saturday." Both teams have one more game before the holiday break. They will travel to Alpena Community College on Dec. 11 for games starting at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. 

Dec. 8, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- GRCC Workforce Training programs provide in-demand skills leading to rewarding careers. Each Wednesday we’ll meet students who are heading down an educational pathway and changing their lives by earning occupational certificates. Faith Kelly just wanted to support her mom when she enrolled in GRCC’s Workforce Training Pharmacy Technician program. “My aunt is a pharmacy technician and my mom wanted to take the class, but not by herself; so I agreed to take it with her.” Kelly previously worked in the service-retail sector. After graduating from high school, she didn’t know what was next for her. “I was dual enrolled at GRCC for a while and I graduated early. Then COVID-19 hit so I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do.” A pharmacy technician is a health specialist who, under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, assists in the various activities of the pharmacy department. “The class was really interesting and the instructor was nice,” Kelly said. “I had to memorize over 200 different drugs, and what they are used for.” GRCC’s Pharmacy Technician training program is offered in a 15-week hybrid format. Class is taught online with the exception of three in-person labs. “The schedule was nice for me. It gave me the flexibility to continue to work while going through the training. I did really enjoy the in-person labs. They were really interesting,” Kelly said.  “I now work for Meijer as a Pharmacy Technician. My job is completely remote which is really nice, especially on bad weather days. I basically take the prescriptions that a doctor submits and input that information into a system that covers six different states. It’s amazing how many I can do in a day. I’m just starting out and I can probably process 225 per day!” The pre-certification class prepares students to take the national Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam. Training utilizes textbooks from the American Pharmacists Association, and trains individuals to work in a retail or hospital environment. “Once I get my license, I will get a raise,” she said. “Plus, Meijer has many opportunities for moving up in the company. So, if I want to change it up in the future, I can. I like that I am learning about so many different medications and even though it sounds like the same thing all day, it’s not. I like how each day is different.” Next program begins Jan. 10, 2022. Go to grcc.edu/healthcare for more information.

Dec. 7, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College students will have easier access to technology and academic tutoring through a partnership between the college, the AT&T Foundation and the Grand Rapids Public Library. A GRCC virtual learning hub was created in the library’s Seymour branch, 2350 Eastern Ave. SE. A $25,000 grant from the AT&T Foundation will be used for tutors, bus passes for students who need transportation, snacks, and some supplies. “This program is a perfect example of a partnership making our community stronger,” said Dr. Kathryn K. Mullins, GRCC’s vice president for College Advancement and executive director of the GRCC Foundation. “The pandemic exacerbated many of the obstacles faced by our students, including transportation and access to computers or Wi-Fi. The new learning hub brings tutoring and other support services right to those living in this neighborhood.” In addition to the on-site tutors, who will focus on reading, writing and research skills, students can use the Seymour branch’s computers and Wi-Fi access to connect with GRCC tutors in other subjects as well as specialists who can help with enrollment, financial aid, and placement test questions. The Seymour branch was selected for the hub because it is located in a neighborhood with a large number of underserved residents. "The AT&T Foundation is committed to ensuring students have access to technology and learning resources to be successful," AT&T Michigan President David Lewis said. "GRCC's virtual learning hub at the Grand Rapids Public Library is giving underserved students the access they need and deserve to thrive in their education." The learning hub is available to GRCC students and community members who are interested in learning more about attending GRCC. Since opening in mid-September, it has helped about 150 students in-person and virtually so far. More than 20 students have visited the hub multiple times. “Having the tutoring hub at Seymour has been very successful and is attracting new patrons to the library who are utilizing our services and resources,” said Zandra Blake, regional branch manager at the Grand Rapids Public Library. “It is also illuminating the tremendous need for tutoring for students of all ages in our community.” About half of GRCC’s Winter 2022 classes will have an online component, and registration is still open. The hub is open 3-8 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, 1-6 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 1-5 p.m. on Saturday. Ray Harig, 45, is attending GRCC through the Futures for Frontliners program, which provides tuition for people who worked in essential careers during the state’s COVID-19 shutdown. He’s paused his work in the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning industry to take classes and finish his degree, which will help him advance in his career. He said he’s found help navigating computer software and learning how to use it for research projects and writing essays. Student Diego Suarez, 19, said all of his classes this semester are online. He comes to the learning hub once a week, getting tutoring assistance for essays and research projects. “This is more convenient, and I don’t have to worry about finding parking,” he said. “I save time and money, and get the help I need.”

Dec. 7. 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Grand Rapids Community College's next COVID-19 vaccination clinic for students, employees and community members is planned for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 8 in the Raider Grill in the GRCC Student Center. The clinic will offer COVID-19 vaccinations as well as booster shots. Vaccines have been determined to be the most effective tool in preventing serious illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19. The Dec. 8 clinic is GRCC’s third vaccination clinic in the last three months, with the last two serving about 190 people. But demand for vaccines and boosters is rising, and the college might not be able to offer another clinic for some time. People wishing to obtain the vaccines or booster shots can save time and create an account and fill out the required vaccine form in advance:  https://www.visit.covidsecureapp.com/michigan . The clinics are part of a series of wellness protocols intended to help GRCC students, employees and community members. The campus is requiring face-coverings indoors, and has posted face-covering dispensers near entrances in many buildings. On-campus class sizes will be limited to 75% capacity, and the college is replacing two-person desks with single-person desks in most classrooms. The college is also installing new furniture for common areas that is intended to help with distancing. Hundreds of hand sanitizing stations were added last year, and changes were made to campus cooling and ventilation to increase air flow. College leaders are monitoring developments with COVID-19 and its variants, and are communicating with state and federal health authorities for guidance as conditions change. GRCC Nursing students administered shots into the arms of students, campus employees, and others in the spring as part of the Shot of Love campaign, a partnership with Urban Church Leadership Center and Spectrum Health. In May, the college hosted a campus vaccination pop-up clinic, which was visited by first lady Jill Biden.

Dec. 6, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Construction has started on a Grand Rapids Community College project intended to inform and inspire -- a comprehensive wayfinding system that will touch all areas of the downtown campus. A new sign system will help pedestrians and motorists navigate their way through the campus, connecting them with classes and services. The $600,000 project includes building signs as well as directional aids near roads and on pedestrian plazas, including fresh, modern designs that allow for future growth. It is the first major change to campus signs since the college transitioned from Grand Rapids Junior College 30 years ago. “GRCC’s downtown campus is easily accessible by private and public transportation and is very walkable,” said Lisa Freiburger, GRCC’s vice president for Finance and Administration, who is overseeing the project. “It also can be a little confusing for visitors because it is so integrated with the city and doesn’t have a true main entrance. This new project will help people find our campus, and also help them find their way around it once they are here.” Construction started this week with removal of some of the large, blue triangular signs and will continue through the winter, with installation of more than 100 exterior signs. The college worked closely with Grand Rapids city planners to arrive at an eye-catching style that fits well within the aesthetics of the historic Heritage Hill neighborhood. Corbin Design of Traverse City was the lead firm, working with GRCC’s Facilities Department and graphic design team. Universal Sign Systems of Grand Rapids heads the construction phase of the project. “We collaborated to develop a system that incorporates elements of GRCC’s 100-plus years of history, with a contemporary feel.” said Alissa Raddatz, GRCC’s lead graphic designer. “The previous designs served the college well for decades. The new look is forward-facing and classic, with updated branding and a style intended to stay relevant for years to come.” The design is similar to the one used to highlight GRCC students on banners attached to streetlight poles throughout campus. Large signs with the current logo will be erected at key intersections to identify where the campus begins and ends. The Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse and Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center will have video display boards to inform students and community members about campus events. Building addresses will be featured prominently on external signs to assist people following directions on their mobile phones and other devices. Pedestrian signs with maps are intended to help people traverse the campus on foot, especially those looking to between the nearby DeVos Campus and the Main Campus. The project also includes changes to assist motorists. Parking ramps have been renamed, using a system of easily memorable letters and colors for each floor. The Bostwick ramp will soon be Parking Ramp A, the Lyon Street ramp will be Parking Lot B, and the DeVos ramp will be Parking Ramp C. “This is an exciting project that has been years in the making,” said James VanDokkumburg, GRCC’s executive director of Facilities. “The project is the latest in a series of efforts to modernize GRCC facilities to meet the needs of ever-evolving educational programs and serve our greater community.” Construction is ongoing on the Secchia Piazza, a new space in the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center aimed at hosting classes and events and telling the story of the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education. Construction earlier this year created a 12,000-foot addition and renovated classes and student areas. In August, the college celebrated renovations of the historic Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall, Steven C. Ender Hall and the Custer Alumni House, as well as the transformation of a shuttered department store into the new GRCC Lakeshore Campus.