Dec. 6, 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. Ricardo Tavárez liked one of his GRCC classes so much that he took it twice! Tavárez enjoyed the creative writing course taught by poet David Cope, and what he learned there still plays a role in his daily life. “Exploring writing and literature with my peers in that class gave me a lifeline in communication skills that I still use to this day, in every area of my professional life,” he said. Tavárez came to GRCC after a year at a four-year university, an experience he describes as “suffocating.” “GRCC is a breath of fresh air,” he said. “It welcomes students from all walks of life, from those fresh out of the halls of their high school to established individuals seeking to make a career change to retirees just looking to learn something new. “GRCC provides opportunities for connection, exploration and discovery, with the benefit of an affordable tuition.” Connections are important to Tavárez, who has crafted a career in community development. After receiving his associate degree in Business Administration, he earned a bachelor’s degree in international business and marketing at Kuyper College and a master’s in divinity from Calvin Theological Seminary. “Community development has become my niche over the last few years,” he said. “I’ve done some community development training in Latin America, for example, and served as a consultant with churches looking to get involved with their community with a more socially equitable lens around ethnicity and LGBTQ+ inclusion.” In 2016, he founded En Vivo Church, a nondenominational ministry that welcomes people who identify as LGBTQ+. He also continues to write and acts in community theater productions. He now uses his community development skills to work with youth as the executive director of New City Neighbors. The nonprofit organization provides job skills and leadership training while running a three-acre urban farm and pop-up cafe. “My journey has been about making meaningful connections with people that help me better understand who I am and, subsequently, what my goals should be,” Tavárez said. “That, with quite a bit of grit and what Jaime Escalante would call ‘ganas,’ has got me a long way.” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply .

Dec. 4, 2021, PORT HURON, Mich. -- Grace Lodes' double-double helped the Grand Rapids Community College women's basketball team earn a 69-66 victory over Mott Community College, while the men’s team fell short despite Andrew Moore's 22 points, losing 89-59 in the Skippers Holiday Tournament on Saturday. The GRCC women's team, now 2-5 on the season, scored a season-high 27 points in the second quarter against the MCC Bears and led by 11 points at the break, 43-32. Mott clawed all the back to tie the game for the tenth time with 1:29 remaining on the clock. But Sally Merrill hit a go-ahead bucket to make the score 67-65 in favor of the Raiders.  After trading possessions, the Bears' Hunter Weeder had a chance to tie the game once more with nine seconds remaining, but made just one of two from the free throw line.  With five seconds to go, Emersyn Koepke went to the line for the GRCC and connected on both throws to put her team up three and seal the victory. Coach David Glazier was pleased with how his team performed in the last two days. "I thought our kids played with an improved level of intensity this weekend,” he said. “We saw a number of them contribute more this weekend than in earlier opportunities so far this year, which shows growth. We will need everyone to find how they best help the team, and do it consistently for us to find consistent success." Lodes, a freshman from Comstock Park who graduated from West Catholic High School, finished with her third double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while adding four assists, five blocks and three steals. Merrill, a freshman guard from Allegan, nearly had one herself, finishing with 15 points, nine rebounds and three blocks. Koepke, a freshman from Bellaire, and point guard Marlene Bussler, a freshman from Battle Creek, each scored 11 points while Alyssa Katerberg, a freshman from Grand Rapids, had a career-high 12 points, all three-pointers. The women’s team is now 2-5 on the season. GRCC's men’s team battled tough against the No. 1 ranked team in the nation, but dropped their second game in a row to fall to 4-5. The Raiders only trailed by three points with 9:55 left in the first half, but were outscored by 19 the remainder of the half, trailing 50-28.  Moore, a Forest Hills Northern grad, got the Raiders to within 13 with 12 minutes left in the game, but that's as close as they would get. "When you play one of the top teams in the country, your effort has to be relentless and your execution has to be sharp," head coach Joe Fox said. "I thought our effort level was where it needed to be, but when we missed on execution Mott would always capitalize. Andrew Moore played a great game. We’re looking forward to getting another chance to play them." Moore's 22 points came on 10 of 17 from the field and 2 of 2 from the free throw line.  Brockton Kohler, of Greenville, chipped in with 11 points and six rebounds while Matt Richards, of Byron Center, grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds. Both squads will be back in action on Dec. 8 at Mott Community College. The women's team is scheduled to tip-off at 5:30 p.m. with the men to follow.  Games will be streamed live for fans who can't attend.  

Dec. 3, 2021, PORT HURON, Mich. -- The host Skippers of St. Clair County Community College defeated the Grand Rapids Community College women's and men's basketball teams Friday during the Skippers Holiday Tournament. The GRCC women's team trailed St. Clair County until late in the fourth quarter when Grace Lodes scored a layup and a free throw with 2:05 left, putting the team up 52-51. But St. Clair County would hit a three-point shot to pull ahead by one point on the following possession. GRCC would tie the score two more times down the stretch. With two seconds left in the game, the Skippers’ Mia Janssen scored the go-ahead bucket to bring the score to 58-56.   Lodes, a West Catholic High School graduate, would lead all scorers with 23 points, while adding a team-high 10 rebounds. Sally Merrill, a Hamilton graduate, nearly had a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds while dishing out a team-high four assists. The GRCC men’s team, which beat St. Clair County on Nov. 6, struggled on both ends of the court in the nightcap, losing 92-51. Brockton Kohler, of Greenville, was coming off a career-high at Delta College on Monday and set a new career high with 25 points on seven of 14 shooting, including four of eight from behind the arc. Jovante Jones, of Saginaw, was the only other Raider in double-figures with 14 points on five of 11 shooting. Both teams will be back in action Saturday against Mott Community College. The women’s team is scheduled to tip-off at 11 a.m. with the men’s team to follow.

Dec. 3, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Ashlee Mishler has spent her career connecting students to life-changing opportunities, experiences she plans to lean on as Grand Rapids Community College’s new Promise Zone director. Mishler started in the role last month, overseeing Grand Rapids Promise Zone scholarships, which eliminate cost as a barrier to a quality GRCC education for eligible students. About 400 students are using the scholarships to attend GRCC this semester. Mishler is the point of contact for prospective students and families who want to learn about the Promise Zone, and will continue helping students once they start attending GRCC. “They can work with me if they just have questions about GRCC all the way through their time as a student,” she said. “While they will have a team of staff who will assist them at various points of the process, they are always welcome to connect with me. “Knowing the impact my college experience had on me and helping students shape their own experience is what I love most. Students who didn't think college was for them, or maybe had different plans, helping those students realize that college is for them is really exciting.” The Promise Zone scholarship is available for students who live within the city of Grand Rapids and graduate from one of the 25 public, public charter, or private high schools located within the city limits. The program covers the cost of tuition and other expenses for GRCC’s associate degree and job training and certification programs. Eligible students have five years to access these funds from the time they graduate high school. Once enrolled, they must take at least six credits a semester. Students who opt to attend a different college or university can still use the Promise Zone scholarship as a GRCC guest student during the summer semesters. “We love everything Ashlee brings to the table,” said Tom DeJonge, chairman of the Promise Zone Authority board. “She’s passionate about helping students find their path in life, and her vision, skillset, and experience make her the ideal candidate to lead the Promise Zone in its effort to provide free higher education to all Grand Rapids students.” Mishler will oversee all aspects of the program and report to the Promise Zone Authority Board as well as GRCC leaders. Her job includes providing information to prospective students and high schools, as well as to GRCC. She comes to GRCC after more than four years at Ferris State University, where she was a marketing manager and marketing communications specialist. Mishler also has worked as an admissions assistant at GRCC, an admissions counselor at Waubonsee Community College in Illinois, and as a recruitment and outreach specialist at Oakton Community College in Illinois. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Education in College Student Affairs Leadership from Grand Valley State University.  Mishler originally intended to head into the business world after earning her undergraduate degree. But her mother heard her speak about how much she enjoyed her orientation job and encouraged her to work toward the master’s degree in student affairs. She worked in GRCC’s Office of Student Life while taking graduate classes and fell in love with the college. “I knew working at the community college is where I wanted to be,” she said. “I eventually moved to Illinois and worked in college admissions at both two- and four-year schools. But when we moved back, I knew I wanted to come back to GRCC. It is an amazing place with incredible students and so many opportunities.” Mishler said she enjoys connecting with students, learning about them, and helping them find their path to achieve their goals. “I started assisting students when I was an undergraduate through new student orientation. I loved talking to students about their career goals and then assisting them with registering for their first semester of classes that would put them on their path toward their goals. Many students didn't know what they wanted to do -- and that was OK too! We were able to talk about how taking a variety of classes would help them figure out what they liked and what they didn't like to help them determine their future goals.” Additional information about GRCC’s role in the Promise Zone scholarship is available through email at promisezone@grcc.edu, by phone at (616) 234-4321 and online at grpromisezone.com and grcc.edu/promisezone .

Dec. 2, 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 Kelsee Brozek. Kelsee is here to help in the GRCC Music Department by creating a space where students can build a community and connect with each other, connect with their faculty and learn about resources around campus. As the support professional for the Music Department Kelsee keeps the day-to-day operations of the department running smoothly, and ensures her colleagues have everything they need to be successful while teaching GRCC students. She also helps music students with any needs they might have -- from general questions, to help with enrollment, to scheduling a practice room. Kelsee knows navigating college can be tricky and that it helps to have someone by your side who has been there. This is where her experience as a GRCC student, and in other areas of the college, comes in handy. “I have the perspective of a student and of a staff member, which is a great resource for students," she said. "College is scary enough, having a friendly face to connect with and point you in the right direction can make all the difference in the world to a student." Kelsee graduated from GRCC in 2011. "I came to GRCC because I didn't feel 100% ready to jump into a traditional four-year college, so GRCC was great for me," she said. "The education was just as good as a four-year college and I really enjoyed the smaller class sizes and the one-on-one experience with faculty." While attending GRCC, Kelsee saw how much people enjoyed working at the college and decided to look at employment opportunities after graduation. She didn't find a good fit right away, but after returning to the area after a move she began working part-time in the Music Department. That position led to a full-time position in a different department, and after nine years and working in a couple other departments on campus, she is finally back home at the Music Department -- and loves it. "I love the students, they are my heart," she said. "Coming to work every day in a department I love means everything to me! Connecting with the students every day, helping them on their GRCC journey, even if it's something simple, is such a cool experience." You can connect with Kelsee and the Music Department team via email at music@grcc.edu or by calling (616) 234-3940.

Dec. 1, 2021 - GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College volleyball player Annie Holesinger was named First Team All-American by the National Junior College Athletic Association on Tuesday, making her one of the top community college players in the nation. Holesinger is the 12th All-American in Raider volleyball history, and the sixth named to the national First Team. A member of the volleyball team has earned All-American honors in five of the last six seasons. She’s the fifth GRCC student-athlete to earn All-American honors this semester. A sophomore from Rockford, Holesinger earlier was named All-Region, All-MCCAA and the Player of the Year in the Michigan Community College Athletic Association Western Conference. "I'm incredibly proud of the hard work Annie did in the off season to make this a reality," head coach Chip Will said. "Annie made the decision to come back for her third year so she could help the team compete and be successful against the nation’s best. Being among the top 12 community college players in the nation is a huge accomplishment. This recognition is the cherry on the top to an amazing career at GRCC.  She has a bright future at her four-year school." The team this season enjoyed an 18-match winning streak spanning 66 days, a 10th conference title, finishing 14-0 in Western Conference play, and an MCCAA Championship -- the team's fifth in the last six years. The team was ranked No. 6 in the nation at the end of the season. Holesinger was first on the team in kills with 346, blocks with 73 and hitting percentage, .322. She also ranks second in career kills with 874.  She is the sixth GRCC student-athlete to earn All-American honors this year. Cross country runners Joshua Kipkoech, Coleman Clark, Kaylee Scott, and Audrey Meyering were selected after their performances in the NJCAA DII National Championships in November. Basketball player Shonyah Hawkins named an NJCAA All-American Second Team and MCCAA Western Conference Player of the Year.  For the volleyball team, Danielle Johnston was named a Second Team All-American in 2019, Kendra DeJonge, who was named to the second team in 2017 and the first team in 2018. Lauren Wieber was named an honorable mention in 2016.

Dec. 1, 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. After paying to get work done on his car, Kevin Rios realized not only is he interested in fixing cars, but he can make money doing it. “After I graduated from high school in 2019, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do,” he said. “I took a job in an HVAC warehouse and ended up feeling really stuck there. The company did not offer opportunities to move up so I knew it was time to move on.” To become an automotive technician, people are required to be certified and licensed in the state of Michigan. Licensed technicians use precision diagnostic equipment, service manuals and hands-on power tools to diagnose and repair customer vehicles. “I like the idea of being able to help my family and friends when their cars are not working,” he said. “Someday I hope to have my own shop. The feeling of satisfaction of being done with a car and it’s fixed. I love it!” GRCC’s Automotive Technician program is taught by instructor Gayl Beals, who has more than 25 years of experience in the industry. Beals holds an educational specialist degree, holds MOPAR Level One certification and is accredited by Snap-on Tools. With help from Beals, Rios has already secured a part-time job at a Ford dealership. “A dealership is the best place to start!” he said. “They were willing to work around my school schedule and as I gain the different certifications I can work on those parts of the cars.” Students learn braking systems, suspension, electrical, heating and cooling and computer operations. In 2016, GRCC became the only location in Michigan to partner with Chrysler Fiat to provide MOPAR CAP Level One certification, giving students the opportunity to acquire the value credential which includes 37 certifications. “It makes me feel so good. This training is increasing my happiness,” he said. “I didn’t realize how unhappy I was before. This is a big deal not just to me but also to my parents, they are excited to see me happy and excited about work. My little brother is pretty impressed, too.” The next section of Job Training programs begins March 14, 2022. For more information grcc.edu/jobtraining or (616) 234-3800.

Nov. 30, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- A Grand Rapids Community College Foundation scholarship can change a student’s life. Anthony Clark Jr. dreams of a career covering the NBA, and is pursuing it in a GRCC classroom. “My goals are to become a journalist, analyst or commentator for an organization in the league and work my way up to these types of positions for the entirety of the league,” said Clark, who writes for GRCC’s student newspaper, The Collegiate. The Grand Rapids Community College Foundation scholarship he was awarded reinforced that decision while easing his financial worries. “Receiving the Scott McNabb Journalism Scholarship gave me a revelation: I was, and currently am, in the right place in life – even when I have bad days and want to give up,” said Clark, who previously dropped out of college. He is now determined to earn a degree in sports communications, following in the footsteps of 2021 GRCC Distinguished Alumni Sekou Smith. Smith started at GRCC and became an analyst for NBA TV and host of the popular “Hang Time” podcast. His passing nearly a year ago brought tribute from NBA stars, fellow journalists and many young professionals he mentored. Clark is one of more than 1,000 students who were helped last year by a GRCC Foundation scholarship. And while the foundation awarded $1.28 million in scholarships, an additional 1,358 students applied for one but did not receive it. We hope to close that gap on Giving Tuesday, and you can help. To get started, head to grcc.edu/GivingTuesday.

Nov. 30, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- A Grand Rapids Community College Foundation scholarship can change a student’s life. Perla Mascorro has faced obstacles during her pursuit of a medical career. Her hard work – and a GRCC Foundation scholarship – is helping her overcome them. “I came to the United States six years ago without knowing how to speak a single word in English,” she said. “Today, I am about to fulfill my dream!” Mascorro, enrolled in GRCC’s Medical Assisting program, received the foundation’s Spectrum Health Care Professionals Education Scholarship. The funds have been crucial to her education, especially with the gas she needs for her hour-long commute to classes. “The scholarship was important for me because it helped me to pay part of my education to achieve my goal and improve my life,” said Mascorro, who is working and raising a son while attending college. “This generosity has inspired me to help others and give back to the community.” The GRCC Foundation awarded $1.28 million in scholarships to more than 1,000 students, including Mascorro, last year. But an additional 1,358 students applied for, but did not receive, a scholarship. You can help us close that gap on Giving Tuesday. It’s easy to get started – just head to grcc.edu/GivingTuesday .

Nov. 29, 2021, UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. -- Brockton Kohler and Jovante Jones helped the Grand Rapids Community College men's basketball team avenge an earlier season loss to Delta College by beating the team 92-84 on  Monday. “The guys really brought good energy today,” head coach Joe Fox said. “I was proud of the way we executed defensively and it led to some great offense in the first half.  Jovante Jones and Myron Brewer responded very well in their first starts. Brockton Kohler also played a great game filling in at the point guard spot. I am looking forward to going this weekend to play two great teams in Port Huron.” GRCC, now 4-3 on the season, got 24 points each from Kohler and Jones, both season highs.  They combined to shot 17 of 31 from the field and 11 of 12 from the free throw line, with both players tallying four assists. The Raiders jumped out to a 7-0 and never looked back, leading by as many as 18 points late in the first half. The Pioneers got as close as six points twice, but the Raiders proved too much down the stretch knocking down big free throws and forcing key turnovers. The Raiders shot 45.7% from the field overall and a staggering 84.6% from the free throw line.  The team forced 19 turnovers while turning the ball over just 12 times. Andrew Moore, of Grand Rapids, the nation's sixth best scorer, finished with 17 points on 6 of 12 from the field.  Myron Brewer, of Grandville, added 13 points on 4 of 8 shooting. Delta beat GRCC 81-77 when the teams squared off on Nov. 9. GRCC is back in action on Dec. 3 and 4 as it takes on Mott and St. Clair County community colleges at the Skipper Tournament in Port Huron.