Oct. 13, 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. Darek Johoske was born and raised in Los Angeles, Calif. He graduated from high school in 2019, and started a welding education program there. Shortly after he started, the school closed its doors due to COVID-19. Luckily, he found GRCC’s Welding Job Training program and headed to Michigan! “I’m so much happier here then I was at the other school. This weld shop is unbelievable! It’s so much bigger; I never have to wait or share with anyone to use the equipment,” he said. “The lab is clean and state of the art.” The GRCC Job Training Welding program takes place at the Tassell M-TEC and meets for 18-weeks for 34 hours per week. The program offers small class sizes, hands-on learning and job placement assistance. “Growing up, I always thought that college was not my thing, but this program is more like a job,” he said. “I come every day and I get to learn. The class work is minimal and Nate Haney is a phenomenal teacher. He sits down and really listens to what I have to say. I can feel that he really wants me to succeed. This is not just a job for him-it’s his passion.” GRCC instructor Haney holds a Bachelor of Science in Welding Engineering Technology from Ferris State University and is an American Welding Society Certified Welding Inspector and Certified Welding Educator. Students in the program learn: shielded metal arc welding (arc/stick welding), gas metal arc welding (metal inert gas/wire welding), gas tungsten arc welding (heli-arc/tungsten inert gas welding), oxy-fuel welding (gas welding), cutting, brazing, blueprint reading, mathematics, metallurgy, problem solving, teamwork and communication skills. This program is highly regarded by employers as a top trainer in welding and fabrication. Job Developers are ready to help you with the job search process. When you graduate, you will be ready to begin a career as a welder, cutter or brazer – with the skills to meet the needs of not only local companies but national companies as well. “Next week I turn 21, graduate from this program and start my career. My friend is also into welding so he and I will be working together,” Johoske said. The two young men will be traveling the country with traveling iron workers company, Mountain West Industrial, based out of Utah. “I’m young and this is the time for me to travel and see the US. Being able to do it with my best friend is going make it even better!” According to the Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives, there will be 34.7% job growth in welding from 2012 to 2022. “This career is so much more than what people think of when they think about welding. You get to use super cool big boy tools that not everybody gets to use. You are manipulating metal to your will; it’s so much fun! It’s actually thrilling to take something that you can’t even bend with your hand and heat it up and its Play-Doh.  “I like that welding isn’t dirty like some of the other skilled trades. It’s a trade that would interest a lot of people if they just knew more about it! If someone is thinking about going into welding, I say, ‘Go for it!’ If you think you have the itch for it do it! The only way to differentiate yourself in the welding field is to really want it. Anyone can weld but not everyone is a skilled welder. You’ve got to always be eager to learn.” In addition to the GRCC Welding Job Training program, GRCC is offering a Welding Metallica Scholars program. This program, which is financially supported by the All Within My Hands Foundation, is a welding bootcamp. It begins on October 18, 2021 and runs through February 2022. There are only a few spots still available. Anyone interested in gaining career skills through GRCC Workforce Training can connect via email at workforcetraining@grcc.edu, and by phone at (616) 234-3800.

Oct. 12, 2021, BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College volleyball team extended its winning streak to 13 matches after defeating Lake Michigan College in three-straight sets on Tuesday. The Raiders, ranked No. 6 in the latest NJCAA Division II poll, won their 26th in a row against the Red Hawks by a score of 25-10, 25-20, 25-13.  Nine GRCC players earned at least one kill, including a match-high nine for freshman Audrey Torres of Caledonia. Eliza Thelen, a Forest Hills Eastern High School graduate, scored eight, and the two combined to hit .580. Thelen was pleased by the play of the team, which hit a solid .295 for the match. "We came out swinging and playing aggressive because our back row was producing some awesome passes," Thelen said. "We were able to execute the plays we wanted to run. Thanks to that, we won three sets in a row to get the win!" Kylie Oberlin, of Fruitport, had 7 kills and 3 blocks while Kara Hecht had 5 kills and 10 digs. Freshman libero Ola Nowak, of Grandville, led the defense with 14 digs.    Statistical Leaders: Kills: Torres, 9; Thelen, 8; Oberlin, 7; Hecht, 5. Assists: Shannon Russell, 27; Nowak, 3. Digs: Nowak, 14; Hecht, 10; Russell, 9. Blocks: Oberlin, Thelen and Karissa Ferry, 3. Aces: Hecht and Torres, 2. The Raiders will be back at home on Oct. 14 to take on Ancilla College. In their first meeting this season, the Raiders won in three. First serve is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. 

Oct. 12, 2021, ADA, Mich. –  Davis Courtright shot a three-round score of 230, finishing in 11th overall, helping the Grand Rapids Community College golf team to a fifth-place finish at the Taylor University Invitational on Monday and Tuesday. The Raiders were just one of two teams to have all five golfers shoot under-80 in the first round. Courtright and Logan Templeton both shot a 76 to lead the way for GRCC. Tuesday, the rain held steady enough for the teams to finish play at the Egypt Valley Golf Course. The University of Northwestern Ohio defeated the field of nine teams with a score of 880. GRCC finished with a score of 944. Templeton finished tied for 19th with a 235, with Matt Denhartigh scoring a 238 finishing tied for 26th place. Courtright had the third-most birdies in the tournament with 10 and also led the field in par-3 scoring with a 2.83.  Denhartigh had the second most birdies among all Raiders with five. 

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Oct. 12, 2021 – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Grand Rapids Community College today announced the launch of an innovative paid apprenticeship program designed for high school graduates to access careers within the employee benefits specialist and health sectors. The program is set as a 430-hour active learning module and will provide an overview of the health benefits industry, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to manage general agent licensing as required by the State of Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services. The first cohort of students began in the fall 2021 semester. Blue Cross led the development of the apprenticeship with GRCC and West Michigan Works!, with the goal of inspiring a diverse population of students to see this career path as an interesting and financially rewarding opportunity for their future. “Access and knowledge of employee benefits and insurance are pillars of a strong local economy,” said Jeff Connolly, senior vice president and president, West Michigan and Upper Peninsula at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. “Our goal is to help the region build a qualified pool of licensed individuals who may begin to become agents within the next 14 to 24 months and even own their own agencies someday.” GRCC President Bill Pink said the new program is an effort to change the idea of apprenticeships, expanding the “learn while you earn” concept to more industries, partnering with additional employers. “We’re Looking at apprenticeships differently. You think about manufacturing, historically when you think about apprenticeships. Our college is determined to turn that on its head. It’s not just about manufacturing, but it’s about healthcare. It’s about information technology. “The Health Insurance Agent Apprenticeship will allow students to learn about basic business as well as hands-on experience with the health benefits industry and skill-building topics. GRCC is proud to partner with the manufacturing, construction and other industries to help prepare the future leaders while lifting up our students into immediate careers. This program fits right in to GRCC’s model of serving the needs of the community, employers and students for the future.” “West Michigan Works! is delighted to partner with Grand Rapids Community College and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan on this innovative work,” said Amy Lebednick, business solutions director at West Michigan Works!. “Collaboration between employers, education, and workforce development has played a key role in the expansion of local registered apprenticeship programs. These programs allow employers to train people in the skills they need and provide pathways to high-demand careers for individuals in our communities.”

Oct. 11, 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.  As the chief executive officer of the Michigan Association of State Universities, Dr. Daniel Hurley works to advance the missions of the state’s 15 public universities and the 270,000 students they collectively serve.  Promoting the lifelong value of postsecondary degrees and credentials is a calling that he loves to fulfill. “I remember standing on the front steps of the main administration building after graduating, with an associate degree in hand, feeling a great sense of accomplishment,” said Hurley, who graduated from what was then Grand Rapids Junior College in 1988.  He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Grand Valley State University, a master’s degree in career and technical education from Ferris State University, and a doctorate in public administration from Western Michigan University. “My educational journey was deeply impacted by the positive experience I had while attending GRJC,” he said. “The associate degree I earned provided the foundation – and the confidence – I needed to fully pursue my personal and career ambitions.” Hurley has served public university leaders at the campus, state and national level, including as the associate vice president for government relations and state policy at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities in Washington, D.C.   “A degree or certificate from GRCC can help chart a path to success and open doors more than you can imagine,” he says. Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at  grcc.edu/apply .

Oct. 8, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – A Grand Rapids Community College English professor has been awarded a monthlong residency at the home of poet and essayist Thomas Lynch. Professor Mursalata Muhammad is the first recipient of the Sweeney Memorial Boat House Residency at Lines End. The Lynch & Sons Fund for the Arts initiative is designed to encourage emerging writers and includes a stipend as well as the residency on the south shore of Mullett Lake in Cheboygan County. Muhammad, who has taught at GRCC for 20 years, is completing her first manuscript of poems. “I'm beyond grateful for this residency,” she said. “It comes with two resources I often lack: a place and time to write. I'm looking forward to four weeks of writing while staying in a boathouse, which has a lovely lakefront view.” Muhammad has a bachelor’s degree in English and communications and a master’s in English, both from Oakland University. She is working on her doctorate in Antioch University’s Leadership and Change program. She is known for her innovative approaches to distance learning – which was especially useful during the pandemic. In December, students in her creative writing class had questions about Lynch’s work, which led to the author joining the class via Zoom. Lynch shared his perspective on the process of writing and finding inspiration, then listened as students read their own work to him, providing feedback and encouragement – often with humor. You can watch it here . Muhammad served on the state Education Department’s K-12 Social Studies Standards Bias Review Committee and is a member of the Michigan American Council on Education Women of Color Collaborative. She was awarded the Leadership Skills Champion Award from the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce’s Community Leadership in 2013. The Sweeney Memorial Boat House Residency honors the late Irish poet Matthew Sweeney, who wrote his limited-edition chapbook, “On Mullett Lake,” while spending time at Lines End in 2016.    

Oct. 7, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Surrounded by student-athletes past and present, Grand Rapids Community College volleyball coach Chip Will celebrated his 400th career victory, with his team battling back to beat rival Muskegon Community College in five sets. The Raiders, ranked No. 7 in the nation, ran their victory streak to 12 matches and remain in first place in the Michigan Community College Athletic Association’s Western Conference. Alumni and families swarmed onto the court after the deciding fifth set, celebrating the milestone win with balloons and signs. That support, Will said, was more important to him than the victory. “I think after 15 years we’ve been able to build something special – something people want to come back to,” he said. “It’s really, really awesome to see alumni come back, and so many families here. That’s what it’s about. At the end of the day, the wins are great. But having this culture of family and togetherness -- that’s what’s most important.” GRCC has become a national volleyball powerhouse during Will’s coaching tenure, which includes a national championship in 2012, 10 regional championships and nine conference crowns. His overall record is 400-103 -- an impressive .795 winning percentage. “I want to share huge congratulations to coach Will on 400 victories,” said Dr. Christopher J. Parker, president and CEO of the National Junior College Athletic Association. “A milestone that he should be very proud of and I certainly appreciate all of his dedicated service to the college, the student athletes and the association.” Will also had 10 student-athletes earn National Junior College Athletic Association All-American honors, including Kendra DeJonge, who earned the title in 2017 and 2018. “As my all-time favorite coach, Chip always expected the best from me as a player and person, and helped me reach some of my greatest accomplishments,” she said. “He coached me at many ages in my life and had a huge impact on my life outside of just volleyball. I will always cherish the time I spent playing at GRCC. He made it so much fun and it was always clear that volleyball was so much more than just a game.” Kaitlyn Wolters Bergman, was an All-American in 2012 as a member of the team that won the national championship. She said Will “truly cares” about each of his players. “He gave me a chance and experiences that offered me the ability to further my career,” she said. “He made me believe in my abilities both on and off the court. I grew so much as a person in just two years.” Will was named NJCAA National Coach of the Year in 2012, and has six district, conference and MCCAA coach of the year titles. GRCC Athletic Director Lauren Ferullo said she asked Will what made his program so successful when she met him for the first time this summer.  “He spoke about the student-athlete experience first, the team aspect and the culture of his program,” she said. “The 400 wins is just a byproduct of the culture he has created. He is truly dedicated to GRCC and the experience he provides these student-athletes.”  Thursday’s celebration was hard-earned.  GRCC lost 25-20 in the first set, but rebounded to take sets two and three 25-19 and 25-22.  The Jayhawks would force a fifth and deciding set after a 25-21 win, and the Raiders responded with a 15-10, five-set victory. The win improved GRCC’s record to 15-5 and 9-0 in the conference. Muskegon remains at second place in the conference with a 15-9 record, 7-3 in the MCCAA Western Conference. "I Couldn't be prouder of how our players persevered after dropping the first set to come back to win the match," assistant coach Amanda Glaza said. “It just shows the potential that this team has. We played with heart and it showed, especially being down three in the final set and coming back to win.” Annie Holesinger led GRCC with 23 kills – the second most in her collegiate career -- and five blocks Audrey Torres also had the second most kills of her collegiate career with 16 kills while hitting .261.  Eliza Thelen had 7 kills and hit a match high .500. Four Raiders had double-digits in Digs, led by Kara Hecht with 17. Hecht added 8 kills and a block to her stat line. The Raiders will look to remain unbeaten in the conference as they travel to Lake Michigan College on Oct. 12 at 6:30 p.m.