July 1, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Grand Rapids Community College students Nicholas Cetlinski and Melanie LeQuia have been selected for national scholarships by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and were two of four students named to the All-Michigan Academic Team by the Phi Theta Kappa international honor society. “We are incredibly proud of these students, and we’re pleased that the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and Phi Theta Kappa recognized their hard work and leadership,” said Tina Hoxie, GRCC’s associate provost and dean of Student Affairs. “Their goals and experiences are very different, but they all realized that GRCC is an affordable, accessible college that challenges high-achievers.” Cetlinski received $1,500 as a 2021 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar. Almost $200,000 in scholarships are awarded annually to 50 Gold, 50 Silver and 50 Bronze scholars. Recipients are selected for their academic achievement, leadership and community service. Cetlinski, who worked in construction and metal fabrication for 15 years before enrolling at GRCC, received his Associate of Arts this spring and plans to attend Grand Valley State University this fall. After he earns his bachelor’s degree, he plans to apply to medical school in pursuit of a career as a neurosurgeon. In addition to his classwork, Cetlinski also works as director of donor relations for the Alano Club of Kent County, an alcoholism treatment program. He has also been working on a memoir about family dynamics, psychology and addiction that he hopes to publish this year. LeQuia received a $1,250 scholarship as a 2021 New Century Workforce Scholar. More than 2,000 students were nominated by 1,200 colleges nationwide; only one student from each state received the honor. LeQuia is enrolled in the Dental Hygiene program and hopes to use those skills to work in private practice as well as on mission trips. She works with youth ministries at St. Pius X Catholic Church and says she would like to return to GRCC someday as a faculty member. “We thank the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for recognizing these student leaders and for investing in their futures,” said Lynn Tincher-Ladner, president and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “Scholarships like these are integral to the success of these students in reaching their educational and career goals.” Cetlinski and LeQuia were also named to the All-Michigan Academic Team for the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, along with GRCC students Michael Kelley and Philder Okech. Team members are nominated by their colleges based on their academic achievements, community service and leadership accomplishments. Kelley is pursuing an associate degree in Mechanical Design and plans to eventually become a freelance designer. He donates both his time and resources to helping friends who are struggling, including one in prison. He successfully juggles his classes with his job as a production supervisor. Okech, who is originally from Kenya, started at GRCC during the COVID-19 pandemic. He plans to earn an associate degree in Nursing and then pursue a bachelor’s degree at GVSU. Okech, who volunteers with his church, says he would like to become a nurse educator and provide services to rural areas. This year’s All-Michigan Academic Team boasts 75 students, according to the Michigan Community College Association. “These impressive students showcase the bright talent that we have at Michigan’s community colleges, and I can’t wait to see them continue to grow as part of the PTK All-Michigan Academic Team,” said MCCA President Michael Hansen.    

June 30, 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. Last week we celebrated the graduation of 20 students representing all of the Job Training programs. We are so proud of this group of graduates. Each has their own story and have overcome many obstacles to completion, one of them being a global pandemic. Because the Job Training programs focus on hands-on, experiential learning, these sessions were hit the hardest by the various restrictions and shutdowns due to COVID-19. Despite all of that, these students persevered, and are now successful GRCC Alumni. “Even with all the protocols, the instructor made it work. The hands-on part of these programs is invaluable,” said Gaspar Vizcarra, a CNC student. Job Training classes run 34 hours per week, Monday through Thursday and about 20 weeks in length. All eight of the programs are designed by area employers and industry experts, so students get the hands-on training used on the job. “Our graduates are in high demand,” said Scott Mattson, director of Job Training, “Completing any one of these programs is equivalent to 600 hours of on the job training so employers are coming to us to find quality employees.” The next Job Training sessions begin July 19, and finish before Thanksgiving. Another session starts on August 23, 2021. There are several spots still available for the July start date. All of the Job Training programs are financial aid eligible and also qualify for Michigan Reconnect, GRCC M-TEC Champions and Grand Rapids Promise monies. More than 80% of students receive some type of aid. Additionally, after entering a Job Training program, students are assisted by career coaches to determine the best training plan to meet their goals. Job placement assistance is also available upon program completion.  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. Additional information is at grcc.edu/programs/job-workforce-training .  

June 29, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College golfer Tyler Hausserman was named to the NJCAA DII PING All-Region Team for the second year in a row. Hausserman, a sophomore from Ionia, is the only Michigan athlete honored by the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Division II. He was the top golfer on a team that finished 11th in the nation during the 2021 season, averaging 74.9 strokes per round. “Tyler isn’t just one of the best community college golfers in the state, he’s among the best in the nation,” said Dave Selmon, interim athletic director. “We’re proud of our golfers, and all of our student-athletes who overcame unprecedented challenges and still shined this season.” Hausserman’s season included the top score at the Jackson College Invitational, shooting a 69, and finishing in the top five of all seven events prior to the national tournament. The Raiders dominated conference competition this season, winning every regular season tournament, with five golfers earning All-Conference honors and John Forton being named Coach of the Year. Hausserman, Logan Templeton, Davis Courtright, Dominic Luciani and Arie Jackman posted the top five scores in the conference for the season and were named to the MCCAA’s All-Conference team. Hausserman was the team leader the prior season as well, and was named the top golfer in the MCCAA and PING All-Region Team. "He's a very solid player who has a winner's mentality," Forton said. "He's very focused, and I could always count on him to play well."

June 28, 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. Former Detroit Tigers pitcher Dave Rozema might have been San Francisco Giant, but instead headed to attend what was then Grand Rapids Junior College – a decision that led to him being a member of the Detroit Tigers. The righthander played in the major leagues from 1977 through 1986, spending eight years with the Tigers and two with the Texas Rangers. Rozema was born in Grand Rapids and attended Central High School, where he was an All-City pitcher in his junior and senior years, compiling records of 11-3 and 11-5. Those performances caught the eye of the San Francisco Giants, who drafted Rozema in the 22nd round of the 1974 June amateur draft. But rather than sign with the Giants, Rozema enrolled at GRJC, where he was able to play for legendary coach Tom Hoffmann. After time at GRJC, Rozema was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the fourth round of the 1975 supplemental draft. “As a Raider, I remember the competition. We had a good team,” he said in 2018, appearing at a West Michigan Whitecaps game. “I remember going to school every day, working hard, my job. I really wanted to play baseball.” When the Tigers called, Rozema said it was a dream come true. He said Hoffmann and football coach Gordon Hunsberger were in his corner, pushing him to do the best he can. “They kept telling me, ‘Think positive. Stay in shape.’ I thank God for them, because everybody needs a mentor to praise you and keep you motivated.” Rozema in 1977 impressed Tigers manager Ralph Houk and unexpectedly made the team out of spring training. He made his major league debut at 20 and threw a four-hit shutout against the Boston Red Sox in one of his first starts. He finished his rookie season with a 15-7 record and a 3.09 ERA, leading the Tigers in wins, earned run average, and complete games – good enough to finish fourth in Rookie of the Year balloting and ninth in voting for the Cy Young Award, which goes to the league’s best pitcher. In a 10-season major league career, Rozema posted a solid 60-53 record with a 3.47 ERA in 248 games. He’s also remembered for a colorful personality on and off the field. Rozema was famously injured in a 1982 bench-clearing brawl trying to karate kick Twins pitcher John Castino. The event was commemorated by the Whitecaps with a “bobble foot” bobblehead. He and Tigers slugger Kirk Gibson are brothers-in-law, marrying sisters in a dual wedding ceremony in 1985. Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply .

A School News Network Feature - In an upstairs classroom in GRCC’s Sneden Hall, Dana Sammons, head of the mathematics department, showed East Kentwood 2021 graduate Shi’Ann Moore how to complete a statistics problem. Shi’Ann was eager to learn. If she scores high enough on a math placement test, she  will be able to take the college-level math course as a GRCC student in the fall. To prepare, she is working to fill in a few gaps she has noticed in her learning as a result of the pandemic.  “I am relearning things, and it’s all clicking all over again, so now I feel more comfortable moving forward,” she said. Shi’Ann is enrolled in  Bridges to College-Raider Ready , a free, five-week course that meets three hours on Monday through Thursday mornings to help 2020-21 high-school graduates in Kent and Ottawa counties prepare for college at GRCC or anywhere else. Students receive a $500 stipend and use of a GRCC laptop and Wi-Fi hotspot.  “During my senior year I did a lot of virtual (learning),” Shi’Ann said. “I feel like there was a large disconnect in what I could know, what I should know and what I am knowing now. I think the Bridge program will give me a push and let me see what it’s like again to learn in person, ask questions and all those types of things.” A Much-Needed Boost Molly McKinney, project coordinator for Bridges to College, said local K-12 superintendents expressed interest in having a program to help graduates coming out of the pandemic to prepare for college.  “They were seeing that some students weren’t able to be face to face all the time, and they wanted students in the classroom getting some math, reading and writing help.” On top of that, students in the program are working directly with GRCC navigators to learn what to expect in college and to make sure they have all their paperwork ready. “The idea is to get people into our classrooms and to get them comfortable with the idea that, ‘Hey, these are some of the things you may have missed during your senior year,’” McKinney said. With increased comfortability, the hope is for students to not only start college but go on to finish. “We are trying to build them a sense of community when they are here. That’s because there are a lot of studies that show that students are more successful when they find that community on campus,” McKinney said. Ninety students are enrolled in the course, 60 in Grand Rapids and 30 at GRCC’s Lakeshore Campus. A second session runs July 12- Aug 12 ,and students can  apply here . Shi’Ann said she is already feeling more ready for college and to begin her education toward a degree in social work. “I was really scared. When I was ending my senior year I didn’t know what I was going to do. I felt like I missed so much knowledge that I should know, and I forgot so many things I learned my junior year, so it’s like I need somewhere to start where I can refresh my memory. … Now I feel more comfortable and I feel more confident in my abilities.” Along with boosting her academic skills, Shi’Ann also hopes to join a study group and access free tutoring. She was able to complete her  financial aid application  and submit it right on campus. “I’m really grateful for the program,” she said. “I’m trying to get  a lot more people to come to the program. It’s such a huge advantage, especially for everyone going through the pandemic. Virtual learning was so much harder than in person.” This story was reported by Erin Albanese and photographed by Dianne Carroll Burdick of the School News Network.    

A School News Network feature  -   During the   Tri County High School graduation ceremony last month, senior Voca Ford gave a speech on the importance of personal fulfillment. “I focused on pushing everyone to find happiness in their lives and not focus on objective or perceived success,” said Voca, who was one of three valedictorians at the Howard City school. “I think that’s really the most important thing in life — to do something you actually enjoy doing.” What personal success will look like for Voca is anyone’s guess, but it’s safe to say anything is possible. When she walked across the Tri County stage to receive her diploma, she had already done the same at Grand Rapids Community College, where she received her associate degree in general studies. While that’s an impressive feat for any high school senior, Voca is just 15 years old and started taking college courses at age 12. Voca — who her mom, Tyana Ford, describes as “always a precocious child” and “like a sponge” — moved up several grade levels as a child, beginning with third-grade reading classes while in kindergarten.  “I’ve always really enjoyed learning. It’s a weird thing to say because I feel a lot of life is just learning and adapting to what is around you,” said Voca, noting that her mother introduced her to math and reading very early on. “I really like the challenge of learning new things and broadening my horizons … Just learning as much as you can with as much time as you’re given is really important to me.” An Accelerated Path After Voca took algebra as a sixth-grader, administrators had her take the SAT to help determine her grade level for the following year. She scored an 1190 (in the 74th percentile nationally for the college entrance exam), and advanced directly to her freshman year of high school.  Voca also took her first class at GRCC that summer, Introduction to Theatre, due to her interest in drama. She liked the course and continued taking GRCC courses along with her high school classes. During her senior year, she took four GRCC classes each semester.  GRCC President Bill Pink said Voca is an example of how GRCC can be a great place for high-achieving students.  “She is a remarkable story. We pride ourselves on meeting students where they are,” said Pink. “That can be an older student working hard to get that credential to advance in their careers and support their families, and it can be a 15-year-old ready to show the world she is ready to thrive in college.” While at GRCC, Voca impressed her professors and fit in well in the college setting.  “Voca had a poise and confidence, combined with a friendly nature, that made her an excellent fit with her college peers,” said Tom Kaechele, director of Spectrum Theater at GRCC. “I’m in awe of her remarkable achievement.”  Because she had already finished her required high school credits, Voca spent a lot of time her senior year in Tri County music classrooms. A talented musician who plays flute and saxophone, she took band, jazz band and choir classes and also helped teach sixth- through eighth-grade band.  “I’ve been involved with music all my life,” said Voca, whose father, Michael McIntosh, is a singer.  Voca also has a passion for musical theater, and at Tri County she performed in “Seussical the Musical,” “Into the Woods” and “High School Musical.” Most recently, she performed as Audrey, the female lead in “Little Shop of Horrors,” saying, “It was really fun. It’s a role that I wanted to do all my life. It was probably my number one or number two dream role.” She is currently rehearsing for the role of Dromio of Syracuse in the Shakespeare play “Comedy of Errors,” scheduled for July 30 and 31 at the Dogwood Center for Performing Arts in Fremont, and she is continuing to help out with Tri County’s band. An Interest in Mental Health This fall, Voca plans to embark on an eight-month externship in a psychiatric research program at the  Icahn School of Medicine  in New York City, as part of her journey to become a psychiatrist. She hopes to write a research paper based on the experience.  After that, she is interested in enrolling in a six-year program at a university that lets students begin medical school early. She credits several psychology courses at GRCC for helping to hone her interest in the field and pursue it professionally.  “I’ve always really been interested in the field of mental health because I think it affects everybody, whether it’s depression or dealing with regular life,” she said. Because she took many courses virtually this year, Voca said she was able to finish more courses than she would have otherwise. “I’ve really enjoyed the incredible opportunities I’ve been able to have going to school at GRCC, as well as Tri County. I think I am very fortunate to do both of those, especially at the same time … I’ve really been very fortunate to get that opportunity and to get such a wonderful education.” This story was reported by Erin Albanese of the School News Network.    

June 23,2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Lauren Ferullo will be Grand Rapids Community College’s new athletics director, bringing more than 20 years of experience in athletic leadership to a program with nationally ranked teams coming off highly successful seasons. Ferullo has been Davenport University’s assistant athletic director for compliance since 2010, and held a similar role at Lake Erie College in Ohio.  “Lauren has a proven track record of leadership and will do an outstanding job guiding the Athletic Program,” President Bill Pink said. “For more than 100 years, GRCC has been an institution where student-athletes have come to gain an excellent education while working with some of the very best coaches in the business. We’re proud of that tradition, and I know Lauren is the right person to lead the next generation of Raiders.” At Davenport, Ferullo worked with students and staff to ensure athletes maintained academic and other responsibilities to be eligible for competition. She served as the primary liaison between the Athletics Department and other departments with compliance responsibilities, including the registrar, Admissions and Financial Aid. Ferullo prepared the university for its transition from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics to NCAA Division II. “I’m excited to be a part of the proud GRCC Raiders tradition,” she said. “Our goal is to prepare students to be successful both on and off the court. I want to ensure we provide them with the best possible student-athlete experience.” A Massachusetts native, Ferullo earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Sport Science and Sport Management from Colby-Sawyer College in New London, N.H. and a master’s degree in Education at Lake Erie. She was women’s soccer coach at Lake Erie for seven years, and was voted Allegheny Mountain Collegiate College Women's Soccer Coach of the Year in 2005, before retiring as the winningest coach in the program's history. She worked to transition the college from NCAA Division III to Division II. In Michigan, Ferullo has coached and officiated girl’s lacrosse at the high school level. Ferullo follows Interim Athletic Director David Selmon, who guided the program for a year while also serving as associate dean of Student Affairs. Five of GRCC’s eight teams participated in National Junior College Athletic Association national tournaments during the 2020-2021 season, with three teams finishing in the top 10 nationally – and one falling just shy. The college celebrated five student-athletes earning All-American honors, including a Conference Player of the Year. Three coaches were named Coach of the Year. Last week, more than 30 student-athletes and two teams earned academic honors from the Michigan Community College Athletic Association. Ferullo starts at GRCC on July 19.  

June 23, 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. We introduced you to Jerrittia Roseburgh in February, but there’s more to her story. She is a mother of five children who enrolled in the GRCC CNC Machining Job Training program in 2016 and then began an apprenticeship program through her employer, Autocam Medical. Roseburgh recently received her Certificate of Completion of her Apprenticeship. This certificate, which is issued by the U.S. Labor Department, signifies an amazing accomplishment. She is now officially a journeyperson! An apprenticeship program is a partnership between an employer, in this case Autocam Medical, and an educational institution, GRCC. The program offers the combined benefits of on-the-job training plus college instruction. Apprentices gain both practical experience and exposure to the theoretical aspects of skilled occupations. Each company works with GRCC to create its own list of apprenticeship courses, which are then approved by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeships. An apprentice is required to have a minimum of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training in addition to successfully complete 30 credit hours in the technology area to be eligible to receive their journey-person’s certificate. This opportunity would not have come to Roseburgh without her initial training in the Machine Tool/CNC Job Training program. This 20-week training program is now housed in the new CNC Lab in the Applied Technology Center. CNC machinists are in high demand. The jobs in the industry pay well and offer many upward pathways to increase that wage. Machinist-computer numerical control technicians shape metal and various materials to precise dimensions by using machine tools. MT-CNC technicians plan and set up the correct sequence of machine operations in accordance with blueprints, layouts or other instructions to write both manual and computer-generated machine programs. The technician is required to use various hand tools, micrometers, gauges and other precision measuring instruments. To be most effective in the manufacturing environment of today, people will need to be able to read blueprints, perform basic shop math, read measurement tools and communicate effectively with others using today's Machine Tool/CNC terminology.  “The training I received at GRCC was my foot in the door!” Roseburgh said. “I love my job! It has completely changed my life! I recently graduated from the two-year apprenticeship program. It is an incredible opportunity. Now I’m thinking about going back to school again for engineering.” 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. Additional information is at grcc.edu/programs/job-workforce-training.

June 22, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College trustees selected Salvador Lopez, a GRCC grad who heads a nonprofit aimed at helping children, to fill a board vacancy. Lopez will replace Kathy Crosby, who resigned last month to spend more time with her family as she faces health challenges. Board Chairperson David Koetje noted Lopez’s extensive involvement in education and community advocacy, and how attending GRCC helped him as a young man. “After interviewing Salvador Lopez, the board did not see him as the only candidate, we saw him as the perfect candidate to join this team of trustees,” he said. “He’s a graduate of Grand Rapids Community College, an impressive story of a young high school kid who was going into a direction no one would want to go into, and found this place as a place to go on a much more attractive journey.” Lopez is leader of KConnect, a Grand Rapids organization focusing on collaborating and ensuring all children have an equitable path to economic prosperity. He also is serving as the interim president of the Housing Stability Alliance, a local organization working to develop an equitable housing system. Lopez previously served as associate director for Diversity Recruitment and Inclusion at Grand Valley State University’s Admissions Office, and was assistant director of GVSU’s Office of Multicultural Affairs. Lopez’s appointment is effective this month. His term runs through the next board election in 2022.