April 14, 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. At 50 years old, Derrick Peoples wanted to help his daughter. She has just recently purchased her first home -- a fixer-upper. While working in manufacturing product and assembly, he saved up enough money to cover expenses for the four months he would need to enroll in the Intro to GRCC’s Construction Job Training Program. Peoples was somewhat intimidated when he first started the class, but said professor John Doane has been incredibly supportive. “The first couple of tests were challenging!” Peoples said. “John is an amazing teacher, probably the best I have ever had. He really makes sure I get it. It has been along time since I have used fractions and formulas. John takes his time and explains the math in a bunch of different ways until something clicks and you get it.” “I love working with my hands. It’s creative and I get to put my own touch, my own style on my work. It’s very rewarding because my work benefits others.” The GRCC Introduction to Construction Job Training program focuses on the fundamental skills needed for entry into the construction industry. Many technical skills are required for an individual to be successful in the construction industry. To be most effective in today's construction industry you should be able to perform blueprint reading, shop math, communication and teamwork. GRCC has a reputation among employers for supplying work-ready individuals. Several students who recently completed the Introduction to Construction Job Training program are working in the industry making more than $20 dollars an hour with benefits. In the hands-on construction lab, students build a scaled down version of a house -- a shed. The structures have already been purchased by an actual customer. The program teaches basic safety, construction math, hand and power tools, print reading, floor systems, roof, wall and ceiling framing, roofing applications, stairs and drywall, basic electricity and electrical safety, residential wiring, cabinet and counter top making. 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.

April 13, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community volleyball team struggled in the opening round of the NJCAA D2 National Tournament, losing in straight sets to a tough Gulf Coast State team in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. GRCC’s softball team also ran into a tough opponent closer to home, losing a doubleheader to Lake Michigan College at home at Belknap Park. The Volleyball team’s trip to the nationals was unexpected. The team thought its season was over after losing to Muskegon Community College in the regional finals, only to get the call on Friday that Muskegon withdrew due to health issues. The Raiders scrambled to reassemble and practice before boarding the bus for Iowa on Sunday afternoon. Filling undefeated Muskegon’s ninth seed in the tournament’s bracket, the Raiders faced eighth seed Gulf Coast State in the first round. The Commodores swept the series 25-10, 25-16 and 25-23 to advance. The Raiders will play again in the consolation bracket against No. 16 seed Potomac State on Wednesday. Sophomore Annie Holesinger led the way for the Raiders with 10 kills and three blocks. Kylie Oberlin with six kills. Sophomore Gabi Kitley recorded four blocks, and sophomore setter Kailey Carmean recorded 21 assists, four kills and an ace. The softball team dropped its first game against Lake Michigan 17-2, then struggled in the second as well, losing 12-2. Haley VanHuis three-for-four with a n RBI, and Krin Beach had a hit and an RBI. The Raiders are on the road Wednesday for a doubleheader against Mid Michigan College.

April 13, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Shonyah Hawkins brought energy and intensity to the Grand Rapids Community College women’s basketball team, earning Player of the Year honors from the Michigan Community College Athletic Association’s Western Conference. Hawkins, a sophomore from Grand Rapids, earned All-Region, All-MCCAA honors along with teammate Jayla Bibbs, one of the best rebounders in the nation. They were among five members of the women’s team and three members of the men’s team earning honors announced Tuesday. The women’s team is 12-2 on the season and is hoping to add some additional awards. The Raiders are headed to the National Junior College Athletic Association D2 National Tournament next week. It’s the team’s first appearance in the tournament since 1978. “They’re all deserving of these honors. When they came together and played as a unit, they were tough to beat,” women’s basketball coach David Glazier said. “Shonyah is a very talented player, able to do so many things for us. She has tremendous energy and was a leader on the court.” Bibbs, a sophomore from Buchanan, has 222 rebounds so far this season, fourth-best in the nation in D2. Her offensive boards total was second-best and her average of 15.9 rebounds per game was third-best in the nation. Danielle Lamancusa, a sophomore from Rockford, earned Second Team All-Conference honors, and Eurasia Green-Boyd, a sophomore from Grand Rapids, and Olivia Koetje, a sophomore from Grandville, received Honorable Mention All-Conference salutes. Bibbs, a sophomore from Buchanan, Hawkins and Green-Boyd were also named to the All-Defensive Team.  Isaac Anderson of the men’s basketball team was named Co-Defensive Player of the Year, along with Ancilla College’s Marco Beverly. Anderson, a sophomore from Fort Wayne, Ind., and Chandler Collins, a sophomore from Hudsonville, were named to the Second Team All-Conference team. Azyah Brown, a freshman from Allentown, Penn., earned Honorable Mention All-Conference honors and named to the All-Freshman team.

April 12, 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. We’re sharing some of those stories, and want to hear yours! Len O’Kelly spent more than 30 years on the air in radio, primarily in the major market of Chicago. But he credits GRCC for preparing him for a long career in broadcasting, with a second act in teaching. He has served as a news director and has programmed radio stations in locations in Grand Rapids, but also worked on the other side of the world in Gisborne, New Zealand. He continues to work in broadcast news and perform voiceover work for television, radio, and film, and is the associate director of Grand Valley State University’s School of Communications. “I essentially failed out of college my first time around and went to work in the field,” he said. “When I decided that I wanted to finish my degree, it was the advisors at GRCC who helped me to ‘pick up the pieces’ of my first attempt in college, see what I needed to do to finish my Associate of Arts degree, and set me on the right track. Without that first step and that kind assistance I never would have been able to get re-started on my path. I’ve kept that sense of kindness in mind when I advise my own students today.” After graduating from GRCC in 2000, O’Kelly went back to Lewis University in Romeoville, Ill. – where he first attended – and completed his bachelor’s degree in 2004. He later earned a Master of Arts in Communication from GVSU in 2011 and a doctorate in Media and Information Studies from Michigan State University in 2016. “I went to GRCC thinking that I may want to teach in the future,” he said. “I was able to meet some incredibly passionate and engaging faculty who truly cared about their students. I was able to see firsthand what good teaching looked like, and it informed the construction of my own teaching and advising philosophies in many ways.” O’Kelly said he was boosted by a “terrific support network” of his wife, family, colleagues, and professors. “Each of them played a specific role in supporting me, in pushing me forward. I’m indebted to all of them for being there, knowing that I can fall back on them when I need to. “But it’s just as important to make your own opportunities. From the first day I started in radio I realized the decisions that we make early shape our future. Deciding to take a calculated risk early in my career paid off for me and led me to roles in management. Deciding to take advantage of the opportunity that GRCC provided for me to get back in the classroom put me on the path that led me all the way to having my own classroom. We need to make the most of the opportunities that are presented to us.” O’Kelly said commencement is his favorite GRCC memory. “I had a moment in the Ford Fieldhouse where I thought to myself, ‘I never thought I’d see this day. I posed next to the ‘4.0 or Bust’ sign in my cap and gown, since I managed exactly that. Not bad for a guy who failed out the first time!” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply . And tell us your story here: grcc.edu/communications/shareyourgrccstory  

APRIL 11, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College baseball team rallied late to win the first game of a doubleheader against Muskegon Community College on Sunday, but was beaten in the nightcap when MCC celebrated a walk-off, extra-inning win. The softball team continued to struggle this weekend, dropping two games to Lansing Community College on Saturday. The baseball team snagged a late lead for a 6-3 win in the first game on Sunday at Muskegon.  The game was tied at two with the Raiders batting in the top of the sixth when Ryan Dykstra singled on a 1-2 count, scoring one run – the first of four the team would score in the frame, including one from a Jake Paganelli homer. Drew Murphy earned the complete-game victory on the mound, allowing six hits and three runs over seven innings, striking out seven. GRCC tallied seven hits. Paganelli, Dykstra, and Aaron West all had multiple hits for Grand Rapids Community College.  Muskegon celebrated last in the second game. The game was tied at 13 with MCC batting in the bottom of the tenth when Noah Reed hit a grand slam, giving the Jayhawks a 17-13 victory in 10 innings. The Raiders had 17 hits in the high-scoring affair The teams traded homers early, with Fernando Rivera-Calderon belting a solo homer for the Raiders, and Nolan Perrin responded for MCC. GRCC tallied five runs in the fifth inning, led by Camden Keatley, Jake Ryan, West, and Ryan Dykstra, all sending runners across the plate with RBIs in the inning. But MCC followed with six runs. Sam Schmitt took the loss for GRCC. The southpaw lasted two and a third innings, allowing one hit and four runs while striking out three. Caleb Englesman started for GRCC, going four and two-thirds innings, allowing seven runs on 11 hits, striking out two and walking none. Schmitt, Rivera-Calderon, West, Ryan, and Keatley each collected multiple hits for Grand Rapids Community College.  Schmitt went 4-for-7 at the plate to lead Grand Rapids Community College in hits. The split brings the Raiders season record to 12-7, with the team back in action on Wednesday, April 14 on the road against Aquinas College’s JV team. The Raiders are gearing up for Friday’s game against nationally ranked Kellogg Community College at LMCU Ballpark, home of the West Michigan Whitecaps. The softball team’s record fell to 2-11 after a pair of defeats at the hands of Lansing Community College on Saturday on the road. The team scored eight runs in the first game, but fell 11-8. The team lost 9-2 in the night cap. The softball team plays next on Tuesday, April13 at home at Belknap Park.

April 10, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College’s women’s basketball team is headed to the National Tournament for the first time since 1978. The Raiders beat Bryant & Stratton 72-51 in the National Junior College Athletic Association Region XII Great Lakes West Tournament, played in Pepper Pink, Ohio at Ursuline College. The victory allows the Raiders to advance to 2021 NJCAA DII Women's Basketball Championship at Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory, N.C. which starts on April 20. After a close first quarter, the Raiders dominated in the second, scoring 27 points to Bryant & Stratton’s eight. Eurasia Green-Boyd led the Raiders with 18 points, including four three-pointers. Jayla Bibbs added another double-double 16 points 19 rebounds and four steals. Shonyah Hawkins had 12 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. Raiders out-rebounded the opponents, 61 to 39, including 29 on offensive. The team had just 11 turnovers. GRCC is now 12-3 on the season.

April 9, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College baseball team snapped a five-game losing streak with a 10-2 victory in the nightcap of a Friday doubleheader against Muskegon Community College. GRCC dropped a heartbreaker in the first game, with Muskegon rallying late for a 6-5 win. MCC trailed 5-4 in the top of the seventh inning when Matt Corrado doubled on the first pitch of the at-bat, scoring two runs. GRCC went out in front in the second inning when Sam Schmitt grounded out, scoring one run. Grant Martin earned the win for Muskegon, surrendered no runs on two hits over four innings, striking out two and walking one.  Jacob White threw one inning in relief out of the bullpen. Collin Bradley took the loss for the Raiders, allowing five hits and five runs over six innings, striking out four. Schmitt went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead GRCC in hits. In the second game, GRCC exploded for six runs in the sixth inning to seal a 10-2 win. Caleb Englesman, Keaton Peck, Fernando Calderon, and Schmitt each had RBIs in the frame. Garrett Cheslek earned the win, allowing three hits and two runs over five innings, striking out two and walking one.  Schmitt threw two innings in relief out of the bullpen, recording the last six outs to earn the save. The Raiders collected eight hits on the day.  Calderon and Schmitt all managed multiple hits. GRCC was sure-handed in the field and didn't commit an error. Peck had the most chances in the field with six.

April 9, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – A week ago, it seemed the Grand Rapids Community College volleyball season was over after the team fell to undefeated Muskegon Community College in the finals of the regional tournament. But today, the Raiders are reassembling and planning to compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association D2 National Tournament. Illness has forced Muskegon to withdraw, and GRCC will instead head to Cedar Rapids, Iowa for an opening round game on Tuesday. GRCC Interim Athletic Director David Selmon said he understands the Muskegon student-athletes must be devastated by the news. “Muskegon had a tremendous year, and we’re sorry for those student-athletes,” Selmon said. “Our players also worked very hard and put together a solid season. The Raiders will proudly represent their rivals and the rest of the state as it competes in the tournament.” The Raiders posted an 8-5 record this season, with four of the five losses coming against Muskegon. GRCC played Jayhawks in the District XII finals after opponents in two opening rounds withdrew due to illness. Volleyball is typically a fall sport, but the NJCAA delayed and shortened the season due to the pandemic. The college is closely following safety guidelines from the NJCAA and Michigan Community College Athletic Association, including requiring face coverings, social distancing where possible and limiting spectators in the arena during games. GRCC has a partnership with Ferris State University’s College of Pharmacy to test students, coaches and training staff for COVID three times a week. Coach Chip Will is bringing players back together for practices during the weekend before the team heads to Iowa.  Will is in his 15th year as GRCC volleyball coach, and has brought a team to the national tournament 11 times. The team finished fifth in the nation in last year’s tournament.

April 9, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College’s golf team won it’s opening match of the year after missing the spring and fall 2020 seasons due to the pandemic. The Raiders had the best individual score, and finished 10 strokes ahead of Muskegon Community College for the best team score in the Ancilla College Invitational at the Swan Lake Golf Resort in Plymouth, Ind. GRCC student athletes posted four of the top five scores at the event. Freshman Ari Jackman of Caledonia won the Ancilla Invitational, shooting a 74. Freshman Tyler Hausserman of Ionia and Dominic Luciani of East grand Rapids finished with 77 strokes. Freshman Logan Templeton of Portage and freshman David Courtright of Zeeland both shot 82, with teammate Matthew Denhartigh of Grandville just behind with 86 strokes. Coach John Forton said the windy conditions made the course challenging. “This wasn’t our best performance, but it was a good start and we’ll do better,” he said. “We were ready to go, and picked up right where we left off more than a year ago.”

April 9, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- It’s 1:45 a.m.: For Ryan Langrick, that used to be time to start his virtual class at GRCC -- 8,457 miles away. “A couple years ago, I started my travels to explore the world and ended up here in New Zealand,” said Langrick, who is originally from Fremont. “While here, I met my loving fiancée, who I'll be marrying in the next month or so, and I've stuck around with her while she finishes the last steps of her Ph.D. and she should actually be done in about 10 days.” GRCC has for years offered online classes, but dramatically increased hybrid, and virtual real-time classes this year because of the pandemic. The formats have been helpful for students scheduling classes around their home and work responsibilities – or those completing their degrees from the other side of the world. New Zealand is located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean about 1,200 miles southeast of Australia. All but one of Langrick’s GRCC classes are traditional online courses, which means they have no set meeting times. His Honors Program capstone course is the exception: a hybrid class that does require attendance at a set class time. For a while, that put Langrick in the virtual classroom at 1:45 a.m. New Zealand Standard Time. “The professor for that class, Leigh Kleinert, has been beyond helpful in making it work for me through recording classes and letting me attend only the ones that my attendance was absolutely required at,” he said. “Also, the group I’m working with has been great and scheduled our group meetings on the weekends at a time that it doesn’t kill me to show up.” But the extra-early morning class still called for commitment from Langrick, especially when he had to work the next day. “Now with daylight savings time having happened both here and there, it’ll be at 11:45 p.m., which is much more manageable,” he said. Langrick said New Zealand time fluctuates between a 16- and 18-hour difference depending on daylight savings time, which occurs on different dates. “Our clocks just changed actually so we are at a 16-hour difference,” he said. “Basically, take the time you have there, minus 8 hours and add a day to get the time it is here.” Kleinert says she’s been impressed with how well Langrick has done with her class. “He contacted me about a month before the semester began to see if completing the course with me was even feasible,” she said. “He explained his situation and wondered if I was willing to work with him and what we could work out. I was impressed by that right away.” Kleinert said she went through the schedule and identified the 10 most important classes for Langrick to attend in person – so he could engage in discussions -- and agreed to record other course sessions and post them on Blackboard. “This has worked wonderfully and he has kept up his side of the work,” she said. “In addition, this course requires that students form an interdisciplinary team and solve a community problem. I have been most impressed that Ryan has been meeting weekly with his team members on Saturdays.” Langrick said he also appreciates the support of professors Andrew Rozema, Jonnathan Resendiz, and Scott Gerrard. Langrick is scheduled to earn his associate degree in computer science this spring – and tie the knot with fiancé Ellie Torbati.  “My focus is on software engineering, and my plans for the future are to keep going for a bachelor’s in software engineering,” he said. “I’ve been accepted to both Penn State and Arizona State University for their online software engineering programs, and I’m still not 100% on which of the two I’m going to go with yet -- both have so many benefits.”