April 2, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Muskegon Community College was just too much for GRCC’s stellar volleyball team this season. The Raiders have lost five matches this season, four of them to Muskegon. Friday’s defeat in straight sets propels the Jayhawks to the national tournament, and ends the Raiders season. The Raiders squared off against Muskegon in the District XII finals after first- and second-round games against Henry Ford and St. Clair County Community College were cancelled. Muskegon, the No.1 seed in the tournament, notched 25-17, 25-23 and 25-17 victories to continue its unbeaten streak. Kylie Oberlin led GRCC with 12 kills and 19 assists. Annie Holesinger had eight kills and 23 assists. Kara Hecht had 21 assists and Gabi Kitley had 19. GRCC finishes with an 8-5 record, with the only other defeat coming at the hands of Glen Oaks Community College in the first match of the season. It was a most unusual year, with the traditionally fall sport moved to spring because of the pandemic, the season shortened and six games canceled. GRCC came off a 2019-2020 season where the team went deep into the national tournament, finishing fifth in the nation.

April 2, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College’s baseball team boosted its winning streak to 10 games, sweeping a doubleheader from Lake Michigan College on the road in Benton Harbor. The Raiders are now 10-1 on the season, having not lost since the opening game. It looked like GRCC’s streak might have been coming to an end in the first game. Lake Michigan scored three runs in the first inning on a home run by Roman Kuntz. GRCC team was down 4-2 in the sixth inning when Fernando Calderon homered on a 3-2 count, scoring three runs. The Raiders tacked on one more run in the top of the seventh to claim a 6-4 victory. Collin Bradley earned the win for the Raiders, going five innings and allowing four runs on five hits and striking out one. Eliott Traver and Sam Schmitt helped to close out the game in relief.  Schmitt recorded the last three outs to earn the save. Jonah Sibley took the loss for Lake Michigan, pitching five and two-thirds innings, allowing five runs on five hits and striking out eight. Schmitt went two-for-three at the plate to lead GRCC in hits. The Raiders didn’t commit an error. Calderon, in right field, had six chances in the field, the most on the team. GRCC in the second game fell behind 3-0 in the first inning on Roman Kuntz’s second homer of the day, then never looked back. The team answered with four runs in the top of the second inning, added single runs in the fourth and fifth innings then two more in the six to put a 8-3 game in the win column. Garrett Cheslek pitched the Raiders to victory, surrendering three runs on six hits over five and two-thirds innings, striking out one. Bradley Dunn threw one and one-third innings in relief out of the bullpen to earn the save. Matthew Engler took the loss for Lake Michigan College Red Hawks Varsity. The pitcher went five innings, allowing six runs on five hits and striking out five. GRCC totaled seven hits. Jake Paganelli and Caleb Englesman both had two hits. The Raiders are back in action against Lake Michigan on Saturday with a doubleheader at home in Belknap Park. Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2021. All rights reserved.

  April 2, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Their meal won’t get to the International Space Station, but a collaboration between Kent Career Technical Center students and Grand Rapids Community College culinary program leaders might help astronauts someday walk on Mars. Four KCTC students partnered with the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education for the NASA HUNCH competition. Every year, NASA challenges culinary schools to create menu items for the astronauts at the International Space Station. But the national challenge is about more than creating the best-tasting takeout. NASA scientists are studying how to keep astronauts healthy and prepare them for potential long-term missions. " NASA is figuring out how to feed astronauts heading to Mars by feeding humans on a six-month space trip," said Werner Absenger, program director for the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education. "One would think that this is a job for the country's most prestigious experts -- and it sure is. But, through the NASA HUNCH Culinary Challenge, high school students play a considerable part in developing food for microgravity to feed astronauts and ensure successful NASA missions. When you think about that, that's an unbelievable opportunity for high school students who think they want to make a rewarding career in the culinary arts." NASA required teams to submit two healthy “comfort food” recipes. After evaluating both submissions from the KCTC-GRCC team, NASA experts picked a recipe for chili verde with rice and beans for the students to develop further.  The KCTC is a program operated by the Kent Intermediate School District to provide high school students in-demand career skills. The KCTC-GRCC team of Elizabeth Afton, of East Grand Rapids; Grace Haaksma, of Grand Rapids; Olivia Sandoval, of Wyoming; and Chris Quezada, of Kentwood, finished out of the top 10 and won’t move to the next round. But the students said the experience was still valuable, and they learned much about the science behind food preparation. "There are many problems students have to deal with and come up with creative solutions," Absenger said. “The team had to research and write a paper on food safety, stability, palatability, resource minimization, variety, reliability, and usability." Out of around 30 schools competing this year, 10 finalists will have an opportunity to travel to Houston to prepare a final version of their dish for judges from the Johnson Space Center’s food lab, personnel from the International Space Station, and astronauts. The winning recipe will be prepared by NASA and flown to the International Space Station for the astronauts to enjoy. A team from the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education came close to winning the contest last year, finishing second in a field of 56 teams . Thomas Brown and Victoria Uy prepared a dish of Indian butternut squash, mango chicken and brown rice.  

April 1, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College basketball teams each fell two points shy against Muskegon Community College, closing out the regular season on Friday. The women’s team lost 55-53, ending the season with an 10-3 record that fell just short of a conference title. The men’s squad lost when Muskegon hit two free throws with 2.2 seconds to win 75-73. The women’s team looked to be in command in the first quarter, going up 22-10. But Muskegon dominated in the end, outscoring the Raiders 20-7 and finishing on top. The win pushes the Jayhawks record to 12-2, claiming the conference title. Olivia Koetje was the leading scorer with 14 points, followed by Shonyah Hawkins with 13 and Eurasia Green-Boyd with 11. Jayla Bibbs scored six points, but grabbed 19 rebounds. The men’s team lost three of its last four games in the final seconds. The team was neck-and-neck with Muskegon for most of the game, losing in the final 2.2 seconds. Isaac Anderson led the Raiders with 24 points, 13 rebounds and four assists. Chandler Collins had 18 points and eight boards. Muskegon finishes the season at 4-9. Both Raiders teams are scheduled to play next on April 6 in the NJCAA Region XII Great Lakes West Tournament.

April 1, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Robert Richmond appreciated how a life-changing Grand Rapids Community College education helped his employees and took steps to make sure those opportunities continue to be available to all. Richmond, who passed away in 2019, left the GRCC Foundation nearly $10 million, the largest single donation in the college’s history. GRCC leaders are reviewing how to best use the donation to support student resources and modernize buildings. “This is an extraordinary and generous investment in GRCC, its students and our greater community,” GRCC President Bill Pink said. “Mr. Richmond saw firsthand how GRCC gave his employees the knowledge and confidence to grow and thrive. His gift will help us continue providing state-of-the-art learning spaces and other resources to make education more accessible to West Michigan residents.” Richmond started his career with IBM, helping businesses set up computer systems. He and his wife, Lois, started B&L Plastics in Rockford, and later, B&L Development. They frequently hired interns from GRCC. Family members said Richmond believed strongly in higher education and was impressed by the work performed by interns who were earning associate degrees at GRCC. Dr. Kathryn K. Mullins, vice president for College Advancement and executive director of the GRCC Foundation, said Richmond’s bequest is recognition of the importance of GRCC’s mission.   “Mr. Richmond’s vision was to help the college keep higher education within reach of everyone who seeks it,” she said. “We will use this generous gift to honor his legacy.” Pink said the donation reflects the value West Michigan employers and residents place on the community’s college and its critical role in developing a talented workforce and boosting the local economy. “We deeply appreciate this gift,” Pink said. “Mr. Richmond is a great example of leaving one’s treasure to touch the lives of others for years to come.” Grand Rapids Community College offers learners of all ages opportunities to gain credits for degrees or transfer and in-demand career skills leading to rewarding careers. GRCC was established in 1914 – Michigan’s first community college -- and offers affordable classes on weekdays, evenings, Saturdays and online at locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties.        

April 1, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- GRCC hosted Phi Theta Kappa’s regional conference for the second year in a row. The virtual event, March 24 to 26, included officer elections, breakout sessions, a trivia night, a graduation “afterglow” party, a keynote speaker from Azusa Pacific University, and the opening of a time capsule from 1995. GRCC’s PTK chapter, Alpha Upsilon Kappa, was recognized as a 5-Star Chapter for the eighth consecutive year, one of only 18 in the 31-chapter region. Alpha Upsilon Kappa also received other awards: The chapter earned its first REACH award for recruiting and engaging new members. The chapter received first place for its college project: a video series on campus resources. The chapter’s “Honors in Action” project placed fourth for its theme and 10 th for the actual project. The GRCC officer team -- Aya Ghlaim, Ethan McNeilly and Alyssa Reynolds – placed fifth in the region. Nicholas Cetlinski was named a Coca Cola Gold Scholar, earning a $1,500 scholarship. Melanie Lequia was named a New Century Workforce Scholar, earning a $1,250 scholarship. Ethan McNeilly received the Susan Friedrich Memorial Scholarship of $250. Lequia, Cetlinski, Michael Kelley and Philder Okech were named to the All Michigan Academic Team.

March 31, 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. Armando Medina was ready to transform his life. He spent years moving around various jobs but was searching for a real career. He has several daughters and his wife to support and he knew it would be a struggle if he went back to school. Medina feels like all the stars aligned for him when he learned about the GRCC Machine Tool/CNC Job Training program. He attended an online information session and was excited. The instructor, Andy Beach, spoke so passionately about all the opportunities in the trade that Medina knew that this program would provide him the transformation he was looking for. According to the 2021 Hot Jobs put out by West Michigan Works!, the median hourly wage for a CNC machine operator is more than $20 per hour with many openings in this field annually. In just five months, Machine Tool/Computer Numerical Control Job Training students learn to 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. Skills are developed in GRCC’s new lab in the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center and students are trained in print reading, basic shop math, using measurement tools, terminology and communicate skills. Now, successfully working at Blackmere Pump, PSG, Medina is inspired and hopeful for what is to come. “The (Job Training) CNC/Machining program has been an incredible gift,” Medina said. “I love this work and can see the potential for a lifelong career. My family is proud of me for going to college and my confidence has grown like never before! I honestly do feel like a new person. I’m just so thankful!” 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 .

March 30, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community college basketball teams earned a sweep of Glen Oaks Community College on Tuesday, with both teams turning in dominating performances. The women’s team won 65-43, improving its record to 10-2 with three wins in a row. Jayla Bibbs continues to shine, earning 12 points and 22 rebounds with three assists. Shonyah Hawkins scored 12 points with three rebounds and Abigale Rouwhorst posted a career-high 12 points and five rebounds. The Glen Oaks women’s team has struggled this season, and the defeat dropped its record to 2-13. The GRCC men’s team snapped a three-game losing street with a 91-58 victory. Khyree Beyah boasted a career-high 20 points and eight rebounds –hitting 10 of the 12 shots he took. Isaac Anderson was outstanding, with eight points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Richard Major had 11 points, and D'Avery Moore had 10 points and seven rebounds. All 13 Raiders dressed scored at least 2 points. The Raiders improve their record to 5-7, while Glen Oaks is still looking for its first win. Both teams close out the regular season on the road with games against Muskegon Community College on April 1.  

March 30, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College President Bill Pink will join local and state students and educators in celebrating the life and legacy of César E. Chávez at a virtual event on Wednesday. GRCC is a sponsor of West Michigan's annual César E. Chávez Community Celebration, planned for March 31, from 10-11 a.m. The event is free and open to the public.  “César E. Chávez’s message was one of unity and compassion, and that is more important than ever as we emerge from the pandemic,” Pink said. “let us be inspired by his life and legacy, and remember to always look for ways we can help each other.” This year's theme highlights unity with a focus on lifting others out of the pandemic. The keynote speaker is Andres Chávez, Chávez's grandson, who will speak on behalf of the foundation named in memory of his grandfather. The effort is headed by the Hon. Lupe Ramos-Montigny, a former Grand Rapids Public Schools educator who just completed a term on the state Board of Education. Ramos-Montigny said the virtual event makes it possible to share what is normally a West Michigan celebration with many more people. "We can now connect across the state and beyond to focus on unity, which is what it will take to lift us out of this pandemic," Ramos-Montigny said. "We are building a larger circle of learners who will know more about the life and legacy of César Chávez." Chávez, a labor organizer and Latino civil rights activist, died in 1993. The Committee to Honor César E. Chávez was founded in September 2000. Its main focus is to award college scholarships to Latino students. Ramos-Montigny said Chávez’ legacy and mission for social justice carry on through the sacrifice of the first responders and frontline workers, and those harmed by COVID-19. She hopes the event will ignite the “Si se puede” spirit as we forge ahead to support each other out of the Pandemic. “ Speakers in the virtual event include President Pink, Grand Valley State University President Philomena V. Mantella, Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Leadriane Roby, Wayne State University President M. Roy Wilson, The Potter’s House School, and Superintendent John Booy.    

March 29, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Famously known by the moniker the “God MC,” Rakim, will discuss his critically acclaimed book, “Sweat the Technique: Revelations on Creativity from the Lyrical Genius” as part of Grand Rapids Community College’s Diversity Lecture Series. The free virtual event is planned for 6:15 p.m. on April 6. The event is open to the community, and registration is available at tinyurl.com/rsvp-Rakim. The New York native is one half of the golden era of hip-hop duo Eric B. & Rakim, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential and most skilled MCs. The duo’s 1987 release “Paid in Full” was listed in Rolling Stone magazine’s Top 500 Albums of All Time. Part memoir, part writing guide, the book offers insight into how Rakim thinks about words, music, writing, and rhyming as it teaches writers of all levels how to hone their craft. It is also a glimpse into Rakim’s private life, full of entertaining personal stories that celebrate the influences that shaped his development. “The Diversity Lecture Series provides a broad platform to unpack current events,” said Dr. B. Afeni McNeely Cobham, GRCC’s chief equity and inclusion officer. “There is a concept in hip hop culture known as ‘freestyling,’ which is the ability to improvise a rhyme (rap), dance, or DJ set. For the last year, most of us had to pivot and improvise (or freestyle) our way through day-to-day interactions to make it work. Hearing from an artist who is the pantheon of rap lyricism and ad-lib artistic expression is the perfect crescendo to the lecture series.” The discussion moderator is Bakari Kitwana, co-author of the book and 2020 Nasir Jones Hip-Hop Fellow at the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University. The evening will also include guest performances by PJ DA DJ and the Collec7ive, a Grand Rapids hip hop group powered by community partner, MuseGR. The Diversity Lecture Series provides GRCC stakeholders and community members with tangible access to society’s most prolific scholars, thought-leaders, activists, and innovative artists. Overseen by the college’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the series aims to connect members of the community with people that hold a compelling interest in shaping a culture of inclusion and social justice. For more than 20 years, the diversity lecture series has helped attendees consider different perspectives through cultural engagement, critical thought, and civil discourse. GRCC offers learners of all ages opportunities to gain credits for degrees or transfer and in-demand career skills leading to rewarding careers. GRCC was established in 1914 – Michigan’s first community college -- and offers affordable classes on weekdays, evenings, Saturdays and online at locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties.