March 29, 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! Antonina Chechovska planned a career in dentistry until GRCC Music faculty recognized her talent, nurtured and encouraged her. Now she’s an award-winning soprano who performs at New York’s famed Carnegie Hall. Chehovska majored in voice and piano while at GRCC and then transferred to the University of Michigan, earning a bachelor’s degree and master’s degrees in opera performance and conducting. She made her professional debut in 2013, singing Mozart’s “Requiem” with the Grand Rapids Symphony. Her New York City debut was during the 2015-2016 season of Opera America’s National Opera Center. Her performances have included Mozart’s “Coronation Mass,” Vivaldi’s “Gloria,” and Bernstein’s “Songfest.”  The New York Times declared that her performance in Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin” made her “an audience favorite.” Her awards include semifinalist in the 2019 James Toland Vocal Arts competition, winner of the 2016 George London Foundation Competition, first prize from the Gerda Lissner Foundation in 2016, and the Frances MacEachron Award from the Lyndon Woodside Oratorio-Solo Competition. In 2018, she joined the Ravinia Festival’s Steans Institute as an Artist Fellow. She said on the My GRCC Story podcast that one night she was walking from Kendall College, where her sister attended, and decided to check out GRCC’s Music Building. Music was a big part of her life growing up as one of nine children in the Ukraine. She was inspired by what she saw and heard in the building to take a Music Theory class with professor Brian Morris. “After the first day of class, I said, ‘I’m auditioning for voice and piano!’” she said. “Community college in America, period. But especially GRCC, because the Music Program is so incredible. Everybody can have an opportunity at the community college, and that’s what’s amazing. I definitely credit the professors here for seeing the potential in me.” Chechovska came back to campus last year to share her talents and knowledge with current students. 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    

March 27, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College baseball team pushed its winning streak to eight games on Saturday, sweeping Mid Michigan College in a doubleheader for the second day in a row. The softball team showed some muscle in its first game of a doubleheader, beating Ancilla College 14-5, before dropping the second game, 6-2. The baseball team won the opener 3-1 – the team’s narrowest margin of victory this season – then followed with an 8-2 win in the nightcap. Aaron West supplied most of the offense, driving in a run in the first with a double, then launching a home run in the third.   Drew Murphy pitched GRCC to victory, going five and a third innings, allowing five hits and one run while striking out four.  Bradley Dunn threw one and two-thirds innings in relief, recorded the last five outs to earn the save. Gage Delanoy took the loss for Mid Michigan, surrendering three runs on four hits over six innings, striking out three. Five runs in the second inning turned out to be all GRCC needed in the second game. Payton Young singled, and Jake Paganelli homered. Young also drove in two runs with a triple. Grand Rapids Community College tallied five runs in the second inning.  Caleb Englesman led the GRCC to victory on the hill. The right-hander surrendered two runs on four hits over six innings, striking out eight. Dalton Vander Ark threw one inning in relief. Bryson Adare took the loss for Mid Michigan, going four and a third innings, allowing one run on two hits and striking out two. The team is unbeaten since dropping the opener to Aquinas College, improving to 8-2 – and winning four games in two days. The team faces Aquinas again on Tuesday at Belknap Park. The softball team played on the road in Anderson, Ind. after Friday’s games against Mid Michigan were postponed. Pitcher Alexa Abrahamson had three hits – including a home run – and earned the win. Alexis Nguyen had four hits on the day, and also homered. Haley Van Huis with 2 hits and 3 runs scored for the day, and Krin Beech excelled defensively. The Raiders are 2-6 on the season, and are next in action on Tuesday with a doubleheader at home against Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2021. All rights reserved.

March 26, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Two close basketball games for Grand Rapids Community College teams on Friday, but different outcomes. The women’s team improved its season record to 9-2 with a 62-58 squeaker against Mid Michigan College on road in Mt. Pleasant. But the men’s team fell just short for the third game in a row, losing when the opponents sank a three-point shot at the buzzer to win 69-66. The volleyball team, playing at home, bounced back from a tough loss to Muskegon Community College to top Lake Michigan College in three sets to improve its record to 8-4. The women’s team won its second in a row after nearly breaking Macomb Community College’s 39-game winning streak a week ago. Olivia Koetje scored 20 points with 10 rebounds. Danielle Lamancusa and 14 point and 11 boards and Jayla Bibbs just missed a double-double, with nine points and nine rebounds. The men’s team loss was difficult after coming back from a 17-point deficit at halftime, and mounting a five-point lead. The game was tied after Mid Michigan missed two free throws with just six seconds left. Mid Michigan’s Noah Pruitt launched a three-pointer to give the game to the home team. The volleyball team closed out the regular season by beating Lake Michigan college in straight sets, 25-20, 25-20, and 25-10, on senior night. Kylie Oberlin had 12 kills and 3 aces, Audrey Gower had 15 digs, 1 ace and Savannah Stoepker had 4 aces. Prior to the game, the volleyball team welcomed Karissa Ferry of Chesaning, who signed to play volleyball and basketball for GRCC on Friday. Joined by parents Ryan and Allison, Ferry celebrated the signing and stayed to watch the game against Lake Michigan.  Ferry was an All-Region volleyball player for Chesaning this year, and also played basketball and track and field. She's a star in the classroom, with a 4.0 GPA.  

March 26, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College’s baseball team continued it offensive surge, sweeping a doubleheader against Mid Michigan, winning each game 7-1. The team hasn’t lost since dropping its opener, and has not given up more than two runs in a game since the initial defeat. Raiders won the first game of Friday’s twin bill behind the complete game, one-hit pitching of Colin Bradley, who struck out nine and allowed one unearned run in seven innings. GRCC fired up the offense in the first inning. Ryan Dykstra homered on a 3-2 count, scoring two runs. The team tacked on three runs in the sixth inning. Fernando Calderon reached on an error, scoring Matt Williams. Jake Ryan walked and then both scored on a double by Sam Schmitt. Jimmy Pierce took the loss for Mid Michigan College Baseball. The hurler allowed seven hits and seven runs over five and two-thirds innings, striking out nine. GRCC collected eight hits in the game.  Schmitt and Payton Young all managed multiple hits. The Raiders scored four runs in the sixth on its way to a victory in the second game of the doubleheader. Schmitt, Dykstra, and Jake Paganelli all drove in runs in the frame. Garrett Cheslek was credited with the victory for GRCC.  The righty lasted seven innings, allowing nine hits and one run while striking out seven and walking one. Carson Bassett took the loss for Mid Michigan, allowing three hits and three runs over two and a third innings, striking out one. Dykstra led GRCC with two hits in three at bats. The team was sure-handed and didn't commit a single error. Paganelli made the most plays with five. The Raiders are now 6-1 on the season and back in action against Mid Michigan on Saturday, this time at home at Belknap Park. Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2021. All rights reserved.

March 26, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A new agreement will give Grand Rapids Community College students a seamless transfer to a Ferris State University bachelor’s degree in music and entertainment business. Under the “3+1” program, students can attend GRCC for three years, earning an Associate of Arts in Pre-Music and Entertainment and fulfilling most of the requirements for a Digital Audio Specialist certificate. They will then enter Ferris as seniors to complete work for the bachelor’s degree. Students with this degree will be prepared for jobs in promotion and production, sales, marketing and management, as well as advertising and public relations, said professor Kevin Dobreff, head of GRCC’s Music Department.  “The constantly changing landscape of the music and entertainment business has been profoundly impacted by the restrictions of this last year,” he said. “Now, more than ever, our students must learn how to navigate the different ramifications of performing and marketing a product in a virtual world. It is my hope that this new, articulated pre-major program will create a pathway for many of our music and business students who have been uncertain about pursuing a degree that would support that career interest.”      Students in the program, which launches this fall, will take courses in accounting, statistics and business management, in addition to classes on world music and music theory. The program got its start through casual discussions about music between Dobreff and Felix Pereiro, head of GRCC’s Business Department. Pereiro worked as a business and marketing consultant in the music industry for more than a decade, working with legendary iconic leaders such as Michael Bennett and Dr. Sandy Feldstein. He was a business advisor to many music companies and associations, including Yamaha Corp. of America, Music & Arts, American Musical Supply, Zildjian, the National Association of Music Dealers and the National Association of Music Merchants & Manufacturers. He also plays the trombone, trumpet, guitar and piano. “I was seeing an informal crossover already with music students in my small business, marketing and entrepreneurship courses,” Pereiro said. “There are a lot of very entrepreneurial students who love music.” Working together with Dobreff on a formal curriculum for the Associate of Arts in Pre-Music and Entertainment was a “natural fit,” Pereiro said. “Everything is a business,” he said. “You have to understand that music is the music business.” To learn more about the Associate of Arts in Pre-Music and Entertainment, follow this link: https://catalog.grcc.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=47&poid=10563 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.  

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – This month, Mykel Johnson became the first student to graduate from Grand Rapids Community College supported by the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Scholarship. He now plans to use the skills he gained for an in-demand career as an automotive technician. The Promise Zone Scholarship provides free access to higher education for eligible students who live within the city of Grand Rapids and graduate from one of the 24 public, public charter, or private high schools located within the city limits. Launched in early 2020, the Promise Zone Authority partnered with Grand Rapids Community College to provide free access to GRCC’s associate degree and job training and certification programs. Johnson attended City High, Wellspring Academy, and the Grand Rapids Learning Center over the course of his high school career, and used his scholarship to complete GRCC’s Automotive Technician program within a year of his high school graduation. Johnson, whose father is a mechanic, was introduced to the trade at a young age and realized automotive technology is an in-demand career and GRCC’s program is the largest in the region. “I was around cars every day with my father,” he said. “I watched him build a truck from nothing, and I said, ‘I’ve got to do the same thing.’” Promise Zone Authority chairperson Teresa Weatherall Neal said she is thrilled by Johnson’s success and is looking forward to more students taking advantage of the opportunity and earning college credentials. “It is through the generosity of our community, as well as the partnership with President Bill Pink and GRCC, that we are able to see and hear of success stories like Mykel’s,” she said. “This is a celebratory moment for the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Board and for Mykel and his family. Mykel's story highlights the goals and vision we had for the Promise Scholarship — to be able to support the youth here in Grand Rapids as they pursue their college and career aspirations.” More than 250 students enrolled in GRCC through the Promise Zone for the fall 2020 semester. “The Promise Zone is off to a great start, providing opportunities for students to gain an education that will change their life without worrying about cost,” GRCC President Bill Pink said. “This is an awesome example of a community coming together to make higher education accessible to all. This will have long-term benefits for Grand Rapids, and West Michigan as a whole.”   Johnson attributes much of his success to the staff of Grand Rapids Learning Center, a unique college-preparatory high school developed by GRCC in partnership with Grand Rapids Public Schools designed to re-engage 16- to 19-year-olds interested in dual enrollment, identifying a career path, and the transition to a college degree program or workforce training upon obtaining their high school diploma.  “They just stayed on me,” Johnson said of the Learning Center staff.  “They made sure I stayed focused and never let up because they felt I was intelligent, and I feel like I’m intelligent, too. So, I should put it to use.” Rodney Brown, Grand Rapids Learning Center administrator, said he’s “extremely proud” of Johnson being the first Promise Zone graduate, and thinks his story can inspire others.  “Mykel's dedication and determination to earn his automotive certification was evident from the first-time I met him. We are just so happy for Mykel and his family for this tremendous accomplishment!" Details about the Promise Zone and scholarship eligibility can be found on the authority’s website, grpromisezone.com , the GRCC website at grcc.edu/promisezone and by contacting Promise Zone Director Evan Macklin at promisezone@grcc.edu.  

A School News Network feature:  The talents of Grand Rapids Community College music students will flow harmoniously again this year, continuing a long-standing tradition — just in virtual form.  ‘Musical Moods,’ the Music Department’s annual collage concert, brings together GRCC’s 250 student musicians as a way to showcase the program to the community. “We attempt to present a cross section of all our different ensembles and we also feature student soloists and small ensembles,” said Kevin Dobreff, GRCC Music Department program director. The  concert flows from one performance to the next. “We try to do it seamlessly, without any breaks,” Dobreff said. “You go from one thing to another by using staging and lighting.” ‘Musical Moods’ was started 73 years ago by Albert P. Smith, founder of the music department, at then Grand Rapids Junior College. The GRCC music building was renamed as the Albert P. Smith Music Center in 2016.  The  performance debuts  at 7 p.m. Friday, March 26. While there is no cost for tickets, a contribution of any amount is encouraged.  “Our faculty here in the Music Department have really risen so highly to the challenge of working and creating art in spite of the restrictions that are placed upon us by COVID-19. It is just so inspiring, to me, to watch these people work with our students and to see how much creativity has come out of this situation,” Dobreff said. “It is awe-inspiring. We have some very fine faculty and our students are amazing.” He added, “If Smitty were still alive, I think he would be very proud.” Smith was a graduate of University of Michigan, which performed a similar concert, Dobreff said. “He brought that concert over to the junior college and we’ve been doing it ever since.” Generating Interest in High School Students The concert is a recruiting opportunity for future students and is normally performed in high school auditoriums in Kent County. It was performed at East Grand Rapids High School last year, prior to the pandemic. This year, GRCC faculty has been connecting with high school music directors to make students aware of how to watch, and see the quality of the instruction and students at GRCC.  The concert will include submissions by the wind, jazz, saxophone, guitar and vocal jazz ensembles; the orchestra and various choirs; plus student soloists and small ensembles. Soloists are selected by audition.  The GRCC Media Services Department has compiled the performances, which will be archived for people to view anytime on the website. The pandemic has created challenges, but GRCC Music faculty members have found innovative and creative ways to continue providing quality instruction. Professor Jed Scott works with the Shades of Blue ensemble, and has created performances by recording students individually and editing them together.   Recorded earlier this year, “Love Walked In” was among the ensemble’s most challenging recordings. Students were provided a keyboard demonstration lined up to a video of Scott conducting. Students followed a video of a classmate singing, listening on headphones while singing their parts into their cell phone microphones. The Media Technologies team then added visuals to bring this performance to life. Scott discovered the transition allowed some students to participate from far away. One Shades of Blue member, a professional touring guitarist, started the semester in the Ukraine and is now in New York.     You can watch "Love Walked In" here .   The title of the concert, ‘Musical Moods,’ is apropos. “Students and faculty alike have learned to cherish the small amounts of time we’ve had face to face. When you can make music together, it’s such a joyous experience for us,” Dobreff said, Music has a powerful impact on people, he noted: “People who make music together cannot be enemies. Our students and faculty have become very aware of how important music making is in this time.” This story was reported by Erin Albanese of the School News Network .    

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. Stephan "Stevie" Paul, had an associate degree but was having trouble obtaining a job due to his lack of real-world, hands-on experience.   “At this point I needed to seek an education that would give me experience. I researched and toured several educational centers that offer hands-on training. All were well out of my price range as I am the sole income provider for my family. My wife provides care for our son and we have twin daughters who have major health issues. While on the GRCC website I found exactly what I was looking for.” Paul is now graduate of the Computer Support Technician Job Training Program. “I feel very blessed that I was able to participate in this program for it changed my life. The class truly was one of the best experiences of my life.” Paul is currently a systems administrator at Flat River Group, which has been recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest growing companies in both 2016 and 2017.  “Not only was this program exactly what I was looking for, but it was more than I expected,” he said. “I realized I had neglected all that goes into ‘job training.’  Paul said instructor Moss Ingram covers how to find out about emerging technologies.  Ingram also focuses on employability skills and conducts a resume workshop aimed at IT careers. The Computer Support Technician Job Training Program prepares students to achieve two certifications: the Google IT Support Professional Certificate and the CompTIA A+ Certification. Both of these IT certifications are globally recognized and represent skills sought after by a wide array of employers. Unlike many training programs that meet the needs of a specific market, any and all employers who use computer technology require computer support, whether the IT support is provided by a full-time employee or by a contracted managed services company. This program is designed to address computer support from four perspectives: technical, professionalism and employability, business innovation, and design. From a technical perspective, this program focuses on the four fundamentals of IT: hardware, software, networking, and security. Students gain experience with both the Windows operating system, as well as Linux, along with setting up and accessing virtual machines and cloud computing services. Many troubleshooting strategies are taught to prepare students for the myriad problems they will encounter and how to provide the most efficient and effective solutions. This program also prepares students with the employability skills and the professionalism required to work in IT. Students regularly meet local IT technicians, engineers, business owners, and recruiters via Zoom to learn from their experiences and current market expectations. The topic of design is integrated throughout the program in order to best prepare students to satisfy the increasing and ever-changing demands and expectations of today’s IT users. GRCC has an unmatched reputation among employers for supplying West Michigan with work-ready technicians. Graduates specialize in providing empathy for the people they support while solving complex problems using troubleshooting and design thinking methodologies. Students are also taught to focus on human-centered solutions and technology-based innovations for both colleagues and customers. “When I was offered an entry level position at Flat River Group, I had reservations, so I consulted Moss,” Paul said. “He gave me the confidence to go for it! My training at GRCC gave me the skills to learn and grow with the company well beyond the IT helpdesk role that I first accepted. “The Computer Support Technician Job-Training program is by far the best education I have ever had. It has changed my career and life is immeasurable.  I spent 15 years trying to get there by myself and failed.  Six months in this program gave me my entry into the market and the ability to far exceed that entry point.” 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 23, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College’s women’s basketball team bounced back from a tough loss on Saturday to soundly beat Alpena Community College on Tuesday, while the men’s team lost a second heartbreaker. The GRCC volleyball team also fell short, on a night when four of the college’s teams were in action. The baseball team swept a doubleheader against Aquinas College’s junior varsity team, while the softball team split a twin bill against Glen Oaks . A missed shot at the buzzer prevented the women’s basketball team from upsetting powerhouse Macomb Community College during the weekend. The team returned to its winning ways, nearly doubling up Alpena, 79-30 at the Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse. Jayla Bibbs – the fourth-best rebounder in the nation – pulled down 14 while scoring 11 points. Four other players were in double figures. Shonyah Hawkins and Olivia Koetje had 14 points each, Danielle Lamancusa had 12 points, and Erin Kruithoff had 10 points coming off the bench. The women are now 8-2 on the season, and are back in action on Friday on the road against Mid Michigan in Mt. Pleasant. The men’s basketball team lost its second close game in a row, falling to Alpena 72-69. The team’s record drops to 4-6 on the season. The volleyball team lost to a tough opponent. Muskegon Community College continued its undefeated streak, though it needed five sets to beat the Raiders. Grand Rapids won the first set 25-23, lost the second 26-24, and won the third 25-14. But the Jayhawks took the next two, 25-23 and 15-11 to claim the night. Gabi Kitley and Kylie Oberlinled the team in kills with 18, with Annie Holesinger right behind at 15. Kailey Carmean had 57 assists and Audrey Gower had 23 digs. The Raiders drop to 7-4 on the season – with three of the four losses coming at the hands of Muskegon, which is 13-0. The team wraps up its regular season at home on Friday against Lake Michigan College.