Dec. 23, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Professor Hillery Haney used to struggle in French language classes as a student. But her love for the culture and language prevailed and now she teaches students of all levels of the subject.   Haney’s interest in the French language and culture began at a young age. “Growing up my friend’s mother was from Quebec, and she would teach us colors, numbers, and the alphabet. I loved it,” Haney said.  She began to take French classes in high school and stayed in France with a family for a summer. At the time she felt incredibly homesick, and understood nothing. Haney kept up with her French studies when she was studying at St. Mary’s College. She studied as hard as she could and was able to spend another year in France living with a family.  “If it weren’t for my time in France I wouldn’t have mastered the language. It was so hard to learn,” she said.  Haney didn’t initially intend to be a teacher, but decided to attend Aquinas College and enroll in a certified secondary teacher program. She taught in the Grand Rapids Public Schools for eight years, and moved to Rabat, Morocco, where she taught French to first through 12th grade students.  After two years in Morocco, Haney spent some time in Nashville, Tenn. before finally returning to Grand Rapids. Bernie Manker, a colleague and friend, encouraged Haney to pursue a career at GRCC. Haney was hired into the School of Language and Thought and has now been teaching for more than 20 years.  Together Manker and Haney have grown the program from three to seven French classes and are constantly growing and improving the curriculum. Haney teaches all levels of French, and enjoys teaching a wide range of students from different backgrounds, ages, countries, nationalities and ethnicities.   “You can’t start out knowing everything or what fun would the journey be?” she said. “Teaching does not get boring because there is always something new that challenges you, like a pandemic for example”.   Haney accredits the successes of the Language and Thought programs to her collegues. The faculty and staff look for ways to help students but also each other. GRCC is a real community that cares for everyone.  More information about the School of Language and Thought can be found here .

Dec. 22, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Artist Jay Constantine focuses on current events and history in the newest exhibit in Grand Rapids Community College’s Paul Collins Art Gallery. Constantine is a retired professor from Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art and Design, and the exhibit will run through the end of January. Constantine was a painting professor at Kendall from 1980 until 2020. He chaired the Fine Art program and the Painting program, and was instrumental in developing the undergraduate Painting major and master’s Painting program. “Many of the skills that I use in my own work, I learned at Kendall by teaching them,” he said in his Kendall biography.  “You teach the course you wish you’d had as a student.” In his artist statement, Constantine revealed his work since 2015 has concerned itself with historical and biographical subjects. “Researching history helps to anchor my work in nonfiction and often provides some of the most interesting stories,” he wrote. “There is a long tradition of narrative painting in art history and I would like to think that I add my own unique approach to that tradition.” Work in the gallery includes “A Brief History of Plastic,” including “the grim reality of plastic products that have accumulated in massive quantities in the oceans and waterways.” He also touches subjects as varied as the plot to kidnap Gov. Whitmer, scenes from the life of Friedrich Nietzsche, the discovery of Caligula’s sunken pleasure barge, and a memorial portrait of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, an activist who endured discrimination because of her gender and atheism. “My art might be characterized as a kind of history painting with an emphasis on stylized realism,” he wrote. “Identity is baked into history, which is always written from someone’s point of view. New information and research can change our understanding and artists have also created new narratives by using historical fiction or alternate histories. The creative possibilities are endless, and I have only scratched the surface.” Constantine's work is held in the Grand Valley State University permanent collection, the Grand Rapids Art Museum, the Muskegon Community College collection, the Kalamazoo Institute of Art and Pratt Graphics Center, and several private collections. His work can also be seen at jayconstantineart.com . The Paul Collins Art Gallery is located on the fourth floor of Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall, 143 Bostwick Ave. NE. The gallery reopens with the Jan. 9 start of the winter 2023 semester. The gallery’s hours are 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.

Dec. 20, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. –  Island Hines will have a warmer, safer commute to Grand Rapids Community College’s Fratzke Early Childhood Learn Lab through a gift from a local ministry and support from a GRCC instructor. Island's joyful spirit and determination make her an inspiration to the ECLL team members, who describe her as a “phenomenal individual.”  Island, who turns four years old next month, was recently diagnosed with Cohen's Syndrome, a genetic disorder characterized by diminished muscle tone. Island’s mother, Abriana Winters, is a GRCC graduate and her father, Isaiah Hines, is a current student, and the family works to ensure her needs are met and hope their story can be an inspiration to others who are on the journey. Julie Sizemore, an ECLL instructor, nominated Island to receive a quilt from Love Sews Ministry. The Holland-based non-profit’s mission is to make and provide custom quilts for those facing challenging life circumstances. The group’s volunteers have completed more than 1,000 quilts since starting in 2013. “This child has changed my life,” said Sizemore, who started working with Island when she was eight months old.   “She has changed who I am as a care teacher.  She has changed how I support families when it comes to children with special needs.  She has been the reason that I have built a network of early interventionists that has allowed me to help other children get needs met when they may not normally have qualified for early intervention.” Sizemore’s hope was to give Island a quilt for her wheelchair so she can be warm and safe when she rides the bus to school or is in the car. If she wears a coat while being transported, the belts could be too loose and this can be very dangerous if she was ever in an accident.  “The Love Sews Ministry group did an amazing job on every detail of the quilt down to the princesses who have dark skin, like Island, and including her favorite character, Peppa Pig,” Sizemore said. “Island and her family continue to inspire me, their joyful spirit, determination, and how they always work so hard to beat the odds are just a few of the ways.”

Dec. 19, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- When the state government decided to place a specialist on Grand Rapids Community College’s campus to help students connect to outside resources, it turned to Marjri Weller. As a specialist with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, she’s familiar with state and local sources that help with housing, food and child care. As a GRCC alumna, she’s familiar with the struggles that students face as they work toward a college education. 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. “What caught my eye about this new partnership is being able to help students in whatever they need because I was once a student here at GRCC,” she said. “I have always wanted to give back, and this is the best way that I can.” Weller plans to draw on her GRCC experiences in her new post. “The staff, professors and counselors were so kind and patient, and they taught me how to navigate through this big world as a young adult,” she said. “I was not familiar with filling out financial aid paperwork or how to go about signing up for the right classes, but it did not matter. They walked me through everything with patience and understanding. There was no judgment; they were so nice, and no matter how small I felt asking them all these questions, the staff kindly assisted and did it with a smile.” After earning her associate degree in 1999, Weller earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Aquinas College and a master’s degree in communication from Grand Valley State University. GRCC is the only college in the state to have a Michigan Department of Health and Human Services staff member assigned to it. Weller, who has worked for the state for 12 years, is located on the Student Center’s third floor, where she handles 150 to 200 cases. “GRCC is where my career and love for people and customer service began,” she said. Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply

Dec. 17, 2022, MATTOON, Ill. – Grace Lodes sank two free throws with one second remaining to secure a 65-63 victory for the Grand Rapids Community College women's basketball in its tournament finale against Spoon River College on Saturday afternoon. The team ran a baseline inbound play to get Lodes open and the sophomore forward graduate of West Catholic High School was fouled as she went up for the layup and sank both of them. "Proud of the team's effort not just today but all weekend long," head coach David Glazier said. "Today showed that when we are balanced and share the basketball, we are a pretty solid squad." Lodes led the team in scoring with 17 points, with Marlene Bussler adding 16 points, Sally Merrill, 13 points, and Allison Kellogg, 12 points. GRCC shot a season-high 82 percent from the free throw line and improved its record to 5-3. The team will be back in action  Jan. 4 at Community Christian College in Detroit at 5:30 p.m. 

Dec. 16, 2022, MATTOON, Ill. – The Grand Rapids Community College women's basketball team opened tournament play against Lake Land College – the No. 6-ranked team in the nation -- with an 88-49 loss despite a team-high 15 points from Sally Merrill. GRCC was up 8-6, but Lake Land closed the first quarter on a 16-6 run and never looked back. The team out-scored GRCC in every quarter to win its eighth game of the year. "I thought we did some really nice things overall, but at the end of the day this game shows our kids the level of consistency we have to play with to compete with a team like Lake Land," head coach David Glazier said. Grace Lodes added 12 points and Allison Kellogg scored 10 for GRCC, which drops to 4-3 on the season. The team will be back at it Saturday against Spoon River College. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. Eastern Standard time.   

Dec. 16, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Dr. Eddie Glaude Jr., an author and Princeton University educator, will provide the keynote address during West Michigan’s commemoration of the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.  Glaude’s address is part of the 37th annual community commemoration, a partnership between Davenport University, Grand Rapids Community College, and Grand Valley State University, with support from local sponsors. “It’s so important to keep Dr. King’s message and legacy in mind as we navigate our difficult times,” GRCC Interim President Juan R. Olivarez said. “Each year we gather to celebrate his life and achievements. But also, we must look at where we are as a community and a nation, reflect on where we need to be and commit to getting there together.” The 2023 keynote is planned for 6 p.m. Jan. 16 at Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain Street NE in Grand Rapids. The event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 5 p.m. “Our nation continues to struggle to embrace equity across so many aspects of our lives,” said Dr. Richard J. Pappas, president of Davenport University. “I am thankful for the collaboration with GRCC and GVSU to hold this important event. We’re gathering to commemorate Dr. King’s life and further an important discussion on how to embrace diversity and inclusion across our campuses, our communities, and our world.” The event will also introduce area high school scholarship recipients and include short welcomes from college presidents and community leaders. “As we pause to reflect on Dr. King’s life and the indelible impact he had on history, I hope our students and community members continue to take up the charge for educational access and social justice,” GVSU President Philomena V. Mantella said. “It can be a daunting task, but let’s remember what Dr. King himself said, ‘If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.’” Glaude is an author, political commentator, public intellectual and passionate educator who examines the complex dynamics of the American experience. Combining a scholar’s knowledge of history, a political commentator’s take on the latest events, and an activist’s passion for social justice, Glaude challenges all of us to examine our collective American conscience, "not to posit the greatness of America, but to establish the ground upon which to imagine the country anew." His writings, including “Democracy in Black: How Race Still Enslaves the American Soul,” “In a Shade of Blue: Pragmatism and the Politics of Black America,” and his most recent, the New York Times bestseller, “Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for our Own.” Glaude is the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor and chair of the Department of African American Studies at Princeton. He is also on the Morehouse College board of trustees. He frequently appears in the media, as a columnist for TIME Magazine and as contributor on “Meet the Press” and on MSNBC programs. Glaude also hosts Princeton’s AAS podcast, a conversation around the field of African American Studies and the Black experience in the 21st century. He also is a former president of the American Academy of Religion. Community sponsors for the event include: Corewell Health, Bethany Christian Services, Consumers Energy, Foster Swift, Warner Norcross and Judd, and the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel.

Dec. 16, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Grand Rapids Community College professor Karl Seper has been passionate about chemistry for as long as he can remember. Now he is able to share his passion with GRCC students.  “Students are the best part of GRCC. Students are why GRCC exists. I have found the students at GRCC to be eager to learn, and respectful of their peers and teachers,” Seper said.  Seper teaches in multiple chemistry laboratory classes. He enjoys working hands-on with the students. He is proud of the state-of-the-art technology that the Calkins Science Center provides for students. The facilities have great instrumentation and an attention to safety.  “This makes the laboratory experience one of learning, rather than frustration for the students,” Seper said.  Seper finds excitement in learning new things everyday. He received his bachelors of science at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, his doctorate from State University of New York at Albany, and postdoctoral work at Freie Universitat Berlin. Now he teaches at both Calvin University and GRCC, and is the Chief Scientist Formulation QA/QC at Abaco Partners. Seper is grateful for the many intellectual people he has met in his career. He has traveled the world and met multiple Nobel Prize winners. Seper surrounds himself with people who live by the golden rule. He is motivated by the Rotary International motto “Service Above Self and One Profits Most Who Serves Best”.  More information about chemistry and the physical sciences can be found here.  

Dec. 15, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College Provost Brian Knetl, who guided the college’s academic offerings through the challenges of the pandemic, has been selected to be president at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, Ill. Knetl, who has been GRCC provost since 2019, will become the fifth president at Waubonsee, which is located about 45 miles west of Chicago and has about 12,000 credit-seeking students. Kentl will start in his new role on Jan. 30, 2023. He said he aspired to be a community college president -- but the opportunity came sooner than he expected. “I do hope that I have contributed to and initiated the work needed to build and maintain a collaborative culture in Academic and Student Affairs and have provided a framework that will allow the faculty, staff, and programs at GRCC to continue excelling,” he said. “I will be forever grateful to GRCC for presenting challenges, opportunities, and colleagues that have contributed to my readiness for this position.” Knetl said the move also allows him to return to his native Illinois, and be closer to his children and family. “While Grand Rapids and West Michigan will always be an important and special part of my life, I am grateful to have this opportunity in a place I consider home,” he said. At GRCC, Knetl guided the college’s academics during the pandemic, ensuring students continued to receive a quality education and faculty members had the support they needed to continue teaching during the difficult and unexpected time. He also restructured the college’s academic and student support service structure, overseeing innovative changes to help both students and faculty members. Knetl’s experience in community college administration began as an assistant dean at Moraine Valley Community College in Illinois. He then spent 10 years at Harper College in Illinois, serving in several positions including interim provost, associate provost, dean of liberal arts and founding associate dean of the Center for Adjunct Faculty Engagement. Knetl has a bachelor’s degree in Theatre from Saint Mary’s University, a master’s degree in Theatre from Texas State University, and a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Loyola University-Chicago. He replaces Dr. Christine J. Sobek, who will retire on Jan. 4 after serving as Waubonsee’s president since July 2001.