Dec. 17, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. –  The transformation of the Mable Engle House into Grand Rapids Community College’s Steven C. Ender Hall has earned honors from the U.S. Green Building Council of West Michigan. GRCC’s Facilities team, project architect Progressive AE, and construction manager Pioneer Construction were honored this month with the LEED Gold Certified Higher Education project award. The USGBC-WM Leadership Awards promote outstanding green building initiatives by recognizing projects, organizations, and people who have made extraordinary contributions to achieving healthy, energy-efficient green buildings in the state of Michigan. The Certified Green Building Awards recognize exemplary building projects that received high-performance certifications. The U.S. Green Building Council of West Michigan, organized in 2004, is a program-based nonprofit dedicated to transforming the way buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated, in a way that improves the quality of life in Michigan. James VanDokkumburg, GRCC’s executive director of Facilities, said sustainability is one of GRCC’s strategic goals, and is considered through all aspects of the college’s operations. Renovating a historic building rather than replacing it is a sustainable approach that also preserves a connection with the community’s past. “All the work we do starts with the thought of following our sustainability goals, making our community a better place,” VanDokkumburg said. “But sustainability is more than a goal, it is a recognition of the responsible and right way to do things.” The building, 455 E. Fulton St., was constructed early in the 20th Century by a lumber baron for his family. GRCC purchased it from Davenport University for use as offices. The 3,850-square-foot Steven C. Ender Hall is used for student-focused departments, including the Experiential Learning and the Honors programs, and Student Employment Services. It also provides space for Student Life clubs and organizations to meet. A ribbon-cutting was held in August. Progressive AE worked with GRCC, local building officials, and the city’s Historic Preservation Commission on the $3.4 million renovation. The project earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold Certification for Commercial Interiors, a national standard established by the U.S. Green Building Council. GRCC held a ribbon-cutting in August for the building, which was named for President Emeritus Steven C. Ender.

Dec. 14, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College’s One Workforce program provides training for in-demand careers, by also opportunities for residents to improve English language skills. The One Workforce Welding Program for English Language Learners offers residents the opportunity to gain skills for entry level welding positions.  It is a short-term program to get welders work in West Michigan, with the goal of helping these individuals grow into apprenticeships or other learning opportunities within the welding field. This program is a collaboration between The Hispanic Center of West Michigan and GRCC Workforce Training. During the 12-week training program, students learn basic welding skills which provides them the ability to gain employment as a welder. One Workforce grant funds also cover the cost of an interpreter and additional support to succeed in an advanced manufacturing skills education. Edgar Ocampo, Salvador Quintino and Adolfo Reyes have worked through the program to gain welding skills and advance their careers. Ocampo has worked at Dennen Steel for six years. “I am so happy to be in this class,” he said. Ocampo does a different type of welding at work now but feels that by learning these new skills, he will get better. “I am hoping to get my journeyman’s card in the future,” he said. “Having the interpreter is very helpful. Without the One Workforce grant covering the costs, I probably wouldn’t be able to take the class.” Quintino heard about the program from a friend who works at the Hispanic Center. “When she told me about the class, I thought it was a great plan for me,” he said. “Something new, something to get out there. I like to try new things. Taking this class, and learning new skills will help me get better job opportunities.” Quintono works at Tubelite. “The class has already provided new opportunities at my current job,” he said. “Now that my supervisor knows that I can weld, he is asking me to weld stuff.” Quintono had never welded before. “Welding is pretty cool. You have to be calm and patient when welding and that fits well with my personality,” he said. “I was a little bit nervous at first because there is fire and smoke.” Quintono said the class has been excellent. “I have learned so much. John (Doneth) is a great teacher.”  Even though Salvador is fluent in English, he appreciates hearing it all in Spanish too. “Having both languages has been cool. I get to learn the material in both languages.” Reyes learned about the One Workforce program from his wife, who helped him register “My wife is the one who saw the webpage and she helped me get on board.” Adolfo is working as a commercial roofer. “I’ve always been interested in welding,” he said. “I am hopeful that by learning these new skills I can will get a job welding and get paid more.” Having an interpreter in class has made the learning possible. “Without Ben interpreting, the instructor would have to go very slow and even then, I may miss something,” he said.   The program’s goal is to build an accessible pathway into the field of welding with a focus on producing ready-to-work welders for Kent County companies. The One Workforce grant works to attract, retain, and graduate individuals of different genders and racial/ethnic backgrounds to welding careers. For many adult learners, class schedule can be a barrier. The program is offered at night, which allows students to continue working and taking care of their family responsibilities. After gaining the skills to move into a career in manufacturing, our team of Job Developers will connect these students with local manufacturing employers who are hiring for well-paying, advanced manufacturing jobs. For eligible residents, the program may assist with the cost of up to four contact hours at the in-district rate, Job Training programs in CNC/Machine Tooling, and Welding, or additional costs including books, tools, and boots. Interested residents can submit an inquiry form located on the One Workforce webpage at grcc.edu/oneworkforce .  

Dec. 13, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.  – Marlene Bussler of the Grand Rapids Community College women's basketball team was named Michigan Community College Athletic Association Northern Conference Player of the Week. "Marlene’s play over the past week was a big part of our success," said head coach David Glazier. "It is fitting to see her recognized for her efforts." Bussler , a Battle Creek native who attended Harper Creek High School, is coming off a season-high 22 points and four steals in Thursday's game against the Hope College junior varsity team, helping her team to a double-overtime 71-69 victory.  Bussler leads the team in scoring, averaging 13.3 points per game. She is the team's best three-point shooter, shooting at a 35.3 clip from behind the arc, and the team's leader in steals, averaging 2.5 per contest. The women's basketball team is off to a 4-2 start and competes in the Lake Land College tournament this weekend in Mattoon, Illinois. It will take on Lake Land - currently ranked No. 6 in the nation - on Friday at 6 p.m. and Spoon River College on Saturday at 2 p.m.