Dec. 3, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Danyel Bibbs' double-double helped keep the Grand Rapids Community College men's basketball team stay perfect on the year, improving to 8-0 after a dominating 21-point victory over Glen Oaks Community College on Saturday. Bibbs, a two-time Northern Conference player of the week, led both schools with a 25-point, 10-assist performance to lead the team to a 94-73 win. "Glen Oaks is a tough team," coach Joe Fox said. "I thought we did a nice job pushing the pace today and keeping pressure on defensively. Myron Brewer and Rico Wade hit some very timely shots. Really pleased with how our sophomores resonded." Glen Oaks kept the game close in the first half, leading at the 10-minute mark, but the Raiders closed the half on a 22-9 run and never looked back. GRCC shot 51 percent from the field in the second half including 8-of-17 from behind the arc while holding the Vikings to just 39 percent overall and 23 percent from behind the arc. Eleven players scored in all for the Raiders, including 14 points from Myron Brewer and 10 from Jordan Houser, while every player had at least one rebound, including Herman Brown who led the team with six. The team returns to the Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse for its next game vs. the junior varsity of Hope College on Dec. 8. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. 

Dec. 2, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Grand Rapids Community College freshman Vanessa Hewitt has played softball since she was 4. After deciding to continue playing in college, GRCC arranged for her to meet with someone who was a part of the mentoring program “just to make sure I stayed on track,” Hewitt said. She was even more excited about the program when she found out her mentor, Izabella Regner, also plays softball. “It’s great, and Izzy has been so helpful,” Hewitt said. “Along with helping me keep on track, it also helps us build a good relationship off the field.” Meeting with her mentor every Thursday meant she established a good routine early on, she said. “(Mentoring) has helped me balance school and my sport, and I would say the most positive thing is how it reflects on my grades,” Hewitt said. Community Created The new athlete mentoring program grew from 2021 study table requirements for student athletes. Brianna Greenough, an Athletic Department support team member, matches new students with volunteer mentors and makes sure pairs get time scheduled and a space to meet if needed. “I think it’s really important that this program connects students with resources,” Greenough said. “We now have 10 mentors who service all 117 student-athletes.” Greenough meets with incoming freshmen individually to discuss their hopes and concerns. She also looks back at their senior year grade point average to determine if the student needs to meet weekly or monthly for tutoring. After week six of classes, freshman athletes’ progress reports are also reviewed. “It’s been really interesting to learn and see how people benefit from the program,” Greenough said. “We’re seeing less of the usual cliques within teams and more students going to different sporting events and cheering each other on.” The mentor roster includes at least one student from each sport offered at GRCC. Being mentored by a peer or teammate is easier for some than working with an adult or professor, Greenough has observed. “It’s really heartwarming to see the community that’s been created. If athletes have similar majors, they help each other through things,” she said.  ‘They’ve got your back’ Some mentors returned from last year, while others responded to a post on the student employment website or were recommended by their coaches. In his third year at GRCC, Blake Waibel is a left-handed pitcher on the baseball team and a mentor to 10 freshman athletes, on average. “Last year I worked for the school and wanted to work again, so (the athletic department) thought I would be a good fit for mentoring,” Waibel said. Having coached his younger brother’s baseball team, Waibel knew he enjoyed working with people.  “I love (mentoring), and can see how much they benefit from it,” he said. “A lot of it is brand new to them and they’re overwhelmed going into school. It’s nice to have someone who’s been there and done that, and will hold them accountable to use their resources.”  Waibel said he has learned that not every student is the same, and helping some students may require a more unique approach than others. “My job is to figure out what they need and how to help,” he said. For example, “some people just need help mapping organizational skills.” Waibel recognizes the benefits of getting good grades and reducing stress. “If you’re doing well in school, you’re not worried too much about making grades or being eligible for your sport,” he said. “When you’re with your mentor, you know that person has your back and will help make sure you’re doing the right things.” This story was reported by Alexis Stark of the School News Network.  

Nov. 17, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College professor Bill Gayle enjoys challenging students in his culinary and business classes with critical-thinking questions.  “Challenging intelligent minds is always one of the most enjoyable elements of teaching GRCC scholars,” he said. Gayle said his culinary students are always particularly engaged.  Gayle also believes one of the biggest strengths of the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education is its experienced faculty, with many members who have worked in kitchens around the world.  “We have some of the absolute best instructors in the country who are willing to not only teach, but also willing to share real world experiences,'' Gayle said. Gayle received his bachelor's degree in business with a minor in mathematics, his master’s degree in business with an emphasis in finance, and specialized training which certifies him to teach online and hybrid courses. This was especially helpful during the last few years.  Gayle has learned a lot about leadership through his career. In owning multiple restaurants, including presently owning The Florentine Ristorante in Grandville, he is proud to share his mistakes and failures with his students to encourage them to make their own and then learn from them.  He is able to share his experiences with students while teaching about topics including hospitality management, sanitation and safety, business communication, business leadership, and food science.  More information about the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education can be found here.

Dec. 1, 2022, 2022 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Pen and ink convey detailed views of city life in the latest exhibit in Grand Rapids Community College’s Collins Art Gallery. “Drawings in Ink,” featuring the work of Kendall College of Art and Design adjunct instructor Taylor Mazer, runs through Dec. 5. Mazer is a Kalamazoo native who earned bachelor’s degrees in fine art and illustration from Kendall. He has had his work featured in more than a dozen publications, including “International Drawing” annuals and the Oxford University Press’ “Drawing Essentials: A Guide to Drawing from Observation.” He works with Micron drawing pens, brush pens and India ink. “While my works are more rooted in the analysis of an environment, I still like to utilize tools often reserved for narrative illustrations,” he said. “I will direct light and shadow, signs, the direction of the line work, placement of objects, etc., to focus the viewer’s eye on particular objects, similar to how a comic book dictates a narrative through its panels.” “Artistaday” an online gallery that features artists from around the world, commented that Mazer has “a keen eye for the city.” “But what you won’t find in his work are sweeping skylines or postcard views of famous monuments. Rather Mazer favors the less glamorous side of the city. Street signs, lamp poles, highways and electrical lines are all common images in his work. “His meticulously detailed drawings are both elegant and gritty. It’s hard to look at a Taylor’s drawing and not want to get up close to follow his lines, or to become captivated by his dramatic shading, and stark light and dark contrasts. So, when Taylor draws a trashcan or a street pole, he’s not shedding a negative light on the city (in fact, he seems to love it!), rather he is simply asking that we look at it from the less obvious perspective. And sometimes that makes all the difference.” The gallery, on the fourth floor of GRCC’s Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall at 143 Bostwick Ave. NE, is open 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.

Nov. 30, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College men's and women's basketball teams picked up two wins against Community Christian College on Wednesday, with the women overpowering the Lions 78-31 winners and the men coming back to stay unbeaten with a 107-97 victory. The men's team prevailed for its seventh win in a row in a game that had 12 lead changes and found GRCC down for much of the first half. The Raiders picked up the pace in the second half by scoring 61 points to hit the 100-point plateau for the fifth time this season. Freshman guard Jajuan Walker led five different Raiders that scored in double figures with 21 points while adding five assists. Herman Brown was the lone GRCC player in double figures with 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Danyel Bibbs added 20 points, Brockton Kohler 16 points and Bashir Neely 11 points. GRCC's bench outscored the starters 56-51. The women's team, now 3-1 after losing its season opener at Aquinas College, dominated from the tip, winning by a season-high 47 points. "Good team victory tonight with everyone involved in some positive moments," head coach David Glazier said. "Though the game afforded us a chance to try some new things and see some different lineups to get us ready for our three games next week. All three of which I expect to be highly competitive." Sophomores Grace Lodes and Sally Merrill each posted double-doubles for GRCC.  Merrill led all scorers with 23 points on nine-of-20 from the floor, while adding 14 rebounds and three assists. Lodes scored 15 points and grabbed a season-high 18 rebounds, adding four assists and a pair of blocked shots. Freshman Jatriana Wilson came off the bench to score 11 points and grab six rebounds. The men's team returns to the Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse on Dec. 3 in a 1 p.m. contest against former Western Conference foe Glen Oaks Community College.  The women return home on Dec. 5 with a re-match against the junior varsity of Aquinas College at 5:30 p.m. 

Nov. 30, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- After graduating high school in Indiana, Cesar Mejia moved to West Michigan to be closer to family. “I had taken some construction classes in high school and my cousins knew that I was interested in it,” he said. “They suggested that I look into GRCC. When I saw how this program is set up I thought ‘Wow! that’s cool’ it’s onsite and hands-on, so I signed up!” The GRCC Residential Construction Job Training program takes place on a construction site, where students build a new home. Students get hands-on lessons and application about the entire process of residential building including blueprint reading, site layout, concrete, carpentry, door and window installation, roofing, siding, and interior finishing. “I’m more of a hands-on learner,” he said. “I’ve never seen any other program like it. I love that we build homes that people are really going to live in.” Mejia also works full time third shift before heading to the job site. “It’s a long day but it’s worth it.” Graduates are qualified for employment in the residential construction industry. The program focuses on constructing homes that achieve a 5-Star Energy rating, are Michigan Green Built, and LEED Certified. Mejia gets lots of gratification from seeing the finished product. “We have built this house from the ground up,” he said. “There was nothing here and now a there is a whole house. It’s very satisfying. I want to build homes, I love it.” Mejia has also built relationships that will last a lifetime. “At first, I was nervous about the teacher but Kyle (Lackscheide) is the greatest, so wonderful. Honestly, I love the guy. He doesn’t feel like a teacher. He is really a friend. He has taught me so much.” All of the GRCC Job Training programs has small class size, no more than 16 students. “After you get to know the other students they become friends. Some of the guys are like brothers to me. I came here not knowing anyone but my family and now I made all of these friends.” Mejia is excited about his future. “I will be going into this field knowing as much as I can.” He is confident that he has the skills for the job. “This program has taught me siding, roofing, framing, I have learned so much.” GRCC offers two 18 week Job Training Certificate programs in the field of Construction; Residential Construction , and Construction Electrical . New sessions of GRCC Job Training programs begin throughout the year. The next session begins January 23, 2023. For more information go to grcc.edu/jobtraining .

Nov. 29, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. --   Grand Rapids Community College and University of Michigan Health-West established a creative partnership to fill the critical need for nurses by combining tuition support with paid on-the-job professional experience. “By removing cost barriers – including for adult learners and others who need to continue working while finishing their education – the program creates and nurtures a diverse pipeline of local healthcare talent,” said Dr. Peter Hahn, UMH-West CEO. “We see this as an investment not just in our workforce but in West Michigan itself,” Hahn said. “This is a way to ensure that the new generation of rising healthcare leaders reflects the communities we serve.” The program also addresses an urgent need amid warnings of a nationwide shortage of nurses. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts more than 203,000 openings for registered nurses each year through 2031. Made possible by a grant from the University of Michigan Health-West Foundation, the program launches in December. Here is how it works: Students who have completed one semester of GRCC’s Nursing Program can apply for the program and have up to three semesters of their GRCC tuition paid by UMH-West   They will commit to working at UMH-West for two years upon completion of the GRCC program and becoming licensed as registered nurses   During their employment as registered nurses, UMH-West will encourage and support their completion of a bachelor’s degree in nursing through existing partnerships and tuition reimbursement   “GRCC has a great program and they put out some outstanding nurses,” said Steve Polega, chief nursing officer - and a GRCC graduate. “Once they have that two-year degree, they will have a chance to put their skills to work, explore their career passion and advance toward their BSN – which opens a whole new level of opportunity for nurses.” Dr. Juan R. Olivarez, GRCC’s interim president, said the partnership exemplifies GRCC’s long history of helping a diverse community of learners of all ages to gain the education and skills they need to pursue rewarding careers.    “Partnerships make communities stronger,” Olivarez said. “This program’s innovative approach is a great example of how working together creates opportunities for students while helping healthcare providers and our greater community.”   Michelle Richter, GRCC Nursing program director, said the program is a great extension of the school’s approach to nursing education, which combines classroom instruction with clinical applications. “We are proud of the success rate of our students, and this should help open doors to more of them,” Richter said. “Assisting students with tuition allows them to focus on completing their education, and ultimately enter the workplace more quickly and better prepared. The opportunity for employment upon graduation allows students to be able to serve the community in a rewarding career, and continue adding skills and advancing their education.” The goal is for 10 to 15 nursing students to sign up in December and graduate in April 2023. The program seeks to enroll 10 more nursing students each of the next three semesters: December 2023, April 2024 and December 2024. “We know that GRCC nursing students are especially committed to their community,” said Kate Veenstra, associate chief nursing officer at UMH-West. “They also bring diverse backgrounds and experiences. These are values we share at UMH-West, and we’re really looking forward to building these mutually beneficial relationships.”  

Nov. 29, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Fabiola Carrillo Esparza wasn’t sure she’d be able to obtain a college education until a Grand Rapids Community College Foundation scholarship helped her overcome financial obstacles, attend full time and graduate. “I want to thank the donors of the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation, who have faith in us and support our education,” she said. “I want you to know that it was a big blessing for me, and I am sure it has been – and will continue to be – for many others.” Esparza was one of 1,642 students who were awarded GRCC Foundation scholarships in 2020-2021. Today, on Giving Tuesday, the foundation is asking for support to help the next generations of students succeed. “GRCC is proud to serve all types of learners – high school graduates just starting out, adults making a second try at higher education, and those building skills to change careers,” said Dr. Kathryn K. Mullins, vice president of College Advancement and executive director of the GRCC Foundation. “Wherever their educational journeys might take them, whether it is right in the workforce or to another institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree or beyond, their paths intersected right here at GRCC. Opportunities are made; skills are learned and friendships forged. It all begins at GRCC.” The foundation awarded $1.3 million in scholarships in 2020-2021. But the need is still great. Of the 3,209 who applied for scholarships, 1,567 did not receive awards. Foundation leaders are looking to close that gap and remove finances as an obstacle to attending college. There are many ways to support the foundation and the students it assists. Support can happen through one-time gifts, recurring bank or credit card donations, stocks, and even through wills. To view all the ways to give, please visit the foundation donation webpage .

Nov. 28, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Starting at Grand Rapids Community College allowed Jennifer Orme to build the skills she needed while she advanced in the professional world.  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. “It’s been a long and interesting journey to get to where I am today, and I feel that my time at GRCC was the springboard to success,” said Orme, director of human resources for the city of Holland. “As a nontraditional student who chipped away at my education while gaining valuable professional experience, I have had the opportunity to grow into a leadership role within my community.” She especially appreciated the variety of courses she found at GRCC. “My coursework was well-rounded and ranged from business and communication courses to philosophy and the arts,” she said. “These classes broadened my knowledge, sparked my curiosity and exposed me to a diverse group of people and perspectives. I also took several theater courses and worked in the box office at the Spectrum Theater on campus. This experience really helped me to become a confident public speaker, which is something I do often in my role with the city.” Orme worked for Spectrum Health while earning her GRCC associate degree in 2001. She then set her sights on a bachelor’s degree, attending classes part time at Colorado State and Grand Valley State universities, while working full time in the human resources field for Heska Corp. and Meijer. “After a decade in the private sector, I decided to make the switch to the public sector and was hired as an HR generalist at Ottawa County,” she said. “I spent the next five years at the county overseeing the hiring, benefits and wellness programs. In 2016, I completed my Bachelor of Science degree at Grand Valley State University as part of a leadership cohort with other nontraditional students.” Orme, who has worked for the city of Holland for six years, gets great satisfaction in making sure employees have the skills and support they need to do their best work. “As someone who finds great purpose in helping others to succeed, human resources leadership in the public sector is an excellent fit,” she said. “I have also been extremely fortunate to work under some incredible leaders who have inspired me, supported my professional growth and encouraged me to push myself further. I have learned from the best of the best!” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at  grcc.edu/apply