Oct. 11, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Thousands of future college students and their families are invited to Grand Rapids Community College on Thursday to connect with representatives from more than 75 colleges and universities at West Michigan’s largest college and transfer fair. High school students planning for what comes next after graduation, and adult students interested in the professional trades or entering an in-demand career, can bring their friends and family to the morning or evening college fair. Both events are free and open to the community. Representatives from colleges and universities from Michigan and beyond will be available at the events, which are sanctioned by the Michigan Association for College Admission Counseling and the Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. The college fairs are planned for 9-11 a.m. and 6-7:30 p.m. in GRCC’s Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse, 111 Lyon St NE in Grand Rapids. “GRCC is proud to host the college and transfer fair, helping students of all ages connect with specialists from GRCC and beyond and explore the many options for their post-secondary education,” said Lori Cook, GRCC’s associate dean of Access and First-Year Experience. In the afternoon, current GRCC students can attend the transfer fair to learn about the opportunities available to them when they earn a GRCC certificate or degree and then transfer to the four-year college or university of their choice. The transfer fair is also in the Ford Fieldhouse, and runs from 1-3 p.m. Parking is available in GRCC’s Ramp A and Ramp B. A list of colleges and universities planning to attend the event is here.

Oct. 10, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – College leaders from Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Utah have been selected as finalists to the next president at Grand Rapids Community College. The college has scheduled opportunities for members of the community to meet each of the finalists, and the public is invited to sit in on interviews with the board of trustees. “I’m impressed by the quality of the candidates, all with careers supporting students and their communities,” board of trustees Chairperson David J. Koetje said. “We are looking forward to getting to know them better, hearing their vision for leading GRCC into the future.” GRCC is replacing Bill Pink, who became president of Ferris State University in July. President Emeritus Juan R. Olivarez has been serving as interim president during the search. Trustees hope to have a new president in place by Jan. 1, 2023. Each of the finalists has experience at community or technical colleges, and one worked for a year at GRCC. Stuart Blacklaw is the provost and executive vice president at the Community College of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh, and once was a GRCC administrator. Blacklaw has been in his role in Alleghany County since 2015, and previously served as provost and vice president for Instruction and Student Development at Yavapai College in Prescott, Ariz.; as vice president for Instruction at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Mich.; and as the dean of Curriculum and Program Development at Monroe Community College in Rochester, N.Y. Blacklaw also served as an assistant dean in the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences at GRCC during the 2001-2002 academic year, and was associate dean for Curriculum and Instruction for Jefferson Community College in Watertown, N.Y. Blacklaw taught Communication and Media Studies on the faculty of Olivet College for 12 years before moving into administration. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Olivet College, a master’s degree from the University of Michigan and a doctorate from Capella University. Tim Casper is the vice president for Student Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness at Madison Area Technical College in Madison, Wis. He is leading a college-wide effort to improve student course success by providing faculty with specific student engagement best practices in the classroom. Casper has been with Madison Area Technical College since 2011. Prior to Madison College, He was the deputy secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. He was a senior adviser to Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle. Casper has also held positions at the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, the Wisconsin Legislature, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He earned a bachelor’s from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, a master’s degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a doctorate from Edgewood College. Charles Lepper is the vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Salt Lake Community College in Salt Lake City, Utah. He’s been in the role since 2015, and provides strategic leadership and day-to-day operations for student affairs and enrollment management functions at all 10 of the college’s campuses. Lepper previously was the vice president for Student Affairs at Tidewater Community College in Norfolk, Va.; and a series of leadership roles at Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana in Indianapolis between 2004 and 2013. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Ball State University, a master’s degree from Grand Valley State University, a doctorate from Indiana State University. Blacklaw is scheduled to be on campus on Oct. 18, with Lepper on Oct. 19 and Casper on Oct. 24. Each candidate is scheduled for time to attend a community forum at 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and then be interviewed in public by the board of trustees between 3:45 and 5: 15 p.m. All sessions are planned for the auditorium of the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center.

Oct. 10, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Like many alumni, Kaitlyn Bergman has special memories of GRCC – but hers also happen to be part of the college’s history. 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. Bergman was a member of GRCC’s 2012 volleyball team, which capped its season with the National Junior College Athletic Association championship. “Winning a national championship will always be a great memory,” she said. “From the sweat and tears poured into each practice and game, all the way ‘til the final championship. “However, after we won was probably the best memory. All the families and players gathered and we looked back at memories and just enjoyed everyone’s company while celebrating such an amazing season.” Bergman, then known as Kaitlyn Wolters, was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament, recording 32 assists and seven kills in the final match. She was also named a First Team All-American and the NJCAA Division II Player of the Year. After graduating in 2012, she attended Grand Valley State University, where she majored in recreational therapy and continued with volleyball. Bergman now makes her home in Warsaw, Ind., working as a recreational therapist with FLOW Recreation. She and her husband, Mark Bergman, have a 5-month-old daughter, Jordyn. And she still plays volleyball, competing in high-level coed tournaments and weekly leagues. She says GRCC was the important first step that led her to where she is today. “GRCC helped prepare me in my leadership skills and overall independence,” she said. “It taught me time management, planning and organization. It was a great first step into adulthood without being too overwhelming. “GRCC is a place that prepares you in ways that you never thought you’d need.” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply  

Oct. 8, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. --  The Grand Rapids Community College volleyball team hit a season-best .378 in a three-set sweep of Bay College on Saturday, extending the team’s win streak to 16 matches. GRCC, ranked No. 17 in the latest National Junior College Athletic Association D2 poll, dominated Bay College, making its first trip from Escanaba to Grand Rapids as part of the new Northern Conference. GRCC won 25-10, 25-11, 25-15. GRCC improved to 16-2 overall and 8-0 in conference play with the win. Six players hit .400 or better, including Braelyn Berry, who hit a career-high .750 with six kills. Kara Hecht hit a career-high .538 with a team-high eight kills, and Rylee VanPatten hit a career-high .500 with three kills. Seven players totaled three or more kills as GRCC combined for 41 in the match, its third- most in a three-set match this season. Eliza Thelen compiled a career-high five service aces, mostly part of a 15-0 run in set two. "It was nice to play a full match of clean volleyball and we were able to keep our energy up throughout the whole match," Thelen said. GRCC will have three days off before returning to the Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday to face Delta College.  

Oct. 7, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – GRCC Political Science professor Keith St. Clair has a passion for politics, and encourages students on multiple career paths to take advantage of the soft skills they’ll gain from a political science course. “Political Science provides an understanding of government and instills civic responsibility,” St. Clair said. “It’s great preparation for becoming a journalist, lobbyist, diplomat, lawyer, politician, campaign worker, community organizer or city manager.” An engaging speaker, St. Clair spoke about his participation in a Leadership Mission to Oman (which is located on the Arabian Peninsula) to the World Affairs Council of America in 2009. He presented on the political/cultural climate in Iran at GRCC after traveling there in 2010. And he presented "The Arab Spring and Prospects for Democracy" to the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan during UN Day in 2011. St. Clair earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology, then his master’s degree in political science, from Illinois State University. Working in international politics was an early goal of his. He learned late in his career that he has a passion for teaching.  “I originally wanted to work for the Foreign Service,” St. Clair said. “After graduating and working for a time as a juvenile probation officer, I accepted a teaching assistant position at Illinois State University. It was only after I started teaching that I realized how much I loved it.” St. Clair taught at Muskegon Community College before accepting a position at GRCC.  “I wish I had been more confident, and patient with the amount of time it was going to take to find a full time teaching position,” St. Clair said.  St. Clair found an opportunity to exercise the confidence and diligence he developed throughout his career when teaching during the pandemic.  “I’ve gained a new appreciation for how many students are dependent on a routine for self discipline in their studies,” St. Clair said.  St. Clair also strives to model his personal hero, The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. “He was a man of peace, love, and exhibited the greatest courage in changing our society for the better,” St. Clair said. Enroll in one of St. Clair’s classes for Winter 2023. He teaches PS 110 American Government, PS 202 International Relations, PS 201 Comparative Government and PS 200 State and Local Politics.  

Oct. 7, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The Grand Rapids Community College volleyball team extended its win streak to 15 matches after defeating North Central Michigan College in Friday night's homecoming match, which included a salute to the 2012 national championship team. GRCC, ranked No. 17 in the latest National Junior College Athletic Association poll, powered past the Timberwolves in straight sets, 25-14, 25-15, 25-12. GRCC improved to 15-2 overall and 7-0 in conference play with the win. "What an incredible night for the GRCC volleyball community," head coach Chip Will said.  "The support from the alumni and fans was inspiring.  We had a great night, and us coaches are so proud of the strength our kids showed as they came in off the bench." Every player saw action on the court, and sophomore Audrey Torres led the well-balanced offensive attack with 10 kills while hitting over .300. Karissa Ferry finished with eight kills while hitting a season best .400, and Eliza Thelen contributed with nine kills. Thelen and Charlie Baker led the team with three service aces and Alena Visnovksy led the team with four blocks. Members of the 2012 champions – the first GRCC women’s team to earn a title -- were saluted between the second and third sets. The 2012 team was led by Kaitlyn Wolters, who was named a First Team All-American and the NJCAA Division II Player of the Year. The team survived a five-set match in the semifinal round of the national tournament, battling Parkland College of Champaign, Ill., which was ranked No. 3 in the nation. GRCC lost the first two sets, and fell behind 8-3 in the third set, before winning two straight to force a fifth set, which it won 16-14 to reach the finals. In the championship match, GRCC faced the top-ranked team in the country, Cowley College of Arkansas City, Kan. The Raiders swept Cowley, which had been unbeaten, to claim GRCC’s first national title in volleyball. The current GRCC team will be back on the court Saturday with another conference matchup, at home against Bay College. Match will begin at 1 p.m. 

Oct. 7, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College is saluting its 2012 national champion volleyball team at Friday’s homecoming, honoring the college’s first women’s team to earn a national title. Alumni from the championship team will be recognized between sets of Friday’s volleyball match between GRCC, which is riding a 14-match winning streak, and North Central Michigan College. The game starts at 6:30 p.m. in the Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse, 111 Lyon Street NE. Admission is $5, with GRCC students and employees admitted for free with their RaiderCard. A tailgate party is planned for 4-6:30 p.m. on the Dr. Juan R. Olivarez Student Plaza, with hamburgers, hot dogs and macaroni and cheese. The event is open to the public. “Homecoming is an opportunity to highlight our national champions, but also celebrate all GRCC alumni – and those who will be alumni someday,” said Jenna VandeKamp, heads alumni efforts for the GRCC Foundation. “There is tremendous pride in our college, and the impact it has on residents and our greater community.” The 2012 team was led by Kaitlyn Wolters, who was named a First Team All-American and the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II Player of the Year. The team survived a five-set match in the semifinal round of the national tournament, battling Parkland College of Champaign, Ill., which was ranked No. 3 in the nation. GRCC lost the first two sets, and fell behind 8-3 in the third set, before winning two straight to force a fifth set, which it won 16-14 to reach the finals. In the championship match, GRCC faced the top-ranked team in the country, Cowley College of Arkansas City, Kan. The Raiders swept Cowley, which had been unbeaten, to claim GRCC’s first national title in volleyball. “A lot of that match was on adrenaline,” coach Chip Will told MLive after the match. “From day one, when they came into this program, they talked about winning a national title, and so adrenaline helped push them through the soreness and some of the tiredness.” Wolters was named tournament Most Valuable Player, recording 32 assists and seven kills in the final match. Along the way to winning the title, the Raiders defeated 12 nationally ranked teams and ended the season on a 30-match win streak, finishing with a 39-1 record. The 39 wins remain a team record for the volleyball program. Wolters is expected to be among the team members attending the homecoming game. Other team members are Nicole Czehowksi, Karleigh Strazisar, Taylor Meyer, Kendall Wolffis, Tayler Friend, Molly Maynard, Hannah Geelhoed, Emily Johnson, Kourtney Wolters, and Amy Vander Wal Will is still guiding the team, winning his 400 th match last season. Joining him at the celebration are coaches Megan Kulak, Staci Johnson and Joe Murray.

Oct. 6, 2022 - CENTERVILLE, Mich. -- Conner Oman earned medalist honors, helping the Grand Rapids Community College golf team defeat Glen Oaks Community College on Thursday. "I was pleased with how the kids competed today," coach Mark Rasmussen said. "Though we didn't play our best, we've got a great group of guys and are getting better every day." Oman, who had to bow out of the last tournament early, shot a 76 to finish first place overall. Both schools were able to field two teams, and GRCC's B team nearly beat the A team, with scores of 317 and 319 strokes. Glen Oaks' teams shot 332 and 362. Of the 20 participants, seven GRCC golfers made the top 10, including taking the first six places. The team is so balanced this year that three players on the B team finished in the top five, including McCoy Denhartigh, taking second with 77; Brad VandenHout, fourth with 79; and Sam Foss, fifth with 80. Mason Anderson shot 78 for the A team to earn third place overall. Next up for GRCC is the Taylor University Invitational on Oct. 10 and 11 on GRCC’ home course at Egypt Valley Country Club in Ada.   

Oct. 6, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. –  Hip-hop artist Bun B will talk about his evolution as a performer, entrepreneur, activist and Rice University faculty member at an event that is a partnership between Grand Rapids Community College and Muse GR. GRCC’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is collaborating with Muse GR on two events on Oct. 13, celebrating the launch of Muse Southeast, 501 Eastern Ave. SE. “Trill Talk: Small City, Big Dreams” will feature an in-depth discussion about Bun B’s journey from rapper to entrepreneur, hosted by Bakari Kitwana, an internationally known cultural critic, journalist and activist.  The second event, “Trill Certified,” offers a showcase of artists and creatives from Grand Rapids and a friendly cook-off to determine Grand Rapids’ best burger. The Bun B discussion starts at 7 p.m., with “Trill Certified” at 8:30 p.m. Bun B, born Bernard Freeman in Port Arthur, Texas, rose to fame as one half of the Southern rap duo UGK. Along with the late Pimp C, the pair released several albums, including the self-titled “UnderGround Kingz,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Bun B later went on to pursue a solo career. “ODEI remains steadfast in supporting initiatives demonstrating the synergy between art and education,” said Dr. B. Afeni McNeely Cobham, GRCC’s chief equity and inclusion officer. “Our longstanding partnership with Muse GR affords us the privilege of illuminating the contributions and influence of Grand Rapids culture.” Muse GR is an interactive art gallery that offers transformational space for creatives to gather, teach, and learn. Co-owners Stephen and Taylor Smith said it was essential for them to have a presence on the city’s Southeast Side. “Although there are many creatives throughout the Grand Rapids community, creatives from the southeast side have limited options of places that cultivate their gifts and talents,” the pair said in a statement. “We are happy to be one of the places that pour into people and even more delighted when institutions like GRCC align with our efforts through partnership. The GRCC Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has been instrumental in helping us strengthen our impact on the communities we serve.” The events are free and open to the public, but reservations are required for each event. Additional information is available at tinyurl.com/trillvibe