We’ve all heard the expression, “Time is money.” However, for businesses like  Thompson Innovative Glass , that’s more than just an expression. Thompson is a premier glass fabrication manufacturer headquartered in Fenton, Michigan. Due to high demand for their innovative products, including ballistic glass, Thompson was seeking to expand. They had the choice to grow in eastern Michigan or open a new facility here on the west side. Fortunately for all of us, they chose Jenison for their growing operation. Thompson purchased a building and then had to start finding the right people. “Our biggest challenge is finding quality talent,” said  Jeremy Deutschmann , Chief Financial Officer. “Once people join our team, they generally stay, but finding them is hard.”  Thompson needed more than entry-level people who would move parts around.  “We’re focused on automating our processes,” said  Mike Broekhuis , Chief Technology Officer. “We’re hiring people who can take care of machines rather than handling physical parts. That means we need people with mechatronics skills.”  For those of us who are not technology officers, “mechatronics” refers to people who can program robots, handle drives, manage input/output sensors and much more. They are machine caretakers who have the skills to develop systems and diagnose problems. These are tough positions to fill because there’s global demand for these skills.  “We’re seeking to minimize physical labor, but that’s not all we need,” said Deutschmann. “We also need people who buy into the culture of metrics and accountability. Glass is often a last-minute thing. We need to produce our product on a reliable and predictable schedule, which requires motivated and team-oriented employees who are willing to get their hands dirty.”  When Thompson finalized their plans to expand, Broekhuis started researching places where he could recruit. He found GRCC and spoke with the instructors of the CNC and mechatronics programs.  “I walked away from those meetings impressed by their ability to get candidates ready for the workforce,” Broekhuis said. Ultimately, that relationship led to the hiring of GRCC Job Training graduate  Wyatt Suchecki .  “I got a call from our president the week that Wyatt started his training in Fenton,” Broekhuis continued. “He told me one of our tenured CNC operators was raving about Wyatt. In his words, ‘It’s nice to have someone come in here who knows what he’s doing!’ That confirmed my instinct, which was that GRCC is educating students for immediate workforce success.”  What does it mean to Thompson that they’ve made the right hire?  “When our machines arrive in Jenison, we’re going to be up and running immediately,” said Deutschmann. “We don’t have time to train someone. We have too many orders to fulfill for us to spend two months on training. We need to start fabricating glass right away.” Broekhuis echoed this sentiment.  “Having experienced CNC operators means we don’t have to micromanage them,” Broekhuis said. “With formal training in CNC machine operation, a new hire can work more independently, reducing the risk of inadvertently causing damage to the equipment or its components. A well-trained operator can anticipate problems and re-code machines without supervision. We’ve been impressed that Wyatt can do those things, but has also brought insights from what he learned in the GRCC program. I am impressed with the instructors and the culture they create. There have been no surprises in our hire of Wyatt. We got what we thought we were getting. You can’t put a price on that.”  GRCC President Dr. Charles Lepper notes that partnering with the community is a big part of the community college role.  In a recent episode of  The TechEd Podcast , he said, “Part of what folks underestimate is the impact that GRCC has in the community. We just completed an economic impact survey through Lightcast. It’s estimated that in 2020-21, our economic impact was $1 billion in Kent and Ottawa County.“  Dr. Lepper noted that this kind of impact does not happen in a vacuum.  “In order for us to stay current, we have to have a relationship and dialogue with businesses and partners to say, ‘What do you need and how do we prepare students for that?’ We have about 17 advisory committees that provide feedback on our curriculum and help build learning experiences for our students. We’re very committed to listening and understanding before we offer solutions.” His message to industrial employers is simple: get involved!  “GRCC is the gateway to the  Michigan New Jobs Training Program . We are the largest user of that program, which helps businesses hire new employees. In the last 10 years, GRCC has trained over 22,000 employees using that grant!” Interim job developer Mina Stallworth visited with Thompson Innovative Glass and helped them connect to Wyatt. She is excited about the ways in which GRCC can support local talent recruitment efforts.  “My job is to build partnerships with employers,” Stallworth said. “Mike is one of the few people who have come to GRCC and toured. He asked questions and saw the students at work. We would love to have any interested employer take us up on that kind of opportunity!”  “People are our competitive edge,” Deutschmann concluded. “If we can manufacture better, on a faster schedule and at a lower cost, that makes us more competitive and allows us to keep growing. We need people who are motivated to help us achieve that goal. I’m glad to know we can count on GRCC and their talent pool when we need to hire people with competent, cutting-edge manufacturing technology skills.” If you would like to explore the ways in which GRCC can help your business develop talent, please contact Scott Mattson, Program Manager, Job Training & Construction Trades.  This story was reported by Julie Hordyk.

June 26, 2024 Why do you suppose people choose a career in law enforcement? Often it’s because someone showed them it was worth exploring. That’s one of the many reasons it’s important for GRCC’s Police Academy to represent the diversity of West Michigan.  Deputy Karen Barrose jokes she got interested in law enforcement because Scooby Doo and his mystery-solving buddies captured her imagination. That may be true, but this woman’s skills far surpass anything that Daphne or Velma ever dreamed of having. Barrose grew up in a Spanish-speaking home. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Science and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration. A high school friend recruited her to the GRCC Police Academy. Now she’s a school resource officer in Kentwood schools.  “I love planting seeds with kids and watching them grow,” Barrose said. “You don’t often get to see that in law enforcement, because you interact with someone once and then you’re done. But in this role, I’m in the school every day. I get to build bridges with kids and their parents.”    That job isn’t always easy.  “Kentwood schools are very diverse and that brings some challenges,” Barrose said. “I’ve had kids say, ‘I don’t like the police,’ but that changes once they see past my uniform. The kids are just looking for someone to genuinely care and listen. I have great interactions with them, which is important because these kids are our future. I want to help them form good habits while they are young. I had people who mentored me and I want to do the same for these kids.” Deputy Nicko’s Rosser took a circuitous route to law enforcement, having started with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and then a degree in personal training before earning a master’s degree in order to apply for the Secret Service. Although his eyesight ultimately kept him out, he had caught the law enforcement bug. He was recruited to the Police Academy by the previous director and loves it. Rosser is also a school resource officer, working in Kent County for Rockford Public Schools.  “We teach a curriculum that includes cyber security, sexting, drugs and alcohol, and a lot more. But we’re primarily there to build relationships with the kids and the community,” Rosser said.  For Rosser, this job is the fulfillment of all his previous career work.  “The kids drive me crazy sometimes, but they also bring so much joy. Every career I’ve had seems to come back to helping kids grow up well, so I think this is my purpose in life. Sometimes it’s frustrating to tell kids the same things over and over again. I keep hoping it will sink in and they will make changes.”  He says the extracurricular part of his job is just as important as what happens in the schools.  “I am there to build relationships in the community as much as I am to build them in the school. What’s fantastic is my sergeants are very open to me being present in whatever way makes sense. If I have an idea, they say ‘yes.’ Community presence is an important part of recruiting. I didn’t see many black police officers when I was growing up. None of my childhood friends wanted to become police officers. But now I can represent a new option for the kids who see me in uniform.”  Barrose and Rosser agree that GRCC’s flexible program made it possible to fulfill their law enforcement goals. They both worked while attending the Police Academy.  “This was the only program that let me do that,” Rosser said. “It meant a lot of early mornings and late nights, but I could still work and provide for myself while getting an education that is considered to be one of the best in the state.”    Barrose felt the same way.  “I was working and providing for myself, so I needed a program that would allow me to do both. I also needed something affordable. Other programs cost as much as my master’s degree did, and I wouldn’t have been able to work while attending.” GRCC offers two Police Academy options in the  Public Service Pathway . In the two-year program, which starts in the fall, students can earn an associate degree in combination with completing the Police Academy. Typically, these are students who are exploring law enforcement prior to being hired. The other Academy starts every January and is designed for people who already have been hired by law enforcement. Many of them work as cadets while attending the Academy. “We have a great program with a diverse instructor pool from many local law enforcement groups,” said Director David Kok. “In three of the last four sessions, we’ve had a 100% pass rate on the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) licensing test. Recruiters from all over the state want to meet our students. I typically invite mostly West Michigan departments, however, since that’s where we’re located.”  Walker Police Department has hired 12 new officers since 2020, and eight of them graduated from GRCC’s Police Academy. Administrative Captain Brandyn Heugel from Walker is one of the GRCC instructors. According to her, GRCC plays a vital role in filling the law enforcement pipeline with people who know how to work together. Building a sense of community among recruits is an important first step toward how they will work together in the field.   “The collaboration here starts at the top,” Heugel said. “All our area chiefs and the sheriff work together. GRCC Police Academy instructors come from all the different departments in West Michigan. They work together to train the students on scenarios with multi-jurisdictional response. So before they even go to their respective departments, these students learn how to work together and back each other up.” There’s one last thing that both Barrose and Rosser agree on, and that’s a love of the work.  “I don’t see myself going anywhere,” Barrose said. “I was not a road person. If given a choice between making a traffic stop and playing with kids in a playground, I would find the kids every time! If I can keep being a resource officer for the next 20 years, I will be thrilled. I’m so glad Director Kok mentored me and helped me succeed in this program.” “I wish I had started when I was younger!” Rosser declared. “I work for a great department. They take care of you like family. I plan to retire from here.”  This story was reported by Julie Hordyk.

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) reaffirmed accreditation for Grand Rapids Community College recognizing GRCC’s commitment to academic excellence and continuous improvement. GRCC has consistently maintained accreditation since 1917. The accreditation review process, which occurs every ten years, is a rigorous evaluation of the institution’s educational programs, services and operations.  Nearly 80 faculty and staff members served on GRCC’s HLC Reaffirmation Steering Committee and Criterion Subcommittees to document how we provide excellence in higher education. Faculty, staff, students and community members also participated in forums to share their experiences at GRCC. “We are proud to be reaffirmed of our accreditation,” said  GRCC President Charles W. Lepper , Ph.D. “This recognition is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff and students in maintaining the highest standards of academic quality and integrity.”  The accreditation process involved a comprehensive self-study conducted by our institution, followed by a peer review visit from a team of educators selected by the HLC. The team assessed GRCC’s compliance with the HLC’s accreditation criteria, which includes its mission, ethics, teaching and learning quality and institutional effectiveness. “For more than 100 years, GRCC has proudly held a higher education quality assurance accreditation,” stated  GRCC Board of Trustees Chair Brandy Lovelady Mitchell, Ed.S . “Receiving reaffirmation of our accreditation acknowledges our institution’s long-standing commitment to providing an accessible, affordable and high quality education that leads to high-demand opportunities and deepened joy for our graduates.” Accreditation by HLC affirms GRCC’s academic programs meet rigorous standards and students receive a valuable education that prepares them for success in their chosen fields. 

June 14, 2024  Justine Anderson lifted her welding certificate above her head with excitement as she graduated from Grand Rapids Community College this spring. But just a few years ago she was confused about what direction her life would take.  Anderson found herself incarcerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. She waited four months receiving no court date or bond set. While she grappled with the consequences of her choices, she also mourned the loss of her father and desperately missed her son and daughter.  Anderson knew she couldn’t sit still, she wanted to focus on making a better future for herself and her son. She began searching for support in every possible way. Anderson found solace and support from Tiandra VanHattum, a career coach from the Grand Rapids Women's Resource Center.   “Tiandra's appearance and subsequent assistance were like a lifeline in a sea of uncertainty,” Anderson said. “She not only provided practical support but also helped me see a path forward.” VanHattum’s unwavering belief in Anderson's potential motivated her to consider what could be next. Anderson knew she wanted to be the best mother possible for her children. She needed a career where she could make a decent living.  VanHattum encouraged Anderson to consider welding. Specifically the GRCC  Metallica Scholars Welding Bootcamp . The program is funded by  All Within My Hands , the foundation associated with the heavy metal band Metallica. The bootcamp prepares students with career skills and hands-on welding experience. Students complete the bootcamp in 15 weeks and are prepared to enter the workforce.  Once released from jail, Anderson spent four months working to improve her life and regain custody of her son. She then seized the opportunity to learn about welding through the bootcamp.  Anderson quickly connected with her instructors and appreciated the support they provided her. The hands-on learning environment allowed her to be creative and gain confidence in her skills.  “Through it all, the program not only equipped me with valuable skills but also instilled in me a renewed sense of purpose and determination,” Anderson said. “The process of self-discovery and transformation has changed me. And for that, I will be forever grateful to everyone involved in making this program a reality.” Justine graduated from the  Metallica Welding Scholars program in April 2024 and is now beginning her welding career at Accra-Wire Controls Inc., an electrical equipment manufacturing company based in Rockford, Michigan. She is grateful to have an employer that is close to home and allows her to prioritize her family.  “My ultimate goal is to create a better future for myself and my children,” Anderson said. “To break this cycle of adversity and pave the way for our future.” This story was reported by Kailee Potgeter.

Due to construction, the Grand Rapids Community College Spectrum Theater parking lot will be closed to staff on June 18 and 20. The gates to the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center lot will be raised for parking on those days. 

June 13, 2024 Today is a “sigh of relief” day for Wyatt Suchecki and his fellow Grand Rapids Community College Job Training program graduates. This is the day when all of their hard work pays off, and they receive the certificates for which they have worked so hard. “I wanted to improve my career opportunities, so I started looking on Indeed for job openings. Every manufacturing job seemed to require some kind of automation skill that I didn’t have,” Suchecki said. “So I quit my job as a manufacturing supervisor to pursue a  CNC certificate at GRCC. I earned my certificate in just four months. On top of that, I also secured a great new job before I graduated! That is a huge sigh of relief for both me and my wife.”  GRCC has collaborated with area employers and industry experts to design seven different job training programs in fields that offer good earning potential and have a shortage of workers. These include automotive technician, computer support technician, construction electrical, machinist/CNC, medical assistant, residential construction and welding/fabrication technician. Each program is approximately 16 weeks long, and students work almost full-time on their skills. “The CNC certification, such as Wyatt earned, conveys job readiness to employers,” said Mina Stallworth, interim job developer for  GRCC’s Workforce Training . “Students who complete this program can demonstrate knowledge of safety regulations and significant hands-on experience with the equipment. Employers know they are hiring people who are workforce ready.” The training accelerates a student’s career trajectory when they enter the workforce. It provides them with a competitive edge and may also allow them to start at a higher pay grade because they can demonstrate proficiency.  “West Michigan is in the midst of the Industrial Revolution 2.0, with technology and automation being critical skills. Students with these skills can secure a great spot in a thriving industry,” Stallworth said. “Manufacturing offers stability and competitive wages. A job training certificate prepares students for upward mobility.”  Earning the certificate is an achievement in and of itself. However, the real payoff comes when a student secures a great job as a result. Suchecki is a perfect example of how the  Job Training program at GRCC empowers students to succeed.  “Quitting my job to earn this certificate was a big stress for both me and my wife,” Suchecki said. “During the program, my professor recommended that I talk to Thompson Innovative Glass. They were opening a new Grand Rapids location and needed qualified employees to help build the business.” Suchecki thought the opportunity sounded interesting so he worked with Stallworth to apply.  “I had visited Thompson with a program manager and learned about their objectives. Thompson needed an employee with leadership skills who could help set up systems and train others,” Stallworth said. “Wyatt’s professor recommended him and he was a natural fit.”  As an interim job developer, Stallworth offers complete job search support for students like Suchecki.  “My goal is for students to feel confident so they can have effective conversations and advocate for themselves,” Stallworth said. “Employers are eager to acquire and retain skilled talent in the trades. A confident, well-poised candidate will have an advantage in the job market.”  Suchecki said Stallworth’s coaching was nothing short of amazing.  “I loved everything about Mina,” he said. “Every time I talked to her, she was friendly and smiling. She helped me understand what Thompson expected and how to negotiate.”  Suchecki was able to secure an offer that included profit sharing and a bonus structure. “My wife and I are expecting our first baby at the end of July,” he said. “It means everything to me and our family that I have a new job I love, with plenty of opportunities for growth and leadership.” Learn more about GRCC’s job training programs . This story was reported by Julie Hordyk.  

June 12, 2024 A group of the most talented high school senior athletes in the Grand Rapids area will soon face off in the annual John Bos Baseball and Softball All-Star Games to benefit Grand Rapids Community College scholarships. This beloved, long standing local tradition will once again be hosted by GRCC and Davenport University in partnership with athletic equipment supplier Game One on June 18. Baseball games are scheduled for 3, 5, and 7 p.m., and softball games will be at 5 and 7 p.m. at Davenport University’s Farmers Athletic Complex. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students, with all proceeds from ticket sales going to GRCC's John Bos Scholarship Fund, awarded to GRCC student-athletes who compete for at least one of the college's teams and maintain Michigan Community College Athletic Association eligibility. Sue Goeman was once one of those student athletes.  Now serving as coordinator for facility and event operations for GRCC's Ford Fieldhouse, she played in the John Bos games and was awarded the Bos scholarship in 1988. She still has fond memories of playing in the games. “I played softball, and it was an honor and a privilege to play in the Bos All-Star games,” she said. “I knew every single girl on my team from either playing with them in Little League or against them in high school. We had a great time playing against other all-stars.” And, she added, the experience significantly altered the course of her life. “I didn’t originally have plans to go to college. Now here I sit, a 35-year employee, a GRJC graduate, and a very proud Raider. Without them and softball I would not be here at GRCC, a place very near and dear to my heart,” she said. John Bos began his career at what was then Grand Rapids Junior College as a physical education teacher. By the 1920s, he coached all the men's sports teams, including football, basketball, baseball, track, tennis, and swimming.  Bos’ teams, known as the "Bosmen", won state championships in football (1923, 1924, 1926 and 1928), basketball (1925, 1927 and 1928), tennis (1927) and swimming (1928), before he left GRJC in 1938 to head the Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department. The John Bos games have honored his legacy as a fixture in the local community since 1959, explained GRCC’s Athletic Director Lauren Ferullo. She added that, for generations, the games have showcased some of the best players in Kent and Ottawa counties.  “These games help our students access a college education by supporting them financially, while still allowing them to participate in collegiate athletics,” she said.  Goeman also said that behind-the-scenes efforts are what make the games possible for future student athletes.  “There are several coaches who played in the John Bos games who now coach in them. Also, all the umpires donate their time and expertise to make this successful,” she said. GRCC’s student athletes have made excellence a tradition, both on and off the field, for more than 100 years, with teams competing in baseball, softball, basketball, cross country, golf, volleyball, and soccer.  Student athletes also receive academic counseling and advising, along with tutoring and peer academic coaching. And the proceeds from the John Bos games and donations to the Bos Scholarship will continue to help make this possible. To donate to the Bos Scholarship, please visit  grcc.edu/donate , click "other" in the pull-down menu, and write in Bos Scholarship. Tentative Schedule of Events: Baseball: 3 p.m. – Ottawa Kent (OK) Silver vs OK Blue 5 p.m – OK Gold vs OK Green 7 p.m. – OK Red vs OK White Softball: 5 p.m. – OK Blue, Silver, and Gold teams will be mixed 7 p.m. – OK Green, Red, and White teams will be mixed This story was reported by Alissa Griffin.

June 11, 2024 We all leave a legacy of some sort, whether planned or unintentional. Former Grand Rapids Community College Professor John Regenmorter paid particular attention to his legacy through a gift that keeps on giving: the Regenmorter Communication Studies Scholarship fund. Each year, students who have taken at least two  Communication Studies courses and earned a 3.0 grade point average or better may apply for this opportunity. A committee reviews each application and essay, which explains how Communication Studies courses will benefit the applicant’s personal and/or professional life. “I’ve been coordinating this scholarship application and award process for 15 years,” says Professor Dennis Sutton of the Communication Studies department. “I often know the students who are chosen, and it’s a joy to deliver the news of an award!” The fund set up by Regenmorter provides a $600 award to two students each year. The 2024 award recipients are Claudia Billman and Fiona Bergin. Billman completed Intercultural Communication and Fundamentals of Public Relations.  “Claudia is a good student who pays attention to detail and cares about learning,” Sutton said. “In addition to doing well in class, she also wrote an excellent essay.” One of the classes Bergin completed was Fundamentals of Public Speaking. “I have always loved theater, but find it much more difficult to speak in front of others as myself,” Bergin said. “When my advisor told me I needed to take public speaking for a communications major, I was really nervous. However, it worked out well and was very good for my self-esteem.” Bergin learned that she needed to apply more vocal variety and improve eye contact during her speeches.  “Gradually throughout the course, however, I gained more and more confidence and took the notes I was given, practicing giving my speeches in front of my family members,” Bergin said. “(My last speech) went perfectly! I remembered to keep eye contact and my voice didn’t waver. I delivered all of the information just as I had prepared it and I could breathe normally throughout, which doesn’t usually happen. I felt proud of myself as I went to sit back down and that good feeling has encouraged me that I can do public speaking if I ever need to, whether in my future career, in another class, etc.” As Sutton looks forward to retirement after his 20-year teaching career, he reflected on this last chance to coordinate the John Regenmorter Scholarship award process.  “I am so pleased that John established this legacy to celebrate student communication skills,” he said. “It is an honor to reward students who remain diligent and focused throughout their courses. I found it particularly rewarding to deliver the news of this scholarship to Fiona and Claudia. They were both students of mine and they impressed me with their dedication and abilities. I know they will do well in whatever career they choose to pursue.” This story was reported by Julie Hordyk.