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. 

Grand Rapids Community College has been a recipient of the Ready by Five Early Childhood grant since March 2020. The grant is used for Play and Learn GRCC (PAL GRCC) which offers playgroups for families with young children, infants through 5 years old.  PAL GRCC hosts approximately 12 playgroups a week and serves families in every zip code in Kent County. Many GRCC students and staff have attended the playgroups with their children. Additionally, PAL GRCC creates PAL Bags, which are learning kits with a book and developmental material and distributes them each month through partner sites like libraries and community organizations. In 2022 and 2023 combined, PAL GRCC distributed 6,617 PAL bags to families in our community. These bags provided caregivers with information that allows them to support their children in being ready for school. The Ready by Five Childhood millage is up for renewal this year. According to  Yes Ready by Five , “In 2018, Kent County voters overwhelmingly approved the Ready by Five Early Childhood [millage] because they recognized the importance of supporting new parents and ensuring young children have the resources they need to thrive.  We have the opportunity to recommit to our kids and our community. ”  The Yes! Ready by Five campaign kickoff takes place on Tuesday, June 11 at 10 a.m. at Millennium Park in the Grant Pavilion. There will be activities for children, yard signs to distribute and a small presentation.

In May, The TechEd Podcast featured an interview with Dr. Lepper discussing the role of partnerships and funding in educational innovation as well as the importance of collaboration and adapting education to meet industry needs. Head directly to the TechEd Podcast website and listen to  the interview . It can also be found on all major podcast platforms. "Students like to see what they're doing is relevant and that it matters and that it leads to something," said Dr. Lepper. From  TechEdPodcast.com : "From capital budgets to strategic initiatives from federal and state governments, to grants and industry support, educators have countless potential funding opportunities to keep their programs up to date. Grand Rapids Community College, led by President Dr. Charles Lepper, is putting many of these funding opportunities to work for the benefit of their students. Hear how the college has [built] a strong partnership with Gentex (among other employers) that has benefitted both parties. Learn how the college is working with the state of Michigan's many workforce initiatives, leveraging funding available through the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and others. From curriculum enhancements to workforce development initiatives, gain insight into how partnerships propel institutions toward greater relevance in today's job market."

June 4, 2024 Grand Rapids Community College’s automotive training program recently achieved re-accreditation from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation, a non-profit, independent organization that evaluates and accredits entry-level technician training programs against standards developed by the automotive industry. This prestigious recognition, Master Automobile Service Technology Accreditation, is the highest level of program accreditation awarded by ASE, and it demonstrates a commitment to quality education by the automotive department faculty and staff at GRCC.  It also shows the exemplary behavior and professionalism of students in the  automotive program at GRCC , as well as the exceptional efforts by the facilities team in maintaining garages and service bays. Cleamon Moorer, Jr., GRCC’s dean of the School of Business and Industry , announced the achievement and shared his excitement. “This re-accreditation reinforces GRCC’s position as a leading institution in automotive education,” he said. “We take pride in the fact that both the educational and automotive communities recognize our commitment to excellence.” Moorer also emphasized what he described as the outstanding accomplishment of Brett Atchison, head of the automotive department at GRCC, who spearheaded the re-accreditation efforts. “Throughout the process, I witnessed firsthand the dedication, hard work, and leadership that Brett demonstrated behind the scenes. His tireless efforts in preparing the application and ensuring our automotive program meets the strict industry standards set by ASE have been truly remarkable,” said Moorer. Atchison echoed Moorer’s enthusiasm for the reaccreditation. “This accreditation ensures that we are teaching to the latest industry standards and that our students will be better equipped for the high demands of the ever-evolving automotive industry,” he said. To achieve this coveted recognition, GRCC’s automotive training program underwent rigorous evaluation by the ASE Education Foundation.  Nationally accepted standards of excellence in areas such as instruction, facilities, and equipment were used during the process, and meeting those standards is a testament to the high quality of an automotive education at GRCC. “This is great news for automotive-minded young people and their parents,” said Michael Coley, ASE Education Foundation president. “Because this program increases cooperation between local education and industry leaders, it gives added assurance that GRCC graduates will be employable entry-level technicians. As a result of their quality education, the motoring public will also benefit since better repair technicians will join the workforce.” In the automotive education program at GRCC, students can complete a non-credit certificate of completion in just 18 weeks, a for-credit certificate program in 10 months, or graduate with a highly transferable associate degree in just two years. Students who choose the third option will be poised to transfer seamlessly as a junior to Ferris State University, where they can complete a bachelor's degree in their School of Automotive and Heavy Equipment.  And being accredited by ASE is an important part of the process. “Achieving ASE reaccreditation is a significant milestone for the automotive department here at GRCC,” Moorer emphasized. “Their dedication to providing high-quality automotive training programs is invaluable, especially considering the rapid advancements in automotive technology happening today.” This story was reported by Alissa Griffin.

June 3, 2024 As a first-generation, low-income college student, Tara Huskey never wanted the cost of an education to burden her family. That’s not a worry any longer. Huskey, who graduated in April from Grand Rapids Community College, is one of only 60 students nationwide selected to receive up to $55,000 annually to complete her bachelor’s degree through the 2024 Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship.  The highly competitive scholarship aims for Cooke Scholars to complete their undergraduate education with as little debt as possible. It’s a dream come true for Huskey. “The whole money thing for college was always my battle to face,” she said. “This scholarship has honestly changed my life.” The 20-year-old will begin classes this fall at the University of West Florida where she will continue her education in hopes of becoming an athletic trainer for a professional sports team.  “I chose exercise science as a career to learn how to keep myself and my family healthy, but also to improve the lives of other people physically and mentally,” she said. The scholarship covers tuition, on-campus room and board, books and fees to complete her bachelor’s degree. Huskey enrolled at GRCC after graduating from Wayland Union High School in 2022. She chose GRCC for its affordability and convenience — but discovered so much more. “GRCC has a lot of really good opportunities to offer students and I really wanted to make the most of my education here,” she said.  While pursuing an associate degree in  exercise science , Huskey was actively involved in GRCC’s Honors Program , the president and founder of the  Fitness Club student organization , and served as a Biology tutor in Academic Support and Tutoring Services . She also participated in a seven-week summer research program through a GRCC partnership with Michigan Technological University. While the Fitness Club she founded is newer to campus, it has created a safe space for students to come together and have conversations and activities that promote the mental and physical well-being of all members. During her time at GRCC, she also planned and executed a variety of events focused on physical education for the student body. She coordinated speakers and worked with the  Student Life office to host a pet therapy event during finals week. GRCC TRIO Academic Advisor Evan Macklin recommended Huskey for the Cooke scholarship because she embodies the same values that serve as pillars of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation: care and community. “Her goal and mission for serving others has always been at the forefront of the work she chooses to lead and engage in,” Macklin said. “This is quite an honor.” This year’s Cooke Scholars competition drew nearly 1,700 applications from more than 380 community colleges. Huskey is the fourth GRCC student to win the Cooke Foundation scholarship. Previous GRCC recipients were Daniel Gebrezgiabhier, Deidre Mitchell and Gideon Kortenhoven. “Our scholarship is one way we aim to ensure that high-achieving (community college) students have the opportunity to complete their degree where they want, regardless of their financial background,” said Seppy Basili, executive director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. The Cooke scholarship will allow Huskey the freedom to concentrate on classes, clubs and extracurricular activities without fear of incurring massive debt from out-of-state tuition. “That means I also won’t have to worry about paying off my undergraduate degree while getting my master’s,” she said. Huskey said she’s still shocked to receive the scholarship and is grateful to GRCC for helping her on her educational journey. “I’m very blessed,” she said. This story was reported by Beth McKenna.