April 28, 2023, ESCANABA, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College baseball and softball teams finished their first trip to Bay College in the Upper Peninsula, winning nine of 10 games played during the series. The baseball series included GRCC winning its 32nd conference championship since 1962, and fifth-year head coach Mike Eddington earning his 100th career win at GRCC. For the softball team, pitching ace Izzy Regner won three games during the series to improve her record to 19-3. The team completed the regular season with a 23-16 overall record and 15-10 in the conference. Both teams played three games on Friday before making the trek back over the Mackinac Bridge. The baseball team sent 12 batters to the plate in the first inning of its first game of the day, scoring eight runs on seven hits, including a two-run homer by Xander Reisbig.  The team scored eight more runs over the next five innings to win 16-2. Lucas McKinney picked up his fifth win of the season, allowing just one earned run while striking out four. GRCC won the second game 12-1 in five innings, and concluded the series with a 4-1 victory. Colton Leatherman picked up the win in game two, tossing a two-hitter while striking out six. The Raiders offense had 11 hits, including home runs from Trevin Laming, Fernando Rivera-Calderon and another by Reisbig. Blake Waibel picked up GRCC’s final win, allowing no earned runs while fanning 10 in a 4-1 victory. Jacob Gumieny and Andres Rivera-Calderon had four of the team's eight hits. The baseball team is now 31-11 overall, and 23-2 in the conference. The softball team nearly won all five of its games, but couldn't complete a comeback in Friday’s second game. GRCC jumped out to a 6-0 lead after two innings in the first game, but Bay College cut the deficit in half in the sixth. GRCC responded with 10 runs in the top of the seventh to win 16-4. GRCC came back from an 8-3 deficit in game two, coming within a run. But Bay College escaped with a 12-8 victory. The final game of the series was all GRCC, a 16-5 rout with the team piling up 16 hits, including four home runs. GRCC had a staggering 72 hits in the series, including 12 home runs and nine doubles while batting .431.  Nearly every player boosted their season batting average, with seven players batting .421 or better.  Lauren James led all players with a .650 batting average and a team-high 13 hits. Brynn McArthur batted .579 with a team-high 11 RBI mostly in part to three home runs. Jaye Guichelaar went 10-for-18 with three home runs and two doubles.  Annika Roersma hit a team-high four homers and added nine RBI.  Samara Kolehouse also had a homer and nine RBI. The softball team will await its opponent for the regional tournament that begins on May 11, while the baseball team is scheduled to play a few more non-conference games before it begins postseason play. This story was reported by Ben Brown.

April 28, 2023, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College graduates were encouraged to take the skills they’ve learned and aim high when they enter the world during two ceremonies on Friday. The college celebrated the graduation of about 1,000 students, with roughly 500 celebrating during two Friday ceremonies. The college also bestowed titles of faculty emeritus and distinguished alumni to two people who have supported education in Grand Rapids for decades. It was also the first GRCC commencement for President Charles Lepper, who took the helm of the college in January. Lepper noted the youngest graduate in 17 years old, and the oldest 64, with many being first generation students and others who started or restarted their education with support from state programs Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners.  “So, what comes next?” Lepper asked the graduates. “You have a degree and new skills and confidence. You have people who support you and care about you. Continue to challenge yourself. Try difficult things. Be bold. And, remember to support others along the way. Be the person others look to for support and inspiration. Make a difference.  Give back.  Aim high. You can do it! Stephen Abid, a Grand Rapids Junior College graduate, was recognized as the faculty emeritus honoree. Abid returned to teach economics at the college for 27 years, He is respected for his passion for teaching and care for his students – one ever referred to him as her “angel professor” for his efforts to help her be successful. Olivia Margo Anderson presented with distinguished alumni honors. Anderson worked for the Grand Rapids Public Schools for 32 years, serving as an elementary teacher, high school counselor, assistant principal and elementary principal. She retired from GRPS in 2000, and was elected to the GRCC board of trustees a year later, serving through 2014 and holding several leadership roles.  Anderson focused on inclusion and equity during her time on the board, working to ensure a life-changing education was within reach of all residents. The ceremonies were the second to celebrate a large group of students who attended GRCC through the Grand Rapids Promise Zone., with 34 students earning degrees. Started in 2020, the Grand Rapids Promise Zone is a “last-dollar” scholarship that covers up to 60 credit hours, including the costs of tuition, books, required course materials and any required fees associated with attending GRCC. Dr. Lepper, who became GRCC’s 11th president, has had an extensive career in higher education with more than 25 years of leadership experience at universities and community colleges. Before being selected to head GRCC, he served as vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Salt Lake Community College, which serves more than 60,000 students across 10 campuses. “So many kinds of students, with something in common,” Lepper told graduates. “As of today, you are a Grand Rapids Community College graduate. What does that mean? It means you know how to work hard, solve problems, work independently and in groups. You faced challenges and learned how to overcome them. You have gained knowledge and skills that will stay with you for the rest of your life. You have gained the confidence you need to walk out of here today and face the world. Be proud of what you have accomplished, because I am proud of you.”  

April 28, 2023, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - For Scott Mattson, the best part of working at GRCC is helping students achieve their goals.  Mattson is GRCC’s Job Training and Construction Trades Program Manager. These rigorous programs involve a large time commitment from students, and give them hands-on experience to enter the workforce. Students spend 34 hours a week at the Tassell MTEC for 18 weeks. At the end of the program students have developed the skills necessary to enter the workforce.  "There are so many opportunities in the skilled trades that don't often get shared and I love to share the life that can be earned on this path," Mattson said. "I get to see individuals make life-changing decisions and how proud they are of themselves when they complete their program and begin working." Before coming to GRCC in 2000, Mattson worked at Lake Superior State University as the men’s and women’s Tennis Coach for 4 years. While at LSSU he discovered a passion for helping adults reach goals and achieve their full potential.  Mattson encourages students to choose a career that they truly enjoy. He encourages students to explore different programs and take the time to find the right fit.  Mattson received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Lake Superior State University. Mattson received his master’s in Administration from Central Michigan University.   More information about Job Training can be found here.

April 27, 2023, ESCANABA, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College baseball team earned a conference championship after sweeping Bay College on Thursday, 3-1 in eight innings and 5-4. The softball team also fared well on the road trip to Michigan's Upper Peninsula, sweeping a doubleheader.  "It's a great feeling to win another conference title, but this group of men know that's not our end goal," head coach Mike Eddington said. “We have the talent to go very far this year and I'm excited to see how we perform in regionals next weekend." GRCC clinched its 32nd conference championship since 1962 after an extra-inning win in game one after freshman Trevin Laming hit a two-run home run, his team-leading seventh homer of the season.  Laming went a team-high three-for-four at the plate.  MCCAA Northern Conference Player of the Week Jerad Berkenpas went the distance, striking out 10 and giving up just three hits. Catcher Dylan Chargo's double in the sixth scored the Raiders’ first run. In the nightcap, GRCC jumped out to a 4-0 lead before Bay College tied the game in the bottom of the third.    Starter Connor Foley fanned eight batters. Reliever Ethan London pitched the final four innings to pick up the victory, allowing just two hits while walking six. Laming, Jake Gumieny and Xander Reisbig all had two hits for GRCC. The softball team won both of its games too, with an exciting win in a back-and-forth game two.  Izzy Regner picked up her 17th win of the season in an 8-2 opening game victory.  Seven of her 15 strikeouts came in the first two innings.  GRCC had 11 hits, with Madi Lemke, Jaye Guichelaar and Samara Kolehouse each having two hits. Bay College jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the nightcap before GRCC scored nine straight runs to take a 9-4 lead. The Norse tacked on three runs in the fourth and then two more in the fifth to tie the game at nine. Brynn McArthur gave the Raiders the lead again with her third home run of the season, a two-run shot in the sixth. Annika Roersma and Guichelaar added home runs of their own in the seventh and GRCC won 15-9. Macy Huver picked up the win after pitching the first five innings. Regner picked up her second save of the season, striking out three and giving up no hits in the final two innings. Both teams are planning on playing triple-headers on Friday with the first games starting at 11 a.m.      This story was reported by Ben Brown.

April 27, 2023, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College hurler Jerad Berkenpas, who has the best earned run average in the nation, was named Michigan Community College Athletic Association Northern Conference Player of the Week Berkenpas, who earned NJCAA All-American honors last year, is now 5-1. His 0.46 ERA is best in the NJCAA’s DII – and nearly a full run better than the closest competitor. Opponents are batting just .163 against him.  "Jerad competes at a very high level week in and week out," pitching coach Pat Clark said. "It's no surprise that he earned this award based on the way he has dominated his opponents this year." Berkenpas earned his fifth win of the season, shutting out Muskegon on Friday. He allowed just three hits and struck out nine while walking one. This is Berkenpas' third time earning conference player of the week honors. The baseball team is now 26-11 overall and in first place in the conference with an 18-2 record.  It begins its final conference series of the season today at Bay College with its first game starting at 2 p.m.   This story was reported by Ben Brown.

April 27, 2023, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Olivia Margo Anderson and Stephen Abid, who attended Grand Rapids Junior College then spent their careers changing the lives of generations of students, will be honored during Friday’s commencement ceremonies. GRCC is planning two ceremonies on Friday, April 28, with the students in the School of Liberal Arts and the School of STEM celebrated at 4 p.m. Students in the School of Business and Industry and the School of Health Sciences will be honored at a 7:30 p.m. ceremony. Both events will be at the Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse, 111 Lyon St. NE in Grand Rapids. Anderson will be saluted with the Distinguished Alumna Award.   She started her education at what was then Grand Rapids Junior College and transferred to Western Michigan University. She later earned three master’s degrees from Western, in Elementary Education; in Counseling and Personnel; and in Educational Leadership. A lifelong educator, Anderson worked 32 years in the Grand Rapids Public Schools as an elementary teacher, high school counselor, assistant principal and elementary principal. She retired from GRPS in 2000, and was elected to the GRCC board of trustees a year later, serving through 2014 and holding several leadership roles. Anderson focused on inclusion and equity during her time on the board, working to ensure a life-changing education was within reach of all residents. Beyond her decades of serving the children in Kent County, Anderson is a 50-year, life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a lifelong member and trustee of First Community AME Church, Grand Rapids Women's History Council, YWCA, and as an Urban League of West Michigan board member. She earned the 1991 Phyllis Scott Activist GIANT Award and a Tribute Award from the YWCA. Abid will be honored with the Faculty Emeritus Award. He was a professor and leader at GRCC for 27 years. He’s known for his passion for teaching and care for his students – one ever referred to him as her “angel professor” for his efforts to help her be successful. “For many of our students, GRCC is their first, best option, but for more than a few, we are their last, best option,” he wrote upon retiring in 2020. “So, my goal was to help them to see that they can achieve their goals and I am happy to facilitate that!” Abid came to what was then Grand Rapids Junior College as a student in 1973, where he often noted he earned a degree and met his wife. Abid was a high school teacher for 16 years and taught as an adjunct instructor before returning to GRCC full time in 1993 to teach economics. He served in a variety of leadership roles at the college, and remains active, serving on the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation Board of Directors, to help the next generations.

April 26, 2023, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- David Lockington, music director laureate for the Grand Rapids Symphony, will take the baton for the first half of the Kent Philharmonic Orchestra’s May 5 concert, an event leaders say will shine a light on the program and inspire others to participate. The concert will feature a double concerto for violin and viola, with internationally known musician Dylana Jenson on violin and GRCC music professor and KPO director Libor Ondras on viola during the first half. Tickets are available online at $14 for adults and $7 for seniors, veterans and children over 12. Children under 12, high school students and GRCC students are admitted free. The event is at the St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE in Grand Rapids. Ondras will take the reins in the second half of the concert, and he said that having two big names from the world of music in Lockington and Jenson return to Grand Rapids is quite a coup. “It’s not the first time they will be with us, but it is a thrill every time they perform,” he said. “We are not a professional orchestra, so we can’t afford to pay what managed performers demand. But David and Dylana come in because of their passion and because they want to serve the community. And we are grateful.” Ondras first reached out to Lockington and Jenson, who are married, when he came to GRCC in 2014, and for the past decade he has collaborated with the couple, including a string trio that he said they jokingly call the LiDyDa Trio based on the first two letters of their first names. Lockington became the Grand Rapids Symphony’s music director in 1999 and served in the role for 16 seasons. The New York Times once referred to the symphony under his leadership “being a model in the classical music world.” Jenson was a child prodigy, and started studying violin with her mother before she was three years old.  She made her debut at age 8, appeared on a Jack Benny television special a year later. She made her Carnegie Hall concert debut in 1980, and has played with orchestras around the world. The contributions Lockington and Jenson have made to the KPO have not gone unnoticed by its members, Ondras added, and have been in keeping with the KPO ethos. “We are 65 members from all walks of life and all ages,” he said. “We are a mixture of GRCC students and alumni and professionals. But we are united by a passion and a willingness to contribute to the best of our abilities, and there is a sense of community and camaraderie in the ensemble. We help each other grow, and we celebrate our accomplishments.” Patty O’Haire Mogor, the KPO’s Executive Board president, said she is excited to play alongside Lockington and Jenson, and believes their participation with the KPO will inspire amateur musicians to perform, learn more about music and become part of Grand Rapids’ musical community. “For me personally, I never dreamed that I would play my violin in an orchestra with connections to such tremendous talent!” she said. “It has been such a gift to participate as a member of the Kent Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Libor Ondras who is an incredible international performer in his own right and inspiring conductor that connects and guides us and makes it an absolute joy to be there.” Membership in KPO requires an audition with Ondras and also requires enrollment to GRCC with a $20 enrollment fee each semester for all members. GRCC provides funding for the conductor, rehearsal space and more, and the KPO provides the balance of its funding through ticket sales, donations and fundraising. Concerts are presented in Royce Auditorium at the St. Cecilia Music Center, a collaborative partner with GRCC, as well as other Grand Rapids area venues. In Ondras, the KPO has an accomplished conductor at the helm. He began his studies as a recipient of the Slovak Ministry of Culture fellowship to study viola at the prestigious Moscow Conservatory with Yuri Bashmet. To further his career and experience, Ondras continued his studies at the Academy of Music Arts in Prague and then completed his M.M and D.M.A. degrees at the University of Houston. Among the highlights of his graduate studies years are fellowships at the Pacific Music Festival established by Leonard Bernstein (Japan), the Aspen Music Festival, the National Orchestral Institute (University of Maryland), Encore (Cleveland Institute of Music), and Sir George Solti's Carnegie Hall Project.  This story was reported by Phil de Haan.

April 26, 2023, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- A showing of the award-winning film “CODA” and a panel discussion afterwards had special significance for Grand Rapids Community College adjunct professor Rowan O’Dougherty. The event was organized by local nonprofit Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services at Wealthy Theatre as part of Deaf History Month celebrations. O’Dougherty is Deaf, teaches American Sign Language and Deaf Culture classes at GRCC and has been president of the D&HHS board since 2018. He also had many of his ASL2 and Introduction to Deaf Culture students at the event as part of a special, end-of-the-semester field trip. Prior to the show and panel discussion, those students gathered around O’Dougherty, chatting with him in ASL and smiling as they witnessed him working the room in his role as D&HHS board president. And they spoke enthusiastically about his classes at GRCC. Sophia VanderWilp is finishing her senior year of high school and first year at GRCC and taking ASL and Deaf culture classes alongside a number of her general education credits. She said she “sort of fell into” Dougherty’s classes, and it was love at first sight. “Rowan is an amazing teacher,” she said. “I’ve learned so much.” And A.J. Bunker, a local Realtor, has taken both ASL2 and Deaf Culture with O’Dougherty as part of efforts to become fluent in ASL and offer an option to area Deaf home buyers and sellers that is in short supply. “A lot of Deaf people can benefit from a Realtor who can speak their language,” she said. Megan Wilson, a Forest Hills Central senior who took ASL for three years in high school, now has taken both ASL1 and ASL2 at GRCC. She plans to attend GRCC full time the next two years, then transfer to Madonna University to do a bachelor’s degree in sign language interpreting before heading to Gallaudet University for a master's degree. “I love everything about my classes (at GRCC),” she said with a broad smile. “And Rowan is a phenomenally good teacher. Taking these classes, I have really fallen in love with the language and the (Deaf) community.” She also knows that sign language interpreting is a career that is in high demand. The demand for ASL interpreters is expected to increase by approximately 24% by 2030, according to GRCC estimates. That’s why the college is creating pathways for students who want to work as interpreters. O’Dougherty is fully onboard with anything that gets more ASL interpreters into the pipeline. And he said he appreciates his students and loves teaching at GRCC, where he began in 2008, and teaches three ASL courses, the Introduction to Deaf Culture course and a course on Fingerspelling and Numbers. “My hope when I teach is for the students to have a clear sense of what Deaf culture is and is not,” he said. “I also hope to encourage them to serve as allies for the Deaf community.” He said the same during a panel discussion after the film featuring another Deaf adult and fellow D&HHS board member and three CODAs (Children of Deaf Adults). Moderated by D&HHS executive director Deb Atwood, the discussion gave those who stayed to gain personal insights into some of what they had just watched on the big screen. It was great, O’Dougherty said, to have his GRCC and D&HHS worlds come together for the film and panel discussion. “It was a lot of fun, and it gave my students an event they could use for their reaction papers,” he said with a smile. “Field trips are always good, and I am hoping they got a lot of insights from both the Deaf and CODA perspectives during the panel.” O'Dougherty’s expertise is recognized statewide. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer this month appointed him to serve on the Michigan Board of Interpreters for the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing. The board was created to help streamline the sign language interpreter certification process and will advise the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs on all matters related to the certification of interpreters and the administration of the Deaf Persons’ Interpreters Act. O’Dougherty was appointed April 6 to represent individuals who are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing for a term expiring Dec. 31, 2026. This story was reported by Phil de Haan.