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Philip Blanchard to lead Grand Rapids Community College’s Veterans Services

Nov. 10, 2023 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – A man who entered higher education after serving in the Army will share his experiences and expertise as the new leader of Grand Rapids Community College’s Veterans Services and Veterans Center. Philip Blanchard was recently named associate director of GRCC’s Veterans Services Department. He worked in construction during his nearly four years in the Army, and continued in the trade after he left the service in 2013. He earned an associate degree in heavy equipment maintenance technology from Ferris State University in 2015, followed by a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in social work, both from FSU. He served as a military outreach and recruitment specialist for Western Michigan University before taking up his new position at GRCC this week. “As a Grand Rapids native, I am excited to join GRCC as the associate director of Veterans Services, which will afford me the opportunity to serve the military-affiliated student population on campus and help them succeed in their education goals,” he said. The Veterans Center, located in GRCC’s Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall, provides a single point of contact for students who served in the military. It hosts workshops and events focused on academic support, and provides opportunities for networking and social action.

From GRCC to your table: alumna's culinary expertise provides a hassle-free Thanksgiving

If you love the eating part of Thanksgiving more than the preparing part, GRCC alumna Brittany Essenmacher has the key to a stress-free holiday. Essenmacher, who graduated from the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education this year, operates Provisions Chef Services. She’s teaming up with fellow alumna Lauren Greer, of Joyful Forks, and Ashley Morgan, of Ashley Morgan Kitchen, to offer “Everything But the Turkey.” Holiday hosts who want to concentrate on just the bird can select from an array of side dishes, designed to be heated in the oven and ready to serve. The menu includes vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free items; most serve four to six people. Order at the Joyful Forks website by Nov. 17 and pick up your Thanksgiving meal from 4-7 p.m. Nov. 22 at Mayflower Congregational Church, 2345 Robinson Road SE. Essenmacher started Provisions Chef Services in 2022 while attending GRCC. She had always enjoyed cooking and decided to follow that passion after more than 10 years in administrative roles. Essenmacher, who earned a bachelor’s degree in community relations from Michigan State University, said scholarship support from the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation made her career change possible. “I would not be where I am now without the help of generous donors who support GRCC students or my professors who invested in my culinary education,” she said. “I am so thankful for each of my professors who imparted the core principles of how I cook and run my business. For instance, chef Audrey Heckwolf was foundational in understanding entrepreneurship; chef Wilfredo Barajas was excellent at efficiency and technique, and chef (Bob) Schultz gave me my appreciation for incorporating international flavors into my menus.”

GRCC alumna to deliver keynote address at Veterans Day observance

Nov. 7, 2023, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The founder of a national organization serving former military members will deliver the keynote address at Grand Rapids Community College’s Veterans Day observance. Amy Batchelder, a GRCC alumna, founded Veterans Rising, which focuses on creating a community of support and social engagement, in 2022. She will speak during the ceremony, which begins at 11 a.m. Nov. 13 on the Dr. Juan R. Olivarez Student Plaza, off Fountain and Lyon streets. Later in the day, Batchelder will lead veterans in a panel discussion for students and faculty. Batchelder earned her associate degree in Fine and Studio Arts in 2004 before getting a bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University in 2007. She also studied art therapy at George Washington University. She has eight years of service as a noncommissioned officer in the Army National Guard and has extensive experience in health and wellness, suicide prevention, and individual and group counseling.

MSU experts to discuss medical challenges for homeless in free lecture

Nov. 6, 2023 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – A doctor and two medical students will share insights about caring for people without housing during a free lecture co-sponsored by Grand Rapids Community College, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and Grand Valley State University. Dr. Beth Makowski, medical director for MSU Grand Rapids Street Medicine, and MSU medical students Victoria Moaddel and Christa Schafer will present “Street Medicine: Caring for the Unsheltered” at 7 p.m. Nov. 16 in room 102 of GVSU’s DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health, 333 Michigan St. NE. The discussion, part of the MSU College of Medicine’s “Your Health” lecture series, will be accessible in person or virtually. You can register online for both options. “Community members experiencing homelessness can have more need for access to health care yet can face greater barriers to getting that care,” Makowski said. “The work done by Grand Rapids Street Medicine and other outreach organizations helps bridge that gap by bringing care directly to where those patients spend their time.” Brandon Moskun, an academic advisor in GVSU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences who works with premedical students, said this is an important opportunity for aspiring physicians as well as the entire community to better understand individuals who are unsheltered.  “Medicine is a service profession, and we are always encouraging our students to get involved in their communities,” Moskun said. “This lecture topic is a great way for students and community members to see the intersection of medicine and service and how it can impact all of us.” Tim Periard, assistant professor in GRCC’s Biology Department, believes the topic is timely. “Our students pursuing careers in health care will be interested in Dr. Makowski’s insights,” he said. “But I think students in our Criminal Justice, Social Work and Psychology programs – and anyone who feels strongly about social justice – will learn a lot from this presentation as well.” The entire “Your Health” schedule is available online .

GRCC’s GIANT Awards accepting nominations through Oct. 31

Oct. 27, 2023 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – You can play a part in adding to Grand Rapids Community College’s 40-year celebration of the achievements of West Michigan African Americans. Nominations for the GIANT Awards are being accepted until 5 p.m. Oct. 31. A new nomination form is available online , so consider re-nominating a candidate that may have previously been considered but not selected. Dr. Patricia Pulliam and Cedric Ward created the GIANT Awards in 1983 to recognize African American leaders and organizations for their exceptional contributions in shaping the history and quality of life in Grand Rapids and West Michigan.  “This is an important event that celebrates the best in the African American community,” said Tempy Mann, chair of the awards committee. The awards, named for local “giants,” recognize people and organizations in 12 categories : Floyd Skinner Justice Award. Walter Coe Public Service Award. Eugene Browning Medical Service Award. W.W. Plummer Humanitarian Award. Ethel Coe Humanities Award. Milo Brown Business Award. Phyllis Scott Activist Award William Glenn Trailblazer Award. Raymond Tardy Community Service Award. H.C. Toliver Religious Life Award. Hattie Beverly Education Award. Martha Reynolds Labor Award.  An overall GIANT Among Giants recipient is announced during the awards ceremony.  The 41st GIANT Awards banquet is scheduled for 6 p.m. Feb. 3 at the DeVos Place exhibit hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. Sponsorship and ticket information can be found online . Event proceeds go to the Junior GIANT and Milo M. Brown scholarships.

Adam Graham

A graduate of Onekama High School, Dr. Adam Graham was appointed Grand Rapids Community College Instructor of Low Brass in 2023. In addition to teaching applied lessons for GRCC students on trombone, euphonium, and tuba, Dr. Graham teaches music courses in the GRCC Middle College program.  Currently serving as bass trombonist of the Holland Symphony Orchestra, Dr. Graham has also performed with the Traverse, Midland, Battle Creek, and West Michigan Symphonies. An active freelance musician across the state, Dr. Graham enjoys performing in many diverse styles including big band, jazz, church, and chamber music; he has been a member of both the General Assembly Big Band and Holland Jazz Orchestra and is currently bass trombonist with the Holland Concert Jazz Orchestra, Hark Up Big Band, and GROẞE SEEN BIERBAND. As a bass trombonist of the MSU Jazz Trombones, Dr. Graham won the International Trombone Association’s Kai Winding Jazz Ensemble Competition in 2014. Dr. Graham has also been a featured soloist with the Michigan State University Wind Symphony, Hope College Wind Ensemble, Manistee Community Band, and Godfrey-Lee High School Band.  A strong advocate for music education, Dr. Graham has led low brass clinics on breathing, sound production, and musical style at Manistee, West Ottawa, Zeeland, Grand Haven, Coopersville, Godfrey-Lee, Kenowa Hills, Cedar Springs, Onekama, Fennville, Grattan Academy, Wayland, DeWitt, Haslett, and Fowlerville schools. Dr. Graham maintains private teaching studios that serve the Haslett and Holland communities.  Dr. Graham earned the Doctorate of Musical Arts and Master of Music degrees in trombone performance at MSU studying with Ava Ordman and Curtis Olson. A major focus of his research has been to highlight contributions to bass trombone repertoire by Michigan composers. Under the tutelage of Dr. Mark Williams, Dr. Graham earned his BM in trombone performance from Grand Valley State University. Dr. Graham has also served as Visiting Professor at GVSU teaching applied trombone. Additionally, he has taught Low Brass Methods, Trombone Pedagogy, and Survey of Music Literature courses at GVSU.  Dr. Graham has previously served as Instructor of Low Brass at Hope College. Dr. Graham also serves on faculty at Grand Valley State University, Michigan State University Community Music School, and Lansing Community College.
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