Nov. 17, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College professor Bill Gayle enjoys challenging students in his culinary and business classes with critical-thinking questions.  “Challenging intelligent minds is always one of the most enjoyable elements of teaching GRCC scholars,” he said. Gayle said his culinary students are always particularly engaged.  Gayle also believes one of the biggest strengths of the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education is its experienced faculty, with many members who have worked in kitchens around the world.  “We have some of the absolute best instructors in the country who are willing to not only teach, but also willing to share real world experiences,'' Gayle said. Gayle received his bachelor's degree in business with a minor in mathematics, his master’s degree in business with an emphasis in finance, and specialized training which certifies him to teach online and hybrid courses. This was especially helpful during the last few years.  Gayle has learned a lot about leadership through his career. In owning multiple restaurants, including presently owning The Florentine Ristorante in Grandville, he is proud to share his mistakes and failures with his students to encourage them to make their own and then learn from them.  He is able to share his experiences with students while teaching about topics including hospitality management, sanitation and safety, business communication, business leadership, and food science.  More information about the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education can be found here.

Dec. 1, 2022, 2022 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Pen and ink convey detailed views of city life in the latest exhibit in Grand Rapids Community College’s Collins Art Gallery. “Drawings in Ink,” featuring the work of Kendall College of Art and Design adjunct instructor Taylor Mazer, runs through Dec. 5. Mazer is a Kalamazoo native who earned bachelor’s degrees in fine art and illustration from Kendall. He has had his work featured in more than a dozen publications, including “International Drawing” annuals and the Oxford University Press’ “Drawing Essentials: A Guide to Drawing from Observation.” He works with Micron drawing pens, brush pens and India ink. “While my works are more rooted in the analysis of an environment, I still like to utilize tools often reserved for narrative illustrations,” he said. “I will direct light and shadow, signs, the direction of the line work, placement of objects, etc., to focus the viewer’s eye on particular objects, similar to how a comic book dictates a narrative through its panels.” “Artistaday” an online gallery that features artists from around the world, commented that Mazer has “a keen eye for the city.” “But what you won’t find in his work are sweeping skylines or postcard views of famous monuments. Rather Mazer favors the less glamorous side of the city. Street signs, lamp poles, highways and electrical lines are all common images in his work. “His meticulously detailed drawings are both elegant and gritty. It’s hard to look at a Taylor’s drawing and not want to get up close to follow his lines, or to become captivated by his dramatic shading, and stark light and dark contrasts. So, when Taylor draws a trashcan or a street pole, he’s not shedding a negative light on the city (in fact, he seems to love it!), rather he is simply asking that we look at it from the less obvious perspective. And sometimes that makes all the difference.” The gallery, on the fourth floor of GRCC’s Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall at 143 Bostwick Ave. NE, is open 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.

Nov. 30, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College men's and women's basketball teams picked up two wins against Community Christian College on Wednesday, with the women overpowering the Lions 78-31 winners and the men coming back to stay unbeaten with a 107-97 victory. The men's team prevailed for its seventh win in a row in a game that had 12 lead changes and found GRCC down for much of the first half. The Raiders picked up the pace in the second half by scoring 61 points to hit the 100-point plateau for the fifth time this season. Freshman guard Jajuan Walker led five different Raiders that scored in double figures with 21 points while adding five assists. Herman Brown was the lone GRCC player in double figures with 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Danyel Bibbs added 20 points, Brockton Kohler 16 points and Bashir Neely 11 points. GRCC's bench outscored the starters 56-51. The women's team, now 3-1 after losing its season opener at Aquinas College, dominated from the tip, winning by a season-high 47 points. "Good team victory tonight with everyone involved in some positive moments," head coach David Glazier said. "Though the game afforded us a chance to try some new things and see some different lineups to get us ready for our three games next week. All three of which I expect to be highly competitive." Sophomores Grace Lodes and Sally Merrill each posted double-doubles for GRCC.  Merrill led all scorers with 23 points on nine-of-20 from the floor, while adding 14 rebounds and three assists. Lodes scored 15 points and grabbed a season-high 18 rebounds, adding four assists and a pair of blocked shots. Freshman Jatriana Wilson came off the bench to score 11 points and grab six rebounds. The men's team returns to the Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse on Dec. 3 in a 1 p.m. contest against former Western Conference foe Glen Oaks Community College.  The women return home on Dec. 5 with a re-match against the junior varsity of Aquinas College at 5:30 p.m. 

Nov. 30, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- After graduating high school in Indiana, Cesar Mejia moved to West Michigan to be closer to family. “I had taken some construction classes in high school and my cousins knew that I was interested in it,” he said. “They suggested that I look into GRCC. When I saw how this program is set up I thought ‘Wow! that’s cool’ it’s onsite and hands-on, so I signed up!” The GRCC Residential Construction Job Training program takes place on a construction site, where students build a new home. Students get hands-on lessons and application about the entire process of residential building including blueprint reading, site layout, concrete, carpentry, door and window installation, roofing, siding, and interior finishing. “I’m more of a hands-on learner,” he said. “I’ve never seen any other program like it. I love that we build homes that people are really going to live in.” Mejia also works full time third shift before heading to the job site. “It’s a long day but it’s worth it.” Graduates are qualified for employment in the residential construction industry. The program focuses on constructing homes that achieve a 5-Star Energy rating, are Michigan Green Built, and LEED Certified. Mejia gets lots of gratification from seeing the finished product. “We have built this house from the ground up,” he said. “There was nothing here and now a there is a whole house. It’s very satisfying. I want to build homes, I love it.” Mejia has also built relationships that will last a lifetime. “At first, I was nervous about the teacher but Kyle (Lackscheide) is the greatest, so wonderful. Honestly, I love the guy. He doesn’t feel like a teacher. He is really a friend. He has taught me so much.” All of the GRCC Job Training programs has small class size, no more than 16 students. “After you get to know the other students they become friends. Some of the guys are like brothers to me. I came here not knowing anyone but my family and now I made all of these friends.” Mejia is excited about his future. “I will be going into this field knowing as much as I can.” He is confident that he has the skills for the job. “This program has taught me siding, roofing, framing, I have learned so much.” GRCC offers two 18 week Job Training Certificate programs in the field of Construction; Residential Construction , and Construction Electrical. New sessions of GRCC Job Training programs begin throughout the year. The next session begins January 23, 2023. For more information go to grcc.edu/jobtraining .

Nov. 29, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. --   Grand Rapids Community College and University of Michigan Health-West established a creative partnership to fill the critical need for nurses by combining tuition support with paid on-the-job professional experience. “By removing cost barriers – including for adult learners and others who need to continue working while finishing their education – the program creates and nurtures a diverse pipeline of local healthcare talent,” said Dr. Peter Hahn, UMH-West CEO. “We see this as an investment not just in our workforce but in West Michigan itself,” Hahn said. “This is a way to ensure that the new generation of rising healthcare leaders reflects the communities we serve.” The program also addresses an urgent need amid warnings of a nationwide shortage of nurses. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts more than 203,000 openings for registered nurses each year through 2031. Made possible by a grant from the University of Michigan Health-West Foundation, the program launches in December. Here is how it works: Students who have completed one semester of GRCC’s Nursing Program can apply for the program and have up to three semesters of their GRCC tuition paid by UMH-West   They will commit to working at UMH-West for two years upon completion of the GRCC program and becoming licensed as registered nurses   During their employment as registered nurses, UMH-West will encourage and support their completion of a bachelor’s degree in nursing through existing partnerships and tuition reimbursement   “GRCC has a great program and they put out some outstanding nurses,” said Steve Polega, chief nursing officer - and a GRCC graduate. “Once they have that two-year degree, they will have a chance to put their skills to work, explore their career passion and advance toward their BSN – which opens a whole new level of opportunity for nurses.” Dr. Juan R. Olivarez, GRCC’s interim president, said the partnership exemplifies GRCC’s long history of helping a diverse community of learners of all ages to gain the education and skills they need to pursue rewarding careers.    “Partnerships make communities stronger,” Olivarez said. “This program’s innovative approach is a great example of how working together creates opportunities for students while helping healthcare providers and our greater community.”   Michelle Richter, GRCC Nursing program director, said the program is a great extension of the school’s approach to nursing education, which combines classroom instruction with clinical applications. “We are proud of the success rate of our students, and this should help open doors to more of them,” Richter said. “Assisting students with tuition allows them to focus on completing their education, and ultimately enter the workplace more quickly and better prepared. The opportunity for employment upon graduation allows students to be able to serve the community in a rewarding career, and continue adding skills and advancing their education.” The goal is for 10 to 15 nursing students to sign up in December and graduate in April 2023. The program seeks to enroll 10 more nursing students each of the next three semesters: December 2023, April 2024 and December 2024. “We know that GRCC nursing students are especially committed to their community,” said Kate Veenstra, associate chief nursing officer at UMH-West. “They also bring diverse backgrounds and experiences. These are values we share at UMH-West, and we’re really looking forward to building these mutually beneficial relationships.”  

Nov. 29, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Fabiola Carrillo Esparza wasn’t sure she’d be able to obtain a college education until a Grand Rapids Community College Foundation scholarship helped her overcome financial obstacles, attend full time and graduate. “I want to thank the donors of the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation, who have faith in us and support our education,” she said. “I want you to know that it was a big blessing for me, and I am sure it has been – and will continue to be – for many others.” Esparza was one of 1,642 students who were awarded GRCC Foundation scholarships in 2020-2021. Today, on Giving Tuesday, the foundation is asking for support to help the next generations of students succeed. “GRCC is proud to serve all types of learners – high school graduates just starting out, adults making a second try at higher education, and those building skills to change careers,” said Dr. Kathryn K. Mullins, vice president of College Advancement and executive director of the GRCC Foundation. “Wherever their educational journeys might take them, whether it is right in the workforce or to another institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree or beyond, their paths intersected right here at GRCC. Opportunities are made; skills are learned and friendships forged. It all begins at GRCC.” The foundation awarded $1.3 million in scholarships in 2020-2021. But the need is still great. Of the 3,209 who applied for scholarships, 1,567 did not receive awards. Foundation leaders are looking to close that gap and remove finances as an obstacle to attending college. There are many ways to support the foundation and the students it assists. Support can happen through one-time gifts, recurring bank or credit card donations, stocks, and even through wills. To view all the ways to give, please visit the foundation donation webpage .

Nov. 28, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Starting at Grand Rapids Community College allowed Jennifer Orme to build the skills she needed while she advanced in the professional world.  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. “It’s been a long and interesting journey to get to where I am today, and I feel that my time at GRCC was the springboard to success,” said Orme, director of human resources for the city of Holland. “As a nontraditional student who chipped away at my education while gaining valuable professional experience, I have had the opportunity to grow into a leadership role within my community.” She especially appreciated the variety of courses she found at GRCC. “My coursework was well-rounded and ranged from business and communication courses to philosophy and the arts,” she said. “These classes broadened my knowledge, sparked my curiosity and exposed me to a diverse group of people and perspectives. I also took several theater courses and worked in the box office at the Spectrum Theater on campus. This experience really helped me to become a confident public speaker, which is something I do often in my role with the city.” Orme worked for Spectrum Health while earning her GRCC associate degree in 2001. She then set her sights on a bachelor’s degree, attending classes part time at Colorado State and Grand Valley State universities, while working full time in the human resources field for Heska Corp. and Meijer. “After a decade in the private sector, I decided to make the switch to the public sector and was hired as an HR generalist at Ottawa County,” she said. “I spent the next five years at the county overseeing the hiring, benefits and wellness programs. In 2016, I completed my Bachelor of Science degree at Grand Valley State University as part of a leadership cohort with other nontraditional students.” Orme, who has worked for the city of Holland for six years, gets great satisfaction in making sure employees have the skills and support they need to do their best work. “As someone who finds great purpose in helping others to succeed, human resources leadership in the public sector is an excellent fit,” she said. “I have also been extremely fortunate to work under some incredible leaders who have inspired me, supported my professional growth and encouraged me to push myself further. I have learned from the best of the best!” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at  grcc.edu/apply

Nov. 22, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Earning National Junior College Athletic Association All-American honors three times in the same sport was not something Audrey Meyering expected when she enrolled at GRCC. In fact, no other student-athlete in school history has achieved that feat. And it’s not likely anyone else will, either. The global pandemic that ultimately gave all community college athletes a third year of eligibility had something to do with that. But so did Meyering’s considerable talents on the cross country course. Recruited by GRCC coach Sharon Becker, Meyering knew immediately during her official campus visit that the college was a perfect fit. “After graduating from high school, I wasn’t totally sure what I wanted to do in college,” she said. “I thought about culinary arts, but I hadn't enrolled in the program until after my first semester at GRCC. To save myself some money, and to get a feel for what I liked, along with the opportunity to run cross country, GRCC was the right fit for me.” A four-time letter winner in cross country in high school, Meyering ran a personal-best 20:23 in the fall of 2019, her last season of high school cross country. The following spring saw the disruption of her track and field season and the final months of her high school academic career because of COVID. Those disruptions followed her to GRCC. But Meyering said she tried to stay optimistic about the opportunities before her. “I do feel like I’ve made the best of all my years at GRCC,” she said at the conclusion of the 2022 cross country season. “Being online for me was difficult at the start of COVID, but it grew on me after a while. It became the new normal. It's crazy to see so many students back on campus this year.” The pandemic also gave her a rare third year of competition and allowed her the shot at three All-American honors. Beyond that though, she said, being on the team for that long allowed for major growth in relationships with teammates and coaches. “It has been very rewarding to make so many new lifetime friends,” she said. “I loved every second of being on the team.” Meyering said the jump from high school cross country to collegiate cross country was significant, but she credited Becker for being there for her every step of the way. “Coach has pushed me to be my best from day one,” she said. “I couldn’t be more grateful to have someone to help me become the best student-athlete and teammate possible. In many ways, she was a big reason that I chose to come back for the third time.”  Meyering is on track to graduate this spring with her culinary degree and is excited to see what’s next. She also sees similarities between her culinary journey and her athletic pursuits. “Competitive drive is one of the things that connects the two the most,” she said. “In the (culinary) industry, it is easy to pick out those who have a passion for culinary arts and those who don’t, and I think that makes a big difference in terms of how far you can make it in either running or the industry.”   And, just like Becker was a formative influence for her as her coach, she pointed to culinary professors who filled the same role for her in her academic career. “My two favorite culinary professors are Chef (Bob) Shultz and Chef (Sarah) Waller,” she said. “They both know how to have a lot of fun in the kitchen while also being productive. They also always push us as students to be very creative, and I like the freedom to be able to create something new.”  GRCC’s world-renowned culinary program has a strong international flavor , and Meyering has gotten a taste for a world beyond West Michigan, thanks to her courses and professors. “After graduation I would really love the opportunity to travel,” she said. “It would be great to visit some new countries, experience new cultures and try new foods.” She also hopes to continue to run competitively after graduation. “Moving up from half marathons to full marathons would be really neat to cross off my list,” she said with a smile. She laughs when she thinks now of running marathons and recalls her early junior high days of cross country competition. “I didn’t think that running would be the sport that I’d fall in love with,” she said. “But I think I like it so much because I’m always running with my best friends and am constantly meeting new people along the way. Running is also how I clear my mind and relax.” Among the new people she has met along the way is GRCC teammate Kaylee Scott, who set a new Raider record in 2022 with a blazing 19:12.7. “Kaylee is the person who has impacted me the most,” Meyering said. “She's been my running buddy the whole way through. In our sport, having someone to cheer you on and push you to your limits – and to share your struggles with – is the best. Sharing an All-American title with her, crossing the finish line just seconds behind her, those are some of my favorite memories.” This story was reported by Phil de Haan.