On Tuesday, April 29, 2024, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II stopped by GRCC’s Calkins Science Center to explore our new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Incubator, participate in an AI demo and learn more about our new AI Certificate Program.  The purpose of the AI Incubator is to bring artificial intelligence to the staff and students at GRCC as well as the surrounding community. The intent is not only to provide a career pathway into AI for students, but to also provide a chance for high schoolers and community members to experience the technology and to gain a baseline understanding of its use.  A techie at heart and an engineer by training, the Lt. Governor was joined by GRCC President Charles Lepper, Provost Sheila Jones and Dean of Workforce Development Julie Parks to participate in an AI demo. The demo, led by Dean of the School of STEM Kristi Haik and Assistant Professor Jonnathan Resendiz, had the group answer queries about AI that informed the creation of a bot and demonstrated the scope of the economic impact the technology can bring to Michigan. If used effectively, AI will contribute to the development of new industries, personalize education, enhance workforce skills, improve efficiency and transform teaching and learning methods. In short, AI is going to rock the job scene. GRCC’s program is one of the first AI Certificate offerings in Michigan. Launching fall of 2024, the program will be made up of 7-week courses and focus on project-based learning. It will create a stackable certificate in AI similar to GRCC’s Data Science and CyberSecurity Certificates. The intention is that this certificate could stack into a pathway degree or other flexible two-year degrees based on the students’ needs and potential transfer. The curriculum is based on Intel’s AI for Work Force program. GRCC is hosting an AI Incubator Open House for businesses to explore the lab, participate in a demonstration of its capabilities and learn how GRCC can help them become AI-ready. The open house is scheduled for June 18, 2024, 7:30 - 9 a.m. in the GRCC Calkins Science Center. More information about the open house and registration is available on GRCC’s Get AI-ready with GRCC webpage.

May 13, 2024 Who inspired you when you were young?  Many adults can think of pop culture icons or superstar athletes who captured their childhood imaginations with their glamour and fame. Today’s young people are no different. However, the curated and unrealistic lens of social media often distorts their view of these legendary stars. So where do they go to find out about real life topics? With whom do they have meaningful conversations, experience mentorship, and discover empowerment?  “Girls are often silenced, stereotyped or seen as being without influence,” stated Jamillya Hardley, director of the Woodrick Center of Inclusion and Multicultural Affairs at Grand Rapids Community College. “That’s why I was so honored and pleased to be on the planning committee for the 2024 GRPS Girls Youth Conference. This work provides a way to pour into our youth and uplift them in order to change the narrative.”  More than 250 middle school girls from 10 Grand Rapids Public Schools chose to participate in this year-long conference. It began in October with a kickoff event at which the girls from each school met their facilitator. That individual was an advisor, a teacher, or an advocate who they could connect to from the school.  Then they met each month for workshops, conversations or activities around the theme “Faith, Focus, Future.” The planning committee chose these words for a reason.  “They are all positive and progressive words that are also subject to personal interpretation,” Hardley said.  “We wanted words that would be familiar to the girls, but that they could also interpret and explore in their own individual ways.”  GRCC hosted a finale event on May 1 at the Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse with all the girls and their facilitators.  “It was an incredible event,” Hardley said. “We held panel discussions with local professionals from a number of fields. We conducted breakout sessions on topics such as mental health and relationships. We shared lunch, and then wrapped up with presentations in which speakers from each school shared perspectives on the theme and what it had meant to them.”  It’s understandable the girls would be excited about coming to GRCC together and experiencing a college campus. But for Hardley, the most astounding thing was their engagement.  “These girls were so in tune with themselves,” she said. “I wasn’t as progressive at their age! They were asking about credit and taxes and how to sustain a home and family. They asked so many great questions. This was a truly remarkable way to give them a voice and a space to share their thoughts.”   Hardley said that partnering with GRPS and hosting this conference is a natural fit for GRCC.  “We are trying to become more student-centered and more community-centered,” she said. “What better way to do this than to invite these girls to our campus so they can meet people who are invested in them? I believe the girls left with both a physical and emotional sense of how they can challenge themselves and grow into leaders.” Having a sense of belonging and purpose will transform the young ladies who participated in this year-long program.  “The bonds they created are so important,” Hardley said. “I know that this work helps build connection and community for girls who otherwise might be marginalized, silenced, or historically under-represented. I hope they left feeling inspired about a future that is bright and unlimited.”  This story was reported by Julie Hordyk.

May 6, 2024 Since he was little, Dionel Panuncia has loved technology. “I’ve always been into computers,” he recalled. “When I was a kid, my dad had an old one that I would play around with, and I loved it.” That passion eventually led him to study  Network Administration at Grand Rapids Community College, where he is one of two students who recently participated in a five-day Automotive Security Training program at GRIMM Cyber, a small business security research firm based in Cedar Springs, Michigan. GRIMM Cyber partnered with GRCC to provide the opportunity valued at over $15,000. The goal is to foster talent and promote diversity within the cybersecurity landscape by supporting students interested in careers in embedded systems and cyber-physical systems security. The training equips participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to address the complex challenges associated with securing automotive systems in an increasingly interconnected world. The Automotive Training program is offered biannually, but this session, which took place from April 15 to April 19, was the first time scholarships were offered to current cyber students from GRCC.  And Panuncia was excited to apply. “One of my professors told me about the scholarship,” he said. “And I basically said, ‘I’m down, sign me up!” GRIMM Cyber hopes to continue using this scholarship opportunity to reach students from underrepresented communities, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to address the complex challenges of securing automotive systems in our increasingly interconnected world.  Jennifer Tisdale, CEO of GRIMM Cyber, announced the collaboration and shared her excitement. “GRIMM Cyber is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals,” she said. “We are thrilled to partner with Grand Rapids Community College to provide students with access to industry-leading training and empower them to explore STEM careers relevant to embedded systems and cyber-physical systems security.” Andrew Rozema , head of the  Computer Information Systems Department at GRCC, agreed. "Here at GRCC, we cultivate a sense of belonging that students carry into their professional lives, ensuring they feel connected and significant wherever their careers take them,” he said. “That extends beyond our campus, where students can become lifelong members of a supportive and thriving professional network." Panuncia had only positive things to say about his time in the program. “I learned a lot,” he said. “One exercise we did involved working with key fobs, which was probably my favorite because, to be successful in cybersecurity, you have to know the product really well.” After finishing up his associate degree at GRCC in December, Panuncia plans to transition to Davenport University to complete his bachelor’s degree. And the knowledge and skills he built at GRIMM Cyber will help him wherever he goes after that, he says. “I’m going to apply to different companies in the area, or maybe even over in Detroit, “Panuncia said. “With all the automotive stuff I’ve just learned, I think it’ll really help me.” This story was reported by Alissa Griffin.

May 3, 2024 GRCC's baseball team just did something it hasn't done since 1971. After defeating Mid Michigan College 23-14 and 13-1 on Wednesday, the Raiders finished off a perfect 20-0 conference season; marking their first time going undefeated in conference play in 53 years! The baseball team's wild first game had a total of 37 runs, 25 hits (including six homers) and 21 walks. Every batter in the Raiders lineup had at least one hit and all but one had at least one RBI. Canyen Veldhouse was no match for the Mid Michigan batters in the nightcap, allowing just four hits while striking out 10 to pick up the win.  Joey Hysell led the Raiders in RBIs with 10, mostly due to his two homers on the day. Jacob Pitt led the team in hits with five, including three doubles.Ty Sandwick (5 RBIs, double) went 4-for-7.  Trevin Laming (HR, two doubles), Chad Fisher (5 RBIs, double) and Xavier Allen (2 RBIs, double) all had three hits.  The softball team struck first in its first game of the day, scoring four runs in third. Brit Cisler scored the first run of the game with a leadoff homer (her third of the year). Four batters later, Brynn McArthur knocked in the other three runs on a home run. Alyssa Wierenga singled in the fifth run of the game in the fourth inning, scoring Emily Obenauf.  Mid Michigan responded throughout to tie the game at five going into the final inning. Chloe Meyers drew an HBP to start the seventh, and two batters later, Samara Kolehouse hit a two-run shot to dead center to give the Raiders a 7-5 advantage. Mid Michigan threatened in the bottom of the seventh, scoring one, but popped out and left two runners on base.   Macy Huver picked up her eighth win going the distance and allowing just two earned runs. Both the baseball and softball teams already punched their tickets to the regional tournament. As it looks right now, the softball team will be the North 3 seed and play the Ohio 2 seed next Thursday in the first round of its regional tournament. The baseball team will host a best two-of-three series next Thursday in its first round of regionals.  This story was reported by Ben Brown.

After a nationwide search, Grand Rapids Community College has selected  Dr. Sheila Jones as the new provost and executive vice president for Academic and Student Affairs. In this role, Jones oversees Student Affairs and Success, Athletics, Instructional Support and Institutional Planning along with five academic areas — School of Health Sciences, School of Liberal Arts, School of Business and Industry, School of STEM, and School of Workforce Training.  Jones has spent over 15 years in community college education and remains committed to creating opportunities and removing barriers for students to achieve their educational goals. She joined GRCC in 2016 as the Dean of Instructional Support and in 2022 assumed the role of Associate Provost for Instructional Support and Institutional Planning.   “Dr. Jones has been a distinguished leader throughout her time at GRCC,” stated Dr. Charles Lepper, GRCC president. “She spearheaded our accreditation reaffirmation process with the Higher Learning Commission and is steering the college’s 2023-2028 strategic plan.” Prior to joining GRCC, she served as the District Director of the  Robert “Bob” Elmore Honors College at Broward College (FL) where she was also an Associate Professor of History.  Jones holds a Ph.D. and Master of Arts in History from  Bowling Green State University and earned her Bachelors of Arts in History and Business Administration from  Washington & Jefferson College (PA).  She has a proven track record of success throughout her career and has gained the respect of colleagues at GRCC and external to the college for her collaborative and caring approach, her “can do” attitude, and her ability to complete meaningful initiatives that have a positive impact on the college and the students we serve.

April 24, 2024 They’re going to need a bigger graduation cake. With three members of the Davis family receiving their diplomas Thursday night at Grand Rapids Community College’s Commencement, there’s a lot to celebrate. Sondra Davis, 49, will accept her diploma arm-in-arm with two of her daughters: Alexis Truax, 31, and Kathrynn Davis, 20. It’s another completed milestone for the mother of four who’s attended college off and on since 1997, but never completed a degree program. Until now. “I wasn’t originally planning to finish my degree since I’m already nearly 50,” said Sondra Davis, who lives in Holland with her husband, Adam. “Now I’m on a path alongside my children and I couldn’t be more proud of all four of them.” The Davises will also celebrate their son, Jeffrey, who earned his  Welding/Fabrication Technician certificate at GRCC in November, as well as their youngest daughter, Karalynn, who graduates in May from West Ottawa High School. She’ll begin pursuing her own degree at GRCC this summer. Once a single mother of two, Sondra said her degree was a long time coming.  In the late-1990’s, she studied two years at a community college in Florida before returning home to Michigan and attending Grand Valley State University from 2000 to 2003. After marrying Adam Davis and while raising their young children, she returned to GVSU in 2011 for two years. Although she earned enough credits to attain senior status, family obligations sidetracked her from finishing her bachelor’s degree. Fast-forward to 2022 when Sondra began working as a support professional in GRCC’s College Success Cente r. Her daughter Kathrynn was already enrolled at GRCC and Sondra decided to follow in her daughter’s footsteps. “Kathrynn is actually the reason I started working at GRCC,” Sondra said.  “As a full-time employee, I’m eligible for tuition reimbursement for myself and my dependent children. After witnessing Kathrynn’s positive experience with GRCC, I decided to pursue the  Michigan Transfer Agreement at GRCC to help me complete my bachelor’s degree in integrated studies at GVSU.”  The Michigan Transfer Agreement allows the transfer of up to 30 semester credits to meet many of the general education requirements at participating Michigan four-year colleges and universities. GRCC students can complete the requirements as part of the Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degrees or as a stand-alone package. Two years ago, Sondra encouraged her eldest daughter to enroll, too. Although Alexis attended GRCC and GVSU in past years, she hadn’t completed a degree. She qualified for financial aid to restart her education through the  Michigan Reconnect  scholarship because she was over the age of 21 and didn’t already have a college degree. “The Reconnect program was a lifesaver,” said Alexis, who is raising her 7-year-old son. “And GRCC made it as easy as it could be to take classes while working and parenting.” When Sondra’s son, Jeffrey, began looking for a new career, Sondra urged him to explore GRCC’s Job Training program. Jeffrey started — and completed — the Welding/Fabrication Technician certificate program in 2023. “I was really impressed by the amount of help I got in class and outside of class,” said Jeffrey, 29, who just started a five-year union apprenticeship for plumbing, pipefitting and welding. “I do feel (GRCC Instructor Nathan Haney) set me up for what I will encounter in the field.” Kathrynn said her professors were phenomenal over the past three years, especially those in  GRCC’s Music Department . She will graduate with her associate degree in Music this Thursday and transfer to Michigan State University this fall. She plans to pursue a Bachelor of Music degree in music performance and, eventually, begin a career as an opera singer. All four of Sondra’s children said they are proud of their mother’s hard work.  “I’ll never really know how much my mom has gone through, but to see her coming out victorious makes me emotional,” Kathrynn said. “I am so lucky to be earning my degree alongside my rock, best friend, and mom.” Alexis said she’s thrilled with how the life paths of her sisters, mother and brother all intersected at GRCC. And she looks forward to the next step in their educational journeys. “Mom and I are enrolled in the same program at GVSU, so here’s hoping we get to graduate from Grand Valley together, too,” Alexis said. This story was reported by Beth McKenna. The photo was provided courtesy of Carlos Marroquin-Lozada.