Oct. 13, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College is being saluted for its efforts to support historically underrepresented groups, named a finalist for a Grand Rapids Chamber EPIC Award in the DEI Champion category The 12 Annual EPIC Awards Gala is planned for Oct. 19, and recognizes outstanding organizations across West Michigan, celebrating those that foster growth, demonstrate innovation, and champion alongside others as mentors and collaborators. According to the chamber’s blog, finalists were nominated by their peers and the recipients of the EPIC Awards are determined through a rigorous process and selected by community trustees for their contributions. GRCC is one of three finalists in the DEI Champion – Organization of the Year category. “The DEI Champion Organization of the Year designation is awarded to an organization that is working to embed inclusive diversity, equity and inclusion strategies for historically underrepresented groups within their organization and the wider community. Underrepresented groups include individuals from various races and ethnic backgrounds, New Americans, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and veterans,” according to the chamber. Other finalists are Allied Mechanical Services, Inc., full-service mechanical contracting firm that looks to change lives through employment; and Peckham, Inc. a nonprofit vocational rehabilitation organization that provides paid job training opportunities for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. The chamber noted GRCC’s commitment to providing skills to help residents change their lives through a quality, accessible education. “Grand Rapids Community College transforms lives. That’s the shortest answer, but it is also the most accurate. GRCC is Michigan’s oldest community college, serving West Michigan for more than 100 years, focused on helping everyone — everyone – have access to a quality education, whether they are seeking credits for degrees, looking to transfer to a four-year university, or find job-focused certificates and training leading to rewarding careers. We meet people where they are and help them get to where they want to be. That’s always been our mission, and we embrace it proudly.” Other categories include family-owned business of the year, woman-owned enterprise of the year, minority-owned business of the year, creative business of the year, non-profit of the year, excellence in business, with separate categories for small, medium and large businesses.

Oct. 12, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The Grand Rapids Community College volleyball team is on pace to finish as one of the program’s best blocking teams ever, largely because of sophomore Alena Visnovsky. Visnovsky, a third-year player from Sparta, ranks first in the 20-team Michigan Community College Athletic Association and fourth in the nation, averaging 1.45 blocks per set. “Blocking is a big focus, really for our whole team,” Visnovsky said. “A primary part of my game is being aware that blocking is my job. If l don’t get to my spot, and help establish our defense, then my teammates have a harder time doing their jobs. There’s no feeling like getting a block-kill and your teammates getting super excited.” Visnovsky, on pace for well over a 100 blocks this year, currently has 93 after a five-block performance Tuesday, helping the team to its 17th straight win and clinching a share of the conference title – the 12th program history. “I'm so proud of the work Alena has put in the last 3 years at GRCC,” coach Chip Will said. “She has grown so much on and off the court to become one of the nation’s best blockers. Her willingness to learn each day and develop all areas of her game has made her a great role model for our team.” So far this season, the 6-foot-tall middle blocker has played and started in all 19 matches. She has had five or more blocks in 12 games with a career best nine at Owens Community College. She also has 49 kills and averages 1.62 points per set. GRCC also leads the MCCAA in blocks per set, averaging 2.23. Visnovsky last year was one of three GRCC student-athletes named to the National Junior College Athletic Association’s All-Academic First Team for their perfect 4.0 grade point averages. She's also active on the GRCC student newspaper, The Collegiate.  

Oct. 12, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Matthew Collins paid his bills as an online poker player, and knew he needed something more secure. “Now that I’m 25, I don’t want to get any older and have no degree, or certificate, and no job history. I was looking for something that was quick with not too much time investment. I did an online search, I found the GRCC Job Training program. It is only 18 weeks, affordable, with access to a lot of financial aid and grants; it seemed like a good opportunity." Collins originally wanted to enter the electrical program, but discovered there is a year-long waitlist. “I talked with Michael Wemmer, one of the career coaches, and I landed in the Machine Tool/CNC program. Prior to this, I didn’t even know what that is!” A machinist or CNC technician shapes metal and various materials to precise dimensions for parts by using machine tools. MT/CNC technicians plan and set up the sequence of machine operations in accordance with blueprints, layouts or other instructions to write both manual and computer-generated machine programs. One of the hurdles to attracting students to the Machine Tool/CNC program is that most people are not aware of what it entails.  “I’ve had to explain it a lot since I started this program. I just tell people - it is using manual or automated machines to cut metal, or other materials, to create tools or parts that we use in everyday life,” Collins said. “Once I learned what it is, I see everything differently.” Collins qualified for Michigan Reconnect – the state program that covers the cost of in-district tuition for people age 25 and older -- as well as federal Pell Grants. He also received funding from the One Workforce Grant, which assists students in any of GRCC’s manufacturing programs. “Everyone was really helpful! I started the whole enrollment process only two weeks before the start date. Michael Wemmer has been great and also Juan Cisneros. I think they had to jump through some hoops to get me in so quickly. I really appreciate their help.” The GRCC Job Training CNC Machine Tool program meets 18 weeks for 34 hours per week. The program offers small class sizes, hands-on learning and job placement assistance. The Machine Tool/CNC program has recently been updated to better meet the industry needs. “I’ve always had flexible schedule types of job so this is different, more structured,” Collins said. “The instructor, Jonathan Wyckoff, has been super. It’s a very comfortable environment. The lab is great. He really focuses on the hands-on skills. The day goes really fast because we are always working on parts and you have to really pay attention to what you are doing.” Skills taught in the program include blueprint reading, basic shop math, read measurement tools and how to communicate effectively with others using today's Machine Tool/CNC terminology. “I’m really enjoying learning about the metals, all the different tools and coding the machines. I’m finding it all really interesting.” Collins isn’t sure what he’s going to do after he completes the program in December. He’s considering continuing his education. The next section of Job Training programs begins Nov. 7.

Oct. 11, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The Grand Rapids Community College volleyball clinched at least a share of the conference title after a three-set sweep of Delta College on Tuesday, extending the team's win streak to 17 matches. The golf team also was in action, finishing ninth of 11 teams at the Taylor University Invitational. The volleyball team, ranked No. 17 in the latest National Junior College Athletic Association D2 poll, defeated the Pioneers, 25-10, 25-11, 25-15, improving its record to 17-2 overall and 9-0 in conference play. "We're happy to clinch a share of the title, but we're not done yet," assistant coach Amanda Glaza said. "We still have Muskegon at home next week and if we're going to beat that team for the outright title, we are going to have to play a lot better than we did tonight." GRCC hit just .177 for the match, its fourth lowest in 19 matches this season, but still managed 39 kills. Sophomores Audrey Torres and Eliza Thelen combined for 23 kills and Kara Hecht finished with five. Shannon Russell led the team with four aces and Alena Visnovksy – who is fourth in the nation in blocks per set with 1.44 blocks per set -- had a game-high five blocks. GRCC has now won 12 conference championships, and 11 during head coach Chip Will's tenure. GRCC's next match will be at Calvin University on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. against former Western Conference foe Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The golf team was the lone two-year institution in the field of 11 teams at the Egypt Valley Golf Course in Ada. After a rough start in round one, shooting 341, GRCC finished shooting 316 in round two and 334 in the final round. Taylor University earned a seven-stroke victory over Northwestern Ohio. Four players finished in the top 50, including Mason Anderson who was tied for seventh at 16 over par.  Drew Harrington was tied for 35th, shooting 33 over par; Jayson Bultman was 44th with a score of 37 over par; and Conner Oman was tied for 47 th , shooting 41over par.  

Oct. 11, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Thousands of future college students and their families are invited to Grand Rapids Community College on Thursday to connect with representatives from more than 75 colleges and universities at West Michigan’s largest college and transfer fair. High school students planning for what comes next after graduation, and adult students interested in the professional trades or entering an in-demand career, can bring their friends and family to the morning or evening college fair. Both events are free and open to the community. Representatives from colleges and universities from Michigan and beyond will be available at the events, which are sanctioned by the Michigan Association for College Admission Counseling and the Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. The college fairs are planned for 9-11 a.m. and 6-7:30 p.m. in GRCC’s Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse, 111 Lyon St NE in Grand Rapids. “GRCC is proud to host the college and transfer fair, helping students of all ages connect with specialists from GRCC and beyond and explore the many options for their post-secondary education,” said Lori Cook, GRCC’s associate dean of Access and First-Year Experience. In the afternoon, current GRCC students can attend the transfer fair to learn about the opportunities available to them when they earn a GRCC certificate or degree and then transfer to the four-year college or university of their choice. The transfer fair is also in the Ford Fieldhouse, and runs from 1-3 p.m. Parking is available in GRCC’s Ramp A and Ramp B. A list of colleges and universities planning to attend the event is here.

Oct. 10, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – College leaders from Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Utah have been selected as finalists to the next president at Grand Rapids Community College. The college has scheduled opportunities for members of the community to meet each of the finalists, and the public is invited to sit in on interviews with the board of trustees. “I’m impressed by the quality of the candidates, all with careers supporting students and their communities,” board of trustees Chairperson David J. Koetje said. “We are looking forward to getting to know them better, hearing their vision for leading GRCC into the future.” GRCC is replacing Bill Pink, who became president of Ferris State University in July. President Emeritus Juan R. Olivarez has been serving as interim president during the search. Trustees hope to have a new president in place by Jan. 1, 2023. Each of the finalists has experience at community or technical colleges, and one worked for a year at GRCC. Stuart Blacklaw is the provost and executive vice president at the Community College of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh, and once was a GRCC administrator. Blacklaw has been in his role in Alleghany County since 2015, and previously served as provost and vice president for Instruction and Student Development at Yavapai College in Prescott, Ariz.; as vice president for Instruction at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Mich.; and as the dean of Curriculum and Program Development at Monroe Community College in Rochester, N.Y. Blacklaw also served as an assistant dean in the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences at GRCC during the 2001-2002 academic year, and was associate dean for Curriculum and Instruction for Jefferson Community College in Watertown, N.Y. Blacklaw taught Communication and Media Studies on the faculty of Olivet College for 12 years before moving into administration. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Olivet College, a master’s degree from the University of Michigan and a doctorate from Capella University. Tim Casper is the vice president for Student Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness at Madison Area Technical College in Madison, Wis. He is leading a college-wide effort to improve student course success by providing faculty with specific student engagement best practices in the classroom. Casper has been with Madison Area Technical College since 2011. Prior to Madison College, He was the deputy secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. He was a senior adviser to Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle. Casper has also held positions at the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, the Wisconsin Legislature, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He earned a bachelor’s from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, a master’s degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a doctorate from Edgewood College. Charles Lepper is the vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Salt Lake Community College in Salt Lake City, Utah. He’s been in the role since 2015, and provides strategic leadership and day-to-day operations for student affairs and enrollment management functions at all 10 of the college’s campuses. Lepper previously was the vice president for Student Affairs at Tidewater Community College in Norfolk, Va.; and a series of leadership roles at Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana in Indianapolis between 2004 and 2013. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Ball State University, a master’s degree from Grand Valley State University, a doctorate from Indiana State University. Blacklaw is scheduled to be on campus on Oct. 18, with Lepper on Oct. 19 and Casper on Oct. 24. Each candidate is scheduled for time to attend a community forum at 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and then be interviewed in public by the board of trustees between 3:45 and 5: 15 p.m. All sessions are planned for the auditorium of the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center.

Oct. 10, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Like many alumni, Kaitlyn Bergman has special memories of GRCC – but hers also happen to be part of the college’s history. 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. Bergman was a member of GRCC’s 2012 volleyball team, which capped its season with the National Junior College Athletic Association championship. “Winning a national championship will always be a great memory,” she said. “From the sweat and tears poured into each practice and game, all the way ‘til the final championship. “However, after we won was probably the best memory. All the families and players gathered and we looked back at memories and just enjoyed everyone’s company while celebrating such an amazing season.” Bergman, then known as Kaitlyn Wolters, was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament, recording 32 assists and seven kills in the final match. She was also named a First Team All-American and the NJCAA Division II Player of the Year. After graduating in 2012, she attended Grand Valley State University, where she majored in recreational therapy and continued with volleyball. Bergman now makes her home in Warsaw, Ind., working as a recreational therapist with FLOW Recreation. She and her husband, Mark Bergman, have a 5-month-old daughter, Jordyn. And she still plays volleyball, competing in high-level coed tournaments and weekly leagues. She says GRCC was the important first step that led her to where she is today. “GRCC helped prepare me in my leadership skills and overall independence,” she said. “It taught me time management, planning and organization. It was a great first step into adulthood without being too overwhelming. “GRCC is a place that prepares you in ways that you never thought you’d need.” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply  

Oct. 8, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. --  The Grand Rapids Community College volleyball team hit a season-best .378 in a three-set sweep of Bay College on Saturday, extending the team’s win streak to 16 matches. GRCC, ranked No. 17 in the latest National Junior College Athletic Association D2 poll, dominated Bay College, making its first trip from Escanaba to Grand Rapids as part of the new Northern Conference. GRCC won 25-10, 25-11, 25-15. GRCC improved to 16-2 overall and 8-0 in conference play with the win. Six players hit .400 or better, including Braelyn Berry, who hit a career-high .750 with six kills. Kara Hecht hit a career-high .538 with a team-high eight kills, and Rylee VanPatten hit a career-high .500 with three kills. Seven players totaled three or more kills as GRCC combined for 41 in the match, its third- most in a three-set match this season. Eliza Thelen compiled a career-high five service aces, mostly part of a 15-0 run in set two. "It was nice to play a full match of clean volleyball and we were able to keep our energy up throughout the whole match," Thelen said. GRCC will have three days off before returning to the Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday to face Delta College.  

Oct. 7, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – GRCC Political Science professor Keith St. Clair has a passion for politics, and encourages students on multiple career paths to take advantage of the soft skills they’ll gain from a political science course. “Political Science provides an understanding of government and instills civic responsibility,” St. Clair said. “It’s great preparation for becoming a journalist, lobbyist, diplomat, lawyer, politician, campaign worker, community organizer or city manager.” An engaging speaker, St. Clair spoke about his participation in a Leadership Mission to Oman (which is located on the Arabian Peninsula) to the World Affairs Council of America in 2009. He presented on the political/cultural climate in Iran at GRCC after traveling there in 2010. And he presented "The Arab Spring and Prospects for Democracy" to the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan during UN Day in 2011. St. Clair earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology, then his master’s degree in political science, from Illinois State University. Working in international politics was an early goal of his. He learned late in his career that he has a passion for teaching.  “I originally wanted to work for the Foreign Service,” St. Clair said. “After graduating and working for a time as a juvenile probation officer, I accepted a teaching assistant position at Illinois State University. It was only after I started teaching that I realized how much I loved it.” St. Clair taught at Muskegon Community College before accepting a position at GRCC.  “I wish I had been more confident, and patient with the amount of time it was going to take to find a full time teaching position,” St. Clair said.  St. Clair found an opportunity to exercise the confidence and diligence he developed throughout his career when teaching during the pandemic.  “I’ve gained a new appreciation for how many students are dependent on a routine for self discipline in their studies,” St. Clair said.  St. Clair also strives to model his personal hero, The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. “He was a man of peace, love, and exhibited the greatest courage in changing our society for the better,” St. Clair said. Enroll in one of St. Clair’s classes for Winter 2023. He teaches PS 110 American Government, PS 202 International Relations, PS 201 Comparative Government and PS 200 State and Local Politics.