July 29, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Sean Mackey will be quick to tell you that GRCC has the best students in Michigan, and that he’s proud to be the one teaching them the critical thinking and empathy skills they’ll use in the career they pursue. “Teaching at GRCC feels like winning the lottery,” Mackey said. Mackey is an assistant professor in the English department, and the faculty advisor for the literary portion of Display – a magazine featuring GRCC’s best and brightest artists and writers. Mackey mentors student writers and poets as they seek to publish works in creative writing, non-fiction writing, short stories, essays, short plays and poetry.  In the classroom, he leads with listening, and allows students to find their own path. Mackey’s students think of him as a great professor – laid back, but effective. “He is very clear with each assignment, offers help after every class if needed, works with you when life happens, provides great feedback, he just makes class fun,” one student shared. During the pandemic, when “life happened,” Mackey changed what he taught as well as how he taught it. For example, for one of his common assignments, reading and analyzing Allen Ginsberg's poem ‘Howl,’ he would have led a discussion to analyze cultural, historical, and social similarities and differences between the 1950s and today. To flip this assignment for online learning, Mackey took a note from crowdsourcing. “I created a Google Doc and asked students to add four lines that mimic the style of Ginsberg if the poem was written today,” he said. “I treated the document as a wiki, and students built the poem collaboratively throughout the week. Some students submitted anonymously while others added their names." Student’s can experience Mackey’s passion for poetry and unique approach to teaching in EN 233 Poetry, EN 242 Popular Literature, IRW 99 A-Comp (Accelerated Developmental Composition), and EN 101 English Composition. Mackey earned his Bachelor’s of Arts in Writing and Literature: Poetry from Naropa University. He went on to earn a Masters of Arts in Literature, with a focus on Postcolonial Lit. and American Poetry, from Grand Valley State University.

July 29, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Chuck White, a Muskegon native with 20 years of coaching experience, will head Grand Rapids Community College's softball program. White was the head coach at Muskegon Orchard View High School between 2015 and 2020, accumulating a career record of 160-55.  He also coached the Lakeshore Storm, a softball travel ball team in West Michigan, for eight years and was an assistant for Muskegon Community College. White also has coached football and baseball. "I'm looking forward to working with our new head coach Chuck White and his assistant, Steve Roersma,” Athletic Director Lauren Ferullo said. “Both have an established reputation within the softball community in West Michigan.  They have hit the ground running and I expect them to provide a great student-athlete experience to our softball team. Roersma spent the last two years assisting Muskegon Community College's softball team, which won back-to-back Michigan Community College Athletic Association championships. The team finished the season with a 34-10 record.  Roersma’s daughter Annika played on the Muskegon team, and has transferred to GRCC.  Annika Roersma played in the outfield and in 43 games batted .389 and had 43 RBI, 3 home runs and was second on the team with 22 stolen bases. Bill Roersma, Steve Roersma’s brother, was an NJCAA Wrestling All-American for GRCC in 1976.  The GRCC softball team did not compete in 2022, but outgoing coach Molly McKinney recruited a solid team for 2022. "I was very sad to hear that Molly was not going to be able to continue in her role as the head softball coach at GRCC," Ferullo said. "I am so grateful that she was able to recruit a quality class of student-athletes so we can continue the softball program.  Her hard work and dedication to the program over the last year did not go unnoticed and I want to thank her for everything she did."

July 27, 2022 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Grand Rapids Community College is one of 15 colleges in the nation selected for financial support to expand computer labs and be part of an Artificial Intelligence Incubator Network program to better train students for careers in the emerging field. GRCC was awarded a $40,000 grant from the American Association of Community Colleges, Dell Technologies and Intel to create a hybrid laboratory with greater access to AI computing power, tools and resources. “GRCC works to provide our students with the most up-to-date training in emerging and rapidly expanding fields,” said Julie Parks, dean of Workforce Training. “Doing that effectively means partnering with experts in these fields. With Dell Technologies and Intel, we know our students will have the right resources. We appreciate the leadership and support from AACC to bring these partners together and provide community college students with tremendous opportunities.” AACC, Dell Technologies and Intel announced a joint commitment in January to grow Intel’s AI for Workforce Program from 18 states to 50 by 2023. Today, 42 institutions are joining the AI Incubator Network. The AI Incubator Network and AI for Workforce programs now include 70 community colleges in 32 states collaborating on AI curriculum, teaching best practices and lab development. In addition to receiving the grant, GRCC was asked to join the AI Incubator Network to connect with community colleges nationwide on strategic economic development opportunities, participate in discussions about learning pathways, strategize on student engagement in AI programs, and gather best practices from each other and industry leaders. “AI has become an increasingly important focus for community colleges as providers of workforce education for multiple industries,” said Walter G. Bumphus, AACC president and CEO. “Working together with peers and across sectors will enhance the ability of our colleges to advance and scale this curriculum across the nation to ensure that students earn the skills needed to fill these jobs and begin meaningful careers.” Adrienne Garber, Dell Technologies’ senior strategist for higher education, said the company is committed to transforming 1 billion lives by 2030. “By providing learning content for in-demand technology skills and creating artificial intelligence labs for teaching and learning at community and technical colleges across the U.S., we are moving closer to achieving that goal,” she said. “With collaborators like GRCC, we are creating opportunities for underrepresented populations in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics and the like to enter careers and fill job openings in much-needed technology fields.”- Students don’t need extensive tech or coding experience to participate in the program; they just need an interest in developing AI skills for careers in the digital economy. “Today’s students will enter a technology workforce where every organization will focus, in some capacity, on applying AI to solving problems and creating value for organizations,” said Carlos Contreras, senior director of AI and Digital Readiness at Intel. “Intel is excited to partner with the AACC and Dell Technologies to democratize AI technology and enable students to enter that workforce with AI experience.”

July 26, 2022 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – A national association for health professionals recognized a Grand Rapids Community College program director with an award recognizing professional and community service. Linda Witte, program director and manager for GRCC Workforce Training’s health programs, received the Pride of the Profession award from American Medical Technologists during the organization’s recent annual meeting. The honor, awarded to an AMT member of at least 10 years, recognizes Witte’s professional and community service activities. “Linda is a wonderful leader and ambassador for GRCC and our healthcare programs,” said John Van Elst, interim executive director of Workforce Training. “It’s nice to see her recognized for her hard work, connecting students with in-demand skills for rewarding careers in fields that are constantly evolving.” Witte manages the Medical Assistant, Certified Nursing Assistant, Pharmacy Technician and Phlebotomy Skills programs. She’s also working with the Surgical Technologist and Anesthesia Technologist programs and is developing a Direct Support Professional program. “I meet with employers to find out their hiring needs and put together short-term training programs to fill their needs,” she said. “Secondly, I oversee the best group of trainers who have a big heart for students. Thirdly, I work with potential and current students – from wanting to know more about health careers to encouraging their success once they are in our programs to celebrating with them once they’ve successfully completed the program. I ensure that our curriculum teaches students what the profession needs them to know, and I arrange for the students’ clinical placements.” Witte earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology, with a minor in social work, from Calvin College (now Calvin University) and a master’s in public administration from Grand Valley State University. Before joining GRCC in 2009, she worked in a variety of health-care roles, including pharmacy, CNA, administration, adult foster care and medical assisting. “There are so many choices for people in health careers, and it’s fun for me to help people consider their options,” she said.

July 25, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Wanda Moreno-Aguilar doesn’t graduate from Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art and Design until the end of this year, but she’s already tackling a large and important project. 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. The Diatribe, a nonprofit that aims to empower youth through poetry, recently selected Moreno-Aguilar to create a mural on the Farmers Insurance building on Eastern Avenue SE. It’s part of the organization’s 49507 Project, a collaboration that teaches event organizing and commissions community art for and by people of color in the 49507 ZIP code. It might seem to be a daunting challenge for someone navigating her first year as a freelancer, but Moreno-Aguilar says her time at GRCC helped prepare her for this opportunity. “Grand Rapids Community College did a phenomenal job introducing the field in the courses, which allowed me to understand what to expect in the industry,” she said. “I learned many skills and techniques I use today from the professor at GRCC. I left feeling satisfied with the knowledge I acquired and fully capable of taking on any task because of the foundation GRCC laid for me.” Moreno-Aguilar, who will graduate from Kendall with a bachelor’s degree in illustration, would like to work on children’s books some day. She counts seeing her work displayed in GRCC’s Paul Collins Art Gallery among her favorite memories. “As a first-generation student, I felt that GRCC made it a comfortable space for me to learn and grow as an individual,” she said. “I enjoyed the small-knit community that I could fall back on to have an honest conversation about my career choice and how to help me achieve that. The professors were fantastic and very knowledgeable! It felt like a judgment-free zone for someone who had no idea how college worked. “I always recommend to anyone who wants to pursue a fine arts career to do so at GRCC.” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply .

July 22, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- GRCC sociology instructor Rob Roznowski also teaches at Western Michigan University. This unique perspective allows him to see how GRCC supports student and faculty success.  “GRCC excels at providing resources and support services to GRCC students and faculty, which is essential to success in the classroom and everyday life,” Roznowski saidi. “The extensive local and regional high school programs, such as early/middle college and dual enrollment, have provided rewarding experiences for myself and aspiring college students.” Roznowski took advantage of a dual enrollment program in high school to begin taking college classes. He was intrigued by the study of social sciences, and focused on teaching. “My first college course was Principles of Sociology,” he said. “Since then, I have pursued a career path of research and teaching in sociology, in large part thanks to the encouragement and support of my own professors and mentors.” Roznowski went on to earn a bachelor’s and master's degree in sociology from Western Michigan University, and is currently a doctoral candidate. What Roznowski has learned over his academic and professional career is that teaching college courses requires not only preparation, but a healthy amount of self-reflection ”Teaching sociology requires one to build communication skills while managing the diverse impassioned viewpoints of students,” said Roznowski.   As Roznowski continues teaching he does so through a lens of compassion and empathy – something he learned from Dr. Cornel West. “Dr. West always provides deeply insightful social critiques while retaining a sense of optimism and hope for the future,” he said. Roznowski encourages all students to take a course in the social sciences. “The programs and courses offered by the social sciences department at GRCC reflect a multi-disciplinary approach that allows students to prepare for a wide variety of career paths and transfer degrees.” Sign up for SO 251 Principles of Sociology or SO 254 Social Problems with professor Roznowski this fall.  

July 21, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College golfer Arie Jackman is headed to Central Michigan University, selected to be part of the university’s first golf team in 37 years. CMU men's golf coach Kevin Jennings late last month announced his inaugural class of eight signees, all graduating high school or community college at or near the top of their respective classes, according to the university. Jackman graduated from GRCC after attending Caledonia High School. This year he was GRCC’s captain and shot a 224 to capture medalist honors and win by eight strokes at the Michigan Community College Athletic Association championship. His time at GRCC included earning All-MCCAA and All-Region honors and maintaining a 3.75 grade point average. His finished the season ranked No. 82 in the NJCAA Division I and II. "Initially the thing I like about these guys is that they're all intelligent," Jennings said in a CMU post. "They prove it through their academics. They're great people and hard workers. Those elements allow for us for us to create a solid foundation for the revitalized Chippewa men's golf program and where we would like to go and eventually be." CMU, located in Mt. Pleasant, competes in the Mid-American Conference in the NCAA’s Division I. "We will work tirelessly to provide them with the resources to move them towards their desire to improve and be more competitive. I tell them, 'We can write this story the way we want to; we are an open book with blank pages. These guys are willing to step up and take the challenge of a new Division I program."    

July 20, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Buist Electric has partnered with Grand Rapids Community College for more than 15 years on an apprenticeship program, but a recent grant expansion is creating opportunities for students to gain valuable skills while completing their education. Buist has about 70 apprentices enrolled in the GRCC Electrical Apprenticeship program, which allows students to work and gain hands-on experience while taking classes. The federal Expanding Community College Apprenticeships grant helps with expenses for students in apprenticeship programs. This year’s award expanded opportunities for support. The program is led by the American Association of Community Colleges with funding from the U.S. Department of Labor, and is aimed at boosting the number of apprentice programs and services throughout the country. The ECCA project will be conducted over 3 years and will train 16,000 apprentices. GRCC is one of just three colleges in Michigan to be included, and former GRCC President Bill Pink served on the advisory board. Jared Doot is a third-year apprentice and appreciates the opportunity. “Becoming an electrician was truly a leap of faith for me,” he said. “I had been working in the IT field for 15 years when I decided to make a major career change. I have a family to support so I needed a situation that would provide income and training at the same time. Buist and this apprenticeship program was an answer to my prayers. The fact that my employer covers this expense is amazing.” Books for the GRCC Electrical Apprenticeship program typically cost students about $400. Kim Kohlhoff, human resources manager at the Byron Center-based Buist, sees the impact this award has had at her company. “It may not seem like a significant amount. But when you multiply that by 60-70 employees, it is a great deal of money,” she said. “It was a huge benefit for us as an employer to be able to support our employees, but then to receive funds back that we can pour back into the company. As an employee-owned company, this has a positive impact for all of us. We are so grateful to ECCA and GRCC for making this connection and supporting the skilled trades industry.”

July 18, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Fred Julian, who coached the Grand Rapids Community College football team for 18 seasons, was named to the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame. Julien, who died in 2013, is among six athletes, coaches, and organizers named to the Hall of Fame this month. He was named to the National Junior College Athletic Association Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 2003. The Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame honors prominent West Michigan athletes and those who have contributed to sports on a local, state or national level, and presents annual events in support of local youth organizations and charities. Plaques and video displays commemorate the members at Van Andel Arena. Julian became head coach of the football team in 1985, succeeding Gordon Hunsberger, who also is a member of the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame and the NJCAA Football Hall of Fame. Julian led GRCC to the 1988 national championship game and appearances in seven bowl games, including the 1986 Texas Junior College Shrine Bowl, 1987 East Bowl, the 1988 Valley of the Sun Bowl (National Championship Game), the 1990 Mickinnon Travel Midwest Bowl, the 1992 Dixie Rotary Bowl, the 1996 Dixie Rotary Bowl, and the 2002 Graphic Edge/Siglar Printing Bowl. The Detroit native played for the University of Michigan between 1957 and 1959, and played for the New York Titans of the American Football League -- now the New York Jets -- in the team’s inaugural season.   Julian later coached at West Catholic High School for 16 years before taking the helm of the Raiders. Others elected this year are: David Brandt, who played on the offensive line for Jenison High School football, the University of Michigan, the Washington Redskins and San Diego Chargers. Kim Elders, who has been the head men’s basketball coach for more than 1,000 games and 30 years at Cornerstone University and led the dominant program to three NAIA DII national titles. Laura (Heyboer) Heethuis, who set soccer scoring records, was part of four state championship teams at Unity Christian High School and was a three-time All-American at Michigan State University. Josette (Carter) McCullough, who was a three-sport athlete at Ottawa Hills High School, played basketball on scholarship at the University of Delaware and is a leader in youth and women’s sports. Diane House, a former Grand Rapids Public Schools physical education teacher who founded the local Special Olympics program now known as Area 11 and has served for over 50 years in various roles, including CEO. House will be inducted as the special recipient of the Warren Reynolds Lifetime Achievement Award. “It’s another incredible class that demonstrates achievement as athletes and coaches at the highest levels, but also recognizes community impact and tremendous leadership,” Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame Chairman Mark Kimball said. “The Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame is excited to recognize and honor them.” The induction is tentatively planned for Tuesday, Oct. 4 at Van Andel Arena.  Julian joins former Tigers pitcher Dave Rozema, baseball coach Tom Hofmann, basketball coach Gene Paxton, and Hunsberger as Grand Rapids hall inductees connected with the GRCC Athletic Program. Learn more about the Hall of Fame and its members at grshof.com .