July 4, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The journey of Hector Ortega and Loyda Cruz has been a long one, taking them from Cuba to the United States and, eventually, GRCC. It has been filled with love – for each other and for learning – and it has been marked by persistence and dedication. It’s not over yet. But after their June graduation from GRCC’s Computer Support Specialist program, both Hector and Loyda are as confident about the next steps on their journey as they ever have been. They have been married for almost six years and met in their native Cuba as university students, both studying computer science. After finishing their studies, they had the opportunity to come to the United States permanently.  “When we moved from Cuba to the United States, we had to face many new challenges and the main one was the language,” recalled Hector. “That's how we started our adventure at GRCC, taking English as a Second Language classes.” Hector remembered at first being “horrified at introducing myself in English in front of my classmates,” but soon, he added, he had progressed to being able to speak quite fluently. He added, with a smile: “This made me fall in love with GRCC. Then, my wife and I, browsing the GRCC website, discovered the Computer Support program. We both liked what the program would offer us, and we felt that it was just what we needed.” Loyda said their hopes for the program were very much fulfilled. “GRCC is a college with great opportunities for all kinds of people,” she said. “It has a large faculty of well-prepared professors who want students to learn correctly and efficiently. As an immigrant, I can only say that GRCC is the place that has opened doors for me in this country.” Both students said they appreciated the Computer Support Specialist program’s emphasis on real-world skills. “When I studied Computer Science in Cuba, the studies were mostly focused on mathematics, programming and everything related to software,” Loyda said. “I always wanted to learn and obtain skills that would help me solve problems related to different devices and that also involve the physical part or hardware. This program helped me a lot to learn how to identify and solve problems related to software, hardware, security and networks.” Both used financial support programs to make their dreams a reality with Loyda taking advantage of the Michigan Reconnect scholarship and Hector part of the Futures for Frontliners program.  Michigan Reconnect is a state program covering the cost of in-district tuition for people age 25 and older without a college degree. Additional information is at grcc.edu/reconnect . Futures for Frontliners was a similar program for people who worked in essential fields during the state's shutdown. They said those programs made possible what otherwise might have been impossible. And they praised the fast-track nature of the GRCC certificate program, which they said packs a lot of learning into just 18 weeks but allows graduates to quickly jump into the job market and do well. “When we arrived in the United States, without previous work experience, we always thought about the possibility of studying something shorter in this country, but related to our previous knowledge,” Loyda said. “The GRCC program linked all the studying we did previously (in Cuba) and now is opening doors here in the United States.” Hector said the same. “What I liked most about this program is that it not only taught me the technical aspects, but also taught me how to apply for positions that I like, increasing the possibility of being accepted,” he said. “I rediscovered myself as a professional and stopped saying ‘no’ to myself.” And, thanks to GRCC, companies are also saying “yes.” “In the same week as our graduation ceremony, I received the news that I was accepted to work in IT at Amway,” Hector said. “So, we were celebrating our graduation, our wedding anniversary, my new job and the high hope that Loyda can also get a position in the field.” After what the couple has already overcome, don’t bet against her. Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply . This story was reported by Phil de Haan, and photographed by Andrew Schmidt.    

July 2, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. –   Lyn Jansen has been leveraging her 15 years of clinical experience to teach students at GRCC working to earn their two-year occupational therapy assistant degree. Occupational therapy assistants help patients recover. Under the supervision of registered occupational therapists, they help patients with physical or mental challenges by developing and carrying out programs that include educational, vocational and recreational activities. Jansen specializes in work hardening, hand therapy, adult disabilities and rehabilitation, kinesiology, functional capacity evaluation, upper extremity injury, job analysis and injury prevention, transitional living for traumatic brain injury and home health.  And she teaches these skills as an adjunct faculty member and faculty advisor to the OTA club. “I love being able to help students achieve their academic and career goals,” Jansen said. “The GRCC OTA program is operated by an extremely connected, committed and supportive faculty. Support from GRCC administration also allows the program to flourish. We are able to be creative in ways that we see best to help students succeed. And they do!” Jansen has noticed that through the pandemic, having more grace toward each other in difficult situations has also helped students succeed. “This doesn't mean that standards or expectations have changed, but rather there's a slightly different perspective of patience and understanding going in both directions,” Jansen said. This insight comes with the learning and practice that Jansen has done over her clinical and teaching career.  “I've observed throughout my life people who display qualities that I appreciate and strive to manifest in myself,” Jansen said. This skill has suited Jansen as her career evolved. “I didn't begin my OT career with an intention to teach,” Jansen said. “But as a clinician I accepted GRCC fieldwork students and eventually found a good fit in teaching these students within their academic college program as well as in my OT work setting.” Now Jansen is focused on her journey as a practitioner and a teacher. She is certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and is licensed to practice in Michigan. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy and a Master’s in Adult Education.  “I maintain and enhance my treatment skills through continuing education in the areas of shoulder, wrist and hand injury treatment, injury prevention management, ergonomics, and treatment of traumatic brain injury, CVA, and handwriting dysfunction,” Jansen said.

July 1, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. –   Don’t fear the FAFSA! Grand Rapids Community College has resources available to help students complete the federal form for financial aid and potentially help them access programs and grants to help pay for a college education. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as FAFSA, is required for students to receive financial support through federal grants, programs such as Michigan Reconnect and the Grand Rapids Promise Zone, and scholarships through the GRCC Foundation. The college has a FAFSA Hotline – (616) 234-4030 – with specialists available to answer questions about the form. Students also can make appointments to connect with specialists in person, virtually or over the phone at grcc.edu/financialaid . Specialists can be reached via email at  financialaid@grcc.edu . “The FAFSA application can unlock many opportunities for students to reduce, or even potentially eliminate, college costs,” said David DeBoer, GRCC’s executive director of Financial Aid. “We don’t want anyone to miss out on a GRCC education that can change their lives. It might seem complicated, but our team is trained to assist you. We are here to help!” FAFSA is an online form that requires financial and tax information for students and parents, if the students are dependents. GRCC has a series of helpful videos available on YouTube’s GRCCtv .  The FAFSA can be completed, typically in under an hour, at fafsa.gov using a computer or tablet.  The U.S. Education Department’s Office of Federal Student Aid also has information for students and families available at StudentAid.gov. The Grand Rapids Community College Foundation also requires a FAFSA for students applying for scholarships. The foundation awarded $1.4 million in scholarships to GRCC students last year. Information and universal scholarship applications are available at grcc.edu/scholarships. “We don’t want financial obstacles to stand in the way of someone starting or restarting a college education that can change lives,” said Dr. Kathryn K. Mullins, vice president for Advancement and executive director of the GRCC Foundation. “The FAFSA is the first step on that journey. Our team will not only help you get started, but will be with you every step of the way.”  

June 29, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – More than 900 students have been invited to attend Grand Rapids Community College during the 2022-2023 academic year with financial support from the Grand Rapids Promise Zone. This year, more than 500 students attended GRCC using the Promise Zone scholarship, which removes cost as a barrier to a quality college education for eligible students. “The Grand Rapids Promise Zone is about access and opportunity, and an indication of this community’s commitment to helping everyone get the education they need to be successful,” said Ashlee Mishler, Promise Zone director. “This is an opportunity for students to start their educational journey at GRCC, earning credits or career skill certificates -- for free -- close to home.”   The Promise Zone scholarship is available for students who live within Grand Rapids and graduate from one of the 25 public, public charter, or private high schools located within the city limits. The program covers the cost of tuition, fees, books and required course materials for GRCC’s associate degree and job training and certification programs. The Promise Zone scholarship is a “last dollar” scholarship. Students must complete the FAFSA -- Free Application for Federal Student Aid -- to determine available need-based aid. Once the total need-based aid has been determined, the scholarship covers the remaining costs. Students are eligible to receive the full Grand Rapids Promise Zone Scholarship (60 credit hours) if: They attend an eligible Grand Rapids high school continuously since the beginning of 10th grade or before; They live in the city of Grand Rapids boundaries continuously since the beginning of 10th grade or before; and They graduate from any of the 25 public, public charter, or private high schools located within the city. Students who have been enrolled at an eligible high school and who have resided in Grand Rapids continuously since the start of 11th grade are eligible for a partial scholarship, covering up to 30 credit hours at GRCC. Eligible students have five years to access these funds from the time they graduate high school. Once enrolled, they must take at least six credits in the fall and winter semesters. Students who opt to attend a different college or university can still use the Promise Zone scholarship as a GRCC guest student during the summer semesters. The scholarships were created in 2020 by the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority, a group of city and community leaders and educators. Additional information is available at grcc.edu/promisezone and grpromisezone.com, through email at promisezone@grcc.edu and by calling (616) 234-4321.  

June 28, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Ryan Dykstra is following a fantastic season on Grand Rapids Community College’s baseball team by taking his game to the next level, playing for the Kalamazoo Growlers of the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is a developmental league for elite college players, with players using wood bats instead of the metal bats used at the college level. That hasn’t deterred the 6-foot, 210-pound outfielder from Byron Center. Through Sunday, Dykstra has played in 25 games, batting .292, and leading the team in hits and is second with 20 RBI. He recently earned a promotion: a contract to play for the entire season. “I’m glad to get it,” he said of the contract extension. “I didn’t know what to expect. But being here, I’m glad to be extended and to keep doing this thing.” The 22-team league has existed for 27 seasons. More than 250 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including former Detroit Tigers Curtis Granderson and Max Scherzer and New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso. Because Northwoods is an amateur league, players are not paid, allowing them to maintain their college eligibility. League teams play 72 games from late May until mid-August. Most live with host families during the season to keep expenses to a minimum. The Growlers have players from across the country, and they attend colleges including Duke, University of Miami, Ohio State University, and the University of Tennessee. Dykstra has committed to playing at Oakland University next season and looks forward to entering teaching or business after graduating. Fred Brown, GRCC assistant baseball coach, is the Growler’s hitting coach and recommended Dykstra for the team after a stellar GRCC season. Dykstra’s .422 batting average led the Raiders, and he also had the most runs, hits, doubles, home runs, and runs batted in. That performance earned him four postseason honors from the Michigan Community College Athletic Association. He was named All-Region, All-MCCAA and First Team All-Conference. He also was named to the All-Tournament team at the regionals after batting .588 in five games. Dykstra played baseball, football and basketball at South Christian High School, and GRCC head baseball coach Mike Eddington said Dykstra’s decision to focus on baseball helped improve his game. “What I like about Ryan’s background is that he was a very good three-sport athlete, and he had a big upside once he focused on baseball,” Eddington said. “Ryan is passionate about being good, and he loves baseball. Playing for the Growlers this summer will prepare Ryan for Division 1 baseball.” Dykstra was able to play before the hometown crowd last week, when the Growlers bested the Traverse City Pit Spitters 7-4 at LMCU Ballpark, home of the West Michigan Whitecaps. He had three hits in five at-bats, driving in a run.  

June 27, 2022 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College alumni and faculty are among the contributors to a poetry anthology to support Ukrainian relief efforts. “Busy Griefs, Raw Towns” will be available at Schuler Books & Music, 2660 28th St. SE, starting July 15. GF Korreck, who edited the collection, noted that almost all the poems were written expressly in support of the relief efforts. “Poetry cannot stop violence,” said Korreck, who attended GRCC when it was Grand Rapids Junior College. “But it can awaken people. It can remind us of our soul, our humanity, and what it means to be part of a world.” The anthology, produced by Schuler, includes work by: GRJC alumnus David Cope, a former Grand Rapids poet laureate who taught at GRCC for 22 years. GRCC alumnus Alban Fischer, author of “Fake Moon” and founding editor of Trnsfr and Trnsfr Books. GRCC professor Katie Kalisz, author of “Quiet Woman.” GRCC professor Mursalata Muhammad, recent recipient of the Sweeney Memorial Boat House Residency at Lines End for emerging writers. Former GRCC adjunct instructor Debra Wierenga, author of “Marriage and Other Infidelities.” Korreck was the editor of the 2007 anthology "Sins and Felonies" that included his work, and submissions form Cope and two others with GRJC ties, Frank Salamone and David Montgomery. All four were also associated with Display Magazine, which continues today. Proceeds from sales of the book will go to the International Rescue Committee to support continuing Ukraine relief efforts. It can be ordered in advance on Schuler’s website, linked here .

June 27, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Michelle Murdoch says she was “the oldest” student when she enrolled in GRCC Dental Hygiene program. “I waited until my four children were older so I could pursue my dream,” she said. “I attended the GRCC Dental Hygiene program with an amazing husband and four wonderful children, including one who has cerebral palsy, who supported my dream.” 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 Dental Hygiene educators made Murdock feel comfortable returning to the classroom and supported her journey. “GRCC set the foundation of continued learning within me to continue to pursue two more degrees!” said Murdoch, who graduated from the college in 2014. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in public health from Central Michigan University – all while working as a Registered Dental Hygienist for a private dental office. She’s now back at GRCC – this time as a part-time support specialist in the Dental Clinic. “My passion is in education, and I knew this throughout pursuing my dream,” she said. “I want to extend all I have learned to other students and help time realize they can do anything they put their mind to! “GRCC is the first step to changing the rest of your life. It only takes that one step to a whole world of opportunities!” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply .

Grand Rapids Community College trustees want resident feedback on their search process and leadership profile as it looks for the college’s next president, and plans a community focus session for Tuesday, June 28. The board of trustees is conducting a national search to replace President Bill Pink, who is leaving on June 30 to become president of Ferris State University. Trustees have said they value the perspectives of community members, and look forward to input and collaboration during the process. Trustees adopted a presidential profile to help guide the search and assure sustained quality leadership and a smooth transition. The community session is scheduled for 8 to 9 a.m. on June 28, and residents can attend virtually or in person, in the board library on the fifth floor of Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall, 143 Bostwick Ave. NE in Grand Rapids. Details are available at grcc.edu/presidentialsearch . Trustees have contracted with Gold Hill Associates, a firm specializing in executive searches, to guide the process and assist in screening candidates. Gold Hill guided the search press that resulted in Pink being selected in 2017. Trustees hope to have a new president selected by the end of the year. GRCC President Emeritus Juan R. Olivarez was appointed to serve as interim president during the search. Olivarez was GRCC’s eighth president, serving from 1999 until 2008. He is GRCC’s third interim president, with Dr. Patricia Pulliam serving in the role in 1998 and 1999, and Dr. Anne Mulder in 2008 and 2009.

June 24, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – GRCC Computers Information Systems assistant professor Doug MacNeil hopes to inspire students to continue their education long after they graduate.  “My father was and is my hero,” MacNeil said. “He never stopped learning.”  Before he began his long professional and educational career, MacNeil got his start at Delta College, a community college north of Saginaw.  He now holds a doctorate in Information Technologies from Capella University and works as an enterprise agile program coach at Spectrum Health.  “What I didn’t know starting out in my profession is how I would change as a person,” said MacNeil . “I have grown through working with people.” MacNeil has an accomplished work history in project management, IT and education, which gives him a unique perspective into teaching others about his industry – and what works for adult learners. “I am an advocate of bringing real life experiences into the classroom,” he said. “And even though some classes are not in person, I am able to make personal connections with my students.” You will catch MacNeil in the classroom, online and in person, teaching CIS 100 Introduction to Computer Introduction Systems, CIS 103 Introduction to Windows and Microsoft Office, CIS 155 Microsoft Word, CIS 156 Microsoft Excel, and CIS 224 Introduction to Systems Analysis. MacNeil has worked as an adjunct professor at four-year schools, but said he appreciates GRCC students’ varied backgrounds. Their educational journeys enrich the classroom experience. “The students, they make this all worthwhile,” MacNeil said. And the computer information systems certificates and degrees they are earning arm them with career preparation. Giving them the competitive advantage in today’s job market.