June 17, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. —  Holly VanRyn loves seeing her students succeed in the classroom and in the hospitality industry. “It’s my goal to ensure that my students are given the best education opportunities possible,” VanRyn said. “I’m passionate about the hospitality industry, leadership, customer service, fine wine, and food – and I love sharing these passions with my students.”  VanRyn doesn’t want anyone to be surprised by the fantastic array of hospitality programs at GRCC through the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education. And she wants people to know the reason behind it. “The faculty here are of world class caliber and talent, and are definitely the department’s greatest asset,” VanRyn said. “And our diverse curriculum offers a variety of associates degrees, tracks, and certificates. We’ve been consistently awarded American Culinary Federation (ACF) accreditation with exemplary status. And we have transfer relationships with larger universities, like FSU and GVSU. These relationships can function as gateways, making it possible for students to pursue additional degree paths and bachelor’s degrees.” “Another example of the strengths here at the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education is our ability to respond to industry’s needs in developing new programs,” VanRyn said. “A perfect example of that is our new Pre-Hospitality Management Associate degree program. This program is for students interested in “front-of-the-house” careers in the hospitality industry. It combines all of our business, front-of-the-house restaurant courses, and sensory analysis classes with core business classes. Students can transfer directly into FSU’s Hospitality Management bachelor’s degree program.” VanRyn started working in the hospitality industry when she was 15 years old. “I graduated from the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education and went on to finish my bachelor degree in Business Administration at FSU,” she said. “I moved out to Maui, Hawaii with my husband after college to work for TS Restaurants. I was the Dining Room Manager at Hula Grill on Maui before starting work as a professor at GRCC.” Looking back, VanRyn’s early focus in hospitality did not leave room to diversify her education. “My entire career had been in the restaurant and hospitality industry until I became a professor at GRCC,” VanRyn said. “I wish that I had known at an earlier age that I’d one day become an educator! I would’ve started my Master’s degree in Career and Technical Education much sooner. However, with all of GRCC's resources, I do feel lucky to be able to complete higher education while teaching full time. I have recently graduated with a Master’s degree in Career and Technical Education from Ferris State University.” Through the pandemic, VanRyn’s teaching style evolved to embrace technology. “I implemented the flipped classroom approach into my classes years ago,” VanRyn said. “But through the pandemic I learned how to film demonstration videos, how to use video editing software, and many apps that allowed me to connect with students on a deeper level.” Experience what the hospitality industry has to offer with VanRyn in CA 245 Restaurant Management and Leadership, CA 200 Hospitality Management, CA 233 Wine, Beer and Spirits Management, and CA 243 Wines of the World.

June 14, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The area's best high school players will square off in the annual John Bos Baseball and Softball All-Star Games to benefit Grand Rapids Community College scholarships after a two-year hiatus. Grand Rapids Community College and Davenport University are hosting the games on June 21 at Davenport University's Farmers Insurance Complex. Baseball games are scheduled for 3, 5, and 7 :30 p.m., and softball games are 5 and 7 p.m. Admission for spectators age 8 and over is $5, with proceeds going to GRCC's John Bos Scholarship Fund. "The John Bos games are a tradition that goes back to 1959, and we’re thrilled to bring them back after missing the last two years due to the pandemic,” GRCC Athletic Director Lauren Ferullo said. “Generations of baseball and softball players have competed in the games, and many others have benefitted from scholarships supported by the event.” GRCC softball coach Molly McKinney participated in the John Bos game as a senior at Byron Center High School. “It was a fun opportunity to play with all the players in your class you spent your high school career playing against,” McKinney said. “It was a wonderful experience to build connections. I am happy to hear the John Bos games have returned. It’s wonderful to think the proceeds of this event help out future GRCC student-athletes.” Davenport head baseball coach Kevin Tidey participated in the event in 1989. “The history of the John Bos game is amazing,” he said. “There have been a lot of great players that have played in this game. I know every senior looks forward to the opportunity. We are very honored to be hosting the Jon Bos game at Davenport University.” Bos started as a physical education teacher at what was then Grand Rapids Junior College. By the 1920s, he coached all the men's sports teams: football, basketball, baseball, track, tennis and swimming. His teams were known as the "Bosmen" and won state championships in football (1923, 1924, 1926 and 1928), basketball (1925, 1927 and 1928), tennis (1927) and swimming (1928). He left GRJC in 1938 to head the Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department. GRCC now competes in baseball, softball, basketball, cross country, golf and volleyball. Student-athletes receive academic counseling and advising, along with tutoring and peer academic coaching. The proceeds from admissions benefit the Bos Scholarship, awarded to GRCC student-athletes who compete for at least one of the college’s teams and maintain Michigan Community College Athletic Association eligibility. Donations to the Bos Scholarship can be made at grcc.edu/donate . Click “other” in the pull-down menu and write in Bos Scholarship.

June 13, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Jerad Berkenpas, the Grand Rapids Community College’s pitching ace, was named a Third Team All-American by the National Junior College Athletic Association on Monday. Berkenpas played a vital role on the team, which finished the 2022 campaign second in the Michigan Community College Athletic Association Western Conference and in third place in the region. The Byron Center resident and South Christian High School graduate also was named All-Region, All-MCCAA, First Team All-Conference, and to the All-Tournament team at regionals after tallying two wins. The 6-foot, 5-inch righty was GRCC's top pitcher in their rotation and led the team with a 9-2 record, 1.41 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 71 strikeouts, .223 opponents' batting average, and had four complete games, including one shutout.  In 12 games, he gave up one or no earned runs in eight times and posted a season-high nine strikeouts three times.   "Jerad had a chance to win every start and I think he gained confidence in his first game down south against NJCAA Division 1 powerhouse, Chipola College, where he gave up just one run and struck out nine," head coach Mike Eddington said. "Jerad is confident, passionate about baseball, wants to be good and works extremely hard. It's great to see his hard work pay off." GRCC's season included a 17-win streak that was snapped in the late rounds of the NJCAA Region 12 tournament. 

June 13, 2022 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – A Grand Rapids Community College academic advisor has earned national recognition for her success in helping students navigate higher education.   Associate professor Lynnae Selberg has been awarded a Certificate of Merit from NACADA, a national association supporting academic advisors. She received recognition in the Outstanding Advising Award-Primary Advising Role category.  GRCC President Bill Pink called the honor “well-deserved.” “Lynnae is an educator, advocate, mentor and leader,” he said. “Her work has made a very real difference in the lives of so many students.” Selberg meets students before and after the regular workday and, even before the pandemic, was reaching out through Zoom and texting.  “She is always looking for new ways to help students, to meet them where they are at and to help provide what they need to be successful,” said Erin Busscher, assistant professor and academic advisor. “She has created videos, workshops, ‘how-to’ guides and other tools and resources.” Selberg, who received GRCC’s Excellence in Education Award in 2017, works with GRCC’s Early/Middle College students and the Honors Program. She also serves as the academic advisor for the Phi Theta Kappa honor society.  Selberg earned her bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation from Grand Valley State University and a master’s in rehabilitation counseling from Michigan State University. She joined GRCC in 2011 after working for Ferris State and Davenport universities and Albion College. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Michigan and a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor. “You couldn’t have a better job than this!” she says, adding that she loves watching students achieve success when they didn’t think it was possible. “Sometimes the plans don’t work out, and we have to change course, but it is like a giant puzzle with each student, and I help them find the best pieces and put it all together.”  

June 10, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Barnes and Noble is promising Grand Rapids Community College students a new retail experience and a streamlined process to order textbooks and other class supplies when it opens June 15 as the new campus bookstore. The college signed a five-year contract to operate the store, located in the Student Center, along with an online store. Barnes and Noble College looks to provide an unmatched retail experience for GRCC students, both in-person and online. Students are going to see different merchandise, but the company also looks to create a different atmosphere, with sitting areas and a place to relax. Barnes and Noble College is one of the nation’s largest college bookstore operators, with more than 800 college stores across the country. The company manages 35 stores in the state, with West Michigan locations including Muskegon Community College, Montcalm Community College and Lake Michigan College. Other Michigan Barnes and Noble stores include the University of Michigan, Northern Michigan University and Wayne State University. GRCC had for years contracted with Follett, also a large operator with a national presence, to run the campus store. The company’s contract expired this year, and a campus committee reviewed proposals and selected Barnes and Noble as a new partner. “It’s good practice to explore all options when contracts expire, and see what opportunities might be better for our students and community” said Lisa Freiburger, GRCC’s CFO and vice president for finance and administration. “Follett was a wonderful partner for GRCC for many years, and we are excited about new experiences and opportunities that can come from this new partnership.” Barnes and Noble College intends to create a seamless experience for students to purchase textbooks and other materials, with an ability to integrate with the college’s Blackboard course management system. The company also plans a bookstore mobile app that will allow students to receive updates, place orders and learn about discounts. The store plans to host events, such as graduation fairs, “de-stress” programs during finals and other activities intended to make the store a hub for students.

June 10, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Chris Schell loves helping students learn new things in electronics classes for their HVAC, industrial maintenance, mechatronics, and electronics degrees and certificates at GRCC. “I started out in industry as an electrical engineer at GE Aviation, and switched to full-time education at GRCC in 2020, after a year of being an adjunct,” he said. Schell holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Mexico.  He teaches EL106 Technical Electricity, EL 107 Technical Electronics, EL 144 Basic Electricity and Electronics, EL 150 Electrical Schematics, and EL 163 Electrical Troubleshooting. “You will find a low student-to-faculty ratio in these classes,” Schell said. “The instructors are all experienced and love to teach, and our placement rate is great.” Along with hands-on skills for an in-demand field, Schell’s students learn critical thinking skills. “Problems are never as big as they seem to be,” he said. “And there will always be challenges with anything worth doing. If it was easy, then I wouldn't really be needed.” He also shares that a certificate or degree is more than a credential, it’s a life changing experience. “Education is so much more than just regurgitating information,” Schell said. “I had a professor who once told me to ‘learn something in spite of your classes,’ and it took me a while to figure out what he meant. Long after I graduated from college, it dawned on me that, though valuable, it wasn't just the engineering degree that was important--it was the experience of learning. I developed a thought process on ‘how to learn’ and that has been invaluable to me.”

June 9, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich . – Forget Superman and Wonder Woman. In today’s digital world, cybersecurity experts are the real superheroes – and Grand Rapids Community College is where they go to train. With nearly 850,000 cybercrimes reported to the FBI in 2021, and losses surpassing $6.9 billion, the need for enhanced cybersecurity is greater than ever before in the United States, experts say. But demand nationwide continues to outpace a growing cybersecurity workforce: In Michigan, an estimated 16,397 industry jobs were unfilled through April, including more than 1,369 in the Grand Rapids area, according to cyberseek.org . It’s that promise of a good career that prompted 34-year-old Michael Storer to enroll in GRCC’s nationally recognized Pre-Cybersecurity degree program last winter. He’s worked much of his life in manufacturing or warehouses, never able to earn enough to keep his head above water. “But I’ve always been interested in computers, and I see a lot of job possibilities in the cybersecurity side of things,” he said. GRCC's Computer Information Systems Department offers an array of programs and certificates for anyone considering a career in programing, software or web, hardware maintenance, network systems – or cybersecurity. The college’s new Cybersecurity Certificate offers a 100% online program that prepares students to become the next generation of data defenders in a single academic year. “By the end of the certificate program, they’ve managed to do half an associate degree, plus some additional courses,” said Andrew Rozema, CIS Department chair. “All our coursework is designed in response to the needs of West Michigan employers and students. We’re here to make educated, talented students who can go on to make great employees.” In addition to skills in coding and operating systems, the program ties closely to many of the top industry-recognized cybersecurity certifications. “By earning these certifications, it really shows future employers that I’m a guy who wants to learn more and proves I have the proficiency they require,” Storer said. For students like Storer interested in continuing education beyond the certificate, the program consists of 36 credit hours that can transfer into GRCC’s CIS Pre-Cybersecurity or Network Administration associate degrees, which transfer into related programs at four-year partner institutions. Storer estimates it will take him another 18 months to complete his associate degree. He then plans to attend Ferris State University to earn a bachelor’s degree. GRCC was one of two Michigan community colleges designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense in 2018 by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. As part of the program, GRCC students mentor local high school students looking to pursue a career in cybersecurity. Additionally, students will travel to a national cybersecurity conference and complete a paid summer internship with a federal, state, local or tribal government organization to further their learning in the cybersecurity field. GRCC started partnering with Davenport University in 2019 on a five-year, $4 million grant from the National Science Foundation to train and educate the nation’s next generation of cybersecurity experts. Many people interested in cybersecurity careers might be eligible for the Michigan Reconnect program, which covers the cost of in-district tuition for state residents age 25 and older who don’t already have a college degree. Additional information is available at grcc.edu/reconnect. Storer paid for his first GRCC semester out of his own pocket but now has applied for the Reconnect scholarship to help cover the rest of his associate degree. To concentrate on his cybersecurity studies, Storer dropped down to part-time work at a local assembly plant. He looks forward to the day he can work in his new field and make a living wage. “There’s so much to learn, but I’m really enjoying school,” he said. “I’m going to keep putting my best foot forward, work hard and get it done.” Additional information about GRCC's Computer Information Systems program is here : This story was reported by Beth McKenna.  

June 8, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Plants and butterflies brighten summer days, but GRCC alum Deirdre Mitchell sees them with different eyes than most people. Plants and butterflies – specifically, milkweed and monarchs – have been her research subjects during the past year at the University of Michigan. But she started studying them as part of GRCC’s Honors program, working with professors Matt Douglas and Leigh Kleinert and assistant professors Lauren Elliott and Nicole Evans. “After graduation, I participated in UROP (Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program) over the summer with Dr. André Green II’s laboratory,” said Mitchell, GRCC’s Biology Student of the Year for 2019. “I continued monarch migration research into the fall 2022 academic year.” The Society of Developmental Biology is sponsoring her continued research this summer, and she’ll carry on with her investigations for the 2023 academic year as part of the UROP Scholars Year cohort. Mitchell credits GRCC – “the perfect stepping stone after high school” –  with sparking her passion for research. “I have always known college was the best route for me,” she said. “Because of familial responsibilities, financial opportunities and distance, Grand Rapids Community College was a great choice!” A major financial opportunity for her came in spring 2021, when she was one of two GRCC students who received a highly competitive undergraduate transfer scholarship from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is among the largest private awards in the nation for students transferring from a community college. Mitchell, who is majoring in molecular, cellular and developmental biology, has maintained her GRCC connections, mentoring students who want to transfer to U of M. “GRCC offered resources that aided in the college processes while preparing me for a four-year university,” she said. “Lessons learned will help me well into graduate school.”

June 8, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Tyler Thompson graduated with a marketing degree from Ferris State University in 2017. He continued as a manager at a local restaurant as he looked for work in the marketing field When the pandemic struck, Thompson paused to think about what he really wanted to do in the future. A friend who previously took a Grand Rapids Community College Workforce Training program and is successfully working in the technology field told him about the Job Training Computer Support Technician program. GRCC Workforce Training programs provide in-demand skills leading to rewarding careers. We are introducing students who are heading down an educational pathway and changing their lives by earning occupational certificates. Thompson connected with instructor Moss Ingram. He began the program in January and has already completed it. “One of the biggest factors to enrolling for me was the fact that it is completely online. It allowed me the time to do the school work and still balance my work schedule,” Thompson said. “I really liked the format – we started with an 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Zoom meeting and then the rest of the day I worked on the lab work.” Although the Computer Support Technician Job Training Program is offered in an entirely remote format, there is still a personal element to the program. Instructor Ingram stresses that entirely online should not deter anyone from taking the program. “We have structured the program in a way that provides flexibility but keeps the personal interaction necessary to be successful in the program and in the industry,” Ingram said. The Job Training Computer Support Technician program prepares students to achieve two certifications: the CompTIA A+ Certification and the Network+ Certification. Both of these IT certifications are globally recognized and represent in-demand skills sought by a wide array of employers. “The biggest difference between this program and my bachelor’s degree program is the hands-on skills I learned and the certifications I gained,” Thompson said. “In this program, you learn how to actually do real world work. By learning this way, you feel like you really know what you are doing. I gained skills I never thought I could. That gave me confidence so that I didn’t feel like an imposter. I have already received my A+ certification and plan on pursuing the Network+ certification as well.” Thompson credits his instructor for inspiring him. “Moss is amazing. He is the most inspiring and compassionate person I’ve ever worked with. I’ve never met anyone so genuine.” This program is designed to address Computer Support from four perspectives: technical, professionalism and employability, business innovation, and design. Students regularly meet local IT technicians, engineers, business owners, and recruiters via Zoom to learn from their experiences and current market expectations. One of the projects in the program is building a resume and getting comfortable in today’s style of job searching. While working his project, Thompson noticed a posting for an IT Customer Support Technician at GRCC. He applied. “I just figured I am doing this project anyway, I might as well apply. I was contacted by GRCC and went through the interview process. I start on Monday!” Looking forward, Thompson is excited to join the GRCC IT team. He is delighted to work a regular daytime schedule. He has even recruited his brother who is currently enrolled in the CST program.  “I was very hesitant to do this at first. It was a shot in the dark but I couldn’t be happier.” GRCC has an unmatched reputation among employers for supplying West Michigan with work-ready technicians. Our graduates specialize in providing empathy for the people they support while solving complex problems using troubleshooting and design thinking methodologies. Students are also taught to focus on human-centered solutions and technology-based innovations for both colleagues and customers. Next Computer Support Technician program begins August 8, 2022 with details at grcc.edu/jobtraining

June 7, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Mike Roche, who assisted generations of Grand Rapids Community College student-athletes as athletic trainer, is being honored by having athletic scholarships named in his honor. Roche has served GRCC students for 28 years. His departure, a year after receiving the National Athletic Trainer of the Year from the National Junior College Athletic Association, is one of several changes in the GRCC Athletic Department as the program wraps up the 2021-2022 year. Roche earned national honors for his focus on athletic training, pandemic wellness protocols and keeping GRCC student-athletes safe and physically prepared during a pandemic season both historically challenging and successful. In addition to supporting about 150 athletes each year in partnership with physicians and medical specialists, Roche’s duties included overseeing student trainer interns, NJCAA compliance requirements, equipment and uniforms for all of the college's teams. He also taught athletic training classes for GRCC. "GRCC's athletics programs wouldn't be as historic without the guidance and leadership of Mike Roche," women's basketball coach David Glazier said. Michael Roche A.T.C. Athletic Scholarships next year will be awarded to one GRCC student-athlete on each of the program’s eight teams. Students are selected by the Athletic Department. People can donate to the scholarships at grcc.edu/donate. The baseball program is losing two longtime coaches after a season that included a second-place conference finish and a third-place regional finish. The team also celebrated a 17-game win streak that was snapped in the late rounds of the NJCAA Region 12 tournament. Carl Pohlman is retiring from coaching after serving his last four years under head coach Mike Eddington, primarily working with the pitching staff. His plans to spend more time with his wife, children and grandchildren, travel more, and volunteer for various causes.   Pohlman’s career includes three years at Aquinas College as associate head coach and 17 years at Muskegon Community College, winning more than 500 games. "I am grateful to Coach Eddington for allowing me to work with the team for the past four years," Pohlman said. "He is a great coach and an even better man.  GRCC is well served for having him as their head coach!  He bleeds Raider blue! I will miss the players and the daily interaction with the team and the coaching staff and I will continue to support the Raiders anyway that I can." Mark Rasmussen is transitioning from assistant baseball coach to assistant golf coach during the 2022-23 school year. It will be the fourth sport he has coached at GRCC, previously working with men's and women's basketball teams. Rasmussen also coached baseball for seven years at Ottawa Hills High School, for nine years at Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School, for four years at Forest Hills Central High School and for five years at Aquinas College. "My time working with the coaching staff and all of the players has been unforgettable," Rasmussen said. "I'm truly going to miss watching the players grow and develop into better people and baseball players. Moving on, I am excited to be able to work with one of my best friends, John Forton and help the golf team compete for a national championship."