May 11, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- When Sophia Lonnee graduated from Grand Haven High School in 2021, she had a plan. She was enrolled at two different universities and was due to begin that fall. “About halfway through summer, I decided not to go,” she said. “Part of me was just overwhelmed. I was a decent student but I really hated high school and I didn’t know what I wanted to do so I decided to work a lot and think about it. I started asking myself, what could I do, that I enjoy, that could make me some decent money? I have always enjoyed working on my own car so I started looking into training programs.” Lonnee found the GRCC Automotive Tech Job Training Program and feels like she made the right move. “I like the hands-on experience and all the of tools! I love having access to all the tools and the shop to do the work. It’s been fun to work on my car, and my family’s cars. I’ve done a lot of brakes and saved them a lot of money. I like that a lot!” To become an automotive technician, people are required to be certified and licensed in the state of Michigan. Licensed technicians use precision diagnostic equipment, service manuals and hands-on power tools to diagnose and repair customer vehicles. GRCC Job Training programs offer many scholarships, grants and financial aid. “I am getting my program completely paid for, so really all it’s costing me is my time,” she said. The Automotive Technician program is scheduled like a job. Class meets Monday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lonnee also works in the evening as well. “It’s kind of exhausting but it’s 100% worth it. Just to have this experience. It does take commitment but once you get all these certifications you have them forever.” The Automotive Technician program is taught by instructor Gayl Beals, who has more than 25 years’ experience in the industry. Beals holds an Education Specialist degree, holds MOPAR level one certification and is accredited by Snap-on Tools. “Mr. B is a very smart guy,” Lonnee said. “I like how he pushes us to figure things out on our own.  He’s a really good instructor. This doesn’t seem like school at all.”  Students learn braking systems, suspension, electrical, heating and cooling, and computer operations. GRCC holds a partnership with both Ford and Chrysler Fiat to provide additional certifications giving students the opportunity to acquire value credentials leading to more than 37 certifications. When Lonnee finishes the program in July, she knows that she will have many opportunities. “Even if I don’t stay in automotive forever, I will always have these skills. With the connections that Mr. B has plus the demand, I’m sure I’ll land somewhere.” The next section of Job Training programs begins, Aug. 8, 2022. For more information: grcc.edu/jobtraining or (616) 234-3800 .

May 10, 2022, ST. CLAIR, Mich. – Arie Jackman bested all competitors and Sam Foss sank his first collegiate hole-in-one to drive the Grand Rapids Community College golf team to the national championship tournament for the fifth season in a row. GRCC finished in second place at the MCCAA/Region XII Championship on Tuesday, and is now headed to the NJCAA DII National Championships in Joplin, Mo. starting on May 17. “The Raiders once again proved that hard work pays off,” coach John Forton said. “The team is on its way to its fifth straight appearance in the NJCAA National Championship. I can’t be more proud of the team’s effort this year.” Jackman led the field of 40 golfers after shooting a plus-two over the first two rounds on Monday and finished eight strokes over par, seven shots better than the runner-up from Oakland Community College. GRCC saved its best round for last, shooting a 316 on Tuesday, which moved the team up from third place on day one to second place overall, five strokes ahead of Muskegon Community College. Oakland won both championships, finishing 13 strokes better than the GRCC. Matthew Denhartigh finished in fourth place overall and shot a 234 while teammate Conner Oman came in at 10th overall with a score of 243. Foss, a freshman who had his first collegiate hole-in-one on Monday, finished in 20th place, shooting a 260. Brad VandenHout was 25th with a score of 269. GRCC totaled 18 birdies in the tournament, led by Jackman with seven. Denhartigh had five, Oman three, Foss two and VandenHout had one.  

May 10, 2022 GRAND RAPID, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College is partnering with DeWys Manufacturing to create the company’s first accredited on-the-job training program. The partnership helps DeWys Manufacturing team members continue or even start their education journey while receiving the financial and health benefits of being employed. “Partnerships create opportunities to build skills and change lives,” said Julie Parks, interim dean of the GRCC School of Workforce Development. “The DeWys training starts a pathway to GRCC, where employees can continue their education, grow their skills in advanced manufacturing while earning a credential that can take them to the next level." DeWys University was developed in 2012 to sustain business through on the job training, creating the talent required to keep up with the company’s growth. The program is now an accredited manufacturing trade school. During the 12-week course, team members will learn both theory and practice while receiving three to six credits towards their degree at GRCC. The DeWys University welding program is the first accredited course offered, and the goal is to have all training programs added in the future including press brake, powder coating, machining, cutting, and assembly. DeWys offers 100% tuition reimbursement as one of the many benefits to their employees, so this collaboration between school and employer offers the companies team members financial freedom from tuition payments with possible student loans and debt. “Some could view this as a transition program that will allow mom and dad to recognize going from high school to work as a viable option because their child can get the best of both worlds; earn credits with Grand Rapids Community College while getting their hands-on experience,” said Dr. Laura Preuss, DeWys’ workforce development manager. DeWys is committed to the success and safety of all stakeholders. With DeWys University now being an accredited training program, the company will continue to offer continuous improvement opportunities for all team members while staying optimistic for future growth of the DeWys team.

May 9, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – As an alumnus of GRCC’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education, Jon Liddell is an expert in preparing food for people. His career, however, is built on also being able to cook in front of people. 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. Liddell headed for a restaurant job on the island of St. Thomas after graduating from GRCC in 2004. He then built a catering business that went on to operate three restaurants.  “We did it all – yachts, airplanes, cruise ships, regattas, breakfast, lunch and dinner!” he said. After meeting the woman who would become his wife on the island, Liddell relocated to her native Chicago, becoming the sous chef for Sub-Zero and Wolf Appliances. The appliance industry became his new focus and after three years, he became executive chef for Monogram Appliances. “I have spent the last eight years entertaining, creating, training and building my culinary skills in some of the most beautiful kitchens imaginable,” Liddell said.  He credits GRCC with giving him the confidence to pursue opportunities in a competitive industry. “The depth of education, hands-on training and connections I made could not be replaced,” he said. If Liddell needs a reminder of his GRCC days, he has a tangible one close at hand. “One of my favorite memories from GRCC was learning how to bake bread and pastries,” he said. “Baking and pastries still require the utmost of unbroken concentration for me – it does not come naturally! “On the first day, our instructor asked us to write down what culinary arts means to us. My word was ‘determination.’ She had this printed for each of us on a metal keychain at the end of the class. I still have it today, and every time I bake bread, I think about that moment and the fact that even more than ever, determination is the necessary component in my business.” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply .

May 7, 2022 - DONALDSON, Ind. - The Grand Rapids Community College baseball team used two come-from-behind-victories to finish a four-game series sweep against Ancilla College on Saturday, winning 14 in a row. The team won the first game 9-3, and the nightcap 4-3 to finish alone in second place in the MCCAA Western Conference. A two-out, two-run single by Ancilla in the bottom of the second inning put Ancilla on the board first in game one. GRCC wasted no time to tie the game up, sending eight batters to the plate in the next inning plating two runs of their own on back-to-back base on balls. Zacarias Salinas broke the tie with a two-run double in the fifth inning and the team never looked back. A four-run seventh inning for GRCC kept starter Caleb Engelsman on the mound and he finished off his second straight complete game with his sixth strikeout. Seven different Raiders had at least one hit, with cleanup hitter Dylan Chargo going two-for-three with an RBI. Just as the first game, Ancilla got on board first with a two-out, two-run single. GRCC responded to tie it up in the next inning after a double by Max Varon and a Peyton Young single. Down 3-2, Ancilla used a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the fifth to tie the game up again. Engelsman drove home the go-ahead run in the sixth and GRCC hung on despite Ancilla stranding a man on third after putting the first two batters on. Eliott Traver earned his ninth save by getting the final six outs of the ball game. GRCC totaled 12 hits including two each from five different players. GRCC has won 14 games in a row since a 3-3 tie against Calvin University on April 19 at LMCU Ballpark. The team finished second in the conference and will prepare for the regional tournament on Thursday, May 12.  

May 6, 2022 - GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Grand Rapids Community College baseball team is postseason bound after shutting out Ancilla College on Friday, 10-0 and 2-0. GRCC ace Jerad Berkenpas, now 7-2 on the season, had seven strikeouts - including five in a row - helping the team to a five-inning run-rule win in game one of the four-game series.  After going without a hit in the first inning, the GRCC bats came alive in the second frame with five of the team’s seven hits, while scoring eight runs. Dylan Chargo hit his fourth home run of the season, a grand slam, and one batter later Xander Reisbig crushed his third home run of the year. Max Varon ended the game with a one-out, walk-off single to score Zacarias Salanas in the bottom of the fifth. MCCAA Western Conference pitcher of the week, Drew Murphy, pitched another gem in game two, striking out eight Chargers, and allowing just four hits over six innings of work. Eliot Traver picked up his eighth save of the season, striking out all three batters he faced in the seventh. Ryan Dykstra drove in the only two runs for GRCC, after a double in the first and a homerun in the third. Dykstra, who plans to play for Oakland University next season, now has a team-best seven home runs. GRCC, which started the season 1-10, has won 12 games in a row since a 3-3 tie against Calvin University on April 19 at LMCU Ballpark. The team will finish its series with Ancilla and the regular season with a double header in Donaldson, Ind. on Saturday. The team will finish either second or third in the conference and will await its seed for regional tournament, which begins Thursday, May 12.  

May 4, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Students in grades six through nine can explore careers through hands-on activities and tour through a series of summer camps offered by the Grand Rapids Community College Workforce Training team. Students can learn about careers in public works, construction, manufacturing, wood working and using drone technology in three-day sessions, some starting as early as June 21. “These camps are a perfect opportunity for students to explore careers, gain hands-on experience, and meet people who are experts in their fields,” said John Van Elst, interim executive director of Workforce Training. “They also are seeing some of the real-world applications for math, science and other subjects they are learning.” Public Works Camp runs July 26 to July 28, and Aug. 9 to 11, is open to students in grade six through nine and costs $25. Other sessions are for students in grades seven through nine. Construction camp runs June 21 to 23, and costs $99. Woodworking camp is scheduled for June 28 to 30, and costs $99. Manufacturing camp is planned for July 12 to 14, and July 19 to 21, and costs $99. Drone technology camp runs June 21 to 23 in Grand Rapids and July 19 to 21 at the GRCC Lakeshore Campus, and costs $75. The Public Works camp includes following water from the Lakeshore to a freshwater plant and a wastewater plant "Behind every drop of water you use, there is a huge team of professionals dedicated to ensuring your water is safe and reliable,” said Hillary Caron, a chemist for Lake Michigan Filtration Plant. “The Public Works camp will be an exclusive, behind-the-scenes experience showing each step of the water and wastewater treatment processes and the available careers in an extremely rewarding industry!" All camps have a limited capacity, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Details are available at grcc.edu/camps.

May 5, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College adjunct psychology faculty member Thi Tran wishes he had known more about navigating funding, student services and academic options at University of Michigan when he was an undergrad.  One of the most impactful things he learned after starting college was that working while he attended college was an option, and that it adds to the college experience. “I am a first-generation student,” Thi said. “I did not receive any guidance from anyone and did not know how to seek out resources. I was also a student that was in the middle, not high achieving but not low achieving and oftentimes those students are forgotten.” Thi shares these life lessons, while also emphasizing mental health awareness, with the students he teaches in PY 201 General Psychology. Teaching at GRCC was a personal goal for him because it’s the college that serves the community where he grew up. “I have always wanted to be a part of GRCC,” Thi said “GRCC serves a large demographic of students in the West Michigan area.” He also shared that he values the diversity of the GRCC student body, and that the strength of the psychology department curriculum is that it emphasizes the scientific method.  Thi also teaches as a part-time faculty member at Lake Michigan College and as an adjunct faculty member at Kellogg Community College. His other work outside of GRCC includes doing research in integrative behavioral health, sports psychology, and behavioral therapies. He also has experience in student affairs through his graduate assistantships, and in providing therapy at clinics, university settings and for Veterans Affairs. Thi holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Michigan. He attended Western Michigan University to earn an M.A. in Counseling Psychology and in Clinical Psychology, and he continues to study at WMU to complete a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. A career in psychology was an easy choice for Thi. “I have been interested in psychology since high school,” he said. “I enjoyed learning about the mind, how it intersects with a variety of other subjects such as medicine, anthropology, sociology and sports.”  Thi finds inspiration for his work in a few of his passions, such as sports and education.  “Steve Nash the retired basketball player, now coach, is my hero because he has always been about the culture,” said Thi. “He was team oriented and about doing things for others. A person I admire is my current advisor, Scott Gaynor at WMU. He is always present, lives through his values, and truly acts as he speaks.”

May 4, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Drew Murphy was named MCCAA Western Conference Pitcher of the Week after his performance against Kalamazoo Valley Community College on April 29. The 6-foot, 4-inch righty from Sturgis tossed a two-hitter in six innings of work, helping his team to a 4-1 victory in game two of the series against conference foe KVCC. Murphy allowed no earned runs while striking out a season best 10 and walking just two batters. For the season, Murphy has started six games, pitching 29.1 innings, while striking out 33 batters.  His 2.86 ERA and three wins rank third on the team. The Raiders are currently on a 10-game winning streak with one more series against Ancilla College before a potential postseason berth. Currently they are all alone in third place in the MCCAA-West with a game lead over fourth place.  The top three teams qualify for postseason.   

May 4, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- It was the kick in the butt Seth Noyes needed. It was 2017 when Noyes tore open a letter from Grand Rapids Community College saying his grades were so bad the college had placed him on academic suspension. “Honestly, I hadn’t really taken college seriously up to that point. But I decided then that I wasn’t going to give up,” said Noyes, now 24. “I took that letter and I hung it above my light switch so I would see it every single day before I left my room. I told myself over and over again that I’d wear that letter on my cap if I ever graduate.” And that’s just what he did. On April 29, Noyes walked across the stage at GRCC’s Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse and proudly accepted his diploma for a Management and Supervision Associate Degree. Pasted to the top of his blue mortarboard was a copy of that suspension letter. “That letter really triggered a change within me,” said the Rockford native. “I contacted the academic advisors at GRCC and they pointed me down a path … but it was the change within me that really helped me travel down that path.” Noyes first enrolled at GRCC in 2015 after graduating from Rockford High School. “But I didn’t have my head in the game back then. It was bad,” he said. After his suspension, Noyes re-enrolled at GRCC in 2018, got help from the college’s academic advisors, and studied hard to raise his GPA. He worked full time at several jobs and paid every penny of his tuition out of his own pocket. Noyes retook several classes he’d failed earlier. Even though he already earned an associate degree, he still has a few more classes to retake to boost his GPA high enough to enroll at Grand Valley State University. But he’s hopeful. “I’d tell other people not to let bad stuff define you. It’s about how you respond to those challenges that shows the kind of person you are.” This story was reported by Beth McKenna.