April 11, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Ben Gerlofs was a man without a plan. “It’s no exaggeration to say that GRCC offered me a life-changing opportunity,” he said. “As an underperforming high school student without a plan for college, I bounced around for a couple of years, through several part-time and full-time jobs before deciding to apply to GRCC.Despite my poor grades and lack of preparation, GRCC accepted me.” 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. GRCC offered Gerlofs what he needed: flexibility. “The flexibility of my AA degree plan allowed me to explore a wide variety of classes, which was extremely important to me as I had no idea what to do with my life at that point and no clear interests or ambitions. “I took courses in yoga, American history, composition, poetry, math and economics, among a few other subjects, and eventually found my way to geography, which – much to my surprise – became a lifelong pursuit.” GRCC’s Geography program included training in the use of scientific equipment, development of skills in map reading and interpretation, field trips, and valuable mentoring. Gerlofs also found help with his post-GRCC plans: “The attention and training I was given at GRCC prepared me to apply for scholarships and other support to continue my education, which allowed me to complete my BA degree at a highly reduced cost and to complete my MA and Ph.D degrees at no financial cost to me.” After earning his associate degree in 2010, he completed a bachelor’s degree at Aquinas College, a master’s degree from Syracuse University and a doctorate from Rutgers University. Gerlofs has worked as a lecturer, postdoctoral researcher and visiting professor at Queens College, Princeton University and Dartmouth College. He’s researched gentrification, urban politics, political revolution and urban change in Chicago, Mexico City, Hong Kong and Singapore. His first book is scheduled for publication next year. He’s now a geography professor at the University of Hong Kong, specializing on urban geography in his teaching and research. Gerlofs traces his purpose and success to his GRCC start. “GRCC is the place that gave me a chance I hadn’t earned, convinced me that I had potential I hadn’t explored, and gave me the tools to build a future I couldn’t have imagined.” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at  grcc.edu/apply .

April 10, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Caleb Engelsman starred on the mound and at the plate, delivering a big win over Muskegon Community College in the first game of a doubleheader on Sunday. Engelsman also had two hits in five at-bats in the second game, but GRCC split the twin bill. A big sixth inning by Muskegon to give the visitors a 9-6 win. GRCC is now 13-15 on the season. In the first game, GRCC was up 2-0 until Muskegon scored three runs in the top of the sixth on a triple by Grayson Makranyi. Down 4-2 in the bottom of the seventh, GRCC’s Zacarias Salinas led off with a walk. After two fly outs, Dominic Palamara and Jacob Gumieny singled to load the bases. Engelsman worked the count to 3-2, and then cleared the bases with a triple to left field, giving GRCC a 5-4 walk-off win. Engelsman pitched a complete game to earn the win, allowing six hits and four runs while striking out seven and walking none. GRCC had six hits, with Palamara and Ryan Dykstra posting two each. The second game was tied 5-5 in the top of the sixth inning, when Muskegon scored four runs. A GRCC rally in the bottom on the inning pushed another run across the plate, but the team was unable to come back. Jeremy Marble took the loss, allowing three runs on one hit in one-third of an inning. Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2022. All rights reserved.

April 9, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Ryan Dykstra powered the Grand Rapids Community College baseball team to a doubleheader sweep over Muskegon Community College on Saturday. Dykstra had four hits -- including a home run -- in the nightcap, and doubled home the go-ahead run in the opener. GRCC is now 12-14 on the season, after a 1-10 start against tough competition on a southern road trip. GRCC snatched the lead late in the game in the opening 7-4 victory. The game was tied at four with when Dykstra doubled on a 3-2 count. Jerad Berkenpas earned the win, allowing four hits and four runs while striking out nine and walking none in six innings. Eliott Traver threw one inning in relief out of the bullpen to earn the save. GRCC had eight hits, with Andres Rivera-Calderon, Xander Reisbig, and Jacob Gumieny each with multiple hits.   In the second game, Dykstra homered in the first – a two-run blast -- singled in the fourth, and singled in the sixth. GRCC pulled away for good with four runs in the fourth inning. Gumieny doubled on a 0-2 count, scoring two runs, and Dykstra’s single on a 1-0 count scored one run. Dean Sommer earned the win, surrendering two runs on three hits over four innings, striking out six. Blake Waibel, Traver, and Caden VanDeBurg pitched in relief, with Traver recording the last three outs to earn the save.   Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2022. All rights reserved.

April 8, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Come to Grand Rapids Community College and learn from the best. Svetoslav Pavlov, Ph.D. is teaching future network and systems engineers, database specialists, IT managers, software developers and more in the Computer Information Systems Department at GRCC. CIS students at GRCC can explore a wide range of majors and tracks, and are in high demand in today’s global workforce. But Pavlov knows the strength of the program also lies in its supportive and dedicated faculty - a group he is proud to be a part of. Pavlov’s professional and academic career gives him the broad range of insight and experience that enriches the learning experience of his students. And the diversity of the student body energizes him to stay responsive to all students. Whether they are online, in person or hybrid, he is connecting with students where they are physically and academically. Pavlov believes teaching through the pandemic made instructors more flexible and available. “It makes it easier to reply to the students’ email messages promptly because I do not have to wait until I am done teaching a different class in the classroom,” he said. Despite his accomplishments, Pavlov wishes he had begun teaching at GRCC earlier in his career. His passion for both technology and art have stuck with him. For inspiration at work and in life, Pavlov looks to several people. “My favorite IT professional is Linus Torvalds because of his enormous contribution to the open-source movement,” he said. “My favorite artist is Vincent van Gogh because of the unique radiance in his paintings, and my favorite actor is Tom Hanks because of the immensely diverse range of his work and career.” Pavlov holds a Bachelor of Arts in Russian Language and Literature from Latvijas Universitate, a Master of Business Administration in Accounting from Davenport University, a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems from Grand Valley State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Russian Language & Literature from Michigan State University. You will find Pavlov  teaching Introduction to Computer Information Systems, Java Programming I, Microcomputer Operating Systems, Microsoft Access Database I, Database Design and Development, Introduction to Networks, Principles of Info Security, Java Programming II, Computer Servicing I / A+ Hardware, and Computer Servicing II / A+ Software.

April 7, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College baseball team built up a 10-run lead against Lake Michigan College, then almost watched it slip away. The team then walked off a win in the nightcap to sweep in a Thursday doubleheader. GRCC jumped in front in the first inning of the first game, with Caleb Engelsman tripling on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring one run, and the team finishing with eight runs on the board. The team tacked on three more runs in the third inning. GRCC tallied 12 hits, with Ryan Dykstra going three for three, and Andres Rivera-Calderon, Engelsman, and Jacob Gumieny all managed multiple hits. Lake Michigan scored a run in the second and two in the fourth, then rallied for five runs in the top of the seventh, falling just shy. In the second game, Andres Rivera-Calderon’s dramatic single on a 0-2 count drove home a winning run in the bottom of the seventh to give GRCC the 7-6 win. Lake Michigan scored four runs in the first inning, but GRCC came back to add four runs in the fourth inning, with Engelsman, Rivera-Calderon, and Max Varon all driving in runs. Traver earned the win, allowing two hits and one run over two-thirds of an inning, striking out one and walking none. Brad Dunn started the game for GRCC, throwing six and a third innings, allowing five runs on seven hits, striking out five and walking none. Engelsman went 2-for-3 at the plate, including a fourth-inning home run to lead the GRCC offense. The sweep brings the GRCC record to 10 wins and 14 losses. The team is back in action on Friday, with a doubleheader against Muskegon Community College.

April 7, 2022 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – A student in Grand Rapids Community College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program received one of two scholarships offered annually by a state organization. Angela Shaffer, who is in the final year of the two-year program, is being honored by the Michigan Occupational Therapy Association. “We are so proud of Angela,” said Robin Pegg, assistant professor in the OTA program. “She is an active member of our Student Occupational Therapy Association, leading study groups and volunteering in many community projects.” Shaffer, who is also a member of GRCC’s chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa international honor society, has made sensory take-home kits for elementary students, assisted with a “make-and-take” activity and presentation for the United Methodist Community House’ Child Development Center. She also has collected tents, sleeping bags and blankets for the homeless, and helped design a yoga practice for MOKA, a nonprofit that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. GRCC’s OTA program is certified by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education of the American Occupational Therapy Association. GRCC boasts a 100% passage rate for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy test for 14 of the past 15 years.

April 7, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.— The next generation of scientists might be inspired by building motorized LEGO creations and watching robots in action this Saturday through a Grand Rapids Community College partnership with Western Michigan University-Grand Rapids and Autocam Medical. An AMP Lab Family Open House event is planned for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 9 in the AMP Lab @ WMU, located at 200 Ionia Ave SW in Grand Rapids. The free event encourages children ages 5-12 to explore the world of STEM and advanced manufacturing through hands-on activities related to this rapidly growing field. “There are exciting careers in advanced manufacturing and the STEM fields,” said Julie Parks, interim dean of Grand Rapids Community College’s School of Workforce Development. “GRCC is proud to work with WMU and other partners to inspire West Michigan families by showing how the state-of-the-art technology used in the AMP Lab classrooms is used to create things that are changing our world.” GRCC will join Western engineering faculty, JR Automation, Bricks4Kidz, West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology and Autocam Medical to present an array of fun-filled activities, including robotic demonstrations, 3D printers in action, motorized LEGO building, manufacturing lab tours and much more! “Autocam Medical is proud to work with our education partners to model the intersection of education and industry to help empower children and their families to explore the possibilities STEM-related fields have to offer during this event,” said John Kennedy IV, general manager of Autocam Medical. “The AMP Lab was designed to foster collaborative learning between industry leaders, educators, and students and provides a unique opportunity to create pathways to careers in manufacturing and engineering.” Occupying the first two floors of Western’s Grand Rapids regional location, the AMP Lab @ WMU is a state-of-the-art Advanced Manufacturing Partnership Laboratory where future engineers, designers and other skilled individuals can cultivate their abilities. “Western Michigan University is placing manufacturing and design at the forefront of solving key challenges for industry by combining prototyping, professional workshops, training, K-12 outreach, small-scale manufacturing and advanced education opportunities in one space in the AMP Lab,” said Joanne Roehm, director of WMU-Grand Rapids. The AMP Lab @ WMU in Grand Rapids is a makerspace in its truest form, providing a space to bring ideas to life. Aiming to foster a multi-talented workforce to help reinvigorate the advanced manufacturing industries, the lab features high-tech equipment such as 3D printers, lasers and scanners to offer hands-on instruction and training, including computer numerical control programming, computer-aided design, and computer-aided manufacturing.

April 6, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich . – Dr. Matheta Muraa-Righa has a passion. “I have a passion for learning, and I want the best for my students and the whole community,” said Muraa-Righa, an assistant business professor at Grand Rapids Community College. That passion is what prompted Muraa-Righa to research and create a new Supply Chain Operations Management certificate curriculum in 2019 at the college. She designed the program in collaboration with leading employers in West Michigan to address the growing demand for people with entry-level management skills in supply chain operations, including production, inventory, transportation, warehouse operations and logistics. Students who earn this 30-week certificate can often start in the workforce as production, planning and expediting clerks. They also may apply the credits they earn toward an associate degree in business or other programs, or pursue bachelor’s degrees in supply chain management or logistics. Muraa-Righa began researching the potential scope of the program in 2017, consulting several universities and local companies including Meijer, Spartan Nash and GE. Since its debut, more and more students are flocking to it – including an online cohort of two dozen Meijer employees under Muraa-Righa’s coordination. Interest in the program is due, in part, to COVID-19 and the way it upended supply chains around the globe. Even now, hardly a day goes by without supply chain concerns in the news. “Three years ago, the average person didn’t really know about supply chains. But once their Christmas presents got stuck on a ship in the ocean, people started realizing the way so many products come from the other side of the world every day,” Muraa-Righa said. But the certificate’s popularity is also because Muraa-Righa believes in its importance – and conveys that to GRCC students. Kara Nearanz was one of the first students at GRCC to earn her Supply Chain Operations Management certificate. “This certificate gave me the skills and confidence to succeed at any position I choose,” said Nearanz, a research assistant at Spectrum Health Office of Research and Education. Anyone  interested in the Supply Chain Operations Management Certificate program should contact GRCC's Business Department at  business@grcc.edu  or (616) 234-4220 or professor Matheta Muraa-Righa at  mrigha@grcc.edu This story was reported by Beth McKenna.     

April 5, 2022 - GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College baseball team exploded for 29 hits and 22 runs in a sweep over Cornerstone University's junior varsity squad on Tuesday. Down 2-0 in game one, GRCC's Xander Reisbig lined a two-run triple in the fourth inning and then scored the go-ahead run one play later. GRCC tacked on five more runs over the next four innings and won 8-4.  Reisbig had three of the team's 11 hits. Blake Waibel picked up his first win of the season in three innings of relief pitching. In the nightcap, the Raiders erupted for 12 runs in the first three innings and never looked back, winning 14-6. Eight of the nine GRCC starters collected at least one hit, with Dylan Chargo leading the way with a four-for-five performance.  Max Varon hit his third home run of the season and Reisbig added three more hits.  Reisbig finished the day with six hits in nine at-bats with four RBI and five runs scored. Aiden Stam, one of five GRCC pitchers who saw action in the second game, earned the win. The sweep brings GRCC's season record to 8-14. The team will resume its series with Lake Michigan College at home on April 7.   

April 5, 2022 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – A Grand Rapids Community College assistant professor is using 14 years of his artwork to illustrate the apocalypse in the newest exhibit at the Paul Collins Art Gallery. “Tradigital,” with the works of Matthew Schenk, runs through the end of April at the gallery, located on Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall’s fourth floor at 143 Bostwick Ave. NE. The gallery is open 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; admission is free. Schenk, who has taught in GRCC’s Visual Arts Department since 2019, said the exhibit looks at various “art is dead” declarations, which he notes first started in 1839, and media pronouncements that this is the end of days and the world is in ruins. “These particular pieces are a selection of my work over the last 14 years,” he said. “They start out as observation of the human form and beauty, and devolve into confronting the viewer with our insecurities with views of the apocalypse bogeyman and its visual symbols – guns, technology, gas masks and grit.” Before joining GRCC, Schenk taught illustration and medical illustration at Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art and Design for 11 years. From 1997 to 2005, he was a coordinator and production supervisor at Columbia Tristar Children’s Entertainment, now Sony Television Animation, where he worked on “Jackie Chan Adventures,” “Men in Black: The Animated Series” and “Jumanji.” He received a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Michigan State University and a master’s in figurative painting from Academy of Art University. Schenk teaches Two-Dimensional Design, Color, Digital Foundations, and Digital Painting.