March 30, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Up until very recently, Andre Broussard II was working as a truck driver -- seeing the country and making good money. But like many GRCC Job Training students, his authentic path and passion has a way of showing up and making it known.  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. Broussard’s passion for computers started many years ago, when his family got their first HP desktop computer at home. He was fascinated. “They used to have this bin of free AOL disks at Walmart so that you could try the internet. I think I grabbed one every time we when there. That is what originally peaked my interest in computers.” As a teen, Broussard started tinkering with computer hardware and eventually built his own computer at the age of 10. “Once I did that, I realized that it wasn’t hard for me and that is when I felt like maybe this was my calling. “In 2006, I graduated from Cassopolis High School. That summer, I took Computer Technology 101 at GRCC. Then, I became a dad and had to set aside my goals. Later, in 2008, I had gotten into working on cars. I took the Automotive Technician program through GRCC’s Job Training. That experience helped me see that it was not the right path for me but it did expose me to GRCC’s Job Training programs.” It took some time for Broussard to find his way back to his true calling. “Fast forward to this past year, my son, who is 10 ironically, is really into video/computer gaming. So, I built him a gaming system for Christmas and then built one for myself. Both my son and fiancé said ‘Why don’t you try to do this for a career?’ “Right at that time, the Governor offered Michigan Reconnect and everything just fell into place. I was like, ‘This is my opportunity to go for the one thing that I always wanted to do.’ I took a chance on myself and enrolled in the Computer Support Technician Job Training program.” When Broussard looked into returning to school, he looked into GRCC’s credit programs and then remembered the Job training programs. “I figured it would be best for me and my family to do the 18-week Job Training program because that would get me into the workforce quickly.” 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. 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. Committing to the program was not easy. Broussard is taking the Computer Support Technician Job Training Program entirely online, which for him means balancing between being a dad and a student while trying to participate in class over Zoom. But his commitment and hard work is truly paying off! Andre was recently awarded the first ever MTEC Leadership Award. This award recognizes a student who has gone above and beyond expectation and Broussard has certainly done that! Here’s an excerpt from his nomination: “Andre is intensely active in acquiring new knowledge, skills, and abilities. However, there is something so much more about Andre - and it is that he expresses great joy while he is learning, and he is eager to fold others into his joy and positivity.” And there’s more! “With all the learning and support from my instructor, Moss Ingram, I felt confident enough to pursue a position with Magic Steel, even though the position required 3 years of work experience.” Andre secured an interview and now has been hired as an intern until he finishes his Job Training program. Broussard is on his way and excited about his future. “It’s been awesome to see how my accomplishments have impacted my son and family. My mom is proud of me for reaching my goals. I was taught growing up to strive for more and never settle for less. I’m 33 years old now and I didn’t lose sight of my goals. That is how I will continue. Now that I have reached this goal, I will set new ones to achieve. I’m not stopping now.” 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 May 2, 2022. Grcc.edu/jobtraining Contact the Workforce Training team for additional information through email at workforcetraining@grcc.edu and by phone at (616) 234-3800.      

March 29, 2022 - GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College baseball team opened up the double-header against Mid Michigan College with a 7-2 victory, but dropped the nightcap in extra innings, 4-3. All nine GRCC starters had at least one hit in the opening game, with Zacarias Salinas leading the way, going 2-for-4 with an RBI. Mid Michigan scored the first run of the game in the third, but GRCC scored seven in a row before the Lakers scored their last run in the final frame. Drew Murphy gave up one run in three innings of work on the mound, but Caden Van Deburg would get the win in relief, pitching the final 2.2 innings. In the second game, Mid Michigan College scored two runs on three hits in the first inning. GRCC cut the deficit in half in the second inning, scoring on a wild pitch and two innings later tied the game up on an RBI single by Salinas. With two outs in the top of the seventh inning, Mid Michigan broke the tie with an RBI single by Jacob Stempky, who went 3-for-4 with 2 RBI in the game. Down to their final out, GRCC lead-off hitter Jacob Gumieny singled through the left side to score Brady Owen to tie the game at three. The game would go to extra innings and Mid Michigan would score the go-ahead run on an error and prevail 4-3. The Lakers won the series three games to one to improve to 12-4.  The Raiders dropped to 5-13. GRCC is scheduled to take on Lake Michigan College, April 1, in Benton Harbor, and April 2 in Grand Rapids.

A SCHOOL NEWS NETWORK FEATURE — With a toothbrush and teeth model, Grand Rapids Community College student Chyna Schut showed patient Mary Tucker how to properly brush her teeth and gums. “Brushing the gums, as well as the teeth, helps stimulate blood flow and prevent gum disease,” said Schut, who is a second-year student in the Dental Hygiene Program. Tucker expressed her gratitude for the cleaning and said the opportunity to receive free dental care from GRCC students was “amazing.” Like the 20 other patients served at Senior Dental Day, Tucker is a Kent County resident, at least 60 years old, who hasn’t seen a dentist in the past year. Using support from the Area Agency on Aging of West Michigan, students in GRCC’s Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene programs worked alongside area dentists to provide free cleanings, X-rays, exams and referrals for seniors at GRCC’s Dental Clinic. The agency also assisted eligible patients with registration paperwork and transportation assistance for their appointment. “We moved through the day like a well-oiled machine,” Schut said. “It was nice having people from the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan here with us today.” As she prepares to graduate this spring, Schut said Senior Dental Day gave her “senior-focused clinical experience.” “We’re really lucky to be able to do this,” she said. Community Experience GRCC Dental Assistant and Dental Hygiene program professor Christine Dobberstein was “glad to resurrect this event” after not hosting it in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “This event introduces students to a volunteer opportunity and public health collaboration. They benefit by getting outside their comfort zones with a variety of patient experiences,” she said. In her community dental health course, Dobberstein offers students volunteer opportunities with underrepresented populations. Students do not receive any payment or course credit for their services, only practice hours towards the completion of their program. “Seniors have different dental needs and this program provides experience for management of patients, like if patients need a pillow in their chair or have dentures,” she said. “It’s really cool to see them interacting with students.” Outside of friends, family and classmates, Dobberstein said Dental Assistant students have not had the chance to work on real patients at this point in their training. For those who had previously worked hours in the clinic, treating senior patients “may be a new experience for some students.” While observing her students, Colette Smiley, GRCC Dental Program instructor and dental director for Health Network of West Michigan, explained barriers seniors experience when seeking dental care, such as lack of transportation. “We know seniors don’t have enough dental access,” Smiley said. “They receive little to no coverage when they apply to Medicare and our seniors reach a point where they don’t have the access they need.”  With dental tools in her mouth, Tucker gave a thumbs up in agreement with Smiley’s statement. Smiley, who recognizes how well her name fits her profession, also chairs the Kent County Oral Health Coalition, a “convener of organizations and agencies to serve members of the West Michigan community.” “After patients receive their cleaning, the coalition can refer them to next step services for dental care,” she said. These services include future cleanings, preliminary dental hygiene exams, X-rays, fluoride treatments and more. Outside of Senior Dental Day, GRCC’s Dental Clinic offers services throughout the year, including a review of medical and dental history, blood pressure screening, cleanings, preliminary dental hygiene exams, X-rays, fluoride treatments and dental health instruction. This story was reported and photographed by Alexis Stark of the School News Network.

March 28, 2022 - GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College baseball team dropped two close decisions to open up MCCAA conference play against Mid Michigan College on Monday; 6-4 in game one and 2-1 in the nightcap. GRCC battled back from a 5-0 deficit in the series opener, including a stretch of three home runs in the fifth and the sixth innings, to narrow the score to 5-4. Trailing 6-4, GRCC had chances to score in the top of the final inning, but left two men stranded. Max Varon, Ryan Dykstra and Dylan Chargo's home runs contributed to three of the Raiders five total hits.  Mid Michigan had 12 hits. Caleb Engelsman took the loss, giving up five unearned runs while striking out three. GRCC's starter Jerad Berkenpas pitched superbly in the second game, allowing just one hit through six innings. With his team up 1-0, Berkenpas got the first Mid Michigan batter of the bottom of the seventh to foul out. But he yielded to the bullpen after allowing a walk and hitting a batter. Reliever Eliott Traver retired the first batter he faced, but Mid Michigan's next two batters singled to score two and celebrate a walk-off victory. Dykstra hit his third home run of the season. Engelsman and Camden Keatley had the other two Raider hits. The sweep leaves GRCC’s record at 4-12. The teams will be back in action March 29 and 2 p.m. at Belknap Park to finish the season series.  

March 28, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Adam Jacobs brings what he’s learned at various nonprofits and in pursuit of his bachelor’s degree in sociology to his position with the Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia. He also relies on his experiences as an English tutor while in GRCC’s Honors Program. 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. “Working as a tutor helped me grow as both a person and as a writer because I met people from many different backgrounds and abilities,” said Jacobs, who graduated from GRCC in 2012. “I learned to meet people where they were at with their assignments and skill levels in order to best help them succeed. Seeing a writing assignment through the eyes of other students helped me learn how to interact with many different types of people and write to a broader audience. “Those experiences helped me grow as a teacher, communicator, writer and advocate – which are all incredibly important skills for someone working in the nonprofit industry.” Jacobs began working with nonprofit organizations while a student at the University of Michigan, where he majored in sociology and minored in community action and social change. He joined the Inter-Cooperative Council, a student-led housing cooperative, and served on its board of directors. After earning his bachelor’s degree, he helped start a housing cooperative in Detroit. He joined the Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia in 2016 and became project coordinator of its housing unit in 2020. “As project coordinator, I help manage Legal Aid’s housing related projects, including our eviction defense grant and the Housing Right to Counsel project,” Jacobs said. “My job is to facilitate coordination and collaboration among partner organizations and pro bono participants in an effort to increase tenants’ access to counsel, prevent unnecessary evictions, and preserve affordable housing.” Jacobs credits GRCC’s Honors Program and two of its professors, Joan Gearns and Laurie Foster, with launching him on his career pathway. “They pushed and supported me both academically and personally,” he said. “Through their guidance, I was able to transfer to the University of Michigan and succeed in my life beyond school. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. Starting at GRCC was especially important to Jacobs because he had a three-year gap between graduating from high school and starting college. “My time at GRCC allowed me to explore my interests in a smaller classroom environment without a heavy financial burden, and by the time I got to Michigan, I was prepared to hit the ground running at a larger academic institution,” he said. Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply .

  March 27, 2022, SHEPHERDSVILLE, Ky. – Matthew Denhartigh shot a 73 in the final round of the Heritage Hill Collegiate, leading the Grand Rapids Community College golf team to an eighth-place finish on Sunday. Sixty-seven golfers from 13 teams competed in the two-day tournament on the cold and windy par-72 course. After shooting a 342 in the first round on Saturday, GRCC, the only two-year college in the field, improved by 27 strokes to finish with a total score of 657. Lawrence Technological University, the host school, won with a 5-over par, 607-stroke performance. Denhartigh improved his day one score by 11 strokes to finish with a 157 and tied for 16th place overall. Lawrence Tech's Liam McEvoy won the tournament with a score of 147 strokes. Arie Jackman nearly cracked the top-20 with a score of 161 strokes, 17-over par. Conner Oman, +24, Sam Foss, +28, and Brad VandenHout, +37, rounded out the GRCC golfers.  "Remember, these are all four year college teams and some of them are highly ranked in the nation," Coach John Forton said. "The Raiders were led by Matt Denhartigh, he carded a brillant 73 on the second day. The weather was cold both days and the wind blew over 30 MPH the first day. I'm extremely pleased by the scores on the second day, it's heading in the right direction as we approach the MCCAA Conference season." 

March 27, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The West Michigan Construction Institute, a construction education center focused on developing the workforce of skilled construction professionals, celebrated its opening with a ribbon cutting with students, Grand Rapids Community College and other partners. WMCI, located at 801 Century Ave. SW, will launch officially during the fall. The institute had a soft launch this semester, with about 75 students and five classes. Enrollment and programs including carpentry, concrete and many others will launch during the fall semester. “Partnering with WMCI is a game-changer for us, because it allows us to expand our rapidly growing electrical apprenticeship program and teach additional courses in an environment dedicated to the craft,” GRCC President Bill Pink said. “GRCC has long been a proponent of the skilled trades, and we’re so thankful for this partnership to grow our offerings and increase the number of skilled tradespeople entering the West Michigan market to embark on rewarding careers in construction.” WMCI is hosting part of the GRCC electrical apprenticeship program. It also offers daytime high school programming coordinated with and through area districts including Grand Rapids Public Schools, Northview and Jenison, as well as a partnership with the Literacy Center of West Michigan, offering a Construction Core program for non-native English speakers. WMCI will host summer camps beginning in June for sixth through eighth graders to explore the construction trades and learn beginning basic skills such as hand and power tool use. “We know WMCI’s new facility will make an impact on the demand for construction jobs in our region, which is needed as Michigan’s labor market remains in a state of flux,” WMCI President Jen Schottke said. “The interest in upcoming courses has been extraordinary – high school and adult students are excited and eager to use their hands and their minds for their career, and put the future into their own hands, literally.” WMCI fills a shared need across the industry for more skilled construction professionals, as well as serving as a hub for talent recruitment, development and placement for the West Michigan commercial construction industry. According to a recent model developed by Associated Builders and Contractors, the construction industry will need to attract nearly 650,000 additional workers nationwide on top of the normal pace of hiring in 2022 to meet the demand. “The demand for trained employees in Metro Grand Rapids and across Michigan is greater than we’ve ever seen. Simply put, we can’t find enough people, and it will only get more difficult with many of our employees approaching retirement age,” said Brian Potter, president of Architectural Metals Incorporated and chairman of the WMCI board of directors. “WMCI will educate hundreds of young, ambitious, expertly trained trade workers every year, which is going to make a huge difference in the market. WMCI’s state-of-the-art facility shows our region’s commitment to trade employment as a viable and noble career option and gives aspiring tradespeople a local facility for hands-on-learning during or after high school.”  Fall 2022 enrollment will open in late spring and WMCI students can select programs including Carpentry - Interior Finishes), and Concrete, as well as pursue certifications or professional development in additional specialties such as becoming a Building Industry Consulting Services International Certified Technician or Copper Installer.  Length of programs range from one-week certification trainings to multi-year craft training programs. Additionally, WMCI is proud to host part of the GRCC electrical apprenticeship program. The West Michigan construction industry is projected to grow almost 16% over the next ten years, while at the same time, nearly 48% of today’s construction workforce are expected to retire within the next 15 years.  

March 25, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The Grand Rapids Community College Communications team’s efforts to share the stories of students overcoming obstacles and the people who support them earned the highest honor in community college marketing and communications on Friday. The 2019-2020 GRCC Foundation Annual Report earned the Paragon Awards “Best in Show” honor, in addition to first place in the Annual Report category from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations, a community college communications and marketing organization representing schools in the United States and Canada. The college also earned first place in the Television/Video Ad category for its “You Think You Know GRCC?” ad during the awards, presented at the organization’s annual conference in Denver. The 2019-2020 Annual Report focused on the stories of the people the foundation has helped and the lives it has transformed – shared by the people themselves, often telling their stories in their own words. The edition includes inspiring stories about students and alumni including trailblazing Super Bowl Chef Dayanny De La Cruz, and Amanda Constant, who used the support from a Spectrum Health Care Professionals Education Scholarship to rise above a series of setbacks and complete her Medical Assistant program. It also highlights alumni and philanthropists Dave and Karen Custer, and 41 years of giving from former college employees Jerry and Jan Benham. The Annual Report was created by GRCC’s College Advancement team, which includes members of the GRCC Foundation and the Communications team. Judges praised the report’s stories, photos, design, and graphics. “The intention was to put the emphasis on people, and they definitely delivered on that,” judges said. “Well put together and visually enticing. Love it.” It’s the second year in a row a GRCC Foundation Annual Report earned recognition. The 2018-2019 report earned a Gold Medallion from NCMPR’s District 3. The “You Think You Know GRCC?” ad also earned a first-place Paragon Award, honored in the Television/Video Ad category. The video battles misperceptions about community colleges in general and GRCC specifically. The 30-second spot features GRCC President Bill Pink and real GRCC students, telling of the college’s impact on students and the greater community. The spot was a collaboration between the GRCC Media Technologies team and the Communications team, and captured the energy of the president and students, posing the question, "Did you know?" and telling about GRCC’s impact and programs.   “Having the president in it, telling people to ‘Come talk to me,’ is a great touch,” judges said. “This ad made me feel like the college has a lot to offer.” Watch the video here. The Paragons are NCMPR’s national awards. GRCC in October earned seven regional awards from NCMPR’s District 3, which includes community, technical and junior colleges in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin and the Canadian province of Ontario. The district awards included Gold Medallions, with GRCC honored for telling the story of first lady Jill Biden’s visit to a campus pop-up vaccination clinic, and a series of cards from President Pink encouraging students and saluting them for overcoming challenges brought by the pandemic.  

March 25, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Athletic programs across the nation shut down during the pandemic, but Grand Rapids Community College student-athletes were able to continue, following strict protocols that emphasized keeping students safe. GRCC Associate Dean David Selmon served as interim athletic director during that period, and is being honored by the Michigan Community College Athletic Association for his leadership. Selmon was presented this week with an MCCAA Appreciation Award, bestowed only three times in the conference’s history. “While Dave was the acting athletic director at GRCC, the entire world was battling the pandemic and the world of athletics was trying to find a safe way forward to reengage,” said Al Perry, MCCAA’s executive Administrator. Perry said many colleges opted to postpone their athletic seasons, while others decided to cancel their activities entirely.  “Instead, Dave decided to roll up his sleeves, lean in and create a safe path forward for GRCC student-athletes to participate in athletics without pause,” he said. “Dave's leadership inside and outside of GRCC was extremely beneficial to our association.” Perry said some athletic conferences in the National Junior College Athletic Association scaled back during the pandemic. “In our region, we had several athletic programs that shut down completely, several of which have yet to begin again; and, honestly, might never begin again. But MCCAA has grown.  “This is directly related to leadership like Dave's during the toughest of times,” he said. “We are grateful to Selmon's time, energy and effort during his time as GRCC interim athletic director and for this we awarded him the MCCAA Appreciation Award." All GRCC teams competed during the pandemic, some with limited or delayed seasons. Selmon set in place extensive safety protocols, limited out-of-state travel and partnered with Ferris State University to provide weekly COVID tests for students, athletes and staff members. During this time period, the men’s and women’s cross country teams finished in the top 10 in the nation with Joshua Kipkoech and Audrey Meyering named NJCAA All-Americans, and the volleyball and women’s basketball teams went to the NJCAA National Tournament, with basketball player Shonyah Hawkins gaining All-American honors.  “Dave has put students first his entire career,” said Tina Hoxie, GRCC’s associate provost and dean of Student Affairs. “He made it very clear that student safety and their academic success were the top priorities and he made difficult decisions. He worked hard to make sure student-athletes could accomplish their educational goals, continue to compete, and compete safely.” Selmon native came to Grand Rapids in 1984 to play basketball at what was then Grand Rapids Junior College. The Mansfield, Ohio native later became GRCC’s basketball coach, compiling a 416-136 record over 20 years – a .751 winning percentage. He was named a conference coach of the year seven times. He was national Junior College Coach of the Year in 1995, when the Raiders reached the NJCAA Division II National Championship game, losing by one point. As a GRCC administrator, he works with the region’s high schools to help students become aware of opportunities offered by GRCC, then directs programs to help them be successful once they are here. “I’m very honored to be recognized by the MCCAA, but I share the credit with the GRCC colleagues who were focused on keeping our students safe, and the athletes who recognized the seriousness of the situation and followed the protocols we set in place. The pandemic disrupted us, but it didn’t defeat us.” Athletic Director Matt Miller of Mid Michigan College also was saluted for his efforts.