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.  

March 24, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Heather Klare knows she is teaching at her best when she sees someone smile because they understand a concept. Klare, like her fictional hero Wonder Woman, works from a place of honesty, care and hope. She is an assistant professor in GRCC’s the Radiologic Technology Department, where students prepare to become radiographers – a career that will always be in demand.  Klare has mentored graduates who go on to take American Registry of Radiologic Technologists exam. After passing, they find jobs in radiographic settings such as major and minor hospitals, medical centers, emergency walk-in clinics, and orthopedic offices. The field of radiologic technology also encompasses specialty areas like interventional radiography, computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound (sonography), radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine. Klare earned her Bachelor of Arts in History, with a Computer Applications minor, from Grand Valley State University. She worked in banking after graduation. But then, like so many adult students who attend GRCC, she decided to make a career change. Klare attended GRCC and earned an Associate of Applied Arts & Science, Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer. After graduation she worked at Metro Health and then Mercy Health St. Mary’s as an interventional radiology technologist. She then took the position of assistant professor at GRCC. “After working in the field for several years, it was time to give back to the community,” she said. Soon after she began her career as a professor, Klare also enrolled at Purdue University Global to earn her Master of Science, Instructional Design and Technology - Adult Emphasis. She graduated two years later and continues to have a big impact on the GRCC Radiologic Technology program. Despite having earned a master's degree, Klare never forgets that she is not done learning. “I’ve learned that you may be prepared, but daily practice is what is necessary to be successful,” she said. Klarecis proud to be making a difference with the faculty and staff in the Radiologic Technology program at GRCC. “Our students really know that we care,” she said. “That I, and the other instructors in the program, feel that the students' success in the program is our success.”

March 23, 2022 - ROCKFORD, Mich. -- The Grand Rapids Community College baseball team made it four wins in a row after nearly shutting out the Aquinas College junior varsity squad on Wednesday, 8-1 at the Meijer Sports Complex. A total of 18 GRCC players saw action, including five pitchers.  Dean Sommer got the start and pitched three shutout innings before Kellan Smith pitched three more scoreless frames. Colton Leatherman, Riley Hawkins and Austyn Adams pitched the final three innings of the nine-inning game. The Raiders outhit Aquinas 11-6, and were led by designated hitter Dylan Chargo, who went three-for-five with three RBI. Shortstop Caleb Engelsman had two hits including a triple in the opening inning, giving the team a 2-0 lead. The Raiders scored one more run in the third, two in the fourth and three more in the sixth.  The Saints scored their lone run in the bottom of the ninth, just before Adams picked off the runner at first to end the ball game. After losing their first 10 games to start the season, GRCC has now won four in a row to improve to 4-10. The team is scheduled to play next on March 25 at 2 p.m. against Mid Michigan College in a double-header at home at Belknap Park. 

March 23, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Ashley Van Bennekom has advice for young parents dreaming of a college degree. “Don’t be afraid to go get it -- anytime, anywhere or in any season of your life,” said Van Bennekom, a 32-year-old mother of three pursuing an interior design degree at Grand Rapids Community College thanks to a Michigan Reconnect scholarship. Tuition-free programs like Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners have been popular for West Michigan adult learners. During the Winter 2022 semester, 21% of GRCC students -- 2,385 out of 11,383 –– were enrolled in the state scholarship programs, which cover the cost of in-district tuition. Michigan Reconnect is the largest effort in state history to ensure that Michiganders who are 25 or older and don’t have a college degree have an opportunity to earn an associate degree or skills certificate with free or deeply discounted tuition. Since its launch in February 2021, nearly 93,000 state residents have been accepted into the program. To date, 54 Reconnecters have graduated from GRCC. Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners are among the tools the state is using to achieve Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s “60 by 30 goal,” which aims to prepare Michiganders for in-demand jobs and bigger paychecks by increasing the number of adults with a postsecondary degree or credential to 60% by 2030. Whitmer highlighted GRCC students in a Wednesday release. “Our goal is to build a better Michigan where every Michigander is equipped with the education and skills they need to get a good-paying job, and the Michigan Reconnect students at Grand Rapids Community College are on their way to high-demand, high-wage careers,” she said. According to recent employment projections, nearly 530,000 jobs in professional trades fields alone will be available in Michigan through 2028. It’s estimated that nearly half those jobs will require postsecondary education. A growing number of older, nontraditional adult learners are heading to college classrooms – many for the first time. GRCC reported a 14% enrollment increase in students ages 30 and older, like Van Bennekom, compared to pre-pandemic enrollment levels. “More Michiganders are earning, or within reach of earning, a college degree or skills certificate thanks to efforts like Michigan Reconnect,” said Susan Corbin, director of the state Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. “We are creating new paths for fulfilling careers for our workers and opportunities for our Michigan businesses to fill critical talent needs so they can continue to compete, grow and innovate.” Van Bennekom decided to start a furniture refurbishing business after she and her husband, Matt, began renovating a historic home in Fulton Heights. She dreamed of getting an interior design degree but was unsure how they’d afford tuition while raising three children, ages 2, 7 and 8. Reconnect, GRCC’s online courses and GRCC daycare for her 2-year-old son gave her the freedom to pursue that dream. “I was amazed when I got a 4.0 and was on the President’s List my first semester at GRCC while juggling it all,” she said. “I work incredibly hard to balance it all.” GRCC President Bill Pink said it’s the college’s mission to prepare people like Van Bennekom to attain their goals and contribute to the community. “This is achieved by providing students with the skills and education that can lead to good careers and enriched lives,” Pink said. “We look forward to continued collaboration with our regional and state partners to provide pathways to success for our region’s students, workers and businesses.” Van Bennekom said there are many nontraditional students like her pursuing their dreams at GRCC. “When you really put your mind to something and you really want it, you can make it happen at any age,” she said. Additional information about how the Michigan Reconnect program can help students start and restart their college education and change their life is at grcc.edu/reconnect, and by emailing reconnect@grcc.edu or calling (616) 234-3366. This story was reported by Beth McKenna.

March 23, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Raiders fans can help the Grand Rapids Community College Athletic Department clear some room in its storage room and show their team spirit by purchasing team apparel and other items at a “yard sale” on Monday. The sale is planned for noon to 3 p.m. on Monday, March 28 in the Gordon Hunsberger Arena in the Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse. The sale includes jerseys, backpacks, jackets, polo shirts and other items, and proceeds will be used to support the GRCC Athletic program. Most of the items are unused, but others have been worn in competition and practice by student-athletes of the past. “We’ve had the opportunity to purchase updated uniforms and other apparel in recent years,” Athletic Director Lauren Ferullo said. “We know there are many Raider fans who would really enjoy wearing these. Rather than keeping them in storage, we want to share them with GRCC students and fans.”

March 22, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College’s Exercise Science program   is one of 156 universities and colleges in the nation and five in Michigan honored by Exercise is Medicine for efforts to create a culture of wellness on campus. Exercise is Medicine is a collaboration between the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Medical Association. Launched in 2007, the effort encourages making physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in clinical care, connecting health care with evidence-based physical activity resources for people everywhere of all abilities. GRCC’s Exercise Science program earned the organization’s gold level designation, with representatives to be honored at the American College of Sports Medicine’s annual meeting in June. The program is one of 73 earning the gold designation, with 60 colleges earning silver and 23 earning bronze. “Exercise is Medicine on Campus is a program calling upon universities and colleges to engage in the promotion of physical activity as a vital sign of health,” GRCC professor Melanie Schiele-Gady said.  “Exercise is a prescription that aids in brain health, body health, and quality of life. We need to continue to educate our campus on the importance of exercise, how to properly exercise, and get everyone working toward the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans guidelines from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that is evidence-based guidance to help Americans maintain or improve their health through physical activity.” Exercise is Medicine’s On-Campus Committee calls upon universities and colleges to promote physical activity as a vital sign of health and encourages faculty, staff and students to work together to improve the health and well-being of the campus community. The organization launched its recognition program in 2014 to honor campuses for their efforts to create a culture of wellness. “We are thrilled to recognize these campuses’ commitment to make movement a part of daily campus culture and give students the tools to cultivate physical activity habits that will benefit them throughout their lives,” Exercise is Medicine Vice President Robyn Stuhr said. “These campus programs are nurturing future leaders who will advance a key tenet of Exercise is Medicine: making physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in health care.” Schools earn gold, silver or bronze status based on their activities. Gold level campuses have created a referral system where campus health care providers assess student physical activity and refer students as necessary to a certified fitness professional as part of medical treatment. Silver campuses engage students, faculty and staff in education initiatives and make movement part of the daily campus culture while bronze level campuses promote and generate awareness of the health benefits of physical activity. Michigan State University, Grand Valley State University, and Central Michigan University also earned gold recognition, and Michigan Tech University earned silver recognition.  

  March 21, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College trustees approved a 0.9% tuition increase for the 2022-2023 academic year, part of an effort to keep education accessible and affordable for students of all ages as West Michigan continues to emerge from the pandemic. Board Chairperson David Koetje said the increase, approved unanimously today, reflects the college’s focus on keeping a GRCC education within reach at a time when many people in the community are experiencing financial challenges. “Our college is the place our community turns to during challenging times,” Koetje said. “As West Michigan recovers from this pandemic, we know students are starting – and in increasing numbers, restarting – an education that will help them gain new skills and degrees that will help them move forward. This tuition rate is financially responsible for the college and also reflects our commitment to keeping that education accessible.” The tuition change comes at a time when students also have several options to attend with education costs covered by state, local, and federal programs. One in five students attending during the Winter 2022 semester has tuition covered by grant or scholarship program.  Michigan Reconnect is available for residents ages 25 and older who have not yet earned a degree and Grand Rapids Promise Zone scholarships are for students graduating from a Grand Rapids high school. Students also may qualify for a federal Pell Grant, or for scholarships through the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation. “Our world has changed, but our mission has not,” GRCC President Bill Pink said. “A college education will change lives. Affordable tuition is one aspect of accessibility. We have scheduling options, class formats, and nearby locations that allow students to work around home and job responsibilities. We have support for them once they are here so they can finish what they started.”  Pink said GRCC leaders have worked to keep tuition increases as small as possible to keep education affordable, especially during the pandemic. He said it was vitally important to provide students continued relief as the region recovers. The 0.9% increase follows a tuition freeze last year, a 1.7% increase in 2020, and 0.8% increases the two prior years. The new in-district tuition rate will be $118 per contact hour, up $1 from 2021-2022, and the total cost for a fulltime student will be $3,999 for the year. The out-of-district rate will be $249 per contact hour, up $2, and the out-of-state rate is $374 per contact hour, up $3. Universal fees will be unchanged.  The college has other approaches to keep a college education within reach. GRCC has partnerships throughout West Michigan with local school districts and intermediate school districts for Early/Middle College and dual and concurrent enrollment programs. The GRCC Foundation also works with partners to help with expenses. This year, the foundation plans to award more than $1.4 million in scholarships. GRCC also is continuing a parking fee structure that allows students to pay once a day, making it easier for them to get to classes and services at the college’s two downtown campuses. Students can use their RaiderCard to swipe into a lot and pay $3.50, then have unlimited access to parking lots on the Main Campus and DeVos Campus for the remainder of the day. Previously, students were charged $3.50 each time they exited a lot. The move is intended to save students money at a time when many face financial challenges and prevent parking costs from being a factor in their decision to take a class or access programs. Photo by Steve Jessmore.

March 21, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College students can reserve spots in classes for the upcoming summer, fall, and winter semesters starting on Open Registration Day, Monday, March 21. “Open Registration Day is the best chance for students to ensure they get the best selection of courses and plan ahead through next year,” said Kristi Welling, GRCC’s associate director of Enrollment Services. “GRCC is proud to offer courses in a variety of times and formats, aimed at helping students schedule around home and work responsibilities. This registration period allows people to do long-term planning, and have the peace of mind knowing they have a seat in the classes they want, in the formats they want.” Starting today, classes will be open for enrollment for the Summer 2022 semester, the Fall 2022 semester, and the Winter 2023 semester. The summer semester is an opportunity for many students to keep on track to graduate, taking one or two courses and building momentum. Summer also is popular with students attending four-year colleges and universities. They can attend as a guest student, taking easily transferable classes at GRCC’s affordable tuition. The long-term planning is helpful for students using tuition-free programs, such as the Grand Rapids Promise, Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners. GRCC admissions and enrollment specialists are available to assist with registration questions. Students can contact the Student Services team by phone at (616) 234-3300; email at admissions@grcc.edu; or in-person on the first floor of Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall, 143 Bostwick Ave. NE. GRCC specialists also can help with questions about financial aid, and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as FAFSA. Students can connect with financial aid specialists by phone at (616) 234-4030; email at financialaid@grcc.edu; or virtually or in-person by appointment on the first floor at Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall. Photo by Steve Jessmore.  

March 21, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Darrin Mayweather has a favorite among his many memories of his time as a GRCC student. “My favorite GRCC memory is graduation,” he said. “Both my great-grandmothers and my son were able to see me walk across the stage.” 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. After graduating from GRCC’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education with an associate degree and a personal chef certification, Mayweather earned a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from Ferris State University. He has taken his culinary skills to kitchens in casual and fine dining establishments and health care facilities. In 2019, he and fellow GRCC alumnus Chris Sampson founded Social Arts LLC, a full-service catering and private chef business. “GRCC’s culinary program gave me the discipline and tools I needed to be successful and to find my niche in the culinary world,” Mayweather said. “GRCC gave me the structure and knowledge necessary to successfully start and run a business. In addition, the diverse population was an accurate depiction of what I’m around in my day-to-day life – which I love.” Mayweather returned to GRCC in January, as an adjunct instructor in the culinary program where he prepares his students to experience the thrill he felt walking across the graduation stage. “GRCC is a staple in the community that truly supports diversity and higher education while supplying all the tools necessary to successfully complete one of the many programs offered,” he said. Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply .