Oct. 15, 2022, MUSKEGON, Mich. – Kaylee Scott set a Grand Rapids Community College record and all 15 GRCC cross country runners set personal records at the Muskegon Community College Invitational on Saturday, helping their teams to top-five finishes. Scott led the No. 6-ranked women's team to a fifth-place finish, behind top-ranked Lansing and three four-year colleges. Her time of 19:12.7 was eight seconds better than Stephanie Thomas' record time, making Scott the fastest Raider runner since GRCC started cross country again in 2014. Audrey Meyering and Rose Meyer also broke 20 minutes, with times of 19:29 and 19:34, finishing in the top 20. Meyer set her personal record by 58 seconds, but freshman Samantha Sixberry posted the largest gain, running a 21 flat, bettering her personal record by nearly a minute and a half. "The women have been working very hard at practices and I'm thrilled that their hard work can result in the great race results today," head women's coach Sharon Becker said. "I am very happy for them and proud of this team.  It is fantastic that Kaylee now has earned the title of ‘fastest female Raider’ and I'm also thrilled for Rose, who ran under 20 minutes for the first time. Samantha also really shined today and proved she can help our team- running in the top-five for our team for the first time is amazing." Men’s team coach Rob Hyde also was pleased with his team’s performance. “When you have all your runners set a PR, things are going in the right direction,” he said. “We were closer to Lansing than we have been all season.  And, actually, being one runner short (Craig Fuller), it really gave our four and five runners a goal to fill that gap. We have two weeks until regionals and our training cycle is still focused on building.  All-in -ll a great spot to be, excited for the championship season to start." GRCC's men's team, ranked No. 10 in the latest U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association poll, finished in fourth place, only behind Grand Valley State University's A and B team and No. 1 ranked Lansing Community College. Freshman Mason Kolhoff paced the Raiders with a 25:24 finishing in 18th place while All-American Clark Coleman finished four spots behind him with a time of 25:48. Three other GRCC runners bested their personal records by more than a minute: Dan Kehoe, by 1:12 with a time of 26:20; Andrew Periard, by 1:09 with a time of 26:28; and Derek Hopkins, by 1:07 with a time of 27:41. Both teams will have two weeks off to prepare for the Region XII Championships that will take place Oct. 29 in Grand Rapids at the Gainey Athletic Complex.   

Oct. 13, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Working with students with diverse talents and backgrounds is what brings GRCC Dental Faculty member Christine Dobberstein to work every day. “Students each bring something unique to the classroom and I am constantly learning from them,” Dobberstein said. And her program gives back, making sure students are qualified for in demand jobs when they graduate. “GRCC dental faculty have a strong alliance with their professional organizations and proven teaching and learning skills,” Dobberstein said.  Faculty are also highly skilled. Dobberstein holds an A.A.A.S in Dental Hygiene, a bachelor’s degree in Allied Health and Public Health Education and a master’s degree in education She switched to teaching full time after working in dental hygiene, and later in public health and adjunct teaching positions. “Once I began teaching full time I found it to be a new and invigorating challenge, as it utilized my clinical skills as well as my love of literature reviews and scientific research,” Dobberstein said. “Early in my career I wish someone would have encouraged me to investigate all the options in the dental field. There is so much more out there to utilize our talents besides working for a dentist in private practices.” Dobberstein empowers students with the information she knows they need to make smart career choices in her classes: DHY 122 Nutrition and Oral Disease Prevention; DHY 129 Clinical Dental Hygiene I; DHY 249 Clinical Dental Hygiene II; DHY 244 Community Dental Health I; DHY 254 Community Dental Health II; DHY 138 Dental Hygiene Patient Care and Management I; DHY 241 Dental Hygiene Patient Care and Management II; and DXX 128 Dental Radiography. Learn how you can get the credits necessary for eligibility for Registered Dental Hygiene licensure, Registered Dental Assisting licensure, and transferability for a bachelor's degree in Dental Hygiene by emailing dental@grcc.edu . GRCC’s on-campus dental hygiene clinic is open to the public Monday through Thursday. To schedule an appointment call(616) 234-4237.  

Oct. 13, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Audrey Torres shined in Grand Rapids Community College's 3-0 win against Kalamazoo Valley Community College on Thursday, compiling a match-high 15 kills and helping the team to its 18th straight win. GRCC hasn’t lost since dropping to first two matches of the season, and has two matches before postseason play begins. Torres hit .414 with just three errors in 29 attempts. It was the third-best hitting percentage of her sophomore campaign and the fifth time she has had at least 15 kills. She also had a team-high three service aces and eight digs. GRCC struggled most of the first set, trailing by as many as seven points. But the team rallied back to tie late in set and hang on for a 27-25 win. The final sets were not so close, with GRCC winning 25-14 in each.   Kara Hecht tallied nine kills and seven digs and Eliza Thelen and Karissa Ferry each added eight kills. Audrey Gower had a team-high 13 digs. "I thought we responded very well after set one," Gower said. "Set one was a little shaky, but we found ways to overcome what had happened. We thought of set two as a brand new set and went on from there." Thursday’s match was played at Calvin University, as the Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse was pressed into service for a college fair that attracted thousands of people and 75 colleges. GRCC, ranked No. 17 in the nation, is in first place in the Michigan Community College Athletic Association’s new Northern Conference, and already has clinched a share of the Northern Conference title. The team next faces Muskegon Community College at home in the final conference game of the season on Oct. 18 at 6:30 p.m. Muskegon is in second place with a 20-6 record, and 6-1 in the conference, with the lone conference loss coming on Sept. 29 against GRCC. With a victory, GRCC would be the outright conference champ and earn a berth in the Michigan Community College Athletic Association tournament in two weeks.  

Oct. 13, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College is being saluted for its efforts to support historically underrepresented groups, named a finalist for a Grand Rapids Chamber EPIC Award in the DEI Champion category The 12 Annual EPIC Awards Gala is planned for Oct. 19, and recognizes outstanding organizations across West Michigan, celebrating those that foster growth, demonstrate innovation, and champion alongside others as mentors and collaborators. According to the chamber’s blog, finalists were nominated by their peers and the recipients of the EPIC Awards are determined through a rigorous process and selected by community trustees for their contributions. GRCC is one of three finalists in the DEI Champion – Organization of the Year category. “The DEI Champion Organization of the Year designation is awarded to an organization that is working to embed inclusive diversity, equity and inclusion strategies for historically underrepresented groups within their organization and the wider community. Underrepresented groups include individuals from various races and ethnic backgrounds, New Americans, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and veterans,” according to the chamber. Other finalists are Allied Mechanical Services, Inc., full-service mechanical contracting firm that looks to change lives through employment; and Peckham, Inc. a nonprofit vocational rehabilitation organization that provides paid job training opportunities for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. The chamber noted GRCC’s commitment to providing skills to help residents change their lives through a quality, accessible education. “Grand Rapids Community College transforms lives. That’s the shortest answer, but it is also the most accurate. GRCC is Michigan’s oldest community college, serving West Michigan for more than 100 years, focused on helping everyone — everyone – have access to a quality education, whether they are seeking credits for degrees, looking to transfer to a four-year university, or find job-focused certificates and training leading to rewarding careers. We meet people where they are and help them get to where they want to be. That’s always been our mission, and we embrace it proudly.” Other categories include family-owned business of the year, woman-owned enterprise of the year, minority-owned business of the year, creative business of the year, non-profit of the year, excellence in business, with separate categories for small, medium and large businesses.

Oct. 12, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The Grand Rapids Community College volleyball team is on pace to finish as one of the program’s best blocking teams ever, largely because of sophomore Alena Visnovsky. Visnovsky, a third-year player from Sparta, ranks first in the 20-team Michigan Community College Athletic Association and fourth in the nation, averaging 1.45 blocks per set. “Blocking is a big focus, really for our whole team,” Visnovsky said. “A primary part of my game is being aware that blocking is my job. If l don’t get to my spot, and help establish our defense, then my teammates have a harder time doing their jobs. There’s no feeling like getting a block-kill and your teammates getting super excited.” Visnovsky, on pace for well over a 100 blocks this year, currently has 93 after a five-block performance Tuesday, helping the team to its 17th straight win and clinching a share of the conference title – the 12th program history. “I'm so proud of the work Alena has put in the last 3 years at GRCC,” coach Chip Will said. “She has grown so much on and off the court to become one of the nation’s best blockers. Her willingness to learn each day and develop all areas of her game has made her a great role model for our team.” So far this season, the 6-foot-tall middle blocker has played and started in all 19 matches. She has had five or more blocks in 12 games with a career best nine at Owens Community College. She also has 49 kills and averages 1.62 points per set. GRCC also leads the MCCAA in blocks per set, averaging 2.23. Visnovsky last year was one of three GRCC student-athletes named to the National Junior College Athletic Association’s All-Academic First Team for their perfect 4.0 grade point averages. She's also active on the GRCC student newspaper, The Collegiate.  

Oct. 12, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Matthew Collins paid his bills as an online poker player, and knew he needed something more secure. “Now that I’m 25, I don’t want to get any older and have no degree, or certificate, and no job history. I was looking for something that was quick with not too much time investment. I did an online search, I found the GRCC Job Training program. It is only 18 weeks, affordable, with access to a lot of financial aid and grants; it seemed like a good opportunity." Collins originally wanted to enter the electrical program, but discovered there is a year-long waitlist. “I talked with Michael Wemmer, one of the career coaches, and I landed in the Machine Tool/CNC program. Prior to this, I didn’t even know what that is!” A machinist or CNC technician shapes metal and various materials to precise dimensions for parts by using machine tools. MT/CNC technicians plan and set up the sequence of machine operations in accordance with blueprints, layouts or other instructions to write both manual and computer-generated machine programs. One of the hurdles to attracting students to the Machine Tool/CNC program is that most people are not aware of what it entails.  “I’ve had to explain it a lot since I started this program. I just tell people - it is using manual or automated machines to cut metal, or other materials, to create tools or parts that we use in everyday life,” Collins said. “Once I learned what it is, I see everything differently.” Collins qualified for Michigan Reconnect – the state program that covers the cost of in-district tuition for people age 25 and older -- as well as federal Pell Grants. He also received funding from the One Workforce Grant, which assists students in any of GRCC’s manufacturing programs. “Everyone was really helpful! I started the whole enrollment process only two weeks before the start date. Michael Wemmer has been great and also Juan Cisneros. I think they had to jump through some hoops to get me in so quickly. I really appreciate their help.” The GRCC Job Training CNC Machine Tool program meets 18 weeks for 34 hours per week. The program offers small class sizes, hands-on learning and job placement assistance. The Machine Tool/CNC program has recently been updated to better meet the industry needs. “I’ve always had flexible schedule types of job so this is different, more structured,” Collins said. “The instructor, Jonathan Wyckoff, has been super. It’s a very comfortable environment. The lab is great. He really focuses on the hands-on skills. The day goes really fast because we are always working on parts and you have to really pay attention to what you are doing.” Skills taught in the program include blueprint reading, basic shop math, read measurement tools and how to communicate effectively with others using today's Machine Tool/CNC terminology. “I’m really enjoying learning about the metals, all the different tools and coding the machines. I’m finding it all really interesting.” Collins isn’t sure what he’s going to do after he completes the program in December. He’s considering continuing his education. The next section of Job Training programs begins Nov. 7.

Oct. 11, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The Grand Rapids Community College volleyball clinched at least a share of the conference title after a three-set sweep of Delta College on Tuesday, extending the team's win streak to 17 matches. The golf team also was in action, finishing ninth of 11 teams at the Taylor University Invitational. The volleyball team, ranked No. 17 in the latest National Junior College Athletic Association D2 poll, defeated the Pioneers, 25-10, 25-11, 25-15, improving its record to 17-2 overall and 9-0 in conference play. "We're happy to clinch a share of the title, but we're not done yet," assistant coach Amanda Glaza said. "We still have Muskegon at home next week and if we're going to beat that team for the outright title, we are going to have to play a lot better than we did tonight." GRCC hit just .177 for the match, its fourth lowest in 19 matches this season, but still managed 39 kills. Sophomores Audrey Torres and Eliza Thelen combined for 23 kills and Kara Hecht finished with five. Shannon Russell led the team with four aces and Alena Visnovksy – who is fourth in the nation in blocks per set with 1.44 blocks per set -- had a game-high five blocks. GRCC has now won 12 conference championships, and 11 during head coach Chip Will's tenure. GRCC's next match will be at Calvin University on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. against former Western Conference foe Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The golf team was the lone two-year institution in the field of 11 teams at the Egypt Valley Golf Course in Ada. After a rough start in round one, shooting 341, GRCC finished shooting 316 in round two and 334 in the final round. Taylor University earned a seven-stroke victory over Northwestern Ohio. Four players finished in the top 50, including Mason Anderson who was tied for seventh at 16 over par.  Drew Harrington was tied for 35th, shooting 33 over par; Jayson Bultman was 44th with a score of 37 over par; and Conner Oman was tied for 47 th , shooting 41over par.  

Oct. 11, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Thousands of future college students and their families are invited to Grand Rapids Community College on Thursday to connect with representatives from more than 75 colleges and universities at West Michigan’s largest college and transfer fair. High school students planning for what comes next after graduation, and adult students interested in the professional trades or entering an in-demand career, can bring their friends and family to the morning or evening college fair. Both events are free and open to the community. Representatives from colleges and universities from Michigan and beyond will be available at the events, which are sanctioned by the Michigan Association for College Admission Counseling and the Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. The college fairs are planned for 9-11 a.m. and 6-7:30 p.m. in GRCC’s Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse, 111 Lyon St NE in Grand Rapids. “GRCC is proud to host the college and transfer fair, helping students of all ages connect with specialists from GRCC and beyond and explore the many options for their post-secondary education,” said Lori Cook, GRCC’s associate dean of Access and First-Year Experience. In the afternoon, current GRCC students can attend the transfer fair to learn about the opportunities available to them when they earn a GRCC certificate or degree and then transfer to the four-year college or university of their choice. The transfer fair is also in the Ford Fieldhouse, and runs from 1-3 p.m. Parking is available in GRCC’s Ramp A and Ramp B. A list of colleges and universities planning to attend the event is here.

Oct. 10, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – College leaders from Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Utah have been selected as finalists to the next president at Grand Rapids Community College. The college has scheduled opportunities for members of the community to meet each of the finalists, and the public is invited to sit in on interviews with the board of trustees. “I’m impressed by the quality of the candidates, all with careers supporting students and their communities,” board of trustees Chairperson David J. Koetje said. “We are looking forward to getting to know them better, hearing their vision for leading GRCC into the future.” GRCC is replacing Bill Pink, who became president of Ferris State University in July. President Emeritus Juan R. Olivarez has been serving as interim president during the search. Trustees hope to have a new president in place by Jan. 1, 2023. Each of the finalists has experience at community or technical colleges, and one worked for a year at GRCC. Stuart Blacklaw is the provost and executive vice president at the Community College of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh, and once was a GRCC administrator. Blacklaw has been in his role in Alleghany County since 2015, and previously served as provost and vice president for Instruction and Student Development at Yavapai College in Prescott, Ariz.; as vice president for Instruction at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Mich.; and as the dean of Curriculum and Program Development at Monroe Community College in Rochester, N.Y. Blacklaw also served as an assistant dean in the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences at GRCC during the 2001-2002 academic year, and was associate dean for Curriculum and Instruction for Jefferson Community College in Watertown, N.Y. Blacklaw taught Communication and Media Studies on the faculty of Olivet College for 12 years before moving into administration. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Olivet College, a master’s degree from the University of Michigan and a doctorate from Capella University. Tim Casper is the vice president for Student Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness at Madison Area Technical College in Madison, Wis. He is leading a college-wide effort to improve student course success by providing faculty with specific student engagement best practices in the classroom. Casper has been with Madison Area Technical College since 2011. Prior to Madison College, He was the deputy secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. He was a senior adviser to Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle. Casper has also held positions at the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, the Wisconsin Legislature, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He earned a bachelor’s from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, a master’s degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a doctorate from Edgewood College. Charles Lepper is the vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Salt Lake Community College in Salt Lake City, Utah. He’s been in the role since 2015, and provides strategic leadership and day-to-day operations for student affairs and enrollment management functions at all 10 of the college’s campuses. Lepper previously was the vice president for Student Affairs at Tidewater Community College in Norfolk, Va.; and a series of leadership roles at Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana in Indianapolis between 2004 and 2013. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Ball State University, a master’s degree from Grand Valley State University, a doctorate from Indiana State University. Blacklaw is scheduled to be on campus on Oct. 18, with Lepper on Oct. 19 and Casper on Oct. 24. Each candidate is scheduled for time to attend a community forum at 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and then be interviewed in public by the board of trustees between 3:45 and 5: 15 p.m. All sessions are planned for the auditorium of the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center.