March 1, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College is changing its campus face covering mandate, transitioning to a new phase of COVID-19 protocols allowing masks to be an option for students, employees and community members, a move in line with other employers and educators across the region. “We are not declaring victory over COVID -- not yet,” GRCC President Bill Pink said. “But we are in a better place, and we are entering a different phase and adapting, as we have done since March 2020. We will continue to work with the authorities and monitor the data and conditions.” Face covering dispensers will remain stocked and available on campus. “There are many people who will choose to continue wearing face coverings, and it is important for us to respect their decisions and the reasons behind them,” Pink said. “We have been resilient. We’ve shown each other grace and patience throughout this pandemic, and will continue to do so.” The number of COVID-19 cases in Kent and Ottawa counties continues to fall. The Centers for Disease Control has adopted new metrics, and has moved the counties out of the high-risk category. GRCC required face coverings in summer 2021 after the CDC added the counties to the high-risk category. Campus leaders said they would continue to follow data, and seek guidance from health authorities when considering face covering protocols.  Following federal mandates, masks will be required while riding public transportation, including GRCC’s Sneden shuttle bus route that connects the Main and DeVos campuses. Pink said face coverings are just one tool in the college’s efforts to keep the campus community safe. Other changes set in place, such as distancing, increased air filtration, and plastic glass panels at some workstations, will remain. Classrooms will remain at 75% capacity through the end of the semester, and the college will continue offering courses in a variety of formats. Photo by Steve Jessmore.

Feb. 28, 2022, TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The Grand Rapids Community College baseball team lost two close decisions to Tallahassee Community College on Monday, including a tough walk-off defeat for the second day in a row. GRCC is winless on its season-starting road trip, dropping to 0-6. With the score tied at eight in the first game, GRCC had two runners in scoring position with just one out in the top of the final inning, but couldn't get another run across. Tallahassee then scored in the bottom of the inning, winning 9-8.  GRCC outhit the home team 10 hits to eight, with Max Varon, Andres Rivera-Calderon, Ryan Dykstra and Jacob Gumieny all with multi-hit performances. Varon and Dykstra each launched a home run. In the nightcap, the GRCC also out-hit Tallahassee, seven to two, but a three-run first inning for TCC proved to be the difference as the Raiders offense struggled to score more than two runs in the 5-2 decision. Dean Sommer took the loss for GRCC, surrendering four runs on one hit over four innings while striking out six. Dominic Palamara and Gumieny each had two hits to lead the Raiders offense.  The team is back in action on Tuesday against Wallace Community College-Dothan in Alabama. Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2022. All rights reserved.

Feb. 28. 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- While a nursing student at Grand Rapids Community College, Liz Jirous appreciated the support she received from faculty and her fellow students. “The GRCC environment is built for nontraditional students who are juggling many things in addition to getting their education,” she said. “I was able to learn adaptability and flexibility under pressure, which helped prepare me to be a nurse.” 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 receiving her associate degree in 2008, Jirous transferred to Ferris State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She then received a master’s in nursing from Capella University. She started work as an inpatient nurse at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital soon after receiving her GRCC degree. She then worked as an inpatient supervisor. In 2015, she became the hospital’s pediatric kidney transplant coordinator. Jirous has also come back to GRCC to teach clinicals to nursing students. “GRCC truly wants to see their students succeed and provides the support to help make that happen,” she said. “There is so much value in walking next to someone through their journey versus simply providing vague directions. GRCC did that, and, for me, that was priceless.” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply .  

Feb. 27, 2022, MARIANNA, Fla. – The Grand Rapids Community College baseball team lost a heartbreaker to Chipola College, then struggled at the plate in a second game. GRCC is winless to start the season, dropping to 0-4, with three of the losses at the hands of Chipola. GRCC was down 1-0 in the final inning of the first game when Dylan Chargo tied the game with a home run. But Chipola’s Victor Sanchez walked to lead off the bottom of the seventh and scored on a hit from Peter Vazquez. The pitching was strong on both sides. Chipola pitchers struck out 11, while GRCC hurlers sat down ten. Ashe Ammerlaan was the winning pitcher for Chipola, with the left-hander going two innings, allowing one run on one hit, striking out five and walking none. Kellan Smith took the loss for GRCC. Dylan Eskew started the game for Chipola, surrendering no runs on four hits over five innings, striking out six. Jerad Berkenpas started the game for GRCC. The righty went six innings, allowing one run on five hits, striking out nine and walking one Jacob Gumieny led GRCC with two hits in four at bats. Chipola Indians racked up six hits. Cam Collier and David Castillo each collected multiple hits for Chipola, with Collier going 3-for-3. GRCC was held to just two hits in the second game, losing 9-0. Chipola Indians got on the board in the first inning when Shane Lewis knocked in a run on a ground out. Colton Mercer was the winning pitcher, with the southpaw going four innings, allowing no runs, no hits, striking out four and walking one. Collier, Mike Sokol, and Chase Scott all put in work in relief out of the bullpen, steering their team towards the victory. Caleb Engelsman took the loss for GRCC, throwing three and two-thirds innings, allowing five runs on seven hits. Chipola Indians launched two home runs on the day. Emmanuel Aldoban had a four-bagger in the sixth inning. Lewis had a homer in the third inning. Camden Keatley and Max Varon had the GRCC hits. The team is back in action on Monday against Tallahassee Community College in Tallahassee, Fla. Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2022. All rights reserved.

Feb. 26, 2022, MARIANNA, Fla. -- The Grand Rapids Community College baseball team struggled in its first games of the season, getting shutout by Wallace Community College – Dothan, then losing 7-1 to Chipola College on Saturday. Wallace pitcher Cullen Hartzog hurled five shutout innings, giving up three hits and striking out five. Drew Murphy took the loss for GRCC. The righty went four innings, allowing four runs on eight hits and striking out three. Wallace socked two home runs on the day. Jake Killingsworth put one out in the second inning, and Gio Ferraro had a homer in the fourth inning. Caleb Engelsman, Ryan Dykstra, and Fernando Rivera-Calderon had GRCC’s three hits. Wallace racked up 10 hits. Chaz Salter, Ferraro, and Killingsworth each managed multiple hits, with Salter going 3-for-4. In the second game, GRCC struggled to contain the high-powered offense of the Chipola Indians. Cedric De Grandpre was credited with the victory for Chipola Indians. The righthander surrendered one run on three hits over five innings, striking out nine and walking none. Ben Fiedler threw two innings in relief out of the bullpen. Brad Dunn took the loss for GRCC. The lefthander lasted four and a third innings, allowing four hits and four runs while striking out one. Jacob Gumieny went 3-for-3 at the plate to lead GRCC in hits. Chipola racked up six hits in the game, with Brando Leroux and Zac Rice having multiple hits. Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2022. All rights reserved.

Feb. 25, 2022, CENTREVILLE, Mich. – A big third quarter helped the Grand Rapids Community College women's basketball team earn a 60-53 victory over Glen Oaks Community College on Friday to conclude the regular season. The Raiders scored a season- low 18 points in the first half, but exploded for 25 in the third quarter. GRCC was just three of 19 from three-point range in the first half, but improved to six for 10 in the third. The nine three-pointers was a season best for GRCC. Their previous high was seven on Dec. 4. "It was a consensus in the locker room at halftime that in the first half, we were getting good looks and defending well, we just weren’t taking advantage by hitting open shots," Coach David Glazier said. "This group again answered the bell and played much closer to their potential in the second half. Proud of the efforts tonight to finish the regular season with a win." Freshman Sally Merrill led the Raiders with 23 points, including four of 8 from long range. Allison Kellogg was the lone GRCC player with a double-double, with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Emersyn Koepke and Marlene Bussler each dished out five assists and had two three-pointers. GRCC finished 18-10 overall and 14-4 in the conference, good enough for third place in the MCCAA Western Conference, behind Jackson College and Muskegon Community College. The team will await its opponent in the regional tournament as the regular season plays out for several teams. GRCC will take on the No. 6 seed at home on March 1 at 6:30 p.m. 

Feb. 25, 2022 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College student Perla Mascorro has faced obstacles during her pursuit of a medical career. Her hard work has helped her overcome some of them; a scholarship from the GRCC Foundation helped transcend others. The foundation plans to distribute $1.4 million in more than 300 scholarships to more than 1,000 students this year, and students can apply by filling out just one application. The priority deadline is March 15. The application and additional information can be found at grcc.edu/scholarships . “I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformation in students when they get help overcoming financial challenges,” said Dr. Kathryn Mullins, vice president of College Advancement and the foundation’s executive director. “Scholarships take a burden off our students, allowing them to focus on their academic goals.” The GRCC Foundation awarded $1.28 million in scholarships to students last year, including Mascorro. “I came to the United States six years ago without knowing how to speak a single word in English,” said Mascorro, who is enrolled in GRCC’s Medical Assisting program. “Today, I am about to fulfill my dream!” The foundation’s Spectrum Health Care Professionals Education Scholarship has been vital to her education, especially with the gas she needs for hour-long commute to classes. “The scholarship was important for me because it helped me to pay part of my education to achieve my goal and improve my life,” said Mascorro, who is working and raising a son while attending college. This semester, one in five GRCC students has tuition covered by a scholarship, grant or state program, removing cost as an obstacle to a life-changing education. Many more students could take advantage of foundation scholarship free-tuition programs if they complete the FAFSA – the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Students can connect with GRCC financial aid specialists by phone at (616) 234-4030; email at financialaid@grcc.edu; or virtually or in-person by appointment. Photo by Andrew Schmidt.  

February 25, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College professor Leigh Kleinert prioritizes community building in her classes to ensure the success of her students Always remember, at GRCC, you are surrounded by people who want you to be successful and are ready to walk with you on your educational pathway. GRCC students have access to talented faculty members who are experts in their fields. Professor Kleinert's excitement for teaching stems from meeting people both in and out of the classroom. But her expertise comes from a lifelong passion for education, zoology and biology. She teaches human anatomy and physiology courses in her role as a biology faculty member at GRCC. She also has expertise in zoology and academic service learning, and has recently stepped into the role of interim associate dean in the School of Arts and Sciences. Kleinert builds connections among her students, despite the pandemic, by volunteering to teach in-person classes along with her online classes. “I am trying to connect students as much as I can,” she said. “In my online classes I use exam reviews, virtual office hours and small study groups.” Whether online or in person, you’ll find that almost all of GRCC’s biology courses have a hands-on laboratory component, and they all present students with real life applications for what they are learning. But Kleinert knows this is not the only reason why her students receive an education second to none. “The strength of our courses is that they are taught by instructors with incredible passion and enthusiasm for the subject,” she said. Kleinert knew from personal experience that providing ways for students in her classes to build a community is important. “I learned through trial and error that when learning the anatomy and physiology of the body: studying with others really does help!” she said. “When I started graduate school I was new to the area and knew no one. Also, many folks in my small program were younger than me and I felt like I could study better on my own. In my second semester, when I finally happened into a study group, I learned that the group helped me identify what I did not know, taught me different ways to learn, and I helped teach them things I knew which helped me learn better. I also had some familiar faces on campus after that.” Kleinert’s passion for education and biology started early and did not waiver. “I began college with a plan to work in a zoo on captive breeding and species survival,” she said. “I contemplated changing to education my sophomore year. I applied to the College of Education and was accepted; many of my friends were denied or waited-listed. I was still so unsure, so I turned down my spot and completed by B.S. in zoology over the next couple years. In a twisty road over the next few years. It led me straight to education.” Education is a field Kleinert is extremely passionate about, and she would not trade working with students for any other job. Her mantra is, “Know who I am and be my authentic self in the classroom; teach to my heart.” She’s inspired by the work of Parker Palmer, an activist who focuses on issues like education, community and social change. Kleinert also is inspired by her parents, who taught her about empathy, encouraging her to picture things from someone else's perspective before judging them. “I do not think I realized how wise they really are until I became a teacher and a parent,” she said. Kleinert earned her Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Michigan State University and her Master of Health Science degree in Biomedical Sciences from Grand Valley State University. She began teaching at GRCC as an adjunct faculty member, and moved into a full-time faculty role in 2004. Kleinert balances her role as a parent, and her passion for education and biology, with outdoor activities, cooking and traveling. And when that is not enough, she looks to her own personal heroes, her parents, as a compass. “I look to them because they have suffered through adversity and taught me how to look at the experiences as how it has made them stronger and the positive lessons from those experiences,” she said.        

February 24, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Parking at Grand Rapids Community College will be easy as A-B-C when students return from spring break. The college’s three main parking ramps will have new names, making it easier for students and community members to find them, part of a comprehensive wayfinding system that will touch all areas of the downtown campus. The new sign system will help pedestrians and motorists navigate their way through the campus, connecting them with classes and services. Changing the names of the parking ramps will eliminate confusion, as people often looked for entrances on the streets included in the name of the ramp. Floors will be identified by colors. The Bostwick Ramp will be Ramp A, the Lyon Ramp will be Ramp B and the DeVos Campus Ramp will be Ramp C. New signs are planned to be set in place in the week ahead, and other signs across campus will follow. The $600,000 wayfinding project includes building signs as well as directional aids near roads and on pedestrian plazas, including fresh, modern designs that allow for future growth. It is the first major change to campus signs since the college transitioned from Grand Rapids Junior College 30 years ago. The college worked closely with Grand Rapids city planners to arrive at an eye-catching style that fits well within the aesthetics of the historic Heritage Hill neighborhood. Corbin Design of Traverse City was the lead firm, working with GRCC’s Facilities Department and Communications Department graphic design team. Universal Sign Systems of Grand Rapids heads the construction phase of the project. The design is similar to the one used to highlight GRCC students on banners attached to streetlight poles throughout campus. Large signs with the current logo will be erected at key intersections to identify where the campus begins and ends. The Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse and Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center will have video display boards to inform students and community members about campus events. Building addresses will be featured prominently on external signs to assist people following directions on their mobile phones and other devices. Pedestrian signs with maps are intended to help people traverse the campus on foot, especially those looking to between the nearby DeVos Campus and the Main Campus. GRCC has made parking on campus less expensive in recent years, part of an overall effort to make a college education more accessible and affordable. Since fall 2020, students can enter and exit GRCC student parking lots multiple times each day while only being charged once for parking. Drivers must swipe their RaiderCard when entering and exiting the ramp for this feature to work. Students will be charged $3.50 when they exit the first time and will be able to enter and exit the rest of the day for free. They must use their RaiderCard for all entries and exits for this feature to work. Money can be added to RaiderCards through machines on campus or online.  That change made it easier for students to leave campus between classes for work or home responsibilities, or drive between the DeVos Campus and Main Campus and not pay more than the daily $3.50 rate.      

Feb. 23, 2022, PLYMOUTH, Ind. – Grand Rapids Community College's men and women's basketball went down in defeat to the Ancilla Chargers on Wednesday night.  The women suffered a 53-38 loss while the men lost 116-99. The women's basketball team played without starting forward Grace Lodes, and couldn't find any rhythm on the offensive end. The team scored a season-low 38 points, and shot a season-worst 22.6 from the field, including just two of 24 from three-point range. "Not our best outing by any means," Coach David Glazier said.  "We’ve struggled the past few games to consistently score the basketball, which caught up with us tonight. We will get back to work tomorrow to prepare for Friday night's season finale at Glen Oaks." Sally Merrill scored 18 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the Raiders. Despite the outcome of their next game, the Raider women will finish in third place in the conference, and take on the sixth-place team in the first round of regional tournament next week. The Raider men concluded their 2021-22 campaign by scoring 65 points in the second half, but couldn't overcome the outstanding three-point shooting from Ancilla College. The Chargers were 17 of 34 from deep, compared to 11 of 33 for the Raiders.  “Tough one to end the season,” Coach Joe Fox said. “We had some solid individual efforts but needed to gel better as a team on both ends. We did a much better job offensively in the second half, scoring 64 points, but needed to execute better defensively. I’m grateful for my two sophomores, who did a great job of leading the team this season, on and off the court. I’m excited to follow their careers moving forward.” Freshman point guard Danyel Bibbs scored a game-high 32 points and dished out six assists in just 25 minutes.  Sophomores Ryel Daye and Drew Moore ended their GRCC careers with solid performances.  Moore totaled 24 points on nine of 13 from the field, including four three-pointers.  Daye finished with seven points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Moore and Daye finished one and two on the team in scoring, averaging 20.1 points per game and 17.5.  Daye led the team with 11.9 rebounds per game. The men's team finished with a 10-19 overall record and 5-13 in the conference. The women's team still has one more game in the regular season, playing on Feb. 25 at Glen Oaks Community College.  The team will host a first-round game on March 1 in the regional tournament against a team to be determined.