Feb. 22, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- GRCC Athletics fans can now support their teams and athletes with customized Raiders apparel, available for a short time through an online store. The Athletic Department is partnering with BIG Team Store to make official Raiders jackets, shirts, caps, and other items available through March 8.  “We’re proud of our student-athletes and our programs, and we’re excited for this opportunity for students and supporters to have official GRCC Raiders apparel,” GRCC Athletic Director Lauren Ferullo said. “This is gear people can wear while cheering in the stands or representing Raider Nation around town.” Adidas is the official supplier of GRCC athletics and all apparel will include GRCC athletic logos. This is the first time that apparel with the current GRCC Raiders logo is available to the public. The apparel is available at bigteamstore.com , and the passcode RAIDERS22 will lead to the GRCC merchandise. The store is open now, and the deadline to order is 11 p.m. on March 8. Products will be delivered in mid-to-late April.

Feb. 21, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College's men and women's basketball team's survived games on Monday to complete the season sweep over Lake Michigan College. The women won 47-42, and the men were 77-75 winners. The greatest attribute of David Glazier's women's basketball team has been its defense, and team held Lake Michigan to just 20.6% from the field. "I thought we followed up what might have been our worst half of basketball with our most inspired," Glazier said.  "This group has an innate ability to find a way.  Proud of their fight and the way they finished." GRCC leads the 21-team Michigan Community College Athletic Association conference, holding opponents’ field goal percentage to just 31.3.  GRCC started slowly, trailing 14-6 after the first quarter. But the team bounced back by out-scoring LMC 41-28 for the remainder of the game.  Freshman point guard Marlene Bussler led all scorers with 14 points.  Grace Lodes had nine points and 12 rebounds. Allison Kellogg contributed with 11 points and a career-high 16 rebounds off the bench. GRCC improved to 17-9 overall and is in second place in the conference with a 13-3 record. The Red Hawks dropped to 18-8, and 12-5 in the conference.  The win also guaranteed the Raiders a first-round home game in next week's District Tournament. LMC's men's team jumped out to an eight-point lead, but the Raiders grabbed their first lead at 16-15 and wound up with a 45-34 advantage at the half. Although the visitors didn't regain the lead in the second half, they did make it a one-point game on six occasions. With the score tied at 75, sophomore Ryel Daye hit a tough layup with four seconds remaining. After an LMC timeout, the Raiders’ Brockton Kohler deflected the pass on the inbound to secure the win. Daye finished with a game-high 21 points and team-high 14 rebounds. Drew Moore, the team's leading scorer, scored 20 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Kohler had a solid 17-point, eight-rebound performance. “I am really pleased that we brought home a win on sophomore night,” Coach Joe Fox said. “Couldn’t script a better home finale for Ryel and Andrew after how much they’ve given the program. Our two leading scorers all year really brought it tonight, hitting big shot after big shot, including the game winner for Ryel. It’s been a season of ups and downs, and it was great to close out our last home game on a high note.” The men's team improved to 10-18 overall, 5-12 in the conference. LMC fell to 10-15 and 8-8. Both teams will be on the road Feb. 23 at Ancilla College. It will likely be the final game of the season for the men’s team.  The women still have a chance to win the conference championship should they win their final two games and Jackson College loses on Wednesday. 

Feb. 21, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – One in five Grand Rapids Community College students has tuition covered by a grant or scholarship program this semester, removing cost as an obstacle to a life-changing education. Many more students could take advantage of free-tuition programs if they complete the FAFSA – the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA is required to tap into federal, state and college programs that cover tuition, and GRCC has specialists and resources to guide students and families through the process. This online form requires financial and tax information for students and, if the students are dependents, from families. “The FAFSA is the key that can unlock opportunities many students don’t know are available for them,” said Kristi Welling, GRCC’s associate director of Enrollment Services and president of the Michigan Student Financial Aid Association. “We don’t want anyone to miss out on a life-changing college education. GRCC has specialists who can help students and families navigate the application and learn about ways to potentially lower or even eliminate college costs.” The FAFSA can be completed at studentaid.gov using a computer, tablet or mobile phone. The U.S. Education Department’s Office of Federal Student Aid also has information for students and families available at StudentAid.gov . Students also can download the MyStudentAid app that is available via IOS or Android as another way to complete the FAFSA. The form can usually be completed in under an hour. 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. The state Treasury Department’s MI Student Aid team is hosting virtual college financial aid nights. Sessions will be available on Feb. 22-24 from 6:30- 8 p.m. Registration and information is available online . Of the 11,376 students enrolled at GRCC in the Winter 2022 semester, 2,346 – nearly 21% -- have their tuition covered. The Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners programs cover the cost of in-district tuition for eligible students. The Grand Rapids Promise Zone covers education expenses for students living in the city and graduating from public, public charter, and private schools based in Grand Rapids. The Grand Rapids Community College Foundation also requires a FAFSA for students to be eligible for scholarships. The foundation awarded $1.4 million in scholarships last year to GRCC students. The priority deadline to apply for a foundation scholarship is March 15. Information and universal applications are available at grcc.edu/scholarships. The FAFSA also is required for students to receive federal Pell Grants, which can cover all expenses for some students.

Feb. 21. 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Ben Holwerda didn’t really know what he wanted to do with his life, but that didn’t matter at GRCC. Start at GRCC and go anywhere. Every former student has a story to tell about how GRCC gave them the education and opportunity to be successful. “GRCC not only gave me the space and freedom to explore my academic curiosities, it equipped me with the foundational skills to succeed in whatever career I wanted,” Holwerda said. After receiving his associate degree in 2010 – with fond memories of Raider Grill breakfasts – he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and then a Juris Doctorate from William & Mary Law School. While a law student, he worked as an intern with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. He also competed in moot court competitions around the country. In 2017, he passed the bar exam on his first try. Holwerda composed draft opinions and advised on law and case disposition as a clerk with Michigan’s 49th Circuit Court until becoming an assistant attorney general in 2018. “I am truly blessed to be where I am today,” he said. “However, it would not have been possible without the skills and knowledge that I obtained from GRCC. “GRCC laid the foundation for my career as an attorney and as a public servant, teaching me to think critically about issues and to write and speak persuasively.” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply .

Feb. 19, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College's women's basketball team kept its conference championship chances alive with a 68-60 victory over the visitors from Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The GRCC's men's team made a great second half comeback, but fell just short, 91-80. Sally Merrill tied a career-high with 15 rebounds to go with her team-high 20 points for the women’s team.  GRCC, one of the best rebounding teams in the Michigan Community College Athletic Association, out rebounded the Cougars 54-42, and had a staggering 21-3 advantage in second chance points. Grace Lodes put up triple-double-like numbers for the second consecutive game with 10 points, eight rebounds and seven points. Karissa Ferry had seven points and eight rebounds while point guard Marlene Bussler added 15 points and seven rebounds. "Proud of our kids again finding a way to win when we were challenged," Coach David Glazier said. "Credit to Kalamazoo Valley. That group is playing well and it understands its roles. It was a quality, late season MCCAA Western Conference win that was important to get." GRCC improved to 16-9 overall and stayed in second place in the conference with a 12-3 record.  The Cougars dropped to 5-16 overall and 5-11 in conference play. KVCC's men's team jumped out to a 14-point lead and never looked back despite a valiant effort down the stretch by the Raiders.  "Great effort from our sophomores to help us go toe to toe with one of the top teams in the conference," Coach Joe Fox said. "These games are great learning experiences for our young guys, but we have to be able to do the little things down the stretch. Looking forward to celebrating our sophomores on Monday night, who have been great representatives of GRCC on and off the court." Andrew Moore, one of the league's top scorers, connected on three free throws with four minutes left, making it just a two-point deficit. But that was as close as his team would get. Moore scored 25 points on 9 of 16 from the floor and 6 of 8 from the free throw line. Ryel Daye played all 40 minutes, finishing with 16 points and a team-high 12 rebounds.  Nyuon Nhial was nearly perfect from the floor, going 7 of 8, scoring 16 points, but was limited by foul trouble and played just 19 minutes. The men's team’s record drops to 9-18 overall, 4-12 in the conference. KVCC improved to 21-7 and 12-4.  GRCC will have just one day off before hitting the hardwood at Hunsberger Arena again on Feb. 21 against Lake Michigan College. This will be the regular season finale for both teams.  

Feb. 18, 2022 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The latest exhibit in Grand Rapids Community College’s Paul Collins Art Gallery explores the idea of memory through an award-winning artist’s work over more than a decade. “Now and Then,” featuring the work of Damian Goidich, runs through March 1 in the gallery, on the fourth floor of Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall, 143 Bostwick Ave. NE. Goidich, who has taught drawing at GRCC, won a Juror Award in the 2018 West Michigan Regional Arts Competition. He was awarded an art residency in Maine in 2013 and 2014, and received the Ferris State University MFA Excellence in Studio Art Purchase Award in 2013. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art and Design, where he served as an adjunct instructor.  His GRCC exhibit is split between “Then,” covering his work from 2010 to 2014, and “Now,” from 2015 to the present. “My older artwork is based on memory and the act of remembering,” he said. “Memories are an integral part of our inner monolog, and how we interpret these memories continues to influence and partially define who we are in the present.” The more recent pieces echo the themes of memory and perception but are more fragmented and abstract. “In my mind, I see the past in a very particular way – like peering through a fog or a wet window,” Goidich said. “It’s there in my consciousness, but indistinct, hard to see clearly. Charcoal proved to be the most effective material to get what I was looking for as I attempted to blur, fragment, reveal and obscure the abstract shapes and shadows that I see within my memories.” The Collins Art Gallery has free admission and is open 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.

Feb. 17, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – 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. We are here to help! Meet Jamillya Hardley. Jamillya is committed to social justice and advocacy and is working to create a sense of belonging for all GRCC students. As assistant director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Jamillya enjoys learning about GRCC students so she can create opportunities for them to have a voice, and help them as they continue their academic, professional and personal journey. "My work includes serving our GRCC students, staff, faculty and the Grand Rapids community by creating programs, training, events and other initiatives that educate, strengthen awareness and create spaces that welcome all to be their authentic true selves," Jamillya said. "I have a role that serves students, and specifically offers mentorship, programming and student development through a DEI lens, supporting and challenging students, staff and faculty. It is always important to note that I hold a role where I can operate as a change agent, advocate for all, and create spaces for conversations that aren't typically happening inside the classroom. Being present and accessible is something I take pride in, so whenever there is an opportunity to support, attend, or be present at programs or events happening on campus, I make my best effort to show up!" Jamillya knows through experience it is important for college students to have a lot of people on campus rooting for them and supporting them. As a student at University of Michigan working towards a bachelor's degree in sociology, Jamillya found support and career inspiration playing on the women's basketball team. "My support from the court initiated my passion for working with college students," Jamillya said. "I have a strong passion for working with student-athletes and am excited to lead GRCC's new Champions for Diversity Initiative. This program will create community connections by having our very own student-athletes impact different community service opportunities. I believe athletes are great role models and have remarkable stories to share off the court or field. Teaching all students to use their voice, learn more about their intersecting identities, and stand up for injustice are all valuable in student development. Creating discussions and training will also be a pivotal part of the Champions for Diversity Initiative." Jamillya is most passionate about the parts of her work that allow her to connect with GRCC students and employees, and build relationships in our community. And she is looking forward to continuing to learn from students, her team in ODEI and the GRCC community. "I have always been a firm believer in being a teacher and a learner," Jamillya said. "There is always room to grow when it comes to DEI work, and I am very grateful to work in an office where I can constantly be challenged and pushed to learn new things every day." Jamillya attended Grand Rapids Christian High school. She played sports, focused on academics, and earned a full-ride scholarship to U of M. She continued her education at Grand Valley State University where she earned her master's in the College of Student Affairs Leadership Higher Education program, and strengthened her ties to GRCC. "I have always had a connection to GRCC," Jamillya said. "During my master's program, I volunteered as an assistant coach helping out the Women's Basketball program. I loved having a role where I was more than just a basketball coach. I served as a mentor, role model, life coach, motivator, advisor and more for the team."  After her master's program, Jamillya grew her career in student affairs gaining experience in student conduct, academic advising, career development and athletics. Most recently she worked as a residence life administrator and an adjunct professor at GVSU. She said working with GRCC Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer B. Afeni McNeely Cobham and the ODEI team “has been a phenomenal transition, so far!" “I am proud to be a part of this team, connect with students and be a part of something greater, making a difference!" You can learn more about the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at grcc.edu/odei and contact the office via email at   ODEI@grcc.edu or phone at (616) 234-3390.        

A School News Network feature:  Hours before ringing in 2022, Grand Rapids Community College graduate Amer Bektaš sat in the announcers’ booth in Miami, calling the Orange Bowl football game for the University of Michigan student radio program, WCBN Sports. His broadcast broke the record for all-time listenership at U of M, with more than 80,000 people tuning in.  Behind this first-generation college student completing his U of M Bachelor of Science in Information degree are his parents – both refugees who came to the United States during the Bosnian War in the 1990s. Mirsad and Almedina Bektaš spoke no English then, and were among some 37,000 refugees from Bosnia and asylum-seekers who obtained legal permanent resident status between 1992 and 2000, according to U.S. Census data estimates. Amer and his two younger brothers, Anel and Armin, were born and raised in Caledonia. “Growing up in Caledonia, you could count on one hand how many Bosnians went to my schools,” Amer said. He recalled making friends with students who went to Kentwood and Forest Hills districts. “We stay connected through the Bosnian Cultural Center and our mosque to where we can go and be together,” Amer said. A 2016 survey titled “New Americans in Kent County” identified Bosnia as one of the top five countries of origin in the area, including Mexico, Guatemala, Vietnam and Canada. Amer’s father, Mirsad, is also very involved in Grand Rapids’ Bosnian community. “My dad is very Bosnian,” Amer said. “He’s committed to not forgetting where we came from and keeping the roots of our community tightknit.” Goals Throughout K-12 A varsity soccer player at Caledonia High School, Amer refers to sports as his “first love.” “Having European blood, my brothers and I played soccer growing up and would always have a ball in the house,” he said. “We were either playing or watching sports, and my parents noticed I would say what the commentator said before they said it.” Amer’s parents, whom he collectively called “the rock of the family,” never missed one of his games.  “We spent a lot of time driving them around for sports practices, and when Amer played soccer,” Mirsad Bektaš said. Amer attended Caledonia schools from kindergarten until he graduated in 2016. “Every day my teachers would push me to be better than what I was the prior day. Their main priority was to help me learn and not just memorization and regurgitation.” Mike Wilson, Amer’s STEM teacher from Duncan Lake Middle School, said he was a “great student” who took all the audio and video classes they offered. “What stood out to me about him was he wanted to learn all aspects of production. He wasn’t content to simply be in front of the camera, but also enjoyed the behind-the-scenes tasks as well,” Wilson said. “He was incredible in paying attention to detail, and it comes as no surprise that he is earning success in broadcasting.” Said Amer, “My teachers and classes at Caledonia were great, because they planted a seed for my passion in sports media and business. I always knew I wanted to do something in sports, so I took journalism and business classes at CHS. Both classes created an environment that resembles what it is like in the industry.” Open Doors to Destiny GRCC served as an opportunity for Amer to take introductory classes and gain two years’ experience as a first-generation college student. “The only person who graduated from college in my family was my uncle,” Amer said. “I’ll be the first in my household.” Amer credits GRCC for “opening a lot of doors,” he said, and helping him transfer to the University of Michigan. An adviser in the TRIO program encouraged him to apply to bigger schools, even though “I thought my grades weren’t good enough,” he said. TRIO Student Support Services is a set of federally funded programs that supports first-generation, low-income students and students with disabilities throughout their college experience. “I grew up a Wolverine sports fan, so going there for school was always in the back of my mind,” Amer said. “I toured a few campuses, but U of M fit and I wanted to be here.” Once on campus, getting involved with media and broadcast journalism was “a kind of destiny thing,” Amer said. “The biggest reason I came to U of M was its analytics program through the School of Information and getting involved with sports analytics. One day while walking through the diag, I saw a table for a broadcasting club, gave them my information and my life took off from there.”    When the COVID-19 pandemic shifted college classes online, Amer took a gap year to gain broadcasting experience at home in Grand Rapids, with plans to move back to campus when in-person classes resumed. “During my year off, I reached out to WOOD-TV’s sports reporter Jack Doles and asked if I could shadow or help out,” he said. “At the time, high-school sports were on pause, so when they came back I sent him an email that day and he added me to the Football Frenzy crew to cover Friday night high-school football games.”  Strong Familial Bonds The Bektaš family relies on their strong family bond and technology to stay connected daily while Amer is back living on the other side of the state. During their son’s radio broadcast on New Year’s Eve, the Bektaš family “muted all the commentators” on TV and just listened to Amer. “His hard work has paid off. He could end up anywhere around sports,” Mirsad Bektaš said. “I hope he’s going to accomplish more of what he’s already doing and keep doing what he loves to do. We realized we did something good and we have pride in the direction he’s going.” After he graduates from U of M in the spring, Amer plans to continue pursuing his passion for sports with an open mind and admiration for his Bosnian heritage. “My dad tells me to go with the flow with everything and be open to all my options,” he said. “In the Bosnian community, hard work goes a long way. If you go to school just to get a degree, you won’t go very far. I’ve seen my community start their own businesses with little to no experience at all, and not fearing failure because they had nothing to lose.” Amer’s family paid homage to their Bosnian roots in 2018 with a visit to his parents’ hometowns, their first home since immigrating more than 20 years ago. “Going to Bosnia for the first time was one of my favorite trips,” Amer said. “My parents wanted to wait until me and my younger brothers were older, but there was also the fear of going back to a place where you were being hunted by your neighbors.” Before their plane landed in Sarajevo, Bosnia’s capital, Amer recalled feeling surprised seeing his dad become emotional. “My dad never cries, but when he gathered himself, he said, ‘Twenty years ago they chased me out of here, tried to kill me, but now, I’m coming back with an army of my own: my wife and three kids, stronger than ever.’” Before his love for sports, Amer said, comes his love for family and the desire to make his parents proud. “Making my family proud is one of my life goals. I go to school and everything that I do is to complete my family’s American dream of being successful here.” This story was reported by Alexis Stark of the School News Network .