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.    

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.