Nov. 17, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College professor Kimberly Overdevest considers herself fortunate to have a career she is passionate about.  Overdevest always knew art would be at the center of her professional and personal goals. She first pursued a career in graphic design and fine art, and ultimately pivoted to art history and teaching. Now Overdevest has been teaching at GRCC for more than 16 years. “I wish that I spent less time worrying about if I was making the right choices, and instead channeled my energies toward pursuing my passion. Luckily, I learned early on that fear should not make my decisions,” Overdevest said.  While Overdevest was pursuing her bachelor’s degree at Kendall College of Art and Design, she took multiple classes led by Sue Eberle. Dr. Eberle is a recently retired art historian who demonstrated professionalism and passion in her teaching, allowing her to connect with her students.  “I fell in love with art history in part because of her enthusiasm and passion for the profession,” Overdevest said. “Her students were enthralled when she spoke - no matter what subject she was teaching. I used her teaching style as a basis for building my own style”. During the pandemic, Overdevest challenged students to earn extra credit by recreating a work of art they have studied this semester -- and they have to include themselves in the recreation. She wanted to come up with something students would enjoy during the pandemic and share with the class.  Overdevest enjoys teaching alongside a caring and talented community of professionals. The Visual Arts Department provides a solid foundation of knowledge and skill to students as they prepare to transfer to four-year schools. The professors are active in their field and are passionate about their student’s success.  Overdevest graduated from the Kendall with two bachelor’s degrees, and earned, a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin, and a Master’s of Philosophy and working toward a doctorate from the Graduate Center, City University of New York.  More information about the Visual Arts Program can be found here .

Nov. 18, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education is planning culinary classes for the GRCC Lakeshore Campus during the winter semester to meet growing demand. The college has scheduled four introductory classes for students working toward culinary certificates and degrees. Dr. Werner Absenger, the Secchia Institute’s program director, said the classes were planned to meet the demand of Lakeshore students looking for culinary training, but also from employers looking for highly skilled workers looking for rewarding careers in a growing, evolving field. While the new campus does not have kitchens, Absenger said the college planned lecture courses to meet the demand of Lakeshore culinary students. There is also potential to connect with Lakeshore businesses to offer courses relevant to employers' real-time needs. "The culinary courses offered at the Lakeshore Campus allow students to earn credit toward our Culinary Arts Associate's Degree program and several certificate degrees," Absenger said. "But without the stressors, especially for first-year students, and costs involved in traveling from the Lakeshore, to GRCC's main campus, downtown Grand Rapids, where the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education is located." The new classes are: Exploration of Food Service, which will meet 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Mondays between Feb. 27 and April 27. Because of an articulation agreement with the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District, students completing OAISD culinary programming will not need to take the course.  Restaurant Sanitation and Safety, which will meet between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays between Jan. 9 and Feb. 21. Students who complete the ServSafe Manager certification would not have to take this course at GRCC. Principles of Food Science, which will be offered between 4 and 7 p.m. on Mondays between Jan. 9 and April 24. Food Purchasing and Cost Control, which will be offered between 4 and 7 p.m. on Tuesdays between Jan. 10 and April 25. Enrollment at the GRCC Lakeshore Campus, 12335 James St. in Holland, during the fall semester has risen about 20 percent compared to a year ago. The 52,000-square-foot campus, which opened in August 2021 in the Shops at Westshore Mall.

Nov. 17, 2022, CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The Grand Rapids Community College volleyball team topped Illinois Central College in a five-set thriller before falling in the quarter-final round to top-seeded Johnson County Community College in straight sets at the NJCAA Division II National Championship on Thursday. GRCC, the No. 9 seed in the National Junior College Athletic Association tournament, lost its shot at a national championship, but still has a chance to finish in the top five in the country if it wins its final two matches. "I was very proud about how the kids battled all day, especially in the final match against a really good Johnson County team," head coach Chip Will said. "They never gave up." GRCC dominated sets one and three against Illinois Central, winning 25-14 and 25-16, but dropped sets two and four 22-25 and 23-25 to force the final set, which the Raiders won 15-8. Eliza Thelen led GRCC with 16 points, on 10 kills and six blocks. Audrey Torres led the team with 12 kills and Karissa Ferry added eight kills and three blocks. Five different players tallied at least 10 digs, with librero Audrey Gower leading the way with 17. GRCC had 13 total service aces, led by freshman Vienna Koenigsknecht with a career-high six. In the quarterfinal match against Johnson County Community College, the Cavaliers cruised to a 25-12, 25-12, 25-16 victory to advance to the semi-finals. Thelen and Ferry led GRCC with eight kills and Torres added four kills. GRCC, 25-4 overall, continues play Friday in the consolation round against Iowa Central Community College at 3:30 p.m. Eastern time. Should the Raiders win, the team will have a chance to play for fifth place on Saturday.   

Nov. 17, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Grand Rapids Community College students and employees are inspiring. They overcome challenges. They are leaders. And, they have great stories to tell. Three podcasts produced by the GRCC Media Technologies team tell those stories, and are available on iTunes, Spotify and other podcast sites. "My GRCC Story" includes Kailee Potgeter and Dave Murray of the Communications team talking with students and alumni about their journey to GRCC, the people who helped them along the way and their dreams for the future. The newest episode features Evodie Djunga, president of the College Activities Board and a staff member on the Student Services team. Djunga shares her journey from the Republic of Congo to GRCC, her goals of owning a business in the automotive field, and how she helps students navigate their path through education. “At first it is pretty hard when someone comes up to you and they may be mad about something and it’s hard for you to understand them,” she said. “So, you have to put yourself in that person’s shoes and find out what’s going on. She may be having a bad day. The moment you understand she is having a bad day, you are going to take it easy. You are going to do your best to help that person, no matter what.” She said she enjoys working with the College Activities Board team to play events throughout the semester. “We’re here for our students. We’re serving our students and we want them to participate. We want them to be there and enjoy themselves and have fun,” she said. “I would say one of the best things to see is to put a smile on someone’s face. That was awesome. I saw a lot of students just smiling when they were coming to get pizza.” “Speaking of Teaching,” in its second season, was created by the GRCC Distance Learning and Instructional Technologies Department, with hosts Meg Lockhard, Rachel Lutwick-Deaner and Ian Matthews. They talk with professors on a more personal level, learning about their journey and expertise. The most recent episode features professor Lauren Woolsey, who teaches astronomy and physics in the Physical Sciences Department, part of the new GRCC School of STEM. Woolsey earned a doctorate from Harvard University and worked at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. “One thing that I really like about the courses that I teach is that I’m not teaching science majors,” she said on the podcast. “And the reason that I like that is because it feels like I’m making a bigger impact on the people who are going to be citizens in our community, and building those critical thinking skills in everybody.” Professor Andrew Rozema’s “Defeasible Reasoning” podcast launched in 2018. Defeasible reasoning is a kind of reasoning that is rationally compelling, though not necessarily formally valid. Rozema said it’s making decisions with the best information we have at the time. It’s the sort of reasoning that happens in the real world, where we’re all doing the best we can with what we’ve got. Rozema is head of the Computer Information Systems Department, and is a nationally known cybersecurity expert. The podcast covers all things relating to cybersecurity – and beyond – with talking with current and former students and experts. Defeasible reasoning is a kind of reasoning that is rationally compelling, though not necessarily formally valid. Rozema’s most recent episodes focus on GrrCON Cyber Security Summit and Hacker Conference, an event that attracts experts from across the country.

Nov. 16, 2022, LIVONIA, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College men's basketball team stayed perfect on the year, improving to 5-0 after overcoming an eight-point halftime deficit to defeat Schoolcraft College 91-82 on Wednesday. Bashir Neely, a freshman graduate of Grand Haven High School, led GRCC with a game-high 18 points. Jordan Houser scored 11 points in his starting debut. "We put together an incredible team effort tonight for a comeback win on the road," head coach Joe Fox said. "I'm impressed with the mental focus the team showed. Jordan Houser played great in his first start, and Bashir Neely played with great energy. A lot of guys had great individual efforts. Rico Wade hit a big shot late, and Myron Brewer hit a three with 1:30 left to put us up seven. Chris Coleman made some plays down the stretch as well. I am looking forward to seeing the guys hit the road on Friday". Brockton Kohler and Danyel Bibbs each chipped in with 14 points. The team hits the road again for its next game at Harper College in Illinois on Nov. 18. Tip-off scheduled for 5:30 p.m. 

Nov. 16, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The newest players for the Grand Rapids Community College softball team have extensive experience with travel teams, creating a solid foundation for the season ahead, coach Chuck White said. White celebrated the signings of five players, building a program that did not field a team in 2022. “This class was my first, and will be a huge catalyst in keeping the program turning in a great direction, White said. “As far as the upcoming season goes, I will have a great group of hardworking student-athletes who set a positive culture. We’re looking to be capable of being competitive from day one.” New players are: Macey Springer, who pitches and plays second base. She is from River Valley High School in Three Oaks. She played on the Lakeshore Pirates travel team, and was named to an All-State team last year. Maddie Miller, who plays catcher and shortstop. She is from Coopersville High School and played on a travel team with the Blaze organization. Joslyn Vander Hart, who plays second base and third base. She is from Grandville High School and played for the Diamonds travel team. Amara Kline, who pitches and plays in the outfield. She is from Portage Central High School and played for the Chaos travel organization. Sophia North, who pitches and plays first base. She is from Grand Rapids West Catholic High School and played for the Rockford Krush travel team. White and assistant coach Steve Roersma are in their first year coaching the GRCC softball team. The season begins in late February. There are still opportunities for students looking to be a part of the team. A recruiting questionnaire is available here .    

Nov. 15, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Back-to-back honors for Danyel Bibbs of the Grand Rapids Community College men's basketball team after being named Michigan Community College Athletic Association Northern Conference Player of the Week for the second week in a row. "Danyell continues to impress with not only his counting stats but his leadership on the court," coach Joe Fox said. "The play we see from him is a direct reflection of his commitment to the process of improving every day." Bibbs, a Saginaw native who attended Union High in Grand Rapids, is coming off a team-high 22 points and seven assists while adding seven rebounds in Thursday's game against Lansing Community College, helping GRCC to a 106-99 victory. Last week, the sophomore point guard helped guide the team to another victory with a team-high 28 points and 12 assists against Great Lakes Christian’s junior varsity squad. The men's basketball team is off to a perfect 4-0 start. The team's next game is Nov. 16 in Livonia at Schoolcraft College. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. 

Nov. 15, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College psychology professor Ennis Young said he would likely be in prison if he didn’t go to college. Pursuing education allowed for a different life path, he said as part of a panel of educators during a National First-Generation College Student Day celebration. “A lot of people I grew up with are dead and gone or locked up and that’s my truth,” he said. “I grew up with people in my community and in my own home who didn’t believe in me. Those words kick you in the gut and you feel inadequate.” Young and other faculty, staff and college students shared their stories about what it’s like to be first in their families to go to college at a Nov. 8 event organized by GRCC’s TRIO program . The annual recognition was started in 2017 by the Council for Opportunity in Education and the Center for First-Generation Student Success . TRIO’s mission is to support and motivate first-generation, low-income students and students with disabilities throughout their college experience. GRCC student and TRIO student employee Erika Hernandez said she received support from Dr. Kristi Haik, dean of GRCC’s School of STEM, who told her, “nothing goes as planned” and to “always have a plan B” in regard to your college journey. “I graduated in 2020 and that switched my plans,” Hernandez said. “I took a gap year and then came to GRCC. Things didn’t go as planned, but I learned so much about the college journey coming to GRCC and TRIO.” Through TRIO, she learned about financial literacy in regard to attending college and got connected with tutoring. “They have supported me, given me tools and resources and helped me see the reality (of college),” Hernandez said. “I’ve learned to set goals and imagine my future.” Learning to Navigate Education After immigrating from Mexico to the United States, where Hernandez was born, her parents moved back for a few years and then returned to Michigan, where she had to relearn English while attending high school and preparing for the future. “When it came time for college, my parents didn’t know how to help me get into college or the things I needed to know about financial aid,” she said. She also faced additional roles and responsibilities as the oldest child in her family. “Coming from an immigrant family, you’d think a diploma comes with authority and confidence. But being a first-generation college student doesn’t go away just because you graduate and get your degree.” Looking forward, Hernandez hopes to receive her associate degree in business in spring 2023 and transfer in the fall. No matter what her future holds, Hernandez will be happy if she can help people and “do what she wants to do.” “For so long, I was doing what other people told me to do,” she said. “My dad says to me that so many people will try to tell you things and influence you. But in the end, you have the final choice.” TRIO Program Director Victoria Powers said she hoped putting professional first-generation college students in front of current students was informative and inspiring. “When you get a degree or a certification, it isn’t a magic piece of paper to make the anxieties and insecurities go away for first-generation college students,” Powers said. This story was reported by Alexis Stark of the School News Network.

Nov. 14, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- It’s 5 p.m. on a Thursday, and Islam Hoxha is pacing the hallways of the Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse. He’s nervous. A first-year assistant coach for the Grand Rapids Community College’s men’s basketball team , Hoxha said he gets nervous before every game. But on this mid-November day, he and the Raiders are 2 ½ hours away from tipoff against their archrivals, the Lansing Community College Stars. And although Hoxha is new to the GRCC program, he knows that his head coach, Joe Fox , spent three seasons working under the leadership of Hall of Fame coach Mike Ingram at LCC, so this game has particular meaning for Fox. Which means it has particular meaning for Hoxha. Which means even more pre-game jitters than normal. Still, basketball, Hoxha knows, is not life and death. He knows this because he knows life and death. “I do still have memories of Kosovo,” he said of his home country, while safely ensconced in the cozy confines of the fieldhouse. “I can remember riding on my dad’s shoulders as he carried me, as my family fled to the mountains in search of safety, running from the people who wanted to kill us.” That was 1998, and Islam Hoxha was 5 years old. He and his family were caught in the middle of the Kosovo war, an approximately 16-month conflict that pitted forces from Yugoslavia against the Kosovo Liberation Army. Really though, the violence of the war had been going on for most of Hoxha’s life, beginning already in the early 1990s when the KLA formed to fight the persecution of Kosovo Albanians. So, after running to the mountains, the Hoxha family just kept going, first to Macedonia and eventually to the United States. Hoxha was 7 years old and starting over in a new country, fluent in the languages of Albania, Bosnia and Serbia but knowing no English. He smiled as he recalled that time in his life. “We were welcomed,” he said. “We had families who sponsored us and helped us. At school, we were put in a class with other refugees, so we could learn together. We had English language services available to us, and we just had so many people who helped us. I can’t thank them enough.” Part of his refuge, he says now, was sports. His dad had been a professional soccer player, so at Forest Hills Northern, Islam was a standout member of the school’s soccer team. He never played basketball though, neither in high school nor in college, first attending GRCC for two years taking hospitality courses and then finishing up at LCC in the hospitality program. So, how did a soccer-playing native of Kosovo end up as an assistant coach on the GRCC men’s basketball team? Well, part of the story includes a woman. And part of it is hooked to Hoxha’s bold approach to life. Again, he smiles as he recounts the story. “I had met someone on a trip back to Kosovo,” he said. “We were dating and then she became my fiancé and now she is my wife. But before that happened, I went back for a year to be with her. And one day, I went to see the local basketball team practice. And then I went to see their director of basketball operations, and I said to him, ‘I would like to join your staff as a volunteer.’” And that’s how Islam Hoxha became an assistant coach for the 2021-22 season for the KB Rahoveci Vreshtarët in the Kosovo Basketball Superleague, the top professional league in Kosovo and a member of FIBA, which governs the sport of basketball worldwide. “We had a coach from Greece, another from Turkey,” he said. “We had a dozen (NCAA) Division I players from the U.S. It was the learning experience of a lifetime.” Now Hoxha is back in the U.S., working at Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) as a patient services representative even as he plans to enter a new GRCC neurodiagnostic apprenticeship program that sees the college partnering with Corewell to fill a growing gap in the health care system. And he is sharing his experiences in Kosovo – and his deep love for basketball – with the GRCC basketball program, its 15 players and his fellow coaches. “I love basketball because it’s a beautiful game,” he said simply. “But another reason I love it is because I know I am helping young men achieve some goals they have set for themselves. It’s meaningful to be a part of their lives and always be there for them when they need advice, knowledge or just someone to talk to.” And, he added, there is a strong element in his coaching philosophy of paying it forward. “Coming to the United States as a refugee, a lot of people helped my family and me in the beginning and I could never be more thankful,” he said. “So, helping these young men get to where they want to be in life as people and as athletes is definitely a way in response to everyone who has helped me.” Fox said that in Hoxha’s short time with the program, he already is making a big difference. “It's hard to overstate how he has helped us in his first semester on campus,” Fox said. “Coming from the world of professional basketball, he sees the game with a different eye. The guys really respect his knowledge of the game and love learning from him. Beyond that, the players also respond to his positive energy.” In return, Hoxha said he is thrilled to be learning from Fox, whose coaching roots run deep.  Gary Fox, Joe’s dad, was a longtime coach at Greenville High School, and George Fox, Joe’s granddad, won a state championship with Magic Johnson at Lansing Everett.  “Coach Fox already has helped me a lot with learning the game further,” Hoxha said. “And, hopefully, me bringing some knowledge from the European way will help further bring success to the program.” Hoxha noted that before the game against Lansing Community College the team ran a new warm-up, based on large part on what the team at KB Rahoveci had used to get ready for games. “If we don’t win tonight,” he had said with a laugh prior to tipoff, “we might not ever run it again.” But at the end of the contest, the big scoreboard at the fieldhouse told the tale: GRCC 106, LCC 99, as the Raiders ran their 2022 record to a perfect 4-0 and the new warmup got its first “W.” Nervous no more, Hoxha could only smile as he walked with the team from the floor to the locker room after a hard-fought victory. Prior to the game, just two hours earlier, he had leaned in with his fellow coaches and the players for a final cheer before the Raiders took the floor. Together they had shouted, “One, two, three, team. Four, five, six, family.” In that moment, it was hard for Hoxha to not think about the path his life has taken and the journeys he has been on with both his biological family and now his GRCC basketball family. And while he knows his players aren’t literally riding on his shoulders to safety, as he once did with his dad, Hoxha said he hopes they’re perhaps doing so metaphorically.  “To me, personally, that chant is powerful,” he said. “It means I know I am changing someone’s life for the good every single day.” This story was reported by Phil de Haan.