Feb. 1, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College women's basketball player Sally Merrill was named Michigan Community College Athletic Association Western Conference Player of the Week for her recent performances against Lake Michigan College, Ancilla College and Mid Michigan College. Merrill is a freshman from Allegan who graduated from Hamilton High School. She totaled 60 points, 23 rebounds, nine assists, two blocks and two steals in the three games. I’m happy to see some recognition outside of our campus for the performances she has had,” Coach David Glazier said. “She works hard and continues to grow each week, always finding ways to help the team get a win.” Merrill, who plays guard and forward, has been a key performer in the team’s six-game winning streak. She scored a game-high 26 points – just one shy of her career best – on the Saturday game against Mid Michigan. Merrill is averaging a team-high 15.6 points per game this season. She also has a team-high 149 rebounds, averaging 8.3 per contest.  Her six double-doubles are second on the team to Grace Lodes, who has eight. GRCC is 11-7 on the season, and all alone in second place in the conference with a 7-1 record. The Raiders hit the hardwood again on Feb. 3 in a home matchup against Glen Oaks Community College. 

Feb. 1, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich . – A conductor uses a baton to lead a musical ensemble. Grand Rapids Community College’s Dr. Shannon Shaker believes it can also be used to lead social change. “A music education student who only experiences music written by white men will only have those experiences to draw on later when they select the music to teach their own students,” Shaker said. “But if we, as college band directors, diversify our repertoire and seek representation from women and minorities, we give our future music educators a whole world of composers to share.” Shaker is GRCC’s new director of bands and the first woman to hold that post. She’s also a fierce advocate for equitable and inclusive practices to ensure everyone has access to a high-quality music education. Her teaching, service and research are all driven by these values.  For years the Pinconning native has worked to address gender bias in wind bands, especially in higher education. “I was in my third year of graduate school when I realized I had never programmed one piece of music by a woman,” she said. “I hadn’t taken the time to learn any music by women composers or teach them to my students when I was teaching in public schools.” This revelation prompted her doctoral research project at Arizona State University, “Paucity of Female College Band Directors as Faculty and Conductors at National Conferences in the United States, 2017–2018,” which showed that only 11% of all university band directors were women. To encourage and support women composers, Shaker founded the Women’s Band Composition Contest in 2017. Through the contest, women composers connect with band directors from across the country and are provided opportunities for performances and collaborations. The Women’s Band Composition Contest is on hiatus, but Shaker hopes it will return in 2023. As a first-generation classical musician and college student, Shaker earned both her Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music in Wind Conducting degrees from Central Michigan University. She also holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Conducting from Arizona State University. Shaker is thrilled with her new role as director of bands and assistant professor in GRCC's highly acclaimed Music Department . GRCC is one of only two community colleges in the state that is accredited by the  National Association of Schools of Music . "The GRCC Music Department is so very proud to welcome Dr. Shaker to our music department family,” Music Department Program Director Kevin Dobreff said. “Shannon brings a very important perspective to the college and is helping all of us become more aware of gender inequity in college and university instrumental conducting positions." Shaker said she’s received 100% support from GRCC in her continuing quest for inclusive and equitable musical programming and practices. “This department and the people in this school are seeking out diverse voices and people who are changemakers in their fields,” she said. “It’s great to be in a community where they see the value I bring to the table.” Shaker said she believes no problem is too big to solve. So, she does her part by programming music in which her students can see themselves – and glimpse other cultures and experiences. “I know I can’t change the whole world … but I can change my classroom.” This story was reported by Beth McKenna for GRCC.

Jan. 31, 2022, BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College men's basketball dropped  another overtime game on Monday, losing 89-87 to Kellogg Community College, despite Ryel Daye earning his first career triple-double. The Raiders led by one point with under six seconds remaining in overtime after Justus Clark hit a free throw, but Kellogg's Brett White, who had a game-high 30 points, hit the game winning three-pointer just as time expired. The defeat was GRCC's sixth loss in seven overtime contests this season, and third straight overall. Daye finished the game with 22 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists in 41 minutes of action. He's now averaging 19.8 points per game and 11.8 rebounds per game.  Drew Moore tallied a team-high 28 points and five boards for GRCC. Moore is also averaging over 19 points a game this season. Shooting guards Brockton Kohler and Rico Wade each scored 11 points and combined for five of the team's 12 total steals. "I was proud of the way the guys played," Coach Joe Fox said. "I thought we had the effort and the energy tonight. We just missed a couple little things in execution at the end. You have to tip your cap to Kellogg's Brett White for making a big-time shot. Now that we have seen everyone in conference play, we are going to really hone in on scouts and being ready to play. Our sophomores Ryel Daye and Andrew Moore continued their strong play, I was proud of how they battled." GRCC's men and women's team return to action Feb. 2 in a home matchup against Glen Oaks Community College. The men defeated Glen Oaks in their first meeting of the season, 78-70, while the women's team will be taking on the Vikings for the first time this year. 

Jan. 31, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts is expanding efforts to recruit and retain humanities students from Grand Rapids Community College and two other community colleges. U-M’s Transfer Bridges to the Humanities@Michigan program received a $3.4 million grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to partner with GRCC and Henry Ford and Schoolcraft colleges. As the state government works to make community college free through the Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners programs, U-M is preparing to serve community college students in new ways, building pathways that support students before, during and after they transfer to Ann Arbor. The grant, a renewal of $1.6 million in funding received in 2018 to establish Transfer Bridges, is one of the ways U-M and its College of Literature, Science, and the Arts are working to create a more diverse and inclusive student community reflecting the state’s population, creating an opportunity for more nontraditional students and for students from underrepresented communities and low-income households to attend. “We are excited to receive this grant from the Mellon Foundation and continue our efforts to bring transfer students to U-M,” said Tim McKay, associate dean for undergraduate education at LSA. “This grant lays the foundation on which we’re building a larger partnership with all 28 public community colleges across Michigan. Students may start their educational journey at community college for a number of reasons, but Transfer Bridges shows that the journey to the University of Michigan is not impossible. In fact, it is just the opposite. They have what it takes to be successful here and this program makes that path open.” Transfer Bridges is designed for students at community colleges who are majoring in the humanities and want to transfer to the University of Michigan to complete a bachelor's degree. The program prepares them for academic and community life at U-M, with dedicated mentorship, advising tailored to their academic needs, learning and social experiences, faculty connections, and the financial support needed to help them earn their degree. Sheila Jones, GRCC’s dean of Instructional Support, said she is excited about how this grant will benefit GRCC students in providing a more seamless transfer bridge to U-M’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. “Our college has a longstanding connection to the University of Michigan, dating back to GRCC's founding,” she said. “We are grateful to the Mellon Foundation for recognizing this partnership as well as the need to provide the support that this program offers to community college students pursuing degrees in the humanities and social sciences. I'm proud of the work that our faculty and staff have been doing with this program over the last few years and am looking forward to expanding it so that we can impact more of our students.” The new funding from the Mellon Foundation will support paid, high-impact learning experiences for humanities students during the summer, including undergraduate research, internships, and service-based learning projects, while they are still enrolled in community college. The program currently provides academic opportunities through three LSA-based units: the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, optiMize, and the Engelhardt Social Justice Fellowship. For many community college students, finances can be an obstacle when transferring to a four-year institution. Transfer Bridges aims to alleviate that strain through these paid learning experiences, and to connect students with financial aid resources such as the Go Blue Guarantee. “My primary reasons for attending a community college first were financial freedom and family,” said Yasmeen Berry, a third-year student who transferred to U-M from Henry Ford College. “I am the child of Lebanese immigrants and have close familial ties to my hometown. The Transfer Bridges program is what made my transition to the University of Michigan possible. The incredible coordinators associated with it are genuinely invested in students’ success. Ultimately, through the opportunities provided as part of the Transfer Bridges program, I have gained and continue to attain valuable experiences with my mentors that will forever shape my future career.” Transfer Bridges’ successful outcomes are a testament to how providing access and support can make the lasting difference for students looking to transfer to U- M. As of fall 2021, 100% of program participants who applied to U-M were admitted and decided to attend. Since the launch of Transfer Bridges, no program participants have withdrawn from U-M, which exceeds the retention rate of traditional first-year students at the university. “One of the reasons why (transfer) students don’t apply is because they assume they won’t fit in,” said Nick Turinsky, transfer recruiting coordinator for the LSA Transfer Bridges program. “Our program is designed to dismantle that belief and break down those feelings of self-doubt. We know they are more than capable to thrive at U-M, and we have seen the results. They just need to see themselves here.” Additional information about Transfer Bridges to the Humanities@Michigan, is here .

Jan. 31, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Michael Pearson enjoyed acting in theater productions during his time at Grand Rapids Junior College, but never realized those studies would set the stage for a future career. Start at Grand Rapids Community College and go anywhere. Every former student has a story to tell about how GRCC gave them the education and opportunity to be successful. “The first show I performed in was ‘What I Did Last Summer’ by A.R. Gurney,” said Pearson, who graduated from GRJC in 1987. “I had the lead role of Charlie and Fred Sebulske directed the show. It was my first post-high school theater experience, and I learned more about being an actor from that one show than any other production I was ever involved in.” After earning a bachelor’s degree in communications from Michigan State University, Pearson spent a decade working in West Michigan’s film and video production industry in a variety of roles, including grip, gaffer, set designer, cinematographer, producer, director and writer. His acting experience was just one of the useful skills he honed at GRJC. “To this day, I use writing skills that professor Scott McNabb taught me in my first college writing course,” he said. “Fred Sebulske, who was both a professor and a boss to me when I worked at Spectrum Theater, was very influential in expanding my worldview and deepening my understanding and appreciation of diversity in all forms – art, thought, culture, etc. His stage directing class also kindled my interest in becoming a film and video director.” He founded Pearson Creative in 1998, providing communications services to clients that included Gordon Food Service, Spectrum Health, Dow Chemical, Lake Michigan Credit Union and the Department of Homeland Security. Steelcase hired him in 2016 to create a communications department to support 8,000 global employees, 13 manufacturing centers and 14 distribution centers on three continents. This past summer, Pearson became Steelcase’s director of Global Operations Communications. “In this multifaceted role, I serve as the communications expert and brand leader for Global Operations and as a consultant to the senior leadership team on critical communications opportunities and challenges,” he said. Pearson credits GRJC with providing the academic and life experiences that became the foundation for his career. Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply .

Jan. 29, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Marlene Bussler scored a career-high 24 points, leading the Grand Rapids Community College women's basketball team to their sixth-straight win after an 82-73 victory over Mid Michigan College on Saturday. The men's team suffered its fifth overtime loss of the season, despite a career-high 32 points from Brockton Kohler, losing to the Lakers 98-94. The women's team (11-7, 7-1 in the conference) remains in second in the MCCAA Western Conference standings while the Lakers fall to .500 in the conference at 4-4. “I felt this was one of our all-around best team efforts offensively,” Coach David Glazier said. “As a group we played well together and executed to find good, open shots which we finished at a high percentage.  Defensively we did enough in timely moments to slow down a really skilled offensive team. The 82 points was a season-high for the women’s team as well as season-highs in shooting from the field, 47.1% and from three-point distance at a 54.5% clip. Bussler connected on four from behind the arc. Sally Merrill added two threes of her own while scoring a game-high 26 points and grabbing a game-high 10 rebounds. Grace Lodes was 7 of 12 from the field, scoring 14 points, while Allison Kellogg came off the bench to score 12 points and grab 7 rebounds.  She also had a game and career-high six assists. The men's game featured 23 lead changes including many in the last minutes of regulation. Andrew Moore (18 points, 5 assists) forced overtime with a three-point bucket with under eight seconds left in regulation. The teams went back and forth in overtime, but the Lakers would hang on to the four-point victory. Kohler, coming off a 25-point performance against Ancilla, connected on eight of the Raiders 14 three pointers. He and point guard Danyel Bibbs both lead the team with seven rebounds. Bibbs finished with eight points and a career-high nine assists. The loss drops the GRCC to 8-12 overall and 3-6 in the conference. Both teams will have just one day off before they have to travel to Battle Creek, in a makeup date against Kellogg Community College on Jan. 31.

Jan. 27, 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 Lakisha Beck. Lakisha works in the Student Records Office and maintains the tools and processes you use to measure your academic progress, whether you are working towards graduating with a certificate or a degree. "Although my job as the assistant registrar for graduation is primarily behind the scenes, when I get a chance to work with students, I really do enjoy it,” she said. “I'm always willing to help anyone that is in need, whether it's about their education, or connecting them to resources." Lakisha also enjoys telling people in her community about the opportunities that can be found at GRCC, and that she'll be there to help them out when they come to campus. "Whenever I find out someone does not have a degree, I always try to encourage them to come to GRCC to earn a credential," she said. "They will have me on campus as a go-to person, but will soon have others that can help them along their education journey as well. I try to make them feel comfortable even before stepping foot on our campus." Lakisha is confident in the college's ability to meet students where they are, and help them to their “next,” because of the amazing team she works with in the Student Records Office. Not only do her coworkers make working at GRCC a breeze, but she knows she can always count on them to be there for her and the students. Lakisha knew that after high school that she wanted to go to college, but couldn't decide on a clear path. She came to GRCC after high school thinking about earning a degree to work as a registered nurse. But as she took classes, and gained on-the-job experience working on campus, she decided she wanted a career in higher education. After graduating from GRCC, Lakisha returned to the college as a contingent employee in the Grad Specialist position in the Student Records Office. She was hired permanently into that position in 2011. Lakisha knew continuing her education was key to her career advancement, so she transferred her GRCC associate degree to Ferris State University and earned her bachelor's degree in 2016. Two years later she was hired as the assistant registrar for graduation in the Student Records Office. She also continued her education at Grand Valley State University and earned her Masters of Education, Adult and Higher Education in 2019. "I attended GRCC because I knew it was affordable, it was close to home, and I had heard a lot of great things about it, so it wasn't even a question if I was coming here or not," Lakisha recalls. "I knew I wanted a college degree and I was determined to do just that, and I did! GRCC started me on my educational journey and I'm glad to say that it has definitely been beneficial for me." You can connect with the Student Records team at studentrecords@grcc.edu, by calling (616) 234-4121 and online at grcc.edu/studentrecords .

Jan. 26, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grace Lodes scored 21 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, leading the Grand Rapids Community College women's basketball team to a 59-48 victory over the visitors from Ancilla College on Wednesday. The men’s team fell short in a game where the lead changed 13 times. The women’s team (10-7, 6-1) is on a five-game winning streak, holding on to the second spot in the MCCAA Western Conference standings. GRCC has now beaten Ancilla (4-7, 1-6) in six consecutive games, dating back to 2019. Alayah Chapman, with 16 points and 18 rebounds, kept the Chargers in the game, with her team trailing by just one at the half. But the Raiders pulled away late in the third quarter and never looked back. GRCC freshmen Sally Merrill and Karissa Ferry combined for 19 points, 19 rebounds and eight assists. “Tonight, was not one of our best performances and credit for that goes to the effort and play by Ancilla,” Coach Dave Glazier said. “Our kids found a way to get it done and I’m proud of all 11 tonight.  I know to a person they understand they’ve got better basketball in them. The men's game was fast-paced, with the lead changing throughout the contest. But GRCC fell by a final score of 103-98.  The Raiders dropped to 8-11 overall and 3-5 in the conference while the Chargers improved to 10-3 and 6-1. GRCC had a chance in the final minute after Andrew Moore made it a two-point game and then got a steal on the other end. But Moore couldn't get the game-tying basket to fall and the Chargers held on. "Great team effort tonight," Coach Joe Fox said. "Came up a play or two short, and once again, post-game we talk about the little things here and there.  I've been telling my guys all year we're building for March, and I still think we're right there. There will be some good and some bad to break down on film. But at the end of the day, you have to be the team that makes the winning plays." Point guard Danyel Bibbs had his best performance in a GRCC uniform, putting up a team-high 27 points and six assists. Bibbs was 10 of 14 from the field and 6 of 8 from the free throw line. Brockton Kohler knocked in six of the Raiders 13 three-pointers and finished with 25 points.  Moore finished with 19 points and eight rebounds. Ryel Daye added 18 points and eight rebounds. Round two of the MCCAA Western conference schedule begins on Jan. 28 at Mid Michigan College. Both GRCC teams won in their first meeting on Jan. 3.  The women's team tips off first at 1 p.m. 

Jan. 26, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – GRCC student Jodi Holland was “completely shocked” to pick up her phone and hear Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II on the other end. “I know he had been getting over COVID, and the first thing I said was, ‘Are you OK? How are you feeling?” Gilchrist assured Holland he was feeling better, congratulated her on making the Dean’s List, then thanked her for allowing Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to tell Holland’s story during Wednesday’s State of the State Address. Holland, 59, is using the Michigan Reconnect program to attend GRCC with a goal of becoming a professional baker. Michigan Reconnect is a state scholarship program providing free in-district tuition for those ages 25 and older who don’t already have a college degree. “We eliminated the cost barrier for 170,000 Michiganders, who are getting skills and better-paying jobs through Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners. These programs boost our economy and empower our people,” Whitmer said in the address .  “People like Caroline, a former in-home care provider, and mom of 2 who got straight As her first semester at Mott Community College. And Jodi, a Reconnect recipient—the first of 8 siblings to go to college—she’s on the dean’s list at Grand Rapids Community College. These programs have given them opportunity and opened new doors for their families. I want them to know we’re all rooting for them.”  During the Winter 2022 semester, 1,075 students at GRCC are enrolled through Michigan Reconnect, and 1,457 are attending through Future for Frontliners, which covers tuition for people who served in essential roles during the state’s COVID shutdown. Holland, 59, said it never occurred to go to college when she was younger. Her parents didn’t discourage her, but it was not an expectation. She enrolled at GRCC last summer and is working toward an associate degree in culinary arts with a baking and pastry arts certificate. “Then earlier this year a friend posted something on Facebook about the Michigan Reconnect program and I knew this was a golden opportunity for me to do something I should have done a long time ago: get a college degree,” she said.  “I’m so lucky not to be racking up a bunch of student loans at my age. I’ve paid for a few books, but that’s it. Reconnect has taken care of everything else,” said Holland, who’s worked her entire life, often just earning enough money to get by and raise her three children. But she’s not pursuing a college degree just for herself. She also hopes to inspire her 15-year-old grandson, Gavin Lietz. “I think it’s one thing to talk to somebody and say, ‘You should do this.’ But if I can say, ‘I’ve done it. Let me walk along beside you and help you,’ that’s a lot different,” she said. Holland says she’s grateful for the support in navigating the world of college, which can be very intimidating. Her husband, Fred, cheers her on, her oldest daughter taught her how to use Microsoft Word and her grandson taught her PowerPoint. Because she had never been on GRCC’s campus, a young friend who’s a student showed her around, where to park, and how to find the culinary building. “I feel like a pro now,” she said. “lt has definitely been a group effort all along.” Last spring, Holland started getting her feet wet in the culinary arts by working full-time with her husband at an adult living facility in Spring Lake. She does all the baking and her husband, a retired chef, does all the cooking. “We do everything from scratch, and I just love it. It’s the most wonderful job I’ve ever had,” said Holland, who also sells real estate. Once she graduates, the Hollands dream of opening their own restaurant. And she’s thrilled Gov. Whitmer shared her story. “Michigan Reconnect has definitely made a difference for me,” she said. “It’s given me confidence to keep going, and anything I can do to help people learn about it, I’m happy to do.” Learn more about how the Michigan Reconnect program can help you start or restart your college education and change your life at grcc.edu/reconnect .