Feb. 7, 2022 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Versiti, which supplies life-saving blood for medical procedures in Michigan and four other Midwestern states, is funding Grand Rapids Community College scholarships to train the people who collect those donations. The blood supplier plans to award four  Versity Phlebotomy Skills Scholarships nnually to cover tuition for GRCC’s Phlebotomy Skills program. The first two scholarships are going to students in the latest session of the program, which started today. Hannah Tuuri, Versiti Inc.’s talent acquisition specialist, said the organization hopes the scholarships encourage people in underrepresented populations to consider this rewarding career. “Versiti is committed to building ethnic diversity within the donor population,” she said. “The scholarship is designed to help us develop diversity within our industry and teams to ensure that we reflect the population in which we serve.” Linda Witte, program developer for GRCC’s health certificate programs, said demand for phlebotomists is projected to grow by 21% each year with 400 job openings annually. GRCC’s 10-week Phlebotomy Skills program is presented in a hybrid format, with lectures online and smaller groups of students meeting in person on the downtown campus for labs and demonstrations. “This is a skill-building course,” Witte said. “About half of the people who come into this class are already working in health care, and the other half are looking for that entry-level job.” Those who are interested in the Phlebotomy Skills program can find more information online. Dr. Kathryn Mullins, vice president of College Advancement and executive director of the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation, said the Versiti Phlebotomy Skills Scholarships will encourage people to train for an important job, benefiting all of West Michigan. “Community partners like Versiti are critical to GRCC’s role of providing people with opportunities for higher education and skills training,” she said.

Feb. 7, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Tristan Walczewski believes in taking “intelligent risks.” 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. When an unconventional opportunity came along, Walczewski grabbed it, confident in all he’d learned at GRCC. “My first year spent studying at GRCC was actually Music Education,” he said. “After revisiting my study, I chose to transition to business.” Walczewski went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management, with a minor in international finance, from Davenport University. Shortly after graduating, he decided to pursue a new goal: sommelier certifications. He earned an Advanced Sommelier Certification last year and hopes to gain a Master Sommelier Diploma in 2023.  “I knew I wanted to do something unconventional, that was dynamic and fast-paced,” he said. “As I was completing my undergrad, an opportunity arose that I never considered as a career path and I was fortunate to be granted the opportunity to try it.” He’s now general manager of Bistro Bella Vita in downtown Grand Rapids and beverage director for the dining establishment’s parent company, Essence Restaurant Group. In these two roles, he draws equally on what he’s learned in his sommelier studies and in business classes as GRCC. “I thoroughly enjoyed my speech and communication course along with the very helpful Microsoft classes,” he said. “Professional communication and an understanding of finance are vital in any position. “The GRCC professors were educated in their fields, and many were working actively in their field in addition to teaching, which I found to be helpful in understanding the real world application of the curriculum.” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at  grcc.edu/apply .

Feb. 5, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College women's basketball extended their win streak to seven in a row, while the men's basketball team snapped a three-game losing streak in a sweep of Kellogg Community College on Saturday. The women’s team dominated, with all 11 GRCC players scoring at least two points and grabbing at least one rebound in the Raiders’ 57-31 victory. The win keeps GRCC all alone in second place in the MCCAA Western Conference with a 12-7 record, 8-1 in the conference. Forwards Grace Lodes and Sally Merrill led GRCC with 10 points and both tallied four rebounds in 19 minutes on the court. Audrey Harnish led the team in rebounding with nine while scoring six points off the bench. Emersyn Koepke added eight points and six rebounds. "Extremely happy with the complete team performance today," Coach David Glazier said. "Our reserves work their butts off everyday so it was rewarding to see them all contribute to the win today." In the men’s game, GRCC point guard Danyel Bibbs was nearly unstoppable, connecting on 11 of 13 from the field, one of one from three-point range and three of three from the charity stripe, for a game-high 26 points.  He also had a game-high nine assists, four blocks and three steals. The Bruins jumped out to an early lead and had a nine-point advantage 7:22 into the game, but the Raiders outscored the visitors by 14 to close the half up 48-43. GRCC, 9-13 overall and 4-7 in the conference, led the entire second half, hanging on for a 96-90 victory, snapping a three-game skid. Andrew Moore knocked in 19 points while Brockton Kohler poured in 18 points and grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds. "Playing a team back-to-back, especially after a heartbreaker like the last game, can be difficult," Coach Joe Fox said. "Both teams made adjustments, and I was happy with how the guys executed. Danyel Bibbs did a great job pushing the pace offensively, and Nyuon Nhial was a great anchor defensively in the second half. I’m excited for the guys to get a W after putting in a lot of hard work. The next key is to build on this win and keep momentum rolling moving toward the playoffs." Both teams will have just one day off before they take on Glen Oaks Community College in Grand Rapids on Feb. 7.

February 4, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The introduction of Grand Rapids Community College’s first-ever Young Alumni Award winner, breakfast with presidents, and basketball games against rivals Kalamazoo Valley Community College are among the week of activities featured in this year’s Homecoming. While a number of the activities are taking place remotely, others will be conducted in person with wellness protocols as the campus faces challenges created by the pandemic. “There is truly something for everyone in this year’s Homecoming celebration,” said Lina Blair, director of the Office of Student Life. “We’re proud of who we are and what we do at GRCC. It’s exciting to recognize our alumni – and our future alumni – with activities that are fun, informative, and inspirational.” Additional information is available at grcc.edu/homecoming . Friday, Feb. 11: It’s Spirit Day! Employees, students, alumni, families, and even pets are encouraged to show their spirit by wearing your GRCC attire. Take individual or team photos for a chance to win prizes. Monday, Feb. 14: GRCC’s first-ever Young Alumni Award winner will be announced on social media. The GRCC Foundation is honoring alumni age 40 and younger, highlighting accomplishments and sharing inspiring stories about how a GRCC education is vitally important to launch educational journeys and careers. A virtual Student Organization Mixer is planned for 2-4 p.m. Representatives from groups across campus will be available using REMO and will share information about opportunities and activities.  Registration is available here . Tuesday, Feb. 15: Have breakfast with GRCC President Bill Pink, Student Alliance President Brendan Burke, and other student leaders. Grab-and-go meals will be available between 9 and 10:30 a.m. on the fourth floor of Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall. Get vaccinated or boosted. We’re all fighting the pandemic together. GRCC’s latest vaccination and booster clinic is planned for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the fourth floor of Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall. We’re celebrating leaders, events and opportunities during Black History Month. The GRCC Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is hosting a virtual keynote address at 6 p.m. featuring LaTosha Brown. She is a 2019 fellow with The Institute of Politics at Harvard University, is an award-winning organizer, philanthropic consultant, political strategist, and jazz singer with over 20 years of experience working in the non-profit and philanthropy sectors on a wide variety of issues related to political empowerment, social justice, economic development, leadership development, wealth creation, and civil rights. Details about registration are available here . Wednesday, Feb. 16 Employees are invited to a Winter Warm-up presented by the GRCC Human Resources Department. Three kinds of soup will be available as a grab-and-go meal between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at Sneden Hall Room 103 and Student Center Room 234. Students can participate in a BINGO night sponsored by the Campus Activities Board in the Raider Grill between 5:30 and 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17 Leslie Tassell M-TEC employees are invited to a Winter Warm-up presented by the GRCC Human Resources Department. Three kinds of soup will be available as a grab-and-go meal between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the M-TEC. Friday, Feb. 18 It’s Spirit Day! Show your Raider Pride by wearing your GRCC attire. The winner of the Raider Spirit photo contest will be announced. Raiders on Ice! GRCC students, employees and alumni are invited to skate for free between 5 and 10 p.m. at Griff’s Ice House Address: 30 Coldbrook St NE in Grand Rapids. Saturday, Feb. 19 The Big Game! The GRCC men’s and women’s basketball teams are taking on the rivals at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The action will be available for viewing online. The women’s team tips off at 1 p.m., with the men’s team starting at 3 p.m.  

Feb. 3, 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 Linda Witte. Linda develops and manages health certificate programs for GRCC. Specifically, she manages GRCC's Medical Assistant, CNA, Pharmacy Technician, and Phlebotomy Skills Training programs. Linda also is also developing a Direct Support Professional program, and is assisting with Surgical Technologist and Anesthesia Technologist programs. This work is as dynamic as it sounds. "I meet with employers to find out their hiring needs and put together short-term training programs to fill their needs," Linda said. "Secondly, I oversee the best group of trainers who have a big heart for students. Thirdly, I work with potential and current students -- from wanting to know more about health careers, to encouraging their success once they are in our programs, to celebrating with them once they've successfully completed the program. I ensure that our curriculum teaches students what the profession needs them to know, and I arrange for the student's clinical placements." Linda is an advocate for healthcare careers, and not just because there is great demand for highly skilled professionals. She knows quality healthcare has a big impact on people's lives, and it's a great field to work in. "It's so rewarding to make an impact on a person's ability to be healthy and lead a fulfilling life," she said. "Like many people in healthcare, my interest started with a family member who was seriously ill -- my brother had leukemia. Because of that, I was exposed to a lot of different health professions as I was growing up. I really liked the idea of being able to help a person's mental wellbeing, so I majored in psychology and social work. I worked in a lot of different health professions including pharmacy, CNA, administrative work, adult foster care, and medical assisting." This breadth of experience gives Linda an edge as she develops and manages healthcare programs for the college. "There are so many choices for people in health careers and it's fun for me to help people consider their options," she said. "I can also relate to those who may be nervous thinking about going back to school, as I went back after 24 years to continue my education. If I can do it, others can too!" Linda's first job at age 14 was in a pharmacy and she's been employed in healthcare ever since. She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology, with a minor in Social Work, from Calvin University. Her career after college focused on behavioral healthcare in roles including direct care, activity therapy, resident advising, and finally staff educator. As Linda's career evolved she wanted to become more involved in helping staff and programs grow. She returned to college to earn her master's degree in Public Administration and Management from Grand Valley State University. "All of these experiences came together to equip me for the position I'm in now," she said. There is no choice between who Linda enjoys working with more in her current position - local employers, GRCC students, or GRCC staff -- she loves them all! "We have employers who care that this career is fulfilling to employees, and who want to support the success of our students," Linda said. "Plus, our staff of GRCC trainers is the best! I love to hear students talk about how their trainers go the extra mile to support their success. Finally, our students are amazing! They are passionate about making other people's lives better. Our students are so resilient at working through obstacles with determination in order to obtain a certification and career in healthcare. Their stories move and inspire me."

Feb. 3, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College is planning a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for students, employees, and community members for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 15 on the fourth floor of Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall, 143 Bostwick Ave. NE. No appointment is needed for the clinic, the latest in a series conducted at the college. About 350 people have so far been assisted in campus vaccination clinics. The clinic will offer COVID-19 vaccinations as well as booster shots. Vaccines have been determined to be the most effective tool in preventing serious illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19. People wishing to obtain the vaccines or booster shots can save time and create an account and fill out the required vaccine form in advance: https://www.visit.covidsecureapp.com/michigan . The clinics are part of a series of wellness protocols intended to help GRCC students, employees and community members. The campus is requiring face-coverings indoors, and has posted face-covering dispensers near entrances in many buildings. On-campus class sizes are limited to 75% capacity, and the college has replaced two-person desks with single-person desks in most classrooms. The college also has installed new furniture for common areas that is intended to help with distancing. Hundreds of hand sanitizing stations were added since the start of the pandemic, and changes were made to campus cooling and ventilation to increase air flow. College leaders are monitoring developments with COVID-19 and its variants, and are communicating with state and federal health authorities for guidance as conditions change. GRCC’s mission is to serve its community, and the campus has played a role in fighting the pandemic. GRCC Nursing students in 2021 administered shots into the arms of students, campus employees, and others in the spring as part of the Shot of Love campaign, a partnership with Urban Church Leadership Center and Spectrum Health. In May, the college hosted a campus vaccination pop-up clinic, which was visited by first lady Jill Biden.

Feb. 2, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – GRCC Workforce Training programs provide in-demand skills leading to rewarding careers. We are introducing students who are heading down an educational pathway and changing their lives by earning occupational certificates. Tyler Kryzanowski has a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Animation from Ferris State University but struggled to find work in the West Michigan area.  He worked in a manufacturing facility to get by, but was laid off in early 2021 like so many others during the pandemic. A former Ferris classmate suggested GRCC’s Job Training Computer Support Technician program, so he checked into it. “A couple of months after I was laid off, I decided that I really needed to look at a career pivot. I looked at the Job Training program and threw all my eggs into that basket.” The Computer Support Technician Job Training Program prepares students to achieve two certifications: the CompTIA A+ Certification and the Network+ Certification. Both of these IT certifications are globally recognized and represent in-demand skills sought by a wide array of employers. “Halfway through the program, I moved to Lansing and starting looking for opportunities there. Because the program is offered entirely online, I was able to make that move,” he said.  “When I first started, I had a great conversation with the instructor, Moss Ingram. I shared that I struggle with ADD and he really understood and tried to help whenever he could. He helped me out a lot. The contacts I made through this class were very helpful as well. Job postings are shared and staff help with interviews, too.” The Computer Support Technician Job Training Program is now offered in an entirely online format; however, there is still a personal element in the program. Ingram stresses that should not deter anyone from taking the program. “We have structured the program in a way that provides flexibility but keeps the personal interaction necessary to be successful in the program and in the industry,” Ingram said. Unlike many training programs that meet the needs of a specific market, any and all employers who use computer technology require computer support. Whether provided by a full-time employee or by a contracted managed services company, every company needs IT support. This program is designed to address computer support from four perspectives: technical, professionalism and employability, business innovation, and design. Students regularly meet local IT technicians, engineers, business owners, and recruiters via Zoom to learn from their experiences and current market expectations. “Once I received the CompTIA A+ Certification, that opened many doors for me. I just started my new job on Monday at Michigan State University as a Classroom IT Support Technician,” Kryzanowski said.    “This class helped me grow personally and make connections in the industry. It also, taught me accountability which will continue to help me. I think my future looks pretty good now!” GRCC has an unmatched reputation among employers for supplying West Michigan with work-ready technicians. Our graduates specialize in providing empathy for the people they support while solving complex problems using troubleshooting and design thinking methodologies. Students are also taught to focus on human-centered solutions and technology-based innovations for both colleagues and customers. The next Computer Support Technician program begins March 14, 2022. Details are at grcc.edu/jobtraining .

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.