Sept. 2, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Drew Rozema, head of the Computer Information Systems Department, and nationally known cybersecurity expert, did not start his career with teaching and information security in mind.  “I always knew I wanted to do something with computers, and sort of bounced around in different roles in IT and engineering until I found cybersecurity,” Rozema said. “The switch to cybersecurity was somewhat serendipitous. I was tasked with helping out with a number of security initiatives and was sent for training while working for a company called Tribune. When I realized I would need a degree to advance my career, I knew security was what would keep me interested enough to complete it.” Rozema worked at Fox 17 WXMI-TV as a computer systems administrator for two years, and then manager of information systems for seven years, before becoming director of technology at Tribune Co. in 2009. He connected with teaching during his time at Tribune, when he took an adjunct faculty position in the Grand Rapids Community College CIS department in 2013. Just over a year later he stepped into the position of tenured assistant professor. Two years later he accepted the role of department head for the CIS department at GRCC – working with faculty and industry leaders to keep CIS degrees and certificates at the forefront of emerging software, technology and information security. Rozema was drawn into teaching by the subject matter  “I like the opportunity to be immersed in the subject matter I love, and try and share my passion with the students in my classes,” Rozema said. “Our program brings world-class facilities and cutting-edge curriculum to Grand Rapids. We have faculty trained and vetted by some of the biggest names in information technology and rigorous academic programs for students who want to be help desk professionals, IT technicians, network administrators, cybersecurity professionals or research computer scientists. Any of those careers can start (and have started) at GRCC's CIS department.” Through Rozema’s leadership and collaboration with faculty and administration members, CIS was recognized by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security in 2018 as one of two Michigan community colleges designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. That same year, Rozema launched the “Defeasible Reasoning” podcast. Podcasting, he said, is an egalitarian medium that allows for real conversations to happen and for intimate stories to get told in a way that no other media can. Archived podcast episodes cover all things cybersecurity from 2018 to 2020 with co-host Noah DeSmit, a former GRCC Media Technologies Department staff member. “Like most hackers I remain a techno-utopian at heart,” Rozema said. “I believe in the power of technology and the power of communication done well. I hope that we all benefit when everyone has an opportunity to have a voice. Admittedly, we’re all still figuring out how to make that work, and there are occasional misfires, but I’m confident we can all get there.” In 2020 Rozema also joined the University of Michigan faculty as an adjunct lead instructor for the Nexus School of Engineering Cybersecurity Professional Boot-camp. His advice to students? Know the real value of your skills and talent; and how important it is to have credentials that prove them. Rozema is currently working towards a doctorate through the Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security at Purdue - Discovery Park. He holds a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems, with a concentration in security, from Boston University, and a Bachelor of Science from Capella University with a specialization in Information Security and Assurance.

Sept. 1, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Andrew Moore, one of the top players of the 2021-2022 Grand Rapids Community College men's basketball team, is taking his talents to Calumet College of St. Joseph this fall. Teammate Isaac Slomp also is committed to playing at a four-year school in Indiana, attending Franklin College. Moore was one of GRCC’s top players in 2022, and was named to the Michigan Community College Athletic Association’s All-Conference team. "I am so excited for Andrew to have the opportunity to continue his career at Calumet," GRCC head coach Joe Fox said. "Calumet is getting an experienced player and scorer who was in the top 20 in NJCAA DII in both points and minutes played last season. Andrew pushed himself both on the court and in the classroom, and will have a great opportunity to finish his degree at Calumet while making a huge impact with the basketball team as well. I can't wait to follow his successes for the next two years." Calumet College of St. Joseph, located in Whiting, Ind., is a private, four-year school that competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Moore is a 6-foot, 4-inch forward and guard from Grand Rapids who attended Forest Hills Northern High School. Last year he led GRCC in scoring, with 584 points, averaging 20.1 per game. He also led the team with 43 steals and in free throw shooting, at just over 80 percent. He scored 20 or more points in 13 games, including a season-high 32 points against Schoolcraft College and 31 points against Lansing Community College. Slomp also is headed to the Hoosier State to continue his education. The 6-foot, 10-inch forward from Big Rapids graduated from Crossroads Charter Academy. He played in 22 games last season, scoring 19 points. Franklin College is a four-year private college located in Franklin, Ind., just south of Indianapolis.

Sept. 1, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The GRCC Lakeshore Campus is being highlighted by Haworth, the Holland-based office furniture manufacturer, as an “inspired design” and example of a public-private partnership strengthening a community. Haworth was a partner in creating the 52,000-square-foot-campus, providing furnishings and equipment used throughout the building. The GRCC Lakeshore Campus opened a year ago as a consolidated location for Grand Rapids Community College’s Ottawa County programs, and about 1,000 students are so far enrolled to take classes there this semester. The company highlighted GRCC in its blog, “Spark – Workplace insights that ignite ideas,” looking at the how the building went from a shuttered JCPenney department store into a vibrant learning space. The post, “Transforming vacant mall space into a place for higher education. See how a strategic real estate choice creates the perfect environment for students, faculty, and the community” includes a case study and video with interviews with several GRCC leaders. “What was a blighted mall and felt like something that was a failure in the community has been transformed into something that will help students succeed, and it will raise the vitality and the economic prosperity of the whole region,” said Dr. Kathryn Mullins, GRCC’s vice president for College Advancement and executive director of the GRCC Foundation. The campus opened in August 2021 in the Shops at Westshore Mall, 12335 James St. in Holland. The facility has nine classrooms, four computer labs and five unique labs for biology, chemistry, electronics, automation, welding and machine tooling, housing programs for students working toward an associate degree or a career-focused certificate. The building also has spaces for advising and counseling and other student support services and a satellite library, as well as areas for use by community groups. The GRCC Facilities team, directed by Jim Van Dokkumburg, oversaw the transformation. GMB Architecture + Engineering designed the project, and construction was directed by The Christman Co. Haworth highlighted the collaborative culture that helped the project take flight and be successful. “The new GRCC Lakeshore Campus represents the value a community college provides in helping students fulfill their dreams,” the article reads. “A spirit of collaboration carries through the space itself, with central gathering spaces for pairs and small groups, as well as large gatherings. The vitality of the new campus has energized the surrounding area, too, bringing in new restaurants and shops. A large open area is used to host campus and community events. Plus, faculty and staff now experience the benefits of working together face-to-face and report an increase in collaboration and communication.”  The story notes opportunities for local employers to collaborate on training at the campus, noting the specialized rooms “provide spaces where students gain the skills they’ll use to drive innovation in future jobs as well as entrepreneurial ventures. Many manufacturers, including Haworth, benefit from GRCC’s state-of-the-art technical training programs, while students learn valuable skills close to home that will help them earn more and advance in their careers.” Other community donors include the Brooks family, the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area, Gentex Corporation, GMB, Herman Miller, Hudsonville Ice Cream Company, and Patrick A. Thompson and family. The project earlier in the year was highlighted in Architect, the journal of the American Institute for Architects, and named an “Outstanding Project” in the Community College Renovation/Adaptive Reuse/Restoration category by Learning by Design magazine. The Washington-based AIA is the leading professional organization for architects and design professionals. Learning by Design showcases the best in the education design and construction market, recognizing innovative pre-K to 12 schools and cutting-edge colleges and universities.

Aug. 31, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Cody Kasper worked in a variety of industries after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was working with the Ionia County Road Commission when a friend talked to him about becoming an electrical line worker. After hearing about the work, he was determined to give it a go. “I tried to get into the program at Lansing Community College and another program in Alpena,” he said. “Space is always very limited. But I kept trying. Then I saw that Grand Rapids Community College was developing a program that was nine months shorter than the others. It was perfect timing!” Kasper was one of the 12 participants in the pilot program that was offered in May 2021. “The training was great. It hit all the basics -- OSHA, and electrical industry stuff,” he said. “But it’s the fitness portion. That is what kicks everyone’s butt!” GRCC, in partnership with the Michigan Energy Workforce Development Consortium, began offering a Pre-Lineworker Training program in 2021. The Program includes: OSHA10 certification/safety, Linework Physical Fitness, Basic Electricity, and Energy Industry Fundamentals, followed by climbing clinics, orientation and an 11-week climb school in Marshall, Mich.. “Of the 12 who started the program, only eight went on to do the practice climbs,” he said. “The first time you have to climb up a pole to 40 feet, you find out quickly if you are afraid of heights.” The process to become a Line worker has many levels of training. GRCC’s program is the first level. Additionally, there are four climbing clinics and a written test. Kasper is now working for Consumers Energy making more than $40 per hour. As he progresses through the five steps of the apprenticeship program, he will earn even more. “This training is serious. I felt like being in the Marines really helped me. I had the mentality to stick to it. I’m so glad I did!” Additional information about the next Pre-Lineworker session is available at grcc.edu/lineworker .