Nov. 4, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Probably no other GRCC student has “American Idol” finalist Scott MacIntyre’s cell phone number. But Tyler Zahnke does. That’s because Zahnke is one of only 10 blind musicians in the nation selected to attend the first SongSight music mentoring retreat this weekend in Scottsdale, Ariz., featuring blind singer-songwriter MacIntyre. “We’re going to be doing some songwriting, singing, and we get to record an original song at the end of the weekend,” said Zahnke, a GRCC music major . “But I’m most excited about hanging out and networking with famous artists like Scott MacIntyre.” MacIntyre was the first blind “American Idol” finalist and a fan favorite for viewers for optimism in the face of adversity. This weekend’s retreat is just the latest in Zahnke’s lifelong quest to make music. Blind since birth, the 25-year-old Grand Rapids native said his love of music began as a toddler when his family would listen to classical music and his mother played the piano. After teaching himself piano basics as a young boy, he began taking lessons at age 10. While taking online classes at Northview Alternative High School, he began composing, singing, recording and editing his own music at home. But it was GRCC that changed his world. Zahnke enrolled in 2017 and has consistently pursued his associate degree in music ever since. “GRCC has helped me develop a deeper understanding of music, what a musician does, and has helped me get more in tune with different genres of music,” he said. The best part, though, is performing. Zahnke, who considers himself equal parts singer and keyboardist, has been singing with GRCC’s vocal ensembles since he started five years ago. “Performing makes me so happy,” he said. Although still charting his career, Zahnke said he’d like to eventually record an album, perform live concerts, compose production music for TV or commercials, and create music-related software for the blind. “Living this life has made me more resourceful, and I think a lot of the challenges I’ve faced are being eliminated,” he said of his blindness. For now, he’s looking forward to this weekend’s SongSight retreat and making even more friends in the music world. “It sounds like a terrific program, and I am thrilled for Tyler,” said Debora DeWitt, GRCC professor and piano department chair. This story was reported by Beth McKenna.

Nov. 3, 2022, PORT HURON, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College volleyball team advanced to the NJCAA Region XII-District A winners bracket final after two wins to open up tournament play on Thursday. In the team’s opening match, GRCC won convincingly 25-14, 25-18, 25-15, defeating Southwestern Michigan College, which finished in fourth place in the Western Conference this year. GRCC hit .316 as a team, and was led by Eliza Thelen, who hit .444 with 14 kills on 27 swings. In the later match GRCC played a very good St. Clair County Community College team, which tied for the Eastern Conference Championship, and came out victorious in four sets, 25-23, 23-25, 25-23, 25-11. "We dug deep and pulled out a win as a team," sophomore Karissa Ferry said. GRCC struggled offensively up until the final set, where it had just one error.  The team finished .222 for the match and was led by Audrey Torres, who had 14 kills and hit a team-high .306. Shannon Russell dished out 45 assists and added eight digs and a team-high four blocks. Audrey Gower had 16 digs and Kara Hecht had the lone double-double, with 12 kills and 10 digs. GRCC, ranked No. 13 in the latest NJCAA Division II poll, improved to 22-3 overall, and will play Kalamazoo Valley Community College at 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 4.  A win would allow the team to advance to the championship match at 1 p.m. on Saturday.  

  Nov. 3, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids Community College’s first soccer coaches are bringing more than 40 years of experience, championships and personal success to the jobs. Lizzy Hornack, a two-time All-American at Davenport University, and Damiekco Smith, who has ties to the University of Michigan-Flint program, will guide the new GRCC teams when they take the field in fall 2023. “We’re starting these programs on the right foot with excellent coaches,” Athletic Director Lauren Ferullo said. “We’re not just fielding a team. We’re building a program and a culture. Lizzy and Damiekco have years of experience working with student-athletes, helping them be successful on the field and in the classroom.”   Hornack, a native of Manchester, England, is a 2014 Davenport University alumna and is assistant coach for the university’s women's team. She was a two-time All-American at Davenport, earning the honors in 2010 and 2013. She is atop Davenport’s leaderboard in nine categories, including points, with 131; goals, 55; and game-winning goals, 14. “I’m very excited to start GRCC’s women’s soccer program,” she said. “It’s an honor to be the first-ever head coach. I’m excited to get to work on building this program and having a positive impact on the lives of student-athletes.” After college Hornack played two years in a semi-pro league with Grand Rapids Football Club, winning the national championship in 2017. She has served as assistant coach and the junior varsity head coach for Davenport in 2014 and 2015, then became girl's director of coaching for the Soccer Club of Rockford. She was director of operations two years later. She coached a girls’ team to a State Cup championship in 2022, and coaches two National League teams. Hornack also coached at CATS FC in Caledonia and Vardar West in Byron Center. She was the head junior varsity coach at Rockford High School and the assistant varsity coach at Grandville High School. She has a bachelor's degree in Marketing and a master's degree in Human Resource Management from Davenport. Smith has 27 years of soccer coaching experience, including serving as head women’s coach for University of Michigan-Flint and the assistant for the University of Michigan-Flint men’s soccer program. Smith has led several successful programs, including winning three indoor national championships with his 2 Designs All-Star Team. Those teams were undefeated in 30 games. He also coached his high school to a Conference Championship leading his team to a 20-0 regular season record. He was presented the High School Boys and Girls Conference Coach of the year award and the High School Boys and Girls District Coach of the Year award. He most recently was head coach for the Wellspring Prep High School girls’ soccer team. Smith earned a master’s degree from the University of Michigan-Flint in Public Administration and a master’s degree from Bowling Green in Criminal Justice. He earned bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and an associate degree from Ferris State University. Smith works for the Department of Health and Human Services as a section manager in Kent County. "I'm excited to be the first head coach of the GRCC men's soccer program and I'm looking forward to building a competitive team," he said. With the addition of both soccer programs, GRCC now offers 10 athletic programs, including men's and women's cross country, golf, volleyball, men's and women's basketball, baseball and softball. Students interested in participating can fill out a questionnaire here .

Nov. 3, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Brandi Miller, a Grand Rapids Community College nursing professor, says GRCC feels like home after taking on the role of both a student and an educator.  Nursing is a second career for Miller. After graduating from Michigan Tech and working for 14 years as a licensed, professional engineer, Miller took a leap-of-faith and began attending GRCC to pursue a new career in nursing.  She continued her education at Ferris State University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and her Master of Science in Nursing certifications.  Almost 10 years later, she now teaches students in the same GRCC nursing program she once studied in.  Miller said the best part of teaching is working with students. Most GRCC nursing students are non-traditional - they have had other careers, are raising families, or are working simultaneously.  These students are able to bring a diverse perspective to the program and are determined to succeed.  Miller mentions, “It makes it really easy to do my job when I see how hard they’re working,” she said.  The nursing program (the practical nursing certificate and associate degree) has had nearly perfect passing rates on the national licensure exam for the past four years.  Miller notes that many of these students were once turned away from other selective nursing programs; yet these students are now thriving at GRCC. “It says a lot about our culture at GRCC, students can come as they are, work hard, and succeed,” she said.   Miller’s best advice to incoming students? "It’s okay to be a novice - everyone has a first day. It takes time to gain experience and fulfill potential. The first step is to show up and try." Additional information about the GRCC nursing program is here.

Nov. 2, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Brockton Kohler's 24 points help lead the Grand Rapids Community College men's basketball team to a convincing 113-55 win on opening night Wednesday over the Olivet junior varsity team. Kohler, a shooting guard from Greenville, was 8 for 10 overall and 7 of 8 from behind the arc. GRCC dominated in every statistical category, including overall field goal percentage (58.2 percent), three-point field goal percentage (40.7 percent), and rebounding with a 58-24 advantage. All 11 GRCC players scored in the game. Danyel Bibbs had 19 points and game-high seven assists.  Coleman Clark was 8 for 12 from the floor for 17 points.  Herman Brown had 13 points. The team's next game is Nov. 4 at the Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse against the junior varsity squad from Cornerstone University.  Tip-off is 6:30 p.m.  

Nov. 2, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The new Michigan Achievement Scholarship could provide future Grand Rapids Community College students with $2,750 a year to help cover the cost of tuition, helping to remove financial barriers to getting a life-changing college education. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer today launched a website with information about the new scholarships, available to high school students graduating in 2023. “Community colleges are proudly an affordable, accessible option for students looking for a quality education. But so many high school grads continue to face financial obstacles," GRCC Interim President Juan Olivarez said. "The new Michigan Achievement Scholarship can make a college dream a reality, covering most of the cost of a full year at a community college. That’s great for students, and also strengthens our greater community and state.” To be eligible, students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as FAFSA. GRCC has a FAFSA Hotline – (616) 234-4030 – with specialists available to answer questions about the form. Students also can make appointments to connect with specialists in person, virtually or over the phone at grcc.edu/financialaid. Specialists can be reached via email at financialaid@grcc.edu . The $2,750 will cover much of GRCC’s tuition and fees. Students can potentially receive additional support through federal Pell Grants, which could help students cover additional expenses, such as transportation and childcare. Gov. Whitmer last month signed bipartisan legislation creating the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, supporting her Sixty by 30 goal to see 60 percent of the state’s adults earn a skill certificate or college degree by 2030.  “For too long, high costs have been a barrier to higher education,” Whitmer said. “I am so excited that we worked across the aisle to establish the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, lowering the cost of college by thousands of dollars a year for the vast majority of graduating seniors, starting with the class of 2023. All students need to do to get their Michigan Achievement Scholarship is fill out their FAFSA. I encourage every student going to community college, private college, or a public university in Michigan to speak with their parents or guardian, get their documents together, and fill out their FAFSA to save thousands of dollars.” Students are eligible for annual scholarships up to $2,750 at a community college, renewable for three years. Students are eligible for $4,000 at a four-year private college or university, and $5,500 at a public university, each renewable for five years. “The Michigan Achievement Scholarship will make additional education possible for the majority of Michigan’s new college students after they earn their high school diploma or equivalency,” said Sarah Szurpicki, director of the Office of Sixty by 30. “This scholarship is game-changing for Michigan families. Creating more pathways to education beyond high school means creating more pathways for Michigan students, families, and businesses to succeed.” Additional information about state financial aid opportunities is available at Michigan.gov/MIStudentAid .  

Nov. 1, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Audrey Gower and Eliza Thelen of the MCCAA champion Grand Rapids Community College volleyball team were named Michigan Community College Athletic Association Northern Conference Defensive and Offensive Players of the Week. Gower, a third-year libero from Dimondale, compiled 41 digs and 10 assists in victories over Lake Michigan College and Mott Community College in the MCCAA championship on Saturday. Gower recorded a career-high 33 digs to reach the 800-dig milestone in the championship match against Mott. Thelen, a sophomore middle from Grand Rapids, scored 34 points on 31 kills and three blocks, including 21 in the championship match, while hitting over .400 on the day. Thelen ranks second on the team in kills this season with 223 and is second with 48 blocks. She also ranks in the top five of the MCCAA in hitting percentage. GRCC, ranked No. 13 in the latest National Junior College Athletic Association Division II poll, are 20-3 overall, and now await its opening match opponent in this week's Region XII-Great Lakes A Tournament. The team will play against the winner of the match between Schoolcraft College and Southwestern Michigan College on Thursday, Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. 

Nov. 1, 2022 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The GRCC Players will reopen a famously shut door with their production of “A Doll’s House, Part 2,” next month. Lucas Hnath’s “A Doll’s House, Part 2,” picks up years after the events of Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House,” written in 1879. The original story ended with Nora Helmer deciding to leave her husband and children, slamming the door on everything in her life. “Part 2” starts with a knock on the door and the return of Nora. The play runs at 8 p.m. Nov. 10 through 12 at Grand Rapids Community College’s Spectrum Theater , 160 Fountain St. NE. A live audio description for the blind or visually impaired will be provided at the Nov. 11 performance. Those who require a headset should reserve it when purchasing tickets. Tickets, which can be purchased online, are $5 for students, $10 for GRCC faculty and staff, and $14 for the public. For more information, call (616) 234-3387. Adjunct instructor Jason Flannery directs the play and notes that audience members don’t have to be familiar with Ibsen’s original in order to appreciate Hnath’s sequel, which he calls “a modern play for a modern audience.” “The script is very straightforward, with no distractions from the characters and the difficult conversations they’re having on relationships, society, sexism, philosophy and autonomy,” Flannery said. “This show scrutinizes our values, asking us what truly has meaning to us – be it our independence, our legacy, our duties or our chosen relationships. It’s a play where viewpoints clash, but no character is wrong for thinking the way they do.” Student Lila Sweet will portray Nora, with Jase Harris as Torvald. Jac Hulst is Anne Marie, and Joanna Kwantes portrays Emmy.

Oct. 31, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Mansfield Matthewson, Grand Rapids Community College’s former purchasing director, was inducted into West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum’s Sustainable Business Hall of Fame earlier this month. Hall of Fame inductees are recognized for their individual contributions in the workplace for their sustainability efforts and results. Matthewson was joined by the late Amy Butler, who was the director of sustainability for Michigan State University. Luis Chen, founder of Wormies Vermicompost, was honored as this year’s Future Hall of Fame Award winner. The Sustainable Business Hall of Fame is a lifetime achievement award recognizing extraordinary contributions to the growth of sustainable business in West Michigan over the course of a career. The Future Hall of Fame award honors an emerging professional whose work deserves wider recognition. Under Matthewson’s leadership, GRCC made every reasonable opportunity for minority, women, disabled persons and micro business enterprises to participate in GRCC’s contracts as suppliers, contractors, and subcontractors performing work for the college. “I am very thankful for this lifetime achievement honor,” said Matthewson, who retired from GRCC earlier this year. “As director of purchasing, I thought it was crucial that GRCC’s spend mirror the demographics of the student body and the community we serve.” Six local businesses also were recognized, including Sustainable Business of the Year South East Market. These organizations and institutions are recognized as best representing the region’s commitment to the triple-bottom line and its efforts to advance climate leadership, social justice and the creation of a circular economy. The other businesses were the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, Hope College, Meijer, PADNOS, and Volta Power Systems. “We are grateful for the opportunity to recognize the important work that local businesses and institutions are doing to advance sustainability outcomes,” said Daniel Schoonmaker, WMSBF executive director. “Our honorees are representative of West Michigan’s leadership within the state and country.”  The honors were bestowed at the organization’s ninth-annual Triple Bottom Line Bash at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre.  

Oct. 31, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Jacki Fuller credits GRCC for the nursing skills she uses every day and for helping her develop a trait that’s equally essential: leadership. As director of nursing at Spectrum Health Hospitals Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, she oversees care for 140 patients and supervises a staff of about 150, including registered and licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, nurse managers, nurse supervisors, doctors, case managers, a nurse educator, and a specialist in infection prevention. 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. Fuller appreciates the leadership classes she took at GRCC. “Being a leader is incredibly multifaceted, especially in the world of nursing,” she said.  The hands-on training through clinicals and the simulation labs prepared her for patient care, but it was the Nursing Program’s work in the community that had a special impact. “I was able to see real health issues and disparities that people in my own community are facing,” Fuller said. “Being able to contribute to improving those issues as a nursing student was impactful in my journey.” A trip to Costa Rica with her cohort in the Associate Degree Nursing program is a favorite memory. “This was eye opening!” she said. “It was incredible to see how the people in Costa Rica live and what little access to health care they have. Our time volunteering made a huge difference in their lives.” Fuller graduated with her associate degree in Nursing in 2016, after first earning her Licensed Practical Nurse certification in 2013. She had worked with Spectrum Health during a clinical rotation and knew she wanted to build a career there. “I worked as a bedside nurse for a few years while also going back to GRCC for my ADN,” she said. “During this time, I was offered a position as a nurse supervisor. I continued in the nurse supervisor role for two years and then moved into a nurse manager role. I recently moved from the nurse manager role into the director of nursing role.” Fuller, who completed her bachelor’s degree in nursing last year through Capella University and plans to complete her master’s there in December, leans on what she learned at GRCC every day. “GRCC is a great size,” she said. “They have the tools and resources to provide a quality education but also aren’t so large that I felt like a number. I truly felt like I was valued, and my success was important.” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply