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 .

Jan. 25, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College is hosting a job fair to connect people with openings in its Facilities Department, offering rewarding careers maintaining and supporting the college The job fair is planned for 1-4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 3, in room 214 of the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center, 151 Fountain St. NE. The event will cover open positions, highlight the benefits of working at GRCC, and walk participants through the application process. The college has openings on its custodial, grounds and maintenance teams. “Our custodial positions are a perfect opportunity for people to start a good and essential career, and take advantage of the college’s tuition benefit to gain in-demand skills to advance at GRCC or elsewhere,” said Cathy Kubiak, GRCC’s executive director of Human Resources. “We have outstanding benefits, and it’s rewarding to be part of a team that helps our college transform lives.” Patrick Baldridge started at GRCC as a custodian in December 2000, gained experience and skills, and now is associate director of operations. “I absolutely love my job,” he said. “I work with good people, and the things I am able to do can help people and make them happy. We have good salaries, great benefits and opportunities to move up.” Custodian positions are full time with health, dental, vision and tuition benefits, retirement plans, paid time off, and start at $16.89 an hour. Second-shift custodians receive a $0.50 per-hour premium, and those on third shift receive a $0.55 per-hour premium. Applicants do not need commercial cleaning experience. Job fair attendees should have access to a digital copy of their resume or bring a hard copy that can be scanned. Please also have the names, emails and phone numbers of five references; two should be a former manager or supervisor. Free parking is available at the college’s Bostwick ramp, with an entrance at the intersection of Bostwick Avenue and Fountain Street.   Attendees are asked to RSVP by calling (616) 234-3972.            

Jan. 24, 2022, BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College basketball teams swept Lake Michigan College on the road Monday, with the women's team earning a two-point victory that came down to the final shot, and the men's team fighting off many late runs to win 73-61. Sally Merrill led all scorers with 24 points, and other players came up clutch in pivotal moments for the Raiders in the women’s team’s 63-61 win. Down eight points in the fourth quarter, GRCC went on a 12-2 run, including two three-point buckets from freshman guard Alysia Wesley to give the Raiders a 55-53 lead. After two Merrill free throws put the Raiders up 61-58, Lake Michigan College's Aaliyah Reno tied the game with 16 seconds left. Merrill would be fouled on the other end, this time connecting on two more free throws with under six seconds left. Lake Michigan’s Madison Bailey had a chance to win the game at the buzzer but her shot was too long. GRCC freshman forward Grace Lodes scored 12 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and added four blocked shots. "Very proud of the way our kids battled and stayed with it tonight," Coach David Glazier said.  "When we got down seven or eight in the fourth they could have packed it in, but they found a way.  Excited to watch them continue to grow as a team." The women’s team is on a four-game win streak, improving its record to 9-7 overall and 5-1 in the conference. Lake Michigan fell to 11-5 overall and 5-2 in conference play. In the men’s game, Ryel Daye continued to stay hot both on the glass and the scoring column, finishing with 22 points and 22 rebounds while adding a team-high four steals. GRCC led wire-to-wire, leading by as many as 13.  Lake Michigan got as close as two points with 9:11 left in the game, but the Raiders locked down defensively to hang on for the win. GRCC connected on 10 three-pointers from five different players, including three from Brockton Kohler, who finished with 13 points and seven rebounds. Point guards Danyel Bibbs and Justus Clark combined for 16 points, eight assists and three steals. The win snapped a two-game losing streak for the men’s team, improving its record to 3-4 in the conference. Lake Michigan College fell to 2-4 in the conference. "I was happy with our defensive intensity and execution," Coach Joe Fox said. "Our guys were locked in and really made Lake Michigan work hard for their shots. That gym is always a tough environment to play in and a great loud atmosphere, and the team communicated well and held off a late rally.  It's always great to get a win on the road. Both teams return home Jan. 26, but with a bit of a twist.  The men's game will tip things off first, playing in the 5:30 slot, with the women's game to follow.  

Jan. 24, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – More older students are starting or restarting their education at Grand Rapids Community College, with enrollment for ages 30 and older 14% above pre-pandemic levels, as adult learners take advantage of state tuition-free programs. Enrollment for all students this semester is 1.1% above the Winter 2021 semester, with 11,442 people enrolled in credit-seeking programs. The growth is strongest among students ages 30 and older, up 22% from the Winter 2021 semester and 14% above the pre-pandemic Winter 2019 semester. People enrolled in the state’s Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners programs account for nearly a quarter of the students enrolled at GRCC this semester. “GRCC has always been the most affordable choice for a quality education for students of all ages,” said Tina Hoxie, associate provost and dean of Student Affairs. “Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners remove the financial hurdles, and GRCC’s ability to schedule classes around home and work responsibilities create fantastic opportunities to start or complete an education that can take your life in a new direction.” About 60% of GRCC’s Winter 2022 classes include an online element, and enrollment is still open for seven-week classes that begin in early March. Students also can enroll in career-focused certificate programs, which start at points throughout the year. Michigan Reconnect provides free in-district tuition for students ages 25 and older who don’t already have a college degree. Futures for Frontliners provided the benefit to Michiganders who worked frontline jobs in essential industries during the state's COVID-19 shutdown. While the application period for Frontliners has closed, residents can still apply to attend GRCC through Reconnect. The Winter 2022 semester started Jan. 10, but there is still time to enroll. Additional information is available at grcc.edu/Reconnect, by emailing reconnect@grcc.edu or by calling (616) 234-3366. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said the programs are part of her “60 by 30” goal of having 60% of Michiganders obtaining a degree or career-focused credential by 2030. Students might also qualify for federal assistance that, in many cases, can cover the full cost of attendance. Additional information is available at grcc.edu/FinancialAid , and specialists are available by phone at (616) 234-4030 and by email at financialaid@grcc.edu

Jan. 24, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- When you know exactly what you want to do with your life, you don’t want to wait to get started. Attending GRCC meant Shane Napper didn’t have to wait. 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. “I always knew I wanted a career in construction,” Napper said. “GRCC had a 2+2 program that set me up to transfer my credits directly to Ferris State University, where I completed my education. “The counselors at GRCC met with me before my first year to determine the right classes to set me up for success. Unlike other programs, I was able to begin construction-related courses immediately in my first year. They made it easy to visualize – and achieve – my career goals.” After earning his bachelor’s in construction management at FSU in 1997, Napper joined Rockford Construction, where he has served in a variety of roles, including superintendent, project manager, vice president of preconstruction, executive vice president and president of construction. This month, he was named the company’s chief operating officer. “Shane understands the big picture,” Rockford Construction CEO Mike VanGessel said in announcing Napper’s new position. “He is a natural leader and a perfect fit for this new role.” Napper credits his parents and great mentors for his success. “Construction is a problem-solving business, and no two days are alike,” he said. “After 20 years, I’m still learning every day.” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply .  

Jan. 22, 2022, TEXAS TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College's women's basketball team earned its third victory in a row after a dominating performance at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, winning 79-59 on Saturday. For the second straight game the Raiders never trailed, while putting up their highest point total of the season. Their previous high was 69 points, scored against Mott Community College and Aquinas College JV. GRCC's Sally Merrill led four Raiders who scored in double figures on the afternoon, posting her fourth double-double of the season with a 20-point, 15-rebound performance. Karissa Ferry stayed consistent on the glass, grabbing 13 boards, including a team-best six on the offensive end.  Ferry has had 10 or more rebounds in four straight games. Freshmen Grace Lodes and Alysia Wesley put up nearly identical statlines with 12 points, three rebounds, a block and steal.  Marlene Bussler added 10 points, 6 rebounds and a game-high six assists. "Happy with the victory today," said Coach David Glazier.  "Thought we did a really good job sharing the basketball and attacking with our strengths. We also walk away knowing there are some things we can work on in order to be ready for Lake Michigan on Monday." The win improved the Raiders to 8-7 overall and 4-1 in the conference.  The Cougars fell to 2-9 overall and 2-4 in conference play. In the men's game, the conference-leading Kalamazoo Valley proved to be too much for the visitors, leading by as many as 28 points and cruising to the team’s 14th victory of the season, 95-83.  The loss drops GRCC to 7-10 and 2-4 in the conference. "When you play a road game against a tough opponent, you have to do all the little things well," Coach Joe Fox said . "I thought we pressed a bit early, made a few mental mistakes, and it cost us. We will have to be mentally ready for a tough opponent Monday on the road at Lake Michigan." KVCC's bench outscored the team’s starters, 51-44, while the GRCC bench managed just 13 total points.  After coming off a 34-point, 19-rebound performance against Muskegon, Ryel Daye led the Raiders again, this time scoring 19 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Starting in his first game this season, freshman forward Nyuon Dhial picked up a career-high 14 points to go with seven points and two blocks. Both teams will be back on the road Jan. 24 in a doubleheader at Lake Michigan College. The women's game will tip-off at 5:30 p.m. 

Jan. 22, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Nikole Hannah-Jones, the Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of the 1619 Project and a staff writer at The New York Times Magazine, will offer a keynote discussion for the 27 th Annual Diversity Lecture Series at Grand Rapids Community College. The event is planned for 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 31, 2022 and will be conducted virtually and will not be recorded. Registration is available at tinyurl.com/GRCCequity Hannah-Jones has spent her career investigating racial inequality and injustice. Her reporting has earned the MacArthur Fellowship, known as the Genius grant, a Peabody Award, two George Polk Awards, and the National Magazine Award three times. Hannah-Jones also received the John Chancellor Award for Distinguished Journalism and was named Journalist of the Year by the National Association of Black Journalists and the Newswomen's Club of New York. Hannah-Jones in 2020 was inducted into the Society of American Historians, and in 2021 she was named a member of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. She was honored with the NAACP Social Justice Award this year. Professor Hannah-Jones is the Knight Chair of Race and Journalism at Howard University, where she is founding the Center for Journalism & Democracy. Hannah-Jones in 2016 co-founded the Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting, which seeks to increase the number of reporters and editors of color. She recently launched the Freedom School in her hometown of Waterloo, Iowa. Hannah-Jones holds a Master of Arts in Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina and earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and African-American studies from the University of Notre Dame.     

Jan. 20, 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 Amanda Kruzona. Amanda is one of the problem solvers in the GRCC Student Records Office. She helps students navigate how to access and retrieve their transcripts and other records. She can also help you understand how GRCC systems and processes work together to keep track of your student information. "At the end of the day, our goal is to help students navigate GRCC processes and the complexity of higher education," she said. "We want students to reach out, make connections, receive support, and feel safe asking questions. There are cheerleaders in every department on campus, and we are all here, waiting to cheer you on!" The most rewarding part of Amanda's work is also what she finds most exciting -- showing students how GRCC offers learning experiences beyond the classroom. "I get excited when students are empowered to own their experiences and get comfortable asking questions," she said. "It also allows me to discover connections between the work of everyone on campus which provides more information to help students." Amanda studied pre-pharmacy at Muskegon Community College. After graduating she worked as a pharmacy tech while earning her Bachelor of Science, Applied Mathematics from Ferris State University. While Amanda was at Ferris she saw that MCC had prepared her to do very well at a four-year university. "I saw the value in getting a college education, as well as experience, at a more affordable price," she said. "That drives me to support the work that GRCC faculty and staff do to give students the best education in this community," she said. Amanda continued her education at Western Michigan University, teaching engineering statistics while she earned her Master of Science in Industrial Engineering. Then she began working as a data analyst in the insurance field. "The time I spent in grad school gave me the teaching bug and love for higher education," she said. "I left higher education to try an occupation in the corporate world, but I found my niche at GRCC in the Student Records Office. I am overjoyed knowing that I work in a building that has been a part of enriching this community for over 100 years." You can connect with the Student Records team at studentrecords@grcc.edu , by calling (616) 234-4121 and online at grcc.edu/studentrecords .