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 .

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