Jan. 19, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.  – Grace Lodes nearly posted a triple-double helping the Grand Rapids Community College's women's basketball team to a 49-47 victory over Muskegon Community College on Wednesday. GRCC was in front for much of the game, leading by as many as 12 points. Muskegon, with a 9-3 overall record, battled to keep the score close. Down 46-41, Muskegon’s Mariah Pringle made a lay-up with 21 seconds left. Following a GRCC turnover, she connected a three-pointer to tie the game at 46 with just 11 seconds remaining.  Pringle would finish with a game-high 16 points to go with seven rebounds and six blocks. GRCC’s Marlene Bussler, of Harper Creek, was fouled with eight seconds remaining and connected on both free throws giving her team the lead back. Muskegon’s Julia Tierman had a chance to tie it up with two free throw chances of her own, but made just one. Bussler finished the GRCC scoring by making one more free throw with under two seconds to go. Lodes, who hadn't played in 16 days, was two blocks away from a triple-double, but still finished with the fourth double-double of her Raider career with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Bussler also scored 12 points while Karissa Ferry, of Chesaning, added six points and 10 rebounds. The victory improved GRCC’s record to 7-7 and moved the team to second place in the conference in the latest MCCAA standings. In the men’s game, Ryel Daye had a career day for the Raiders. But the team fell to the Jayhawks 103-94.  Daye scored 34 points and 19 rebounds on 11 of 20 from the field. GRCC rushed out to an 11-point lead, but Muskegon outscored the Raiders by 10 in the final four minutes of the half to lead by eight points. The Raiders, playing from behind the entire second half, tied the game once, but couldn't match the big runs Muskegon went on the rest of the way. Andrew Moore, of Grand Rapids, scored 19 points on 7 of 14 from the field, but no other Raider reached double-digits in the scoring column.  Nyuon Nhial, of Grand Rapids, nearly had his first career double-double with nine points and 10 rebounds. Both teams will be back on the road Jan. 22 in a doubleheader against Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The women's game is set for a 1 p.m. tip-off.    

Jan. 19, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- GRCC Workforce Training programs provide in-demand skills leading to rewarding careers. Each Wednesday we’ll meet students who are heading down an educational pathway and changing their lives by earning occupational certificates. Nick Turpen had been working as a production lead in a local manufacturing company for nearly 12 years when he saw a story on the news about Michigan Reconnect. That got him to thinking - again. In 2009, Nick thought about going back to school but there was no way financially that he could swing it. “I couldn’t take two years off from work to get an associate’s degree while having a mortgage, and life expenses,” he said. “I saw a story about Michigan Reconnect on the news so I looked into it. Once I found out that I qualified, I started thinking about programs. I figured a certificate program would be good for me and a great way to get my foot in the door with a company. I chose the Construction Electrical Job Training Program because electrical work is not going away and seems like a lucrative career path.” Michigan Reconnect is a state financial aid program for Michiganders 25 or older without a college degree. This program provides eligible students with free in-district tuition access to pursue an associate degree or occupational certificate at their local community college. Nick had no experience with electrical work other than getting zapped while attempting home repairs. “My thought was kind of like, if it turns out that I don’t really like working in this field, at least I will have learned enough to work on my own repairs,” he said. The GRCC Construction Electrical Job Training program provides the basic knowledge and skills required to become an electrician and be placed in an Electrical Apprenticeship program in just 18 weeks of training. Students participate in job site, lab area, field trip and classroom settings. Learning is hands-on in all areas of electrical installation including employability skills, construction and electrical safety, hand and power tool safety, electrical math, electrical history, electrical theory, the National Electrical Code, electrical material identification, blue print reading, underground installations and residential/commercial wiring. “I’m pretty good with hands-on learning and I’m mechanically inclined so the teaching style really works great for me. Classes are set up like a job so the transition to the schedule was easy,” he said. “One of the challenging parts is just overcoming the fear of asking for help. I’m over that fear. Now I just ask the questions. That is how we learn. It’s much better to ask here rather than on the jobsite. It’s a safe environment to ask the question, make the mistakes and practice.” In the next year, Nick hopes to be employed by a great electrical company, be enrolled in an apprenticeship program and working toward gaining his Journeyman’s card. “Our instructor, Doug Wiersma, knows so many people in this field. To be able to have him as a resource to open those doors is incredibly valuable. He has already set me up with some of his connections so that I can work part-time until I complete the program. I just interviewed last week so we’ll see! It’s great to be able to ask Doug about companies that are hiring and if he thinks I am a good fit for that company. It really is about not just getting a job but getting the right job,” he said. “Reconnect and GRCC came at just the right time for me. I feel like all the chips fell into place. This is going to make my life much more fulfilling.” According to the Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives, there will be 16% job growth annually in this field from 2012 to 2022. Average wage per hour is $23.78. Additional information about the Michigan Reconnect program is available at grcc.edu/reconnect , by emailing reconnect@grcc.edu or by calling (616) 234-3366.

Jan. 18, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The book Culture Matters: Anglo-American Relations and the Intangibles of ‘Specialness’ , co-edited by Dr. Robert Hendershot of Grand Rapids Community College and Dr. Steve Marsh of Cardiff University, has earned a prestigious honor from a national academic organization. Their book was selected by Choice, published by the Association of College & Research Libraries, as one of the Outstanding Academic Titles reviewed during the previous year. Choice is a major reviewing tool used widely by academic librarians, and its celebrated annual list is designed to recognize outstanding works for their excellence in presentation and scholarship, the significance of their contribution to the field, their originality and value as an essential treatment of their subject, and significance in building undergraduate collections. Choice reviewed more than 3,600 titles during the past year, but only 440 books and digital resources were chosen by their editorial staff for this year’s list of Outstanding Academic Titles. Culture Matters was published in late 2020 by England-based Manchester University Press. Collectively, the book’s various contributors explore how literature, movies, Beatlemania, “Downton Abbey,” political values, historical commemoration, collective memory, and other aspects of culture have impacted the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom. The book may be accessed via the GRCC Library here . Hendershot in 2020 said he and Marsh began designing the project in 2016 during a Transatlantic Studies Association conference in Plymouth, England. “We both felt a book like this was necessary because interest-based and neorealist analyses have long dominated the study of the Anglo-American special relationship, and the power of culture to impact important aspects of the relationship was comparatively understudied,” he said. “The resulting book helps to open up a variety of new analytical spaces, features the work of both world-leading and emergent scholars, and breaks new ground by applying the theories and methodologies of the ‘cultural turn’ in diplomatic history to the study of Anglo-American relations.” In addition to co-authoring the introduction and conclusion with Marsh, Hendershot contributed a chapter based on his own research. He noted that a GRCC sabbatical award he received in 2019 was of material assistance to his participation in this project. Hendershot, who has been a professor in GRCC’s Department of Social Sciences since 2007, specializes in the historical influence of culture, identity, memory, and public opinion upon Anglo-American relations. In addition to teaching a variety of classes on world history each semester, he also offers classes on Latin American history (HS230) and the history of U.S. foreign policy (HS285).

Jan. 17, 2022, CENTREVILLE, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College men's basketball team used a big second half to pull off a come-from-behind victory against Glen Oaks Community College, 78-70 on Monday. “A great bounce back win on the road tonight,” coach Joe Fox said. “After a tough shooting first half, we really buckled down defensively and did a better job creating shots for others in the second half. We had important contributions from a lot of guys, and Danyel Bibbs did a great job putting the game away late at the free throw line.” Glen Oaks led wire-to-wire in the first half, and had a 50-36 lead with 16 minutes to play, but the GRCC clawed back, with Bibbs giving the Raiders their first lead with 4:33 to go. GRCC would not relinquish the lead, snapping a two-game losing streak to improve to 7-8 overall and 2-2 in the conference. The Vikings fell to 6-8 overall and 0-3 in conference play. The deep Raider squad had nine players in the scoring column, scoring an impressive 48 points off the bench. Ryel Daye, of Kentwood, led the Raiders with 15 points and 10 rebounds. It was his second double-double in four games this season. Bibbs, a Grand Rapids Union High graduate, was clutch in the second half, scoring 15 of his game-high 18 points.  He was 10 of 13 from the free throw line. Eight Raiders picked up at least one steal, including three from Jovante Jones.  Jones, of Saginaw, also added 13 points on 5 of 10 from the field. GRCC will have just one day off before it takes on Muskegon Community College at home on Jan. 19. Spectators can be admitted free with three food items to support the GRCC Food Pantry.

Jan. 17, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Alison Bieber found her voice – and her path – at GRCC. Now she works to help others find their voices. 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. After graduating from high school, Bieber needed time to figure out her future so she enrolled at GRCC. “At a young age, people are pushing you to figure out what you want to be when you grow up, and you receive a lot of backlash if you are going into the performing arts,” she said. “I was able to ‘try out’ the career option that everyone was telling me to avoid, and – guess what – it worked out!” “Worked out” might be an understatement. After earning her associate degree in vocal performance, Bieber received a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from the Boston Conservatory and a master’s degree in linguistics from the University of Massachusetts. Early in her career, she provided music lessons for adults with developmental disabilities. She has since founded the Modulation Institute, which provides transgender and nonbinary people with vocal training and music lessons. “I teach because of the people who have taught me,” Bieber said. “My purpose in life became driven by sharing my knowledge with others, as my teachers shared with me.” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply .

Jan. 15, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Sally Merrill led the Grand Rapids Community College women's basketball team to a dominating win against Lansing Community College Saturday, while the men’s team fell in overtime. After an even first quarter of play, the GRCC women’s team scored 23 points in the second quarter and 20 in the third, cruising to its sixth win of the season, 66-35. Sally Merrill, a freshman from Allegan, led the GRCC for the second straight game, scoring 23 points on 9 of 22 from the field.  The guard also tallied eight rebounds and four blocks. Karissa Ferry, of Chesaning, returned to the starting lineup and grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds while scoring seven points in 20 minutes of action. The Raiders doubled up the Stars in rebounds, 56-28 and also had 14 assists to just six for the Stars. Tanyla Billips, of Grand Rapids, ended up with a career-high eight rebounds for GRCC. GRCC bounced back from a tough game against Jackson College earlier in the week. “I’m happy with the way our entire roster played today, as each one of our student-athletes contributed to a team victory,” coach David Glazier said. “I felt they all responded from what was an out-of-character performance on Wednesday night.” The men's team trailed nearly the entire game, but battled back to force overtime after two free throws by Andrew Moore and a defensive stop at the end of regulation. The Stars, led by Eastern Michigan University transfer Drew Lowder, outscored the Raiders 15-5 in the extra period, to pick up their 10th win of the season. GRCC dropped to 5-8 overall with the 108-98 loss. Lowder scored a game-high 35 points and added eight assists, but wasn't the only one to score more than 30. Teammate Sean Cobb scored 31 points and grabbed a game-high 22 rebounds.  LCC connected on 34 of 41 from the free throw line, compared to just 19 of 28 for GRCC. Andrew Moore, of Grand Rapids, was one point shy of his career-high with 31 points while adding seven rebounds, four assists and four steals. Teammate Diego Ledemsa of Wyoming nearly had his first career double-double with 25 points and nine rebounds. Danyel Bibbs of Grand Rapids Union added 18 points and a team best six assists. “I’m crushed for the guys tonight,” coach Joe Fox said. “They have played with great passion and effort the last two games, both overtime losses. But little things make the difference in tight games. We have shown we can compete, now it's time to do that little extra bit every day to help us get over the top. I'm looking forward to getting back on the court Monday night at Glen Oaks.” The men's team is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 17 and the women are to play Jan. 19 at home against Muskegon Community College. 

Jan. 14, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College is planning a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for students, employees, and community members for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 19 in the Raider Grill in the Student Center, 122 Lyon St. NE. No appointment is needed for the clinic, the latest in a series conducted at the college. About 300 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.  

January 14, 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 Brianna Greenough. You'll find Brianna supporting GRCC Ford Fieldhouse operations, the Athletic Department, and the Exercise Science department -- and willing to help. "I field a lot of phone calls, and if I am unable to answer a question I find the person who can," she said. "I really enjoy helping our student athletes register for classes and learn how to navigate GRCC programs and our campus." Brianna takes pride in finding solutions for students. "I want them to succeed. And if I can point them to the right resources I'm happy to do so," she said. "I was a community college student myself so I may have a few tricks up my sleeve to help students navigate their college career." Brianna's work includes managing Fitness Center memberships, supporting events in the fieldhouse such as athletics and commencement, and assisting in building the exercise sciences course schedule. But it's the student connection that gets her passionate about her work. "I get excited knowing that I can help students feel more comfortable as they explore all that GRCC has to offer them," she said. "It warms my heart even giving a student a simple direction, because you have a chance to strike up a conversation with them and find out a little bit about their story. I love hearing their goals and what brought them to GRCC." During high school Brianna dual enrolled at Gogebic Community College to get a head start on her college education. "Having the opportunity to take college credits in high school was so great, I had the chance to experience how college courses are structured and how they differ from a typical high school class," she said. After high school Brianna chose to study Hospitality and Tourism Management with an emphasis in event planning at Grand Valley State University. Brianna was very involved at GVSU -- working on campus in new student orientation, and spending time in clubs and other extracurricular programs. Upon graduation she was chosen to work as an intern at Walt Disney World, but after nine months there she realized how much she missed the Grand Rapids community. When she returned to G.R. she found her current position at GRCC. "Once I started working at GRCC I knew higher education was something I wanted to learn more about and pursue a career in," she said. Brianna could see that there was something about the people who work at GRCC and other community colleges that make students feel truly supported, and she wanted to be a part of it. "During the pandemic I decided to go back to college and begin my master’s degree in Higher Education. I'm 15 credits in and so excited to continue learning all I can to serve students here at GRCC. Taking classes while working full time can be really tough, but I feel more able to help our students out as we may share some of the same struggles." You can learn more about the fieldhouse and fitness center through email at fieldhouse@grcc.edu and by phone at (616) 234-3990.