June 20, 2022 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- For a trio of GRCC Radiologic Technology students, applying for a prestigious postgraduate program at the Johns Hopkins Hospital Schools of Medical Imaging seemed like a longshot, at best. The five-month, full-time program prepares students for advanced certification in computed tomography and includes classroom courses in everything from cross sectional anatomy to CT procedures and protocols with associated clinical experiences in oncology, pediatric, critical care, trauma and more. Fewer than 10% of those who apply annually are accepted. Kyle Cottrell, Alen Dzafic and Emma Seeber, members of the class of 2022, knew that their GRCC education was second-to-none, and they knew the work they had put in during their time on campus had prepared them well for whatever their futures might hold. Still. The Johns Hopkins? Fewer than 10%? “It seemed pretty overwhelming,” said Cottrell with a smile. “We all applied last minute.” “And it’s a long application,” Seeber added. “Then we all got asked to do the interviews,” Dzafic concluded. “And so, we thought ‘Maybe?’” Those interviews, done over Zoom, also were intimidating, the three said. “Oh man,” Cottrell said, “45 minutes. Eight or so people from Johns Hopkins. So many questions. It was just one question after another.” “I’m pretty sure I repeated myself once or twice,” Dzafic added as Cottrell and Seeber both roared with laughter. But then came the emails. Each student received one. Each was a “yes.” A 100% success rate for the three GRCC grads. Heather Klare, an assistant professor and clinical coordinator in the Radiologic Technology program, said the outcome – acceptance into a fully paid internship that includes both clinical and didactic education together – is amazing. “All of us in the program were thrilled with the students’ acceptance,” she said. “The honor of being accepted into this program speaks volumes about these students, their knowledge, their abilities as future radiographers, and their willingness to take a chance to apply for an opportunity that does not occur very often.” For their part, the students said Klare and the other professors in the program --plus the GRCC courses they took and their many clinical experiences -- are the reason for their success. Klare said the Radiologic Technology program provides students learning opportunities that enable them to attain certification as Registered Radiographer in Radiography. It also introduces them to other modalities such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computed Tomography as possible certifications in the future and empowers students to succeed in an ever-changing healthcare environment. Beyond that though, the students said, the program has people who care -- lots of people. Dzafic, Seeber and Cottrell recalled FaceTiming with Klare when they found out that all three of them had been accepted. “She was so excited,” Dzafic said. “I think she might have dropped her phone, jumping up and down.” Seeber beamed as she remembered that moment. “Heather is one of the most involved, fantastic people I have ever met,” she said. “She wants to see you do well, and she makes sure that educationally and academically that you are put in a position to succeed.” All three noted that good support is critical because their program is rigorous. “There were so many times my brain just hurt,” Seeber, a 2017 Forest Hills Central grad, said laughing. “There’s clinicals and homework and studying and sometimes it’s like it never ends,” added Cottrell, a 2016 graduate of Catholic Central. “But there isn’t anything we took that was fluff,” said Dzafic, a 2014 graduate of Forest Hills Northern. “And, at the end, the payoff is real. You work hard and you graduate and then you have a job, a career, in front of you. It’s a good feeling.” All three graduates said the job security of their profession is appealing but so is the variety of opportunities they can pursue going forward. “My sister asked me once what you can do with an X-ray degree,” Seeber recalled. “Anything you want,” Cottrell answered with a broad grin. “It’s always changing, and there is always something new,” Dzafic said. “I know I’ll probably end up selling equipment someday,” Seeber said. “Once you’ve worked for a while with the various machines, it’s pretty easy to transition to sales. You’ve gained some credibility, so that’s something I’ll probably explore.” Before then though, the three colleagues and fast friends have some preparations to make. Their program in Baltimore starts on July 25, and they have to wrap things up in Grand Rapids, find places to live in a new city and much more. “They now are preparing to take the national American Registry of Radiologic Technologists board exam in July and juggling their other personal and professional obligations,” said Klare. “But our program has prepared these students to be adaptable.” The students agreed. They’re heading east, they said, with smiles on their faces, knowing that new opportunities await and that they’re Raider-ready for whatever comes next. This story was reported by Phil de Haan.    

June 20, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Michael Tuffelmire had a difficult time adjusting to civilian life after returning home from serving with the Army during the Iraq War. “I sought treatment at the Veterans Center, and one recommendation was that I go to college to build myself professionally,” he said. “GRCC was a very welcoming environment with other vets I could network with. I worked on the campus and went to school full time, so I spent a good amount of time at GRCC.” 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. Tuffelmire made connections on campus, serving as treasurer of the Black Student Union and participating in a one-of-a-kind event. “Professor (Robert) Hendershot of the History Department picked me to take part in an Irish peace conference with former members of the Irish Republican Army,” he said. “I was able to have dinner with them on campus. The entire event was very memorable!” After graduating from GRCC in 2009, Tuffelmire earned a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management from Ferris State University and a master’s degree in sustainable business from Aquinas College. “I still tell people that out of all the higher learning institutions I have attended, GRCC was my favorite,” he said. “It also had some of the most challenging classes with hands-on faculty who helped me achieve more than I thought I was able. “I still think of some of the challenging accounting classes under professor (Jeff) Spoelman, and some of his advice that I still use today. Also, not a day goes by that I do not think about what professor (Felix) Pereiro might say when I am thinking of marketing strategies.” Tuffelmire is now a Realtor with Kent County Real Estate while working with several community initiatives. “After graduation, I became a member of the Friends of Transit, who passed a successful tax millage in 2009 that greatly expanded the G.R. metro area bus system,” he said. “I went on to be the director of Decriminalize GR, a political organization that ran a successful ballot initiative to decriminalize cannabis in the city of Grand Rapids in 2012, with the support of several local and state elected officials.” He served on MI Legalize’s board of directors, working on a successful ballot initiative that legalized recreational cannabis in 2018. The following year, he co-founded the West Michigan Cannabis Guild. Tuffelmire credits GRCC with helping him build a civilian identity: “GRCC is a gateway to a lifetime of academic achievement.” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply .

June 17, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. —  Holly VanRyn loves seeing her students succeed in the classroom and in the hospitality industry. “It’s my goal to ensure that my students are given the best education opportunities possible,” VanRyn said. “I’m passionate about the hospitality industry, leadership, customer service, fine wine, and food – and I love sharing these passions with my students.”  VanRyn doesn’t want anyone to be surprised by the fantastic array of hospitality programs at GRCC through the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education. And she wants people to know the reason behind it. “The faculty here are of world class caliber and talent, and are definitely the department’s greatest asset,” VanRyn said. “And our diverse curriculum offers a variety of associates degrees, tracks, and certificates. We’ve been consistently awarded American Culinary Federation (ACF) accreditation with exemplary status. And we have transfer relationships with larger universities, like FSU and GVSU. These relationships can function as gateways, making it possible for students to pursue additional degree paths and bachelor’s degrees.” “Another example of the strengths here at the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education is our ability to respond to industry’s needs in developing new programs,” VanRyn said. “A perfect example of that is our new Pre-Hospitality Management Associate degree program. This program is for students interested in “front-of-the-house” careers in the hospitality industry. It combines all of our business, front-of-the-house restaurant courses, and sensory analysis classes with core business classes. Students can transfer directly into FSU’s Hospitality Management bachelor’s degree program.” VanRyn started working in the hospitality industry when she was 15 years old. “I graduated from the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education and went on to finish my bachelor degree in Business Administration at FSU,” she said. “I moved out to Maui, Hawaii with my husband after college to work for TS Restaurants. I was the Dining Room Manager at Hula Grill on Maui before starting work as a professor at GRCC.” Looking back, VanRyn’s early focus in hospitality did not leave room to diversify her education. “My entire career had been in the restaurant and hospitality industry until I became a professor at GRCC,” VanRyn said. “I wish that I had known at an earlier age that I’d one day become an educator! I would’ve started my Master’s degree in Career and Technical Education much sooner. However, with all of GRCC's resources, I do feel lucky to be able to complete higher education while teaching full time. I have recently graduated with a Master’s degree in Career and Technical Education from Ferris State University.” Through the pandemic, VanRyn’s teaching style evolved to embrace technology. “I implemented the flipped classroom approach into my classes years ago,” VanRyn said. “But through the pandemic I learned how to film demonstration videos, how to use video editing software, and many apps that allowed me to connect with students on a deeper level.” Experience what the hospitality industry has to offer with VanRyn in CA 245 Restaurant Management and Leadership, CA 200 Hospitality Management, CA 233 Wine, Beer and Spirits Management, and CA 243 Wines of the World.

June 14, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The area's best high school players will square off in the annual John Bos Baseball and Softball All-Star Games to benefit Grand Rapids Community College scholarships after a two-year hiatus. Grand Rapids Community College and Davenport University are hosting the games on June 21 at Davenport University's Farmers Insurance Complex. Baseball games are scheduled for 3, 5, and 7 :30 p.m., and softball games are 5 and 7 p.m. Admission for spectators age 8 and over is $5, with proceeds going to GRCC's John Bos Scholarship Fund. "The John Bos games are a tradition that goes back to 1959, and we’re thrilled to bring them back after missing the last two years due to the pandemic,” GRCC Athletic Director Lauren Ferullo said. “Generations of baseball and softball players have competed in the games, and many others have benefitted from scholarships supported by the event.” GRCC softball coach Molly McKinney participated in the John Bos game as a senior at Byron Center High School. “It was a fun opportunity to play with all the players in your class you spent your high school career playing against,” McKinney said. “It was a wonderful experience to build connections. I am happy to hear the John Bos games have returned. It’s wonderful to think the proceeds of this event help out future GRCC student-athletes.” Davenport head baseball coach Kevin Tidey participated in the event in 1989. “The history of the John Bos game is amazing,” he said. “There have been a lot of great players that have played in this game. I know every senior looks forward to the opportunity. We are very honored to be hosting the Jon Bos game at Davenport University.” Bos started as a physical education teacher at what was then Grand Rapids Junior College. By the 1920s, he coached all the men's sports teams: football, basketball, baseball, track, tennis and swimming. His teams were known as the "Bosmen" and won state championships in football (1923, 1924, 1926 and 1928), basketball (1925, 1927 and 1928), tennis (1927) and swimming (1928). He left GRJC in 1938 to head the Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department. GRCC now competes in baseball, softball, basketball, cross country, golf and volleyball. Student-athletes receive academic counseling and advising, along with tutoring and peer academic coaching. The proceeds from admissions benefit the Bos Scholarship, awarded to GRCC student-athletes who compete for at least one of the college’s teams and maintain Michigan Community College Athletic Association eligibility. Donations to the Bos Scholarship can be made at grcc.edu/donate . Click “other” in the pull-down menu and write in Bos Scholarship.

June 13, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Jerad Berkenpas, the Grand Rapids Community College’s pitching ace, was named a Third Team All-American by the National Junior College Athletic Association on Monday. Berkenpas played a vital role on the team, which finished the 2022 campaign second in the Michigan Community College Athletic Association Western Conference and in third place in the region. The Byron Center resident and South Christian High School graduate also was named All-Region, All-MCCAA, First Team All-Conference, and to the All-Tournament team at regionals after tallying two wins. The 6-foot, 5-inch righty was GRCC's top pitcher in their rotation and led the team with a 9-2 record, 1.41 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 71 strikeouts, .223 opponents' batting average, and had four complete games, including one shutout.  In 12 games, he gave up one or no earned runs in eight times and posted a season-high nine strikeouts three times.   "Jerad had a chance to win every start and I think he gained confidence in his first game down south against NJCAA Division 1 powerhouse, Chipola College, where he gave up just one run and struck out nine," head coach Mike Eddington said. "Jerad is confident, passionate about baseball, wants to be good and works extremely hard. It's great to see his hard work pay off." GRCC's season included a 17-win streak that was snapped in the late rounds of the NJCAA Region 12 tournament. 

June 13, 2022 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – A Grand Rapids Community College academic advisor has earned national recognition for her success in helping students navigate higher education.   Associate professor Lynnae Selberg has been awarded a Certificate of Merit from NACADA, a national association supporting academic advisors. She received recognition in the Outstanding Advising Award-Primary Advising Role category.  GRCC President Bill Pink called the honor “well-deserved.” “Lynnae is an educator, advocate, mentor and leader,” he said. “Her work has made a very real difference in the lives of so many students.” Selberg meets students before and after the regular workday and, even before the pandemic, was reaching out through Zoom and texting.  “She is always looking for new ways to help students, to meet them where they are at and to help provide what they need to be successful,” said Erin Busscher, assistant professor and academic advisor. “She has created videos, workshops, ‘how-to’ guides and other tools and resources.” Selberg, who received GRCC’s Excellence in Education Award in 2017, works with GRCC’s Early/Middle College students and the Honors Program. She also serves as the academic advisor for the Phi Theta Kappa honor society.  Selberg earned her bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation from Grand Valley State University and a master’s in rehabilitation counseling from Michigan State University. She joined GRCC in 2011 after working for Ferris State and Davenport universities and Albion College. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Michigan and a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor. “You couldn’t have a better job than this!” she says, adding that she loves watching students achieve success when they didn’t think it was possible. “Sometimes the plans don’t work out, and we have to change course, but it is like a giant puzzle with each student, and I help them find the best pieces and put it all together.”  

June 10, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Barnes and Noble is promising Grand Rapids Community College students a new retail experience and a streamlined process to order textbooks and other class supplies when it opens June 15 as the new campus bookstore. The college signed a five-year contract to operate the store, located in the Student Center, along with an online store. Barnes and Noble College looks to provide an unmatched retail experience for GRCC students, both in-person and online. Students are going to see different merchandise, but the company also looks to create a different atmosphere, with sitting areas and a place to relax. Barnes and Noble College is one of the nation’s largest college bookstore operators, with more than 800 college stores across the country. The company manages 35 stores in the state, with West Michigan locations including Muskegon Community College, Montcalm Community College and Lake Michigan College. Other Michigan Barnes and Noble stores include the University of Michigan, Northern Michigan University and Wayne State University. GRCC had for years contracted with Follett, also a large operator with a national presence, to run the campus store. The company’s contract expired this year, and a campus committee reviewed proposals and selected Barnes and Noble as a new partner. “It’s good practice to explore all options when contracts expire, and see what opportunities might be better for our students and community” said Lisa Freiburger, GRCC’s CFO and vice president for finance and administration. “Follett was a wonderful partner for GRCC for many years, and we are excited about new experiences and opportunities that can come from this new partnership.” Barnes and Noble College intends to create a seamless experience for students to purchase textbooks and other materials, with an ability to integrate with the college’s Blackboard course management system. The company also plans a bookstore mobile app that will allow students to receive updates, place orders and learn about discounts. The store plans to host events, such as graduation fairs, “de-stress” programs during finals and other activities intended to make the store a hub for students.

June 10, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Chris Schell loves helping students learn new things in electronics classes for their HVAC, industrial maintenance, mechatronics, and electronics degrees and certificates at GRCC. “I started out in industry as an electrical engineer at GE Aviation, and switched to full-time education at GRCC in 2020, after a year of being an adjunct,” he said. Schell holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Mexico.  He teaches EL106 Technical Electricity, EL 107 Technical Electronics, EL 144 Basic Electricity and Electronics, EL 150 Electrical Schematics, and EL 163 Electrical Troubleshooting. “You will find a low student-to-faculty ratio in these classes,” Schell said. “The instructors are all experienced and love to teach, and our placement rate is great.” Along with hands-on skills for an in-demand field, Schell’s students learn critical thinking skills. “Problems are never as big as they seem to be,” he said. “And there will always be challenges with anything worth doing. If it was easy, then I wouldn't really be needed.” He also shares that a certificate or degree is more than a credential, it’s a life changing experience. “Education is so much more than just regurgitating information,” Schell said. “I had a professor who once told me to ‘learn something in spite of your classes,’ and it took me a while to figure out what he meant. Long after I graduated from college, it dawned on me that, though valuable, it wasn't just the engineering degree that was important--it was the experience of learning. I developed a thought process on ‘how to learn’ and that has been invaluable to me.”

June 9, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich . – Forget Superman and Wonder Woman. In today’s digital world, cybersecurity experts are the real superheroes – and Grand Rapids Community College is where they go to train. With nearly 850,000 cybercrimes reported to the FBI in 2021, and losses surpassing $6.9 billion, the need for enhanced cybersecurity is greater than ever before in the United States, experts say. But demand nationwide continues to outpace a growing cybersecurity workforce: In Michigan, an estimated 16,397 industry jobs were unfilled through April, including more than 1,369 in the Grand Rapids area, according to cyberseek.org . It’s that promise of a good career that prompted 34-year-old Michael Storer to enroll in GRCC’s nationally recognized Pre-Cybersecurity degree program last winter. He’s worked much of his life in manufacturing or warehouses, never able to earn enough to keep his head above water. “But I’ve always been interested in computers, and I see a lot of job possibilities in the cybersecurity side of things,” he said. GRCC's Computer Information Systems Department offers an array of programs and certificates for anyone considering a career in programing, software or web, hardware maintenance, network systems – or cybersecurity. The college’s new Cybersecurity Certificate offers a 100% online program that prepares students to become the next generation of data defenders in a single academic year. “By the end of the certificate program, they’ve managed to do half an associate degree, plus some additional courses,” said Andrew Rozema, CIS Department chair. “All our coursework is designed in response to the needs of West Michigan employers and students. We’re here to make educated, talented students who can go on to make great employees.” In addition to skills in coding and operating systems, the program ties closely to many of the top industry-recognized cybersecurity certifications. “By earning these certifications, it really shows future employers that I’m a guy who wants to learn more and proves I have the proficiency they require,” Storer said. For students like Storer interested in continuing education beyond the certificate, the program consists of 36 credit hours that can transfer into GRCC’s CIS Pre-Cybersecurity or Network Administration associate degrees, which transfer into related programs at four-year partner institutions. Storer estimates it will take him another 18 months to complete his associate degree. He then plans to attend Ferris State University to earn a bachelor’s degree. GRCC was one of two Michigan community colleges designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense in 2018 by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. As part of the program, GRCC students mentor local high school students looking to pursue a career in cybersecurity. Additionally, students will travel to a national cybersecurity conference and complete a paid summer internship with a federal, state, local or tribal government organization to further their learning in the cybersecurity field. GRCC started partnering with Davenport University in 2019 on a five-year, $4 million grant from the National Science Foundation to train and educate the nation’s next generation of cybersecurity experts. Many people interested in cybersecurity careers might be eligible for the Michigan Reconnect program, which covers the cost of in-district tuition for state residents age 25 and older who don’t already have a college degree. Additional information is available at grcc.edu/reconnect. Storer paid for his first GRCC semester out of his own pocket but now has applied for the Reconnect scholarship to help cover the rest of his associate degree. To concentrate on his cybersecurity studies, Storer dropped down to part-time work at a local assembly plant. He looks forward to the day he can work in his new field and make a living wage. “There’s so much to learn, but I’m really enjoying school,” he said. “I’m going to keep putting my best foot forward, work hard and get it done.” Additional information about GRCC's Computer Information Systems program is here : This story was reported by Beth McKenna.  

June 8, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Plants and butterflies brighten summer days, but GRCC alum Deirdre Mitchell sees them with different eyes than most people. Plants and butterflies – specifically, milkweed and monarchs – have been her research subjects during the past year at the University of Michigan. But she started studying them as part of GRCC’s Honors program, working with professors Matt Douglas and Leigh Kleinert and assistant professors Lauren Elliott and Nicole Evans. “After graduation, I participated in UROP (Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program) over the summer with Dr. André Green II’s laboratory,” said Mitchell, GRCC’s Biology Student of the Year for 2019. “I continued monarch migration research into the fall 2022 academic year.” The Society of Developmental Biology is sponsoring her continued research this summer, and she’ll carry on with her investigations for the 2023 academic year as part of the UROP Scholars Year cohort. Mitchell credits GRCC – “the perfect stepping stone after high school” –  with sparking her passion for research. “I have always known college was the best route for me,” she said. “Because of familial responsibilities, financial opportunities and distance, Grand Rapids Community College was a great choice!” A major financial opportunity for her came in spring 2021, when she was one of two GRCC students who received a highly competitive undergraduate transfer scholarship from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is among the largest private awards in the nation for students transferring from a community college. Mitchell, who is majoring in molecular, cellular and developmental biology, has maintained her GRCC connections, mentoring students who want to transfer to U of M. “GRCC offered resources that aided in the college processes while preparing me for a four-year university,” she said. “Lessons learned will help me well into graduate school.”