GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Oct. 12, 2021 – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Grand Rapids Community College today announced the launch of an innovative paid apprenticeship program designed for high school graduates to access careers within the employee benefits specialist and health sectors. The program is set as a 430-hour active learning module and will provide an overview of the health benefits industry, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to manage general agent licensing as required by the State of Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services. The first cohort of students began in the fall 2021 semester. Blue Cross led the development of the apprenticeship with GRCC and West Michigan Works!, with the goal of inspiring a diverse population of students to see this career path as an interesting and financially rewarding opportunity for their future. “Access and knowledge of employee benefits and insurance are pillars of a strong local economy,” said Jeff Connolly, senior vice president and president, West Michigan and Upper Peninsula at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. “Our goal is to help the region build a qualified pool of licensed individuals who may begin to become agents within the next 14 to 24 months and even own their own agencies someday.” GRCC President Bill Pink said the new program is an effort to change the idea of apprenticeships, expanding the “learn while you earn” concept to more industries, partnering with additional employers. “We’re Looking at apprenticeships differently. You think about manufacturing, historically when you think about apprenticeships. Our college is determined to turn that on its head. It’s not just about manufacturing, but it’s about healthcare. It’s about information technology. “The Health Insurance Agent Apprenticeship will allow students to learn about basic business as well as hands-on experience with the health benefits industry and skill-building topics. GRCC is proud to partner with the manufacturing, construction and other industries to help prepare the future leaders while lifting up our students into immediate careers. This program fits right in to GRCC’s model of serving the needs of the community, employers and students for the future.” “West Michigan Works! is delighted to partner with Grand Rapids Community College and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan on this innovative work,” said Amy Lebednick, business solutions director at West Michigan Works!. “Collaboration between employers, education, and workforce development has played a key role in the expansion of local registered apprenticeship programs. These programs allow employers to train people in the skills they need and provide pathways to high-demand careers for individuals in our communities.”

Oct. 11, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.  -- 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.  As the chief executive officer of the Michigan Association of State Universities, Dr. Daniel Hurley works to advance the missions of the state’s 15 public universities and the 270,000 students they collectively serve.  Promoting the lifelong value of postsecondary degrees and credentials is a calling that he loves to fulfill. “I remember standing on the front steps of the main administration building after graduating, with an associate degree in hand, feeling a great sense of accomplishment,” said Hurley, who graduated from what was then Grand Rapids Junior College in 1988.  He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Grand Valley State University, a master’s degree in career and technical education from Ferris State University, and a doctorate in public administration from Western Michigan University. “My educational journey was deeply impacted by the positive experience I had while attending GRJC,” he said. “The associate degree I earned provided the foundation – and the confidence – I needed to fully pursue my personal and career ambitions.” Hurley has served public university leaders at the campus, state and national level, including as the associate vice president for government relations and state policy at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities in Washington, D.C.   “A degree or certificate from GRCC can help chart a path to success and open doors more than you can imagine,” he says. Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at  grcc.edu/apply .

Oct. 8, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – A Grand Rapids Community College English professor has been awarded a monthlong residency at the home of poet and essayist Thomas Lynch. Professor Mursalata Muhammad is the first recipient of the Sweeney Memorial Boat House Residency at Lines End. The Lynch & Sons Fund for the Arts initiative is designed to encourage emerging writers and includes a stipend as well as the residency on the south shore of Mullett Lake in Cheboygan County. Muhammad, who has taught at GRCC for 20 years, is completing her first manuscript of poems. “I'm beyond grateful for this residency,” she said. “It comes with two resources I often lack: a place and time to write. I'm looking forward to four weeks of writing while staying in a boathouse, which has a lovely lakefront view.” Muhammad has a bachelor’s degree in English and communications and a master’s in English, both from Oakland University. She is working on her doctorate in Antioch University’s Leadership and Change program. She is known for her innovative approaches to distance learning – which was especially useful during the pandemic. In December, students in her creative writing class had questions about Lynch’s work, which led to the author joining the class via Zoom. Lynch shared his perspective on the process of writing and finding inspiration, then listened as students read their own work to him, providing feedback and encouragement – often with humor. You can watch it here . Muhammad served on the state Education Department’s K-12 Social Studies Standards Bias Review Committee and is a member of the Michigan American Council on Education Women of Color Collaborative. She was awarded the Leadership Skills Champion Award from the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce’s Community Leadership in 2013. The Sweeney Memorial Boat House Residency honors the late Irish poet Matthew Sweeney, who wrote his limited-edition chapbook, “On Mullett Lake,” while spending time at Lines End in 2016.    

Oct. 7, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Surrounded by student-athletes past and present, Grand Rapids Community College volleyball coach Chip Will celebrated his 400th career victory, with his team battling back to beat rival Muskegon Community College in five sets. The Raiders, ranked No. 7 in the nation, ran their victory streak to 12 matches and remain in first place in the Michigan Community College Athletic Association’s Western Conference. Alumni and families swarmed onto the court after the deciding fifth set, celebrating the milestone win with balloons and signs. That support, Will said, was more important to him than the victory. “I think after 15 years we’ve been able to build something special – something people want to come back to,” he said. “It’s really, really awesome to see alumni come back, and so many families here. That’s what it’s about. At the end of the day, the wins are great. But having this culture of family and togetherness -- that’s what’s most important.” GRCC has become a national volleyball powerhouse during Will’s coaching tenure, which includes a national championship in 2012, 10 regional championships and nine conference crowns. His overall record is 400-103 -- an impressive .795 winning percentage. “I want to share huge congratulations to coach Will on 400 victories,” said Dr. Christopher J. Parker, president and CEO of the National Junior College Athletic Association. “A milestone that he should be very proud of and I certainly appreciate all of his dedicated service to the college, the student athletes and the association.” Will also had 10 student-athletes earn National Junior College Athletic Association All-American honors, including Kendra DeJonge, who earned the title in 2017 and 2018. “As my all-time favorite coach, Chip always expected the best from me as a player and person, and helped me reach some of my greatest accomplishments,” she said. “He coached me at many ages in my life and had a huge impact on my life outside of just volleyball. I will always cherish the time I spent playing at GRCC. He made it so much fun and it was always clear that volleyball was so much more than just a game.” Kaitlyn Wolters Bergman, was an All-American in 2012 as a member of the team that won the national championship. She said Will “truly cares” about each of his players. “He gave me a chance and experiences that offered me the ability to further my career,” she said. “He made me believe in my abilities both on and off the court. I grew so much as a person in just two years.” Will was named NJCAA National Coach of the Year in 2012, and has six district, conference and MCCAA coach of the year titles. GRCC Athletic Director Lauren Ferullo said she asked Will what made his program so successful when she met him for the first time this summer.  “He spoke about the student-athlete experience first, the team aspect and the culture of his program,” she said. “The 400 wins is just a byproduct of the culture he has created. He is truly dedicated to GRCC and the experience he provides these student-athletes.”  Thursday’s celebration was hard-earned.  GRCC lost 25-20 in the first set, but rebounded to take sets two and three 25-19 and 25-22.  The Jayhawks would force a fifth and deciding set after a 25-21 win, and the Raiders responded with a 15-10, five-set victory. The win improved GRCC’s record to 15-5 and 9-0 in the conference. Muskegon remains at second place in the conference with a 15-9 record, 7-3 in the MCCAA Western Conference. "I Couldn't be prouder of how our players persevered after dropping the first set to come back to win the match," assistant coach Amanda Glaza said. “It just shows the potential that this team has. We played with heart and it showed, especially being down three in the final set and coming back to win.” Annie Holesinger led GRCC with 23 kills – the second most in her collegiate career -- and five blocks Audrey Torres also had the second most kills of her collegiate career with 16 kills while hitting .261.  Eliza Thelen had 7 kills and hit a match high .500. Four Raiders had double-digits in Digs, led by Kara Hecht with 17. Hecht added 8 kills and a block to her stat line. The Raiders will look to remain unbeaten in the conference as they travel to Lake Michigan College on Oct. 12 at 6:30 p.m.  

Oct. 7, 2021, 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 Matt Langton. As a Veteran2Veteran lead guide, Matt provides peer advising and support for GRCC's Veteran Services department. Veteran Services provides support for military connected students as they transition from military to civilian student life. Matt is focused on connecting with student veterans, educating them about the services of the Veteran Center, and providing them ongoing support. This support could include helping student veterans adjust to college life, helping them address challenges they may face as a student or a veteran, and referring them to appropriate resources on and off campus. "Veterans2Veterans is a new program we are implementing on campus this semester," Matt said. "I get excited talking to other student veterans and discussing what we have available to them. I want all student veterans to be aware of our facility and resources so they can connect with us on campus." Veteran2Veteran provides peer support, outreach, and resources for student veterans through Peer Advisors for Veteran Education, including veterans supporting each other through the transition to college. Matt is also a finance major at GRCC. He was initially planning on attending the college for one year. But because of the great experiences he has had so far, he is now planning to transfer to Davenport University through a 3-1 transfer program where he will attend GRCC for three years, and then graduate from Davenport with a bachelor's degree after attending there for one year. Matt attended an out-of-state university after his military service. He remembers that university not being very military friendly, so he's thankful for the support and commitment GRCC has for their student veterans. Matt understands what it's like for a military connected student to consider attending college, go through the admissions and enrollment process, and then study and attend classes on campus and online, and navigate student services on campus. "I want student veterans to feel comfortable reaching out to our department so I can assist them however I can," says Matt. "From providing a comfortable space for studying or socializing, to sharing knowledge and resources to help them meet their goals." GRCC has a history of being a veteran-friendly campus, and just held a Grand Opening of the new Veteran Center, located on the G2 level of Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall on the college's main campus in Grand Rapids. The center will provide one-on-one advising, Veterans Administration work-study positions, tutoring and academic support, and assistance in completing the VA education benefits process. Staff will also connect veterans with other campus resources, including financial aid, advising and disability support. The project also will expand GRCC's partnerships with state and local veteran's agencies, helping students access benefits and support in the community. Students can connect with the Veterans Center by phone at (616) 234-2578, and by email at veterans@grcc.edu. Additional information is at grcc.edu/veterans .

Oct. 7, 2021, CENTREVILLE, Mich. – Matt Denhartigh earned medalist honors and set a collegiate personal best as the Grand Rapids Community College golf team defeated Glen Oaks Community College by 19 strokes at the Glen Oaks Last Chance Invitational on Thursday. Denhartigh, of Grandville, shot 71 strokes in the event, played at the Island Hills Golf Course. Logan Templeton, of Portage, and Davis Courtright, of Zeeland, each shot a 74 and joined Denhartigh in being named to the All-Tournament Team. Arie Jackman finished with a 78, Conner Oman, an 81, and Alex Taylor rounded out the Raider golfers with an 87. GRCC is next scheduled to compete in the Taylor University Invitational on Oct. 11 and 12.  Competition will take place at Egypt Valley Golf Course in Ada and will start at 10 a.m.