Feb. 3, 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 Linda Witte. Linda develops and manages health certificate programs for GRCC. Specifically, she manages GRCC's Medical Assistant, CNA, Pharmacy Technician, and Phlebotomy Skills Training programs. Linda also is also developing a Direct Support Professional program, and is assisting with Surgical Technologist and Anesthesia Technologist programs. This work is as dynamic as it sounds. "I meet with employers to find out their hiring needs and put together short-term training programs to fill their needs," Linda said. "Secondly, I oversee the best group of trainers who have a big heart for students. Thirdly, I work with potential and current students -- from wanting to know more about health careers, to encouraging their success once they are in our programs, to celebrating with them once they've successfully completed the program. I ensure that our curriculum teaches students what the profession needs them to know, and I arrange for the student's clinical placements." Linda is an advocate for healthcare careers, and not just because there is great demand for highly skilled professionals. She knows quality healthcare has a big impact on people's lives, and it's a great field to work in. "It's so rewarding to make an impact on a person's ability to be healthy and lead a fulfilling life," she said. "Like many people in healthcare, my interest started with a family member who was seriously ill -- my brother had leukemia. Because of that, I was exposed to a lot of different health professions as I was growing up. I really liked the idea of being able to help a person's mental wellbeing, so I majored in psychology and social work. I worked in a lot of different health professions including pharmacy, CNA, administrative work, adult foster care, and medical assisting." This breadth of experience gives Linda an edge as she develops and manages healthcare programs for the college. "There are so many choices for people in health careers and it's fun for me to help people consider their options," she said. "I can also relate to those who may be nervous thinking about going back to school, as I went back after 24 years to continue my education. If I can do it, others can too!" Linda's first job at age 14 was in a pharmacy and she's been employed in healthcare ever since. She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology, with a minor in Social Work, from Calvin University. Her career after college focused on behavioral healthcare in roles including direct care, activity therapy, resident advising, and finally staff educator. As Linda's career evolved she wanted to become more involved in helping staff and programs grow. She returned to college to earn her master's degree in Public Administration and Management from Grand Valley State University. "All of these experiences came together to equip me for the position I'm in now," she said. There is no choice between who Linda enjoys working with more in her current position - local employers, GRCC students, or GRCC staff -- she loves them all! "We have employers who care that this career is fulfilling to employees, and who want to support the success of our students," Linda said. "Plus, our staff of GRCC trainers is the best! I love to hear students talk about how their trainers go the extra mile to support their success. Finally, our students are amazing! They are passionate about making other people's lives better. Our students are so resilient at working through obstacles with determination in order to obtain a certification and career in healthcare. Their stories move and inspire me."

Feb. 3, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College is planning a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for students, employees, and community members for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 15 on the fourth floor of Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall, 143 Bostwick Ave. NE. No appointment is needed for the clinic, the latest in a series conducted at the college. About 350 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.

Feb. 2, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – GRCC Workforce Training programs provide in-demand skills leading to rewarding careers. We are introducing students who are heading down an educational pathway and changing their lives by earning occupational certificates. Tyler Kryzanowski has a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Animation from Ferris State University but struggled to find work in the West Michigan area.  He worked in a manufacturing facility to get by, but was laid off in early 2021 like so many others during the pandemic. A former Ferris classmate suggested GRCC’s Job Training Computer Support Technician program, so he checked into it. “A couple of months after I was laid off, I decided that I really needed to look at a career pivot. I looked at the Job Training program and threw all my eggs into that basket.” The Computer Support Technician Job Training Program prepares students to achieve two certifications: the CompTIA A+ Certification and the Network+ Certification. Both of these IT certifications are globally recognized and represent in-demand skills sought by a wide array of employers. “Halfway through the program, I moved to Lansing and starting looking for opportunities there. Because the program is offered entirely online, I was able to make that move,” he said.  “When I first started, I had a great conversation with the instructor, Moss Ingram. I shared that I struggle with ADD and he really understood and tried to help whenever he could. He helped me out a lot. The contacts I made through this class were very helpful as well. Job postings are shared and staff help with interviews, too.” The Computer Support Technician Job Training Program is now offered in an entirely online format; however, there is still a personal element in the program. Ingram stresses that should not deter anyone from taking the program. “We have structured the program in a way that provides flexibility but keeps the personal interaction necessary to be successful in the program and in the industry,” Ingram said. Unlike many training programs that meet the needs of a specific market, any and all employers who use computer technology require computer support. Whether provided by a full-time employee or by a contracted managed services company, every company needs IT support. This program is designed to address computer support from four perspectives: technical, professionalism and employability, business innovation, and design. Students regularly meet local IT technicians, engineers, business owners, and recruiters via Zoom to learn from their experiences and current market expectations. “Once I received the CompTIA A+ Certification, that opened many doors for me. I just started my new job on Monday at Michigan State University as a Classroom IT Support Technician,” Kryzanowski said.    “This class helped me grow personally and make connections in the industry. It also, taught me accountability which will continue to help me. I think my future looks pretty good now!” GRCC has an unmatched reputation among employers for supplying West Michigan with work-ready technicians. Our graduates specialize in providing empathy for the people they support while solving complex problems using troubleshooting and design thinking methodologies. Students are also taught to focus on human-centered solutions and technology-based innovations for both colleagues and customers. The next Computer Support Technician program begins March 14, 2022. Details are at grcc.edu/jobtraining .

Feb. 1, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College women's basketball player Sally Merrill was named Michigan Community College Athletic Association Western Conference Player of the Week for her recent performances against Lake Michigan College, Ancilla College and Mid Michigan College. Merrill is a freshman from Allegan who graduated from Hamilton High School. She totaled 60 points, 23 rebounds, nine assists, two blocks and two steals in the three games. I’m happy to see some recognition outside of our campus for the performances she has had,” Coach David Glazier said. “She works hard and continues to grow each week, always finding ways to help the team get a win.” Merrill, who plays guard and forward, has been a key performer in the team’s six-game winning streak. She scored a game-high 26 points – just one shy of her career best – on the Saturday game against Mid Michigan. Merrill is averaging a team-high 15.6 points per game this season. She also has a team-high 149 rebounds, averaging 8.3 per contest.  Her six double-doubles are second on the team to Grace Lodes, who has eight. GRCC is 11-7 on the season, and all alone in second place in the conference with a 7-1 record. The Raiders hit the hardwood again on Feb. 3 in a home matchup against Glen Oaks Community College. 

Feb. 1, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich . – A conductor uses a baton to lead a musical ensemble. Grand Rapids Community College’s Dr. Shannon Shaker believes it can also be used to lead social change. “A music education student who only experiences music written by white men will only have those experiences to draw on later when they select the music to teach their own students,” Shaker said. “But if we, as college band directors, diversify our repertoire and seek representation from women and minorities, we give our future music educators a whole world of composers to share.” Shaker is GRCC’s new director of bands and the first woman to hold that post. She’s also a fierce advocate for equitable and inclusive practices to ensure everyone has access to a high-quality music education. Her teaching, service and research are all driven by these values.  For years the Pinconning native has worked to address gender bias in wind bands, especially in higher education. “I was in my third year of graduate school when I realized I had never programmed one piece of music by a woman,” she said. “I hadn’t taken the time to learn any music by women composers or teach them to my students when I was teaching in public schools.” This revelation prompted her doctoral research project at Arizona State University, “Paucity of Female College Band Directors as Faculty and Conductors at National Conferences in the United States, 2017–2018,” which showed that only 11% of all university band directors were women. To encourage and support women composers, Shaker founded the Women’s Band Composition Contest in 2017. Through the contest, women composers connect with band directors from across the country and are provided opportunities for performances and collaborations. The Women’s Band Composition Contest is on hiatus, but Shaker hopes it will return in 2023. As a first-generation classical musician and college student, Shaker earned both her Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music in Wind Conducting degrees from Central Michigan University. She also holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Conducting from Arizona State University. Shaker is thrilled with her new role as director of bands and assistant professor in GRCC's highly acclaimed Music Department . GRCC is one of only two community colleges in the state that is accredited by the  National Association of Schools of Music . "The GRCC Music Department is so very proud to welcome Dr. Shaker to our music department family,” Music Department Program Director Kevin Dobreff said. “Shannon brings a very important perspective to the college and is helping all of us become more aware of gender inequity in college and university instrumental conducting positions." Shaker said she’s received 100% support from GRCC in her continuing quest for inclusive and equitable musical programming and practices. “This department and the people in this school are seeking out diverse voices and people who are changemakers in their fields,” she said. “It’s great to be in a community where they see the value I bring to the table.” Shaker said she believes no problem is too big to solve. So, she does her part by programming music in which her students can see themselves – and glimpse other cultures and experiences. “I know I can’t change the whole world … but I can change my classroom.” This story was reported by Beth McKenna for GRCC.

Jan. 31, 2022, BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College men's basketball dropped  another overtime game on Monday, losing 89-87 to Kellogg Community College, despite Ryel Daye earning his first career triple-double. The Raiders led by one point with under six seconds remaining in overtime after Justus Clark hit a free throw, but Kellogg's Brett White, who had a game-high 30 points, hit the game winning three-pointer just as time expired. The defeat was GRCC's sixth loss in seven overtime contests this season, and third straight overall. Daye finished the game with 22 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists in 41 minutes of action. He's now averaging 19.8 points per game and 11.8 rebounds per game.  Drew Moore tallied a team-high 28 points and five boards for GRCC. Moore is also averaging over 19 points a game this season. Shooting guards Brockton Kohler and Rico Wade each scored 11 points and combined for five of the team's 12 total steals. "I was proud of the way the guys played," Coach Joe Fox said. "I thought we had the effort and the energy tonight. We just missed a couple little things in execution at the end. You have to tip your cap to Kellogg's Brett White for making a big-time shot. Now that we have seen everyone in conference play, we are going to really hone in on scouts and being ready to play. Our sophomores Ryel Daye and Andrew Moore continued their strong play, I was proud of how they battled." GRCC's men and women's team return to action Feb. 2 in a home matchup against Glen Oaks Community College. The men defeated Glen Oaks in their first meeting of the season, 78-70, while the women's team will be taking on the Vikings for the first time this year. 

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 .