July 22, 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 Danielle Nyland. As a support professional, Danielle here to help GRCC Lakeshore Campus students, faculty and staff. From making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, to making sure people know where they are going in the hallways, Danielle has it covered. After graduating Holland High School, Danielle chose to attend GRCC on the Lakeshore because it was close and affordable. Any classes that she was not able to take on a GRCC campus in Holland she took online to finish her degree, which allowed her the flexibility to work as a student employee in the now closed Thompson MTEC GRCC office. After graduating with her associate degree, and while working as a support professional for the GRCC Lakeshore Campus, Danielle transferred to GVSU and earned her bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management. Danielle is excited that students taking classes at the new consolidated GRCC Lakeshore campus will have a different experience than she did - with a greater sense of community and all the services and resources they'll need in one place. She is looking forward to helping more students in-person more often. Danielle's favorite part of her work is watching GRCC Lakeshore Campus people go from potential students to graduates. Whether they begin their career after graduation, or transfer to a 4-year college or university, she knows they'll be back to skill up for the next level of their career, or as alumni because of the strong connection they make with the college and the people who work here. GRCC’s new Lakeshore Campus opens next month in a transformed space in the Shops at Westshore in Holland Township. The consolidated location will make a quality GRCC education more accessible. More information about the campus and programs offered there can be found at grcc.edu/lakeshore , by calling (616) 234-2200 , or emailing lakeshore@grcc.edu .  

July 21, 2021, 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. Justin Vogelar was unemployed with no prospects in 2016. He had a degree in behavioral science but need a skill that would get him on his way. He never had formal training on computers but definitely had interest in technology. That is when he found GRCC’s Computer Support Technician Job Training program.   “This program had exactly what I was looking for. I liked the structure of the class. It felt like a real job. Once I started the program, I was hooked. The instructor, Moss Ingram is so much more than an instructor. He has connections in many different areas of computer technology and just knows so much!” Ingram’s connections and knowledge provides students with an ever-expanding pool of opportunities; including concepts like IoT & ambient/ubiquitous computing in terms of nearly all products and services. Vogelar completed the program and applied for an internship at GRCC but didn’t get it. “It actually worked out that I didn’t get that internship because I interviewed and was offered a part-time help desk position instead.” Eventually he was offered a full-time position and has been a valuable member of the GRCC Information Technology team ever since. The Computer Support Technician Job Training Program is now offered in an entirely online format – but there is still a personal element in 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. The program prepares students to achieve two certifications: the Google IT Support Professional Certificate and the CompTIA A+ Certification. Both of these IT certifications are globally recognized and represent in-demand skills sought after by a wide array of employers. Unlike many training programs that meet the needs of a specific market, any and all employers who use computer technology require computer support, whether the IT support is provided by a full-time employee or by a contracted managed services company. This program is designed to address computer support from four perspectives: technical, professionalism and employability, business innovation, and design. From a technical perspective, this program focuses on the four fundamentals of IT: hardware, software, networking, and security. Additionally, students gain experience with both the Windows operating system, as well as Linux, along with setting up and accessing virtual machines and cloud computing services. Many troubleshooting strategies are taught to prepare students for the myriad problems they will encounter and how to provide the most efficient and effective solutions. This program also prepares students with the employability skills and the professionalism required to work in IT. Students regularly meet local IT technicians, engineers, business owners, and recruiters via Zoom to learn from their experiences and current market expectations. The topic of design is integrated throughout the program in order to best prepare students to satisfy the increasing and ever-changing demands and expectations of today’s IT users. 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 skills taught in this program really set you apart from the others. The human element is unique to GRCC’s program. It gives you a lot of confidence,” Vogelar said. Anyone interested in gaining career skills through GRCC Workforce Training can connect via email at workforcetraining@grcc.edu, and by phone at (616) 234-3800. Additional information is at grcc.edu/programs/job-workforce-training .

July 20, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Grand Rapids Community College is mourning the passing of Joyce Wisner, whose generosity helped GRCC grow a state-of-the-art facility that is the home to world-famous programs and life-changing opportunities. Wisner, who passed away July 14 at the age of 91, served as chair of the Tassell-Wisner-Bottrall Foundation. GRCC’s Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center, 151 Fountain St. NE, was named after her, her husband, Grand Rapids Junior College alumnus Tom Wisner; and their children, David and Michelle Bottrall. It houses the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education, the Pietro and Regina Culinary Amphitheater, Art & Bev’s bistro, Fountain Hill Brewery, the Heritage Restaurant and the Manufacturing and Computer Information System programs. It was created through a partnership with Ferris State University, which also offers programs in the facility. The Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center, which marks its 30th anniversary this year, recently gained a two-story, 18,416-square-foot expansion that includes a new Data Center Lab suite, an expanded and updated Machine Tool Lab, more student study spaces, and a renovated computer lab. “Joyce Wisner recognized the importance of creating opportunities for students to succeed, and that their success would help our community as a whole grow stronger,” said Dr. Kathryn Mullins, GRCC’s vice president for Advancement and executive director of the GRCC Foundation. “The Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center represents the value of partnerships, the connection of GRCC to students and programs around the world, and the importance of career skills. That’s a tremendous legacy we will recognize and celebrate for years to come.” Dr. Bill Pink’s GRCC’s president, showed the college’s gratitude for Wisner’s generosity by presenting her with an honorary degree on her 88th birthday. “Joyce Wisner truly cared about GRCC students and our West Michigan community,” Pink said. “Students of all ages leave that building with skills that allow them to step right into careers. I’m saddened by her passing, but proud to count her and members of her family as friends, and thrilled her vision will allow us to continue changing lives long into the future."

July 19, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Students in Grand Rapids Community College’s Public Works Academy gain hands-on experience preparing for rewarding careers in area municipalities -- a training that just got better through a donation from the City of Kentwood. Kentwood leaders delivered a 2005 Sterling dump truck with an underbody plow on Monday, which will help students prepare for a variety of roles in the field of public works. "This donated truck will give GRCC students an opportunity to earn their commercial driver’s license for public works and get experience in the type of truck they will use on the job when they are hired by a municipality or employer who requires that license – our graduates will be ready for work on Day 1,” said Julie Parks interim dean of the School of Workforce Development.   “The vehicle will also be an important component in recruiting the next generation of public works employees. Our summer public works camp, middle school and high school outreach activities will include the use of the truck.  It will provide another opportunity for students to learn about careers in a vital field." GRCC’s Public Works Academy launched in 2018 to help local communities fill vitally important jobs. At the time, it was the first municipal workforce training program in Michigan and the third in the nation. The academy is a partnership that includes public works departments for the cities of Grand Rapids, Kentwood and Grand Haven, in addition to the road commissions from Kent, Muskegon and Van Buren counties, the Michigan Department of Transportation, Prein&Newhof, Rowe Professional Services Co. and the west Michigan chapter of the American Public Works Association. More than 60 people have graduated from the academy so far, and most have joined the public works field, filling positions that include building specialist, engineering technician, equipment operator, fleet services technician, plant assistant, safety specialist, truck driver, and maintenance worker for utilities, streets, grounds and buildings. “We are honored to be a partner in this collaborative effort that creates a pathway for residents to stay local and build their careers through essential roles that keep our communities safe and improve quality of life,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “We wholeheartedly support our donated truck being used to equip the next generation of public works professionals as they gain in-demand skills needed to fill this growing need in our region.” Students learn from professionals, gaining hands-on experience. Employees from Kentwood and other communities have helped teach courses. Jamie King, Kentwood Fleet Services supervisor, is one of the instructors for the commercial driver’s license component of the program, where the donated truck will play a huge role. Having a CDL is required for most public works positions. The academy’s CDL component was introduced in 2020 using borrowed equipment from partnering cities. Equipment availability became a challenge, and GRCC and academy partners agreed a used truck in good condition would be useful. The Sterling dump truck became available when Kentwood’s Department of Public Works replaced it with a new model. The vehicle was previously used for snow plowing and was later repurposed for tree disposal and chipping. Under normal circumstances, the truck would have been sold at auction. Kentwood leaders determined it would be effective for the Public Works Academy, and the City Commission approved the donation on June 1. The truck needed minor repairs to its front hood, along with new paint and tires. City leaders approached Truck & Trailer Specialties to get an estimate for body damage and Best-One Fleet Service for the tires. Both companies donated their services and supplies. The truck will be used for hands-on training of skill maneuvers and vehicle inspections that are required to earn a CDL. GRCC Technical Education Center staff and students will provide ongoing maintenance to the vehicle. “We are grateful to Truck & Trailer Specialties and Best-One Fleet Service for donating the services and supplies needed to bring this truck up to suitable condition for the Public Works Academy,” King said. “Using the truck as part of their hands-on training will be truly beneficial for the students by helping them gain the skills needed to get their commercial driver’s licenses, which helps open the door for more opportunities in public works.” The next round of training begins on Oct. 19, 2021, a part-time program running through March 15, 2022 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The next full-time program starts Jan. 11, 2022 and runs through March 2, 2022 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

July 19, 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. Many alumni credit GRCC for setting them on their career paths, but what if you don’t know what you want to do? Cadey Korson discovered GRCC was the perfect place to figure that out. She had no idea what she wanted to do with her life when she started college. She dug into general education courses. And -- as has happened to many other GRCC students -- one class began to really interest her: GE 210 Cultural Geography. “One day, after class, the professor stopped me and asked what my plans were,” Korson said. “After telling him I was considering international relations -- and that my parents said I could study anything I wanted as long as I got a Ph.D. -- he asked if I had considered geography. ‘You can do the same things as you could with a degree in IR, but you’ll get paid to do it.’ “I was sold!” After earning her associate degree in 2009, Korson completed a bachelor’s degree in geography, international relations and French at Aquinas College. She then earned a master’s degree in geography at the University of Missouri and a doctorate at Kent State University. “After that, I headed overseas for a two-year postdoctoral research position in human geography at the University of Oulu in northern Finland,” Korson said. “Travel is one of the things that drew me to geography, so it’s no surprise that I have spent my time working and traveling around the world.” She has conducted fieldwork in the South Pacific and delivered papers at conferences in England, Turkey, Greece, Serbia and Sweden. Currently, she’s the senior lecturer in geography for the School of People, Environment and Planning at Massey University in Auckland, New Zealand. “Among other things, this means that I am responsible for teaching some of our undergraduate and graduate classes, supervising graduate students, applying for grants and doing research, publishing, and organizing outreach events,” she said. Korson has recently added the role of outreach coordinator, organizing camps for high school students and working with teachers. She’s built a YouTube channel to help with this work. She returned to GRCC in 2018 to deliver a lecture for the Geography Department and notes that she still keeps in touch with professor Michael DeVivo and other mentors here. She has many fond memories of her first college experience. “It is hard to pick just one: When I was dual enrolling as a 16-year-old and my history professor suddenly put a chair on the table and asked the class, ‘How do we know this is a chair?’ Or swapping Hawaiian recipes with my geology professor? Or maybe it’s all the field trips I took in my geography courses. “Clearly, my favorite memories are the people, and the ways in which they made me feel welcome in a new and challenging environment.” Korson credits GRCC -- but also her husband and family -- for helping her on her career path. “The low tuition costs and flexibility to take courses I was interested in (that still fulfilled my undergraduate general education requirements) was a significant benefit of GRCC,” she said. “It gave me the freedom -- financial and academic -- to investigate different career options and potential areas of study. The smaller class sizes meant that I got to know my classmates and professors, facilitating a supportive network that continues to benefit me.” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply .

July 16, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College student-athletes Taylor Cross, Audrey Gower, Erin Kruithoff, Dalton Vander Ark, and Alena Visnovsky earned NJCAA All-Academic First Team honors for posting perfect 4.0 GPAs. They were among 18 GRCC student athletes saluted for academic success by the National Junior College Athletic Association. “Our student-athletes know we expect them to work hard in the classroom as well as in competition,” Interim Athletic Director David Selmon said. “Our coaches and staff make academics a priority, and we’re proud of the Raiders earning these honors.” Student-athletes are eligible to earn academic honors by completing two terms while attending full time and having accumulated at least 24 semester hours with an overall GPA of 3.60 or higher for the 2020-21 academic year. Cross, from Caledonia, is a catcher on the softball team. Gower, from Dimondale and Visnovsky, a from Sparta, played for the volleyball team. Kruithoff, from Allendale, played on the women’s basketball team and Vander Ark, from Byron Center, pitched for the baseball team. Seven Raiders earned All-Academic Second Team honors for GPAs between 3.80 and 3.99. Baseball players Caleb Engelsman from Rockford, Jeremy Marble from Sparta, and Matt Williams from Lake Orion earned the honor. They were joined by cross country runners Allison Hoop from Jackson, Mariah Vos from Byron Center, Alexzandria Webster from Grandville, and golfer Arie Jackman from Caledonia. Six students earned All-Academic Third team honors for GPAs between 3.60 and 3.79. Baseball players Collin Bradley from Brooklyn, Mich. And Aaron West from Grand Ledge were saluted, along with volleyball players Kailey Carmean from Fruitport and Zari Kruger from Lake Odessa, softball player Mikayla Loew from Kent City, and cross country runner Jack Kehoe from Grandville.

July 16, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Many Grand Rapids Community College students lost their jobs and faced food insecurity and other challenges as the COVID-19 crisis struck, and Lina Blair sprang into action. Blair, GRCC’s director of Student Life and Conduct, led efforts to expand the campus food pantry, working with community partners and others to provide thousands of meals and other items so students could continue their education and help their families. Blair’s efforts were recognized this week by Northern Michigan University Alumni Association, which honored her with an Alumni Service Award. Recipients, who are nominated and selected by fellow alumni, are honored for significant achievements in their fields, substantial contributions to society, and demonstrated exceptional leadership and civic qualities. Blair was one of four alumni saluted; awards will be presented during Homecoming festivities this fall. “It’s an honor to be recognized by Northern Michigan for doing a job I love,” Blair said. “I’m part of a great team at GRCC that is passionate about helping students overcome obstacles. We’re fortunate to have community partners who recognized the challenges our students were facing, and stepped up to help us time and again. Working together, we were able to make a difference.” The alumni association noted Blair “has implemented and maintained numerous service projects and efforts to address barriers to success. She advocates for student support in mental health, COVID-19 relief, and housing and food insecurity. In 2020, she led her team to establish a wider-reaching campus food pantry, with a new location and enough food to supply students in need.” “The committee members were struck by Lina's long-term commitment to community service that was already strong when she was a student at Northern Michigan University,” said Diane Husic, chair of the alumni award committee of the NMU Alumni Association’s board of directors. “We were impressed by her ability to leverage grant funding and collaborations with the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education, Feeding America West Michigan, Support the Girls and Plainsong Farm to address food insecurity -- which is incredibly important work, especially during a global pandemic.” The Student Life team also created a grcc.edu/gethelp website to connect students with campus and community resources for a variety of needs, an effort that will continue after the pandemic. Blair has been with GRCC since 2016, and previously worked more than 10 years at NMU, which is based in Marquette. As the assistant dean of students, she advised student government, created a new program for NMU's first-generation college students and provided leadership for the student conduct program. Blair also served as an adjunct instructor for six years, teaching a first-year experience class. Blair, a native of Quincy, Ill., earned a Master of Science degree from NMU in 2008, specializing in psychology, training and development. She earned a Bachelor of Science from the college in 2005, specializing in psychology and management.  

July 15, 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 Kaelee Steffens. Kaelee is an academic adviser and a first-generation college student. She always knew going to college or learning a professional trade was incredibly important. She chose GRCC because it was affordable, and a family member was already attending. That family member and her GRCC adviser showed her the steps to get started, and how to begin planning for her transfer to Grand Valley State University after graduation. Back at GRCC, Kaelee helps today's students make plans to transfer or pursue a career after graduating. During her time at GRCC Kaelee worked as a student employee and graduated with an associate degree. At GVSU she worked as a student employee and then as an intern in various departments. Through that on-the-job career exploration, she realized that her passion was working with adults -- specifically adults at GRCC. She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology, and then Master of Education in Higher Education, College Student Affairs Leadership from GVSU. Since then, Kaelee has worked in admissions and enrollment, TRIO, academic departments, and academic advising between two- and four-year schools. Through her work in higher education Kaelee has seen first-hand that a certificate or degree can change someone's life in so many ways. It starts with an academic plan. It's her goal that the students who enter her office leave knowing their next steps, and that they can always follow up if the plan changes. “There is just something so special about working with the many different types of students who attend GRCC,” she said. “My first appointment for the day could be a mother with three kids and a full-time job, who decided now is her time. And my last appointment of the day might be a student who just graduated high school who is still exploring all of the degree options and training programs that GRCC has to offer. Every day is new and full of learning!" You can connect with Kaelee and other members of the Academic Advising and Transfer team by emailing advising@grcc.edu, calling (616) 234-3900, and texting (616) 404-0044.  

July 14, 2021, 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. Tarisa Rademacher loves working with hot molten metal. “I love watching metal melt and having the skills to mold manipulate it!” Rademacher worked in the medical field for about two years as a certified nurse assistant and patient care assistant in memory care, but she just got burned out. She also was working part time in a small electronics repair company. “I saw another guy weld and thought I like the way that looks,” Rademacher said. “I started to look into careers and education around welding. I was looking at going through a four-year program but then learned about Job Training. I knew this program would get me into welding much quicker which is what I want to do. The pay isn’t bad and I like the atmosphere in most shops.” The GRCC Job Training Welding program meets for 18-weeks for 34 hours per week. The program offers small class sizes, hands-on learning and job placement assistance. This program is highly regarded by employers as a top trainer in welding and fabrication. Job developers are ready to help you with the job search process. When you graduate, you will be ready to begin a career as a welder, cutter or brazer – with the skills to meet the needs of local companies. instructor Nate Haney holds a Bachelor of Science in Welding Engineering Technology from Ferris State University and is an American Welding Society certified welding inspector and certified welding educator. “Mr. Haney is the best teacher I have ever had in my whole life! This is just the perfect place!” Rademacher said. Students learn shielded metal arc welding (arc/stick welding), gas metal arc welding (metal inert gas/wire welding), gas tungsten arc welding (heli-arc/tungsten inert gas welding), oxy-fuel welding (gas welding), cutting, brazing, blueprint reading, mathematics, metallurgy, problem solving, teamwork and communication skills. According to the Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives, there will be 34.7% job growth in the field from 2012 to 2022. “My plan is to get a job at an employer that will cover some of the expense to further my education,” Rademacher said. “Then, go back school for the degree program. This way I can start earning and gaining experience on the way.” Anyone interested in gaining career skills through GRCC Workforce Training can connect via email at workforcetraining@grcc.edu, and by phone at (616) 234-3800. Additional information is at grcc.edu/programs/job-workforce-training .