July 12, 2021, Grand Rapids, Mich. – Summer enrollment at Grand Rapids Community College is up 7.1% from a year ago and up 5.9% from pre-pandemic levels, with many students taking advantage of state programs covering the cost of in-district tuition. GRCC’s second summer semester kicked off June 29, and fall semester classes start Aug. 30. The majority of classes are on campus, with online options also available for many classes to accommodate home and work responsibilities, and learning preferences. “As our region recovers from the pandemic, many people are looking to gain new skills to advance in their careers,” said Tina Hoxie, GRCC associate provost. “GRCC is affordable and accessible, especially with the opportunities created by state and local programs. We’re excited many people are taking their first steps back during our summer semester, and can stay on track by enrolling in fall classes.” GRCC froze tuition rates for the 2021-2022 academic year and is waiving online course fees through the fall semester. The college also is changing its parking fee structure, allowing students to pay once a day, making it easier for students to attend classes and access services at the downtown campus. Summer enrollment slipped about 1.1% during the pandemic year, but has rebounded, with 6,600 students taking classes – up 7.1% from 2020 and 5.9% from 2019. Almost 1,500 students are attending summer classes through two state programs – Futures for Frontliners and Michigan Reconnect -- which remove finances as an obstacle by covering in-district tuition costs. The window is closing for students who hope to take advantage of Futures for Frontliners, which is for people who worked during the state’s COVID-19 shutdown. People accepted by the state for the program must start classes by the fall 2021 semester to use the benefit. Additional information is available at grcc.edu/futuresforfrontliners. The Michigan Reconnect program is for students ages 25 and older who don’t already have a college degree. Additional details are available at grcc.edu/reconnect. Eligible students can also use Grand Rapids Promise Zone scholarships, which cover tuition and other expenses, to attend GRCC as guest students. Additional information is at grcc.edu/promisezone. Potential students can start the enrollment process at grcc.edu/apply. They can also contact the Enrollment Center by phone at (616) 234-3300 and by email at enroll@grcc.edu to be connected to their personal enrollment specialist.  

July 12, 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. Dave Custer spent almost 40 years building a successful workplace interiors business that now employs 114 people with sales of $58 million. But in the 1960s, Custer was a first-generation student at Grand Rapids Junior College. His father’s grocery store had been forced to close, and he was happy he could afford GRJC tuition. In 1967, he transferred his GRJC credits to Western Michigan University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree. “Grand Rapids Junior College had lower tuition and allowed me to stay at home and helped me get a start on a college degree,” he said. “And having that degree allowed for better opportunities of employment, which then molded my career.” The CEO and founder of Custer Inc. shares his story with almost everyone he encounters, saying, “If it wasn’t for GRJC, my life would be very different from what it is today.” The American Association of Community Colleges named him one of just four 2020 Outstanding Alumni Award recipients from among 600 nominations. Then this past spring, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education named him the recipient of the 2020 Ernest T. Steward Award for Alumni Volunteer Involvement. The award, named for the first executive director of the American Alumni Council, recognizes an individual for service to his or her alma mater and is the highest honor CASE presents to an alumni volunteer. Dave Custer became a member of the GRCC Foundation’s board of directors in 1989 and immediately joined efforts that led Kent County voters to redistrict GRJC into the independent, standalone Grand Rapids Community College. In 2008, he was named board chair -- the first time this leadership position was held by someone other than the college president. He has served as chair of the fundraising committee for 30 years, and his tenure includes a historic milestone: In 2017, more than $1 million in scholarships were awarded. He and his wife, Karen, most recently served as honorary chairs of GRCC’s A Broader Vision capital campaign. The Custers’ latest project realizes a long-held dream of the GRCC Foundation: a permanent home for fundraising and alumni activities. Their leadership and insight was recognized by the GRCC board of trustees, which voted unanimously to rename the refurbished Lettinga House the Custer Alumni House. Dave Custer, GRCC’s 2010 Distinguished Alumnus, says he is always happy to help an institution that helps so many. “I want to help give others the same chance and opportunity I had,” he said. “I don’t know what our community would do without GRCC.” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply .  

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 Lynnae Selburg. As an academic advisor, Lynnae works with students to help them navigate higher education. They work together to identify and clarify a student's academic goals, and then possible career exploration. Once a student knows if they plan to start a career or transfer after graduation, or skill up for their current career, Lynnae helps them identify the best course to take. This includes graduation planning, (making sure they have all the requirements met), transfer planning (making sure they are connected with the transfer institution and have everything done for a successful transfer), and academic success strategies. 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 Lynnae Selburg. As an academic advisor, Lynnae works with students to help them navigate higher education. They work together to identify and clarify a student's academic goals, and then possible career exploration. Once a student knows if they plan to start a career or transfer after graduation, or skill up for their current career, Lynnae helps them identify the best course to take. This includes graduation planning, (making sure they have all the requirements met), transfer planning (making sure they are connected with the transfer institution and have everything done for a successful transfer), and academic success strategies. "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,” she said. “You couldn't have a better job than this!" Lynnae works with all GRCC students, but a majority of her work is with GRCC Early/Middle College students. This growing population is taking advantage of an incredible opportunity – earning a high school diploma and associate degree in just 5 years! She loves meeting with all the different students who come to GRCC, and watching them achieve success when often they didn't think that was possible.  Lynnae's favorite day of the year is commencement when she gets to watch students walk across the stage, knowing how much work they put into getting there! Lynnae knows that often life can get difficult, and that barriers can impact a student's ability to be successful. And she is here to help students identify resources and develop a plan to help them get back on a path to success. Lynnae has worked in a variety of counseling roles for the past 30 years in many educational and health care settings. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from GVSU and earned a master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling from MSU. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Michigan and is a nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselor.  She has worked in many different student services & academic affairs departments, at various institutions, which has provided her a wide range of experiences to draw upon when working with students at GRCC. You can connect with Lynnae and other members of the Academic Advising and Transfer team by emailing advising@grcc.edu , calling (616) 234-3900, and texting (616) 404-0044. . “You couldn't have a better job than this!" Lynnae works with all GRCC students, but a majority of her work is with GRCC Early/Middle College students. This growing population is taking advantage of an incredible opportunity – earning a high school diploma and associate degree in just 5 years! She loves meeting with all the different students who come to GRCC, and watching them achieve success when often they didn't think that was possible.  Lynnae's favorite day of the year is commencement when she gets to watch students walk across the stage, knowing how much work they put into getting there! Lynnae knows that often life can get difficult, and that barriers can impact a student's ability to be successful. And she is here to help students identify resources and develop a plan to help them get back on a path to success. Lynnae has worked in a variety of counseling roles for the past 30 years in many educational and health care settings. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from GVSU and earned a master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling from MSU. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Michigan and is a nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselor.  She has worked in many different student services & academic affairs departments, at various institutions, which has provided her a wide range of experiences to draw upon when working with students at GRCC. You can connect with Lynnae 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 7, 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. After graduating from high school, Shelly Parks did a variety of service industry work; mainly dishwashing and housekeeping. She heard about the GRCC Computer Support Technician Job Training Program from her friends. “I really liked the way this program worked with my schedule and I liked the idea of being done in just 18 weeks.” After completing the program, Parks was an intern at GRCC. The Computer Support Technician Job Training 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. Moving forward, this program just recently moved to an online hybrid format. 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. “I am really excited for the future,” Parks said. “This program really opened my eyes. I see now that I can do just about anything with this knowledge of technology. My instructor totally gave me a new perspective of how technology can benefit human beings and that is what I want to do.” 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 5, 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. Tyler Frank’s career -- which has taken him across the country and around the world -- has its roots at GRCC. While he was a student at GRCC, Frank’s Spanish professor recommended he become a tutor at the Academic Support Center. That eventually led him to a tutoring position with the Adult Basic Education program. “I loved working in that program with students studying to earn their GED,” he said. “The students were hard-working, down-to-earth people who I loved and respected.” After graduating from GRCC with an Associate in Arts in 2007, Frank completed a bachelor’s degree in history at the University of Michigan and a master’s in language, reading and culture from the University of Arizona. Franks worked as a professional tutor at GRCC and UM and also taught in the Adult Basic Education program at Pima Community College in Tucson, Ariz. He added to his teaching experience when he served with the Peace Corps in a youth development program in the Andes mountains of Peru.  “I have been privileged to have lots of amazing opportunities throughout my life,” he said. “These many opportunities, such as studying abroad and serving in the U.S. Peace Corps, have helped me to learn, grow and continue setting new goals for myself.” For the past few years, he’s been a professor in career and academic preparation at Clark College in Vancouver, Wash., helping students earn adult high school diplomas and prepare for future coursework at the college. “My inspiration for my career was born out of my experience at GRCC,” said Frank, who recently received tenure. “I still value my experience as a student at GRCC, especially since I now teach at a community college. Having had the student experience at a community college helps inform my own work.” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply .

July 1, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Grand Rapids Community College students Nicholas Cetlinski and Melanie LeQuia have been selected for national scholarships by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and were two of four students named to the All-Michigan Academic Team by the Phi Theta Kappa international honor society. “We are incredibly proud of these students, and we’re pleased that the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and Phi Theta Kappa recognized their hard work and leadership,” said Tina Hoxie, GRCC’s associate provost and dean of Student Affairs. “Their goals and experiences are very different, but they all realized that GRCC is an affordable, accessible college that challenges high-achievers.” Cetlinski received $1,500 as a 2021 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar. Almost $200,000 in scholarships are awarded annually to 50 Gold, 50 Silver and 50 Bronze scholars. Recipients are selected for their academic achievement, leadership and community service. Cetlinski, who worked in construction and metal fabrication for 15 years before enrolling at GRCC, received his Associate of Arts this spring and plans to attend Grand Valley State University this fall. After he earns his bachelor’s degree, he plans to apply to medical school in pursuit of a career as a neurosurgeon. In addition to his classwork, Cetlinski also works as director of donor relations for the Alano Club of Kent County, an alcoholism treatment program. He has also been working on a memoir about family dynamics, psychology and addiction that he hopes to publish this year. LeQuia received a $1,250 scholarship as a 2021 New Century Workforce Scholar. More than 2,000 students were nominated by 1,200 colleges nationwide; only one student from each state received the honor. LeQuia is enrolled in the Dental Hygiene program and hopes to use those skills to work in private practice as well as on mission trips. She works with youth ministries at St. Pius X Catholic Church and says she would like to return to GRCC someday as a faculty member. “We thank the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for recognizing these student leaders and for investing in their futures,” said Lynn Tincher-Ladner, president and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “Scholarships like these are integral to the success of these students in reaching their educational and career goals.” Cetlinski and LeQuia were also named to the All-Michigan Academic Team for the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, along with GRCC students Michael Kelley and Philder Okech. Team members are nominated by their colleges based on their academic achievements, community service and leadership accomplishments. Kelley is pursuing an associate degree in Mechanical Design and plans to eventually become a freelance designer. He donates both his time and resources to helping friends who are struggling, including one in prison. He successfully juggles his classes with his job as a production supervisor. Okech, who is originally from Kenya, started at GRCC during the COVID-19 pandemic. He plans to earn an associate degree in Nursing and then pursue a bachelor’s degree at GVSU. Okech, who volunteers with his church, says he would like to become a nurse educator and provide services to rural areas. This year’s All-Michigan Academic Team boasts 75 students, according to the Michigan Community College Association. “These impressive students showcase the bright talent that we have at Michigan’s community colleges, and I can’t wait to see them continue to grow as part of the PTK All-Michigan Academic Team,” said MCCA President Michael Hansen.    

June 30, 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. Last week we celebrated the graduation of 20 students representing all of the Job Training programs. We are so proud of this group of graduates. Each has their own story and have overcome many obstacles to completion, one of them being a global pandemic. Because the Job Training programs focus on hands-on, experiential learning, these sessions were hit the hardest by the various restrictions and shutdowns due to COVID-19. Despite all of that, these students persevered, and are now successful GRCC Alumni. “Even with all the protocols, the instructor made it work. The hands-on part of these programs is invaluable,” said Gaspar Vizcarra, a CNC student. Job Training classes run 34 hours per week, Monday through Thursday and about 20 weeks in length. All eight of the programs are designed by area employers and industry experts, so students get the hands-on training used on the job. “Our graduates are in high demand,” said Scott Mattson, director of Job Training, “Completing any one of these programs is equivalent to 600 hours of on the job training so employers are coming to us to find quality employees.” The next Job Training sessions begin July 19, and finish before Thanksgiving. Another session starts on August 23, 2021. There are several spots still available for the July start date. All of the Job Training programs are financial aid eligible and also qualify for Michigan Reconnect, GRCC M-TEC Champions and Grand Rapids Promise monies. More than 80% of students receive some type of aid. Additionally, after entering a Job Training program, students are assisted by career coaches to determine the best training plan to meet their goals. Job placement assistance is also available upon program completion.  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 .  

June 29, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College golfer Tyler Hausserman was named to the NJCAA DII PING All-Region Team for the second year in a row. Hausserman, a sophomore from Ionia, is the only Michigan athlete honored by the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Division II. He was the top golfer on a team that finished 11th in the nation during the 2021 season, averaging 74.9 strokes per round. “Tyler isn’t just one of the best community college golfers in the state, he’s among the best in the nation,” said Dave Selmon, interim athletic director. “We’re proud of our golfers, and all of our student-athletes who overcame unprecedented challenges and still shined this season.” Hausserman’s season included the top score at the Jackson College Invitational, shooting a 69, and finishing in the top five of all seven events prior to the national tournament. The Raiders dominated conference competition this season, winning every regular season tournament, with five golfers earning All-Conference honors and John Forton being named Coach of the Year. Hausserman, Logan Templeton, Davis Courtright, Dominic Luciani and Arie Jackman posted the top five scores in the conference for the season and were named to the MCCAA’s All-Conference team. Hausserman was the team leader the prior season as well, and was named the top golfer in the MCCAA and PING All-Region Team. "He's a very solid player who has a winner's mentality," Forton said. "He's very focused, and I could always count on him to play well."