April 1, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Robert Richmond appreciated how a life-changing Grand Rapids Community College education helped his employees and took steps to make sure those opportunities continue to be available to all. Richmond, who passed away in 2019, left the GRCC Foundation nearly $10 million, the largest single donation in the college’s history. GRCC leaders are reviewing how to best use the donation to support student resources and modernize buildings. “This is an extraordinary and generous investment in GRCC, its students and our greater community,” GRCC President Bill Pink said. “Mr. Richmond saw firsthand how GRCC gave his employees the knowledge and confidence to grow and thrive. His gift will help us continue providing state-of-the-art learning spaces and other resources to make education more accessible to West Michigan residents.” Richmond started his career with IBM, helping businesses set up computer systems. He and his wife, Lois, started B&L Plastics in Rockford, and later, B&L Development. They frequently hired interns from GRCC. Family members said Richmond believed strongly in higher education and was impressed by the work performed by interns who were earning associate degrees at GRCC. Dr. Kathryn K. Mullins, vice president for College Advancement and executive director of the GRCC Foundation, said Richmond’s bequest is recognition of the importance of GRCC’s mission.   “Mr. Richmond’s vision was to help the college keep higher education within reach of everyone who seeks it,” she said. “We will use this generous gift to honor his legacy.” Pink said the donation reflects the value West Michigan employers and residents place on the community’s college and its critical role in developing a talented workforce and boosting the local economy. “We deeply appreciate this gift,” Pink said. “Mr. Richmond is a great example of leaving one’s treasure to touch the lives of others for years to come.” Grand Rapids Community College offers learners of all ages opportunities to gain credits for degrees or transfer and in-demand career skills leading to rewarding careers. GRCC was established in 1914 – Michigan’s first community college -- and offers affordable classes on weekdays, evenings, Saturdays and online at locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties.        

April 1, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- GRCC hosted Phi Theta Kappa’s regional conference for the second year in a row. The virtual event, March 24 to 26, included officer elections, breakout sessions, a trivia night, a graduation “afterglow” party, a keynote speaker from Azusa Pacific University, and the opening of a time capsule from 1995. GRCC’s PTK chapter, Alpha Upsilon Kappa, was recognized as a 5-Star Chapter for the eighth consecutive year, one of only 18 in the 31-chapter region. Alpha Upsilon Kappa also received other awards: The chapter earned its first REACH award for recruiting and engaging new members. The chapter received first place for its college project: a video series on campus resources. The chapter’s “Honors in Action” project placed fourth for its theme and 10 th for the actual project. The GRCC officer team -- Aya Ghlaim, Ethan McNeilly and Alyssa Reynolds – placed fifth in the region. Nicholas Cetlinski was named a Coca Cola Gold Scholar, earning a $1,500 scholarship. Melanie Lequia was named a New Century Workforce Scholar, earning a $1,250 scholarship. Ethan McNeilly received the Susan Friedrich Memorial Scholarship of $250. Lequia, Cetlinski, Michael Kelley and Philder Okech were named to the All Michigan Academic Team.

March 31, 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. Armando Medina was ready to transform his life. He spent years moving around various jobs but was searching for a real career. He has several daughters and his wife to support and he knew it would be a struggle if he went back to school. Medina feels like all the stars aligned for him when he learned about the GRCC Machine Tool/CNC Job Training program. He attended an online information session and was excited. The instructor, Andy Beach, spoke so passionately about all the opportunities in the trade that Medina knew that this program would provide him the transformation he was looking for. According to the 2021 Hot Jobs put out by West Michigan Works!, the median hourly wage for a CNC machine operator is more than $20 per hour with many openings in this field annually. In just five months, Machine Tool/Computer Numerical Control Job Training students learn to shape metal and various materials to precise dimensions by using machine tools. MT/CNC technicians plan and set up the correct sequence of machine operations in accordance with blueprints, layouts or other instructions to write both manual and computer-generated machine programs. The technician is required to use various hand tools, micrometers, gauges and other precision measuring instruments. Skills are developed in GRCC’s new lab in the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center and students are trained in print reading, basic shop math, using measurement tools, terminology and communicate skills. Now, successfully working at Blackmere Pump, PSG, Medina is inspired and hopeful for what is to come. “The (Job Training) CNC/Machining program has been an incredible gift,” Medina said. “I love this work and can see the potential for a lifelong career. My family is proud of me for going to college and my confidence has grown like never before! I honestly do feel like a new person. I’m just so thankful!” 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 .

March 30, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community college basketball teams earned a sweep of Glen Oaks Community College on Tuesday, with both teams turning in dominating performances. The women’s team won 65-43, improving its record to 10-2 with three wins in a row. Jayla Bibbs continues to shine, earning 12 points and 22 rebounds with three assists. Shonyah Hawkins scored 12 points with three rebounds and Abigale Rouwhorst posted a career-high 12 points and five rebounds. The Glen Oaks women’s team has struggled this season, and the defeat dropped its record to 2-13. The GRCC men’s team snapped a three-game losing street with a 91-58 victory. Khyree Beyah boasted a career-high 20 points and eight rebounds –hitting 10 of the 12 shots he took. Isaac Anderson was outstanding, with eight points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Richard Major had 11 points, and D'Avery Moore had 10 points and seven rebounds. All 13 Raiders dressed scored at least 2 points. The Raiders improve their record to 5-7, while Glen Oaks is still looking for its first win. Both teams close out the regular season on the road with games against Muskegon Community College on April 1.  

March 30, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College President Bill Pink will join local and state students and educators in celebrating the life and legacy of César E. Chávez at a virtual event on Wednesday. GRCC is a sponsor of West Michigan's annual César E. Chávez Community Celebration, planned for March 31, from 10-11 a.m. The event is free and open to the public.  “César E. Chávez’s message was one of unity and compassion, and that is more important than ever as we emerge from the pandemic,” Pink said. “let us be inspired by his life and legacy, and remember to always look for ways we can help each other.” This year's theme highlights unity with a focus on lifting others out of the pandemic. The keynote speaker is Andres Chávez, Chávez's grandson, who will speak on behalf of the foundation named in memory of his grandfather. The effort is headed by the Hon. Lupe Ramos-Montigny, a former Grand Rapids Public Schools educator who just completed a term on the state Board of Education. Ramos-Montigny said the virtual event makes it possible to share what is normally a West Michigan celebration with many more people. "We can now connect across the state and beyond to focus on unity, which is what it will take to lift us out of this pandemic," Ramos-Montigny said. "We are building a larger circle of learners who will know more about the life and legacy of César Chávez." Chávez, a labor organizer and Latino civil rights activist, died in 1993. The Committee to Honor César E. Chávez was founded in September 2000. Its main focus is to award college scholarships to Latino students. Ramos-Montigny said Chávez’ legacy and mission for social justice carry on through the sacrifice of the first responders and frontline workers, and those harmed by COVID-19. She hopes the event will ignite the “Si se puede” spirit as we forge ahead to support each other out of the Pandemic. “ Speakers in the virtual event include President Pink, Grand Valley State University President Philomena V. Mantella, Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Leadriane Roby, Wayne State University President M. Roy Wilson, The Potter’s House School, and Superintendent John Booy.    

March 29, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Famously known by the moniker the “God MC,” Rakim, will discuss his critically acclaimed book, “Sweat the Technique: Revelations on Creativity from the Lyrical Genius” as part of Grand Rapids Community College’s Diversity Lecture Series. The free virtual event is planned for 6:15 p.m. on April 6. The event is open to the community, and registration is available at tinyurl.com/rsvp-Rakim. The New York native is one half of the golden era of hip-hop duo Eric B. & Rakim, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential and most skilled MCs. The duo’s 1987 release “Paid in Full” was listed in Rolling Stone magazine’s Top 500 Albums of All Time. Part memoir, part writing guide, the book offers insight into how Rakim thinks about words, music, writing, and rhyming as it teaches writers of all levels how to hone their craft. It is also a glimpse into Rakim’s private life, full of entertaining personal stories that celebrate the influences that shaped his development. “The Diversity Lecture Series provides a broad platform to unpack current events,” said Dr. B. Afeni McNeely Cobham, GRCC’s chief equity and inclusion officer. “There is a concept in hip hop culture known as ‘freestyling,’ which is the ability to improvise a rhyme (rap), dance, or DJ set. For the last year, most of us had to pivot and improvise (or freestyle) our way through day-to-day interactions to make it work. Hearing from an artist who is the pantheon of rap lyricism and ad-lib artistic expression is the perfect crescendo to the lecture series.” The discussion moderator is Bakari Kitwana, co-author of the book and 2020 Nasir Jones Hip-Hop Fellow at the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University. The evening will also include guest performances by PJ DA DJ and the Collec7ive, a Grand Rapids hip hop group powered by community partner, MuseGR. The Diversity Lecture Series provides GRCC stakeholders and community members with tangible access to society’s most prolific scholars, thought-leaders, activists, and innovative artists. Overseen by the college’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the series aims to connect members of the community with people that hold a compelling interest in shaping a culture of inclusion and social justice. For more than 20 years, the diversity lecture series has helped attendees consider different perspectives through cultural engagement, critical thought, and civil discourse. GRCC offers learners of all ages opportunities to gain credits for degrees or transfer and in-demand career skills leading to rewarding careers. GRCC was established in 1914 – Michigan’s first community college -- and offers affordable classes on weekdays, evenings, Saturdays and online at locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties.    

March 29, 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. We’re sharing some of those stories, and want to hear yours! Antonina Chechovska planned a career in dentistry until GRCC Music faculty recognized her talent, nurtured and encouraged her. Now she’s an award-winning soprano who performs at New York’s famed Carnegie Hall. Chehovska majored in voice and piano while at GRCC and then transferred to the University of Michigan, earning a bachelor’s degree and master’s degrees in opera performance and conducting. She made her professional debut in 2013, singing Mozart’s “Requiem” with the Grand Rapids Symphony. Her New York City debut was during the 2015-2016 season of Opera America’s National Opera Center. Her performances have included Mozart’s “Coronation Mass,” Vivaldi’s “Gloria,” and Bernstein’s “Songfest.”  The New York Times declared that her performance in Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin” made her “an audience favorite.” Her awards include semifinalist in the 2019 James Toland Vocal Arts competition, winner of the 2016 George London Foundation Competition, first prize from the Gerda Lissner Foundation in 2016, and the Frances MacEachron Award from the Lyndon Woodside Oratorio-Solo Competition. In 2018, she joined the Ravinia Festival’s Steans Institute as an Artist Fellow. She said on the My GRCC Story podcast that one night she was walking from Kendall College, where her sister attended, and decided to check out GRCC’s Music Building. Music was a big part of her life growing up as one of nine children in the Ukraine. She was inspired by what she saw and heard in the building to take a Music Theory class with professor Brian Morris. “After the first day of class, I said, ‘I’m auditioning for voice and piano!’” she said. “Community college in America, period. But especially GRCC, because the Music Program is so incredible. Everybody can have an opportunity at the community college, and that’s what’s amazing. I definitely credit the professors here for seeing the potential in me.” Chechovska came back to campus last year to share her talents and knowledge with current students. Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply . And tell us your story here: grcc.edu/communications/shareyourgrccstory    

March 27, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College baseball team pushed its winning streak to eight games on Saturday, sweeping Mid Michigan College in a doubleheader for the second day in a row. The softball team showed some muscle in its first game of a doubleheader, beating Ancilla College 14-5, before dropping the second game, 6-2. The baseball team won the opener 3-1 – the team’s narrowest margin of victory this season – then followed with an 8-2 win in the nightcap. Aaron West supplied most of the offense, driving in a run in the first with a double, then launching a home run in the third.   Drew Murphy pitched GRCC to victory, going five and a third innings, allowing five hits and one run while striking out four.  Bradley Dunn threw one and two-thirds innings in relief, recorded the last five outs to earn the save. Gage Delanoy took the loss for Mid Michigan, surrendering three runs on four hits over six innings, striking out three. Five runs in the second inning turned out to be all GRCC needed in the second game. Payton Young singled, and Jake Paganelli homered. Young also drove in two runs with a triple. Grand Rapids Community College tallied five runs in the second inning.  Caleb Englesman led the GRCC to victory on the hill. The right-hander surrendered two runs on four hits over six innings, striking out eight. Dalton Vander Ark threw one inning in relief. Bryson Adare took the loss for Mid Michigan, going four and a third innings, allowing one run on two hits and striking out two. The team is unbeaten since dropping the opener to Aquinas College, improving to 8-2 – and winning four games in two days. The team faces Aquinas again on Tuesday at Belknap Park. The softball team played on the road in Anderson, Ind. after Friday’s games against Mid Michigan were postponed. Pitcher Alexa Abrahamson had three hits – including a home run – and earned the win. Alexis Nguyen had four hits on the day, and also homered. Haley Van Huis with 2 hits and 3 runs scored for the day, and Krin Beech excelled defensively. The Raiders are 2-6 on the season, and are next in action on Tuesday with a doubleheader at home against Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2021. All rights reserved.

March 26, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Two close basketball games for Grand Rapids Community College teams on Friday, but different outcomes. The women’s team improved its season record to 9-2 with a 62-58 squeaker against Mid Michigan College on road in Mt. Pleasant. But the men’s team fell just short for the third game in a row, losing when the opponents sank a three-point shot at the buzzer to win 69-66. The volleyball team, playing at home, bounced back from a tough loss to Muskegon Community College to top Lake Michigan College in three sets to improve its record to 8-4. The women’s team won its second in a row after nearly breaking Macomb Community College’s 39-game winning streak a week ago. Olivia Koetje scored 20 points with 10 rebounds. Danielle Lamancusa and 14 point and 11 boards and Jayla Bibbs just missed a double-double, with nine points and nine rebounds. The men’s team loss was difficult after coming back from a 17-point deficit at halftime, and mounting a five-point lead. The game was tied after Mid Michigan missed two free throws with just six seconds left. Mid Michigan’s Noah Pruitt launched a three-pointer to give the game to the home team. The volleyball team closed out the regular season by beating Lake Michigan college in straight sets, 25-20, 25-20, and 25-10, on senior night. Kylie Oberlin had 12 kills and 3 aces, Audrey Gower had 15 digs, 1 ace and Savannah Stoepker had 4 aces. Prior to the game, the volleyball team welcomed Karissa Ferry of Chesaning, who signed to play volleyball and basketball for GRCC on Friday. Joined by parents Ryan and Allison, Ferry celebrated the signing and stayed to watch the game against Lake Michigan.  Ferry was an All-Region volleyball player for Chesaning this year, and also played basketball and track and field. She's a star in the classroom, with a 4.0 GPA.  

March 26, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College’s baseball team continued it offensive surge, sweeping a doubleheader against Mid Michigan, winning each game 7-1. The team hasn’t lost since dropping its opener, and has not given up more than two runs in a game since the initial defeat. Raiders won the first game of Friday’s twin bill behind the complete game, one-hit pitching of Colin Bradley, who struck out nine and allowed one unearned run in seven innings. GRCC fired up the offense in the first inning. Ryan Dykstra homered on a 3-2 count, scoring two runs. The team tacked on three runs in the sixth inning. Fernando Calderon reached on an error, scoring Matt Williams. Jake Ryan walked and then both scored on a double by Sam Schmitt. Jimmy Pierce took the loss for Mid Michigan College Baseball. The hurler allowed seven hits and seven runs over five and two-thirds innings, striking out nine. GRCC collected eight hits in the game.  Schmitt and Payton Young all managed multiple hits. The Raiders scored four runs in the sixth on its way to a victory in the second game of the doubleheader. Schmitt, Dykstra, and Jake Paganelli all drove in runs in the frame. Garrett Cheslek was credited with the victory for GRCC.  The righty lasted seven innings, allowing nine hits and one run while striking out seven and walking one. Carson Bassett took the loss for Mid Michigan, allowing three hits and three runs over two and a third innings, striking out one. Dykstra led GRCC with two hits in three at bats. The team was sure-handed and didn't commit a single error. Paganelli made the most plays with five. The Raiders are now 6-1 on the season and back in action against Mid Michigan on Saturday, this time at home at Belknap Park. Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2021. All rights reserved.