March 5, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – It  was a win-win-win situation, as all three Grand Rapids Community College teams soundly beat opponents on Friday. The basketball teams were victorious at Glen Oaks Community College, while the volleyball team convincingly beat Ancilla College in straight sets. The volleyball team won it’s third-straight match, 25-13, 25-19, 25-16, beating Ancilla on the road in Plymouth, Ind. In the opening set, Kylie Oberlin led the Raiders with four kills and hit .667. Kailey Carmean picked up six assists and four service aces while Audrey Gower picked up a set high five digs. The visitors had 11 kills on 22 attempts, committing only one hitting error to hit .455 as a team. In set two, Oberlin picked up another four kills paired with another .667 hitting percentage. Zari Kruger ran the offense in set two picking up a career high 10 assists. Kruger also led the Raiders with three service aces and added three digs. Gower led the defense picking up five digs again with Annie Holesinger and Kara Hecht each picking up a block. In the third and deciding set, Gabi Kitley led the Raiders with five kills hitting .714. Carmean ran the offense once again and picked up a team high six assists while adding a kill and another ace.  Freshmen Kara Hecht and Gower each picked up two digs. The Raiders closed out the set hitting .370 as a team. For the match, Oberlin led all players with 9 kills while hitting a season best .600.  Freshman, Alena Visnovsky led the Raiders with two blocks including a solo. Gower, the Raiders libero for all three sets, anchored the defense with 12 digs. Kruger recorded 12 assists and Carmean recorded a career high five service aces. The Raiders will play their next match at home against the first place Jayhawks of Muskegon Community College at 6:30 p.m. The win brings the Raiders’ season record to 3-2, with the team preparing to face a tough Muskegon Community College team at home in Grand Rapids on Tuesday. For the women’s basketball team, the win was the team’s fourth straight, and overpowered Glen Oaks, 63-31, a 32-point difference. The women’s team has not lost since dropping the season opener, and is now sitting on a 4-1 record. The Vikings fall to 2-6. Shonyah Hawkins led the Raiders with 16 points and seven rebounds, with Danielle Lamancusa scored 11 with two rebounds. The men’s basketball team bounced back from a devastating loss to Mott Community College on Wednesday to beat a struggling Glen Oaks Community College team, 70-45. Isaac Anderson led the Raiders with 20 points and 18 rebounds, followed by Chandler Collins with 13 points and nine rebounds. Grand Rapids is now 3-2 on the season, and the Vikings are 0-9. The basketball teams next face the Delta College Pioneers on Wednesday at the Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse.

Leonard Savala planned to play football in college, but a diagnosis of Stage 4 cancer during his junior year of high school blocked that path. His mother suggested he enroll at Grand Rapids Community College, where she was pursuing an associate degree.  “When I started GRCC, I was finally in remission after cancer, and I was taking the bus from Wyoming to GRCC several days a week,” he said. “Those were tough days. I was renting out a house while living on my own.” Savala wasn’t sure what career path he wanted to follow, but he found help from his advisor, Ivette Reyes-Vazquez, and his involvement in GRCC’s Latino Club. “It was that organization that really helped me stay focused and gave me a sense of belonging,” he said. “I was around other students who understood my experience at GRCC.” After graduating with an Associate of Arts in 1996, Savala earned a bachelor’s in dietetics and a master’s in agricultural and extension education, both from Michigan State University, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Western Michigan University.  “GRCC gave me the foundation I needed to get where I am today,” he said. “Had it not been for GRCC, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.” Savala’s workplace experience ranges from a manufacturing assembly line to nutritional educator for the Detroit Urban League to academic services coordinator for MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine to his current position as the first director of Wayne State University’s Office of Multicultural Student Engagement. He served two terms on the state Commission on Spanish Speaking Affairs and its education subcommittee. He received the 2021 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Alumni Award from MSU’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources -- the most recent addition to honors that include MSU’s Excellence in Diversity Award in 2005, 2013 Education of the Year Award from the Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan, and the 2014 Hispanic Alumni of the Year from MSU’s Latino Alumni Association. Savala is quick to point out many who helped him along the way, including Dr. James Nachman from the University of Chicago’s Pediatric Cancer Center and family friends throughout Grand Rapids. “I want to encourage lots of people like me who are dealing with, or have dealt with, difficult situations to try to stay positive,” he said. “I got where I am today because of a lot of support from family and friends. It was a long road, but I wouldn’t change anything.”  

March 5, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Grand Rapids Community College Foundation helped 10 students achieve a life-changing education through the generosity of the AT&T Aspire program. Funded by the AT&T Foundation, The AT&T Aspire program awarded the GRCC Foundation a $10,000 grant to benefit 10 low-income or first-generation students. “Through AT&T Aspire, we are investing in students today -- at home, in the classroom, at work -- to prepare them for success tomorrow,” said David Lewis, president of AT&T Michigan.   Sara Nguyen said the AT&T scholarship will be a huge help because she is just at the start of her higher education journey: After finishing her associate degree at GRCC, she plans to transfer to Grand Valley State University for a bachelor’s degree in Spanish with a minor in psychology. “I am super grateful and beyond blessed to have been able to receive this scholarship award,” said Nguyen, a first-generation college student. “Thank you!” For Julia Buzzinotti, also a first-generation college student, the scholarship couldn’t come at a better time.  “It’s such an honor to be selected for this scholarship,” said Buzzinotti, who plans to transfer to GVSU in pursuit of a teaching career. “It’s been such a hard year with the pandemic, and receiving this money is such a blessing!” In addition to Nguyen and Buzzinotti, the scholarship recipients are: Deborah Nasu Acosta, pursuing a pharmacy career. Maritsa Aguilera, majoring in business. Makala Bohrer, majoring in education. Teague Storm Donazzolo, pursuing a psychology degree. Veronika R. Frei, pursuing a career in art education. Michelle-Ann Natalia Davida Morle, planning a social work career. Rita Nava Orozco, majoring in journalism. Jeniffer C. Pablo, pursuing a career in nursing. “We are so grateful for the generosity of the AT&T Foundation,” said Dr. Kathryn K. Mullins, vice president for College Advancement and executive director of the GRCC Foundation. “These scholarships will make such a difference for these 10 students as they work toward their goals.” The GRCC Foundation, established in 1964, has awarded more than $1.2 million in scholarships to help students along their educational journey. If you are interested in donating to the foundation, you can learn more here . 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.  

March 3, 2021, FLINT, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College women’s basketball team won it’s third-straight game, beating Mott Community College 61-55. The men’s team, however, was dominated by the Bears, 80-53, evening its season record to 2-2. The women’s team broke through in the third period, scoring 24 points to the Bears’ 14, and held t Shonyah Hawkins led the Raiders with 16 points. Olivia Koetje added 13 points. Danielle Lamancusa had 10 while Jayla Bibbs and Eurasia Green-Boyd each had eight points. Bibbs lead all players with 20 rebounds. Xeriya Tartt turned in a strong effort for Mott, leading all players with 27 points. The Raiders are now 3-1 on the season after dropping the season opener to Muskegon Community College. The men’s team had an off night against a strong team. Mott went to the half with a 12-point lead, finished up 27. Malik Clincy and Isaac Anderson led the team with nine points each, with Anderson topping the team with seven rebounds. The teams play on Friday, on the road again against Glen Arbor Community College in Centerville.

March 4, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The number of university students attending Grand Rapids Community College during the summer semester continues to rise, with students earning credits to transfer back to their home schools. Summer guest students attending GRCC increased 82% between 2013 and 2020. Last year, 1,574 students from other colleges and universities took GRCC summer courses – 25% of all students enrolled during the semester. This year, GRCC is offering 736 courses during the summer semester, with registration now open. Classes run May 10 to Aug. 17 with a variety of start dates. Classes are offered in seven- and 14-week schedules, and in four formats – online, in-person, hybrid and virtual real-time. “Summer classes at GRCC are an excellent, affordable way for students to keep the momentum going, especially in a year with so many challenges,” said Tina Hoxie, GRCC associate provost and dean of Student Affairs. “Universities and colleges throughout the state accept transfer credits from GRCC, a reflection of the quality of our programs and faculty.” GRCC summer courses allow guest students to gain credits at a lower cost than squeezing in the same class during their regular academic year at their home school. GRCC’s in-district tuition rate is $117 per credit hour. Classes can be scheduled around summer jobs, internships and other activities, and allow students to work safely from home. Students living in Grand Rapids who graduated from a high school in the city may be eligible to attend for free through a Grand Rapids Promise Zone scholarship even if they attended another college in the fall or winter semesters. Summer sessions also are an option for students attending GRCC at least half-time through the state Futures for Frontliners and Michigan Reconnect programs. Additional information is on the GRCC website at grcc.ed/gueststudents , by calling the Admissions and Enrollment Center at (616) 234-3300 or by email at admissions@grcc.edu. 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.  

March 3, 2021, CENTERVILLE, Mich. -- The Grand Rapids Community College volleyball team traveled to Glen Oaks Community College Tuesday and came back with a sweep over the Vikings, 25-19, 25-21, 25-19. After beginning the season 0-2, the Raiders are now 2-2 and sit in a second-place tie with Vikings. In their first meeting of the season, the Vikings beat the Raiders in straight sets, 25-23, 25-22, 25-16. The Raiders were 11-0 against the Vikings until that point, including defeating them twice in the District Championship last year. GRCC had a season high 27 hitting errors in that last event, but Tuesday's match was much different for both teams. GRCC had just 15 hitting errors against a season best 43 kills, hitting a solid .287 for the match. Freshman Kara Hecht played her best match of the year producing her first career double-double with 12 kills and 13 digs. She also added a block and an ace.  Sophomore Gabi Kitley had a season-best 11 kills and hit a team high .421.  Sophomore Kylie Oberlin had nine kills, hit .400 and had a season best six blocks.  Sophomore Annie Holesinger added seven kills and two blocks. Sophomore setter, Kailey Carmean, nearly had a double-double of own, racking up a season-high 33 assists while digging out eight balls.  Libero Audrey Gower totaled nine digs, five assists and two aces. The Raiders will be back on the road on Friday in a matchup against Ancilla College. The match will be streamed live through Ancilla's YouTube site.

March 3, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- GRCC Workforce Training offers programs providing 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. Liz Jeknavorian has faced obstacles with an optimism. Originally from Athens, Greece, Jeknavorian became a single mother of three shortly after arriving in Grand Rapids. She got an entry level job with  a local retailer, but knew the work could not pay enough to support her family. Jeknavorian was a nurse in Greece, but discovered it would take her years to be registered in Michigan. That is when the Grand Rapids Community College Certified Nursing Assistant program became her lifeline. “This training saved my life!” she said. “The training was hands-on and easy to understand. The instructor was so kind and I made many friends. The best part was that GRCC set up job interviews for us at the end of the training. I couldn’t believe it.” The CNA program is well-respected by West Michigan employers. Workforce Training program managers work with local healthcare providers to develop hands-on training that exceeds the state's minimum training requirements.  Certified nursing assistants perform many basic care tasks for patients, and assist the nursing staff with medical tasks like taking blood, monitoring vitals with medical equipment and reporting patient behavior and wellbeing. Students in the program meet with a career coach to help navigate educational and workforce systems complete assessments to target their best career path. After completing the program and passing the CNA exam for the State of Michigan, students are in demand. While working as a CNA, Jeknavorian returned to the retailer, but in a new role. In Meijer's specialized pharmacy, she advocates for patients and coordinates with insurance companies to ensure patients' medical needs are met. She credits her certification for getting an interview for the position. “My CNA certification got me a seat at the table,” she said. “Once I interviewed, I was hired as a patient service coordinator. I was recently promoted to clinical care coordinator. I love my job so much! Helping people is truly who I am and what I want to be doing. GRCC has helped me beyond measure.” 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 2, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. –   The deadline is approaching for Grand Rapids Community College students to apply for GRCC Foundation scholarships, financial support that can put higher education within reach and change lives. The deadline for applying for scholarships is March 15, and a common application is available on the GRCC website at grcc.edu/scholarships . The foundation has more than 400 scholarship opportunities and last year distributed more than $1.1 million. “The pandemic has exacerbated the financial challenges faced by so many of our students,” said Dr. Kathryn K. Mullins, vice president for College Advancement and executive director of the GRCC Foundation. “A college education is the pathway to a better life, and scholarships, in many cases, make attaining a degree or certificate possible. Completing the application is the first step.” The information provided in the common application is used to match students with scholarships for which they might be eligible. “Being the recipient of a scholarship brings a feeling of freedom,” said Cambree Harkema, a student in the Medical Assistant program who earned a Spectrum Healthcare Professional Education Scholarship. “A weight is lifted off your shoulders. You don't have to worry about how you are going to fund your education. It allows you to focus your attention upon your studies instead of having to wonder how you are going to get the money to pay for your schooling.” Students also are encouraged to check with individual GRCC departments about additional scholarships.  The GRCC scholarship webpage also includes resources to opportunities outside of GRCC, including transfer scholarships through four-year university partners. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as FAFSA, to be eligible for need-based scholarships, federal Pell Grants, the local Grand Rapids Promise Zone, and statewide Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners programs. FAFSA is the federal government’s online form that requires financial and tax information for students and parents, if the students are dependents. The college is committed to helping students complete the form, and answering any other questions about financial aid and scholarships. Students can connect with GRCC financial aid specialists by phone at (616) 234-4030; email at financialaid@grcc.edu; text at (616) 219-8224; or virtually or in-person by appointment. GRCC has a series of helpful videos available on YouTube’s GRCCtv.  The FAFSA can be completed at fafsa.gov using a computer, tablet or mobile phone. The U.S. Education Department’s Office of Federal Student Aid also has information for students and families available at StudentAid.gov. The form can usually be completed in under an hour. Anyone wishing to support GRCC students through scholarships can do so through grcc.edu/donate . 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.

March 1, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Start at GRCC and go anywhere! Every former student has a story to tell about how GRCC – or Grand Rapids Junior College – gave them the education and opportunity to be successful. We’re sharing some of those stories, and want to hear yours! Where do you go after you have a bachelor’s in criminal justice and a master’s degree in public administration? If you’re Michelle LaJoye-Young, you go to GRCC’s Police Academy. “At the time I attended GRCC, I had already received a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from MSU and a master’s in public administration from WMU, but I lacked a certification that would allow me to reach my full potential in my field,” she said. “GRCC was local and of such great quality, it perfectly filled my need.” LaJoye-Young was already working full time for the Kent County Sheriff’s Department and needed to get her Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards certification through a program that fit her schedule. “It was well done and flexible for someone who was working full time,” she said. “The quality was very comparable to my other undergraduate work at MSU.” LaJoye-Young, who also graduated from Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command, has filled many roles since joining the Kent County Sheriff’s Department in 1989, in communications, support services and as chief deputy and undersheriff. She was appointed sheriff in 2018 and was elected to a four-year term in November. She also serves on local, state and federal boards, including for the Children’s Advocacy Center, the YWCA, the Boys and Girls Club, and GRCC and Grand Valley State University Police Academy advisory boards. Three Michigan governors have appointed her to boards, and she has advised FBI committees and task forces. “GRCC, along with a lot of very hard work, allowed me to have the qualifications to meet my aspirations and serve my community to my fullest capabilities,” she said. 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  

FEB. 26, 2021, Grand Rapids, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College basketball teams are off to solid starts in the shortened 2021 season, with both the men’s and women’s teams improving to 2-1 records after sweep of Mid-Michigan College on Friday. It was a defensive battle in both games against the Lakers, with the women opening the night winning 56-50. In a game in which the Raider bench outscored their starters, Shonyah Hawkins would lead the way with 15 points.  Trayana Starr-Thurman chipped in with a season-high 13 points off the bench while Olivia Koetje was the only starter to reach double figures, scoring 10 points while adding 10 rebounds. Starr-Thurman buried her second three-point shot of the game with 7:40 left in to tie it up at 42 and a couple possessions later Hawkins would get a fast-break steal and layup to give the Raiders the lead for good. For Hawkins, it was her third-straight game with 15-plus points. The sophomore from Grand Rapids is the team’s leading scorer, averaging 19.3 points per contest. The Raiders out-scored the Lakers in the paint 28-2, while the Mid-Michigan out-shot the home team 9 of 24 from long range to 3 of 13. The Raiders also out-rebounded the Lakers 43-35 and had 11 less turnovers, 28-17. The men's team also would pull out a gritty victory, in a game that would come down the final possession. The visitors clawed back from a 12-point deficit with 3:25 left in the game, to trail by just one point with 18 seconds left. On the next play, Malik Cincy – the 2016-2017 MCCAA Western Conference Freshman of the Year – was fouled and connected on both free throw attempts. The Lakers then missed a three-point attempt that could have sent the game into overtime, giving the Raiders a 59-56 victory. Clincy led the Raiders with 16 points while chipping in six rebounds, three assists and three steals in just 23 minutes of action. Teammates Chandler Collins had 10 points and four assists, and Dasani Darnell had 12 points and five rebounds and were the only other two Raiders in double figures for scoring. Sophomore guard Isaac Anderson racked up a game-high 15 rebounds including six on the offensive end. Second-chance points and points in the paint proved to big factor for the Raiders victory.  Twenty offensive rebounds contributed to 21 second-chance points for the Raiders, compared to just five for the Lakers. The team also dominated the paint area, 44-26. Both teams will be on the road in the week ahead, heading to Flint, Mich. to take on the Bears of Mott Community College in a non-conference matchup.  On Friday the team gets back into conference play with a road trip to Glen Oaks Community College. Both games will be streamed live on the Mott Athletics YouTube page.