Dec. 20, 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. Gary Carey has two professions – and his GRCC experience has helped him with both. An Introduction to Marketing class taught by Mark Mulder helped him find one career. “Mark was a retired business executive and passionate teacher who challenged us to be inquisitive and understand the ‘why’ behind things,” Carey said. “My class experience was why I changed my career path and went into business for sales and marketing.” After getting his associate degree, he earned a bachelor’s degree in integrative studies with a leadership emphasis from Grand Valley State University. His 30-year business career has taken him to positions at IKON Business Solutions, Canon Business Solutions and Paycor. Currently, he is the Michigan market leader for Gibson Insurance. Public service is Carey’s other career: He has served on boards and committees in Walker since 1999. He was elected to represent the 2nd Ward on the City Commission in 2013 and became mayor in 2019. GRCC has helped Carey with that calling as well. “Just as our community has residents and businesses that come from diverse backgrounds and have different plans and goals in life, my time at GRCC was no different,” he said. “My experience in understanding that everyone has a story – and no one story is more important than another – has helped prepare me for a successful business career and serving in elected office.” Carey appreciated how his GRCC instructors helped him “connect dots” from the course materials to the real world. “This was done in smaller class sizes with instructors who are recognized in their field as subject matter experts,” he said. “Even today, I see some of those instructors out in our communities and it still surprises me they remember people and names, and still provide support for our lives outside the classroom.”  Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply .

Dec. 17, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Sally Merrill scored 17 points and grabbed a team-high 12 rebounds, but the Grand Rapids Community College women’s basketball team fell to Lake Land College – the defending national champs, on Friday 84-50. Lake Land, ranked No. 7 in the latest NJCCA Division II poll, jumped out to a 22-7 lead after the first quarter and would never look back, outscoring the Raiders in every quarter and improving its record to 9-4 on the season. GRCC snapped a three-game win streak and fell to 4-6 to conclude non-conference play. Lake Land coach David Johnson was presented with the game ball after he picked up his 500 th career. Johnson is in his 24th season at Lake Land, located in Mattoon, Ill. The Lakers scored 25 points off 15 Raider turnovers, compared to six points on nine turnovers for the visitors. The Lakers’ Lexi Niebrugge, five of nine from long range, led all scorers with 19 points.  Lake Land totaled 14 three-pointers in all while shooting 48.3%. The Raiders were successful in 36.4% of their shots outside the arc. Merrill, a freshman from Allegan, added three assists and a steal in 37 minutes of action. Grace Lodes, of Comstock Park, added 13 points, with three blocks and four rebounds.  Allison Kellogg, a freshman from Jenison, scored eight points and grabbed five rebounds. GRCC won't be back in action until Jan. 3 when the team begins conference play against Mid Michigan College.   

Dec. 17, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The transformation of the Mable Engle House into Grand Rapids Community College’s Steven C. Ender Hall has earned project architect Progressive AE national honors for historic preservation.  American School & University, a magazine covering operations of educational facilities, saluted the project in its 2021 Architectural Portfolio edition, highlighting it in the Outstanding Design in Historic Preservation category. “Steven C. Ender Hall looks wonderful,” GRCC President Bill Pink said. “But more importantly, it helps our college meet our students’ needs. We are grateful for Progressive AE’s thoughtful collaboration on this project, making Ender Hall a place that will serve our students and community for decades to come.” The building, 455 E. Fulton St., was constructed early in the 20th Century by a lumber baron for his family. GRCC purchased it from Davenport University for use as offices. The 3,850-square-foot Steven C. Ender Hall is used for student-focused departments, including the Experiential Learning and the Honors programs, and Student Employment Services. It also provides space for Student Life clubs and organizations to meet. A ribbon-cutting was held in August. “Preserving landmark buildings like this is the right solution for maintaining a connection to the past, while making a strong commitment to the future,” Progressive practice leader Tod Stevens told the publication. “One of the best ways to be sustainable is to renovate rather than building new, so giving new life to the historic structure was a great first step.” Progressive AE worked with GRCC, local building officials, and the city’s Historic Preservation Commission on the $3.4 million renovation. “It was a good challenge for us, recovering the building’s grand interior after more than a century of renovations that had significantly changed the upper floors,” Stevens told the publication. “A space like this is what make a community college so vital today – they are critical in helping students transition from high school to the next stage of their learning journey, whether continuing education or entering the workforce. We have found that success comes when a student feels comfortable, and when they feel that they belong. To that end, the space is designed to create this sense of belonging – relaxed, low-threshold, inviting and accessible so students feel safe, welcome and included to engage their full potential.” The project earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold Certification for Commercial Interiors, a national standard established by the U.S. Green Building Council. GRCC held a ribbon-cutting in August for the building, which was named for President Emeritus Steven C. Ender.

Dec. 17, 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 Wayne Hsieh. You will find Wayne in the Math Department or in the Math Prep & Learning Lab at GRCC. Wayne teaches courses from algebra to precalculus, but primarily teaches MA 97 and MA 98 classes, which the Math Prep and Learning Lab supports. When asked his favorite class he shared, "I think I'd pick MA 97 because it has a lot of daily applications like percentages, rates and geometry." Helping students connect math to their daily lives is just one of the ways Wayne connects students to the material when he is teaching and tutoring. "I get to help students from a variety of math backgrounds and it can be very challenging at times," he says." "Tutoring helps me realize that it’s not only about knowledge in math, but also about presenting information in multiple views that the student can understand -- since no one learns the same way." Wayne is also the Coordinator of the Math Prep & Learning Lab, where he helps students in developmental math classes with homework questions. He also helps students in other programs that are trying to brush-up on their math skills. The Math Prep and Learning Lab offers both in-person and online tutoring support for students to: Get help navigating the study tool in ALEKS PPL in order to improve their math placement score. Brush up on their skills before enrolling in MA 97. Access services specifically designed to help students prepare for and succeed in MA 97 and MA 98. Wayne, and tutors across campus, are focused on meeting the needs of individual students. "I really enjoy it when students come back and tell us they passed the test or class, and show us how important the lab is to them," he said. "In the lab, all we want to do is to help students learn and be more successful. We are a fun bunch to work with!" Wayne has been tutoring throughout his educational and professional career, with a brief stop when he took a position in global supply chain procurement -- specializing in China and Taiwan. "I've always enjoyed tutoring," he said. "I was a student tutor at GRCC and at GVSU. When I had to do my internship, I became a professional tutor at GRCC. I left GRCC for a full-time position with benefits, was laid off, and came back to GRCC and have been here since." Wayne attended GRCC after high school. This was the right choice for him because the cost was low and he was able to live at home. He earned his associate degree from GRCC before attending Western Michigan University, and then earned a bachelor’s degree in Math and Psychology from Grand Valley State University. He returned to GVSU to earn a Master's of Education, Adult and Higher Education with an emphasis in mathematics. You can contact the Math Prep and Learning Lab through email at MathPrepLab@grcc.edu and by phone at (616) 234-4729. Additional information is here .

Dec. 15, 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. Life’s path isn’t always a straight line and James Hernandez’s path has taken a sharp turn. Hernandez was prospering as a chef. But when he was furloughed for three months and watched as more than 400 of his co-workers were let go, he was pretty nervous. “I just had a feeling like this was not going to end well for me,” he said. “During this time, a friend of mine who works at Medbio told me he had been working the whole time. He suggested I apply. With a family and a mortgage, I just needed do some kind of work that was more secure. “I started as a temp and was then hired in directly. After being an operator for a while, I let management know that I was interested in doing more. I then enrolled in the Plastics Polymer Engineering Certificate Program at GRCC and just finished my first class. “Once I started class, I received a text from Cody Giba, representing the One Workforce program. The text said that I may qualify for some financial help through a new grant program. I got back to him right away.” One Workforce for West Michigan Manufacturing is a grant program assisting those interested in pursuing careers in advanced manufacturing, or for those who want to improve their current manufacturing skills. Even GRCC students who are currently enrolled in a manufacturing class or training program may qualify for financial assistance. There are nearly 20 GRCC programs qualifying for financial support.  “My major needs were tools for this class and for this type of work. Dennis Triggs, the One Workforce program manager, was super helpful. We discussed options and if that was something he could do. He was very open to what I needed. The One Workforce grant helped with the purchase of some of those tools to get me started and they are not cheap. I was able to get good quality tools that will last me a long time. “Dennis and Cody were both so easy to work with. They were helpful and very responsive.” The One Workforce program was developed to provide students with advanced manufacturing skills training – and training dollars — to gain the education needed to step into a rewarding career. “It’s exciting to see where this will go," Hernandez said." I’m generally a person who loves school now, not so much when I was younger. I really love school and learning. This new career path is very interesting to me. Working in the medical device industry really means something to me. It gives me pride in my work to know that we provide products that are truly helping people. “My goal right now is to get the certificate but I may keep going and get the associate degree in the future.” 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.  

Dec. 13, 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. Courtney Gabridge has had many roles in her life: mom, phlebotomist, emergency medical technician, investigator, Realtor. She has never feared change; she embraces it. After graduating from Catholic Central High School in 1996, she enrolled at the University of Dayton. “I quickly realized in a few months’ time that that specific college was not for me and transferred that December of my freshman year to GRCC,” she said. Making that change was life-changing. “What I noticed right off the bat was that the teachers at this college truly care about their students and their future,” Gabridge said. “I noticed how they have a passion for education and believe in what they do. I ended up transferring again to Aquinas College but never forgot my GRCC experience.” She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology at Aquinas and later her EMT certification. “College, in general, taught me to want more for myself out of life, to become educated in all different areas, to succeed, to fail, to be uncomfortable, to have hopes and dreams, to push myself, to never settle, to work hard,” Gabridge said. She credits her GRCC experiences with encouraging her love of learning. “Every experience in life has led me to the current path I am on,” said Gabridge, who works at Greenridge Realty in East Grand Rapids. “I love real estate; I love working for others and helping them.” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply .

Dec. 11, 2021, ALPENA, Mich. -- Sally Merrill's 27 points and Andrew Moore's 19 points led the Grand Rapids Community College basketball teams to victory Saturday at Alpena Community College. Merrill, a freshman from Allegan, surpassed her previous career-high by eight points in the Raiders’ 67-53 victory. Eleven of the points came in the Raiders’ big 25-point second quarter. "Overall the team played really well as a unit," Merrill said after her team's third-straight victory. "We had some lulls that we've got to correct as a group but overall everyone contributed to a solid team victory." That team effort showed as nine Raiders ended up in the scoring column. Grace Lodes, of Comstock Park, scored 12 points and point guard Marlene Bussler, of Battle Creek, added 12 points. Head coach David Glazier was just as proud as the total team effort. "Happy with a solid team victory today," Glazier said. "We saw a number of good things from a number of different players. We also made note of areas where we can continue to improve.  Sally was really good today. She was active, finished scoring opportunities and made plays when we needed them." The women's team is now 4-5 on the season. Moore, a Forest Hills Northern High School grad, was one of eight Raider men who scored in the team's 87-84 victory. GRCC connected on a season-high 13 three-point attempts, including three each from Rico Wade, Jovante Jones and Justus Clark.  Jones, of Saginaw, dropped in 14 while Wade, of Atlanta, Ga. scored all nine from long range.  Clark, from Farmington Hills, scored 18 points. “After a disappointing first half, the team really brought the energy, effort, and enthusiasm in the second,” coach Joe Fox said. “I was very pleased with the team’s response. It feels great to be heading into a long break with a win. We have some things to work on over break, and a long time in which to do it. Even though it was a total team win today, I want to highlight Nyuon Nhial, who really set the tone for us in the second half with his energetic play. He helped us turn the game around.” GRCC's men's team snapped a three-game losing streak and is now 5-6 on the season. The women will then square off against the defending national champions, Lake Land College on Dec. 17 at 5:30 p.m. The men won't resume play until January when the conference season begins. 

A School News Network feature — Sydney Murphy encouraged people at Matthew’s House Ministry to stand up and complete exercises that help the lymphatic system eliminate toxins. Following Murphy’s directions, several people who had come to the northwest Grand Rapids non-profit for a free meal and session led by students in Grand Rapids Community College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program rose from their seats, rubbed and tapped their own neck, chest, hips, the backs of their knees, and wiggled their arms and trunks. “You could be tired, nauseous, have migraines, stiff joints,” Murphy explained. “This is a technique to wake up your lymphatic system by tapping on the main lymph nodes in your body.  This can overall keep your whole body clear of toxins that make you feel sick or foggy.” Since September, as part of fieldwork to become occupational therapy assistants, GRCC students have connected with people who are experiencing homelessness and who utilize programs and services at Matthew’s House. The students serve meals – a recent Tuesday’s menu including chicken, ham, mashed potatoes and all the fixings – before beginning lessons attendees might find of value. Murphy and fellow GRCC students Tanya Dyer, Taylor Barr and Rachel Hill led “Self-care Bingo,” with spaces on the card stating healthy-living practices like “stretch,” “give a compliment” and “exercise.” They also practiced mindfulness through breathing techniques and got to know one another by sharing fun, personal facts: “Strawberry Fields by The Beatles” answered one man about his favorite song. “I’m a mechanic,” another man shared. “I work at the VanAndel Arena,” shared another. “I love walking because I can’t drive a car without crashing,” said Mike Baxter, with a chuckle. After finishing his meal, Baxter said he enjoys participating in sessions with students while having a free dinner. They’ve focused on nutrition, computer and employment skills and where to find resources. Baxter contributed to a resource guide they created. “They talk about personal health, where to shop, how to save money on your shopping. They do price comparisons and everything…. They seem to get more detailed every week,” he said. Murphy sees the value of working with the group as part of her training. “You meet a lot of different people from a lot of different areas of life, and that broadens your horizons,” she said. “It’s a lot of getting to know people and what walk of life they come from. Everyone’s different and needs different things so it’s about really getting to know them on a personal level.”  ‘A Diversity of Experiences’ The partnership allows students to fulfill program requirements, but also provides rich experiences with people they might not otherwise have the opportunity to get to know, said Robin Pegg, assistant professor and academic fieldwork coordinator for the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. “Occupational therapy works across the lifespan. That’s why we try to provide a diversity of experiences to the students,” Pegg said. “This is really exciting that GRCC supports these kinds of community partnerships and promotes us doing this as faculty.” Occupational therapy assistants work with all ages and demographics, and work under supervision of registered occupational therapists. They provide service and intervention with people who have physical, developmental, social or emotional deficits and need specialized assistance. The two-year program, offered through the School of Workforce Development, includes two semesters of field work. At the end of the program the students have an associate degree in applied sciences and are ready to sit for the National Board Exam to become certified and ready to practice. During their visits, GRCC students help Matthew’s House participants learn basic computer and pre-employment skills like writing resumes. They’ve offered a class on resources on where to find free clothes and meals, information they gather through a series of interviews with people in the homeless population. Nutrition has been another focus. Students have shared information on how much sugar is in certain foods, how to make good choices and choose healthy items at food pantries. They’ve taught a lesson, “Cooking without a Kitchen,” for participants who live on the streets. “Students learn and the community benefits,” is the mission, Pegg said. Reggie Lott, assistant director of Matthew’s House, said the GRCC students are helping the participants become computer literate and with other skills, such as budgeting. The ministry serves as a communications hub as well as providing transitional housing and other resources. “I believe it also helps the students become better public speakers and helps them hone their skills when it comes to dealing with the public,” Lott said. Some students were at first nervous about working with the Matthew’s House population, but that quickly changed, she said. “These same students that were scared to death to walk through that door, now just three weeks into it you go in and watch them sitting down, (saying) ‘Hey Lou, how are you today? How has your week been?’” As a student, Hill said she’s enjoying the sessions. “I went into OT because I have a passion for just helping people. I like to see people thriving in their lives and enjoying their lifestyle. I love working with all ages of the population, from kids to geriatrics,” she said. Hill’s learning about what topics and information work with different groups of people, such as those at Matthew’s House. “I think it gives us experience in interacting with people and being able to keep it focused on them and what they want and need.” Students also partner with Ready for Life Academy, which offers post-secondary educational experiences for college-age individuals diagnosed with intellectual disabilities. GRCC students pair with those from Ready for Life to help them access the college curriculum and with living skills, like cooking, shopping, work skills and other home management tasks. This story was reported and photographed by Erin Albanese of the School News Network.