Dec. 9, 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 Dan Nyhof. Dan is a counselor in GRCC's Disability Support Services where he meets with GRCC students who have a diagnosed disability. If you get a chance to work with Dan, the two of you will develop a reasonable accommodation plan to support your academic success. After that, you will meet regularly to review your accommodation plan and academic progress, and then adjust your plan, as needed. You will also connect with Dan for academic advising. This can include career exploration, course and degree selection, being connected with resources related to your areas of interest on- or off-campus, career or transfer planning, and more. Dan's work is most rewarding when he sees students execute the educational plans they developed. "A person's journey may not be straightforward, but each experience a student has will help them learn and grow while moving toward their goal," he said. "While I was in school I worked as a dishwasher, barista, baker, cashier, landscaper, substitute teacher, warehouse worker, school counselor, and therapist. Each one of these experiences taught me about myself and helped develop my plans that culminated with me working at GRCC." Dan attended a community college in Illinois, working full time during the day and taking classes in the evenings. "I chose to attend community college because the tuition was cheaper than the university that I was already attending," he said. "The classes also were offered in more convenient times than other options. I was really impressed with that school, so that might have played a part in becoming interested in working for GRCC later." After community college, Dan went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Psychology, a master's degree in Counseling Psychology, and a doctorate in Counseling. He is now a licensed counselor with a limited license as a psychologist. Dan worked at a refugee resettlement agency, in psychiatric hospitals, in outpatient mental health clinics, and in middle and high schools before coming to GRCC. As a high school counselor part of his role was helping students make plans for skilled training or higher education after their graduation. "GRCC was the most helpful in working with me and our high school students," he said. "Many different people (from many different areas) were gladly willing to use their time to meet with our students to help them navigate how to start at GRCC and get a plan together. During this time, I was able to meet many GRCC staff and faculty members and was very impressed with their commitment to the college and the students." During his last job at a high school Dan also began teaching at GRCC as an adjunct faculty member, which grew his interest in working with college students. "I loved teaching these classes and it was such a wonderful experience," he said. "Then I was fortunate to be able to help out in the Academic Advising and Transfer Center with preparing new students for college. This part-time experience helped me realize that GRCC was where I wanted to devote all my time. I have been full time at GRCC since 2014!" You can connect with Dan and his team through email at disability@grcc.edu and by phone at (616) 234-4140.

Dec. 9, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- It all started with a turquoise Easy-Bake Oven. “My parents bought it for me when I was 7 and I baked everything with it. It was the coolest gift I ever had,” said Jodi Holland, now 58. Never in a million years did that little girl dream she’d one day be baking at the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education at Grand Rapids Community College. “It never occurred to me to go to college,” she said. “I’m the youngest of eight children and while our parents never discouraged college, they never really encouraged it either. “Then earlier this year a friend posted something on Facebook about the Michigan Reconnect program and I knew this was a golden opportunity for me to do something I should have done a long time ago: get a college degree.” Michigan Reconnect is a state scholarship program providing free in-district tuition for those ages 25 and older who don’t already have a college degree. This fall, 998 students at GRCC are enrolled through Reconnect. Holland enrolled at GRCC this summer and is working toward an associate degree in culinary arts with a baking and pastry arts certificate. “I’m so lucky not to be racking up a bunch of student loans at my age. I’ve paid for a few books, but that’s it. Reconnect has taken care of everything else,” said Holland, who’s worked her entire life, often just earning enough money to get by and raise her three children. But she’s not pursuing a college degree just for herself. She also hopes to inspire her 15-year-old grandson, Gavin Lietz. “I think it’s one thing to talk to somebody and say, ‘You should do this.’ But if I can say, ‘I’ve done it. Let me walk along beside you and help you,’ that’s a lot different,” she said. Holland says she’s grateful for the support in navigating the world of college, which can be very intimidating. Her husband, Fred, cheers her on, her oldest daughter taught her how to use Microsoft Word and her grandson taught her PowerPoint. Because she’d never been on GRCC’s campus, a young friend who’s a student showed her around, where to park, and how to find the culinary building. “I feel like a pro now,” she said. “lt has definitely been a group effort all along.” Last spring, Holland started getting her feet wet in the culinary arts by working full-time with her husband at an adult living facility in Spring Lake. She does all the baking and her husband, a retired chef, does all the cooking. “We do everything from scratch, and I just love it. It’s the most wonderful job I’ve ever had,” said Holland, who also sells real estate.  Once she graduates, the Hollands dream of opening their own restaurant. And that Easy-Bake Oven from the 1960s? Her husband surprised her three years ago with one just like it from an antique shop. It sits in a place of honor in their dining room. “Believe it or not, Gavin and I still bake with it.” Learn more about how the Michigan Reconnect program can help you start or restart your college education and change your life at grcc.edu/reconnect . This story was reported by Beth McKenna and photographed by Andrew Schmidt.

Dec. 8, 2021, FLINT, Mich. -- Marlene Bussler carried the Grand Rapids Community College women’s basketball team to a 57-48 over Mott Community College, while the No. 1 ranked Mott men's team defeated GRCC 86-64 on Wednesday. The women's team has won two games in a row and is now 3-5 on the season. The team got off to a slow start against MCC, trailing 18-4 after the first quarter and 24-16 at the half. But the team exploded in the second half, scoring 41 points and out-scoring the opposition by 17. Defense clearly won the ball game for the Raiders. The team held the Bears to just 27.3% from the field, forcing 14 turnovers while blocking a staggering 13 shots, including six from Sally Merrill and four from Grace Lodes. Coach David Glazier was proud of his team’s fight. "Credit tonight goes to each kid in our locker room for never letting up, calmly going about our business, and executing the game plan," he said. "I think this group grew as a team tonight, gained a broader idea of what they can be by the end of the year." Bussler, a freshman from Battle Creek, played in all 40 minutes and scored 13 points, grabbed nine rebounds, dished out a team-high five assists and had a team-high five steals.  Merrill, of Allegan, totaled eight points and 11 rebounds while Lodes, a freshman from Comstock Park, added 14 points and nine rebounds. GRCC's men's team, now 4-6 on the season, kept pace in the first half against the No. 1 team in the country. But the second half belonged to the home team. The Raiders trailed by just one with 2:42 left in the first half, but the Bears closed the half on a six-point run to lead 40-33.  Mott would outscore the visitors from Grand Rapids by 15 in the second half to stay perfect at 8-0 on the season. The Raiders shot solidly from the field at 41.3%, and 7 of 21 from behind the arc, but they were out rebounded 55-29 and lost the turnover battle 16-12. Matthew Richards, of Byron Center, was one of three Raiders to reach double figures.  The power forward led the team with 14 points and six rebounds in 20 minutes of action.  Jovante Jones, of Saginaw, had 13 points and three assists while Andrew Moore, of Grand Rapids, dropped in 11 points and grabbed five boards. "It was great for us to get a chance to test ourselves against the No. 1 team in the country twice in the same week," coach Joe Fox said. "We have flashes of the effort and execution that we need, but against a quality team like Mott, you need it for 40 minutes. I thought the team improved from the game Saturday, but at the end of the day you need to turn the corner and finish these games. I’m looking forward to getting back in the gym with the guys to prepare for Alpena on Saturday." Both teams have one more game before the holiday break. They will travel to Alpena Community College on Dec. 11 for games starting at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. 

Dec. 8, 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. Faith Kelly just wanted to support her mom when she enrolled in GRCC’s Workforce Training Pharmacy Technician program. “My aunt is a pharmacy technician and my mom wanted to take the class, but not by herself; so I agreed to take it with her.” Kelly previously worked in the service-retail sector. After graduating from high school, she didn’t know what was next for her. “I was dual enrolled at GRCC for a while and I graduated early. Then COVID-19 hit so I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do.” A pharmacy technician is a health specialist who, under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, assists in the various activities of the pharmacy department. “The class was really interesting and the instructor was nice,” Kelly said. “I had to memorize over 200 different drugs, and what they are used for.” GRCC’s Pharmacy Technician training program is offered in a 15-week hybrid format. Class is taught online with the exception of three in-person labs. “The schedule was nice for me. It gave me the flexibility to continue to work while going through the training. I did really enjoy the in-person labs. They were really interesting,” Kelly said.  “I now work for Meijer as a Pharmacy Technician. My job is completely remote which is really nice, especially on bad weather days. I basically take the prescriptions that a doctor submits and input that information into a system that covers six different states. It’s amazing how many I can do in a day. I’m just starting out and I can probably process 225 per day!” The pre-certification class prepares students to take the national Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam. Training utilizes textbooks from the American Pharmacists Association, and trains individuals to work in a retail or hospital environment. “Once I get my license, I will get a raise,” she said. “Plus, Meijer has many opportunities for moving up in the company. So, if I want to change it up in the future, I can. I like that I am learning about so many different medications and even though it sounds like the same thing all day, it’s not. I like how each day is different.” Next program begins Jan. 10, 2022. Go to grcc.edu/healthcare for more information.

Dec. 7, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College students will have easier access to technology and academic tutoring through a partnership between the college, the AT&T Foundation and the Grand Rapids Public Library. A GRCC virtual learning hub was created in the library’s Seymour branch, 2350 Eastern Ave. SE. A $25,000 grant from the AT&T Foundation will be used for tutors, bus passes for students who need transportation, snacks, and some supplies. “This program is a perfect example of a partnership making our community stronger,” said Dr. Kathryn K. Mullins, GRCC’s vice president for College Advancement and executive director of the GRCC Foundation. “The pandemic exacerbated many of the obstacles faced by our students, including transportation and access to computers or Wi-Fi. The new learning hub brings tutoring and other support services right to those living in this neighborhood.” In addition to the on-site tutors, who will focus on reading, writing and research skills, students can use the Seymour branch’s computers and Wi-Fi access to connect with GRCC tutors in other subjects as well as specialists who can help with enrollment, financial aid, and placement test questions. The Seymour branch was selected for the hub because it is located in a neighborhood with a large number of underserved residents. "The AT&T Foundation is committed to ensuring students have access to technology and learning resources to be successful," AT&T Michigan President David Lewis said. "GRCC's virtual learning hub at the Grand Rapids Public Library is giving underserved students the access they need and deserve to thrive in their education." The learning hub is available to GRCC students and community members who are interested in learning more about attending GRCC. Since opening in mid-September, it has helped about 150 students in-person and virtually so far. More than 20 students have visited the hub multiple times. “Having the tutoring hub at Seymour has been very successful and is attracting new patrons to the library who are utilizing our services and resources,” said Zandra Blake, regional branch manager at the Grand Rapids Public Library. “It is also illuminating the tremendous need for tutoring for students of all ages in our community.” About half of GRCC’s Winter 2022 classes will have an online component, and registration is still open. The hub is open 3-8 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, 1-6 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 1-5 p.m. on Saturday. Ray Harig, 45, is attending GRCC through the Futures for Frontliners program, which provides tuition for people who worked in essential careers during the state’s COVID-19 shutdown. He’s paused his work in the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning industry to take classes and finish his degree, which will help him advance in his career. He said he’s found help navigating computer software and learning how to use it for research projects and writing essays. Student Diego Suarez, 19, said all of his classes this semester are online. He comes to the learning hub once a week, getting tutoring assistance for essays and research projects. “This is more convenient, and I don’t have to worry about finding parking,” he said. “I save time and money, and get the help I need.”

Dec. 7. 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Grand Rapids Community College's next COVID-19 vaccination clinic for students, employees and community members is planned for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 8 in the Raider Grill in the GRCC Student Center. The clinic will offer COVID-19 vaccinations as well as booster shots. Vaccines have been determined to be the most effective tool in preventing serious illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19. The Dec. 8 clinic is GRCC’s third vaccination clinic in the last three months, with the last two serving about 190 people. But demand for vaccines and boosters is rising, and the college might not be able to offer another clinic for some time. People wishing to obtain the vaccines or booster shots can save time and create an account and fill out the required vaccine form in advance:  https://www.visit.covidsecureapp.com/michigan . The clinics are part of a series of wellness protocols intended to help GRCC students, employees and community members. The campus is requiring face-coverings indoors, and has posted face-covering dispensers near entrances in many buildings. On-campus class sizes will be limited to 75% capacity, and the college is replacing two-person desks with single-person desks in most classrooms. The college is also installing new furniture for common areas that is intended to help with distancing. Hundreds of hand sanitizing stations were added last year, and changes were made to campus cooling and ventilation to increase air flow. College leaders are monitoring developments with COVID-19 and its variants, and are communicating with state and federal health authorities for guidance as conditions change. GRCC Nursing students administered shots into the arms of students, campus employees, and others in the spring as part of the Shot of Love campaign, a partnership with Urban Church Leadership Center and Spectrum Health. In May, the college hosted a campus vaccination pop-up clinic, which was visited by first lady Jill Biden.

Dec. 6, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Construction has started on a Grand Rapids Community College project intended to inform and inspire -- a comprehensive wayfinding system that will touch all areas of the downtown campus. A new sign system will help pedestrians and motorists navigate their way through the campus, connecting them with classes and services. The $600,000 project includes building signs as well as directional aids near roads and on pedestrian plazas, including fresh, modern designs that allow for future growth. It is the first major change to campus signs since the college transitioned from Grand Rapids Junior College 30 years ago. “GRCC’s downtown campus is easily accessible by private and public transportation and is very walkable,” said Lisa Freiburger, GRCC’s vice president for Finance and Administration, who is overseeing the project. “It also can be a little confusing for visitors because it is so integrated with the city and doesn’t have a true main entrance. This new project will help people find our campus, and also help them find their way around it once they are here.” Construction started this week with removal of some of the large, blue triangular signs and will continue through the winter, with installation of more than 100 exterior signs. The college worked closely with Grand Rapids city planners to arrive at an eye-catching style that fits well within the aesthetics of the historic Heritage Hill neighborhood. Corbin Design of Traverse City was the lead firm, working with GRCC’s Facilities Department and graphic design team. Universal Sign Systems of Grand Rapids heads the construction phase of the project. “We collaborated to develop a system that incorporates elements of GRCC’s 100-plus years of history, with a contemporary feel.” said Alissa Raddatz, GRCC’s lead graphic designer. “The previous designs served the college well for decades. The new look is forward-facing and classic, with updated branding and a style intended to stay relevant for years to come.” The design is similar to the one used to highlight GRCC students on banners attached to streetlight poles throughout campus. Large signs with the current logo will be erected at key intersections to identify where the campus begins and ends. The Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse and Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center will have video display boards to inform students and community members about campus events. Building addresses will be featured prominently on external signs to assist people following directions on their mobile phones and other devices. Pedestrian signs with maps are intended to help people traverse the campus on foot, especially those looking to between the nearby DeVos Campus and the Main Campus. The project also includes changes to assist motorists. Parking ramps have been renamed, using a system of easily memorable letters and colors for each floor. The Bostwick ramp will soon be Parking Ramp A, the Lyon Street ramp will be Parking Lot B, and the DeVos ramp will be Parking Ramp C. “This is an exciting project that has been years in the making,” said James VanDokkumburg, GRCC’s executive director of Facilities. “The project is the latest in a series of efforts to modernize GRCC facilities to meet the needs of ever-evolving educational programs and serve our greater community.” Construction is ongoing on the Secchia Piazza, a new space in the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center aimed at hosting classes and events and telling the story of the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education. Construction earlier this year created a 12,000-foot addition and renovated classes and student areas. In August, the college celebrated renovations of the historic Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall, Steven C. Ender Hall and the Custer Alumni House, as well as the transformation of a shuttered department store into the new GRCC Lakeshore Campus.   

Dec. 6, 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. Ricardo Tavárez liked one of his GRCC classes so much that he took it twice! Tavárez enjoyed the creative writing course taught by poet David Cope, and what he learned there still plays a role in his daily life. “Exploring writing and literature with my peers in that class gave me a lifeline in communication skills that I still use to this day, in every area of my professional life,” he said. Tavárez came to GRCC after a year at a four-year university, an experience he describes as “suffocating.” “GRCC is a breath of fresh air,” he said. “It welcomes students from all walks of life, from those fresh out of the halls of their high school to established individuals seeking to make a career change to retirees just looking to learn something new. “GRCC provides opportunities for connection, exploration and discovery, with the benefit of an affordable tuition.” Connections are important to Tavárez, who has crafted a career in community development. After receiving his associate degree in Business Administration, he earned a bachelor’s degree in international business and marketing at Kuyper College and a master’s in divinity from Calvin Theological Seminary. “Community development has become my niche over the last few years,” he said. “I’ve done some community development training in Latin America, for example, and served as a consultant with churches looking to get involved with their community with a more socially equitable lens around ethnicity and LGBTQ+ inclusion.” In 2016, he founded En Vivo Church, a nondenominational ministry that welcomes people who identify as LGBTQ+. He also continues to write and acts in community theater productions. He now uses his community development skills to work with youth as the executive director of New City Neighbors. The nonprofit organization provides job skills and leadership training while running a three-acre urban farm and pop-up cafe. “My journey has been about making meaningful connections with people that help me better understand who I am and, subsequently, what my goals should be,” Tavárez said. “That, with quite a bit of grit and what Jaime Escalante would call ‘ganas,’ has got me a long way.” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply .

Dec. 4, 2021, PORT HURON, Mich. -- Grace Lodes' double-double helped the Grand Rapids Community College women's basketball team earn a 69-66 victory over Mott Community College, while the men’s team fell short despite Andrew Moore's 22 points, losing 89-59 in the Skippers Holiday Tournament on Saturday. The GRCC women's team, now 2-5 on the season, scored a season-high 27 points in the second quarter against the MCC Bears and led by 11 points at the break, 43-32. Mott clawed all the back to tie the game for the tenth time with 1:29 remaining on the clock. But Sally Merrill hit a go-ahead bucket to make the score 67-65 in favor of the Raiders.  After trading possessions, the Bears' Hunter Weeder had a chance to tie the game once more with nine seconds remaining, but made just one of two from the free throw line.  With five seconds to go, Emersyn Koepke went to the line for the GRCC and connected on both throws to put her team up three and seal the victory. Coach David Glazier was pleased with how his team performed in the last two days. "I thought our kids played with an improved level of intensity this weekend,” he said. “We saw a number of them contribute more this weekend than in earlier opportunities so far this year, which shows growth. We will need everyone to find how they best help the team, and do it consistently for us to find consistent success." Lodes, a freshman from Comstock Park who graduated from West Catholic High School, finished with her third double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while adding four assists, five blocks and three steals. Merrill, a freshman guard from Allegan, nearly had one herself, finishing with 15 points, nine rebounds and three blocks. Koepke, a freshman from Bellaire, and point guard Marlene Bussler, a freshman from Battle Creek, each scored 11 points while Alyssa Katerberg, a freshman from Grand Rapids, had a career-high 12 points, all three-pointers. The women’s team is now 2-5 on the season. GRCC's men’s team battled tough against the No. 1 ranked team in the nation, but dropped their second game in a row to fall to 4-5. The Raiders only trailed by three points with 9:55 left in the first half, but were outscored by 19 the remainder of the half, trailing 50-28.  Moore, a Forest Hills Northern grad, got the Raiders to within 13 with 12 minutes left in the game, but that's as close as they would get. "When you play one of the top teams in the country, your effort has to be relentless and your execution has to be sharp," head coach Joe Fox said. "I thought our effort level was where it needed to be, but when we missed on execution Mott would always capitalize. Andrew Moore played a great game. We’re looking forward to getting another chance to play them." Moore's 22 points came on 10 of 17 from the field and 2 of 2 from the free throw line.  Brockton Kohler, of Greenville, chipped in with 11 points and six rebounds while Matt Richards, of Byron Center, grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds. Both squads will be back in action on Dec. 8 at Mott Community College. The women's team is scheduled to tip-off at 5:30 p.m. with the men to follow.  Games will be streamed live for fans who can't attend.  

Dec. 3, 2021, PORT HURON, Mich. -- The host Skippers of St. Clair County Community College defeated the Grand Rapids Community College women's and men's basketball teams Friday during the Skippers Holiday Tournament. The GRCC women's team trailed St. Clair County until late in the fourth quarter when Grace Lodes scored a layup and a free throw with 2:05 left, putting the team up 52-51. But St. Clair County would hit a three-point shot to pull ahead by one point on the following possession. GRCC would tie the score two more times down the stretch. With two seconds left in the game, the Skippers’ Mia Janssen scored the go-ahead bucket to bring the score to 58-56.   Lodes, a West Catholic High School graduate, would lead all scorers with 23 points, while adding a team-high 10 rebounds. Sally Merrill, a Hamilton graduate, nearly had a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds while dishing out a team-high four assists. The GRCC men’s team, which beat St. Clair County on Nov. 6, struggled on both ends of the court in the nightcap, losing 92-51. Brockton Kohler, of Greenville, was coming off a career-high at Delta College on Monday and set a new career high with 25 points on seven of 14 shooting, including four of eight from behind the arc. Jovante Jones, of Saginaw, was the only other Raider in double-figures with 14 points on five of 11 shooting. Both teams will be back in action Saturday against Mott Community College. The women’s team is scheduled to tip-off at 11 a.m. with the men’s team to follow.