Grand Rapids Community College’s nationally ranked volleyball team will start its season next month -- but without fans in the stands, following Michigan Community College Athletic Association health and wellness guidelines during the pandemic. Raiders fans will still be able to follow the action online through a new partnership with the Michigan Sports Radio. All home volleyball and basketball home games will be streamed through the organization’s website, michigansportsradio.com , including postseason games. Games will be archived on the GRCC Athletics YouTube channe l. “The safety and wellness of our student athletes is our top priority,” Interim Athletic Director Dave Selmon said. “While we’re disappointed fans can’t cheer on the Raiders in person, we’re glad we can show the games online. This partnership will allow people to enjoy the games, whether they are here in Grand Rapids or around the world.” The Raiders volleyball team, ranked fourth in the nation in the first poll National Junior College Athletic Association poll, is scheduled to take on Glen Oaks Community College at home on Feb. 12. The team is scheduled to play four more home matches, on March 12 against Lake Michigan College, March 16 against Kellogg Community College, March 19 against Ancilla College, and March 26 against Muskegon Community College.  The volleyball finished fifth in the nation at the NJCAA Division II tournament, the second-highest finish in program history. The team has qualified for the national tournament 10 times since Coach Chip Will took the helm in 2007. The volleyball season typically runs from August through November. The decision to run a shortened, 10-game regular season and play without fans per the MCCAA guidelines. NJCAA Region 12 is working on a plan for the upcoming men's and women's basketball seasons. The GRCC Athletic Department will announce the starting dates for those sports as soon as they are available.

Jan. 26, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Grand Rapids Community College was awarded a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to build capacity at GRCC and four other Michigan community colleges to meet regional healthcare employers' demands for a skilled workforce. GRCC is one of only 11 community colleges nationwide to receive the grant -- and was one of only four schools receiving the top award of $5 million -- through the department’s Strengthening Community College Training program. “We are proud to be part of an area-wide effort to help our region recover from the pandemic, and provide residents with new skills that can get them started in a growing field that is especially important in West Michigan,” GRCC President Bill Pink said. “We are grateful that the Department of Labor is supporting this work.” GRCC will work with a coalition of Michigan community colleges, workforce development organizations and healthcare employers to address skills needs and different modes of instructional delivery. West Michigan Works! and GRCC will lead this work in partnership with the Michigan Community College Association, and Alpena, Lansing, Oakland, and Muskegon community colleges. “Our strong partnerships with West Michigan employers and our community college partners will allow for expansion of apprenticeships in healthcare and allow us to innovate how we deliver healthcare education,” said Julie Parks, GRCC’s executive director for Workforce Training. “Employer partners and meeting the diverse needs of our population will guide our work.”  “The Strengthening Community Colleges Training grants will play an important role in helping workers to reskill as quickly as possible with industry-recognized credentials and accelerated pathways to degrees,” John Pallasch, assistant secretary for Employment and Training. said in a press release announcing the awards. “These grants are among the range of actions the department is taking to aid American workers and employers as our nation combats the coronavirus pandemic.” 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.

Jan. 25, 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! Before she taught in the Wyoming Public Schools, Janice Maggini was a student in Grand Rapids Junior College classrooms. “My passion for education began here in the fall of 1954,” Maggini said. “GRCC has been a fortress in the face of adversity throughout its history, a haven for quality learning for me and countless students for generations.” She received her associate degree in 1956, and bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Michigan State University. Her teaching earned her honors as the 1990 Junior High School Teacher of the Year, and she was named one of 10 Outstanding Women of Wyoming. Maggini retired in 1997 as assistant principal at Jackson Park Middle School. She was named a GRCC Distinguished Alumna in 2011 and received a Salute to Women Award in 2005. Throughout her education career, Maggini remained committed to GRCC. She was a founding member of the board of trustees, serving from 1991 to 2011, and was named board chair in 2003. She also served on the GRCC Foundation board of directors from 2011 to 2018. She was a trustee-director to the Michigan Community College Association and was elected chair of its executive council in 2003. Maggini understands the struggles faced by many GRCC students, so she and her family help through the Grandma O Scholarship. Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply. And tell us your story here: https://www.grcc.edu/communications/shareyourgrccstory

Jan. 22, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College will be able to enhance and expand the services it provides to veterans, using a new federal grant to create a Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success to connect students with resources they need to advance their education. The U.S. Department of Education awarded GRCC a $450,000 grant for the project, with the success center serving as a hub for planning and delivering services to students who have served in the military. “Our college is proud of our West Michigan veterans, and while we have a history of being a veteran-friendly campus, we want to raise the bar," GRCC President Bill Pink said. “Like many of our students, veterans often attend college part time while juggling home and work responsibilities. We’re focused on making sure these students have academic support and relevant assistance in tapping into the benefits they are entitled to. This grant will help us improve upon the strong program we presently have in place.” More than 400 GRCC students take advantage of existing veterans services, and the college hopes to grow that number to more than 500 in three years. The college plans to create a new space for veterans in a renovated Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall, with a coordinator to oversee the program and three peer mentors. The center will serve as a single point of contact, connecting veterans with campus resources including financial aid, advising and disability support. The project also will help GRCC expand its partnerships with state and local veterans’ agencies, helping students access benefits and support in the community. The Veterans Success Center will host workshops and speakers, and provide opportunities for networking and social events for the students. “GRCC has a history of honoring veterans, from our annual Veterans Day commemoration to events to build fellowship and community,” GRCC Registrar Valerie Butterfield said. “This grant will allow us to take that work to the next level, providing a dedicated space for veterans of all ages. They will be able to get support from the college, but also from each other.”   The center also will help with outreach efforts, making veterans in the community aware of opportunities at GRCC to earn credits for degrees or transfer and in-demand career skills. Students can take advantage of existing services and benefits at grcc.edu/veterans 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.

Grand Rapids Community College’s student food pantry received a boost this week from a coalition of community groups as part of a day of service in commemoration of the life of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.   The Theta Chi Omega chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority invited community members to donate food to the GRCC pantry, partnering with the Black Impact Collaborative, Spectrum Health African Americans for Resources and Engagement, and Rent A Man moving company. The result was a moving van full of food and other supplies. The donations were timely -- restocking the pantry after a month of increased need that followed a second wave of COVID-19 cases, which forced many employers to close or reduce hours. Shannon Wilson, a sorority member who organized the event, said the project grew from a desire to provide an act of service, “in honor of the life and legacy of the man who has inspired us all.”  “The college is providing the education, and, as your community, we wanted to support your efforts by making sure that none of your students go without food, or necessities for survival,” she said. Partners spread the word about the event, and collected food and materials during a drive-through event. Donations completely filled a moving truck.  “Simply put: The event was phenomenal,” Wilson said. “All those involved were thrilled with the outcome, and just so humbled to be a part of such a worthwhile cause! We know and understand, just like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. did, the importance of education. He was once quoted as saying ‘I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education, and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality, and freedom for their spirits.’” Wilson said Rent A Man, a moving company, supplied the truck and two staffers. The Black Impact Collaborative provided volunteers and helped spread the word about the initiative.  Spectrum Health’s African American Resource Group promoted the collection to 30,000 spectrum Health employees. “I’m full of gratitude,” said Lina Blair, director of GRCC’s Office of Student Life. “What a wonderful way to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.! West Michigan is a caring community, and people have responded to the needs of our students. So many have struggled during the pandemic, and generous support such as this helps them continue their education and care for their families.”  GRCC students and their families have received more than 2,000 packages of groceries from the pantry since March, and nearly 500 meals in the fall semester alone. Donations also included hygiene products, cleaning supplies, baby supplies and pet food. Organizations that have provided food or resources include Heart of West Michigan United Way, Kent County, Michigan government, GRCC Student Alliance, GRCC Campus Dining, the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education, Feeding America West Michigan, Plainsong Farm, the Grand Rapids Children's Museum, I Support the Girls, and others. Student Life has created an Amazon Wish List for additional donations. Financial support can be provided through the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation’s online donation page. Select "Student Food Pantry" or "Student Emergency Fund" from the drop-down menu under "Designation.” 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.

Jan. 19, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. --  Students in Grand Rapids Community College’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education are preparing for a changing industry with the Heritage Restaurant’s new takeout menu. The Heritage, a fine dining restaurant staffed by GRCC culinary students, is offering baked goods and entire meals on Tuesdays through Thursdays through Feb. 18. Lunch and dinner offerings are available to go, and can be packaged to be eaten later. Check out the online menu and call (616) 234-3700 between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to place an order. Meals can be picked up at the Heritage entrance from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  inside the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center at 151 Fountain St. NE. Also available are a variety of grab-and-go bakery items, such as breads, cookies, muffins and sweet rolls, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Heritage entrance. While takeout meals were common for fast food and casual dining, the state’s ban on indoor dining has prompted fine dining establishments to add carryout menus. Professor Bob Schultz said patrons have become used to ordering meals from their favorite fine dining restaurants and probably will want that option to continue even after the pandemic ends. He added that even when inside dining is allowed again, restaurants will likely be operating at reduced capacity, especially at first, and will continue to depend on takeout business. “People have become accustomed to take out, and that’s going to continue after the pandemic,” he said. “We’re helping students build skills that are relevant right now, but also into the future. They’re learning how to adapt to different situations.” Heritage students will ask diners placing meal orders whether they plan to enjoy it right away, or whether they want it prepared and packaged differently to keep in the office refrigerator for several hours and for dinner at home later. Current menu items include French Style Shrimp Bisque; Duck Rangoon; Braai Style Zulu Tenderloin of Beef; Salvadoran Roasted Vegetable, Cheese and Bean Pupusa; Hazelnut Caramel Eclairs; and Peach Tart with Peach Mousse and Blueberry Compote. Please wear a mask inside the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center and keep 6 feet apart from others. Parking under the building is free for those picking up orders. 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.

Start at Grand Rapids Community College 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! Kevin O’Neill has made a career of stepping up and leading: as a teacher, principal and administrator in the Grand Rapids Public Schools for more than a decade, as superintendent of the Coopersville school district for 13 years, as a Northview Board of Education member, as CEO of the John Ball Zoo for almost three years, as interim executive director of Heartside Ministry for seven months. But as a leader, O’Neill prefers the spotlight to shine elsewhere, believing that schools and organizations perform their best when everyone can share their ideas. “When you give the people who are doing the work the ability to make decisions that are affecting the work, that is certainly more effective,” he said. During his tenure, the Coopersville district received numerous recognitions that included a Blue Ribbon Exemplary High School, a “Best” designation from the Michigan Association of School Boards for four years, the Greater Ottawa County United Way Cappon and Bertsch Community Building Award, and a National Association of School Boards Magna Award. O’Neill, one of eight siblings, attended what was then Grand Rapids Junior College from 1968 to 1970. He received a bachelor’s in mathematics and a master’s degree in education from Grand Valley State University. He later earned a doctorate in education with a Cognate in labor relations from Eastern Michigan University. He has built his career by staying focused on the task before him, an approach he recommends to today’s GRCC students. “If I could have someone’s attention – if I could tell them one thing – it would be just to tackle the next step, one day at a time,” said O’Neill, GRCC’s 2012 Distinguished Alumnus. “Time will creep up on them quick enough, and they will probably surprise themselves at some of the things that they will be able to be a part of over the course of their lives. They’ve got a good start with where they are today, graduating from the community college.” 

Jan. 15, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. --  Melissa Hartley is pursuing her dream career -- two Grand Rapids Community College classes at a time. Hartley is in her third year at GRCC, working on an associate degree in early childhood education. She’s getting experience in her field with a fulltime job for Head Start for Kent County while also working part time at Meijer -- while caring for her four children. “GRCC is affordable and will help me obtain a higher education to make life better for me and my children,” Hartley said. “All my instructors have been very helpful and pushed me to be great while helping with questions I have asked.” Hartley, who has already overcome a period of homelessness to become a proud home owner, has no doubts that she will reach her education goal as well. She advises other students to give their best efforts, take advantage of GRCC resources and don’t be afraid to ask for help. “I want to represent single mothers,” she said. “We can achieve our dreams by taking two classes at a time. I’ve learned that it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish!” Many GRCC students attend part time, scheduling classes around home and work responsibilities. The college offers classes in four formats, and a variety of schedules, focusing on making education accessible. The college also offers support, from tutoring to technology, with a goal of helping all students be successful.