April 30, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich . – Grand Rapids Community College is celebrating the graduation of nearly 500 students and the lives of three alumni who made an impact in West Michigan and around the world in ceremonies on Friday and Saturday. Following strict health and safety protocols, GRCC offered an in-person commencement experience to students, with families able to follow along online. School of Arts and Sciences graduates were celebrated on Friday, and School of Workforce Development ceremonies are planned for 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 1. GRCC President Bill Pink challenged graduates to put to use the credentials and skills they’ve just earned, whether they continue their education or start on a career. “Do not just take this degree and let it sit on a shelf. That’s not what you got it for,” he said. “You can take what you have learned, and you can determine what is your ‘next.’  You can take this degree, and you make sure you make that ‘next’ count for you, for your family, for this community." Pink pointed to three alumni honored during the ceremonies who used GRCC degrees as foundations for a life that helped others. Wyoming Public Schools Superintendent Craig Hoekstra delivered a recorded keynote address . Hoekstra was a nontraditional student while attending GRCC, working as a custodian in the Wyoming schools while taking classes. He started teaching after graduating from Grand Valley State University, rising through the administrative ranks to become the district’s superintendent in 2018. The life and legacy of the late Sekou Smith was celebrated with the 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award . Smith, a 1992 graduate is as remembered as much for his work as a mentor and leader as he is for his career covering basketball for newspapers and NBA.com. A video tribute included messages from sister Misti Smith Stanton – also a GRCC graduate – and the Atlanta Hawks basketball team, which is providing educational opportunities for student journalists in Smith’s name. Retired chemistry professor Sandra Andrews was presented with the 2021 Faculty Emeritus honor. Andrews started taking classes at what was then Grand Rapids Junior College while still in high school, and became a highly respected instructor and faculty leader. And, she’s still taking classes, showing her commitment to lifelong learning. It’s GRCC’s first in-person commencement since 2019, the ceremony was conducted virtually last August because of the pandemic.

April 29, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Five members of the undefeated Grand Rapids Community College golf team posted the top five scores in the conference for the season, and were named to the All-Conference team by the Michigan Community College Athletic Association. The GRCC team clinched the MCCAA Western Conference crown, easily topping Muskegon Community College, and now looks to postseason action. “This was an historic season,” Interim Athletic Director David Selmon said. “GRCC student-athletes worked hard, were prepared and dominated this season. They earned these honors. My congratulations to them as well as coach John Forton and our Athletic Department staff on a job well done.” Tyler Hausserman from Ionia led all golfers in the conference with a season score of 372 strokes, followed by Arie Jackman of Caledonia with a 379, Dominic Luciani of East Grand Rapids with 384,   Logan Templeton of Portage with 393, and Davis Courtright from Zeeland with 398. Muskegon’s Zach Petroski followed Courtright by 10 strokes and was the only non-Raider to earn conference honors. The golfers are in action next in a non-conference Kirtland Community College Invitational in Grayling on Friday. The team then will prepare for the National Junior College Athletic Association Region XII Championship tournament starting on May 11 at Bedford Valley Golf Club in Battle Creek.

April 29, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Grand Rapids Community College freshman Sherry Sokolowski is the winner of this year's Student Employment Services’ Impact Award, which goes to a student employee who has made an impact on students’ lives inside and outside of the college. Sokolowski who works as an orientation ambassador, and her other activities include being an Honors Program ambassador and vice president for special event for the College Activities Board in Student Life.  “Going to college for the first time is a stressful process, especially at this point in time when we are not always able to be there for our students in a traditional in-person format. Sherry is a healthy dose of encouragement for a lot of our new students,” said Jose Mora, who oversees Sokolowski's orientation work. The Hudsonville resident is a graduate of Portage Central High School and plans a career in journalism.  

April 28, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Alexa Abrahamson and Alexis Nguyen homered as the Grand Rapids Community College softball team split a doubleheader against Mid Michigan College. Playing on the road in Shepherd, Mich., the Raiders dominated in the opening game, winning 10-2. Mid Michigan turned the tables and took the night cap 11-1. Both games were five innings. The Raiders have now split the last two doubleheaders after snapping a six-game losing streak. The team is now 5-23 on the season and next in action on Friday on the road at Glen Oaks Community College.

April 28  2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Grand Rapids Community College’s 2021 Faculty Emeritus believes in -- and lives -- lifelong learning. Sandra Andrews’ ties to GRCC started when she took classes at what was then Grand Rapids Junior College as an Ottawa Hills High School student. After earning an associate degree, she received a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and a doctorate from Purdue University. She was an assistant professor at MSU for six years and then returned to her GRCC roots as a chemistry professor. Her 23-year career included more than 11 years as the head of the Physical Sciences Department, where she oversaw an expansion of course offerings and programs as well as a move to the Calkins Science Center in 2000.  Along the way she earned professional credentials as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and a Certified Food Scientist.   Andrews also led a college-wide effort to establish a comprehensive faculty evaluation system, served on many committees and worked on numerous college initiatives. She represented faculty on the College Leadership Council under president Juan Olivarez and Steven Ender. She received GRCC’s Excellence in Education Award in 2001 and an excellence award for teaching from the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development in 2004. Andrews retired from fulltime work in 2013, but she continued teaching as an adjunct instructor for three years. She is also very involved with the Golden Raiders, a group of GRCC retirees who volunteer at the college. As a member of the Gold Team, she serves as a liaison to the GRCC Foundation and Human Resources Department, advocating for retirees, planning events and sharing information.  She recently organized a sale of GRCC face coverings as a fundraiser for the Golden Raiders Retirees Scholarship. Andrews can still be found in GRCC classrooms, but she’s now a student. She has completed seven courses at GRCC since her retirement and was enrolled in two classes during the Winter 2021 semester -- helping both classmates and faculty members navigate the new learning environment.  Andrews will be recognized during this year’s commencement ceremonies. GRCC plans four indoor, in-person ceremonies, spreading them out over two days and limiting the number of guests at each event to adhere to pandemic safety protocols. The School of Arts and Sciences ceremonies are planned for 4 and 7 p.m. April 30, with the School of Workforce Development ceremonies at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. May 1.  Grand Rapids Community College has been offering educational opportunities in West Michigan for more than 100 years. Established in 1914, the college offers degree courses, certification and training programs, and workshops and personal enrichment classes. Offerings are held on GRCC’s downtown Grand Rapids campus, and at several locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties, as well as through distance learning.  

April 21, 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. Just after graduating from Wellspring Prep in 2018, Shammar Martin enrolled in the Introduction to GRCC’s Construction Job Training program. “My dad has a business doing small construction jobs like decks and stuff. I thought this would be a good way for me to learn about all the aspects of the construction industry. It was so great! The instructor, John Doane, was really connected to us students. The help with the math skills alone was worth taking this program!” After completion, Martin took a break from school but soon realize he wanted to learn more. He enrolled in the Residential Construction Job Training program in August 2020. “This class really digs into all the different skills and tasks needed in building a home. I learned so much and had a close connection with Kyle Lackscheide, the instructor. He suggested I apply to Rockford Construction so I did. I started working for Rockford on March 1.” Martin is only 20 years old and earning good pay.  “I have been working on a few different job sites in downtown Grand Rapids. Everyone I work with is super nice. They make me comfortable enough that if I have questions, I am not afraid to ask – everyone is super helpful. One day, I hope to own my own small construction company but until then, I love going to work every day!” GRCC offers several Job Training programs in the construction trades. The Intro to Construction program focuses on the fundamental skills needed for an entry job in the construction industry. The Residential Construction Job Training program takes place on a construction site, where students build a new home. Students experience hands-on learning and application around the entire process of residential building including blue print reading, site layout, concrete, carpentry, door/window installation, roofing, siding, and interior finishing. Graduates are qualified for employment in the residential construction industry and beyond. The program focuses on constructing homes that achieve a 5-Star Energy rating, are Michigan Green Built, and LEED Certified. 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.

April 27, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Aaron West put on an offensive show against a nationally ranked team, leading the Grand Rapids Community College baseball team to an 18-3 rout of Kellogg Community College in the fist game of a doubleheader on Tuesday. The Raiders settled for a split on the day, with the Bruins, ranked No. 15 in the nation, winning the second game at home in Battle Creek. West, a freshman infielder from Grand Ledge, had four hits in the first game, with a singled in the first, a homer in the second, a single in the third, and a double in the fifth – and drove in four runs. GRCC notched seven runs in the fourth inning, driven by singles by Ryan Dykstra and Caleb Englesman, an error on a ball put in play by Keaton Peck and Sam Schmitt, and a fielder's choice by West. Collin Bradley got the win for the Raiders, pitching four innings, allowing two runs on four hits and striking out three. Blake Waibel threw one inning in relief out of the bullpen. Grand Rapids Community College saw the ball well today, racking up 14 hits in the game. Englesman had three hits and drove in four runs, Dykstra had three hits and three RBI. The Raiders fell behind early in the second game and couldn't come back in an 8-5 loss in the nightcap. Matt DeFay was the winning pitcher for Kellogg CC. The bulldog went six innings, allowing three runs on three hits and striking out seven.  Ryan Vought threw one inning in relief out of the bullpen. Garrett Cheslek took the loss for GRCC, allowing five hits and six runs in two and two-thirds innings. West provide offense again, going two-for-four at the plate and driving in two runs. The Raiders are now 20-11 on the season, and back in action on Friday against Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

April 27, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Grand Rapids Community College alumnus Sekou Smith’s life was cut short by COVID-19, but family members say they want graduates to be inspired by his passion for helping others succeed. GRCC commencement ceremonies on Friday and Saturday will include a tribute to the sports journalist and community leader. Smith, who attended Grand Rapids Junior and Grand Rapids Community colleges between 1990 and 1992, is being honored as this year’s Distinguished Alumnus. After leaving GRCC, he attended Jackson State University in Mississippi, where he became interested in journalism. His sports writing career started at The Clarion-Ledger in Jackson; he then covered the Indianapolis Pacers for the Indianapolis Star and then the Atlanta Hawks for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Smith connected with the NBA’s media teams in 2009. In recent years, he served as an analyst for NBA TV and a writer for NBA.com. He penned the “MVP Weekly” column and hosted the popular “Hang Time” podcast. His death in January at the age of 48 brought tributes from NBA stars, his writing colleagues and the many young professionals he had mentored over the years through such organizations as the National Association of Black Journalists, Athletes for Computer Science, and Mercantile Bank leadership camps. His father, Walter Smith, said GRCC has been “a foundation” for his family, noting that his wife and children attended the college. He is touched by the Distinguished Alumnus honor, as well as the other tributes from the sporting world. “We knew who he was as a son and a brother, but I did not really know the reach he had around the world,” Walter Smith said. “It took me a little time to be able to read them, but there have been some really nice tributes. The ones I treasure the most are primarily the ones from Grand Rapids. It’s where we have our roots. And wherever Sekou went in the world, he never forgot where we came from.” Sekou Smith will be recognized during this year’s commencement, with a tribute that includes a video from the Atlanta Hawks basketball team. The Hawks created a Sekou Smith Award to annually honor the player on the team’s roster who best represents themselves and the franchise with professionalism and integrity in their interactions with the media. Smith’s sister Misti Stanton, also a GRCC alum, said he always had a passion for helping others -- especially people from Grand Rapids. As he became well known for his work in the media, he looked for ways to use his influence to help people grow and thrive, from high school students to fellow journalists starting out, Stanton said, adding that he strongly believed in the impact positive role models have on young people Stanton is a vice president and diversity, equity and inclusion officer at Mercantile Bank. She said Smith was planning to speak to Grand Rapids high school students at a Mercantile Bank leadership camp in 2015 when he was suddenly assigned to interview basketball star LeBron James in Boston. Stanton said her brother insisted he be able to keep his commitment and addressed the students and took questions via video. “Don’t have your guard up all the time,” he told the students. “Put yourself out there and ask for help if you need it. Make sure you find mentors and role models and be proactive in asking them for any help you might need.” Smith said she hopes students are inspired by her brother’s life. GRCC plans four indoor, in-person ceremonies, spreading them out over two days to adhere to pandemic safety protocols. The School of Arts and Sciences ceremonies are planned for 4 and 7 p.m. April 30, with the School of Workforce Development ceremonies at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. May 1. Grand Rapids Community College has been offering educational opportunities in West Michigan for more than 100 years. Established in 1914, the college offers degree courses, certification and training programs, and workshops and personal enrichment classes. Offerings are held on GRCC’s downtown Grand Rapids campus, and at several locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties, as well as through distance learning.

April 26, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The undefeated Grand Rapids Community College golf team clinched a conference championship on Monday with its fifth-straight win. The Raiders earned a win at Stonegate Golf Club in Muskegon, wrapping up the Michigan Community College Athletic Association Western Conference Championship. The team bested five other colleges, with a team score of 308 strokes. Tyler Hausserman shot a 73 to lead the Raiders, with Arie Jackman close behind with 77, Davis Courtright at 78, Dominic Luciani at 80, Logan Templeton at 81, and Matt Denhartigh at 84. Coach John Forton said the win is building momentum for the upcoming NJCAA Regional at Bedford Valley in Battle Creek on May 11. The team is next in action on Friday at the Grayling Country Club for the non-conference Kirkland Invitational.

April 26, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Two Grand Rapids Community College dental professors earned awards from the Michigan Dental Association for their commitment to public service and education. Professor Julie Bera is the first recipient of the MDA’s Allied Dental Professional Educator Award. Dr. Colette Smiley, an adjunct instructor, earned the John G. Nolen Meritorious Award – the organization’s highest honor. MDA leaders said Bera demonstrated outstanding commitment to the advancement of oral health. “Besides her teaching activities at GRCC, she has worked statewide to promote careers in dental assisting,” the organization wrote. Bera, who started at GRCC in 1990, has served on a variety of task forces and committees to address the shortage of licensed dental assistants, and she was instrumental in developing GRCC’s new pathway for working dental assistants to advance in their education and careers. She has served on the Michigan State Board of Dentistry and nationally as a site visitor and review committee member for the ADA’s Commission on Dental Accreditation. “Julie is a wonderful educator,” said Jamie Klap, director of GRCC’s Dental Auxiliary Program. “Year after year, our students look up to her, and she is always helping students find their place in the dental profession, even after they have graduated. Julie's heart is full of passion, drive, and determination for the dental profession and it shows in her commitment to all the roles she's had and currently has. Julie is not only a wonderful educator, but as a colleague, she has been a great mentor to me -- a relationship I'll never take for granted.” Smiley’s award is intended to honor a dentist for material contributions to the Michigan Dental Association, toward the advancement of the art and science of dentistry, or for contributions and activities of a nature that reflect great credit on the dental profession. Smiley practiced dentistry for more than 24 years and served in roles at the local, state and national level. She retired from practicing in 2010, but has not slowed down. “Dr. Smiley was re-energized and redirected her focus toward helping people, especially those who are underserved in West Michigan,” the organization posted. “She works tirelessly as a leader, as a spokesperson, and in her various roles and activities—and has painted organized dentistry in a most favorable light. Above all, Dr. Colette Smiley has done all of these things with a most humble and compassionate nature.”