A School News Network feature -- Austin Channing Brown says there’s a connection between our faith and how we think about racial equity. In conversation with Grand Rapids Community College Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer B. Afeni McNeely Cobham, Brown on Sept. 7 opened the 2021-22 Diversity Lecture Series, presented virtually by the GRCC Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The discussion is available here. The discussion focused on the series’ new initiative, “inter-faith literacy,” which aims to increase awareness and knowledge of different world religions. “Tell me what you believe about humanity and the world and I will tell you where you stand on racial justice,” said Brown, previously a resident director at Calvin University. “I need a love that is intolerant of injustice.” Speaking to a Grand Rapids-based audience, Brown also referenced the locally known concept “West Michigan nice,” when saying, “Harmony, the absence of outright conflict, often leaves deeper conflicts untouched.” She addressed the struggle that people of color have to maintain their “personhood” in the face of white supremacy. “To every person in every marginalized community, it is your right to fight for yourself; it is also your right to rest, to laugh, to twerk in the mirror, to be fully human,” she said. “You are worthy of justice and being considered fully human, worthy of health, education, housing, love, grace and patience.” Emmy Award-winner John Leguizamo and Pulitzer Prize-winner Nikole Hannah-Jones are among the speakers highlighting the series and Latino Heritage Month. Leguizamo, the keynote speaker for Latino Heritage Month, spoke during a live conversation over Zoom on Sept. 12, and rebroadcast on Sept. 15. Hannah-Jones will speak at 6 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2022. “Our overarching goal for the year ahead is cultivating equity and inclusion through an intersectional framework,” McNeely Cobham said. “I encourage students to participate in these important conversations and use the Diversity Lecture Series to strengthen skills in areas that include, but are not limited to, intergenerational dialogue, critical analysis, and social justice literacy.” Brown spoke about how organizations’ actions fall short of words promising equality and justice and shared her thoughts on creating justice and equity for all, and “standing in the shadow of hope,” a metaphor for patience and grace. On hope: “We all so desperately want to be hopeful, it’s part of what makes us human and what draws us to a faith tradition,” Brown said. “I believe there is a place and a time for inspiration, but it is often much more helpful to talk about what is real, and what’s real is that we are tired. The world is exhausting.” Brown re-emphasized that all people are deserving of equality. “I want to say to every person of every marginalized community that it is your duty to yourself to keep fighting, even if you’re not hopeful that your work will not end in some magical utopia.” On racial justice: McNeely Cobham asked Brown, “Why do people struggle with understanding justice comes before reconciliation?” “Justice comes before reconciliation because justice is so much harder,” Brown said. “We overcome that exhaustion by doing work as a community, not as individuals… the pursuit of racial justice relies on us; no one person is working alone.” When explaining the difference between equity and equality, Brown gave the example of a white board member giving up their seat for a person of color to fill, giving power back to marginalized communities. “It’s a lot easier to take a Black person out for coffee than to give up your seat on the board,” Brown said.  On education: Brown called on educators to “be creative and do things differently” to put the power in the hands of students. “On one hand we are told classrooms are changing, and on the other I want to acknowledge the politics at play that work against any progress for justice.” “If we really believed in our core that every single human was deserving of a good education… we would not be able to tolerate the system as it is now.” This story was reported by Alexis Stark of the School News Network.

Sept. 27, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- At 27, Stephanie Thomas thought she was too old. Too old for college. Too old for a rewarding career. And most certainly too old to become a cross-country All-American at Grand Rapids Community College. “But GRCC really taught me that you never know what gifts you have until someone inspires you to go for it,” said Thomas, who earned an associate degree in Criminal Justice at GRCC in 2018. 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.  Now 31, Thomas is finishing work on a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at Grand Valley State University. Already working at Gerald R. Ford International Airport as a TSA officer, she hopes to one day advance to the Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, Customs or another of the 22 agencies housed within the Department of Homeland Security. It’s a whole new world for Thomas, who tried other colleges after graduating in 2008 from Grand Rapids Christian High School. But they never clicked for her. Years later, her fiancé, Derrick Diepenhorst, convinced Thomas to give GRCC a try. “He told me that because I’m half Native American, tuition would be waived at any public community college or university in Michigan,” Thomas said. “But I was already 25 years old and I didn’t want to be surrounded by a bunch of young kids and feel like the odd one out.” Nevertheless, she enrolled at GRCC and soon fell in love with her Criminal Justice courses. Although Thomas only played sports a little bit in middle school, she decided to try running as a way to get into better shape. Little did she imagine how good she’d be. Running on the treadmill in early 2017 at GRCC’s Ford Fieldhouse, Thomas watched a woman approach her and place a handwritten note on the machine: “You’d be a great runner for the cross-country team.” That woman was Sharon Becker, then-assistant coach of GRCC’s cross-country team. Becker was cross training on a stationary bike located behind the treadmill where Thomas happened to be running again. “I watched her running at a pace that I thought looked somewhat fast,” Becker said. “I figured, ‘She is going too fast to keep up that pace for more than a few minutes. She’ll stop and walk soon.’” Becker stayed on the stationary bike to complete her 30-minute workout and Thomas was still running at the same quick pace.  “Although I still felt like I could still be rejected or scorned, I figured I won’t know if I don’t ask,” Becker said, “I can at least tell her ‘good job.’” Thomas was surprised. She thought she was too old to be a member of the team. “I laughed and said, ‘I know I look young. But I’m 27 and almost 10 years older than some of these kids on the team.’" she said. "I mean, I’d never even run cross-country in middle school or high school. I still can’t believe she took a chance on me.” That fall, something magical happened. Not only did Thomas discover she loved running, she was also really, really good at it. At the Raiders’ first 5K race of the season, Thomas ran under a 7-minute mile and came in at 20:22. Her race times only improved from there, and six weeks later at the Muskegon Jayhawk Cross-Country Invitational meet,  Thomas broke GRCC’s women’s 5K record with a time of 19:24. The record still stands. “When I crossed the finish line, Coach Matt (Sicilia) said something about breaking the women’s record. I said, ‘I can’t breathe, but that’s cool,’” she said. Later that season, Thomas and two teammates advanced all the way to the National Junior College Athletic Association National Championships in Iowa, which included runners from larger programs. She placed 35 th in a field of 309 with 19:20 – earning her All-American status as well as breaking her own record at GRCC. “I call it the greatest day of my life because my entire family came all the way to Iowa to watch me compete in Nationals as a 27-year-old,” she said. Six months later, Thomas completed her associate degree and left GRCC … until last spring when Becker came calling again, this time asking her to join the team as assistant coach. And she loves it. “I’m so grateful for all that GRCC gave me,” she said. “I know now that you’re always going to miss out if you don’t take the chance. I’m so glad I did.” The team finished seventh place in the NJCAA National Tournament, with two women earning All-American status - but neither breaking Thomas' record.  Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at  grcc.edu/apply . This story was reported by Beth McKenna for GRCC.

Sept. 25, 2021, GRAYLING, Mich. – Both Grand Rapids Community College cross country teams finished as runners-up at the Kirtland Invitational on Friday. Regional rival Lansing Community College won both team titles. Freshman Coleman Clark didn't just lead all Raiders for the third straight race, but instead defeated the entire field, winning his first collegiate title with a time of 26:30. He was able to hold off Lansing's Zach Wright by three seconds to win the race. The Stars took home the crown with 23 points, followed by 55 points from the Raiders and in third was St. Clair County Community with 109 points. LCC and GRCC had 12 of the top 16 runners in the competition that consisted of 14 teams. Redshirt freshman Josh Kipkoech finished fifth after Clark and three Lansing runners with a time of 27:25. Redshirt freshman Brian Frazee cracked the top 15 with a time of 27:49; redshirt freshman Andrew Periard, at 28:03 was 16th; and freshman Christian Martinez-Ramos was 19th with a 28:27. The women's team was challenged by the tough Kirtland course, but still held on for a second-place finish in a field of nine teams.  Lansing finished with 25 points, the Raiders with 68 and in third place was Cleary University with 79 points. Freshman Kaylee Scott finished in sixth place overall with a time of 20:54 while 2020 All-American Audrey Meyering finished in 10th place, with a 21:42. Liz Meyering and Rose Meyer cracked the top-20 with times of 22:12 and 22:25; and Allison Hoop, 23rd with a time of 23:13; rounded out the Raider scorers. The Raiders are next scheduled to compete in the Lansing Stars Invitational on Saturday Oct. 1. Competition is slated to begin at 12:30 p.m. for the women and 1:45 for the men. 

Sept. 23, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College volleyball team won its sixth-straight match and gained sole possession of first place in the conference after a 3-0 sweep over the visitors from Kalamazoo Valley Community College on Thursday. The No. 13-ranked Raiders led wire-to-wire in the opening set, leading by as many as 10, and won 25-17. The next two sets were a bit closer, but GRCC prevailed 25-19, then 25-22. The win improved the Raiders record to 9-5 overall and 6-0 in the MCCAA Western Conference. Kalamazoo Valley falls to 5-9 and 5-1 in the conference. Setter Shannon Russell shined as she was cheered by former teammates from West Catholic High School. Russell, a freshman from Grand Rapids, contributed in almost every aspect of the match, totaling 31 assists, 3 kills, 6 digs, 2 blocks and an ace. "I thought we played really well as a team," Russell said. "Everyone did their jobs leading to a great team win. It was really nice having a big crowd there to support us and the atmosphere, including my former Falcon team." Annie Holesinger, a sophomore from Rockford, once again led the Raiders in the kill column, finishing with 12 on 20 attempts for a solid .400 hitting clip. She also added two blocks. Third year middle hitter Kylie Oberlin, of Fruitport, tallied nine kills including the match winner, while freshman right-side hitter Karissa Ferry finished with eight kills, including five in the opening set. Statistical Leaders: Kills: Holesinger, 12; Oberlin, 9; Ferry, 8; Audrey Torres, 6. Assists: Russell, 31; Torres, 3. Digs: Ola Nowak, 14; Torres and Kara Hecht, 9; Russell, 6. Blocks: Holesinger and Russell, 2; Oberlin and Morgan Fugate, 1. Aces: Torres, 5; Audrey Gower, Russell and Hecht, 1. Conference play resumes for GRCC on Sept. 28, as the team travels to Lansing Community College for a 6:30 p.m. start time.  The Stars currently sit in fifth place in the conference. 

Sept. 23, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College leaders are applauding Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Legislature for a budget agreement providing additional resources for Futures for Frontliners and Michigan Reconnect programs to make a college education more accessible and help West Michigan’s recovery from the pandemic. The budget increases funding for Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners – programs covering the cost of in-district tuition for eligible residents – and also includes funding to help provide support services to help students be successful and complete their credential. The budget deal, which the governor said she’ll sign into law before the end of the month, also includes a one-time 1% increase for operations at universities and community colleges, with a one-time 4% increase to help keep tuition costs down.  “I applaud the Governor and the Legislature for this bipartisan plan recognizing the important role community colleges play in helping residents change their lives and boosting our economy,” GRCC President Bill Pink said. “We are seeing the impact the Futures for Frontliners and Michigan Reconnect programs are having. People of all ages in our community are starting their college pathway, or picking up where they left off – sometimes 10 or 15 years ago. These are opportunities to change their careers and help their families. “While I also appreciate the one-time increase for operations in the budget, one-time funding makes it difficult to create sustainable student-supporting programs. I look forward to continuing this conversation with our lawmakers about the challenges and opportunities community colleges will face beyond this year.” Gov. Whitmer called for increases in Futures for Frontliners and Michigan Reconnect during an August stop at GRCC’s Leslie Tassell M-TEC. More than 3,000 students are attending GRCC this fall through the two programs. The budget agreement includes: $55 million for the Michigan Reconnect program, covering in-district tuition for residents age 25 and older. $25 million for the Futures for Frontliners program that covers in-district tuition for students who worked during the state’s COVID-19 shutdown. $6 million for wraparound supports for Michigan Reconnect or Futures for Frontliners to remove barriers to degree completion. The budget also provides funding for career-focused programs, aimed at helping residents gain in-demand skills for rewarding careers, and helping local employers by growing a talented workforce. More than 10,560 people attended GRCC Workforce Training programs in the past year. The agreement includes: $40 million for the Going PRO program to expand employer-based training grants that result in industry-recognized credentials and certificates. $8 million for pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship training programs to expand Michigan’s talent pool in the construction and building trades.  $1 million for Focus: HOPE to support workforce development, youth development, and community empowerment and advocacy programs.

Sept. 23, 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 Mike Schavey. Mike is here to help if you want more out of your community college experience. If you are ready to step out of your comfort zone, he is here to provide you with experiences to help you grow into the person you want to become. Get ready to travel the world, become immersed into a community of high achieving students, or make an impact in your community. Mike will give you the tools you need to be successful in the honors, service learning, and study away programs -- programs students often describe as amazing and life changing experiences. Mike also supports GRCC faculty members as they create experiences enriching student learning. Examples include helping a faculty member to: Create a course that incorporates an international travel experience. Work with an honors student who wants to complete an additional assignment in their course. Incorporate a volunteer experience into their course. "At GRCC we care about the quality of your overall experience," he said. "There is so much to take advantage of that will help you meet your academic and personal goals." When Mike graduated high school, he attended GRCC because it was his only option. "Over the span of two years at GRCC, I met many amazing faculty members who challenged me, encouraged me, and, at times, counselled me," he said. "I participated in several activities that pushed me out of my comfort zone -- the self-confidence and skills I gained are most certainly applied to how I live my life today." Mike recalls not being a straight A student when he attended GRCC, but through perseverance and great mentors he was able to transfer to Grand Valley State University where he earned degrees related to sociology, psychology, social work and public administration. Given the collaborative nature of his work, Mike is in touch with almost department on campus.  When he gets the chance to listen to students share their goals he's prepared to point them in the right direction. "I really enjoy working at GRCC because our culture is very much centered around improving the student experience and a strong desire to help, regardless of where you're at in your academic journey," he said. Mike’s team is located in the newly renovated Steven C. Ender Hall located on the DeVos Campus. You can connect through email at experientiallearning@grcc.edu or by calling call (616) 234-4162.  

Sept. 22, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Patrick Coleman wasn’t sure what to do with his life after leaving the U.S. Army in 1995, and didn’t know where he could turn to for help. “There were no doors for me to walk through,” he said. Coleman now will be able to help fellow veterans who are GRCC students find those doors. As GRCC’s new veteran’s success coordinator, he is overseeing the college’s new Veterans Center, opening next month in the newly renovated G2 floor of Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall. The U.S. Education Department in January awarded GRCC a grant to create the center, which will serve as a hub for planning and delivering services to students who have served in the armed services. 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 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. The Veterans Success Center will host workshops and speakers, and provide opportunities for networking and social events for the students. “I’m here to help our veterans after they leave the service – anything they need,” Coleman said. “Being a veteran myself, I learned there was a lot to navigate when I began my college education. There were no clear instructions on how to transition from combat to college. I can help them get around any detours they encounter. I’m the resource guy!” Coleman said his goal is to make the Veterans Center a place where veterans can go for help with a variety of challenges, from academic to personal. “We have so many resources here on campus, and many of them might not know or remember,” he said. Coleman said he didn’t like the career opportunities available to him after he left the service, and knew he’d need more education. He jumped into a four-year program, thinking it was the only option he had. The college environment was challenging and he had to develop academic skills – eventually graduating summa cum laude from Cornerstone University with a Master of Business Administration. Discovering his passion for service, Coleman worked in several roles with Michigan Works!, an agency that helps people gain in-demand skills and connect them with employers. He then became a business community liaison with the Gerald R. Ford Jobs Corps Center, and became executive director of 70x7 Life Recovery. He came to GRCC as an educational training specialist in 2020 after a post in state government. He’s also worked in the classroom, serving as an adjunct instructor at GRCC, Muskegon Community College, Davenport University, and ITT Technical Institute. Coleman said his experiences in the Army and his civilian roles will help him serve as an advocate for GRCC’s veteran students, a number he expects to grow in the years ahead. 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. Services will include: One-on-one advising. Veterans Administration work study positions. Tutoring and academic support. Assistance in completing the VA education benefits process. Peer support, outreach, and resources for student veterans through Peer Advisors for Veteran Education.  Coleman also wants the Veterans Center to be a place where students can come to relax and be part of a community with others who have served and will understand the challenges they face. GRCC Registrar Valerie Butterfield said the U.S. Education Department support and Coleman’s background and determination will allow GRCC to better serve students who have served their country. “GRCC has a long history of honoring our veterans and helping them take advantage of their benefits,” she said. “The new Veterans Center allows us to take that work to the next level, with a dedicated space for veterans of all ages. They will be able to get support from the college, but also from each other.”  Students can connect with the Veterans Center by phone at (616) 234-2578, and by email at veterans@grcc.edu . Additional information is available online at grcc.edu/veterans