Aug. 30, 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. Kristina Wieghmink, a health communication project manager with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has vivid memories of working on a group project in her GRCC Interpersonal Communication course. Group members collaborated on a video sharing how each of them had the ability to change the world for the better. Wieghmink has taken the skills she learned at GRCC to do just that at the local, state and now federal level. She received her associate degree in pre-multimedia journalism in 2007. She earned a bachelor’s in anthropology and a master’s in education, both from Grand Valley State University. She said her time at GRCC fostered her love for learning. “My GRCC degree in multimedia communications has aided me in all of my professional roles since graduation,” she said. “It provided me with many technical and creative skills.” Wieghmink has served as the Holland Museum’s marketing and communications manager and the public information officer with the Ottawa County Department of Public Health. In July, she accepted the role with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “A communications degree is something you can apply in most industries and professions,” she said. “I had the career opportunity to get involved in public health at the local level. The knowledge and skills I gained provided a platform to advance my career at the federal level.” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply .

Aug. 28, 2021, PERRYSBURG, Ohio – The Grand Rapids Community College volleyball team dropped its final two matches in the Owens Express Invitational, splitting the four matches played this weekend. The No. 11 ranked Raiders opened the second day of the event against Parkland College of Champaign, Ill., ranked No. 2 in the nation. GRCC jumped on the Cobras early in the opening set, leading by as many as five points twice. But despite four set points for GRCC, Parkland responded with a 6-0 run to win the set 26-24. The Cobras proved too tough for the Raiders in sets two and three, winning 25-10 and 25-19. Annie Holesinger, with eight kills and four blocks, and Morgan Fugate, with six kills and two blocks, provided nearly half the Raiders’ offense in the match. Defensively, Audrey Torres had a season-high 17 digs while Audrey Gower added 11 digs of her own. The final game of the tournament was a rematch of the ninth-place match of the 2021 NJCAA National Tournament, with GRCC facing Terra State Community College of Fremont, Ohio. The Titans again got the best of the Raiders, three sets to one, winning 25-16, 21-25, 25-19, and 25-22. Torres was the offensive spark against Terra State, finishing with a career-high 17 kills while adding 11 digs. It was her second double-double of the tournament after a 10-kill, 12-dig performance against No. 12 Catawba Valley on Friday.  Freshman setter Ola Nowak led the defense with 17 digs and also the team with 32 assists.  She and Torres each had two of the Raiders five total service aces. Statistical Leaders for the tournament: Kills: Holesinger, 48; Torres, 39; Morgan Fugate, 32; Karissa Ferry, 11; and Kylie Oberlin, 10. Assists: Nowak, 94; Shannon Russell, 36; and Gower, 11. Digs: Nowak, 52; Gower, 51; Torres, 42; Fugate, 28; and Kara Hecht, 14. Blocks: Holesinger, 12; Ferry, 10; Oberlin, 6; and Eliza Thelen, 6. Aces: Torres and Fugate, 5; and Nowak and Gower, 4. Conference play begins for the Raiders Thursday, Sept. 2.  The team will battle Glen Oaks Community College in Hunsberger Arena at 6:30 p.m. Admission will be $5, with season passes will also be available. Admission is free for GRCC students with their RaiderCard.   

Aug. 27, 2021, PERRYSBURG, Ohio -- The Grand Rapids Community College volleyball team defeated both of its opponents Friday on the first day of the Owens Express Invitational Tournament to improve to 3-3 on the season. After beating No. 12 Catawba Valley Community College three sets to one, the Raiders concluded the day by sweeping Waubonsee Community College. GRCC jumped out to a 6-2 lead in the opening set of its first match and never looked back. The team led by as many as seven points and downed the Red Hawks 25-21. Annie Holesinger of Rockford tallied five of her match-high 18 kills in the set. Catawba Valley tied up the match at a set apiece after a 25-17 second set victory, but the Raiders would rebound to win 25-21 in each of the final two sets to take the match.  Holesinger -- named MCCAA Western Conference Player of the Week last week -- would lead all point-scorers with 21 points on 18 kills and three blocks. Freshmen Audrey Torres of Caledonia and Morgan Fugate of Wayland had 10 kills apiece and combined for 19 kills.  Audrey Gower of Dimondale and setter Ola Nowak from Grandville led the defense with 19 digs each. GRCC took on Waubonsee Community College of Sugar Grove, Ill. in the second match. After a season-best .636 hitting percentage, the Raiders downed the Chiefs in the first set, 25-16. Holesinger and Fugate each had five kills in the set. The Raiders would lead wire to wire in the next two sets and win 25-18 and 25-15 to complete the sweep.  Holesinger hit .750 for the match and tied a match high of nine kills. Fugate also had nine kills to go along with her team high four aces and nine digs. Gower led the defense again with 11 digs while Alena Visnovsky of Sparta, Mich. and Karissa Ferry of Chesaning finished with three blocks a piece. The Raiders will conclude tournament play Saturday against the No. 2 ranked Cobras of Parkland College and Terra State Community College of Ohio, which finished ninth in the nation last year. Game play is scheduled to begin at 11:45 a.m.

Aug. 27, 2020 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Grand Rapids Community College honored three employees for their efforts in helping students stay on track in reaching their goals during the uncertainty of COVID-19. Lori Cook, Michael Michewicz and Michelle Richter received GRCC’s 2021 Excellence in Education Awards during opening day activities Thursday. The awards, established in 1989, honor employees for their contributions to GRCC, higher education and the community. Cook, director of Admissions and Enrollment, was recognized with the staff award. She was praised for initiatives, such as mandatory orientation, “Service Saturdays” and open houses, that provide students with the best possible start to their college career -- and then for successfully reworking them during the pandemic.  “Lori is an exemplary employee because she is able to take the broader mission and vision of our college and translate that into processes and procedures that truly support student success as they onboard and as they continue as GRCC students,” President Dr. Bill Pink said. Michewicz, an instructor in the Music Department, received the adjunct award. He usually teaches applied saxophone lessons, but the 2020-21 academic year presented him with two new challenges: COVID-19 and an assignment as GRCC’s interim director of bands. “This past year was particularly challenging for all music faculty, but even more so for Mike,” said Kevin Dobreff, program director and head of the department. “He met every challenge -- including staying ahead of all CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and local health department updates that impacted the ability of ensembles to rehearse together.” Michelle Richter, director of the Nursing program, received the faculty award. Her colleagues noted that while her responsibilities mostly lie outside the classroom, she still makes connections with students, through the ADN 240 leadership course she created and teaches, visits to the Health Sciences and Resources Tutorial Lab, and her open-door policy.  “Under Shelly’s leadership, the program has had a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX licensing exam for both Associate Degree Nursing and Practical Nursing students,” Pink said. “Graduates have achieved a nearly consistent 100% job placement rate after graduation in recent years.” The awards were presented on Thursday during opening day activities for faculty and staff. GRCC’s fall semester starts Aug. 30.  

Aug. 26 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College is hosting a vaccination clinic open to the community during the college’s Raider Rally event on Saturday, part of an effort to help students have access to an effective tool in fighting COVID-19. Nearly 2,000 students have registered so far for a $200 incentive to get the vaccine, one of several measures GRCC has taken to promote safety and wellness as students return to campus on Aug. 30. “Vaccines are important in stopping the spread of COVID-19 and preventing serious illness and hospitalization,” said Lisa Freiburger, GRCC’s vice president for Finance and Administration. “Our incentive program can encourage students to get their shot, and we are working with community partners to make sure vaccinations are accessible and convenient.” The clinic is planned for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 28, in front of GRCC’s Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall, 143 Bostwick Ave. NE. Advance registration is not required. Another clinic is planned for Sept. 8 during GRCC’s Welcome Week, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall and from 3-6 p.m. at the Leslie M. Tassell M-TEC. A clinic is planned for the new Lakeshore Campus, 12335 James St. in Holland, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 14. Eligible students can receive a $200 credit on their RaiderCards to use for campus dining, parking, printing, and in the bookstore. The vaccination incentive program is available to students enrolled in an in-person, hybrid, virtual, or online credit course, clock-hour Job Training program, or apprenticeship program that begins between Aug. 30 and Dec. 16, 2021. Eligible students must meet this enrollment definition at the time incentive funds are disbursed to their RaiderCards and have achieved fully vaccinated status any time on or before Nov. 15, 2021. To be considered for the incentive, students should log into their Online Center, select the “GRCC Vaccine Incentive” tile, and complete a brief form. There will be a place for students to upload a photo of their COVID-19 vaccination record card. Credits will be added to RaiderCards in September for students who have completed the process, and weekly thereafter as students become fully vaccinated and upload a photo of their card. The incentives are limited to GRCC students. Employees are ineligible. Additional information is available on the GRCC COVID information page. Additional vaccination location information is available at vaccinatewestmi.com. GRCC’s Raider Rally and Service Saturday are opportunities for students to learn more about campus, have their questions answered, and take care of any details needed to start the fall 2021 semester on Aug. 30. Service Saturday features specialists from GRCC student support and service offices, including Admissions and Enrollment, Academic Advising, Financial Aid, Student Financial Services, Disability Services, Student Records, and Student Life. Students also will be able to obtain their RaiderCards. Specialists will be available on the Main Campus as well as the Lakeshore Campus.    

Aug. 25, 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. Brian Stauffer spent the last 18 years working for a franchise restaurant, supervising five locations and had planned to purchase his own franchise. Then COVID-19 changed everything. “It become clear that the pandemic along with corporate politics were going to keep me from moving forward with my plan,” he said. “So instead of retiring in 15 years, I am starting over at 40. When I saw the Future for Frontliners opportunity I made sure to apply before I even knew what I was going to do. I needed to have as many options as possible.” “I’m familiar with GRCC, and its trade programs have a great reputation. Welding seems like a strong foundation for my future. This certificate will definitely help me get my foot in the door.” This program is highly regarded by employers as a top trainer in welding and fabrication. Job developers are ready to help students with the job search process. After graduating, students will be ready to begin a career as a welder, cutter or brazer – with the skills to meet the needs of local employers. “This is only my third day and I’m welding already,” he said. “This program is definitely teaching more than just welding skills here. The way it is set up, it’s like prepping for students to go to work.” The GRCC Job Training Welding program meets for 18 weeks for 34 hours per week. The program offers small class sizes, hands-on learning and job placement assistance. Students learn: shielded metal arc welding (arc/stick welding), gas metal arc welding (metal inert gas/wire welding), gas tungsten arc welding (heli-arc/tungsten inert gas welding), oxy-fuel welding (gas welding), cutting, brazing, blueprint reading, mathematics, metallurgy, problem solving, teamwork and communication skills. “The facilities are great and everyone has been so helpful, empathetic, professional, caring,” Stauffer said. “My instructor is awesome!” Instructor Nate Haney holds a Bachelor of Science in Welding Engineering Technology from Ferris State University and is an American Welding Society Certified Welding Inspector and Certified Welding Educator. Stauffer is not sure about what his future holds but feels grateful to be moving forward. “Mentally emotionally, this program has really saved me.” On Tuesday, Stauffer took advantage of the opportunity to thank Gov. Gretchen Whitmer personally for the Future for Frontliners program. “This program means a lot to me and my family.” The next section of Job Training programs begins October 18, 2021. 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.

August 24, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -   Grand Rapids Community College volleyball player Annie Holesinger was named MCCAA Western Conference Player of the Week after her performances at the McHenry County Invitational Tournament. The Raiders won one game and lost three in the season's opening tournament in Rockford, Ill., facing three teams ranked in the national top 10. Holesinger, a sophomore from Rockford, Mich, totaled 45 kills, averaging 3.46 kills per set, and five blocks across the four matches on Aug. 20 and 21. Holesinger tied her career high of 17 kills against No. 3 Iowa Central Community College while hitting .500.   GRCC defeated Joliet Junior College in three sets on Aug. 21, and also faced No. 1 Johnson County Community College, No. 3 Iowa Central Community College and No. 8 Kirkwood Community College. The Raiders won at least one set against every nationally ranked opponent this past weekend. The team is scheduled to travel to Owens Community College in Perrysburg, Ohio on Aug. 27 and take on Oakland Community College, Waubonsee Community College, No. 2 Parkland College and No. 12 Catawba Valley Community College at the Owens Express Invitational. The Raiders will open conference season on Thursday, Sept. 2 at home against Glen Oaks Community College.

Aug. 24, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is proposing expanding Futures for Frontliners and Michigan Reconnect – programs providing free in-district community college tuition to eligible residents -- as part of a proposed $2.1 billion program to boost middle-class residents, support small businesses, and help communities. Whitmer, speaking Tuesday in the welding lab at GRCC’s Leslie Tassell M-TEC, proposes using federal stimulus money for a $215 million expansion of the two programs, a $70 million to improve the pipeline of talented workers to industry, a $100 million influx for the Going PRO credential program, and additional programs to offer work experience to Michiganders earning their GEDs and help those reentering society after incarceration transition into the workforce.  “As we emerge from the once-in-a-century pandemic, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to use billions in federal resources to grow Michigan's middle class, support small businesses, and invest in our communities,” she said. “With the $2.1 billion in proposals I have laid out, we can raise wages, give people paths to high-skill jobs, grow start-ups, build clean energy infrastructure, and do so much more. I’m utilizing every resource and ensuring that we continue to take bold action to help families, communities and small businesses thrive. Together, we can usher in new era of prosperity for Michigan.”  Whitmer was joined by GRCC President Bill Pink, The Right Place President and CEO Randy Thelen and Susan R. Corbin, director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. Pink said the Tassell M-TEC was an appropriate place for the announcement, considering it houses training programs providing students with in-demand skills. “You have our welding lab, some of our machining work -- this work is vital to our community. It’s vital to West Michigan,” he said. “When this community college prepares people for the workforce, prepares people for their next institution -- if the community college is doing it, it means it lifts the community." Whitmer said Futures for Frontliners and Michigan Reconnect are a part of her “60 by 30” goal of having 60% of Michiganders obtaining a degree or career-focused credential by 2030. About 160,000 residents statewide have applied to attend community colleges through the two programs. “People are eager to get the skills, but the barrier has been the cost,” she said. “When we make this investment, we improve on that ability for so many people in our state.” Michigan Reconnect is a state scholarship program providing free in-district tuition for students ages 25 and older who don’t already have a college degree. More than 900 Reconnect eligible students are enrolled at GRCC for the fall 2021 semester. Additional information is available at grcc.edu/reconnect , by emailing reconnect@grcc.edu or by calling (616) 234-3366. The fall 2021 semester is the last time for students accepted for the state Futures for Frontliners program to start taking classes. More than 1,000 students are enrolled for the fall semester through the program, which provides free in-district tuition to people who worked during the state’s COVID-19 shutdown in the spring of 2020. Additional information is available at grcc.edu/futuresforfrontliners , by email at Futures4Frontliners@grcc.edu and by calling (616) 234-3344. Students can start the application process at  grcc.edu/apply , and also connect with specialists in person at a Service Saturday event planned for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 28 at both the downtown campus and the new GRCC Lakeshore Campus.