A School News Network feature: GRCC Nursing students administered shots recently into the arms of students and campus employees and others at DeVos Place, hoping to be part of the solution to end the COVID-19 pandemic. The students served as volunteers at the downtown Grand Rapids site, working to vaccinate those 16 and older who now qualify for the vaccine. Some people receiving shots were taking part in the Shot of Love Campaign, an effort to vaccinate GRCC employees, students and their household family members in partnership with Urban Church Leadership Center and  Spectrum Health .  Nursing students said it was the chance to take part in a global public health effort  —   making a difference on their own campus. Several faculty members also administered shots. “This experience was very joyful and fulfilling,” said licensed practical nurse Eduardo Calderon, of helping people get vaccines that are “like gold right now.”  DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave., has been the site of more than 300,000 vaccinations as of mid-April. Vaccine appointments can be made by registering  here . Calderon is working on an associate degree in nursing at GRCC through the  Futures for Frontliners  program. “I feel very good to help out in my community. It’s very rewarding to be able to help the community especially with something like COVID vaccines.” As an LPN, he works fulltime at the Spectrum Health Rehab and Nursing Center, and has seen the impact and felt the stress of COVID as patients and healthcare workers have tested positive. He also had a mild case of COVID-19 and received the vaccine when it first became available. Now, he’s happy to do what he can to end the pandemic. “It felt very good to be able to be involved in this global exercise to help bring those numbers down,” he said. LPN Jonisha Hill also is working on a nursing associate degree, and estimates she administered between 60 and 70 vaccines at DeVos Place. “It was the most beautiful experience I have ever seen in my 27 years of living,” she said. “There were so many happy people expressing the happiness of being vaccinated and helping others around them.” Hill has worked during the pandemic at a long-term care facility, where many elderly patients died with COVID-19. She said volunteering at the clinic was a different atmosphere, one of positivity and hope. People asked to take photos with her after receiving the vaccine.  “It was a joyous occasion, and I am so glad GRCC gave me the opportunity to see it from that perspective,” Hill said. Nursing Programs Director Shelly Richter said the opportunity for nursing students to participate in the vaccine clinic goes far beyond the basic skill of administering injections and vaccines. “This setting provides students a broader view and understanding of teamwork and the subsequent ripple effects that can positively impact our community and beyond, especially in the midst of this ongoing global pandemic," she said. "The opportunity to work with a variety of team members in an effort to educate and vaccinate our community has been invaluable.” This story was reported by Erin Albanese of the School News Network.

April 23, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Jeff Bauer is stepping down after two seasons leading the Grand Rapids Community College men’s basketball team to spend more time with his young children. Bauer said the decision to leave GRCC was difficult. He has three children below the age of five, the youngest born in September. The Raiders were 21-24 during his tenure, making the NJCAA Region XII tournament each year. “I will always be grateful for the opportunity and the support given to us both of these seasons,” Bauer said. “However, after our third child was born last fall, our family decided that it would be too difficult to continue to juggle all of my jobs and still attempt to be the father that our three young sons need.” Bauer is in his third year of teaching biology and chemistry at West Ottawa High School.  He resides in Allendale. “I will always value the relationships with the great people at GRCC from the administration down to the student-athletes,” he said. “I would like to thank my staff as they worked very hard to make this the best experience possible for our student-athletes.” The 2021 season was delayed and shortened due to the pandemic. The team played tough, losing a string of games in the final seconds. “I certainly didn't want to end my tenure here after the challenging season that we had during this COVID-stricken time. We spent the final half of our season with only three of our projected top 10 student-athletes while trying to navigate one of the most challenging schedules that the program has ever participated in,” Bauer said. “To our team's credit, it battled every night as we were in every game. This is a very proud program and I have been blessed to be a part of it. I know our administration will choose the best fit to take the Raiders into the future!"   Bauer in 2006 began his 10-year career at Grand Valley State University coaching alongside Head Coach Ric Wesley. His success there included winning 72% of his team's games and participating in five NCAA tournaments, including two “elite eight’ appearances.  His best GVSU season was 2007-2008 when the Lakers went 36-1, eventually losing in the “elite eight” while being ranked No. 1 in the nation.  “Jeff worked hard and led the basketball team through a season with many challenges, GRCC Interim Athletic Director David Selmon said. “We appreciate all he has done for GRCC and the Athletic Program, and I wish him and his young family well.”  

April 22, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College softball team lost two games to Kalamazoo Valley Community College on Thursday, despite Alexis Nguyen hitting her third home run of the year. The Raiders lost the opener 8-2, then were outslugged 17-5 in the nightcap at home at Belknap Park. Nguyen’s homer came in the first game. The freshman shortstop from Walker drove in both of the team’s runs in the game. Brooklynne Siewertsen with the team’s only other hit, scored on the homer, a shot down the left field line. The blast tied the game in the bottom of the fourth inning, but then KVCC responded with six runs in the top of the fifth inning to put the game out of reach. The Raiders jumped out in front with a four-run first inning in the second game. Haley Van Huis started the game with a double, and Siewertsen followed with a single. Nguyen tallied an RBI when Van Huis scored on a grounder to short. Siewertsen scored on an out by Taylor Cross. MARIAH Redding walked, and came around to score on a double by Krin Beach. Beach then score on Kaylie Andres’ single. KVCC then responded with three runs in the top of the second, the two each in the fourth and fifth innings before piling on 10 runs in the sixth. The Raiders are now 3-21 on the season.

April 22, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College is launching a free summer program for graduating high school seniors to help boost math and reading skills before they attend GRCC or another college. Bridges to College – Raider Ready will be offered in two sessions in both Kent and Ottawa counties. The program will predominantly be offered on the GRCC Main Campus and the GRCC Lakeshore Campus in the Midtown Center. Some parts of the sessions will be offered online and the college is providing use of a laptop. “The pandemic created challenges for both students and educators,” GRCC President Bill Pink said. “With this program, many students will benefit from both a refresher in foundational skills, as well as information that will prepare them for their college journey. Bridges to College – Raider Ready is one more way GRCC is serving its communities.” Students also will work with college navigators, helping prepare them for the higher education experience. The program is open to all high school graduates of the class of 2020 or 2021 who are planning to attend a college in the fall.   “Our mission is to support West Michigan residents and partner with our K-12 districts to help all students have access to a quality education,” said Dan Clark, GRCC’s Dean of Academic Outreach. “Many of our region’s students are looking ahead to their first semester in college after an unprecedented year. We’re focused on helping them be prepared and get off to the best possible start.” The health and safety of students, faculty and staff is a top priority. GRCC will continue to work with local and state health authorities to follow wellness guidelines. The first session is planned to run from June 8 to July 6, and the second from July 12 to Aug. 12. Students will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Information is available at grcc.edu/bridgestocollege , email at bridgestocollege@grcc.edu and phone at (616) 234-3388.  

April 21, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – GRCC’s women’s basketball team struggled in the opening round of the NJCAA D2 National Tournament, losing 86-49 to the top-ranked team in the country. The Raiders’ season isn’t over, as the team will play again at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 23 in the consolation round. A bright spot: GRCC head coach David Glazier was named Coach of the Year in the District C, National Junior College Athletic Association Great Lakes Conference. GRCC is making its first trip to the National Junior College Athletic Association National Tournament for the first time since 1978. The 12-4 Raiders were seeded 13 th and faced a tough opening round opponent. Johnson County Community College, from Overland Park, Kan., is 20-1 on the season and was seeded fourth in the tournament. GRCC hung close in the first and fourth quarters, but were dominated mid-game. The Johnson County defense smothered Player of the Year Shonyah Hawkins, limiting her to six points and two rebounds. Eurasia Green-Boyd led the Raiders with 13 points and seven rebounds, and Danielle Lamancusa had 11 points and six boards. Jayla Bibbs had eight points and five rebounds. GRCC is hoping to regroup in the next round, playing the winner of the game between Pima Community College and North Platte-Mid-Plains Community College on Friday.

April 21, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College is changing its commencement plans to provide students with a safe, in-person experience while responding to the recent increases in COVID-19 cases. The college is proceeding with plans to hold four in-person commencements, but attendance will be limited to graduating students with no graduate-invited guests attending the ceremonies. Family members will be able to watch the events virtually on GRCC’s YouTube channel. School of Arts and Sciences ceremonies are planned for 4 and 7 p.m. on Friday, April 30. School of Workforce Development ceremonies are planned for 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 1 “We’re making these changes out of an abundance of caution, along with other careful planning for an in-person commencement celebration experience for our students,” said Associate Provost Tina Hoxie, dean of Student Affairs. “Commencement is a special moment in the lives of our students. Streaming the events live will allow students to share this milestone with friends, family and other supporters since it is not possible for them to attend in person.” Spreading out commencement over four ceremonies and two days will allow graduates to attend the event in the Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse while socially distancing and following strict health and safety protocols. GRCC continues to work with state and local authorities and monitor local conditions. GRCC might need to make additional adjustments to the commencement plan to ensure safety. Additional details will be posted at grcc.edu/commencement

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. Both Shelley Anderson and Nicole Freeman took advantage of the Futures for Frontliners tuition program and are enrolled in the GRCC Medical Assistant Job Training Program. Shelley Anderson was a phlebotomist at Spectrum Health. Last June, her future changed, not because of COVID 19 but because of a car accident. “I am very lucky to be OK now and looking back, it was kind of a blessing. Recuperating gave me the chance to think about what I want to do going forward. I love the healthcare industry and when I was contacted about the Frontliners program, I jumped at the chance to get certified as a medical assistant.” The stars aligned for Nicole Freeman, who was a nurse tech as Spectrum Health. “Last year, I started the GRCC Nursing Program but quickly realized it was too much and I was overwhelmed,” she said. “I thought it was the end of the world. Then, one of my instructors told me to look into the MA program. It’s still challenging but with the small class size, hands-on learning and supportive instructor, I am now confident this is where I am supposed to be.” “This program is extremely thorough. We are learning so much! I researched other MA programs offered from other schools and this is by far the best,” Anderson said. “And on top of it, all we’ve had to pay for is the parking!” The GRCC Medical Assistant Job Training program prepares students to perform administrative and clinical tasks to keep health practitioner offices and clinics running smoothly. The goal of the program is to prepare competent entry-level medical assistants in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. The course combines classroom lecture, group activity, simulation learning, and a competency-based externship experience. On successful completion of the program, students are prepared to take the Registered Medical Assistant national certification exam through American Medical Technologists. The 772-hour program is designed to take 22 weeks to complete and is currently being offered as a hybrid with some virtual learning and some hands-on in person lab work. GRCC’s Medical Assistant Program empowers them to succeed in a changing healthcare environment. 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 20, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College baseball team split a doubleheader against the Davenport University JV squad on Tuesday, piling up 11 hits in the opener to secure a 7-4 win. The team fell short in the night cap, 4-2. The GRCC softball team continues to struggle, dropping both of its games. The Raiders fell behind in the third inning of the first game, then powered to seven runs in the bottom of the frame, a rally started by Payton Young’s triple.    Ryan Dykstra, Fernando Rivera-Calderon, and Aaron West all managed multiple hits for GRCC, with Dykstra getting three hits in four at-bats. Justin Kozlowski earned the victory on the mound for Grand Rapids Community College. The righthander allowed three hits and two runs over one inning, striking out one and walking none. Dalton Vander Ark and Blake Waibel entered the game out of the bullpen and helped to close out the game in relief.  Vander Ark recorded the last five outs to earn the save. The Raiders could not generate as much offense in the second game, falling 4-2. Keegan Spomer took the loss for GRCC, allowing two hits and two runs while walking none in one inning. Caleb Englesman was solid on the mound, pitching three innings, allowing five hits and one run while striking out one and walking one. Aaron West led GRCC with two hits in four at bats. The Raiders are now 15-10 on the season, and back in action on Friday at home against Glen Oaks Community College. The softball team lost both games of its doubleheader on the road against Kalamazoo Valley Community College, dropping the first game 19-7and the second game 17-0. The team is 3-19 and next plays on Saturday against Ancilla College.