Nov. 5, 2025 The kitchens at Grand Rapids Community College’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education will be bustling on Friday, Nov. 7, as high school students from across West Michigan arrive for the ProStart Culinary Bootcamp, an immersive learning experience designed to prepare them for the pace and expectations of the professional culinary industry. Hosted in partnership with the  Michigan Hospitality Foundation , the boot camp gives students the chance to step into a real kitchen environment and learn directly from chefs, GRCC instructors and industry mentors. Throughout the day, participants will rotate through stations that focus on teamwork, timing, knife skills, plating and problem-solving — all critical elements of success in culinary careers. ProStart is a nationwide program that combines classroom instruction with hands-on industry experience, giving high school students the foundation for successful careers in restaurants, hospitality and food service. Students learn everything from food safety and menu development to marketing and management, and can earn a nationally recognized Certificate of Achievement that opens doors to college scholarships and industry opportunities. “This is such an amazing event and GRCC is proud to host it for the second year in a row,” stated Chef Sean Marr, assistant professor at GRCC. “It’s exciting to see so many talented students exploring culinary careers, and to have GRCC as the place where they can experience what’s next.” The boot camp serves as a high-energy preparation experience for students who will go on to compete in state ProStart competitions later in the school year. It allows them to practice under pressure, build confidence and connect with professionals who can share insights about the realities of working in hospitality and food service. Events like this also highlight GRCC’s ongoing role in supporting West Michigan’s growing culinary scene. The Secchia Institute for Culinary Education continues to serve as a hub for innovation and training, helping to cultivate the next generation of chefs, bakers and hospitality professionals who will shape the region’s dining and service landscape.  

Nov. 3, 2025 The transfer path to a four-year college can feel daunting. That’s why it’s so important for GRCC students to embrace all of the support resources that are available.  “Right after high school, I planned to study finance at Michigan State University,” Diaz said. “I was a little embarrassed when I realized what a poor financial decision that would be. I’d be spending $30,000 or more per year on school…money that my family didn’t have.”   So Cristian decided to come to GRCC for his general education credits. He had no plans to get involved in anything on campus. To him, this felt like a wise financial decision, but he thought it would be more like an extension of high school. And then GRCC started a soccer team. Cristian made the team and started to build some connections. When his second year rolled around, Cristian was ready to explore more resources. He got involved in the Honors program, which helped him learn how to create a portfolio and position himself with employers. He also attended business events, such as meetings at the Econ Club, and learned how to talk with successful people. All the while, he was learning about himself.  “I was starting to think that maybe finance wasn’t the right fit,” Diaz said. “My advisor talked to me about marketing, and specifically recommended that I explore the  Transfer Bridges program.”   Transfer Bridges connects GRCC students to the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts at University of Michigan Ann Arbor, offering opportunities to engage and learn about the transfer experience. “I visited Ann Arbor and decided to apply to U-M,” Diaz said. “Unfortunately, I got really frustrated by the process. I didn’t realize there was help available for the essay portion of the application, and I got overwhelmed.” That first application was rejected, which dealt Cristian a crushing blow. Cristian figured he would cut his losses and finish his degree elsewhere. In the interim, he had the opportunity to create a video for GRCC’s social media page and discovered a new passion. “I love content creation,” Diaz said. “I was able to secure an internship and started doing more of it.”   That work helped him realize that he still really wanted to attend U-M. This time around, however, he connected with someone in Transfer Bridges for advice. They in turn, hooked him up with U-M’s Opportunity Hub, and someone there helped him with the essay portion of the application.  “I submitted it a week before the deadline, but didn’t dare get my hopes up,” Diaz said. “And then on February 28 of this year, an email showed up in my inbox. When I opened it, the streamers and confetti poured out onscreen to congratulate me. I was now a U-M student.”  Cristian started U-M this past fall, and the transition to a remote school has been challenging.  “I would not be here without my parents,” Diaz said. “They are both immigrants. They never experienced education like I am receiving. Yet they are both working full time so that I can attend school here. My parents want me to be the best I can be and so I’m doing it, even though it’s hard for me to be away from home. I love them so much for what they are sacrificing.”   Cristian is paying it forward in his own way by working as a Transfer Ambassador.  “As an Ambassador, I talk to students from community colleges who are considering a transfer to U-M,” Diaz said. “I provide feedback on their essays, answer questions, give tours and talk about my own experience. I wish I had had someone to encourage me after high school, so now I’m giving people what I didn’t have. Hopefully the students I meet will feel more confident and secure about their desire to attend U-M. It’s a great school.”  Between classes, homework, being a Transfer Ambassador, and working as a marketing and media assistant for the U-M dining program, Cristian’s schedule is full to the brim. However, he’s learning valuable life lessons as he juggles all his responsibilities. “As you grow older, you need to have resilience,” Diaz said. “I know that I will have the ability to handle a heavy workload and manage my time when I graduate.”  Learn about the  Transfer Bridges program at GRCC.

Oct. 30, 2025 The Grand Rapids Community College volleyball team capped off another historic regular season on Wednesday night with a victory over Muskegon Community College, securing an undefeated conference season and celebrating a milestone achievement for head coach Chip Will who recently recorded his 500th career victory. Will reached the 500-win mark on Oct. 5 with a sweep over Southwestern Michigan College during the annual Raider Challenge at GRCC. With Wednesday’s win, his career record now stands at 507-120, an outstanding .810 winning percentage, including a 243-19 (.927) record in conference play. Now in his 19th season at the helm, Will has guided the Raiders to an unparalleled level of success. His program boasts: 14 conference championships 11 MCCAA championships 13 regional championships 2012 NJCAA National Championship Will’s excellence has been recognized at every level, earning him 10 Conference Coach of the Year, 10 MCCAA Coach of the Year, 13 District Coach of the Year, and one National Coach of the Year honors. “Chip Will has built one of the most consistent and respected volleyball programs in the country,” said GRCC Director of Athletics Lauren Ferullo. “His impact goes far beyond the wins. He develops student-athletes who excel on the court, in the classroom, and in life. Reaching 500 wins is a testament to his passion, leadership and commitment to excellence.” The Raiders, ranked No. 14 nationally, finished the regular season with an 19-2 overall record and a perfect 12-0 mark in conference play, capturing their 15th conference title. The team now turns its focus to the postseason, where it will look to add another state and regional championship to its storied legacy.