Experience Schoolcraft Open House taking place June 17 for prospective students

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The open house will feature presentations and interactive displays, as well as guided tours of campus given by current students.

Schoolcraft College will host its first-ever Experience Schoolcraft Open House later this month, allowing prospective students and their families an opportunity to learn more about the College’s offerings.

The open house, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. June 17 in the College’s Vistatech Center, will feature presentations and interactive displays, as well as guided tours of campus given by current students. Guests will be able to connect directly with representatives from various departments, such as Business, Police, Fire, Surgical Technology, Radiological Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Media Arts, Culinary Arts and more. Live demonstrations will also be available of the College’s Health Professions Simulation Lab and Electron Microscope Lab.

Twenty-minute presentations will take place in the Kehrl Auditorium throughout the event. Those presentations will be given by representatives from Career Services, the Manufacturing and Engineering Center, Financial Aid, Dual Enrollment and more. A panel featuring current students sharing their experiences will also take place.

This event is designed to provide prospective students, families and community members with a comprehensive look at the College’s programs — offering opportunities to explore, ask questions and more.

“Schoolcraft College has many options for students and we’re looking forward to sharing them with the community at this incredible open house,” said Angela Ackman, Director of Admissions. “It’s never too early to begin thinking about college, and we have opportunities for everyone — whether you’re just starting out, exploring your options or planning your next step.”

Schoolcraft College is located at 18600 Haggerty Road in Livonia. The Vistatech Center can be found south of the new Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace, with ample parking available.

The open house is free and open to the public, though those interested in attending are encouraged to register in advance. More information, including how to register, can be found at schoolcraft.edu/openhouse.

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Luciana Trigoso is the second Schoolcraft student in two years to receive the Jack Kent Cooke scholarship.

A Schoolcraft College graduate has earned the most prestigious transfer scholarship in the nation.

Luciana Trigoso, who graduated this spring with an Associate of Science Degree, has been named a Jack Kent Cooke Scholar, joining 60 others across the country. That designation will provide her with up to $55,000/year for up to three years to complete a bachelor’s degree at any accredited undergraduate institution.

Trigoso, a Livonia Stevenson High School alumna, said she dual enrolled at Schoolcraft College while in high school, allowing her to complete her associate degree just one year after graduating high school.

“I always wanted to come here since my freshman year of high school. I just wasn’t too sure what I wanted to do with my life yet,” she said. “It ended up being a good thing for me, because after I started my math sequence, I began to adopt more study methods and began to meet a lot of people here.

“I think having that support motivated me to keep going and do better.”

She will continue her education at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she plans to major in premed. She was also selected for a summer internship at U-M as part of their Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program.

Trigoso is the eighth Schoolcraft College student to earn the Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship in the institution’s history and is the only recipient this year from Michigan. This year marks the second year in a row Schoolcraft has a Jack Kent Cooke scholar: former student Skyler Umney received the scholarship last year.

“The Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship is the most prestigious and competitive transfer scholarship in the country, and we’re so proud of Luciana for earning this remarkable achievement,” said Dr. Laurie Kattuah-Snyder, Chief Student Service Officer. “This opportunity will provide Luciana not only with financial support to continue her education, but with a great network of fellow scholars to connect with.”

The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship aims to help more students persist and complete their degrees by reducing financial barriers and providing the academic and advising support needed to navigate the transfer process.

This year’s selection process drew more than 1,300 applications from community colleges across the country. The 60 new Scholars were selected from a semifinalist pool of 485 students. Applicants are evaluated based on academic achievement, perseverance, and leadership.

“These Scholars reflect the depth of talent and determination found in community colleges across the country,” said Giuseppe “Seppy” Basili, Chief Executive Officer of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. “They’ve demonstrated what they’re capable of, and we’re proud to help ensure that financial barriers don’t prevent them from continuing their education and realizing their full potential.”

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The May 28 panel at the Mackinac Island policy conference will showcase how industry-education partnerships are essential to build a solid pipeline of workforce-ready graduates.

The Schoolcraft College Foundation is leading the discussion at the Detroit Regional Chamber’s 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference on Michigan’s workforce challenges. The Foundation has scheduled a panel discussion over breakfast May 28 with state leadership, education and industry/labor to showcase how industry-education partnerships are essential to build a solid pipeline of workforce-ready graduates. Interested parties can register here.

“Community colleges are an important part of Michigan’s workforce challenges solution,” says Dawn Dyer Magretta, Schoolcraft College Foundation Executive Director of Advancement. “We need to ensure community colleges are seen as a partner and relevant in today’s workforce as the continued evolution of technology, regulations and business models shift so we can prepare our students to fill talent gaps and be in demand for living wage-paying careers.”

The panel discussion will be moderated by Dan West, Livonia-Westland Chamber of Commerce President/CEO and feature:

Brett Gierak headshot

Brett Gierak
Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union Local 2 of Michigan President

Gierak serves as Bricklayers Allied Craftworkers Local 2 of Michigan President and Bricklayers Pension Fund Chairman. He is actively involved in a number of industry and benefit organizations, serving as Health and Welfare Trust Fund Chairman, Cement Masons Pension Fund Secretary, and Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee Security.

Susan Corbin headshot

Susan Corbin
Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity Director

Corbin has served as a Senior Advisor in the Office of Governor Whitmer, Director of Customer Assistance in the Michigan Public Service Commission, Deputy Director and Chief of Staff for the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth where she had oversight responsibility for the Unemployment Insurance Agency, the Worker’s Compensation Agency and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Dr. Robert Leadley headshot

Dr. Robert Leadley
Schoolcraft College, Chief, Workforce and Economic Development Office

Leadley has served at Schoolcraft College in several leadership roles, including Associate Dean of Science and Dean of Occupational Programs and Economic Development. In addition, Dr. Leadley is currently teaching Business courses and has taught courses in Biology and Physical Education.

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The student-led newspaper took home 30 honors last month, competing against student newspapers from across the state.

Schoolcraft College student journalists took home plenty of accolades this spring.

The Schoolcraft Connection, the College’s student newspaper, received 10 awards in the 2025 Michigan Press Association Better College Newspaper Awards this spring during the MPA’s 2026 Convention held in East Lansing last month. The awards were given for work published from Aug. 1, 2024 through July 31, 2025.

In addition, the Connection staff also received 20 awards from the Michigan Community College Press Awards in March in Mount Pleasant.

Several individual students received awards in areas such as Sports News/Feature, non-front page design, Best News Photo, Photo Essay and more. Former editor-in-chief Jess Michael, a 2025 graduate, received three MPA awards for her reporting. Olivia Lambert, this past year’s editor-in-chief, earned three MCCPA awards for her work.

Students competed against other Michigan two-year college publications in the MPA awards, as well as college newspapers publishing less than weekly. The MCCPA awards are given out among the state’s community colleges.

The newspaper also placed third for online newspaper in the MPA awards, competing against other two- and four-year schools in the state.

“Our students put in tremendous work this year, and these awards are a testament to their dedication and commitment to the Schoolcraft College community,” said Rena Laverty, advisor for The Schoolcraft Connection. “Their journalism this past year has been outstanding, and I’m proud of each of them.”

newspaper spread with Batman-related imagery
This spread earned second place for non front-page design in the Michigan Press Association Better College Newspaper Awards.

List of Awards

Michigan Press Association Better College Newspaper Awards

First Place

Second Place

Third Place

  • Online Newspaper: Connection Staff

Honorable Mention

Michigan Community College Press Association Awards

First place

  • General Excellence: Connection Staff
  • Headline Writing: Olivia Lambert
  • Sports Column: Eduardo Niehues
  • Sports Feature: Eduardo Niehues
  • Inside Page Design: Andrew Husken

Second place

  • Multimedia Reporting: Madison DeNoyer/Josh Parrinello
  • Photo Essay: David Grant
  • Sports News Photo: Camille Jamison
  • Editorial: Connection Staff
  • Headline Writing: Joseph LoSchiavo
  • News Website: Connection Staff

Third place

  • Overall Newspaper Design: Connection Staff
  • News Photo: Josh Parrinello
  • Sports News Photo: Josh Parrinello
  • Editorial: Connection Staff

Honorable Mention

  • Inside Page Design: Rachel Husken
  • Front Page Design: Pili Estevez/Andrew Husken
  • Multimedia Reporting: Josh Parrinello/Olivia Lambert
  • Editorial: Connection Staff
  • Feature Story: Olivia Lambert
grad in regalia smiling with degree on stage
This photo taken by Cameron Waller earned Honorable Mention for Best News Photo for the Michigan Press Association Better College Newspaper Awards.

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Looking to pursue a degree in education, TereOnna Moore will serve as the student commencement speaker at Commencement May 9.

A chance encounter with a Schoolcraft College admissions representative at her high school led TereOnna Moore to this moment.

Tracey Thomas, who now serves as the Assistant Director of Admissions, visited Livonia Stevenson High School and had all the students in a class she visited apply for admission. After learning more about the institution, as well as interacting with Thomas, Moore decided she would become an Ocelot.

“I finally knew what I wanted to do,” she said. “I can start at Schoolcraft, and I’ll be right up the road from home.”

Attending Schoolcraft College has been a great experience for Moore, who wants to work in education after college. In May, she’ll earn her Associate of Arts degree at the 61st Annual Commencement Ceremony. Moore will also serve at the student speaker at the ceremony, addressing her graduating class and providing a reflection on her time at Schoolcraft College.

In addition to taking classes, she has worked as a Student Ambassador, helping at campus events such as Ozzy Palooza and giving tours to perspective students and their families. That experience has allowed her not only to get to know campus better but forge important friendships along the way.

Those relationships grew and grew. Getting to know Sharon Christian, Director of Workforce Mentorship and Placement, as well as Dr. Laurie Kattuah-Snyder, Chief Student Services Officer, have inspired Moore to pursuit her passion, which is education.

“I think the networking opportunities really helped me know what I wanted to go into,” she said.

TereOnna Moore in regalia holding grad sign

Being a 2024 high school graduate, Moore was in the first class eligible for the Community College Guarantee, a statewide program that provides recent high school graduates free in-district tuition at their local community college.

Having that program alleviated Moore’s stress about finding a way to pay for school, allowing her to focus on her studies. That was especially important to her, since she had gotten into a vehicle accident just before her prom.

“Hearing that, I thought that that was really, really amazing that I could go to school for free, especially with me getting out of the car accident knowing I wasn’t working,” Moore said. “It also helped me to pursue my career and actually allow me to pursue the things I wanted to do instead of asking my parents for money.”

After earning her associate degree, Moore plans to attend Grand Valley State University and pursue a bachelor’s degree in education and eventually a master’s degree. She said she could see herself working in higher education or eventually as a superintendent for a school district.

Given that she attended schools is several area school districts as a child – including Detroit, Redford Union, Wayne-Westland and Livonia – she has seen firsthand the differences in each and wants to make sure future students get the best education they can have.

“I’ve been around many different school districts, so I know how different schools get treated,” she said. “If I become a superintendent, I know I will try to get equality and justice so that all of the students get the same treatment and education, no matter what color they are or where they come from.”

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Growing up, math was never Faisal Alnakhala’s strong suit. Now, he’s planning on earning his next degree in electrical and computer engineering.

Math was not always Faisal Alnakhala’s strong suit. But after a few years of school, dedication and perseverance, he’s now found a new love for numbers.

So much so that he’s placed in Schoolcraft College’s annual Pythagorean Prize, a prestigious honor for students studying mathematics.

“In high school, I actually failed high school algebra, and look at me now,” he said. “I’m very proud of myself. I never thought I’d be where I’m at right now. I’m happy I’m here and I like living in the moment.”

Alnakhala, a Palestinian who grew up in Saudi Arabia, always knew he wanted to study in the United States. Since his family owned a vacation home nearby, he saw Schoolcraft College as a great option to begin his studies at.

Since arriving, Alnakhala has gotten involved with Phi Theta Kappa, serving as the Schoolcraft College’s chapter secretary. He has spent time tutoring his fellow students in the Learning Center, an opportunity that he says has helped me learn as well.

“That helped me not forget what concepts I took here in math classes at Schoolcraft,” he said. “I’ve got a better grasp of how to deliver my points to people through the Learning Center.”

Faisal Alnakhala in regalia

As he prepares to graduate at the College’s 61st Annual Commencement Ceremony May 9, Alnakhala plans on attending Wayne State University to earn a degree in electrical and computer engineering. His interest stems from his father, who used to take him on jobs as a telecommunications engineer.

Alnakhala said he was greatly influenced by several of his math instructors, including Katie Shields, Christopher Leirstein and Audrey Mingela. Their teaching styles made it easy for him to understand the concepts and succeed.

His advice to potential students looking to enroll at Schoolcraft? Don’t second-guess yourself.

“Go with your gut feeling and everything’s going to be worth it,” he said. “Go with what feels right and put in hard work and I promise you, everything is going to pay off.”

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A native of Argentina, Maria del Pilar Estevez has become a mainstay on campus, working as a Student Ambassador and Managing Editor at The Schoolcraft Connection newspaper.

Maria del Pilar Estevez traveled more than 5,000 miles to find a college that felt like home.

A native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Estevez originally attended college in her home country. But then the COVID-19 pandemic struck and classes got canceled at the beginning of the semester, throwing her future into uncertainty.

After reassessing, Estevez applied to work as an au pair, being connected with a family in Northville. Looking at ESL classes in the area, she discovered Schoolcraft College and took classes.

She then fell in love with the community.

“Since I got here, I’ve always been at Schoolcraft,” she said. “It’s been five years and I’m still here.

“I always loved this community and I always love giving back.”

Today, it’s hard to not see Estevez all over campus. Since enrolling in her courses, she’s worked as a student ambassador, giving tours to prospective students and their families. She’s been involved in the International Student Club and worked as the managing and layout editor at The Schoolcraft Connection newspaper. Her work at the Connection was so impactful that it earned her the Student Employee of the Year for 2025-2026.

Helping change the culture of the student newspaper is her biggest accomplishment during her time at Schoolcraft.

“I just love how we’ve created this new Connection environment to what it is now,” she said. “I just love it.”

Art has always been a big part of Estevez’s life, so when it came time to find a subject to study, she gravitated to Computer Graphics Technology. She will receive her Associate of Applied Science at Schoolcraft College’s 61st Annual Commencement Ceremony May 9, where she will serve as a student marshal.

Her love of Schoolcraft has her staying for a short time after commencement: in addition to her AAS degree, Estevez plans on earning one more associate degree, this time in business. Her hope is to get into the business side of artwork.

Maria del Pilar Estevez in regalia

“Working at the Connection, it opened up doors when it came to managing and how things work,” she said. “The team that is here, I hired most of them. So I thought maybe I should go in business and do management or human resources.”

Once she wraps up her second associate degree later this year, her plan is to stay locally and attend either Wayne State University or Eastern Michigan University to earn her bachelor’s degree in business administration. After, it’s Estevez’s goal to remain in the United States, specifically the Great Lakes State, and find work.

“I love Michigan and I don’t want to move. The only bad thing is the winters,” she said. “I wouldn’t change Michigan for anything. I’m so glad I ended up here.”

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Earning a degree in childhood education, Willett wants to continue her mother’s legacy and work to help educate youngsters.

After attending multiple schools during her K-12 education, Ashley Willett finally found a place she could feel herself in Schoolcraft College.

Throughout her young life, Willett found herself attending school in districts such as Plymouth-Canton, Hazel Park, Ferndale and South Lyon. When looking at a place for college, she looked for a place that would support her learning needs via accommodations.

“While I was in South Lyon, I did a tour here at Schoolcraft and fell in love with it,” she said. “I found out how the accommodations work and fell in love with it.”

Ashley Willett in regalia

With challenges throughout her life, Willett has been working on earning her degree for nine years. She’ll complete the journey to her associate degree this weekend when she walks at Schoolcraft College’s 61st Annual Commencement Ceremony, taking place May 9 in the TrinityElite Sports Center.

Willett will receive an Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education, a field she’s been exposed to her whole life. Growing up, her mother worked in early childhood education, and Willett consistently saw how she worked and decided she wanted to follow in her mom’s footsteps.

“We had a summer childcare at home,” Willett said. “All my friends, the neighborhood kids, they would come and my mom and watch them during the summer.”

Today, she’s been working for area childcare centers.

While at Schoolcraft, Willett, found involvement on campus with several groups, including the Black Student Union, the Pride Team and more. Her participation in those groups led her to meet Catreese Qualls, a member of the College’s Marketing Department. Willett said Qualls always made her feel welcome.

“She’s always been open and warm. She’s always willing to help somebody in need, whether it’s your starving and you need food or just going to talk to her,” Willett said. “She’s someone who is easy to talk to.”

After graduating, Willett plans to continue working in early childhood education. Her goal is to pursue a bachelor’s degree at an institution such as Ferris State University or Central Michigan University.

She wants other students who may have had struggles like her to know they can succeed if they put their mind to it.

“I would tell them to never give up on their dreams. Don’t let anyone ever tell you that you should give up or quit,” she said. “Be who you want to be. Embrace who you are.”

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Addison Beatty found Schoolcraft College was the perfect place to find her passion.

Addison Beatty took a road less traveled than many of her friends when she decided to attend Schoolcraft College.

While many of her classmates from Novi High School opted for four-year schools after graduation, Beatty was not sure what she wanted to study. After considering her options, she chose Schoolcraft to get her education going and find her passion.

“It’s just very important that people realize how good community college really is,” she said. “I think it’s important to listen to yourself and figure out what’s right for you in the moment.”

Today, Beatty is preparing to graduate with her Associate in General Studies at Schoolcraft’s 61st Annual Commencement Ceremony, taking place May 9 at the TrinityElite Sports Center on campus. There, she will serve as a student marshal during the ceremony.

Addison with ocelot plush on shoulder, holding Ocelot Grad sign

During her time on campus, Beatty discovered a love of the arts and public speaking. She enrolled in classes dedicated to honing those skills, as well as getting involved with the student film club and submitted some of her artwork to this year’s SC Mosaic Arts Awards. She has continuously pushed herself out of her comfort zone, something she began doing in high school.

One way she’s done that? As part of a speech for class, Beatty did a makeup tutorial teaching her fellow students how to look at Walter White from the television show “Breaking Bad.”

“I had a lot of fun showing people how to do the makeup,” she said. “I think that was one of my favorite speeches I’ve ever done.”

Beatty attributes her love of learning to several instructors at the College, including Art instructor Stephanie Sarris, Communication Arts instructor Danielle Harkins and English instructor Denise Schnell. She said those instructors, along with others, have made a major impact on how she views herself and her work.

Before, Beatty said she focused heavily on being the best and not tripping up. But as she has spent time in college, she’s discovered the journey to success is just as important as a high grade or achievement.

After graduating, Beatty plans to attend the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in the fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in communications.

The pathway to her next college may not be how some of her high school classmates took, but it’s one that has her proud and well-prepared.

“I’m still going to U-M and I went to community college first,” Beatty said. “I think community college can be just as enriching, especially if you want connections, because that is where you get close to people.

“I think it’s been one of my best choices.”

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Carol Strom, a former member of the College’s Board of Trustees, will receive an honorary degree at the 61st Annual Commencement Ceremony May 9.

Campus certainly looks different than it did when Carol Strom took office in the mid-1990s.

After serving for 31 years on the College’s Board of Trustees, Strom decided it was time to retire this past November.

“It doesn’t seem like 31 years. It seems like only yesterday when I started,” Strom said. “It’s just been incredible. The progress and the changes that have occurred with each one of the presidents, it’s been absolutely amazing.”

That service has earned Strom a very special designation: she will receive an honorary degree from Schoolcraft College during the 61st Annual Commencement Ceremony, which will take place May 9 in the TrinityElite Sports Center.

A Detroit native, Strom graduated from Cooley High School and earned her teaching certificate from the University of Michigan. She then began teaching physical education in communities such as Southfield and South Lyon, where she helped launch the South Lyon High School girls’ varsity basketball and volleyball teams.

Living in Livonia, Strom saw an opportunity to get involved with the local PTA. Her experience there led her to running for the board of education for Livonia Public Schools.

Then, the opportunity that would define her public service would become available: a vacancy popped up on the Schoolcraft College Board of Trustees, and Strom was encouraged to apply. Given she had been part of committees to help establish the College decades before, Strom said it was a natural fit. So, she applied.

“I had been involved with the Livonia schools,” Strom said. “I just felt like it was something I wanted to do because I had served 14 years on the Livonia board and I wanted to move on.”

Major impact on the College

Strom served in several leadership roles on the Board, including as vice chair and chair, overseeing the governing body of the College. One of the things that motivated her to run for reelection to the Board was the wonderful working relationship the Board of Trustees has had.

She joined before several buildings were constructed, including the Biotechnology Center, the TrinityElite Sports Center and the Vistatech Center, which Strom had plenty of input to give.

She recalls informing Dr. Richard McDowell, then-president of the College, that the Vistatech Center needed an overhang at the entrance. She was convinced the building wouldn’t be successful without one and wouldn’t bring it to the table for a vote without it.

Carol Strom poses with her family and the Livonia City Council

“I said, ‘If I’m dropping my 85-year-old mother off at the college, I don’t want her to be out in the open,’” Strom said.

Today, not only does the Vistatech Center have that overhang, but the breezeway entrance now bears Strom’s name because of her influence: she was recognized in a dedication ceremony naming the breezeway after her last summer.

Despite resigning, Strom isn’t giving up all her connections to Schoolcraft College. Dr. Glenn Cerny, current president of the College, has named Strom to serve on the Schoolcraft Development Authority, which oversees the dynamic partnerships the College has.

“Few people have had the impact on Schoolcraft College that Carol has had. Her passion for this campus and its students is unrivaled,” Cerny said. “We are eternally thankful for all her hard work to make our campus the amazing place it is today.”

Strom’s influence has reached far past campus. During a December meeting at the Livonia City Council, Strom was honored and recognized for her hard work and dedication to Schoolcraft College by then-Councilwoman Laura Toy, who also previously served as a member of the Schoolcraft College Board of Trustees.

“Many years ago, the best way to find yourself is to use yourself in the service of others,” Toy said. “And you certainly have done that.”

Despite her retirement, Strom still finds herself fielding questions about the College at places such as church. Her dedication to the College is something she will treasure forever.

“It’s a great place to be involved with,” she said. “Schoolcraft College is one of the gems in this area and it keeps getting better and better.”

Carol Strom with a commendation from the Livonia City Council for her work

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The Ozcars ceremony held Friday, April 17 in the Vistatech Center honored recipients in categories such as Math, English, Art, Music and more.

It was a night full of stars as the first-ever Ozcars Academic Banquet honored student achievement at Schoolcraft College.

An homage to the annual event celebrating cinema – combined with the College’s mascot Ozzy – the Ozcars ceremony held Friday, April 17 in the Vistatech Center honored recipients in categories such as Math, English, Art, Music and more. Longstanding awards such as the Pythagorean Prize, the Write Word Awards, the Honor Program awards and more were given out to the student award winners.

“The measurement of our success is our students, and judging by this room, we have done pretty well,” Cerny said. “These students take what they learn and apply it, showcasing their incredible skills in areas such as English, math, art and more.”

The Ozcars marks the first time all the Liberal Arts and Science awards were given out at one event. The desire to make the night a star-studded affair helped shine a light on the premiere academic success of the students across campus.

students talking at exhibit table
Honors students showcased their Capstone Projects during a gala before the ceremony.

In addition to the awards, a gala featuring Schoolcraft Scholars Honors Program Capstone Projects was held before the event, along with photo opportunities at the Ozcars-themed backdrop.

For students in attendance, it marked an unforgettable evening.

“The Ozcars was surely a night to remember. I was honored to have the opportunity to showcase my Honors Capestone project during the gallery walkthrough’, which kicked off the festivities,” said Samantha Bleim, a STEAM@Schoolcraft fellow who was also recognized for her work in the Honors Program. “Being surrounded by some of my favorite friends, faculty, staff and family members, while being recognized for my academic accomplishments was the cherry on top of a one-of-a-kind, successful semester.”

A sold-out event, the Ozcars ceremony was put on by a team made up of members of several departments, including the Center for Experiential Learning, the Center for Academic Innovation, the President’s Office, the Marketing Department, the Schoolcraft College Foundation and more.

“This event has been more than a year in the making, and we’re so proud to recognize our students for their talents and hard work,” said Errin Stegich-Moloney, director of the Center for Experiential Learning and chair of the Ozcars Planning Committee. “Our students accomplish so much during their time here, and this event was the perfect evening to celebrate all their achievements.”

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Three students have received the annual prize celebrating achievement in mathematics.

No one can argue these Pythagorean Prize winners are irrational.

Sophia Mark, Tobi Lile and Faisal Alnakhala received the top honors for the 31st Annual Pythagorean Prize, the annual award given by the Mathematics Department honoring its top students.

“These three students add up to a truly winning formula,” said Larry Chorazewski, a Mathematics instructor who oversees the award. “Their drive and study habits have led all three of them to this incredible honor and I’m looking forward to recognizing them for their hard work.”

To quality for the award, students must meet the following criteria:

  • Be enrolled and have taken classes at Schoolcraft College during Fall or Winter semester of the academic year of presentation.
  • Be completing or have completed at least three mathematics courses at Schoolcraft College, with at least one course at the Math 200 level or above.
  • Have an overall grade point average of at least 3.25.
  • Have a grade point average of at least 3.5 in mathematics courses.
  • Not have been a first-place winner of this award previously.
  • Have submitted a completed application and essay by the deadline date.

Math has been a part of Mark’s life since she was little. She remembers brushing her teeth when she was five and talking to her father about multiplication, a conversation that began her love of math. While she lost that passion for a bit, she rediscovered it after enrolling at Schoolcraft and taking pre-calculus and statistics.

Sophia Mark's professional headshot
Sophia Mark

“Every math class I have enrolled in has been my motivation for getting out of bed every day: they ended as my favorite classes, and I was excited to learn more each day,” Mark said. “There was no doubt in my mind that I should pursue an education founded in math.”

In addition to earning a 4.0 in her mathematics classes, Mark has also served as the co-president of the Math and Physics Club, served as a math tutor, was a lead for the Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) program, is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and more. Mark is the 1st place winner of this year’s Pythagorean Prize.

Lile knows he’ll be using math for many years to come given his plans after he graduates from Schoolcraft College. In addition to being accepted to the Mechanical Engineering program at the University of Michigan, Lile will also intern later this year with Boeing as an Operations and Manufacturing Engineer.

Tobi Lile's professional headshot
Tobi Lile

“In both, I will rely on mathematical reasoning to develop and optimize aerospace systems. From the atmosphere to space, and from aerodynamics to propulsion systems, math will guide every decision I make as an engineer,” Lile said. “It allows me to bridge theory and practice and transform complex problems into solutions that are both innovative and reliable.”

Lile has found plenty of ways to apply his skills, including through A³ Engineering, a student group he founded that created a five-foot wingspan electric plane. His dedication to math is evident by his 3.9 GPA in math. Lile is the second-place winner of the Prize.

Faisal Alnakhala's professional headshot
Faisal Alnakhala

Alnakhala has found a love of math throughout college, especially as he helps tutor his fellow students at the Learning Center. Having to learn how to tutor changed his viewpoint on mathematics, something he plans on using in engineering.

“While helping others, I noticed that fear often grows when numbers feel intimidating or out of reach,” he said. “Good instruction needs clarity, support and a connection to everyday life, not speed or endless repetition.”

In addition to his work as a tutor, Alnakhala also serves as an officer in Phi Theta Kappa and is a member of the Honors Program. Alnakhala is the third place winner of the Prize.

“The winners will be recognized at the inaugural Ozcars All-Academic Banquet, a new awards ceremony taking place April 17 that will recognize academic excellence at Schoolcraft College in the Liberal Arts and Sciences.