Alumni profile: Tim George

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The head brewer at Bearded Lamb Brewing Company in Plymouth found an interest in beer and decided to enroll at Schoolcraft College, a place that taught him the skills he needed to start his second career.

Tim George may brew beer, but describe his day-to-day activity, and he sounds more like a scientist.

The head brewer at Bearded Lamb Brewing Company in Plymouth, George’s brewing journey began nearly a decade ago when he enrolled at Schoolcraft College. He earned a Brewing and Distillation Technology Certificate and began at Brew Detroit, where he started off as a production brewer and lab assistant before becoming the head of their lab.

There, he learned a greater understanding of the science of beermaking.

“I was responsible for ensuring the quality and consistency of our beers as well as the larger contract brands that we brewed and packaged in house for,” he said. “Everything from raw materials to the finished product in the can or bottle had to be within their specifications and shelf stable.”

Originally working in the automotive industry, George decided several years into his career that it wasn’t for him. He found interest in beer and enrolled at Schoolcraft College, a place that taught him the skills he needed to start his second career. After completing his program, he even worked at the College as an instructor for a short time.

“The big benefit to Schoolcraft’s brewing is that you’re there hands-on in the brewery, making something. You’re not just reading about it,” George said. “That’s what definitely helped me: being able to participate in the product and what goes into it.

“To me, it’s the best college in the country for brewing, 100 percent.”

After several years at Brew Detroit – the third largest brewery in the state at that time – he saw an opening for the head brewer job at Bearded Lamb, nestled in Plymouth’s Old Village neighborhood, and applied. His application rose to the top when ownership saw he had a Certificate from Schoolcraft College, located just a few  miles up Haggerty Road.

It did not take George long to make an impact: Bearded Lamb took home two awards in the U.S. Open Beer Championships earlier this summer. That included a silver medal in the Schwarzbier ****category and a bronze medal in the American black ale category.

Working at a small brewery like Bearded Lamb allows George a chance to try some different styles, which is what led to those two awards.

“It’s nice to be able to make such a variety of styles,” George said. “People really enjoy that, too.”

Tony Vassallo, one of the owners of the brewery, said having George on the team has given the Old Village brewery some new life.

Having a Schoolcraft College graduate as head brewer, Vassallo said, is just the storybook tale for Bearded Lamb.

“It’s this local kid who went to a local college and is now here working for us,” he said. “It’s part of the story. This local guy is now brewing in Plymouth just miles from where he went to school.”

Learn more about Bearded Lamb Brewing Company at beardedlamb.com. To learn more and enroll in Schoolcraft’s Brewing and Distillation Technology program, visit schoolcraft.edu/brewing.

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Chef Loving will launch new dining concepts, forge high-profile industry partnerships and push Schoolcraft’s culinary brand to the next level in his new position.

Schoolcraft College is bringing one of Detroit’s most decorated chefs back to the kitchen where he made his name. Today, the College announced Chef Shawn J. Loving, CMC, is returning to its nationally-recognized Culinary Arts program as its first-ever Executive Director of Culinary Innovation & Engagement. The role will launch new dining concepts, forge high-profile industry partnerships and push Schoolcraft’s culinary brand to the next level.

Loving has an extensive history with Schoolcraft, contributing his talents to the program where he originally graduated from in 1991. He joined the Culinary Arts faculty in 2002 and led the program as department chair from 2007 to 2021, fostering some of the country’s top culinary talent. In 2017, he earned the Certified Master Chef designation, one of the most demanding credentials in the industry and one held by only a handful of chefs nationwide.

“I consider Schoolcraft College home, and it is an honor to represent the College and culinary program as an authentic product of the hospitality industry and chef community,” Chef Loving said. “There is no better feeling than taking on the responsibility and impact aligned with the College’s continued pursuit of embodying excellence in culinary hospitality.”

In 2021, Chef Loving took over as executive chef at the Detroit Athletic Club. Prior to that role, he made a name in professional sports kitchens, feeding NBA players inside the league’s 2020 “bubble.” Chef Loving‘s Olympic journey began in 2008 when he became the Executive Chef for both the men’s and women’s teams in Beijing, and later also served as Executive Chef for the U.S. Men’s National Basketball Teams during the 2010 and 2015 FIBA World Championships in Istanbul, the 2014 World Championships in Madrid, the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo and the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris. Chef Loving has served for more than 270+ professional athletes, staff and families since 2008.

Now, he shifts his focus back home to Schoolcraft College, where he will officially take over his new role on January 1, 2027.

“Schoolcraft College is excited to welcome back alumnus Chef Shawn Loving,” said Dr. Glenn Cerny, president of Schoolcraft College. “His partnership, along with our already stellar Culinary Arts programs, will continue to raise the Schoolcraft brand to transcend state lines. More importantly, this partnership will open doors for our students that would otherwise be closed to them – and this will set Schoolcraft graduates far beyond their peers.”

A Bold New Chapter for Schoolcraft’s Culinary Program

Schoolcraft College’s Culinary, Brewing & Hospitality program has built a national reputation for turning out chefs who go on to lead kitchens across the country and abroad. The program is anchored inside the newly renovated $11 million Vistatech Center, the hub of Schoolcraft’s world-renowned culinary school and the site of master chef exams offered in the United States.

As Executive Director of Culinary Innovation & Engagement, Loving will drive three main goals for the College:

Vision and innovation: Loving will launch new restaurant concepts and build out farm-to-table, health-focused and minimally processed food programs from the ground up. He’ll also scout emerging trends in food and nutrition and turn them into experiences and opportunities for Schoolcraft students.

Brand and partnerships: As the face of Schoolcraft’s culinary brand, Loving will forge relationships with local farms, food producers and industry leaders, and put the College on stage through media, events and community initiatives that make it a regional hub for food innovation. He will also team up with Schoolcraft’s Personal & Professional Learning department to expand programming, utilizing opportunities through the American Culinary Federation.

Academic influence: Working hand-in-hand with academic leadership, Loving will help enhance students’ experiences alongside the Culinary Arts curriculum, provide support to faculty and build out scholarship programs to open doors for students. He will also partner with area healthcare systems to bring cutting-edge, health-focused food trends straight into the classroom.

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Tessa Hulls, who wrote and illustrated “Feeding Ghosts: A Graphic Memoir,” presented at Schoolcraft College Sept. 21 as a part of the Focus Series by Pageturners, the College’s book club.

Bringing her knowledge of the world and experiences learning about the hardships of family, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Tessa Hulls recently gave a group of Schoolcraft College students some advice: find a way to live your life while still taking care of your responsibilities.

“I want them to think about all the ways one can navigate a life. There are often paths that you would have never thought of unless something sets you on them,” she said. “Just consider that we all get to chart our own way through life, and how you get to thread the needle between living authentically and showing up for the things you should show up for.”

Hulls, who wrote and illustrated “Feeding Ghosts: A Graphic Memoir,” presented at Schoolcraft College Sept. 21 as a part of the Focus Series by Pageturners, the College’s book club. Sponsored by the Schoolcraft College Foundation, Schoolcraft College International Institute and the College’s Center for Experiential Learning, Hulls shared the story of how she crafted her graphic novel, which traces the reverberations of three generations of women in her family.

A graphic novel drawn by Hulls, the book took her 10 years to complete as she researched her family, even needing to translate some family documents from Chinese. A longtime adventurer in her 20s, her grandmother, Sun Yi, passed away when she was a young adult. After that, she realized she needed to complete a new mission, one that led her to the creation of her book.

“When I turned 30, I set out to fill in the missing pieces of my family’s story,” she said. “I felt my family’s ghosts aching for the use of my voice. So, in 2015 … I stopped running and set out on the only adventure I truly feared: I embarked on an exhibition on my family’s past.”

author signing book for guest
Pulitizer Prize-winning author Tessa Hulls signs her book, “Feeding Ghosts: A Graphic Memoir,” for students after a presentation in the Vistatech Center.

Her book has received plenty of accolades, earning awards such as the Libby Book Award, Esiner Award and received the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Memoir or Autobiography.

In addition to her work on the book, Hulls has traveled the world as a cyclist and has worked as a chef in exotic locations such as Antarctica and Alaska, a place she calls home.

Connecting with a community college with a world-renowned culinary arts program such as Schoolcraft College was special for Hulls, who has spent time in plenty of kitchens preparing dishes.

“It’s a thread in my book that no one really talks about: Cooking to me was how I was able to open all these doors. It’s how I’ve traveled,” she said. “Cooking has actually been a throughline of so much of how I’ve moved through the world.”

Dr. Colleen Pilgrim, a Psychology instructor who played a role in bringing Hulls to campus, said her visit helped students better understand the background of creating an award-winning work.

“Having someone with the caliber of skills such as Tessa visit Schoolcraft showcases our commitment to connecting our students to the world,” she said. “Hearing from an award-winning author about her struggles, successes and journey to create this wonderful work helps give new insight to our students and the community.”

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The Schoolcraft College Career Center is hosting a Biztech Job Fair Sept. 28 and a Career Pathways & Transfer Fair Nov. 4.

Those looking for work and educational opportunities can learn more at a pair of upcoming fairs hosted by Schoolcraft College.

The Schoolcraft College Career Center is hosting a pair of career and job fairs this Fall semester:

  • BizTech Job Fair — 3–5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, in the Vistatech Center, Room 500AB
  • Career Pathways & Transfer Fair — 3–5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, in the Vistatech Center, Room 500AB

The fairs are free and open to the public and are designed to connect attendees with educational and employment opportunities.

Both will take place in the Vistatech Center at Schoolcraft College’s main campus, 18600 Haggerty Road in Livonia.

Attendees at the Biztech Job Fair will have the opportunity to meet with employers from areas such as Information Technology, Business, Supply Chain, Accounting and more.

The Career Pathways & Transfer Fair will connect students with four-year institutions. Guests can learn about the requirements and options for transferring to advance their academic career.

“Whether students are looking to launch their careers or continue their education, these two events will give them an opportunity to connect directly with employers and four-year institutions to explore their next chapter,” said Sharon Christian, Director of Career Mentorship and Placement at Schoolcraft College. “We want to make sure our students have the resources, connections and confidence they need to take that next step, and these fairs are a great opportunity to do just that.”

Job seekers should expect to:

  • Bring 10+ copies of their most up-to-date resume to give to employers
  • Arrive early to ensure enough time to speak to multiple employers
  • Prepare an elevator pitch prior to attending the fair

Required dress code for Schoolcraft College job fairs is business attire.

The Schoolcraft College Career Center can support job seekers preparing for the fair. Visit them Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Jeffress Center Suite 202. Their dedicated staff offer support with resumes, cover letters, interview skills and LinkedIn creation.

For more information about the fairs and the services offered by the Career Center, visit schoolcraft.edu/careercenter, or email [email protected].

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Those with electronic waste such as old computers, tablets, cellphones and more are encouraged to bring them to the north parking lot at Schoolcraft College near the Health Sciences Center to dispose of them that day.

Got old electronics at home? Get rid of them at Schoolcraft College later this month.

The College will hold its second e-waste recycling day for the community Sept. 26. Those with electronic waste such as old computers, tablets, cellphones and more are encouraged to bring them to the north parking lot at Schoolcraft College near the Health Sciences Center to dispose of them.

Items eligible for donation include:

  • Computers
  • Cellphones
  • Tablets
  • Electronic cords
  • Household batteries
  • Audio/video equipment
  • Flat screen monitors

Items we cannot accept:

  • Kitchen appliances and other white goods (fridges, stoves, kitchen appliances)
  • Microwaves
  • CRT televisions

Donations will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day. There is no limit on the amount of e-waste that can be donated.

“As the fall months begin, we know families are cleaning out their homes and finding things they need to get rid of. This e-waste recycling event is a great opportunity to get rid of those old household electronics that have been hanging around for too long,” said Nicholas Nelson, Shipping and Receiving Operations Supervisor at Schoolcraft College. “Last year was such a success that we couldn’t wait to offer this service to the community again this year.”

The recycling event will take place with the assistance of CERS Lifecycle, the company Schoolcraft College works with to recycle its old electronics on campus.

Last year’s recycling day collected more than eight tons of e-waste, preventing such materials from ending up in a landfill.

Vehicles are asked to line up in the parking spot entering off St. Joe’s Parkway, which is accessible from either Haggerty Road or Seven Mile Road. There, cars will then queue in the parking lot near the Health Sciences Center, where their e-waste will be collected.

The event is free and open to the public, though attendees are encouraged to bring a canned or non-perishable food item to benefit the Schoolcraft College Food Pantry drive to help feed students in need.

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CulEx offers a firsthand look at the education that has made Schoolcraft College a destination for culinary excellence, while raising critical support for student scholarships and innovative educational programs.

Detroit’s rich culinary heritage will take center stage this fall as the Schoolcraft College Foundation presents CulEx 2026: A Taste of Detroit starting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, October 22 in Schoolcraft College’s Vistatech Center, located at 18600 Haggerty Road. This elevated culinary experience will celebrate the city’s iconic flavors, creative spirit and enduring influence on America’s food culture, all while supporting the Foundation’s mission.

Guests will enjoy an exclusive evening of Detroit-inspired cuisine prepared by Schoolcraft College’s nationally recognized Culinary Arts students under the guidance of Certified Master Chefs and expert faculty, alongside handcrafted desserts, locally inspired beverages, live entertainment and exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the College’s award-winning culinary arts facilities.

More than an evening of exceptional food, CulEx offers a firsthand look at the hands-on education that has made Schoolcraft College a destination for culinary excellence, while raising critical support for student scholarships and innovative educational programs.

“CulEx is an extraordinary reflection of who we are as a college and as a community,” said Dawn Magretta, Executive Director of Advancement. “It combines exceptional food, remarkable talent and meaningful philanthropy into an unforgettable evening. Every guest

will experience the passion and creativity of our students while helping open doors for their futures.”

The evening will also celebrate the accomplishments of Schoolcraft College culinary alumni through the induction of this year’s Chef Squad honorees, which recognizes graduates whose leadership, creativity and professional achievements continue to shape Michigan’s vibrant restaurant community.

Savor the moment, support the mission. Proceeds from CulEx 2026 support student scholarships and programs through the Schoolcraft College Foundation. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now at scf.schoolcraft.edu or call 734-462-4400.

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people looking at a painting on the wall while a guide discusses the piece.

The Center for Experiential Learning recently held its second Summer Seminar, entitled “Embracing Detroit and its Environments,” educating students about the culture, makeup, politics, science and more that makes the city what it is.

While many of her fellow Schoolcraft College students were busy looking at art during a recent visit to the Detroit Institute of Arts, Odyssey Brown was looking at how the pieces got it in the building.

A Supply Chain Management and Business Administration student, Brown was mostly curious about figuring out how to properly place these priceless artifacts throughout the museum and how they were protected while en route on the institute’s floor.

“You have to import the art, export the art,” she said. “I’m looking at things through a logistics standpoint.”

A visit to the DIA was just one of several experiences for students in The Center for Experiential Learning’s second Summer Seminar, held Aug. 10-14. Entitled “Embracing Detroit and its Environments,” more than 20 students embarked on several trips to the Motor City to learn more about the culture, makeup, politics, science and more that makes the city what it is.

“This summer seminar is truly a great opportunity for our students to become more educated about Detroit and experience it in an unparalleled way.” -Errin Stegich-Moloney, Manager of the Center for Experiential Learning

Now in its second year, the summer seminar – a non-credit offering – serves as an interdisciplinary learning experience, combining classroom instruction with immersive experiences.

James Schoenkopf, an Honors Program student who moved to Michigan from California a few years back, said the program was a great opportunity to get to know his new home.

He saw the weeklong seminar as a good addition to his academic track, which includes completing an Associate Degree in General Studies. After that, he’s unsure of his specific pathway, but said the culinary arts may be calling to him.

“I might want to get back to working in restaurants. I’m missing that,” he said. “I like being in the heat of the action.”

A whole Detroit experience

In addition to the focus on local art, students focused on the ecological impact of the city through a visit to Belle Isle State Park – where students participated in service learning removing invasive species with the Department of Natural Resources – and wrapped up the week with a boat trip along the Detroit River.

“This summer seminar is truly a great opportunity for our students to become more educated about Detroit and experience it in an unparalleled way,” said Errin Stegich-Moloney, Manager of the Center for Experiential Learning. “Our students are passionate learners and have a better understanding of their community after this week.”

The trip to the DIA allowed students to explore the grandiose museum, which contains more than 65,000 pieces of art, one of the largest collections in the United States. In addition, special attention was paid to African American art, which students learned about during a tour led by a pair of DIA docents that helped students understand how art evolves over time.

It was Matthew Saval’s first trip to the DIA. He ended up walking away with a sense of wonder after seeing the incredible works of art throughout the museum.

“This place, the DIA, it’s so cool. I’m so glad I had a tour with some guidance for the first time,” he said. “I really love to learn about places in the places. And this is the epitome of that.”

The week was especially unique for Brown, who takes all her courses online through Schoolcraft’s Distance Learning due to her working a full-time job during the day. Having the opportunity to connect with her fellow students in-person made it that much more special for her.

“I love it. It’s great to interact with people,” Brown said. “Everything we’re doing, supply chain has some sort of aspect in everything that we have.”

a group of students and staff posing for a picture.

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The pioneering initiative awards college credit to participants who complete the building trades Registered Apprenticeship Programs.

A groundbreaking public/private collaboration with the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 2, the Michigan Community College Association and Michigan’s Labor and Economic Development Office (LEO) are pioneering a new workforce development model. The initiative integrates apprenticeship training and a learner’s experience into credit toward an associate degree at 24 Michigan community colleges.

The pioneering initiative awards college credit to participants who complete the building trades Registered Apprenticeship Programs. In the model, apprentices enrolled in the program will have access to tutoring, advising and student wellness services while learning in a hands-on environment connecting classroom learning with real-world application. Livonia-based Schoolcraft College is the first institution to adopt this new collaboration.

“We believe the MI-CCAP agreement is one of the first in the country to facilitate a transfer agreement to union workers. I thank Schoolcraft College President Dr. Glenn Cerny for leading the way to early adoption of this program,” said Susan Corbin, the director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Development. “This program enables past, current, and future apprentices to earn college credit for their on-the-job training. It opens doors to degrees and certifications that strengthen careers, support employers, and build a skilled, adaptable workforce across Michigan.”

A dual enrollment opportunity also exists for high school students to enroll in the program and graduate from high school with their diploma, complete an apprenticeship and earn credits toward a college degree.

“This partnership is one more tool for us to recruit and train union workers and leaders,” said Brett Gierak, president of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union Local 2 of Michigan. “The program is an opportunity for our workers to continue their education without having to start over.”

“By awarding college credit for apprenticeship, we are creating clear pathways for apprentices to further their education, gain additional skills and advance their careers to build a stronger workforce and support local employers,” said MCCA President Brandy Johnson.

This model is especially important as the Bricklayers Union and Schoolcraft College implement a new partnership funded in part by Congressionally Directed Spending, sponsored by U.S. Sen. Gary Peters and LEO.

“This agreement is meeting learners where they are and moving them forward statewide,” Cerny said. “Hands-on training while earning credit for this experience is vital to their successes. We look forward to welcoming these workers to Schoolcraft College as they continue their education and grow their skills.”

The Schoolcraft College Foundation played a significant part in supporting and securing funding for this partnership which will provide additional opportunities for Michigan residents to secure living wage-paying jobs, while providing an educational pathway to future careers if they choose to pursue them.

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A recent change in state law now allows applicants to apply for the scholarship beginning at age 21, down from its previous threshold of 25.

Since launching in 2021, the Michigan Reconnect scholarship has enabled thousands of people across Michigan to attend college. A recent expansion of the program from the state will allow even more to enroll at institutions such as Schoolcraft College.

Michigan Reconnect is a last-dollar scholarship program that covers in-district tuition for Michigan residents who do not already hold an associate degree or higher, regardless of their income level. Formerly, the criteria required recipients to be 25 years old or older. A recent change in state law now allows applicants to apply beginning at age 21.

That change is one that was critically important to Kaleb Aethyr, a Schoolcraft College alumnus who was a Michigan Reconnect scholar when the age restriction was temporarily dropped to 21 several years ago.
Aethyr said without that scholarship program, he would not have had an opportunity to attend school without Michigan Reconnect.

“That’s why I want so badly for this program get pushed down to 21,” he said. “It’s important to catch people when they’re 21, because if you lose them, they’re probably never going to come.”

With recent changes in the state budget making the age requirement permanent, this shift opens the door for even more people to attend college and earn a degree or certificate. Having a degree can open more economic opportunities: those with at least a two-year degree earn $7,500 more annually than those without one.
There are plenty of programs for students to consider at Schoolcraft College, including health professions, culinary arts, criminal justice, manufacturing, the liberal arts, science and more.

“Since Michigan Reconnect launched, we’ve seen an uptick in non-traditional students apply for admission and enroll. This program is a gamechanger by encouraging working adults to return to school and better their lives through education,” said Angela Ackman, director of admissions at Schoolcraft College. “No matter what a student’s goals are, we can help them figure out the best course of action to take when beginning their academic journey.”

Schoolcraft College has plenty of resources to assist students as they prepare, including information nights, one-on-one guidance sessions and more. To learn more about how Schoolcraft College can help you with Michigan Reconnect, visit schoolcraft.edu/reconnect.

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The beer, Never Been To Spain, won first place in the Belgian-Style Strong Blonde Ale category.

Add one more accolade to the Schoolcraft College Brewing and Distillation Technology’s trophy case.

The winning beer, Never Been To Spain, won first a gold medal in the Belgian-Style Strong Blonde Ale category in the 2026 U.S. Open Beer Championship earlier this month.

Tom Block, director of the Brewing and Distillation Technology program, describes the beer as bright with some spice, brewed with Belgian candy sugar, orange peel and coriander.

“We have been lucky enough to win a lot of awards for our beer here at the Schoolcraft brewery. I’m super proud of that,” Block said. “This most-recent recognition shows the type of quality product our students create, and their hard work has paid off in winning this gold medal.”

Since launching more than 10 years ago, the Schoolcraft Brewery has won more than 30 awards for its brews, which are all created by students in the College’s Vistatech Center.

Schoolcraft College was one of six Michigan-based breweries to earn recognition in the annual competition, one of the premier contests in the brewing world.

Curious about what an award-winning brew tastes like? Never Been to Spain is available in four-pack cans and on tap at The Craft Grille, Schoolcraft College’s brewpub located inside the Vistatech Center.

Those looking to join the craft beer industry can learn more about opportunities at an open house for the Brewing and Distillation Technology program taking place from 4-8 p.m. Aug. 13. Guests can meet faculty, take a tour of the brewhouse and learn more about how to enroll in the program. Those interested in attending can register here.

To learn more about the Brewing and Distillation Technology program, visit schoolcraft.edu/brewing.

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The fair’s main attraction is the heart health screening, where students will have the opportunity to have their hearts checked with a diagnostic screening.

Student athletes looking to get ready for the fall sports season can do so later this summer at Schoolcraft College’s Student Athlete Health and Wellness Fair.

Game Ready, a brand-new health event designed for student athletes, will take place from 4-8 p.m. Aug. 3 in the gym at the College’s Physical Education Building. There, visitors will have the opportunity to participate in several activities, including athletic performance testing, a recovery lounge and a shoe customization station. Visitors can also collect stamps from each booth to enter raffles to win items such as hydration kits, exercise gear and more.

The fair’s main attraction is the heart health screening, where students will have the opportunity to have their hearts checked with a diagnostic screening and EKG performed by Trinity Health medical practitioners. The heart checks can identify underlying heart conditions that could increase the risk of a serious cardiac event during exercise or competition.

Those interested in a heart check must register in advance, as slots are limited. Those interested in signing up can do so here.

“This wellness fair builds on our commitment to serving the community and their physical fitness needs. Student athletes compete at the highest level, and we want to make sure they’re safe,” said Patty Donohue Ebach, Director of Recreation Services at Schoolcraft College. “We are dedicated to students’ health and getting a heart check is a great way to reduce the chance a student athlete has a serious heart problem before they take the field this fall.”

Schoolcraft College is located at 18600 Haggerty Road in Livonia. The Schoolcraft College Recreation Services Department operates the College’s Fitness Center and offers other recreational and health program opportunities. To learn more, visit schoolcraft.edu/fitness-center.

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The event will provide services to active-duty and reserve members of the military, as well as veterans. Military spouses, children and other dependents seeking clarity on education and benefits are also encouraged to attend.

Schoolcraft College’s Mark L. Whitfield Veterans & Military Services Center welcomes the community to attend a Benefits Bootcamp this month.

Scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 30 in the College’s Vistatech Center, the Benefits Bootcamp will provide services to active-duty and reserve members of the military, as well as veterans. Military spouses, children and other dependents seeking clarity on education and benefits are also encouraged to attend.

Some of the services offered at the Benefits Bootcamp include:

  • Onsite verification and updates from the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and ID card services
  • DD-214 form support
  • GI Bill guidance
  • Education benefits counseling
  • Hands-on support for completing benefits applications

In addition, visitors can also meet with representatives from the State of Michigan Veteran Services Office and Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. Guests will also have the chance to meet with staff from the Mark L. Whitfield Veterans & Military Services Center at Schoolcraft College, which assists student veterans in their academic journey.

The event will take place in Room 460 in the Vistatech Center on the Schoolcraft College campus, 18600 Haggerty Road in Livonia. The event is free and open to the public, and no registration is required.

“This event is the perfect opportunity for veterans to access the benefits afforded to them by their valiant service in the military,” said Brent Landau, director of the Veterans Resource Center at Schoolcraft College. “Hosting such an event here allows us to bring these critical services to veterans and members of the military who live in the area, and we hope they come and learn more about their benefits.”