Thank you for your support!

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Dr. Glenn Cerny, President of Schoolcraft College, thanks voters for their support of the College’s millage renewal.

I want to personally thank all the voters who cast their ballots in the Schoolcraft College millage renewal this year. Unofficial results show our community overwhelmingly supported this effort by a 2-to-1 margin, a testament to the importance education plays in our region.

Without your support, Schoolcraft College could not be the beacon it has been in northwest Wayne County. In addition to providing top-quality education to our students, Schoolcraft College plays a pivotal role in serving the greater community and enriching our local businesses and residents.

We’re so thankful for your support of the millage, which will provide stable revenue for the College through 2038. This backing will allow the College to better budget in the coming years, as well as provides meaningful support for programs that benefit the community.

We will continue to evolve and support an ever-changing educational landscape to better serve our constituents, including our talented students. We thank you for your trust and look forward to working with you in the coming years to make Schoolcraft College the best it can be.

With much appreciation,

Dr. Glenn Cerny
President, Schoolcraft College

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Directed by Schoolcraft Theatre faculty member Paul Beer, The Real Inspector Hound is a send-up of popular English country-house whodunit mysteries.

The Schoolcraft Theatre Department is pleased to present Tom Stoppard’s farce, The Real Inspector Hound, Nov. 6-7 in the James R. Hartman Theatre in the Liberal Arts Building.

Directed by Schoolcraft Theatre faculty member Paul Beer, The Real Inspector Hound is a send-up of popular English country-house whodunit mysteries like Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap. It’s a delightful comedy, with a play within the play and a twist within the twist. Audiences will laugh and maybe be a bit confused, but only for a moment.

Set in a theatre, the play within the play is set in Muldoon Manor, a fancy mansion surrounded by swamps and located near a cliff. This setup means all the characters cannot leave, meaning one of them must be the crook.

The play features a cast and crew of Schoolcraft students and alumni, including several actors who are making their debut on our stage.

“This play is challenging for actors since a farce is highly choreographed, while still demanding the care and attention of spontaneous reactions from the characters,” Beer said.

British playwright Tom Stoppard wrote over 35 plays and 14 screenplays in his career, including Rosencranz and Guildenstern Are Dead and Shakespeare in Love.

Performances are on Friday, Nov. 6 at 7:30 pm, and Saturday, Nov. 7 at 2 pm and 7:30 pm. Tickets for all performances are $15 and $10 for all students. Learn more at schoolcraft.edu/theatre.

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In addition to working as a chef for the College’s Culinary Operations department, Chef Yu also instructs PPL students in taekwondo, a passion of his for decades.

Martial arts have played a major role in Chef Steve Yu’s life since he was a child.

The son of a legendary taekwondo instructor, Yu’s passion has burned for the practice since he was 11. Since then, he’s won countless awards, medals and recognition for his skills.

Now, 20 years after leading classes in a dojo, Yu is back in front of students: the executive chef for Schoolcraft College’s Culinary Operations takes off his chef whites for a dobok at the end of the workday, teaching taekwondo for the College’s Personal & Professional Learning students.

“It was like riding a bike where it all starts coming back to you and then some,” Yu said. “All this new knowledge I’ve gained over the last 20 years from culinary can now be applied to this martial arts class as well.”

The son of a legendary taekwondo grand master who immigrated to the United States from Korea, Yu found his rhythm in the martial arts while he was young. He’s participated in hundreds of competitions, even appearing on ESPN for his talents.

While always having a passion for taekwondo, Yu knew he wanted to find another career. So, he turned to cooking. Knowing the Culinary Arts program at Schoolcraft College was exquisite, he moved to western Wayne County and enrolled. Since graduating, Yu has worked as an executive chef at La Bistecca Italian Grille in Plymouth Township, Walnut Creek Country Club in Lyon Township and finally in the Schoolcraft College kitchens for the Culinary Operations team.

But that itch for teaching martial arts was still with him. So, he approached leadership about teaching here at Schoolcraft College and began teaching Martial Arts Fusion: Tang Soo Do/Tae Knon Do earlier this year. He continued teaching during the spring semester and is hosting another class in the fall.

One of Yu’s students, Zoe Irvin, said she had always been interested in learning martial arts, but it always seemed intimidating to sign up. It wasn’t until she attended Otaku U, the annual anime convention put on by the College’s Student Activities Office and attended a cooking demonstration by Yu that the idea of learning martial arts came up.

“At the end of the presentation, the chef mentioned his new martial arts class at the college,” she said. “The way he taught and explained cooking and the passion with which he spoke of martial arts, we knew he’d be a great taekwondo instructor. We were hooked. All of us quickly signed up for his first class.

“And just like that, Chef Steve became Master Yu.”

Passions collide

person frying vegetables over a stove

Yu said cooking and martial arts have plenty of similarities, which makes for a nice blend of his two passions: cooking and the martial arts.

“The repetition, the self-motivation, the attention to detail. When it comes to food versus a punch, the attention to detail is everything,” Yu said. “It’s really the mental training and the muscle memory that comes in both.”

That passion has been seen by his students, who have embraced his compassion and knowledge.

“He answers questions, re-explains, and demonstrates as many times as we need with true expertise, zero judgment, and a sense of humor,” Irvin said. “He is always ready to meet you where you are at, even if that is different from others in class.”

“All this new knowledge I’ve gained over the last 20 years from culinary can now be applied to this martial arts class as well.” -Chef Steve Yu

His course has turned out to be quite popular, with more students joining each semester. Ashley Garringer, Director of PPL, said having Yu as an instructor is a huge benefit for the students.

“Our instructors bring their expertise to their courses, and having a someone with the caliber of knowledge like Chef Steve is huge win for our students,” she said. “His class has been a great addition to our catalog, and we hope more people enroll in the coming semesters.”

Interested in learning taekwondo or another martial arts class? Registration for Fall 2026 PPL courses are now available. Visit schoolcraft.edu/ppl to view the upcoming course catalog and learn how to sign up for classes.

Returning to classroom teaching has been just as beneficial for Yu. And given his competitive mindset, he put in all he can to make sure his students learn the art.

“Everything in life has to be at 100% or more and that includes this,” Yu said. “I took enough of a break. I have all this knowledge and I don’t want it to go to waste.”

Irvin plans to learn as much as she can from Yu: already an orange belt, she said she can’t wait to see how much she can learn through his class. Anyone interested in learning, she said, she plan to sign up

“The class is a wonderful way to exercise, make connections, and learn many new skills,” she said. “It’s not just a martial arts class, but a new perspective and lifestyle. I would recommend this course to anyone who these words have resonated with. Come join us!”

Registration for the PPL Winter semester opens Nov. 11, with aquatics course registration opening Nov. 10. To see a list of courses, visit schoolcraft.edu/ppl.

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The funding will support Schoolcraft’s capabilities to address the growing demand for skilled workers in maritime manufacturing, focusing on the areas of welding, CNC machining, industrial maintenance, electrical systems, robotics and automation.

Schoolcraft College has been awarded **$**630,876 through the Michigan Industry-Driven Skills Training Program (MIDSTP) to expand advanced manufacturing training opportunities and strengthen the skilled workforce pipeline in southeast Michigan.

MIDSTP is a statewide effort by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to strengthen Michigan’s maritime and advanced manufacturing talent pipeline.

“Schoolcraft College’s workforce development mission closely aligns with MIDSTP’s focus on industry-led competency-based training that prepares workers for high-wage, high-demand occupation,” said Dr. Glenn Cerny, President of Schoolcraft College. “This project will deliver measurable workforce outcomes to support Michigan’s priority manufacturing sectors including mobility, defense, and maritime industries.”

The MIDSTP project will support Schoolcraft’s capabilities to address the growing demand for skilled workers in maritime manufacturing, focusing on the areas of welding, CNC machining, industrial maintenance, electrical systems, robotics and automation. Aligning training with the specific skills needed by regional employers and the broader maritime and manufacturing industries will be a critical element of this project. In addition, the award will be used for high-tech equipment purchases and upgrades, professional development for instructors, recruitment efforts, and improvements to training spaces.

“Schoolcraft has extensive experience delivering customized training, non-credit workforce programs, apprenticeships, and incumbent worker training designed around employer-defined competencies,” said Amy Jones, Executive Director of Workforce Development at Schoolcraft College. “This award will help us double-down on our partnerships to deliver industry-aligned training that will expand the advanced manufacturing workforce in Southeast Michigan.”

The project will operate through June 30, 2029, providing Schoolcraft with an opportunity to expand its advanced manufacturing training capacity, strengthen employer partnerships, and develop new pathways into skilled technical careers.

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The Center connects students with four-year colleges and universities by providing meeting space for representatives and resources to help students plan their next steps.

A new office at Schoolcraft College will provide dedicated support to students planning to transfer to a four-year institution.

The College’s new Transfer Center, located in Room 035 of the McDowell Center, helps students connect with four-year colleges and universities by providing meeting space for representatives and resources to help students plan their next steps.

Students planning to continue their education after Schoolcraft College can learn which classes they need to take to meet the requirements of the four-year institution they plan to attend. The center also provides resources to help students better understand the transfer process and make informed decisions about their educational goals.

“Once a student decides they want to transfer, that’s the point they should come see us,” said Rachael Szymanski, Schoolcraft College’s Transfer Coordinator and an academic advisor. “We aim to provide that soft handoff between us and the four-year institution so students can meet with them here and make connections now.”

National data show that many community college students intend to transfer to another institution, though a much smaller percentage ultimately transfer or earn a bachelor’s degree.

The most recent data show Schoolcraft College has a 29% transfer-out rate, with the top transfer destinations being Wayne State University, Eastern Michigan University, Michigan State University and the University of Michigan.

The Transfer Center can assist students interested in transferring to public and private institutions in Michigan, as well as colleges and universities outside the state. Students can receive resources specific to the institution they wish to attend and connect directly with representatives from those schools.

Students interested in transferring are encouraged to visit the Transfer Center when representatives from their desired institutions are on campus. Representatives will now meet with students in the Transfer Center’s two meeting spaces. A full schedule is available at schoolcraft.edu/transfer.

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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.