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Today for “Faculty Spotlight” we’re sitting down with Dennis Fohey, full-time Materials Science and Robotics Instructor (overseeing both Metallurgy and Plastics Technology) in the Metallurgy and Materials Science department at Schoolcraft College.

Schoolcraft College: Hello, Professor Fohey, and thanks for joining us today. To start, could you please share a bit about your background and career in the automotive industry? And then please tell us about your teaching career at Schoolcraft College.

Professor Fohey: Like the students I meet here at Schoolcraft College, I started out at a community college trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I was working toward an Engineering Technology degree when I was offered a co-op position at GM working in the test lab. I spent the next 11 years working in various lab roles testing the strength and fatigue performance of automotive components and systems – I was paid to break stuff. Great job and I learned lots. I continued my career supporting the development of structural components (frames, cradles, control arms) for cars and trucks. 

The opportunities I was given through the community college changed my life, and I always hoped to “give back.” When I was offered a position at Schoolcraft, I jumped at the chance. I started as a part-time instructor and eventually joined full time.

Schoolcraft College: How unique is Schoolcraft College in terms of offering a program in Metallurgy and Materials Science? And could you please give us a high-level description of the program, what students learn and some of the equipment we have in our labs?

Professor Fohey: Schoolcraft College is currently the only community college to offer a two-year degree for Metallurgy. Other schools offer a few courses without a lab or hands-on content.

Dennis Fohey operating a machine
Dennis Fohey, full-time Materials Science and Robotics Instructor (overseeing both Metallurgy and Plastics Technology) in the Metallurgy and Materials Science department.

Our program provides a basic understanding of commonly used industrial materials. We cover the methods used to strengthen material with alloying, heat treatment and cold working. We use different methods of manufacturing, including casting, forging, and stamping, as well as testing methods for evaluating materials for strength, toughness and microstructure. 

We complement our coursework with hands-on lab activities to reinforce students’ understanding. Lab work includes casting, forging, heat treatment, tensile hardness and impact testing.

Schoolcraft College: Something that you and your colleagues at the Manufacturing & Engineering Center excel at is bringing a wealth of real-world experience to the classroom and sharing that knowledge and imparting that passion to your students. What have been some of the success stories during your teaching career?

Professor Fohey:  It is great to see our students succeed. Our Manufacturing & Engineering Center (MEC) location is close to many industries that offer well-paying career opportunities. Over the years I’ve seen many of our students go out into the working world and prosper. 

Schoolcraft College: Automotive engineers face a daunting task of identifying and using materials that are light so they contribute to fuel/energy efficiency, yet are strong enough to withstand durability and crash-testing regimens. Can you please share a bit of insight on this process from your career?

Professor Fohey: The transportation industries are always pushing to find lighter and stronger materials to be used in their products. The steel industry, for example, has created many new grades of steel that are significantly stronger than their predecessors. These new materials require a different approach to the entire product development cycle, from the initial design concept, manufacturing, welding and even repair. 

Throughout my career, I’ve seen the development cycle constantly changing with the relentless push to be more efficient (lighter). Lightweighting is the process of removing weight from a component or assembly while maintaining the required properties, often by using new lightweight materials. It is used in the auto industry to build lighter cars and trucks as a way to achieve better fuel efficiency and handling. 

Improved safety requirements and recyclability also have changed development. The materials we use always play a significant role. Those who understand and learn about new materials and methods are valued by industry.

Schoolcraft College: What credentials are offered and what are some of the potential career paths from Metallurgy and Materials Science? Can students get a certificate and immediately be employed, or do they need to transfer for further education?

Professor Fohey: The program offers three Metallurgy and Materials Science credentials. You can start by earning the certificate, and if you are interested you can build on to earn an Associate degree, increasing your skills and pay. We also offer the Post Associate Certificate for those in the field.

  1. Metallurgy: Applied Physical Certificate: This program provides those currently employed in the field with an opportunity to develop or reinforce skills needed to advance in the laboratory or supporting organizations. 31 credits
  2. Metallurgy and Materials Science Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree: This is the only two-year program of its kind in the state of Michigan. It gives students broad knowledge of materials testing, manufacturing, and research and development needed for positions ranging from laboratory technician to plant manager. 62-67 credits
  3. Materials Science Post-Associate Certificate: This is designed for working technical professionals who need specific training in metallurgical technologies or laboratory practices. 16 credits

There are many local industries looking for support in these technical fields. I’ve seen our students take on roles in lab testing, material purchasing, technical sales, quality control and manufacturing technical support. 

Metallurgy and Materials Science supports many industries and careers. Industries include automotive, aerospace, appliance, building construction, energy production, and consumer products. 

  • Positions include Technician, Laboratory Technician, Process Engineer, Metallurgist/Welder, Materials Scientist, Plant Manager, Biomaterials Researcher and Industrial Sales.
  • With a Metallurgy Applied Physical Certificate – Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate equipment that cuts, shapes and forms metal and plastic materials or pieces. Earnings: $38,040 per year/$18.29 per hour*
  • With a Metallurgy and Materials Science AAS – Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture machines and other devices. Earnings: $60,460 per year/$29.07 per hour* 

* (2021 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Schoolcraft College: Thank you, Professor Fohey, for your time. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Professor Fohey: Stop by Schoolcraft College’s state-of-the-art facility, the MEC. We have an innovative center, advanced equipment and great staff to help support the growth of our students. 

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Student Eduardo Herrera-Perez shares his reflections.

Eduardo Herrera-Perez is a full-time student studying Business who plans to transfer to Wayne State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree. He is the President of the Schoolcraft College Business Club and a member of Phi Theta Kappa. Eduardo’s interests include running and traveling.

As a Hispanic, higher education is something I really take for granted. My entire family, including my parents, all went to college, and many are in their 30s and still attending college for nursing. Education is just something that’s in my family’s blood.

Eduardo Herrera-Perez
Schoolcraft College student Eduardo Herrera-Perez.

I want to identify myself as someone who accomplished something. As someone who worked their way up to something. And college is really the first step to this goal. Not only am I working myself up to my

career goal, but I am also making lifelong friends along the way. By the time I’m out in the real world, I will have a diploma that I can use for the rest of my life and lifelong friends. And that’s higher education in a nutshell! Make lifelong friends and earn a degree meant to give you a head start in life.

University has many meanings behind it. For instance, the one that we’ve heard everywhere is that it’s a place where people study to receive their undergrad degree and master’s. But there is another meaning behind the word “University.” Uni stands for United. A university is the only place other than a big metropolis where people from different races and backgrounds come together and unite to take classes together. And Schoolcraft College has made inclusion a top priority for their campus. 

At Schoolcraft, you will find yourself surrounded by many different cultures. You will see fliers for events for an array of cultural heritage events. And inside the Grote Center you will find the office for our Director of Equity and Engagement. Schoolcraft just meets all criteria for a community college focused on equity.

Hispanic Heritage Month means a lot for me as a Hispanic. It’s the month where I can celebrate my culture and feel proud of my ethnic background. It’s the month where all Hispanics come together to celebrate Hispanic culture! It’s the month where I can feel proud of who I am.

It’s a month of bondness with my culture.

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It’s free and will be from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, October 6

Those looking for a new career or to move up in their field are encouraged to attend Schoolcraft College’s free Fall Job Fair from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 6. The Fall Job Fair will be held in the TrinityElite Sports Performance Center (formerly called the St. Joe’s Mercy Elite Sports Center) on the campus of Schoolcraft College. 

More than 80 area employers, including ones from high-demand fields such as health care, law enforcement, hospitality, retail, education, business and more, are expected. In addition, the College’s Career Services department has partnered with the Schoolcraft Manufacturing & Engineering Center to add a new feature: a “fair within a fair” focusing on manufacturing and engineering jobs. 

No registration is required. 

People working tables at the fair present information to attendees
People working tables at the fair present information to attendees
More than 80 area employers are expected at the free Fall Job Fair from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, October 6, at Schoolcraft College.

“The job fair is open to the public – anyone can attend,” said Julie Hill, Director, Career Services. “We especially encourage students, their families and the community to attend – even if they aren’t looking for a job at this time – to learn more about the employers, what they have to offer, and to make that initial connection with what could be a future employer.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to network – you can meet representatives from local businesses and get valuable one-on-one time with them.”

Hill recommends that attendees should treat the Fall Job Fair as an informal job interview, and prepare and dress in workplace attire. If you bring your resume, make sure it’s up to date. If you need help with your resume, Career Services offers free assistance to anyone – students and community members alike.

For more information, contact Career Services by email at [email protected] or by phone at 734-462-4421. 

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All are invited to monthly book discussions

Pageturners, Schoolcraft College’s book club, has announced its Fall 2022 schedule with three selections that will captivate readers and create engaging discussions. These discussions, which are open to students, faculty, staff and community members, are facilitated by either an Honors student or one of the co-coordinators of Pageturners, Denise Schell, English Professor; or Wayne Pricer, Librarian.

“These conversations are very interactive,” Professor Schell said. “Everyone who attends is invited to share their opinions, reactions, insights, and overall impressions of the book.”

With the season about to officially turn to fall, the first book is both familiar and appropriate: “Frankenstein,” by Mary Shelley.

September: “Frankenstein”

“Frankenstein” will be discussed in September.

Synopsis: Young scientist Victor Frankenstein, grief-stricken over the death of his mother, sets out in a series of laboratory experiments testing the ability to create life from non-living matter. Soon, his experiments progress further until he creates a humanoid creature 8 feet tall. But as Frankenstein soon discovers, a successful experiment does not always equal a positive outcome.

  • Book discussion: 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 27, in BTC 120
  • Movie screening: 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 29, in McDowell 100 B and C

“Frankenstein” serves as a lead-in to the Schoolcraft College Theatre Department’s production of “The Gravedigger: A Frankenstein Story” by Joseph Zettelmaier and directed by Michael Alan Herman. You can learn more about the production on the theatre website. The first performance is Friday, October 28.

October: “On the Fringe: Where Science Meets Pseudoscience”

“On the Fringe: Where Science Meets Pseudoscience” will be discussed in October. 

For October, Pageturners continues its tradition of collaborating with Dr. Mark Huston, Professor of Philosophy and Liberal Arts, on his Humanities 190 book selection. This year’s work is “On the Fringe: Where Science Meets Pseudoscience” by Michael G. Gordin. Dr. Huston, one of the region’s foremost authorities on conspiracy theories, will moderate a panel discussion.

Synopsis: “On the Fringe: Where Science Meets Pseudoscience” explores the philosophical and historical attempts to address the problem of differentiating between genuine science and pseudoscience. This book argues that by understanding doctrines that are often seen as antithetical to science, we can learn a great deal about how science operated in the past and does today.

  • Book discussion: 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 25, in BTC 120
  • Panel discussion: 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 27, in McDowell 100 B and C

November: “True Biz”

“True Biz” will be discussed in November. 

The November selection is “True Biz” by Sara Novic. This book will be covered in collaboration with Dr. Deborah Burke and sections of her Psychology 229 course.

Synopsis: This is a story of sign language and lip-reading, disability and civil rights, isolation and injustice, first love and loss, and, above all, great persistence, daring and joy. Absorbing and assured, idiosyncratic and relatable, this is an unforgettable journey into the Deaf community and a universal celebration of human connection.

  • Book discussion: 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 15, in BTC 120
  • Movie screening of “CODA”: 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 17, in McDowell 100 B and C

Remote option available

A remote option will be available for the discussions. You also can join by phone at 1-571-392-7650 PIN: 819 517 4794.

“Our fall selections are an eclectic mix that has a little something for everyone,” said Wayne Pricer, Pageturners co-coordinator. “We invite everyone to attend for lively and insightful conversation.”

All book selections can be purchased from the Schoolcraft College Bookstore.

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Savings are available for two weeks starting September 19

If you’re a Schoolcraft College student, employee or alumni looking to add to or change up your professional wardrobe, the upcoming JCPenney Suit-Up Online event can help. 

In collaboration with the Hinkle Student Resource Center and the Student Activities Office, the JCPenney Suit-Up Online event will be held for two weeks from Monday, September 19, through Monday, October 3. Participants receive an extra 30% off on career and professional categories as defined by JCPenney. You can find the categories at jcpenney.com.

a group of professionals smiling at the camera
With the Fall Job Fair just around the corner, now is a great time to upgrade your professional wardrobe.

To participate, text the code schoolcraft to 67292 during the event dates of September 19-October 3 to receive the 30% off coupon. The coupon can be used online or in the store, and each coupon is good for one transaction. However, if another coupon is needed for other purchases, participants can text the same code to receive additional coupons. In addition, coupons can be used on sale items for optimal savings.

Just after the Suit-Up event is Schoolcraft College’s Fall Job Fair, with more than 80 area employers from a variety of businesses and industries, including health care, law enforcement, retail, hospitality, manufacturing, business, education and more. The Fall Job Fair will be from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 6, in the TrinityElite Sports Performance Center (formerly called the St. Joe’s Mercy Elite Sports Center).

“We’re grateful to JCPenney for offering this Suit-Up event for Schoolcraft College students, employees and alumni,” said Rhonda Donovan, Hinkle Student Resource Center Specialist. “This is a wonderful opportunity, especially for students who might need new clothes for a job interview, like at our upcoming Fall Job Fair, or new job. Plus, the two-week window of the event and the ability to shop online adds even more convenience.”

For more information about the Suit-Up event, please contact the Hinkle Student Resource Center by calling 734-462-4443 or emailing [email protected].

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Three have earned credentials; two more start this fall

It’s always gratifying to hear from families how Schoolcraft College met their educational needs. In the case of the Janisch family of Livonia, three have earned credentials and two more will start on that path this fall.

Proud Ocelot graduates are:

  • Cole Janisch, Associate in Arts, May 2013. He was an ambassador at Schoolcraft and in the honors program, then earned a bachelor’s degree from Aquinas College in 2015. He met his future wife while giving a tour at Schoolcraft.
  • Shelby Janisch, Certificate in Baking & Pastry Arts, May 2015; Associate in General Studies, May 2016. She worked as Chef Jeffrey Gabriel’s sous chef for two years after graduation as well as at several restaurants. Shelby currently uses her baking skills to make custom cakes.
  • Mary Janisch, Associate in Science August 2020; Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, May 2022. She is a registered nurse at Beaumont Hospital in Grosse Point and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing at Eastern Michigan University.

Cole was a student at Livonia Stevenson, while Shelby and Mary were homeschooled and took advantage of the dual enrollment option as juniors. In brief, dual enrollment allows high school students to earn college credits. 

The personal touch that Schoolcraft College offers is much appreciated by the Janisch family. (Note: No members of the Janisch family are shown in this photo.)

Two more members of the family, Eleanor and Peter, will be attending Schoolcraft this fall as dual-enrolled high school seniors. 

“They are unsure of their future careers at this point, but Schoolcraft will give them a great start for the foundation,” said Melissa Janisch, the mother.

Melissa said the entire experience with Schoolcraft College has been excellent.

“We like that Schoolcraft is close to our home and affordable but mostly, as we were reminded recently while our kids were taking their placement test and we were waiting for them, we like how kind everyone is who works there,” she said. “We were there in the hall for about three hours and everyone who walked by stopped to talk to us. They were all very supportive and enthusiastic about their jobs. Why wouldn’t you want to send your kids there?”

Added Randall, the father, “We also like the fact that our kids can get the basic classes at Schoolcraft without incurring any debt. When talking to other parents and students, we tell them that most students don’t really know what they want to study or change their area of study within the first year or so. Going to Schoolcraft in that time period is a great fit because it is affordable, convenient, and a quality education.”

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Special Olympics soccer tournament included teams from 25 countries

Thanks to the hard work of several departments across campus, Schoolcraft College proved to be an outstanding host for the Special Olympics Unified Cup 2022 presented by Toyota, which welcomed soccer players from around the world.

The St. Joe’s Sports Dome and the College’s soccer field were the sites of men’s preliminary matches August 1-5. In addition, the “Healthy Athletes” program came to the TrinityElite Sports Performance Center (previously named the St. Joe’s Mercy Elite Sports Center) to provide hearing and vision screenings as well as strategies for maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle, including nutrition and exercise, for the teams.

A total of 22 Special Olympics Unified teams totaling more than 300 players with and without intellectual disabilities (Unified partners) represented by 25 countries competed. You can read a full recap of the tournament online. 

soccer players in action
The Special Olympics Unified Cup brought together teams with players with and without intellectual disabilities. Morocco defeated the United States 3-0 in this match played Thursday, August 4, in the St. Joe’s Sports Dome on the campus of Schoolcraft College. Photo credit: Brian Glass/Special Olympics.

The combination of excellent facilities and a strong, collaborative attitude and expertise among the College’s Recreation, Conference and Events, Facilities, Culinary Operations and other departments made Schoolcraft College a natural site for this global competition.

Here are reactions from some of the various departments:

Matthew Cooper, Recreation Facilities Manager

“The Recreation Services team has been working with key representatives from Special Olympics and their partners for approximately one year through many facility tours, conference calls, and virtual walkthroughs. This event took a great amount of coordination and planning to pull off, so to see it come to fruition has been very exciting. 

table booths offering health screenings
The three-day Healthy Athletes program held in the TrinityElite Sports Performance Center offered health screenings and more to the teams. 

“We welcomed staff, volunteers, spectators, and athletes from across the country and around the globe, and we were thrilled to be able to showcase our venues to that crowd. In total, 10 different men’s international teams played at the St. Joe’s Sports Dome, and the competition was intense! We’ve always felt that our facilities were top-notch, and I think that was proved (August 1-5).

“Personally, I enjoyed getting to know the people working behind the scenes as well as the athletes who were so excited to be here.”

Heather Moore, Director of Culinary Operations

“Special Olympics was an awesome week for Culinary Operations. It was amazing to see everyone work together as a team to prepare and serve 1,750 wraps, 283 pounds of salad, 1,750 chips and 1,452 cookies! It was a great opportunity to internationally showcase Schoolcraft Culinary Operations. 

“We stayed with our value of fresh, high-quality food, and did not sacrifice that with any form of shortcuts, which is easy to try to justify with large volume. A special thanks to Chef Tom Clark for leading the kitchen to success! In addition to the large volume, we had the obstacle of Michigan August heat. 

“Thank you to everyone, especially Holly McDermott, who helped serve and keep our food at safe temperatures all week long. Be proud of the fact that you all have the power to rise above any situation and deliver the best results no matter the circumstances. Excellent work, and go Team Cul Ops!”

Kelly Wuorenma, Recreation Coordinator

“During the three-day Healthy Athletes program held in the TrinityElite Sports Performance Center, the energy from both the volunteers and athletes was incredible and infectious. This event accommodated every athlete from all 25 nations and allowed time for the athletes to visit each station. The stations provided were: Fun Fitness, Health Promotion, Opening Eyes, Pediatric Screening, Healthy Hearing and Special Smiles. Each station gave free exams and the necessary medical devices, such as glasses and hearing aids, and/or referrals. 

“During the second day, Miss America, Emma Broyles, stopped in to see all the wonderful things the volunteers were doing for the athletes. She toured every station, asked questions, took pictures with anyone who asked and was very appreciative for the work being done. 

Everything went smoothly, and I received several compliments on the facility. One of the representatives from Starkey, the Healthy Hearing station, said it was the best venue he’d ever been to and didn’t feel sore after being on his feet all day! They also loved the food from the Elite Market & Smoothie Bar and were grateful for the air conditioning when it was 90-plus degrees. Overall, everything went well, and we all learned so much from the Unified Cup.

“I also want to mention that our Facilities team was amazing. From helping to unload the heavy sound booths to keeping the fields and TrinityElite Sports Performance Center clean, they did a fantastic job!”

Lisa Meinzinger-Abraham, Account Manager, Conference and Event Services

“Outstanding! This is the word that comes to mind when looking back at the hospitality shown by Schoolcraft College and each department from beginning to end. Athletics happily hosted multiple guided tours for the Special Olympics International team, and Culinary Operations pulled off extraordinary large-scale (multiple) daily lunch deliveries with precision and grace. 

Matthew Cooper and Miss America, Emma Broyles
The Special Olympics Unified Cup drew several VIPs to campus, including Miss America, Emma Broyles, who is with Matthew Cooper, Recreation Facilities Manager.

“Shipping and Receiving went above and beyond for months ahead of time to deliver items to their POD as well as last-minute oversized items on site. They even offered to pick up a freezer from Home Depot! Facilities staff members were flexible and demonstrated their usual brand of hard work and timeliness. Media was on-point being tasked with providing clear sound on media-bare fields, while shielding expensive equipment from the elements. Chief Engstrom and Campus Police were ever-patient and helpful, as always. 

“Leading up to the event, Conference & Event Services tirelessly tweaked contract requirements, paying special attention not to leave out any details. This event required three separate detailed contracts totaling 55 pages, and countless hours spent on site to ensure all needs were defined and carried out according to the Special Olympics’ needs. 

“I’m not going to sugarcoat it and say this event went off without a hitch as there were some 800-pound bumps in the road (called sound booths). Fortunately, these challenges make us stronger as a team and make every event better than the next. It’s not often we get to be part of an event that wholeheartedly promotes inclusion and impacts individuals and communities all over the world. To see the smiles on the athletes’ faces and the cheers at the Unified Cup awards’ ceremony was truly worth every step.”

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Schoolcraft President Dr. Glenn Cerny joins panel discussion

Finding ways to continue to build Michigan’s workforce and raise the education level of its citizens were among the topics presented in a far-reaching program held Wednesday, August 10, in the DiPonio Room of the VisTaTech Center.

Schoolcraft College President Dr. Glenn Cerny participated in a panel discussion that followed the presentation of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and the Bureau of Labor Market Information’s (LMI) “Hot 50 Job Outlook Through 2030.” Download the report.

The overall jobs outlook is positive for Michigan, with a gain of about 375,000 jobs projected for each year over the period, representing growth of almost 9%. A key factor in that projected growth is that the baby-boom generation, defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as those born between 1946 and 1964, continues to age out of the workforce.

Dr. Cerny and Kim Trent during the panel. Dr. Cerny is speaking
Schoolcraft President Dr. Glenn Cerny makes a point about how Schoolcraft College prepares its students to succeed in the workforce. Next to Dr. Cerny is Kim Trent, Deputy Director – Prosperity, Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity (LEO), who moderated the discussion.

Fields such as manufacturing and health care are among those affected. This is why Schoolcraft College, based on careful analysis and regular dialogues with business and industry leaders, invested in the Manufacturing & Engineering Center, which opened in the summer of 2020, and the Health Sciences Center, which opened to partial occupancy earlier this year and will be at full capacity for the Fall 2022 semester.

“The manufacturing and the health care sectors have been the core piece of the College for the past four to five years,” Dr. Cerny said. “We’ve heard the familiar story about resupplying the workforce, so we’ve been working extensively with our business partners to make sure we can address that.”

In addition to the many programs that lead directly to good jobs in high-demand careers, Schoolcraft College also offers a path to a bachelor’s degree.

“Almost half of students who complete a bachelor’s degree start at a community college,” Dr. Cerny said. “I don’t think people realize that. That’s a very important statistic, and it’s probably going to grow because of the economy.”

Dr. Cerny was joined on the panel by key educational and business leaders:

  • Jena Baker-Calloway, Director, Michigan State University Detroit Center
  • Mashell Carissimi, CEO and Owner, JMC Electrical Contractor, LLC
  • Jan Harrington David, Vice President for Talent Acquisition, EEO Diversity & Workforce Solutions, Henry Ford Health System
Jena Baker-Calloway, Dr. Cerny, Kim Trent, Jan Harrington David
Joining Schoolcraft President Dr. Glenn Cerny on the panel discussion were (left to right) Jena Baker-Calloway, Director, Michigan State University Detroit Center; Dr. Cerny; Kim Trent, Deputy Director – Prosperity, Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity (LEO), who moderated the discussion; Mashell Carissimi, CEO and Owner, JMC Electrical Contractor, LLC; and (not shown) Jan Harrington David, Vice President for Talent Acquisition, EEO Diversity & Workforce Solutions, Henry Ford Health System.

Kim Trent, Deputy Director – Prosperity, Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity (LEO), moderated the discussion.

Intertwined with workforce development is improving the education and skills of Michigan citizens through programs like Michigan Reconnect. 

Michigan Reconnect allows Michigan residents who are 25 or older and without a college degree to attend community college, such as Schoolcraft College, for free. This program covers the resident tuition rate, fees and more to allow Michiganders to pursue Pell Grant-eligible associate degrees and occupational certificates.

“I can’t tell you how much Michigan Reconnect has meant; we definitely have seen an influx of older students,” said Dr. Cerny, noting that funding for wraparound services to help students with issues such as child care are critical to ensure success.

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Schoolcraft has won 37 medals overall since 2017

The medal count for Schoolcraft College’s acclaimed Brewing and Distillation Technology program keeps rising and now stands at 37 following another excellent performance in the 2022 U.S. Open College Beer Championship and the 2022 U.S Open Beer Championship. 

Schoolcraft brought home two gold medals (Haggerty IPA and Grand Cru) and one silver medal (College Pale Ale) in the college competition, which is in its sixth year and is for colleges and universities that teach brewing courses. Schoolcraft College also tied for second overall.

Here’s a brief description of those award-winning beers:

Haggerty IPA

  • Classic American India Pale Ale has a touch of rye malt to enhance the malt character, and a high bitterness from the use of Simcoe hops. Piney and fruity notes.

Grand Cru

  • Golden in color, this strong Belgian-style ale has notes of bready malt alongside a touch of fruitiness and spice from both the Belgian yeast strain, and the addition of coriander and orange peel.

College Pale Ale

  • Brewed with pale malts and Australian Galaxy hops, this American Pale Ale has aromas of crackery malt and tropical fruit. Moderate bitterness.
Group of people in brewing distillery
Students in the Brewing and Distillation Technology program learn in a working brewery.

“We are always honored to have our beer win medals against our peers and fellow brewers,” said Thomas Block, Director of the Brewing and Distillation Technology program. “Our faculty is top-notch and our brewery on campus is second to none compared with other brewing schools. We focus on process in the brewery and the program. If the process is solid, the beer will be as well.”

All beers were submitted by one of each school’s brewing professors/instructors, and each school could enter up to four beers of their own choosing. Those four entries were judged according to the U.S. Open Style Standards.

In addition, each school was invited to submit a beer from a specific category to be judged head-to-head according to the U.S. Open Style Standards. This year’s category was German Kölsch, with Schoolcraft College earning a bronze medal. Here’s a description of that beer:

275 Kolsch-Style

  • A golden beer based on a German classic, soft maltiness, low bitterness and a crisp finish with just a touch of spice aroma from German hops.

In the U.S. Open Beer Championship, Schoolcraft won a silver medal in the Altbier category for its German Alt.

The U.S. Open Beer Championship judges more beer styles than any other competition in the world, with more than 9,000 brews representing over 150 styles of beer to be judged, along with home brews that have medaled at the 2021 American Homebrew Association’s national competition.

About Schoolcraft’s program

Students learn the brewing science to craft award-winning beer in a state-of-the-art brewery that’s the largest of any brewing program in Michigan. State-of-the-art analytical equipment measures alcohol percentage, bitterness, CO2 volume, dissolved oxygen, color and more to craft a superior beer.

The 360-degree approach helps students learn the real-world aspects of the beer and distilled spirits industry, including:

  • Business and operations
  • Product finishing and packaging
  • Draught systems management
  • Beer history and customer service

Schoolcraft’s six faculty members have experience as head brewers, brewmasters, owners, buyers, sales managers and more, with over 100 years of combined experience in the craft beer industry. Students learn their skills in an actual brewery that features:

  • A 7-barrel brewhouse
  • Six 7-barrel fermenters
  • Two 3.5-barrel fermenters
  • Three 7-barrel “Brite” tanks for conditioning
  • One 2-head bottling line
  • One 2-head canning line
  • One crowler machine

To learn more about Schoolcraft College’s Brewing and Distillation Technology program, please go to schoolcraft.edu/beer

Registration for the Fall 2022 semester is now open. Classes start Monday, August 29.

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Public invited to comment by phone or email on Tuesday, August 23

The Schoolcraft College Police Department strives to be a leading agency, which is why it will welcome a team of assessors from the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (MLEAC) on Monday, August 22. This group will examine all aspects of the Schoolcraft College Police Department policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services.

Verification by the team that the Schoolcraft College Police Department meets MLEAC’s best-practice standards is part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence. The department must comply with 105 standards in order to achieve accredited status. 

Currently, out of 571 police agencies in the state of Michigan, only 47 are accredited; Schoolcraft College would be only the fourth college/university police department to achieve that status.

police officer with children
Community outreach is an area of focus for the Schoolcraft College Police Department.

“Accreditation results in greater accountability within the agency, reduced risk and liability exposure, stronger defense against civil lawsuits, increased community advocacy, and greater confidence in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs,” Chief Mark Engstrom said.

The Schoolcraft College Police Department, which operates 24 hours a day every day, consists of:

  • A police chief
  • A lieutenant
  • Three sergeants
  • An office manager
  • Eight full-time officers
  • Seven part-time officers
  • A detective
  • Four full-time Intelligence Operations Center technicians
  • A part-time technician

Invitation to comment

As part of this final On-Site Assessment, employees and members of the general public are invited to provide comments to the Assessment Team. They may do so by telephone or email. The public may call 734-462-4688 on Tuesday, August 23, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Email comments can be sent to [email protected].

Telephone comments are limited to five (5) minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the Commission’s standards. A copy of the standards is available for inspection at the Schoolcraft College Police Department, 18600 Haggerty Road, Livonia, MI 48152. The police department is in the lower level of the Jeffress Center, and office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please contact Chief Mark Engstrom at 734-462-4424 with any questions.

The Accreditation Program Manager for the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police is Ret. Chief Neal Rossow. “The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar Michigan law enforcement agencies,” Rossow said. “The assessors will review written materials, interview agency members, and visit offices and other places where compliance with the standards can be observed. Once the assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report to the full Commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status.”

police officer
Mark Engstrom, Chief of the Schoolcraft College Police Department

Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Schoolcraft College Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to email the Accreditation Program manager at [email protected] or write the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 3474 Alaiedon Pkwy, Suite 600, Okemos, MI 48864.

Accreditation is valid for a three-year period during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited. 

The MACP, through its Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, is the legitimate authority and accreditation agency in the state of Michigan. For more information regarding the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, please write the Commission at: MACP, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 3474 Alaiedon Pkwy, Suite 600, Okemos, MI 48864 or email at [email protected]. 

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Student Madison Ling graciously shares her perspective

The month of July is Disability Pride Month, and 2022 marks 32 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed into law, prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. 

The first Disability Pride Day event, after the Act was passed, was held in Boston, Massachusetts, later turning into a month-long celebration. The month-long events include making the statement that disabilities are an identity and culture that should be celebrated and that societies structures have to be changed to allow for whole and meaningful participation however someone shows up. 

The Social Model of Disability “looks for ways that society can be planned and organized in order to provide accessibility, independence and opportunity in a way that enables people rather than ‘disables’ them.”

This is a key point for TaQuilla Kusero, Schoolcraft College’s Director of Equity and Engagement. 

“While the ADA creates a base for ensuring that organizations make legal accommodations, how do we go above and beyond that to create a campus that removes barriers and fully empowers people with disabilities to reach their full potential on campus?” she asked.

These questions are all tied to the College’s IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) pillar built into the Strategic Plan. In brief, through meaningful actions, the College will ensure that IDEA is woven into the fabric of everything done for students, faculty and staff.

Schoolcraft College student Madison Ling with Livonia Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan.
Schoolcraft College student Madison Ling with Livonia Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan.

Madison Ling, a current Schoolcraft College student who has served the campus in a variety of leadership roles, graciously offered the following perspective:

Schoolcraft resembles a home, community, and all-encompassing experience that I didn’t know was missing from my life until it was there. Living a life with a disability, or as any minority, is not inspirational, nor is it for the faint of heart – it’s reality. There are inconceivable challenges and complications that come attached to any given condition and that give way to frustration, pain, and heartache – feelings and thoughts that are more crippling than any physiologically induced condition by far.

There was a time when I viewed myself as limitless without the slightest uncertainty. Over time, life’s trials and tribulations truly made me begin to question the validity of this inherent belief. Health complications, societally inflicted ableism (whether intentional or not), and ensuing self-doubt were the true source of paralysis in my teen years, not my disability. My mind, once an impenetrable fortress, was crumbling for the first time. My philosophy “I can’t is not an option, but I can try is” and the unshakable confidence I once had in my adaptability were waning. Just when I thought I was down for the count, I came to Schoolcraft College and everything changed.

While I would like to think I took the College by storm, the truth is that this campus and our treasured community took me by the hand, reminded me who I’ve always been, and what life can be with the right support behind you. I went from taking community transit to becoming an independent driver, a young adult unsure of her place in the workforce to a proud student employee, and a socially timid recluse to a decorated student leader that leads with gratitude for where I’ve been and where I’m going. My mindset with regard to the future and my goals have transitioned from “That’s impossible” to “Maybe, I can try” to “Of course I can do that. I am Madison Ling and I’m an unstoppable Ocelot.”

All of this is because I made the #CCSmart decision to come here. I’m unbelievably grateful to have a community composed of friends, faculty/staff, police officers, and an incredible College President that have a healthy balance of being my greatest supporters and being a safety net should I ever fall. Most of all, I’m Ocelot Proud to see the changes developing on our campus and to be a part of making Schoolcraft College a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable place for all.”

Below are some additional resources:

What is the Social Model of Disability and what do the Disability Pride Flag colors mean? 

Schoolcraft College Disability Support Services

Interview with Edythe (Edee) Copeland of the Michigan Works! Association

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Registration is now open

A wide range of new courses, including exploring Detroit’s rich history, improving culinary skills and preparing for key professional certifications, highlight the Fall 2022 schedule for Schoolcraft College’s continuing education department, Personal and Professional Learning (PPL).

Registration is now open. Over 400 courses in a variety of areas, including fitness, aquatics, art, music, languages, culinary, photography and professional development, are offered.

Infographic depicting the roles of project management
New for PPL’s Fall 2022 schedule is a Project Management Professional (PMP®) Exam Preparation course for those pursuing PMP Certification.

A key focus for PPL has been to increase class offerings for professional development. New for the fall is a Project Management Professional (PMP®) Exam Preparation course for those pursuing PMP Certification. Topics include domains and tasks from the PMP® Examination Content Outline, such as building a team, managing communications and benefits realization. 

Returning to the program lineup this fall is Level One of the Digital Sculpting with Autodesk Alias. This is a four-class certificate program, with Level One offered in the fall only. Digital sculpting is used by professionals in the automotive industry as well other fields requiring skilled surface design. Learn more about Schoolcraft College’s Digital Sculpting program. 

PPL also will provide more online career training with self-paced programs in Information Technology, Accounts Payable, Management, Video Game Design and more.

Enrichment opportunities

In addition to expanded offerings geared toward professional development, PPL will have more than 20 new enrichment courses this fall, including:

Two people on a dance floor
Nightclub Two-Step is one of the new courses offered in PPL’s Fall 2022 schedule.
  • Nightclub Two-Step
  • Present Moment Meditation: Lifestyle Skills
  • Travel Photography
  • Sweater Knitting
  • Passion for Chocolates
  • Introduction to Food & Wine Pairing
  • Self Defense

Popular courses such as yoga and aquatics will continue to be offered as well.

While some PPL courses are completed over the course of several weeks, others take just a few hours. This includes the Dine & Discover and Conversation & Coffee series. Six new lectures are available for the fall, highlighted by:

  • Haunted Detroit (Dine & Discover)
  • Lost Restaurants of Detroit (Dine & Discover)
  • Sherlock Holmes: The Hero With a Thousand Faces (Conversation & Coffee)

Dine & Discover includes a full buffet lunch with vegetarian and gluten-free options. All proceeds support youth and adult scholarships. Light refreshments are served at Conversation & Coffee.

“We’re very excited about our Fall 2022 schedule, which includes several new offerings in addition to our popular fitness classes,” said Dr. Jodie Beckley, Director, Personal and Professional Learning. “We look forward to welcoming our returning students in their favorite courses, trying out a new activity or expanding their professional skills. We also encourage new students to explore what PPL is all about – there really is something for everyone!”