mlemon

June 6, 2022 by mlemon

Brynne Barnes started the work in 2015

English Professor Brynne Barnes is a prolific author of children’s books, with a focus on celebrating living in a diverse world. Her latest work is Black Girl Rising, which is to be released on Tuesday, June 28, everywhere books are sold. Professor Barnes graciously answered the following questions to provide insight into her books, her creative process and what’s next.

Q: Please tell us a little about your latest work, Black Girl Rising. What’s it about, what inspired you to write it, when did you start and when did you finish?

Professor Barnes: This is a love letter to Black girls, to Black girlhood, to women everywhere. It’s the book I needed, wanted to read as a girl. This is a tribute to our younger selves and our present selves. Children’s literature has a way of reminding us of all the most important things – to listen to ourselves, our inner voices about what we can do, who we are, and who we can be. It’s not up to the world to tell us who we are; it’s our job to tell the world. I first started this book in 2015 (if you can believe it) and completed it by 2016. It sold in 2017.

Q: Can you give us some insight into your creative process? How do you connect with your “muse”?

A copy of "Black Girl Rising" — *Black Girl Rising* will be released June 28.

Professor Barnes: For me, it all starts with a verse and a voice. When I hear something that catches my ear, I write it down; it keeps playing in my mind over and over again like a record spinning round and round. Then, I hear something else — another verse, and so on and so forth. The more I write, the more I hear. This voice actually took me by surprise, and it intrigued me because it sounds like someone doubting herself, playing back the voices that tell her she can’t, she shouldn’t, she won’t, she’s not enough, or she’s too much.

These are all things that we’ve heard before in some way, shape, or form. When we internalize doubt like that – what others tell us – we cannot hear the truth about how magically wonderful we truly are. That’s the thing – the light is always there. We just have to let it shine and get to know ourselves for who we truly are.

Q: What sort of relationship do you have with the illustrators of your books? Do you communicate or how does that work?

Professor Barnes: Great question! In most cases, we do not communicate until after the book is done. However, with my last two titles — Books Do Not Have Wings and now, Black Girl Rising — I was very involved. My editor, the art director, the illustrator, and I discussed our concepts for the illustrations and how they might come to life on the page along with the words. I actually ended up making a mock-up of the book with the words on the page and photographs that depicted certain ideas I had about conceptualizing the visual story.

Q: When we last chatted last year, you had a couple of other books in the pipeline. Can you give us any update on those?

Portrait photo of Brynne Barnes — Brynne Barnes is the author of *Black Girl Rising.*

Professor Barnes: Yes, I’m happy to say that Chronicle will be releasing the sequel to Black Girl Rising entitled Black Boy Rising in 2025. The book that Simon & Schuster picked up, When I See You, will be releasing in September of 2023.

Q: You’ve been an English Professor at Schoolcraft College since 2014. As it appears we’ve finally emerged from the pandemic, what are some of the lessons you’ll take away as a teacher moving forward?

Professor Barnes: I’ve learned that nothing compares to the human connection; this is the cornerstone of everything that we do as professors. The more invested you are in reaching your students, the more you’ll find yourself inspired.

Q: Thank you, Professor Barnes. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Professor Barnes: Writing and teaching are great acts of love, and it is my greatest joy to share my greatest loves with the Schoolcraft family and children around the world.

May 31, 2022 by mlemon

Clarenceville Middle School students learned about a variety of programs

In an effort to begin exposing potential students to the many programs and potential career paths Schoolcraft College has to offer, the College piloted a career exploration program with Clarenceville Middle School this past year.

Called the Middle School Career Awareness Program (M-CAP), this dynamic, hands-on initiative allowed eighth-graders to explore:

Public Safety
Manufacturing and Engineering
Business and Technology
Culinary Arts
Health Care

Community leaders at a banquet table — Attending the Middle School Career Awareness Program celebration banquet were (left to right): Joan A. Gebhardt, Chair of the Board of Trustees; David Lawrence, Executive Vice President and CAO, AlphaUSA; Dillon E. Breen, Trustee; Carol M. Strom, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees; Dr. Glenn Cerny, Schoolcraft College President; and Stacy Whiddon, Chief Academic Officer.

The students arrived from Clarenceville in the morning and saw concepts and ideas come to life by Schoolcraft College faculty. This included learning how put out a fire, using a CNC* laser to engrave a name plate, tracking a smartphone through the supply chain process, exploring how chemistry is a key ingredient in the culinary arts, and learning how to care for a patient. (All activities were safely and directly supervised by Schoolcraft College faculty and staff.)

Students then enjoyed lunch at Schoolcraft College before returning to Clarenceville Middle School.

Participating Clarenceville Middle School eighth-graders, parents, guardians, friends and administration were invited to a celebration banquet on Tuesday, April 26, in the DiPonio Room in the VisTaTech Center on the main campus.

“The M-CAP program was a great collaboration between Schoolcraft College and Foundation, Clarenceville School District, and industry partner AlphaUSA,” said Stacy Whiddon, Chief Academic Officer for Schoolcraft College.

“I want to personally thank the Schoolcraft College faculty and staff for making the M-CAP program a success. So many people contributed to the design and execution of the hands-on learning experiences to make this a memorable and valuable program. We can’t wait to welcome back these future Ocelots to campus in the very near future!”

Three attendees smiling around a banquet table — Clarenceville Middle School students and their families enjoyed the Middle School Career Awareness Program celebration banquet held Tuesday, April 26, in the DiPonio Room in the VisTaTech Center on the main campus of Schoolcraft College.

Four attendees smiling for a photo — Clarenceville Middle School students and their families enjoyed the Middle School Career Awareness Program celebration banquet held Tuesday, April 26, in the DiPonio Room in the VisTaTech Center on the main campus of Schoolcraft College.

Guests included:

Joan A. Gebhardt, Chair of the Board of Trustees
Carol M. Strom, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees
Dillon E. Breen, Trustee
Dr. Glenn Cerny, Schoolcraft College President
David Lawrence, Executive Vice President and CAO, AlphaUSA
Paul Shepich, Superintendent, Clarenceville School District
Melissa Carruth, Asst. Superintendent of Learning Services, Clarenceville Schools
Alan Kantor, Principal, Clarenceville Middle School

Over dessert and coffee, Melissa Schultz, Chief Student Enrollment Officer, highlighted several programs available to help students continue their journey with Schoolcraft College, including:

Kids on Campus:This popular summer program provides children through high school a fun, educational and safe experience at Schoolcraft College.
Dual Enrollment: Allows high school students to earn college credits while still in high school, often at little or no cost.
Michigan Reconnect: This last-dollar scholarship program pays for Michigan residents to attend their in-district community college tuition-free. The scholarship can be used to complete an associate degree or a Pell-eligible skill certificate program. To be eligible, you must:
- Be at least 25 years old when you apply
- Have lived in Michigan for a year or more
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Have not yet completed a college degree (associate or bachelor’s)

At the end of the program, Schoolcraft College gifts and prizes were awarded to the students who were present.

The Schoolcraft College Foundation concluded by awarding one student a $400 KOC scholarship and announcing that it will award 10 more scholarships of $250 each to the participating M-CAP Clarenceville eighth-graders for the popular KOC summer enrichment program. Registration is now open for Kids on Campus, which begins Monday, June 27.

M-CAP was made possible due to the generous support of AlphaUSA and the Schoolcraft College Foundation.

*CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control.

May 31, 2022 by mlemon

Initiative is from the University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts

Three Schoolcraft College students with a passion for meaningful change will have the opportunity to exercise their creativity and skills this summer after being named Engelhardt Social Justice Fellows.

This initiative from the University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) offers an opportunity for students and organizations to propose a mutually beneficial summer project. Students whose projects are selected will be paid $5,000 for approximately 300 hours of work with the sponsoring organization. Interns and organizations create their own work schedule, but the required hours must be completed by August 31.

Schoolcraft College’s Engelhardt Social Justice Fellows are:

Tamyra Goodwin
Alex Hawthorne
Tahirah Viox

Eligible students must:

Be an enrolled student in good academic standing in a degree program in UM-LSA during the time of the fellowship or be an enrolled student at Henry Ford College, Grand Rapids Community College, or Schoolcraft College, with a goal of pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the future.
Co-create a project with a community organization within southeast Michigan that focuses on social justice, broadly defined.
Have an existing connection to that partnering community organization.
Be available for the full duration of the Fellowship

Meet Tamyra Goodwin

Tamyra Goodwin is studying business administration with an eye toward transferring to Eastern Michigan University or Wayne State University to continue her education. She started at Schoolcraft College in August of 2020 and has a sister who is involved in a nonprofit organization (S.I.S., which stands for Sisters In Success), so the Engelhardt Social Justice Fellowship is a natural fit.

“While talking to my older sister, we agreed that one thing we both have an issue with in the community is the lack of care for those who are in need of food and homes,” Goodwin said. “So we will prepare blessing bags given to local shelters which offers the essentials; for example, deodorant, tooth brush, toothpaste, and even menstrual products. And at the end of all of that we will host a sort of ‘gala’ for the girls to show our appreciation to them and being willing to help.”

Meet Alex Hawthorne

Alex Hawthorne, who started at Schoolcraft College in the fall of 2020, is working toward an Associate Degree in Engineering with plans to transfer to the University of Michigan this fall to major in Data Science.

After that, he hopes to work as a data scientist, then become a researcher in artificial intelligence.

“As someone who is very passionate about science and technology, I find that it is important that if I were to contribute to a project related around social justice I would want to work within an area of which I am comfortable with to make meaningful change instead of lifeless chants of activism,” Hawthorne said. “Instead of petitioning for laws to be changed, scheduling a protest, writing a listicle for clicks, or making a tweet, I find it better to be working with my hands for change to a community.

“What good is one’s intelligence if their words speak louder than their actions? I am being sponsored by Oakland Avenue Urban Farms and the projects I plan to take on include a redevelopment of their farming infrastructure in order to use more solar power to increase their efficiency and output. By doing this not only will the group have a cool solar-based system for farming, but they will be helping the community through providing more food as well as helping to reduce electricity use even more for our planet.”

Meet Tahirah Viox

Tahirah Viox started at Schoolcraft College in the summer of 2021. She’s working toward an Associate Degree, then has plans to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a Master of Arts in Social Work.

“I hope to have a career in either social work; counseling; or as a diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant for businesses,” she said. “Any of these paths allow me to help minority groups who are most vulnerable. As someone who is a part of multiple minority groups, I feel that my intersectionality has given me a natural passion for social justice.”

Viox will be working with City of Asylum, which brings together writers, artists, activists, and academics from Detroit.

“My project seeks to uplift the voices of people who are incarcerated or who have recently been incarcerated while also supporting education while behind bars,” Viox said. “My plan is to create an exhibition where I can showcase short stories, poems, and other creative works of these individuals who enjoy writing.”

The exhibition will be digital through a website that Viox will help create. Each artist will include a biography and a link to their commissary and/or a link to a Go Fund Me page for their family. Another portion of the project Viox hopes to bring to life is a drive to donate books and writing materials to correctional facilities.

“Incarcerated individuals are some of the most vulnerable groups of people in our country and there is a lack of resources to help them,” Viox said. “I am passionate about my project and am so excited for this opportunity to make a difference in my community.”

May 16, 2022 by mlemon

Top three mathematics students honored for their work

The Schoolcraft College Mathematics Department has announced the winners of the Pythagorean Prize, which is an annual award that recognizes the top three mathematics students of the academic year.

Founded by professor emeritus Larry Williams, it’s the department’s biggest prize and is now in its 27th year. To be considered, an applicant must:

Be enrolled and have taken classes at Schoolcraft College during Fall or Winter semester of the academic year of presentation.
Be completing or have completed at least three mathematics courses at Schoolcraft College, with at least one course at the Math 200 level or above.
Have an overall grade point average of at least 3.25.
Have a grade point average of at least 3.50 in mathematics courses.
Not have been a first-place winner of this award previously.
Have completed and submitted an application and essay by the deadline date.

Larry Choraszewski, Mathematics Professor

This year’s winners are:

First place: Olivia Hudson, $3,000
Second place: Joseph Rosato, $1,500
Third place: Russell Clark, $1,000

“The Pythagorean Prize recognizes the top three mathematics students of the academic year, their scholarship, and encourages them to consider careers in mathematics, or a mathematics-related field,” said Larry Choraszewski, Professor of Mathematics.

“The Prize receives a tremendous amount of support from administrators, faculty, students, local businesses, and others, and we are so grateful and blessed for that. Time and time again, we see just how much of a positive impact this award has, not only on our students, but on the community as well.

“This is a major reason why I think the Prize has the level of support it continues to have. The students who apply are some of Schoolcraft’s finest. As such, we feel a deep sense of desire to recognize them for their achievements in a special way; hence, the Prize.”

Each of this year’s winners started on an engineering track, and two of them intend to continue that pursuit.

Olivia Hudson, the first-place winner, has a very personal reason for switching to nursing.

“One of the reasons I switched from Engineering to Nursing is because I had a rollover car accident at the beginning of last year,” the native of Novi said. “After the experience in the hospital, being surrounded by all the helpful health care workers and talking to a few family members who are nurses, I decided to pursue nursing.”

Joseph Rosato and Russell Clark — Photo 1

Hudson started at Schoolcraft in the fall of 2019 and anticipates transferring to a four-year school this fall to finish her bachelor’s degree.

Joesph Rosato, the second-place winner, started at Schoolcraft in the fall of 2020. He’s taking pre-requisite classes for electrical engineering.

“My future plans are to study electrical engineering at UM-Dearborn this fall and I intend to get my bachelor’s and my master’s degree either immediately after or several years later depending on circumstances at that time,” he said.

Russell Clark, the third-place winner, started at Schoolcraft in the fall of 2019. He’s working toward an Associate Degree in Engineering and has some big goals in mind.

“My future plans are to first earn my masters in aerospace engineering and proceed forward to SpaceX,” he said, referencing the space technology company founded by Elon Musk.

The prize amounts are made possible, in part, from a bequest from the family of Floyd and Marian Kehrl to the Schoolcraft College Foundation. Additional funds are provided by Academic Services, the Science Division, and by mathematics and other instructors.

All first-place prizewinners are noted on an engraved nameplate on permanent display in the Mathematics Department’s case in the Biomedical Technology Center.

For more information about the Pythagorean Prize and Ceremony, please contact Professor Larry Choraszewski at [email protected].

May 16, 2022 by mlemon

Students leave with strong professional foundation

The success of Schoolcraft College’s registered apprenticeship program, which connects area businesses with motivated and talented students, was formally recognized recently at the Apprenticeship Achievement Celebration at the VisTaTech Center on the main campus.

In addition to students who completed their apprenticeships and their employers, the event, held April 19, drew a wide range of key leaders from Livonia, Southeast Michigan and beyond.

Dr. Glenn Cerny, President of Schoolcraft College, welcomed those guests, which included Maureen Miller Brosnan, Mayor of the City of Livonia; Haley Stevens, U.S. Representative for Michigan’s 11^th District; and Michelle Richard, Senior Education Advisor to Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Jeff Beier and Kyle Hollis — Jeff Beier, Maya Gage CEO, and Kyle Hollis, Gage Maker.

Members of the Board of Trustees who attended were: Joan A. Gebhardt, Chair; Carol M. Strom, Vice Chair; Brian D. Broderick, Secretary; and Dillon E. Breen, Trustee.

Apprenticeships are a great opportunity for those already passionate about an occupation to “earn while they learn” as they gain important professional experience. Since 2020, 15 Schoolcraft College students have completed their apprenticeship in professional trades or medical assisting.

“It has been an honor and privilege to work with these students and employers over the past few years,” said Pamela Linton, Apprenticeship Coordinator for Schoolcraft College. “And it was incredibly rewarding to recognize their many achievements at the event on April 19, and with such amazing supporters of the College like Mayor Brosnan and Congresswoman Stevens.

“These students now have an established educational and professional foundation, have a number of years’ experience with employers that have invested in them, and have achieved their educational success with little to no student loan debt. That is definitely worth celebrating!”

Apprenticeships at a glance

Topic	What apprenticeships offer
Emphasis	On-the-job training
Usual duration	1 to 4 years
Structure	Focus on mastering specific skills
Mentorship	Individualized training with experienced mentor
Pay	Always paid, wages at or above industry standard at conclusion
Do you earn a credential?	Yes, you get a national credential from the Department of Labor
Do you earn college credit?	Yes, and often complete Schoolcraft College certification(s) also

From the Department of Labor

Linton collaborates with area businesses and the Department of Labor (DOL) to establish apprenticeship programs to meet talent needs. As part of this role, Linton assists employers in creating curriculum related to their occupations, and helps students determine if apprenticeship is the right path for them.

Kelly Victor-Burke, Logan Leinbach, and Barry Burke — Kelly Victor-Burke, majority owner and CEO of Burke Architectural Millwork; Logan Leinbach, the first Woodwork Manufacturing Specialist apprentice; and Barry Burke, owner and President of Burke Architectural Millwork.

“Apprenticeships are challenging and not for the faint of heart,” Linton said. “People who are passionate about a specific career, and who will be committed to both the education and on-the-job training components, are the best candidates. When students express interest in apprenticeships, we are always clear and up front about the demands and the rigor. For those for whom the fit is right, it is an outstanding pathway. ”

Apprenticeships offer opportunities in a wide array of areas, covering almost every student interest. There are currently over 1,200 apprenticeable occupations through the DOL, with more added every year. Currently, Schoolcraft College is proud to have placed over 70 apprentices, representing 20-plus occupations, placed at over 25 area companies. Connections for medical assisting has been particularly successful.

The College also has been at the forefront of collaborating to create new opportunities. One example is student Logan Leinbach, who is the first Woodwork Manufacturing Specialist apprentice.

Hannah Mills and Mary Donahee-Rader — Hannah Mills, Henry Ford Health Medical Assistant, and Mary Donahee-Rader, Director of Schoolcraft College’s Medical Assisting program.

Kelly Victor-Burke, majority owner and CEO of Burke Architectural Millwork, was able to move Leinbach from his CAD apprenticeship into the Woodwork program, which he recently completed. During the event, she recounted the challenging road to get the apprenticeship in place and is thrilled with the final outcome.

The students who completed the apprenticeships and were recognized are:

Blaise Blastos, IHA
Theresa Drafta, Henry Ford Health
Marissa Helbling, Henry Ford Health
Stacey Henry, IHA
Kyle Hollis, Maya Gage
Hina Kahn, IHA
Deanna Leighton, Henry Ford Health
Logan Leinbach, Burke Architectural Millwork
Hannah Mills, Henry Ford Health
Samantha Roe, IHA
Rebekah Spears, Henry Ford Health
Tamara Swift, Henry Ford Health
Marcin Wnuczek, GNS North America

In addition to the companies listed above, several other employers have apprentices in place. These include Clips and Clamps; International Extrusions; and E & E Manufacturing/Globe Tech.

For more information about apprenticeships, please contact Pamela Linton by email at [email protected] or by phone at 734-462-7372.

May 9, 2022 by mlemon

Learnings Can be Applied to Industrial Design and More

Schoolcraft College’s upcoming Digital Sculpting Student Showcase is much more than an event to celebrate outstanding work – it’s also an opportunity to learn more about career opportunities in this exciting and in-demand field.

The Showcase, which is free and open to the public, is scheduled for 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17, in Waterman 205 of the VisTaTech Center on the main campus. A livestream also will be available. (Meeting ID: 872 2812 2371. Passcode: 447770.)

In Southeast Michigan, digital sculpting is most often associated with the automotive industry as professionals use Auto Desk Alias software to manipulate digital objects and surfaces of vehicles. For many years, the process of designing and refining the exterior and interior of a vehicle included a clay model that was painstakingly manipulated, millimeter by millimeter, by skilled artists.

A person giving a presentation using projected images — The Digital Sculpting Student Showcase will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17, in Waterman 205 in the VisTaTech Center on the main campus.

Although clay models are still used by automotive designers on occasion, much of today’s design work is completed digitally to save time and resources. Other high-tech companies use digital sculpting as well for those same reasons.

Schoolcraft College’s Digital Sculpting program is run out of Personal and Professional Learning (PPL). To earn the Digital Sculptor Certificate, students need to complete four levels of classes, with Levels 1 and 3 offered in the Fall schedule and Levels 2 and 4 offered in the Winter schedule. All classes are offered virtually.

The instructor for the program is Don Lloyd, a Digital Sculptor at Nissan Design America. He spends most of his time creating and editing the aesthetic surfaces of the interiors and exteriors of Nissan vehicles using Auto Desk Alias software. “Digital sculpting is such a fulfilling career. Taking a sketch and turning it into the shapes that will be driving down the road is fun and challenging,” he said.

“Students for the Digital Sculpting program can include high school graduates looking for a career opportunity, current Schoolcraft College students enrolled in an occupational program, or professionals who need this skill to advance.”
Felicia Bannan, Programming and Promotions Coordinator, Personal and Professional Learning

At the Showcase, Digital Sculpting graduates will share information about their educational journey through the program, images of their 3D sculpted designs, and their career aspirations.

“Potential employers are encouraged to attend as well because this is a great way to recruit new talent,” said Felicia Bannan, Programming and Promotions Coordinator, Personal and Professional Learning. “Students for the Digital Sculpting program can include high school graduates looking for a career opportunity, current Schoolcraft College students enrolled in an occupational program, or professionals who need this skill to advance.”

Student Success Stories

David Torres is just such an example of a professional looking to add skills. He was working as a designer for Rivian, which manufactures electric vehicles and has operations in Plymouth, when he heard about the class. He attended from 2019-2021.

Now relocated to the Rivian design studios in California, Torres puts what he learned into practice each day.

“I work as a physical clay modeler and work closely with designers and CAD modelers on a daily basis,” Torres said. “Taking these courses made me even more aware of what a digital modeler has to achieve in a day. It helps me construct surfaces quicker and simpler just like I would in Alias.

“It helps me do my clay modeling job better, and in turn, helps me understand Alias better. So it’s truly a symbiotic relationship making me a better industrial artist.”

Martin Senger also works in the automotive field. He started in Schoolcraft College’s program in 2017.

“I had been learning traditional CAD modeling when I discovered the Schoolcraft Digital Sculpting program,” he said. “It’s a subset of 3D modeling that I wasn’t aware of – a unique blend of creating concept models and developing CAD data with a focus on producing beautiful surfaces.”

Automotive design mocks in a digital display — Photo 1

Like David Torres, he’s also applying what he learned in his profession.

“I work with Alias to help take ‘A-surface’ design models and apply engineering criteria to create automotive interior and exterior final production parts,” he said. “Digital sculpting with Alias is a unique blend of art and science. This class will provide you with a solid foundation in the requisite skill set for this in-demand career.”

Mary Ryan appreciated the flexibility in the class structure.

“I really enjoyed how detail-oriented each class was,” she said. “(After a move out of state), I was able to continue online and record the class meetings. This was very helpful because as I worked on my assignments, I could go back and review details that maybe I did not catch during the live class.

“This allowed me to grasp much more and create better work. I’m very grateful for Schoolcraft’s flexibility.”

Ryan, who attended classes from the summer of 2020 to the spring of 2022, has a background in knit textile production and soft product design. “I thought this class would be a great addition to my education,” she said. “CAD modeling and 3D printing is becoming a part of more and more industries, so I think Digital Sculpting is a great skill to learn.”

Levels 1 and 3 of Digital Sculpting will be offered in PPL’s Fall 2022 schedule, which will be available online June 20. Registration will open July 20.

April 25, 2022 by mlemon

It recognizes a key battle between Mexico and France

Cinco de Mayo is one of the more familiar, yet perhaps one of the less understood, holidays. It is not, for example, the same as Independence Day in the United States. Nor is Cinco de Mayo widely celebrated in Mexico. Fortunately, Schoolcraft College has an expert who can set the record straight.

Dr. Zach Morales, Instructor of History and College & Beyond, teaches History 153: Contemporary America, a survey of U.S. history within the last 100 years. Dr. Morales also serves as an Academic Advisor for the Center for Latino/a Studies at Wayne State University.

Dr. Morales graciously provided the following story on Cinco de Mayo:

Cinco de Mayo commemorates a battle between Mexico and France in 1862 in the City of Puebla, Mexico. It is often confused with the remembrance of Mexican independence from Spain (September 16), but both holidays celebrate freedom and democracy.

Battle scene in Puebla, Mexico — Cinco de Mayo commemorates a battle between Mexico and France in 1862 in the City of Puebla, Mexico.

The origins of the Battle of Puebla can be traced to a civil war in Mexico called the Reform War (1857-1860). The newly elected Liberal party had passed a series of reforms beginning in 1855 that separated church and state, reduced church land holdings, limited military political power, and enacted other progressive ideas, including instituting Mexico’s first bill of rights.

Upset with the reforms, the Conservative party, who favored keeping a central government that privileged the elite, led a coup d’état that took over Mexico City and ousted the Liberal party. The civil war lasted three years with both sides borrowing money from Spain, Great Britain and France. When the Liberal party emerged victorious, the European powers expected the new government to pay the debt owed by both factions. Mexico, instead, suspended all foreign debt payments for two years.

In December 1861, the European powers invaded the city of Veracruz and captured several more cities on the road to Mexico City to demand compensation. Great Britain and Spain came to an agreement with Mexican officials over their debt and left the campaign. However, Emperor Napoleon III of France intended to increase his empire by conquering Mexico and sent more French soldiers. Napoleon III was also interested in supporting the Confederate States of America, and controlling Mexico would be an advantageous strategic position.

Against all expectations, on May 5, 1862, Mexico defeated the better-equipped and larger French army. It took three weeks for the news of the Mexican victory to reach Spanish-language newspapers in California, where a celebration was held. As mentioned before, there was a Mexican civil war over democratic ideals followed by a European invasion. But Mexico’s army representing freedom and democracy had won a battle against the renowned French monarchy!

The following year, Mexico was still at war with France, and the U.S. Civil War continued. To raise wartime morale, Spanish-speaking grassroots organizations in California organized the first Cinco de Mayo celebrations to support Mexico and the Union army. The annual celebration continued afterward, and, to this day, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated all across the United States and is sparsely celebrated in Mexico, except for the City of Puebla, where the battle occurred.

For a more thorough history, I recommend reading “El Cinco de Mayo: An American Tradition” (2012) by David Hayes Bautista.

April 25, 2022 by mlemon

Renovation, expansion will transform Culinary Arts, PPL and community programs

The Schoolcraft College Foundation has made a multi-year $1 million grant commitment to support the expansion and renovation of the College’s VisTaTech Center, with the goal of providing more experiential learning space for Schoolcraft’s renowned Culinary Arts program and the addition of a new high-tech demonstration space that provides unique opportunities for academic, professional development, and community-based education programs.

The over $6 million, 15,000-square-foot project, referred to as “VisTaTech 2.0,” includes an addition of 10,000 square feet and renovation of 5,000 square feet. The Foundation is proud to be the first funder to step up to support this exciting, student-centric initiative.

Layout map for the new center — This image shows the renovations and additions that will create “VisTaTech 2.0.”

This funding maximizes the impact of the Foundation. “I believe it goes to the heart of the Schoolcraft Foundation’s purpose,” said Schoolcraft College President Glenn Cerny. “Donors will be able to see first-hand how their contributions truly impact creating high-end educational facilities that will enhance our mission of providing transformational experiences to our students, businesses, and the community-at-large.”

Schoolcraft’s students, faculty and members of the community have come to rely on the superior facilities and services of the College, and VisTaTech 2.0 is a further step toward improving the quality and expanding the capacity of the campus infrastructure and services.

Besides expanding the existing Culinary department’s American Harvest Restaurant, the new space will include an additional Culinary classroom and new innovative space that can be used as a demonstration kitchen, multipurpose lab and high-tech educational theater. As part of the renovation, spaces will be reworked to increase effectiveness of space utilization and offer a more welcoming space for students and community guests. This includes an expanded Café retail space and Brewpub to accommodate the increasing demands for those services.

“This investment is an opportunity to support the forward-thinking vision for students and the community served by Schoolcraft College,” said Lois McEntyre, President, Schoolcraft Foundation Board of Governors. “This is the largest single grant commitment made through our Vision 2025 Campaign and a way for the College to leverage this support for future investments.”

The project will start this summer and is expected to be complete by fall 2023. For information, contact the Schoolcraft Foundation office at 734-462-4455.

April 11, 2022 by mlemon

There are fewer than 80 Certified Master Chefs in the world

Schoolcraft College is on its way to having two members of its faculty become Certified Master Chefs® (CMC) as both Chef Paul Grosz and Chef Drew Sayes advanced out of Segment 1 of the recent American Culinary Federation’s (ACF) CMC exams.

The exams were held March 18-21 in the American Harvest restaurant in the VisTaTech Center on the main campus of Schoolcraft College. Segment 2 will be held later this year.

Chef Grosz and Chef Sayes — Chef Paul Grosz (left) and Chef Drew Sayes are each full-time instructors.

A CMC is considered the highest level of the profession, and demonstrates mastery of culinary competence and expertise through education, experience, knowledge and skills consistent with the master chef level. The exam was first commissioned and offered in 1981.

There are fewer than 80 Certified Master Chefs in the world, with Brian Beland, Schoolcraft College’s Department Chair of Culinary Arts, among those to hold this distinguished ranking. In addition, faculty member Joseph Decker is a Certified Master Pastry Chef® (CMPC).

Chef Grosz serves as full-time instructor and currently teaches classes associated with the American Harvest lunch service. He is co-proprietor and Chef of Cuisine Restaurant. Chef Sayes, a 2003 Oakland Community College graduate, has been a full-time instructor since January.

“We are extremely happy for the excellent results by Chef Grosz and Chef Sayes in Segment 1 of the CMC exams,” Chef Beland said. “We wish them the very best on Segment 2 and have every confidence they will do well.”

To apply for the exam, candidates must already be a Certified Executive Chef or Certified Culinary Educator, provide a letter of recommendation from current CMCs or CMPCs, and have completed education courses on sanitation and food safety, management, cost management and wine.

Chef Drew Sayes goes through one of the four modules in the Certified Master Chefs exam.

The exam modules included:

Freestyle Cuisine
Healthy Cooking
Global Cuisines
Pastry and Baking

Both Chef Grosz and Chef Sayes shared feelings of relief after the grueling exam wrapped up.

“When (it was over), I felt a bit of relieve and accomplishment, but only for a short time knowing that Segment 2 is not far behind,” Chef Grosz said. “The work is not done. We’ll take a short break, then start practicing for an excruciating next part of the exam.”

Chef Sayes echoed those thoughts.

“When the exam concluded, I was relieved and exhausted,” he said. “I was also slightly disappointed that it ended. I was gaining a lot of momentum and confidence going through each discipline; I wanted to continue and carry that into the next segment.”

Chef Grosz — In addition to teaching, Chef Paul Grosz is co-proprietor and Chef of Cuisine Restaurant.

Despite the intense pressure, each Chef felt the exam went well.

“It was the most intense experience I’ve had in my career,” Chef Sayes said. “It was challenging to adjust my mindset each day and mentally preparing for the next discipline. Lack of sleep caused by constantly thinking about what’s next also made it difficult to focus on the task at hand. Through all of that, it was a great experience and I ended up having a lot of fun throughout the process.”

Added Chef Grosz: “I feel the CMC exam went very well. What I enjoyed mostly out of it was the adrenaline during the cooking time period while we were being judged on every move we made. Cooking at the highest level in a time limited situation while experts in the field were scrutinizing everything you did was very nerve-wracking.”

Each is looking forward to the next phase of the exam.

“There’s still a lot of work to do,” Chef Sayes said. “Luckily, I’m able to take the summer and prepare. I’m looking forward to the next challenge.”

Chef Grosz also emphasized how learning never stops, taking the American Master Chefs’ Order’s motto of “Forever the Student” to heart.

“This has been 30 years in the making for myself because as a chef we continue to always learn,” he said. “Taking this exam has made me a better person, a better chef and ultimately a better instructor. I just want to thank everyone for all their support as we continue this journey. My family, Schoolcraft, my fellow instructors and the staff at Cuisine. Without their support, this would not be possible.”

Learn more about Schoolcraft College’s Culinary Arts program.

April 11, 2022 by mlemon

Opportunities in professional trades and medical assisting are available

An important success story for Schoolcraft College and area businesses has been told through the College’s registered apprenticeship program. Apprenticeships are a great opportunity for those already passionate about an occupation to “earn while they learn” as they gain important professional experience. Since 2020, 15 Schoolcraft College students have completed their apprenticeship in professional trades or medical assisting.

Logan Leinbach in action — Schoolcraft College student Logan Leinbach became the first Woodwork Manufacturing Specialist apprentice. The College worked with Leinbach’s employer, Burke Architectural Millwork; the Department of Labor; and other agencies to create this apprenticeship.

Those students will be recognized in a program on Tuesday, April 19, at the VisTaTech Center on the main campus. Attendees scheduled to appear include Livonia Mayor Maureen Brosnan; U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens; Detroit and Michigan Department of Labor officials; apprenticeship employer-sponsors; and businesses with apprenticeships in place.

The apprentices are from Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Washtenaw counties and represent a wide range of communities, including Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, Garden City, Warren, Westland, Wixom and Ypsilanti.

“Apprenticeships are really a win-win for the student and the employer,” said Pamela Linton, Apprenticeship Coordinator for Schoolcraft College. “The employers are gaining students who are establishing a foundation with their educational training and bringing that to the workplace where they’re receiving on-the-job training, customized specifically to the employer!”

“And for the students, they have a job in their profession with a company they like that has invested in them. Our latest data on medical assistants, for example, shows that after five years about 80% of the student apprentices are still with the company that sponsored them. Further, at the end of the training, students have little to no student loan debt.”

Apprenticeships at a glance

Topic	What apprenticeships offer
Emphasis	On-the-job training
Usual duration	1 to 4 years
Structure	Focus on mastering specific skills
Mentorship	Individualized training with experienced mentor
Pay	Always paid, wages at or above industry standard at conclusion
Do you earn a credential?	Yes, you get a national credential from the Department of Labor
Do you earn college credit?	Yes, and often complete Schoolcraft College certification(s) also

From the Department of Labor

Logan Leinbach created this display case at the Manufacturing & Engineering Center.

The College has been at the forefront of collaborating to create new opportunities. One example is student Logan Leinbach, who is the first Woodwork Manufacturing Specialist apprentice and will recognized at the event.

Schoolcraft and Leinbach’s employer, Burke Architectural Millwork in Livonia, helped develop the apprenticeship for the Department of Labor over the course of two years, including working with The Urban Institute in Washington, D.C. Burke was able to move Leinbach from his CAD apprenticeship into the Woodwork program, which he recently completed.

For more information about apprenticeships, please contact Pamela Linton by email at [email protected] or by phone at 734-462-7372.

April 11, 2022 by mlemon

Be sure to attend one of the Grad Fairs this week

Learning, of course, is the goal of any college experience. Part of that education means familiarizing yourself with some unfamiliar terms. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

As part of an occasional series, we’ll explain phrases, lingo or topics to add to your college vocabulary. We call it “Say What?” If there’s a topic you’d like to see covered, please send suggestions to [email protected].

Today, we take a look at the difference between Graduation and Commencement.

What’s the difference?

It’s easy to think that graduation and commencement are the same thing, but they definitely are not. Graduation means fulfilling all the academic requirements for your credential – certificate, skills certificate associate degree or bachelor’s degree. Commencement is the ceremony that celebrates this achievement.

What do I need to do to graduate?

Now is a good time to check your progress toward your credential. To do that, log in to Ocelot Access, select Student Planning, and then My Progress to track your progress.

Next, choose Graduation Overview and click Apply in Ocelot Access to submit your graduation application. Schoolcraft College has only one Commencement a year, so the semester in which you will take your final courses is the semester for which you should apply for graduation.

Graduates in caps and gowns — This year’s Commencement is at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, in the St. Joe’s Mercy Elite Sports Center on the main campus.

Once final grades have posted for the semester, the Records Office will begin auditing graduation applications to verify that all requirements have been met.

The process is done manually, so your patience is greatly appreciated. You will receive an email when your credential has posted to your transcript.

The last day to submit a graduation application for the Winter 2022 semester is on Thursday, May 5. To ensure your name appears in the Commencement program, you need to submit a graduation application by Friday, April 15 for Winter, Spring and Summer 2022.

Learn more information about graduation.

When is Commencement?

This year’s Commencement is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, in the St. Joe’s Mercy Elite Sports Center on the main campus.

To help you get ready for Commencement, please plan on attending one of the Grad Fairs, which will be held on the following dates and times at the Bookstore on the main campus:

Wednesday, April 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 14, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Be prepared to purchase and pick up your cap and gown for $30. You also will be given your four guest tickets at this time. Graduates must pick up their guest tickets in-person at the Bookstore.

Also available for purchase will be announcements, diploma frames, class rings, and a variety of alumni/graduate merchandise.

More information about Commencement, including a list of FAQs, is available on its web page.

April 4, 2022 by mlemon

Program Launched in 2021; Two Students Almost Finished

Because of many disruptions of consumer products – or the parts needed to produce goods – the term “supply chain” is more and more part of everyday conversation. Given the ongoing challenges, it’s apparent that skilled professionals are needed in a variety of industries to manage supply chain issues.

A dose of help is on the way, thanks to Schoolcraft College.

Schoolcraft College launched its Supply Chain Management (SCM) program in January 2021, and two students are about to be the first to complete the program. Another is making his mark in supply chain right now while still attending class.

The two students with the finish line in sight illustrate how Supply Chain Management can be a good fit no matter your level of expertise or familiarity with the subject.

One student, John Garcia, is on the front lines of Supply Chain Management – he’s a helicopter pilot who delivers materials both locally and nationally. He’s even delivered microchips to automotive plants.

Students in the Supply Chain Management program recently learned about challenges in the restaurant industry from Christopher C. Misiak, Program Coordinator for Culinary Arts.

“When I was exploring degree options last winter, I was made aware of the SCM program, which was beginning when I would start school, and was immediately sold,” Garcia said. “I felt this was a good choice because it aligned with my career and am very interested in the transportation industry and movement of goods.”

The other student, Zachary Miles, graduated from high school in 2020. He got his start at Schoolcraft in high school as a Dual Enrollment student, then became a full-time student in the Spring 2020 term.

“I started attending Schoolcraft College in January 2020 as a Dual Enrollment student,” Miles said. “I have mostly taken business and general education courses, but also Psychology, Political Science, and German.

“After discovering the Supply Chain Management program in Winter 2021, my main priority is to finish with a Skills Certificate and transfer to Eastern Michigan to get a bachelor’s degree and possibly an MBA.”

To help students achieve their goals, the Supply Chain Management credentials are “stackable.” That means the Skills Certificate flows to the Certificate, which flows to the Associate in Applied Science Degree. Courses also can transfer to a four-year school to pursue a bachelor’s degree. (See your Academic Advisor for details.)

“Both of these students have mentioned to me several times how proud they are to be the first students to complete this program,” said Steve Donovan, Instructor and Supply Chain Management Program Consultant. “It gives me great satisfaction to see how proud they are to complete a program we just launched a year ago.”

Miles appreciates the real-world perspective that Donovan, who began as a Consultant on the Supply Chain Management program in 2018 after a distinguished career in the automotive industry, brings to the classroom.

Supply Chain Management students (left to right) John Garcia, Zachary Miles and Shain Scherer.

“He has done an outstanding job of explaining the course material and connecting it to real life,” Miles said. “I felt like trying to take every opportunity and really trying to connect each thing I learn in real life is the best and most helpful way of mastering the course content, and he’s done that with simulations, guest speakers and field trips.”

Another student, Shain Scherer, was able to make a connection and is working in the industry. Now he’s “earning while he’s learning” as he pursues the Associate Degree.

“During the Spring 2021 term, I brought in a guest speaker from Expeditors, a third-party logistics company in Romulus,” Donovan said. “I connected Shain with a representative I had been working with. He got an interview and has been working for them since September.”

Scherer started in SCM in May of 2021 and had been serving tables and bartending before his new opportunity.

“I’ve been working as an Air Export agent,” he said. “I figured if I was going to be in school for this, it would be wise to get a jump start on my career as soon as possible.

“I learned about the program while looking through the course catalog at Schoolcraft. I have a few friends who work in the industry and they seem happy with their jobs. Also around that time with the pandemic still going, supply chain has become an everyday issue. The more I learned about it, the more interested I became.”

That interest has been stoked further in class.

“Themost helpful thing I’ve learned in my classes would be the current event examinations we’ve done in the Supply Chain classes,” he said. “I work in air exports so now things like supply chain disruption really affect my day to day. Whether it was an airport being shut down in Ukraine or weather issues, all of these things affect my current job, so it’s interesting to take a look at it.

“The Supply Chain Management program and its focus on actually applying the work to a job and getting a job have been incredibly helpful the last few months, and I’m excited to keep getting after it.”

Learn more about Schoolcraft College’s Supply Chain Management program.

Registration for Fall 2022 is now open.