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Computing labs in the Jeffress Center serve as incubator for creativity

To reinforce the commitment to create access and opportunity for the community, last fall Schoolcraft College joined with Girls Who Code, an international, non-profit organization committed to increasing access for girls and women in computer science and technology.

Two Club sessions – one for grades 3-5 and one for grades 6-12 – were launched in the fall and continued into the winter. Each cohort of about 40 students meets from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays in the computing labs in the Jeffress Center.

The program combines sisterhood activities and coding exercises working toward a community-based project, such as a website or animation. Schoolcraft College Student Ambassadors, local high school students, and community volunteers (AAUW – American Association of University Women) currently serve as Facilitators.

Haley Stevens looking at a computer with children
U.S. Representative Haley Stevens takes a look at what students in the cohort of grades 3-5 are creating during a visit to Schoolcraft College on Saturday, February 12.

Tyler Johnson, Culinary Arts; Faith Piontek, Computer Science; and Caryn Doehler, AAUW; are the Facilitators for the younger students. Reigan Henderson, Student Ambassador/Honors Scholar, and Emily Dobao, a senior at Livonia Stevenson, are the Facilitators for the older students. 

The results have been impressive – so much so that U.S. Representative Haley Stevens dropped by on Saturday, February 12, for a first-hand look.

“First of all, Schoolcraft College feels like a home away from home,” said Stevens, who represents Michigan’s 11th District* “It is very energizing to see girls of all ages, from elementary to middle to high school, plus the next generation of women who are working with the students and finishing their studies here before going off to a four-year school.”

The coding curriculum includes important programs such as Scratch, Python, HTML, Java Script, C, C++ and CSS.

“It’s exciting to see young girls who often might feel blocked out from technology or feeling it’s not accessible to them now making games or coming up with different types of programs because they have student leaders and they have a place at Schoolcraft College to engage in this program,” Stevens said. “You hear about Girls Who Code, but seeing it in action, that is everything.”

Girls Who Code is free to participants and made possible at Schoolcraft thanks to generous support from the Schoolcraft College Foundation and MASCO. 

Haley Stevens and others
Shown in the room with the cohort for grades 6-12 are (left to right) Reigan Henderson, Student Ambassador/Honors Scholar and recently accepted into the University of Michigan’s nursing program; U.S. Representative Haley Stevens; Emily Dobao, a senior at Livonia Stevenson and recently accepted to the University of Michigan to study Computer Science Engineering; and Heddy Worden, Director of Strategic Enrollment and lead for the Girls Who Code program at Schoolcraft College.

Heddy Worden, Director of Strategic Enrollment, serves as the lead for the Girls Who Code program at Schoolcraft College and is at the Jeffress Center each Saturday to ensure everything runs smoothly. 

“Together, we are building a partnership that addresses an unserved need, setting the stage for continued academic growth and prosperity among those we serve,” Worden said.

“By utilizing our Student Ambassadors, Schoolcraft Scholars Honors Program students, and local high school students to serve as Facilitators, we are cultivating a transformational leadership experience that reinforces their commitment to the College and the cause.”

For more information on Schoolcraft College’s Girls Who Code program, and to learn how you can become a Facilitator, please contact Heddy Worden at [email protected] or 734-462-4548. Learn more about Girls Who Code on their website.

*Michigan’s 11th Congressional District contains portions of Wayne and Oakland Counties. Major cities include Auburn Hills, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Canton Township, Clawson, Commerce Township, Farmington, Highland Township, Lake Angelus, Livonia, Lyon Township, Milford Township, Northville, Novi, Plymouth, Rochester Hills, South Lyon, Troy, Walled Lake, Waterford, West Bloomfield, White Lake Township, and Wixom.

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Workshop is available to all on Zoom

As Schoolcraft College continues to foster conversations around IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access), an important topic within that sphere is microaggression.

As cited in UCLA’s “Diversity in the Classroom,” the term microaggression dates to the 1970s and can be defined as follows:

Microaggressions are the everyday verbal, nonverbal, and environmental slights, snubs, or insults, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative messages to target persons based solely upon their marginalized group membership.

To help foster better understanding of microaggression and provide some strategies and tools to deal with microaggression, Schoolcraft College’s STARS/DEI* program presents “The Bystander Imperative” from 4-5:30 p.m. on Friday, February 25. The program is open to all and can be accessed on this Zoom link with the following credentials:

  • ID: 892 2440 9271
  • Passcode: 392253

“The goal of the ‘The Bystander Imperative’ is for participants to learn about being an active bystander when witnessing microaggressions,” said Jennie Rokakis, Learning Support Services Assistant. “Participants will learn about why we don’t act, identify our personal roadblocks to action, practice techniques to intervene, and conclude with building communities of accountability.”

Person writing on chalkboard
Nick Daily (he/they), a Black Queer person who has been doing workshops, training, consultative, and support work for over a decade, will lead Friday’s workshop.

Leading the workshop will be Nick Daily (he/they), a Black Queer person who has been doing workshops, training, consultative, and support work for over a decade. Most recently, Daily served as Chief Diversity Officer for a large community college in California.

“One of our STARS DEI staff members attended Nick’s presentations at professional and affinity group conferences and reached out to see if he would be willing to work with the STARS DEI program on a campus-wide workshop,” Rokakis said. “After learning more about the program and Schoolcraft College, it was determined that ‘The Bystander Imperative’ was a great fit for the program and the campus’ focus on IDEA.”

Presenting “The Bystander Imperative” is the latest in a string of initiatives for the STARS/DEI program. 

“The STARS Scholars, Mentors, and Mentees recently participated in MLK Day of Service to highlight two of our core pillars – service-learning and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,” Rokakis said. “They participated in various service projects around Metro Detroit, including packing art supply donations at Arts and Scraps, organizing food donations with Gleaners, and crocheting hats and scarves for shelters.

Rokakis added that one student, who works in a hospital, gathered her co-workers and made gift bags for the patients. They then gave the gift bags to patients and sat and talked with them regarding Dr. King as well as reflect on history, how far we’ve come, and the work still to be done.

“This student shared that the patients were grateful for the company, and many shared their own story of growing up during the civil rights actions of the 1960s,” Rokakis said.

STARS/DEI and “The Bystander Imperative” are made possible by a generous grant from the Schoolcraft College Foundation.  

*Scholars Taking off Academically & Rising to Success (S.T.A.R.S.) Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Leadership Program is an opportunity at Schoolcraft College that offers unique experiences to develop students as scholars and leaders. Learn more on their web page.

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This peer-reviewed journal serves an important role for community colleges across the country

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 Community College Enterprise, a small but mighty publication that Schoolcraft College has produced for 20 years. Published twice a year (spring and fall), The Community College Enterprise is the only peer-reviewed journal dedicated to community colleges that is housed within a community college.

Dr. Alec Thomson, Professor of Political Science and History, serves as Editor of The Community College Enterprise, which is published twice a year.

Dr. Alec Thomson, Professor of Political Science and History, serves as Editor. We thank him for an extensive interview that provided the information for this story.

The Community College Enterprise traces its roots to the Michigan College Journal: Research & Practice, which was first published in 1995. As interest and the audience grew, the journal was renamed to its current title in 2002 and has continued to flourish and place Schoolcraft College in a positive light.

“Launching and supporting this unique endeavor serves as a clear sign of Schoolcraft’s commitment to teaching, learning, and scholarship,” Dr. Thomson said. “No other community college is leading in the way that we are.”

At its core, The Community College Enterprise serves as an important forum for exploring and advancing an understanding of community colleges. Taken as a whole throughout its publication history, The Community College Enterprise is a repository of information with a wealth of useful data and ideas.

“Professors, administrators, and staff looking to pursue innovative projects or simply wrestle with challenges facing their institution are well-served by having a body of research assembled for reference,” Dr. Thomson said. 

“Launching and supporting this unique endeavor serves as a clear sign of Schoolcraft’s commitment to teaching, learning, and scholarship. No other community college is leading in the way that we are.”

Dr. Alec Thomson, Professor of Political Science and History, and Editor of The Community College Enterprise

While other publications of this type exist, The Community College Enterprise also distinguishes itself for its accessibility. 

“We’ve worked to curate a near complete collection of our print run online at www.schoolcraft.edu/cce with plans to fill in the remaining gaps by year’s end,” Dr. Thomson said. “Beyond our own archives, readers can find us in online databases like EBSCO, ERIC, Gale, and ProQuest. These are important resources for students and professionals who are interested in the scholarship of teaching and learning at community colleges. 

“Our focus has always been the accessibility of the publication and its proximity to the subject being studied.”

Expanding the focus

Dr. Thomson’s first role with The Community College Enterprise was as the Book Review Editor in 2005. He became Editor in 2011 and has worked to improve the publication. 

“Working closely with Gordon Krupsky (Managing Editor), I’ve tried to have The Enterprise focus on several key initiatives,” Dr. Thomson said. “First, we’ve worked to expand the scope of the journal. Today our reviewers and article submissions hail from all across the country. The journal’s early focus might have been on Michigan, but we are now a nationally recognized and focused publication. 

“Second, the expansive focus of the journal meant generating more submissions for publication. Promoting The Enterprise and making connections beyond Schoolcraft has led to an increase in the number and quality of submissions that we receive. 

“Third, in addition to receiving more article submissions, we’ve been growing our readership. We’ve rewritten and redesigned our webpages, journal layout, and promotional materials, all with the goal of making it easier and more visible for interested individuals to find us and interact with our staff. 

“While the operation relies on a panel of peer-review editors from across the country, the layout, design, review and printing of the journal are all coordinated through Schoolcraft College. Most notably, Gordon Krupsky (Managing Editor), Ione Skaggs (Graphics Designer), and Sakura Keast (Copy Editor) all have a direct hand in shaping every page of every edition.”

Dr. Alec Thomson leads a talented staff that produces The Community College Enterprise at Schoolcraft College.

An interesting part of looking back at all the research is seeing that many topics remain relevant today. 

“For example, the first issue of the journal (1995) featured an article regarding distance learning education,” Dr. Thomson said. “While this is now a common feature of most campuses, at the time the focus was primarily on the telecourse or interactive (satellite) classroom models. The technological tools for distance learning have undergone substantial change, but the core questions regarding best practices for teaching and learning at a distance still remain.”

(Schoolcraft College began its first distance learning courses in 1982. Look for more on our history in an upcoming story.)

Dr. Thomson thoroughly enjoys his role as Editor and looks forward to helping produce many more insightful issues of The Community College Enterprise. 

“Aside from seeing the wide-range of research and practices that are being implemented around the country, I truly enjoy looking over the work and comments of our reviewers,” Dr. Thomson said. “I often learn as much from a great reviewer’s comments, insights, and suggestions as I do from the actual article that was submitted. 

“Sometimes the takeaway is narrowly focused on some statistical test or research design matter, but in other scenarios there are broad theoretical discussions raised which can really reshape how one looks at the topic. Having this opportunity to constantly learn and observe the work of others is very rewarding.”

Please visit their website for more information on The Community College Enterprise. Scholars interested in serving on the peer-review board or having the work published can email [email protected] indicating their interest.

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A total of 23 Ocelots from 6 sports will be recognized

Schoolcraft College’s inaugural class to be inducted to the Michigan Alpha Chapter of Theta Chi Alpha, the National College Athlete Honor Society, includes 23 student-athletes representing all 6 sports the Ocelots currently compete in.

To qualify, student-athletes must have completed three full-time semesters with a cumulative grade point average of 3.40 or above.  The Athletic Department will hold an induction ceremony later this semester.  

Computers against a wall next to a trophy case
Dedicated space in the Physical Education building is available to help student-athletes with their studies.

“We’re pleased to recognize the excellent work our student-athletes are doing in the classroom and welcome our inaugural class of 23 Theta Chi Alpha inductees,” said Cali Crawford, Director of Athletics. “It’s a testament to the dedication of our student-athletes and our coaches to ensure that academics always comes first.”

The National College Athlete Honor Society, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was founded in 1996 by then DePauw University head football coach Nick Mourouzis. His goal was to provide outstanding student-athletes with an opportunity to become connected within a fraternal association that aligns their educational and athletic successes for a lifetime.

Amy Proctor, Student Athlete Support System (SASS) Coordinator, serves as advisor for Schoolcraft College’s chapter of Theta Chi Alpha. 

Members of Schoolcraft College’s inaugural Theta Chi Alpha class are:

Student-athleteSport
Natasha Carter
Jack Cronyn
John Evangelista
Mohamed Hammoud
Emma Hughes
Allison Little
Miranda McIntosh
Kiersten Metz
James (Alex) Neville
Erin O’Neil
Autumn Reed
Jon Sabuda
Jacob Saez
Adriana Sapia
Brandon Strickland
Justina Szalkowski
Drew Tappen
Andrew Weiss		Women’s Basketball
Baseball
Men’s Soccer
Men’s Soccer
Women’s Soccer
Women’s Bowling
Women’s Soccer
Softball
Men’s Soccer
Women’s Soccer
Softball
Baseball
Men’s Bowling
Women’s Soccer
Baseball
Women’s Basketball
Men’s Soccer
Baseball

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Contributions of Asian Indian community spotlighted

A documentary film that spotlights Asian Indians, an important and growing immigrant population, will be the focus of Schoolcraft College’s next GlobalEYEzers program. Created by Dr. Arifa Javed, a sociologist and professor at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Essential Arrival: Michigan’s Indian Immigrants in the 21st Century, shows the contributions the Indian community has made to American society.

Dr. Arifa Javed with a map of the globe in the background
Dr. Arifa Javed, a sociologist and professor at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, created Essential Arrival: Michigan’s Indian Immigrants in the 21st Century

This Michigan-based production showcases the professional, social and cultural life of Indian immigrants in America, highlighting their assimilation in the mainstream while they retain some of their cultural capital. According to the American Immigration Council, India (11%) trails only Mexico (13%) as the top country of origin for immigrants in Michigan.

Essential Arrival: Michigan’s Indian Immigrants in the 21st Century will be screened on Zoom from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Friday, February 11. Join the screening with the following credentials:

Join the Zoom Meeting

  • Meeting ID: 838 2039 2692
  • Passcode: 422227

Watch the Trailer

This event is sponsored by the SCII Focus Series, the Student Activities Office and the Asian Students Association. Learn more about Schoolcraft College’s International Institute (SCII) on their website at schoolcraft.edu/scii. 

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Parents and children can meet instructors, ask questions

An open house for Kids on Campus (KOC), the popular summer enrichment program for children pre-school age through grade 12, will be held from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 8. Please come to the DiPonio Room of the VisTaTech Center on the campus of Schoolcraft College, 18600 Haggerty Road, Livonia, 48152.

Parents and children will have the opportunity to meet select class instructors and participate in hands-on activities. Staff will be available to answer questions about registration, which opens at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 10.

Kids on Campus Catalog cover
Registration for Kids on Campus begins Thursday, February 10

KOC’s summer day camps are led by skilled professionals in a diverse and dynamic social environment. The summer programs generally run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. to noon with limited before and after care available for a small fee. 

Hands-on learning experiences, which bring out the inquisitive side of even the most hesitant of participants, are emphasized. Children ready to engage in a whole new experience can enjoy access to computers, math, cultural immersion, acting, the arts, science, writing and career-oriented learning opportunities. For those who want to expand academically, skills workshops are also offered. 

Highlighting this summer’s new offerings are three new classes for middle school and high school students at our state-of-the-art Manufacturing & Engineering Center (MEC):

3D Printing and Design
Grades 7-9

Students will follow the same process as an industrial designer – read blueprints, draw and sketch an image, add dimensions and turn an idea into a 3D model using Tinkercad. They’ll then bring the idea to life with a 3D printer, creating an actual prototype.

Machine Manufacturing, Leading Edge Technology
Grades 10-12

Students will use Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software and real Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines to create, design, build and finish products.

Explore Manufacturing and Engineering Design, Build and Test
Grades 10-12

Students will learn Computer Aided Design (CAD), Manufacturing, Welding, Metallurgy and Robotics in this camp. They start by designing a product, then bring it to life in the Manufacturing and Welding labs. In the Metallurgy module, students will learn about metals and other materials to support product design and manufacturing. They then finish the week learning about Robotics and testing out their new product.

The classes at MEC run from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., allowing parents the opportunity to drop off children both there and at the main campus. The MEC is at 13001 Merriman Road in Livonia.

Learn more about Kids on Campus

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Knowing the difference can help you decide what path to pursue

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’ll learn about some of the differences between the certificates and degrees that Schoolcraft College offers. The College has over 130 different programs leading to either a skills certificate, certificate, associate degree, or post-associate certificate. We also offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary and Dietary Operations Management.

Skills Certificates and Certificates

Skills Certificates and Certificates are viable credentials for improving your salary and career outlook. They are approved by the Schoolcraft College accrediting organization, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and by the Department of Education/Federal Financial Aid. The Skills Certificates and Certificates are earned by many students and can help you gain a job in your chosen field or can help advance your career in an industry. They do not require as much time, or as many classes, and so are an economical way to begin and achieve.

Students in regalia holding up degrees
Schoolcraft College offers a variety of credentials – Certificates, Skills Certificates, Associate Degrees and a Bachelor of Science degree – to help students attain their goals.

The Skills Certificate will help provide you with an introductory view of the field and may help you to obtain an entry-level position in a variety of roles. The Certificate can assist with entry-level positions as well as enter more concentrated career paths.

The credits earned are also stackable so that you can go on from earning the Skills Certificate (most are about 16 credits), to then earning the Certificate (about 16 additional credits). 

By achieving these certificate milestones, you will have access to potential entry-level positions, advancement in current positions, and advancement toward further degrees and professional certificates. It also will allow for new career paths for workers of any industry that have been displaced and are seeking a career change with a positive growth potential.

With success comes more confidence and the boost in confidence, career and earnings make these credentials very attractive.

Degrees

The majority of students at Schoolcraft College are working toward graduating with one of these four associate degrees:

  • Associate in Arts (AA)
  • Associate in Science (AS)
  • Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
  • Associate in Business Administration (ABA)

What are the differences?

Both the Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Science (AS) degrees are designed for students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a particular discipline. Many, if not all, credits can be transferred to four-year institutions. Check with your Academic Advisor, but in some cases it’s possible to enter a four-year school as a junior with all general education courses already completed. Earning an AS or AA at Schoolcraft College first can result in tremendous cost savings compared with attending a college or university for all four years to complete a bachelor’s degree.

An earlier Say What? explains these transfer possibilities in further detail.

An Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree is designed for those interested in entering the workforce right away and establishing a career in health care, business, manufacturing and more. Professionals already working in these fields find that completing an associate degree can lead to career advancement. In some cases, apprenticeships are available and employers may pay for classes.

An AAS is considered a “terminal degree” – that is, the courses are designed to get students the education they need to succeed in the workforce right way rather than serving as a foundation or stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree. While it’s possible to transfer AAS courses to a four-year institution, it’s not the usual path.

The Associate in Business Administration (ABA) is the best of both worlds, providing a foundation to both a bachelor’s degree and the knowledge to enter the workforce in a variety of business-related fields, including:

  • Accounting
  • Business Administration
  • Computer Information Systems
  • Finance
  • Human Resources Management
  • International Business
  • Management
  • Marketing

In addition, Schoolcraft College also confers the following degrees:

  • Associate in Engineering (AE)
  • Associate in Fine Arts (AFA)
  • Associate in General Studies (AGS)
  • Bachelor of Science (BS)

Like the AA and AS degrees, the Associate in Engineering (AE), Associate in Fine Arts (AFA), and Associate in General Studies (AGS) degrees are designed for students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution.

Schoolcraft College’s Bachelor of Science degree program, usually completed in four years, is in Culinary Arts. Students on this track earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary and Dietary Operations Management. As the name suggests, it prepares graduates for management positions in the food and nutrition industries. This program also combines business and science courses to broaden the knowledge base beyond culinary and improve the student’s career opportunities. 

There are many programs at Schoolcraft College offering certificates and degrees that will make a positive difference in your career opportunities and earnings. Continue to meet with your Academic Advisor to ensure you’re on the right path for all that you want to achieve with your education at Schoolcraft College. 

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The Lunar New Year begins February 1

In the United States, “Holiday Season” refers to the period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. For some countries and cultures, however, an important holiday is on the horizon. That holiday is the Lunar New Year, which is celebrated in many Asian countries as well as by people of Asian descent living in other nations. Heddy Worden, Director of Strategic Enrollment, graciously provided the following story on the Lunar New Year.

Colorful strings of lanterns
The Lantern Festival includes lit lanterns, representing family reunion and society, illuminating the night sky.

On Tuesday, February 1, over 1.5 billion people around the world will gather in celebration of the Lunar New Year—the first new moon of the lunisolar calendar!

This year celebrates the year of the Tiger, specifically the Water Tiger, a symbol representing strength, vitality and courage.

Also known as the Chinese New Year and Spring Festival, this ancient tradition was established millennia ago during the Han Dynasty and remains one of the most honored celebrations among Asian countries, including China, South Korea, and Singapore. Other Asian countries celebrate this time by a different name. In Vietnam, for example, the Lunar New Year is known as Tết, and in Tibet as Losar.

The Lunar New Year is, first and foremost, a time of family and gathering. It is a time to reunite with loved ones, solidify relationships, honor those who have gone before and rejoice in all that is new and positive. With over 1.5 billion travelling at one time, the Lunar New Year has been regarded as the single largest annual migration on the planet. This extraordinary period of travel even has a special name, Chunyun.

Colorful dragon costumes and presentation
Dragon dances are used to ward off bad omens.

During this time the special Chinese character Fù, printed on red paper and hung upside-down, adorns several city streets and households. The character represents fortune and good luck, while the diamond signifies that fortune is arriving.

Households undergo a thorough cleaning prior to the start of the Lunar New Year. All debts are paid and extravagant meals consisting of several dishes accompany the celebration, as do dances and astounding acrobatics. Among the most anticipated are the Lion and Dragon dances. These mythical figures, encased in red and accompanied by fireworks, are used to ward off bad omens and the ancient monster known as Nian. 

Numbers like 8 and 7, colors like red and gold, and fruits hold special meaning during the celebration and are intended to attract good luck.

Other practices and superstitions include:

  • Wearing new clothing in bright colors – black and white clothes are associated with mourning. 
  • Eating dumplings – the word dumpling is jiao zi, which closely resembles the Chinese adage of “out with the old and in with the new.”
  • Refraining from using scissors as they signifying severing rather than reuniting.
  • Not purchasing or gifting books during the celebration as the word for book, shứ, sounds too close to “lose.”
Two children smiling
Children receive red envelopes containing money.

The Lunar New Year celebration lasts for 16 days during which elders and parents present children and unmarried adults with red envelopes or pockets, hóng bāo, containing money and their well wishes for the new year. 

The celebration concludes with the much-anticipated Lantern Festival, during which millions of lit lanterns, representing family reunion and society, illuminate the night sky and herald in a bright new future.

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The play is a classic by Neil Simon

Schoolcraft Theatre is pleased to announce open auditions for a live performance of Neil Simon’s comedy “Barefoot in the Park.” Auditions will be in the James R. Hartman Theatre (Liberal Arts 500) on the Livonia Campus at 7:00 p.m. February 1 and 2 (Thursday and Friday). The play will be directed by faculty member Paul Beer.

“We are thrilled to prepare to welcome a live audience back to the James R. Hartman Theatre,” Beer said.  “We have missed the interaction with our live audiences, and hope to charm them with this Neil Simon classic.”  

Beer hopes to fill the following roles in the auditions:

  • Corie Bratter, a young newlywed
  • Paul Bratter, her new husband, a young lawyer
  • Mother, Corie’s mother, a suburban housewife
  • Victor Velasco, Corie and Paul’s eccentric older neighbor
  • Telephone repairman

Schoolcraft Theatre auditions are open to the entire Schoolcraft community – students, faculty, staff and community members. No prior experience is required. 

Barefoot in the Park
“Barefoot in the Park” premiered on Broadway in 1963.

Those auditioning are invited to prepare a 60-120 second comedic monologue, and will be asked to read from the script. Audition sides, and more information, are available at www.schoolcraft.edu/theatre. Please see the website for COVID-19 precautions.

Barefoot in the Park will be performed live in the James R. Hartman Theatre on March 25 and 26 (Friday and Saturday) and April 1 and 2 (Friday and Saturday). A matinee performance will held on Sunday, March 27.

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All are welcome to attend

Pageturners Book Club will kick off its winter 2022 schedule with a discussion of “The Magician’s Lie” by Greer Macallister from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 26, in Liberal Arts 200.

Pageturners is the book club of Schoolcraft College. It is open to all students, faculty, staff, administrators and community members. Discussion sessions are facilitated by Schoolcraft students.

About “The Magician’s Lie”

The Amazing Arden is the most famous female illusionist of her day, renowned for her notorious trick of sawing a man in half on stage. One night in Waterloo, Iowa, with young policeman Virgil Holt watching from the audience, she swaps her trademark saw for a fire ax. Is it a new version of the illusion, or an all-too-real murder? When Arden’s husband is found lifeless beneath the stage later that night, the answer seems clear.

book cover of woman in a red dress
“The Magician’s Lie” by Greer Macallister

But when Virgil happens upon the fleeing magician and takes her into custody, she has a very different story to tell. Even handcuffed and alone, Arden is far from powerless – and what she reveals is as unbelievable as it is spellbinding. Over the course of one eerie night, Virgil must decide whether to turn Arden in or set her free . . . and it will take all he has to see through the smoke and mirrors.

English Professor Denise Schell and Reference Librarian Wayne Pricer are co-coordinators of Pageturners Book Club. For more information, please contact either Professor Schell by email at [email protected] or by phone at 734.462.7189 or Mr. Pricer by email at [email protected] or by phone at 734-462-5317.

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Proceeds enhance scholarships and grants

One of the most prestigious annual events at Schoolcraft College is returning in February.

The Culinary Extravaganza (CulEx), billed this year as the Diamond Jubilee Culinary Extravaganza, will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 24, in the VisTaTech Center. The Diamond Jubilee Culinary Extravaganza will showcase the skills of the distinguished and award-winning students and faculty of Schoolcraft College’s Culinary Arts and Brewing and Distillation Technology programs.

chefs preparing plates in a kitchen
The Diamond Jubilee Culinary Extravaganza will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 24, in the VisTaTech Center.

Proceeds from this fabulous strolling dinner will enhance scholarships and grants for the benefit of students and programs through the Schoolcraft College Foundation (SCF).

A wide array of sponsorship and ticket options are available. For more information, contact Carole Booms, Director of Annual Giving & Scholarship Administration, at 734-462-4455 or [email protected].

For more information, visit the Schoolcraft College Foundation website.

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Registration is now open

A collaboration with Google to offer the Google IT Support Certificate is one of many new courses available from Schoolcraft College’s Personal and Professional Learning (PPL) department for the Winter 2022 schedule. Registration is now open.

The Google IT Support Certificate is:

  • Designed to help those with no experience prepare for entry-level jobs in IT Support in less than six months
  • Taught by Google employees who began in IT Support
  • Facilitated by a Schoolcraft College instructor with CompTIA A+ certification, who provides direct support for students

“We are extremely pleased to offer the Google IT Support Certificate for the Winter 2022 schedule,” said Dr. Jodie Beckley, Director, Personal & Professional Learning. “This course is open to students 16 years and older, so this is a great way for high school students to prepare for a career in IT.”

Potential careers the Google IT Support Certificate prepares students for include:

Google and Personal and Professional Learning
The Personal & Professional Learning (PPL) Winter 2022 Schedule is now available.
  • Database administrator
  • IT specialist
  • Tech support specialist
  • Systems analyst
  • Network engineer
  • Help desk technician
  • IT support specialist
  • IT technician
  • Computer user specialist
  • IT assistant

Dr. Beckley noted several additional benefits for students who complete the Google IT Support Certificate.

“Upon completing the course, students can claim a Credly Badge to share on LinkedIn and other social networks,” she said. “Google also provides access to a local IT recruiter through Career Circle as well as access to Big Interview to receive assistance in preparing for job interviews.

“Finally, students will receive a 20% discount on the CompTIA A+ certification exam if they would like to take it.”

New courses offered; favorites return

Several other all-new courses as well as the return of some favorites also are part of PPL’s Winter 2022 offering.

“From the return of our full aquatics, to new languages, art and self-defense classes and more, PPL has something for everyone,” Dr. Beckley said.

The popular Dine & Discover series returns as well with two new topics: 

Coney Detroit: The Capital of a Coney Nation and Raising Butterflies in the Garden