Schoolcraft College

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Plymouth resident Jackie Coleman was recently named to the College’s Board of Trustees.

The Schoolcraft College Board of Trustees recently appointed Jackie Coleman as the newest member of the board overseeing the College.

Coleman was appointed during a special meeting of the College’s Board of Trustees Dec. 10. Coleman fills the seat formerly occupied by Carol Strom, who resigned in November after serving 31 years. Coleman holds an educational specialist degree in Special Education Leadership from Eastern Michigan University. Coleman has worked in special education for Livonia Public Schools since 1996. She believes in servant leadership and has enjoyed serving in various roles throughout her tenure, including as a leader on a district committee, as a team lead for a program serving students with autism, as a union representative and currently as the department chair for Livonia’s speech pathologists.

“Schoolcraft College is a treasured institution of our community, and I am honored to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees. I look forward to serving the College in this new role,” Coleman said. “Community college changes lives, and I look forward to working with my fellow trustees to strengthen access, affordability and opportunity to our community.”

Coleman is a lifelong resident of Wayne County, living in communities such as Lincoln Park, Westland and Plymouth. She has two adult daughters who graduated from Canton High School before going on to explore higher education. Her own daughters are examples of how different people require a variety of opportunities after high school and that going into a four-year college isn’t for everyone. Mrs. Coleman currently lives in Plymouth with her husband, Steve Coleman, who is an electrician. In her free time, she enjoys dance-cardio classes and reading.

Coleman’s term will run through Dec. 31, 2026. An election to fill the remainder of the original six-year term will take place later this year.

The Schoolcraft College Board of Trustees serves as the policymaking body for the College and is made up of seven members elected by the residents of the following school districts: Livonia, Clarenceville, Plymouth-Canton, Northville, Garden City and part of Novi.

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Jeff Groth, the manager of The Craft Grille, will head west this holiday break to perform in one of America’s premiere parades in California.

Jeff Groth has a very busy holiday break planned.

The manager of The Craft Grille, who formerly worked as a junior high school band director in Macomb County for 30 years, plans to travel to the west coast to perform in one of America’s premiere events: the Tournament of Roses Parade.

A member of the Band Directors Marching Band, a group of hundreds of current and former school band directors, Groth will don a red suitcoat and perform several songs with his alto saxophone over the five-and-a-half-mile parade route in Pasadena, California this New Year’s Day.

“I’ve looked forward to this one all year. It’s an honor,” Groth said. “I know there’s going to be a lot of new directors.”

A longtime musician, Groth discovered the Band Directors Marching Band several years ago. After auditioning, he was accepted and performed with the band at several other events, including the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rose Parade in 2022.

suit circular badge for rose parade
A closeup of the patch worn by members of the Band Directors Marching Band for the upcoming Rose Parade.

After spending his years teaching music, Groth retired and sought to pursue his other passion: beer. A longtime homebrewer, Groth discovered the Brewing and Distillation Technology program at Schoolcraft College and enrolled. After earning a certificate, he worked to help develop the brewing program at Lourdes University in Sylvania, Ohio.

After spending several years at Lourdes, Groth got the opportunity to return to Michigan and help run The Craft Grille, the new brewpub that opened as a part of the massive $11 million renovation to the Vistatech Center that was completed in 2023. The restaurant — open five days a week serving pub fair and beer brewed by Schoolcraft College students — has become a place where Groth has gotten to know many of the regulars.

He has also been able to harness his musical passion at Schoolcraft as well: Groth routinely performs with the College’s Jazz Band throughout the year.

Groth said he and his fellow bandmates – which number more than 300 – will march the whole parade route playing a variety of marching music. They’ll also travel with a float entitled “Banding Together,” which salutes all those involved to make music happen for educational communities.

“We want to encourage students to participate in band while getting involved elsewhere,” Groth said. “You can be in band and do other things.”

The Rose Parade is available to watch beginning at 11 a.m. Jan. 1.

Groth said he’s extremely fortunate to be able to share his passions with his customers at The Craft Grille, many of whom will be looking for him playing his alto sax on New Year’s Day.

“I have the best job of talking about beer and music,” Groth said. “It’s just great to be a band kid again.”

Article photo: Jeff Groth, manager of The Craft Grille, takes a break from serving guests to showcase his Band Directors Marching Band uniform and alto saxophone. Groth will be one of more than 300 performers marching in the Tournament of Roses Parade this Jan. 1.

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In stretch and corrective recovery sessions, employees in the Movement Science Lab use active isolated stretch techniques and full range of motion corrective exercises to increase joint and muscle flexibility and function.

It took a visit earlier this year to the Schoolcraft College Fitness Center for Bernie and Barb Brennan to learn about what movement science is.

The couple have been members at the center for years, visiting in varying intervals. But when Barb developed a leg problem, they decided to commit to becoming more fit. They worked with Nick Hangartner, a personal trainer at the Fitness Center, and were recommended to visit Carlin Wilson, a stretch and recovery coordinator in the Movement Science Lab.

professional stretching person's leg
Carlin Wilson uses active isolated stretch techniques and full range of motion corrective exercises to increase joint and muscle flexibility and function in Schoolcraft College’s Movement Science Lab.

“We came in and he worked on us for 15 minutes, each of us, and after that, we signed up,” said Barb, who is 77. “We’ve been going to Carlin once a week.

“It’s probably the best thing we’ve done for each other since we quit smoking.”

In the stretch and corrective recovery sessions, Wilson uses active isolated stretch techniques and full range of motion corrective exercises to increase joint and muscle flexibility and function. The Brennans work with Hangartner and Wilson once a week.  When needed, the two collaborate on fitness suggestions for them.

Wilson aims to provide his clients with the knowledge to be able to continue with stretching, flexibility and strength on their own. The Brennans have found that these programs have played a huge role in motivating them. But along with motivation, they have developed commitment: they are at the Fitness Center at least four times a week working on various aspects of fitness that they have learned.

Barb and Bernie are utilizing just a small portion of what the Movement Science Lab offers.  Those interested in the offerings from the Movement Science Lab at Schoolcraft College can learn more by visiting the Fitness Center’s website at schoolcraft.edu/fitness-center/movement-science-lab. There, visitors can schedule a lab test and explore additional fitness options offered at the center, which is in the Physical Education Building on Schoolcraft College’s main campus.

The work at the Movement Science lab aids Bernie, 81, in staying active. His goal? Continue not needing a walker or a cane for the next decade.

“I just want to keep on moving,” he said. “I don’t want to stop now. When I’m 90, I might slow down.”

professional looking at patient's knee
Bernie Brennan gets stretched by Carlin Wilson in the Movement Science Lab. The Brennans have found visiting Wilson to be beneficial every week.

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The three students aim to promote the annual interdisciplinary conference taking place this spring.

Promoting the upcoming STEAM@Schoolcraft Conference is helping Connor Elkins gain confidence in public speaking.

The second-year Schoolcraft College student who hopes to join academia as a professor said being one of the three STEAM Fellows – who work to promote the spring conference taking place March 20, 2026 – will get him more accustomed to putting himself out there.

“I know it’s a skill I need to develop. I didn’t think of it as a challenge,” Elkins said. “It’s an opportunity I can’t say no to.”

Elkins, along with students Samantha Bleim and Blake Morales, are serving as the three STEAM Fellows for the upcoming conference. Their jobs include promoting the conference, as well as assisting with the script and helping with run-throughs leading up to the event.

STEAM@Schoolcraft is entering its sixth year. The conference – put on by the Center for Experiential Learning – investigates how the arts, humanities and sciences effectively build on one another in real-world settings to support our students’ academic and professional goals.

Students are mentored by Schoolcraft College faculty and staff to explore how these disciplines intersect. Participants with diverse backgrounds and interests should submit proposals that creatively address the theme and propose a solution to a problem in society using an interdisciplinary approach.

Those interested in presenting at the conference can learn more here.

As the students begin their work of promoting the prestigious event, they plan on interacting with college instructors and speaking to classes about the conference.

Bleim, a post-traditional student attending on the Michigan Reconnect scholarship who plans to major in Spanish when she transfers to a four-year university, said the STEAM@Schoolcraft conference is unlike anything offered by another two-year college. That’s something she saw as a positive.

“Based on my own experience here at Schoolcraft and why I felt so compelled to do this fellowship is because Schoolcraft offers such unique opportunities,” Bleim said. “People are out there with these great ideas, and this conference gives someone the opportunity that they might not have gotten at another college.”

Jumping at the chance to be a STEAM@Schoolcraft fellow, Morales said, is the perfect opportunity to get involved and get more experience.

“I waited 7-8 years to continue my education in higher education. I never got these kinds of opportunities,” said Morales, a Michigan Reconnect student who is interested in environmental biology and medicine. “This is kind of just my chance to achieve things in academics.”

Errin Stegich-Moloney, manager of the Center for Experiential Learning, said she selected the three students to serve as Fellows for the conference. In addition to their work with the conference, all three of the students participate in other activities, including Phi Theta Kappa and the Schoolcraft Scholars Honors Program. All three also participated in the Center’s Summer Seminar Fellowship program this past August.

Their dedication and involvement on campus made the three great candidates to spread the good news about the conference.

“This event brings out some of the best and brightest, and these three students are incredible representatives for STEAM@Schoolcraft,” she said. “I’m very excited to work with Connor, Samantha and Blake to help make the 2026 conference the best one yet.”

Instructors interested in inviting the STEAM@Schoolcraft Fellows to their classes can request them by emailing [email protected].

Applications for those interested in presenting at the conference are due Feb. 13, 2026. To learn more about the STEAM@Schoolcraft, visit the conference’s website.

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Otaku U is entirely student-run, with Schoolcraft students working to make the convention a destination for anime fans across the region.

Anime fans will once again take over Schoolcraft College this weekend as the Otaku U anime convention returns for its fourth year of celebrating anime, manga, video games and more.

Organized by the Schoolcraft College Otaku Anime Club and sponsored by RIW Hobbies & Games, the convention offers activities and events for all ages, including:

  • A vendor hall featuring local vendors and artists, sponsored by Otaku Detroit
  • Anime AMV viewings
  • A live food demonstration
  • Cosplay contest sponsored by Lucky Cat Market
  • A variety of fan panels
  • Tabletop gaming area hosted by RIW Hobbies & Games
  • Video game tournaments sponsored by Legendary Japanese Imports
  • Manga library
  • The Ribbon Game and evening karaoke

This year’s convention will welcome special guest Natalie Van Sistine, a voice actress known for roles in anime such as “Spy × Family,” “My Hero Academia,” “The Maid I Hired Recently Is Mysterious” and more. Van Sistine will meet fans and sign autographs throughout the afternoon.

Otaku U is entirely student-run, with Schoolcraft students working to make the convention a destination for anime fans across the region. Since its debut in 2022, the event has drawn hundreds of attendees to campus each year.

“It’s hard to believe we’re already in our fourth year of Otaku U,” said Todd Stowell, director of the Student Activities Office at Schoolcraft College. “The convention has grown tremendously since it began, and our students are the driving force behind its success. With activities, panels, contests and more, there’s truly something for everyone at the senior year of Otaku U.”

Otaku U runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Nov. 22, in the Vistatech Center on Schoolcraft College’s campus, located at 18600 Haggerty Road, Livonia, MI 48152. Advance tickets are $7 for ages 11 and up and $5 for ages 10 and under at otakuu.org. Tickets will also be available at the door for $10 per person.

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Acclaimed author and producer Josh Malerman will headline the upcoming Humanities In Action Network panel discussion on the art of filmmaking and production Nov. 20.

Acclaimed author and producer Josh Malerman will headline the upcoming Humanities In Action Network panel discussion on the art of filmmaking and production Nov. 20.

Best known for his novel, ”Bird Box,” which was adapted into a Netflix original movie in 2018 starring Sandra Bullock, Malerman will participate in an upcoming panel discussion with Emmy-winning guests: writer and director Scott Masterson and Schoolcraft’s own Jeremy Salo, professor of Media Arts. The discussion will take place from 1-2:30 p.m. Nov. 20 in the Kehrl Auditorium in the Vistatech Center at Schoolcraft College.

In addition to participating in the panel, Malerman will also take questions.

The Humanities In Action Network is the latest program launched by the College’s Center for Experiential Learning designed to bridge the gap between academic study and pathways by bringing together professionals, Schoolcraft faculty and students to explore how the arts and humanities translate into meaningful, impactful careers.

“The goal of this new program is to help students connect what they are learning in the classroom into a career rooted in the study of the Arts and Humanities,” said Errin Stegich-Moloney, Manager of the Center for Experiential Learning. “We hope to build relationships between professionals, faculty, and our students and also explore possible career paths working in these diverse fields.”

The panel discussion is free and open to the public and is supported by the Center for Experiential Learning and the Mellon Foundation. More information can be found at schoolcraft.edu.

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Brown, a member of the Michigan Army National Guard, recently came back to his alma mater to perform the national anthem at the men’s and women’s basketball games Nov. 8.

Michigan Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Tim Brown took his Ocelot Pride to one of the most unlikely places on the planet several years back: Guantanamo Bay Naval Base.

Sgt. 1st Class Tim Brown sings The Star-Spangled Banner before the Schoolcraft College women’s basketball game against Clark State College Nov. 8.

Brown, a Schoolcraft College alumnus, was deployed at the United States military base in Cuba when he heard they were hosting a college fair. Wanting to share his positive experience, he reached out to the Veterans Center for some swag. He set up a display and represented Schoolcraft College to his fellow soldiers, telling them about the wonderful programs in areas such as business the College offered.

“I emailed the Veterans Center and I was like ‘Hey, they’re doing a college fair, and I would like to represent Schoolcraft,’” he said. “So, they sent a bunch of T-shirts.”

Brown’s love for Schoolcraft College has lasted for years, and he recently got another way to showcase his affection for his alma mater: he returned to campus to sing the national anthem before the men’s and women’s basketball games Nov. 8 against Clark State College, a fitting honor just days before Veterans Day.

A longtime musician, Brown found himself singing beginning in elementary school. While attending Southfield-Lathrup High School, he earned two varsity letters for musical performance. But then graduation came, and Brown wasn’t sure what his future would look like. So, he enlisted, first joining the Air Force in active duty and later in the Michigan Army National Guard. Since then, he’s risen in rank and become a platoon sergeant, overseeing soldiers and participating in several deployments to places such as Afghanistan, Lebanon and more.

After spending time in the service, Brown began to explore options for higher education. After initially enrolling at another institution, he decided he needed a change of scenery. Brown had heard about the Homeland Security program at Schoolcraft College and decided to transfer.

Here, he utilized the Veterans Center and enrolled in classes. He graduated with two associate degrees: one in Homeland Security and another in criminal justice. Utilizing his education, Brown currently works for the Michigan Department of Corrections, a position he thoroughly enjoys.

He said the center played a major role in helping him adjust to life as a student, rather than life as a soldier. “It is so hard to come back from an active war zone to home. That adjustment is extremely hard,” Brown said. “I needed the structure. I needed the support. I needed Pam to tell me, ‘This is what it is, this is what I recommend.’”

Brown still makes time to visit campus, popping in to say hello to the current staff of the Veterans Center. Brent Landau, executive director of the Veterans Center, said Brown is always welcome.

“It’s always a pleasure to see Tim stop by and offer support for anything he may need,” Landau said. “He is just one of many veterans we’ve served that have gone on to do incredible work, and we’re happy to have played a role in assisting in his education.”

Despite joining the workforce, Brown has never let the music go. He’s had the opportunity to perform at a handful of military events, and even large-scale sporting events: he performed the National Anthem at a Great Lakes Loons minor league baseball game on the Fourth of July in Midland, and at a Detroit Tigers game on Juneteenth this summer, an experience Brown will never forget.

“That was awesome. It was electric,” Brown said. “Everybody was extremely nice.”

Education continues to play a role in Brown’s life: he is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Purdue University and hopes to complete it next year.

His advice to fellow veterans looking to earn their degree? Stay locked in.

“Block out the noise and focus on the mission,” Brown said. “The mission here is to learn and to graduate so we can take what we learned and apply it to a profession outside.”

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The production will take to the James R. Hartman Theatre stage Nov. 7 and 8 in Schoolcraft College’s Liberal Arts Building.

Directing one of the most legendary Greek tragedies of all time has been on Paul Beer’s bucket list since his time in graduate school.

After tinkering with some ideas, Beer, a theatre instructor at Schoolcraft College, believes he’s found a modern take on a pair of classic theatrical performances and will direct them this fall.

“A Pair of Kings” consists of one-act versions of Oedipus Rex by Sophocles and Ubu Roi by Alfred Jarry. The production will take to the James R. Hartman Theatre stage Nov. 7 and 8 in Schoolcraft College’s Liberal Arts Building.

Beer said he took the perceptions of the modern-day experience and saw the perfect fit to adapt these two performances into something modern audiences could relate to.

“As we see what many characterize as the rise of authoritarianism, it is a chance to see the danger of one person’s vision taking control.  And even if we didn’t equate it to this time, there are certainly other periods which have seen the same thing,” Beer said. “Similarly, Ubu Roi is about madness, about decisions that have no rational basis, and their appalling consequences.  For many, the present circumstances feel like ‘Ubu madness.’”

“Oedipus Rex” follows the story of King Oedipus, who seeks to rid Thebes of a deadly plague, only to discover that he has unknowingly fulfilled a prophecy by killing his father and marrying his mother. “Ubu Roi” is a darkly satirical play that premiered in 1896. The story follows the greedy and cowardly Père Ubu, whose violent rise to power and ridiculous reign lampoon corruption, tyranny and the chaos of human ambition.

The performance will feature a cast and crew featuring Schoolcraft College students, alumni and community members.

Despite the source material being older, Beer said the performances are done in modern language, complete with music and humor.

“Not only are classical and current issues at the forefront, but we are blending a number of historical styles into our eclectic performance: there will be elements of Greek tragedy and absurd theatre, of course, but also Commedia dell’Arte, and even Brecht’s theatre of alienation,” Beer said. “Every modern performance draws on many sources, but ours does, too. Finally, like good Greek tragedy, it might spark some catharsis for audience members, as they confront the intersection of these old tales with our modern world.”

“A Pair of Kings” will take the stage 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7 and 8, as well as at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 8 in the James R. Hartman Theatre inside the Liberal Arts building at Schoolcraft College. Admission is $15 and students are $10. Tickets may be purchased at schoolcraft.edu/theatre, by phone at 734-462-4596 or at the door.

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The Career Mentorship and Placement Office will present two events tailored to unique career needs: the Fellowship and Transfer Fair Nov. 4; and the BizTech Job Fair Nov 10.

Job seekers and students will have multiple opportunities to explore their next career steps at two events hosted by Schoolcraft College this November.

The Career Mentorship and Placement Office will present two events tailored to unique career needs:

  • Fellowship and Transfer Fair — 3–5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4, in McDowell Center, Room 100
  • BizTech Job Fair — 3–5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, in Vistatech Center, Room 425

Both events are free and open to the public and aim to connect attendees with educational and employment opportunities.

The Fellowship and Transfer Fair will allow two-year college students to explore pathways to four-year degrees and fellowship opportunities. Students in liberal arts, sciences and related disciplines will have the chance to meet with representatives from colleges, universities and fellowship programs. The event is sponsored by the Career Mentorship and Placement Office, the Office of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Center for Experiential Learning and Advising and Transfer Services.

The BizTech Job Fair will connect candidates with employers in industries such as accounting, business, information technology and supply chain management. Applicants are encouraged to bring résumés and dress professionally. **The event is sponsored by the Career Mentorship and Placement Office and Occupational Programs such as Accounting, Business, Computer Information Systems and Supply Chain Management.

“These placement events strengthen connections between students, employers and higher education partners across our community,” said Sharon Christian, Director of the Career Mentorship and Placement Office at Schoolcraft College. “Each event helps open doors to new opportunities — whether that’s transferring to a university, finding a fellowship or launching a career.”

For more information about the fairs and the services offered by the Career Mentorship and Placement Office, visit schoolcraft.edu/careeradvantage.

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Loung Ung, author of “First They Killed My Father,” will give a talk and answer questions Nov. 11 during her visit to campus.

Students and members of the community will have the opportunity to hear from a bestselling author later this fall at Schoolcraft College.

Loung Ung, the author of the memoir “First They Killed My Father,” will be on campus to share her story. Her presentation begins at 10 a.m. Nov. 11, in the Kehrl Auditorium of the Vistatech Center, 18600 Haggerty Road in Livonia.

Her memoir recounts her experiences during the 1975 fall of Phnom Penh, which ended the Cambodian Civil War, and was adapted into a 2017 Netflix Original film directed by Angelina Jolie. Over the next four years, she lost her parents and two siblings, was separated from her family, and was trained as a child soldier. In 1980, at the age of 10, Ung and her brother escaped to a refugee camp in Thailand before resettling in Vermont.

In addition to a presentation, Ung will answer questions from the audience as well.

“We are thrilled to welcome Loung Ung to Schoolcraft College this fall,” said Colleen Pilgrim, a psychology instructor. “Her powerful story and tireless advocacy for human rights provide our students and community with a rare opportunity to engage directly with a voice of courage and resilience. Hosting Ms. Ung reflects our commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue and inspiring the next generation to think critically about global issues.”

The event is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to read “First They Killed My Father” and bring their copies of the book for Ung to sign. No books will be available to purchase at the event.

This is a Schoolcraft College Focus Series and Schoolcraft Pageturners collaborative event. The event is supported by the Center for Experiential Learning and the Schoolcraft College Foundation.

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Miller’s job is to connect job seekers with the help they need as a part of Schoolcraft College’s Career Mentorship and Placement Office.

Jessica Miller’s career has been all about guiding students about careers and encouraging them along their career journey.

The Career Services Navigator in the Schoolcraft College Career Mentorship and Placement Office began her role earlier this year, quickly getting adjusted and helping students.

A Michigan State University alumna, Miller graduated with an English degree. She then made her way to graduate school at Eastern Michigan University, earning a master’s degree in guidance and counseling with a focus in college student personnel. She ended up working in the career services office at the university and discovered her love of helping people. Since then, she’s remained working at various higher education institutions helping students and alumni find work.

Miller began working at Schoolcraft College in January. As she’s been here longer, she’s seen more interest in career mentorship services.

“I meet with students, alumni and the community and help them with just exploring their career path,” she said. “It could be reviewing their resumes, cover letters, job search strategies, interviewing.

Miller visits classes, sharing knowledge with students as they begin their education, helping them better understand what they can do to prepare to enter the workforce once they complete their education. In addition to occupational programs – such as business and accounting – Miller said she’s spoken to plenty of liberal arts classes, including English and history. Career guidance supports all students in all ranges of professions.

As such, the list of who is eligible to receive help is large, and Miller is always working with a wide range of jobseekers including current students, alumni and the community.

“There’s such a diverse group of the population that comes in. Current students, graduates, and community members utilize our range of holistic career services,” Miller said. “We strive to support the greater Schoolcraft College community for their personalized career and economic goals.”

She also coordinates the drop-in career support service which offers current students and recent alumni the opportunity to get assistance with resumes, cover letters, interviewing and LinkedIn tips from student mentors.

The Drop -In Career Support is in the Jeffress Center Room 124. Fall semester hours are Tuesdays-Thursdays from 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Those interested in learning more about how Miller and the Career Mentorship and Placement Office can visit schoolcraft.edu/career-services or visit the office, which is in the Jeffress Center Room 340.

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Deciding she needed a new career path several years ago, Charlotte Lawrie came to Schoolcraft College looking for a change. She found it and later opened her own shop in downtown Garden City.

A car crash nearly 20 years ago made Charlotte Lawrie realize she needed to change career paths.

Long a staple in the customer service field, Lawrie had dreams of working her way up in her field, eventually becoming a manager with a great benefits package. But after the car crash, she found it difficult to stand for long periods of time, which made her reconsider her career choice.

Realizing she enjoyed the creative side of business, Lawrie – a Garden City High School alumna – decided to go back to school and learn graphic design.

“I was like. ‘There’s got to be something else I can do,’” she said. “I thought, ‘I’m going to go to school and I’m going to design websites, because I love doing that kind of stuff.’”

Looking around, she discovered the amazing faculty at Schoolcraft College and enrolled.

Here, she embraced her creative side, taking a photography class and falling in love with creating beautiful images with a camera. She was urged by family and friends to become a photographer.

While Lawrie enjoyed taking senior photos and other portraits – especially once she opened a photo studio in a permanent location in Garden City – it wasn’t paying the bills. Then another pivot came: after her sister used her space one day for a craft party, she realized she could make that her living.

Thus, Creative Sol Makery was born.

Opening in 2014, the shop located at 5909 Middlebelt in downtown Garden City, has become Lawrie’s passion. In addition to selling art and art supplies, the space has a dedicated back room for crafters to host events. The shop has seen plenty of success, including being named the Business of the Month by the Wayne County Commission for September 2025.

Lawrie credits her time at Schoolcraft College as the reason for her success in operating the store. Being exposed to a wide range of experiences, especially as a post-traditional student in her 30s, gave her a new outlook on life. Besides attending classes, Lawrie got involved with the student photography club and worked at The Schoolcraft Connection newspaper. She even submitted a design for the Michigan Jazz Festival one year, which was selected as the event’s logo.

“I did my research, and it was very important to me where I got my education from,” she said. “If it wasn’t for Schoolcraft, I wouldn’t have done any of this.”

Charlotte Lawrie working on craft in maker space
Charlotte Lawrie, owner of Creative Sol Makery in downtown Garden City, works on a project in the back of her shop. Lawrie is a graduate of Schoolcraft College, using the skills she acquired in school to help boost her small business.

Her involvement on campus was incredibly valuable, said Rena Laverty, who works in the Student Activities Office and serves as the adviser for The Schoolcraft Connection.

“Charlotte’s passion for art and photography has always been remarkable. Working with her as a student was a true pleasure,” Laverty said. “Watching her thrive for more than a decade after graduation reflects the creativity and drive she brought to Schoolcraft College from the very start.”

Lawrie’s advice for students in a similar situation as her? Don’t be afraid to make the move and enroll.

“It scares people because they’re thinking about homework and all that. But if you want to do something creative and fun, they have that. You don’t have to be scared,” she said. “There are so many offerings at that Schoolcraft.”