Schoolcraft College

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Throughout March, we’ll be highlighting women across campus who have made their mark on Schoolcraft College. This week, it is Patty Donohue-Ebach, Director of Recreation Services, which oversees the Fitness Center, Sports Dome and Movement Science Lab in the TrinityElite Sports Center.

The Schoolcraft College Fitness Center is an incredibly special place for Patty Donohue-Ebach.

Donohue-Ebach has been involved with the Fitness Center since it was still just a concept for this Campus nearly 15 years ago. Today, it looks very different than it did back in 2012, and that’s something she is extremely proud of.

“My legacy, I hope, will be that I helped to create a vibrant, sustainable community here on campus where I and my team have positively affected thousands of students and community members and patrons of our programs throughout the years” she said. “Through our dedication to being a fun and inclusive place where the energy is positive and where people want to be, we have grown the use and participation in our facilities and programs 100-fold over the years.”

Donohue-Ebach has spent more than 35 years in the health and fitness industry. She first joined Schoolcraft College in 2005 as an adjunct faculty member before taking over the operations of the Fitness Center when it opened in 2012.

Since then, she’s fallen in love with working with students. She said the energy they bring to work every day is unmatched.

“They keep you fresh and young with their perspectives on things and will challenge you in the best way,” Donohue-Ebach said. “They are funny. I love being around them, listening to them and mentoring them.”

Higher education plays a huge role for Donohue-Ebach. In addition to her work on campus, Donohue-Ebach is a proud supporter of her alma mater, the University of Michigan. She currently serves as the president of the U-M Alumni Club of Greater Northville, planning events and activities for all alumni in her membership footprint.

Donohue-Ebach subscribes to the classic phrase “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” She’s always keeping busy: whether it’s improving the Fitness Center or helping with other activities at Schoolcraft College, Donohue-Ebach is always finding ways to give back.

“This is how I have felt my entire career-it’s typically hard for me to distinguish between my working hours and the rest of my life because I love what I do and the people I get to work with,” she said. “All the interesting and fun challenges that my choice of profession brings every day make coming into ‘work’ a pleasure and not a grind.”

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This year’s event will feature student presenters focusing on this year’s theme: Bridging Disciplines, Building Futures.

Schoolcraft College students will showcase the best ways to make a difference in their communities during the STEAM@Schoolcraft conference later this month.

This year’s event will feature student presenters focusing on this year’s theme: Bridging Disciplines, Building Futures. Students submitted proposals to present during the event, scheduled for March 20. The selected presenters will utilize the concepts of STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics – and demonstrate how the disciplines build on each other to have a societal and lasting impact. The annual student-led conference is a collaborative effort sponsored by the Center for Experiential Learning, Liberal Arts, and the Learning Support Services department.

Returning this year is the STEAM@Schoolcraft Fellows panel, which will highlight several students’ experiences as Schoolcraft Scholars and their plans post-graduation. Fellows participating include students Connor Elkins, Blake Morales and Samanthan Bleim. This panel will be moderated by Dr. Glenn Cerny, president of Schoolcraft College.

“STEAM@Schoolcraft is a thought-provoking experience for both our exhibitors and our guests each year,” said Kim Masterson, an English faculty member and STEAM@Schoolcraft Faculty Co-Chair. “We’re excited to see what our students have to present and appreciate how this conference brings the campus community together.”

Along with Masterson, Rena Yuzon, Lead Course Manager for Distance Learning, and Errin Stegich, Manager of the Center for Experiential Learning, co-lead this effort. This annual event is a successful cross-functional collective of faculty, staff, and leadership that facilitates this student-centered conference.

Scholarships and awards for the conference are made possible by the University of Michigan LSA Transfer Bridges (TB2H), The Garritano Family Fund, The Schoolcraft College Foundation, Schoolcraft College President’s Award, Chief Academic Officer, and the Liberal Arts and Sciences Department. Sponsors supporting the conference include the Mellon Foundation and Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace.

The conference takes place 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 20 in the Wayne State University conference space on the third floor of the Jeffress Center at Schoolcraft College. Register to attend the conference here. Registration is free and open to all students, staff, faculty and community members. Seating is limited and registration is required.

More information can be found at schoolcraft.edu/cel/programs/steam-at-schoolcraft.

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The ACF will return to campus March 5-10 to use the state-of-the-art kitchens at the Vistatech Center as candidates pursue one of the most respected and rigorous certifications in the culinary profession.

Schoolcraft College will be the focus of the culinary universe this month.

Some of the nation’s most accomplished chefs will gather in the College’s kitchens this spring as it hosts the prestigious American Culinary Federation (ACF) Certified Master Chef® (CMC) examination.

The ACF will return to campus March 5-10 to use the state-of-the-art kitchens at the Vistatech Center as candidates pursue one of the most respected and rigorous certifications in the culinary profession. The CMC exam has taken place at Schoolcraft College since 2017, with the College last hosting the exams in 2022.

Eligibility for the CMC exam is highly selective. Candidates must already hold the designation of Certified Executive Chef® (CEC®) or Certified Culinary Educator® (CCE®). In addition, applicants must submit letters of recommendation from current CMCs or Certified Master Pastry Chefs® (CMPC®), as well as demonstrate successful completion of advanced coursework in sanitation and food safety, management, cost control and wine studies.

The Certified Master Chef designation represents the pinnacle of culinary achievement. It recognizes demonstrated mastery of culinary competence through advanced education, extensive professional experience, technical expertise and consistent execution at the highest level of the craft.

Three chefs will sit for the full CMC examination this spring, while an additional four chefs will participate in a hands-on educational assessment program conducted in conjunction with the exam.

“It is an honor to welcome the CMC exam back to Schoolcraft College,” said Brian Beland, CMC, chair of Schoolcraft College’s Culinary Arts Department. “Serving as host for this rigorous examination reflects the high standards of professionalism and excellence we uphold in our kitchens. We look forward to welcoming the ACF and American Master Chefs Order back to campus and showcasing Schoolcraft College to the culinary community.”

Schoolcraft College will play a major role in making the exam a success. The College’s chefs will create the mystery baskets each chef will use to create their dishes, and the College’s Media Services team – along with a former culinary arts faculty member – will provide commentary on the program throughout the week.

Often described as a proving ground for culinary mastery, the CMC credential is held by approximately 80 chefs worldwide. Four Certified Master Chefs currently serve on Schoolcraft College’s faculty, and five additional CMCs or CMPCs are retired chef instructors from the institution.

This spring marks the fourth time Schoolcraft College has hosted the CMC examination, with previous exams held in 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2022.

The 2026 exam will also be the first conducted at the College following the 2023 expansion of the Vistatech Center. Renovations included enhancements to the American Harvest dining room, the addition of The Craft Grille, and the debut of the Collaborative Learning Studio—a demonstration kitchen that stands among the finest instructional facilities in the Midwest.

Members of the public are invited to observe portions of the examination from the Collaborative Learning Studio or through designated viewing areas within the Vistatech Center, located at 18600 Haggerty Road in Livonia.

For more information about the Certified Master Chef credential and those who have earned it, visit americanmasterchefsorder.org.

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The Craft Grille will offer several specials for the inaugural restaurant week, which takes place March 1-7.

The Craft Grille at Schoolcraft College will participate in the first-ever Canton Restaurant Week, taking place March 1–7.

The weeklong celebration of local cuisine highlights restaurants in and around Canton. Schoolcraft College proudly serves as Canton’s community college.

As part of the festivities, The Craft Grille will feature several specials throughout the week:

Crafted for 1 — $15

  • Classic Burger and a soft drink

Appetizer Special — $25

  • Pretzel Bites
  • Choice of any wings menu item
  • Roasted Garlic and Sage Fries

Crafted for 2 — $40

  • Two Classic Burgers
  • Two pints of Schoolcraft Brewery beer (must be 21 or older)
  • One dessert of your choice
meal display of chicken wings and beer
A plate of wings and beer from The Craft Grille.

The specials will be available during The Craft Grille’s regular hours, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday. The restaurant is located inside the Vistatech Center at Schoolcraft College, 18600 Haggerty Road in Livonia.

“We’re excited to welcome diners to The Craft Grille during the inaugural Canton Restaurant Week,” said Jeff Groth, manager of The Craft Grille. “It’s a great opportunity for guests to experience our elevated pub fare and beer brewed by Schoolcraft College students. We hope our guests will discover their new favorite dish when they visit.”

The Craft Grille opened in 2023 following major renovations to the Vistatech Center, including the expansion of the American Harvest restaurant and the addition of the Collaborative Learning Studio, a demonstration kitchen. The brewpub is known for its burgers, salads, pizza and beer crafted by students in the college’s brewing program.

Canton Restaurant Week is organized by the Canton Chamber of Commerce, which Schoolcraft College has been a member of for more than 40 years. More than a dozen eateries are participating, offering dishes at several price points for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

To view all participating restaurants, visit cantonchamber.com. To view The Craft Grille’s menu, visit schoolcraft.edu/dining/the-craft-grille.

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The panel – put on by Schoolcraft College’s Center for Experiential Learning – will feature three well-known journalists sharing their experiences covering athletes familiar to many in metro Detroit.

Everyone loves a good story, especially those told through the world of athletics. Schoolcraft College will celebrate the voices behind those stories at an upcoming Humanities in Action speaker panel focused on sports writing and journalism.

Titled “Sports Writing and Journalism,” the event – put on by Schoolcraft College’s Center for Experiential Learning – will feature three well-known journalists sharing their experiences covering athletes familiar to many in metro Detroit. The panel discussion will take place at 1 p.m. Feb. 26 in the Kehrl Auditorium, located in the Vistatech Center at Schoolcraft College, 18600 Haggerty Road in Livonia.

The journalists participating in the panel include:

Terry Foster: Best known for his longtime role as a Detroit News columnist and radio personality at 97.1 The Ticket, Foster has spent decades in Detroit sports media. A graduate of Central Michigan University, his career includes coverage of the Detroit Pistons as well as columns on the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers. He was a longtime co-host of The Valenti and Foster Show, which aired in afternoon drive. Today, he can be heard doing fill-in work on the Woodward Sports Network.

Nick Cotsonika: A sports journalist for more than 30 years, Cotsonika currently works as a columnist for NHL.com. A University of Michigan graduate, he previously worked at the Detroit Free Press and Yahoo Sports before joining NHL.com, where he has covered the league for the past 10 years. Most recently, Cotsonika spent time in Italy covering the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Rena Laverty: An award-winning photojournalist, Laverty serves as adviser for The Schoolcraft Connection, the student newspaper at Schoolcraft College. Her photography has been featured in publications including The New York Times, USA Today and The Hockey News. In addition to her work at Schoolcraft College, Laverty also serves as team photographer for USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program in Plymouth.

The panel discussion is part of the Humanities in Action series, a program launched by the College’s Center for Experiential Learning. The series is designed to bridge academic study and career pathways by bringing together professionals, Schoolcraft faculty and students to explore how the arts and humanities translate into meaningful, impactful careers.

“Inviting these three talented journalists to campus is a great opportunity for our students and the community to gain insight into the incredible work they’ve done,” said Errin Stegich-Moloney, manager of the Center for Experiential Learning at Schoolcraft College. “With Detroit being such a big sports town, they’re sure to share memorable stories and experiences with our guests.”

The Schoolcraft College Center for Academic Innovation is also a supporting partner for the presentation.

The panel discussion is free and open to the public. More information is available at schoolcraft.edu.

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Haley Butkovich and Ben Berger are one couple of many alumni who met at Schoolcraft College. The couple recently returned to campus to celebrate their upcoming nuptials by taking some photos.

Haley Butkovich and Ben Berger found plenty as students at Schoolcraft College: a great education, amazing friendships and each other.

The couple, who met during a business class in the former Applied Science Building more than a decade ago, are tying the knot and marrying later this fall and wanted to find a way to incorporate the place they met into the celebrations. So, the couple decided last fall to utilize a classroom to take a few engagement photos.

The couple’s marriage date is Oct. 3, a date made well-known from the movie “Mean Girls.” They said they wanted photos in a classroom to try and mimic the famous scene made popular where one student asks another what day it was.

“We were like, ‘Let’s find a school, let’s ask our friends and then we thought about Schoolcraft.’ Let’s see if we can take the pictures where we met,” Butkovich said. “That’s what started that whole idea.”

A relationship that started out as friends, the two realized they had plenty in common while taking BUS 120: Strategic Selling. Berger said he overhead Butkovich talking with some other classmates and decided to join the discussion.

“She and her friend were sitting behind me. I made my way into the conversation because I was nosy,” said Berger, who grew up in Plymouth. “We started talking and when we moved to labs, we did sit next to each other.”

As they got to know each other better, romance bloomed. Life took the couple in different directions, prompting a temporary split as they pursued their careers: Berger graduated with his associate degree and went straight into the workforce, while Butkovich, a Garden City native, went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and a master’s degree from Cleary University.

The two later reconnected and rekindled their relationship. Today, in addition to planning their wedding, the two are finding plenty of success in their fields: Butkovich works as a human resources professional and Berger is a regional operations specialist and store manager for an apparel company.

Schoolcraft was the right place to be

The education they received at Schoolcraft College, Butkovich said, made all the difference to her. In addition to learning in the classroom, she valued the friendships she created with people from all over and spent time on campus between her classes.

“I went in thinking it was just going to be like high school. I made friends from all different cities,” she said. “I really came out of my shell socially. It was a really good experience.”

Berger, who was homeschooled for the latter portion of his K-12 education, said Schoolcraft made the transition to college better for him given his background.

He jumped right in, joining the bowling team and competing as a student athlete.

“Schoolcraft was an easier option for getting in and getting that college experience in that smaller campus feel,” he said. “I wasn’t ready to go into a full university setting.”

The connections both made during their time at Schoolcraft continue to this day. Both still get together with friends they made during their time on campus.

“We would have not probably met if we didn’t meet there. It holds such a special place in both of our hearts,” Butkovich said. “I’m getting teary-eyed just thinking about it. I met my soulmate there and I didn’t anticipate that.”

Their advice to students today? Make sure to meet people.

“Don’t be afraid to make friends outside your group, because you never know who that person is going to be,” Berger said. “I think that was one of my biggest things. Coming from homeschooling, I didn’t have that opportunity to make a lot of friends.

“Make friends because you never know who you’re going to make a friend with that might turn into a lasting relationship.”

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All three job fairs are free and open to the public and are designed to connect attendees with educational and employment opportunities.

Job seekers can apply for career opportunities at upcoming job fairs hosted by Schoolcraft College.

The Career Mentorship and Placement Office is hosting three industry-specific job fairs this Winter semester:

  • Health Care Job Fair — 3–5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, in the Vistatech Center, Room 425
  • Skilled Trades Job Fair — 4–6 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, in the Manufacturing and Engineering Center, Room 105
  • Education Job Fair — 5–7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, in the Vistatech Center, Room 460

All three fairs are free and open to the public and are designed to connect attendees with educational and employment opportunities.

Events held in the Vistatech Center take place at Schoolcraft College’s main campus, 18600 Haggerty Road in Livonia. The Skilled Trades Job Fair will be held at Schoolcraft College’s Manufacturing and Engineering Center, 13001 Merriman Road in Livonia.

The Health Care Job Fair will connect candidates seeking clinical, administrative and support roles with employers in the health care field. Employers scheduled to attend include Trinity Health, Henry Ford Health, Corewell Health, Avalon Physician Services, Detroit Medical Center and more. The fair is co-sponsored by the college’s Health Professions office and the Occupational Programs office.

The Skilled Trades Job Fair will bring together individuals seeking jobs in manufacturing, welding and other skilled trades with employers from across the region. Employers will be on hand to discuss opportunities with candidates at the state-of-the-art Manufacturing and Engineering Center. This fair is co-sponsored by the Manufacturing and Engineering Center and the Office of Workforce & Economic Development.

The Education Job Fair is the newest addition, focusing on helping job seekers exploring positions in K-12 education, including teaching and administrative support roles, with local school districts. The job fair co-sponsored by the college’s Education department and the Occupational Programs office.

“We are excited to facilitate opportunities to connect talent to employer recruiters,” said Sharon Christian, Director of the Career Mentorship and Placement Office at Schoolcraft College. “Job seekers are encouraged to attend and explore available employment opportunities—whether that’s finding jobs in health care, manufacturing or at a local school district.”

Job seekers should expect to:

  • Bring 10+ copies of their most up-to-date resume to give to employers
  • Arrive early to ensure enough time to speak to multiple employers
  • Prepare an elevator pitch prior to attending the fair

Required dress code for Schoolcraft College job fairs is business attire.

The Career Mentorship and Placement office can support job seekers preparing for the fair during weekly drop-in hours, available Monday – Thursday, 12:30p – 4:30p in the Jeffress Center, Room 124. The drop-in services support with resumes, cover letters, interview skills and LinkedIn creation.

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

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The Ocelots will join The Great Lakes Six Hockey Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season.

The Schoolcraft College Men’s Ice Hockey team has found a new conference home beginning next year.

The Ocelots will join The Great Lakes Six Hockey Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. Schoolcraft will be the lone two-year college in the conference. Other members of The Great Lakes Six Hockey Conference include Adrian College, Davenport University, Calvin University, Purdue University Northwest and Trine University.

Schoolcraft has competed as an independent in Division 2 of the American Collegiate Hockey Association since the program launched two years ago. They will remain a member of the ACHA’s Division 2 as a member of the GL6.

The move comes as the Ocelots have proven to be a formidable opponent in the short time the program has competed. The team has currently posted an 18-3-1 record this season, currently sitting in third place in the ACHA’s Division 2 Independent standings. They are currently ranked #5 in the ACHA D2 Central rankings.

“We’re proud to accept this invite and join a conference where the member institutions share similar academic and athletic values,” said Patrick Yelsik, Schoolcraft College Athletic Directory. “This move makes sense for us on multiple levels and positions us for an exciting future.”

The Ocelots play their home games at the Farmington Hills Ice Arena in Farmington Hills, Mich. For more information on the team, visit schoolcraftocelots.com.

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Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to submit for the first-ever SC Mosaic Arts Awards, which highlight the diverse tapestry of creativity found across Schoolcraft College.

To highlight the strength of the Schoolcraft College Liberal Arts Program, Schoolcraft College is proud to introduce a new series of honors. These awards are designed to shine a spotlight on our talented students, staff, and faculty celebrating the artistic richness of our campus.

The SC Mosaic Arts Awards highlight the diverse tapestry of creativity found across the College. Presented by the Marketing Department and the Liberal Arts and Sciences division, with support from the Schoolcraft College Foundation, the awards give artists a platform to showcase their work in several categories:

  • Interdisciplinary Voice Award — Recognizes outstanding written work
  • Digital Narrative Award — Celebrates excellence in visual and media storytelling
  • Mosaic Cultural Expression Award — Honors meaningful expressions of cultural authenticity and diverse perspectives

The awards are open to all Schoolcraft College students, faculty and staff.

Winners in each category will be recognized at a luncheon from noon to 2 p.m. Feb. 19 in the Sutherland Room inside the Vistatech Center.

The SC Mosaic Arts Awards succeed the Black Excellence in the Arts Awards, held each February. This new iteration expands representation across campus and celebrates artists of all backgrounds.

“We’re very excited at the opportunity to showcase the wonderful works of art from our campus community. Having this new recognition is important to show the impact the arts have at Schoolcraft College,” said Amy Deines, Associate Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “I cannot wait to see the submissions of amazing pieces later this winter.”

All submissions will be evaluated by a panel of judges. The top winner in each category will receive a $1,000 prize.

The contest deadline is Jan. 30. Students, staff and faculty looking for more information — including how to submit an entry — can visit schoolcraft.edu/mosaicarts.

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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.