Schoolcraft College

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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.”

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Initiated through the Career Mentorship and Placement Office, the College2Career Professional Mentorship program returns this fall to provide opportunities for students to acquire firsthand knowledge from industry-experienced staff and faculty leaders.

Just one semester of mentoring has shown Jason Greifenberg how important mentorship is for student success.

The Executive Director of Infrastructure Administration and Business Continuity in the Information Technology department at Schoolcraft College had never participated in a mentorship program but found his experience as a College2Career Professional Mentor incredibly valuable.

“In just a few months of mentoring students here at Schoolcraft College, I’ve already witnessed the value of providing motivation, building confidence, and helping students navigate both college life and their transition into the workforce,” he said.

This past spring marked the inaugural semester of Schoolcraft College’s College2Career Professional Mentorship program, which saw a dozen mentors connect with mentees from various industries such as Information Technology, Supply Chain, Business, and Healthcare. Initiated through the Career Mentorship and Placement Office, the program plans to return this fall to provide opportunities for students to acquire firsthand knowledge from industry-experienced staff and faculty leaders.

After meeting with one of his mentees, Greifenberg made time to meet throughout the semester. A key feature of this program allowed mentors and mentees to set their schedule to their liking: meeting as much or as little as needed.

With his mentee, Greifenberg said he encouraged him to celebrate his accomplishments, no matter how big or small. That included walking at this year’s commencement ceremony.

That conversation was one, Greifenberg said, that stuck with his mentee.

“He kind of paused and said, ‘I’ve never heard that before,’” Greifenberg said. “They had a party at home and his family was there. It was a good time all around. I feel happy for him that my mentorship helped him obtain that moment.”

Having the experience of working with students in the mentorship program, Greifenberg said such a program is important to make Schoolcraft College a better place.

“Mentoring isn’t just about sharing knowledge — it’s about investing in the future of our students,” he said. “When we take time to support and guide them, we’re not only helping them succeed academically and professionally — we’re also strengthening our entire college community.”

The College2Career Professional Mentorship Program pairs students with faculty and staff at Schoolcraft to establish career goals, create action items towards those goals, and gain valuable industry insights.

Mentorship opportunities are available to students for the upcoming Fall semester. For more information, contact the Career Mentorship and Placement office at [email protected].

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Guests will enjoy an evening of dinner, dancing, live music, kitchen tours and more during the signature event, which will feature a Nashville chic theme.

CulEx 2025: An American Harvest — the Schoolcraft College Foundation’s signature fundraising event — will bring Nashville to campus on Thursday, October 23, 2025. The celebration takes place inside the Vistatech Center at Schoolcraft College, 18600 Haggerty Road in Livonia, and kicks off with the Sponsor Pre-Glow at 5:30 p.m., followed by the main event at 6 p.m.

Guests will enjoy an evening of dinner, dancing, live music, kitchen tours and more. The strolling farm-to-table menu features seasonal small plates and pastries prepared by the College’s award-winning Culinary Arts students and Master Chefs. Between bites, guests can explore state-of-the-art facilities – including the kitchens that host the Certified Master Chef exam for the American Culinary Federation – the American Harvest restaurant run by culinary students, and the Collaborative Learning Studio, a one-of-a-kind demonstration kitchen that opened in 2023.

This evening’s libation highlights include exclusive brews from the College’s Brewing and Distillation program, whiskey tastings from Detroit City Distillery and Nashville-inspired craft cocktails from Alchemi. Dance the night away with live tunes from The Fox and the Fiddle, followed by DJ-led fun that’ll keep the energy high all evening long.

“CulEx is more than a fundraiser — it’s a one-of-a-kind experience that brings our community together to support students and the future of education,” said Dawn Magretta, Executive Director of the Schoolcraft College Foundation. “It’s truly a unique evening you won’t find anywhere else.”

Sponsorship and ticket information are available at scf.schoolcraft.edu.

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The Nursing Department at Schoolcraft College will host a site visit for continuing national accreditation for its Associate of Applied Sciences Degree in Nursing and the Practical Nursing Certificate programs by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Have something to share about Schoolcraft College’s Nursing program? Now’s your chance.

The Nursing Department at Schoolcraft College wishes to announce that it will host a site visit for continuing national accreditation for its Associate of Applied Sciences Degree in Nursing and the Practical Nursing Certificate programs by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

You are invited to meet with the site visit team and share your comments about the program in person at a meeting scheduled from 3:30 to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in the Health Sciences Building, HS room 984, located at the Livonia Campus, 18600 Haggerty Road, Livonia, MI 48482.

Written comments are also welcome and should be submitted to the ACEN via email at [email protected] or to the ACEN office: Attn: Accreditation Services Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing 3390 Peachtree Rd NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta GA, 30326

All written comments should be received by the ACEN by October 1, 2025.

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About 15 students enrolled in a special, weeklong seminar in August entitled “Embracing Detroit and its Environments. It offered students interdisciplinary classroom learning, reflection and immersive experiences in Detroit.

Spending a week reflecting some of Detroit’s cultural and ecological treasures was an eye-opening experience for Rune Cuthrell.

Exploring places such the Black Bottom neighborhood and Belle Isle showed Cuthrell and their Schoolcraft College classmates a part of Detroit they perhaps may not have understood before.

Geology instructor holding large rock
Geology instructor Samer Hariri speaks to students during the summer seminar “Embracing Detroit and its Environments.” (Photo by Rune Cuthrell)

“This week allowed me to view Detroit in a new way and to learn some history I had never been acquainted with before,” they said. “I was profoundly impacted by our visits to Lafayette Park, as well as the Wright Museum of African American History.”

About 15 students enrolled in a special, weeklong seminar that took place in August. Entitled “Embracing Detroit and its Environments,” was sponsored by Schoolcraft College’s Center for Experiential Learning (CEL) – offering students interdisciplinary classroom learning, reflection and immersive experiences in Detroit.

Participants in this non-credit fellowship program embarked on learning in the classroom and in the city, exploring topics such as urban renewal, poetry, the impact of invasive species on biodiversity and more. Students were taught by several Schoolcraft College instructors, all from varying disciplines.

Capping the week, students stepped onto a boat and took a tour of the Detroit River, exploring the waterway’s ecological and historical impact on the region.

Those who signed up for the seminar found it was the perfect way to connect with the city.

group student photo with Detroit backdrop
A group photo taken of the students and faculty who participated in the summer seminar “Embracing Detroit and its Environments.”

“This is an opportunity for me to get back into the community, because I think you should live and serve in the community in which you reside,” said Patti Conover, a post-traditional student who’s seeking a position in law after working several decades as a trauma nurse. “In order for me to do that as a student, I have to learn and appreciate and acknowledge not only the differences in culture, but in people and how people and the environment collaborate.”

The program is one that’s been in the works for two years, said Errin Stegich-Moloney, the Manager of the Center for Experiential Learning at Schoolcraft College. This seminar provided students with ample enrichment opportunities and gave them a baseline to better understand the region around them.

“We had incredible engagement during the seminar, and I’m so happy to see the CEL Summer Seminar Fellowship become a huge success,” Stegich-Moloney said. “Having our students better understand the world around them was the goal, and after seeing the students present on their findings, it’s clear our students have a better understanding of the city.”

Cuthrell certainly felt the impact of the week. They said it made them think harder about the impacts left on places like Detroit, and they said it will be something they will carry with them for a long, long time.

“The CEL Summer Seminar Fellowship as a whole encouraged me to contemplate what justice means to me, what it means for our environment and what it means for the City of Detroit,” they said. “The fellowship was an enriching journey that I will not soon forget.”

journal page of images and handwritten notes
A page from Rune Cuthrell’s journal during the seminar. Students throughout the week journaled their experiences as they traveled. (Photo by Rune Cuthrell)