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March 8, 2023 by stgschoolcraft

On Tuesday, March 7th, 2023, friends, family, and former colleagues gathered at Schoolcraft College to celebrate the life of Dr. Conway A. Jeffress. There were more than 550 people in attendance, both in person and through live stream. There were many who spoke at the ceremony, including current President Dr. Glenn Cerny, former Schoolcraft President Dr. Richard McDowell, and Schoolcraft College trustees, faculty, staff and retirees.

Brandy Johnson, President of Michigan Community College Association, was there to present the College and the Family with letters from Governor Gretchen Whitmer, expressing sympathy and support for the loss of Dr. Conway Jeffress. It stated that “I am truly grateful for all the contributions Dr. Jeffress has made to our state as the president of Schoolcraft College. Dr. Jeffress has made a profound impact on the life of every student, faculty and staff member that had the pleasure of working with him. I have no doubt he will serve as an inspirational example to countless others.”

Dr. Jeffress joined Schoolcraft College in 1982 as the Vice President of Instruction and eventually succeed Dr. Richard McDowell, in 2001, to become Schoolcraft College’s fourth president. Throughout his many years of service, Dr. Jeffress was a vocal and committed advocate for the College and all whom it served. When Dr. Jeffress retired in 2020, he left a legacy that was emblematic of the College’s commitment to provide a transformational learning experience.

Dr. Jeffress’ presidential tenure saw the campus experience tremendous development. Physically, the footprint of campus was reimagined and expanded. His imprint on campus can be easily seen in the capital developments he directed. Most notably, buildings such as Vistatech (2003), Biomedical Technology Center (2008), Fitness Center (2012), Public Safety Training Complex (2013), and of course the now named Jeffress Center (2014) that were added during his presidency.

The College’s physical expansion was accompanied by remarkable growth in academic programs and student enrollment. Dr. Jeffress was committed to making Schoolcraft College a first-choice destination for students with updated academic offerings, even securing the College’s first Bachelor of Science degree program. His leadership expanded Schoolcraft’s Culinary Arts program and Business Development Center expansion. Driven by Dr. Jeffress’ leadership, Schoolcraft College developed a reputation within the state and across the country as a leader in higher education

Dr. Glenn Cerny, current president and the VP/CFO under Dr. Jeffress, stated that “The biggest thing I remember about Conway is not about the projects, not about the buildings, not about the curriculum. It’s about all the stories about the family and that he always had time…and he would listen and he was a good listener.”

Dr. Jeffress was fully cognizant of the fact that his role was a public charge and he extended his energy and talents to myriad groups and causes well beyond the confines of Schoolcraft College. He was an active leader within the Michigan Community College Association (MCCA) and was Co-Chair of the President’s Taskforce on State Appropriations. Many local organizations, including, although not limited to the Livonia Rotary Club, SEMCOG Talent Taskforce, Midwestern Higher Education Compact and 21st Century Education Commission all benefitted from his work.

Carol Strom, shared with the Jeffress family “how grateful we are that you shared him with us…It was indeed a pleasure to work with Conway, both as Board Chair and then continuing as Trustee.”

While we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his legacy. When asked in an interview in December of 2022, what he thought his legacy was at the College, Dr. Jeffress paused for a moment and then said, “I helped the College become financially solvent, I gave a sense of direction, and I have helped the people here want to be here.”

January 30, 2023 by stgschoolcraft

To create a more inclusive environment, Schoolcraft College’s Office of Equity and Engagement (OEE) is promoting multicultural awareness. In November, it dedicated its DEI newsletter to Native American Heritage Month. To bring more awareness to the challenges faced by indigenous students, the OEE recently met with Jonathan Nez, President of the Navajo Nation, and Rachel Yazzie, Alumni member and former Student Regional President of New Mexico Regions Phi Theta Kappa. The two discussed why one must listen to understand when cultivating relationships, rather than listening to respond.

It is customary among tribal members to show respect for those who came before them In the Navajo Nation. To pay homage to her ancestors, Yazzie began the conversation by introducing herself in the Navajo language.

President Nez and Yazzie then described the rich history of the Navajo, who call themselves “Dine” or “The People.” They have been living primarily in Arizona for more than 400 years, and the nation also extends into Utah and New Mexico.

An elected tribal council headed by a president governs the Navajo Nation. President Jonathan Nez began his current term on January 15, 2019. Since then, he has focused on support and advocacy for the Navajo people.

The Navajo Nation is nationally recognized for providing uranium. It is mined on tribal land and used to protect America’s borders. Most of the American military supply of uranium is direct from Navajo land.

President Nez also shared some of the challenges of the Navajo Nation, such as COVID-19. The pandemic had a major impact on the Navajo as students struggled to navigate virtual learning with a lack of internet connection. President Nez worked continuously with state and federal agencies to identify available funding and distribute it among the community. The work has not stopped as President Nez emphasized a commitment to bring tribal communities into the 21st century for access.

Yazzie explained how these efforts led to selecting President Nez for a Phi Theta Kappa Stole of Gratitude. The award recognizes his dedication to preserving the integrity of the Navajo Nation’s heritage, as well as his commitment to empowering future generations to lead, learn and grow.

Learning like this is essential to creating inclusive spaces. By better understanding various cultures, we are more mindful of different practices. President Nez helped our team understand some unique customs of the Navajo. For example, he explained the cultural difference in direct eye contact. Unlike in many western cultures, eye contact is impolite amongst Navajos.

Although traditions vary by culture, there are many commonalities among different groups. President Nez and Yazzie identified wisdom and leadership, regardless of racial origin, as key components to building strong relationships and addressing social issues.

To learn more about the Navajo Nation, visit Navajo-NSN.gov.

Photo Credits:
President Nez – Photo by Shaun Sells

November 14, 2022 by stgschoolcraft

Medical Assisting is one of the hottest, in-demand jobs across Southeast Michigan, with many health care systems aggressively trying to fill positions. This makes it an ideal time to explore the Medical Assisting program at Schoolcraft College. The program prepares students for a wide range of careers in healthcare, including primary care, specialty care, surgery, urgent care, and more.

Registration for the Winter 2023 semester opens Saturday, October 29. Classes begin Monday, January 9, 2023.

What’s the job?

doctor reading a patient's arm — Medical Assistants play a versatile and vital role in a doctor’s office.

Medical Assistants play a versatile and vital role in a doctor’s office. This includes registering patients, processing insurance, collecting co-pays, scheduling appointments, returning phone calls and much more.

In addition to data collection, medical assistants have an important clinical role. They take vitals, perform injections, draw blood, perform ECG and other tests, and assist the doctor with minor surgeries and procedures. With all their roles and responsibilities, medical assistants provide a vital link between the patient and doctor to ensure a smooth experience.

Sherry Bishop is the new Program Director for Medical Assisting. Her career proves it’s possible to move up quickly in the field, as she started as a medical assistant then progressed to front desk, biller, assistant office manager and then manager at a physician’s office.

Bishop added to her education along the way, including at Schoolcraft College. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration from Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Business Administration from Davenport University. In addition, Bishop has extensive experience in higher education as an instructor and curriculum author.

“My vision for the medical assisting program is to ensure that every student has access to learn the skills of medical assisting needed to enter and succeed in the workforce,” she said. “We have a brand-new state-of-the art laboratory here in the Health Sciences Center that mimics a doctor’s office so the hands-on training is like the true working environment. The curriculum focuses on all aspects of working in an ambulatory facility.”

About the Health Sciences Center

The Health Sciences Center is Schoolcraft College’s newest facility, opening at partial occupancy in the spring of 2022. Now fully operational, it features:

110,800 square feet
10 lecture classrooms
5 computer labs
23 labs, including 2 for Health Information specialty labs

These outstanding facilities are complemented by experienced and enthusiastic professors and instructors who share a wealth industry knowledge with their students.

“What I feel I bring to the program is real-world experience training for students,” Bishop said. “It is something you cannot learn in a book. I also have a good grasp on the direction of the industry as it relates to ambulatory practices.”

About the Medical Assisting program

Schoolcraft College’s Medical Assisting program was first noted in the 1983/1984 Catalog and began on January 1, 1983. We are proud to celebrate Medical Assisting’s 40^th anniversary!

“Schoolcraft has a long-standing successful medical assisting program,” Bishop said. “Students have the option to continue their education using the credits that were earned in the medical assisting program to obtain their associate degree in general studies.”

Here’s a closer look at the credentials, some of which can be completed in less than a year:

Medical Assisting Certificate – 35 credits
Associate in General Studies using Medical Assisting Certificate
Medical Assisting: Phlebotomy Skills Certificate – 19 credits
Associate in General Studies using Phlebotomy Skills Certificate
Medical Assisting: Medical Biller/Receptionist Skills Certificate – 16 credits
Associate in General Studies using Medical Biller/Receptionist Certificate

All Certificates programs allow students to sit for a Certification Exam to earn their National Credential.

The medical biller/receptionist skills certificate can lead to a career in a variety of health care facilities, providing organizational and operational support.

The phlebotomy skills certificate program teaches students how to draw blood through the venipuncture method, preparing them for employment as a phlebotomist in a doctor’s office, clinic or health care facility.

The medical assisting certificate prepares entry-level medical assistants through areas of cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning.

Apprenticeship opportunities

doctor taking measurement on patient's arm

A key advantage of Schoolcraft College’s Medical Assisting program is its apprenticeship affiliations with Trinity Health and Henry Ford Health.

Apprenticeship students “earn while they learn” because the company that employs the student may also pay a portion or more of tuition to support their education. Because of the shortage of medical assistants, employers are turning to apprenticeships to grow their talent pipeline.

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

“And for the students, they have a job lined up in a place they like. Our latest data on medical assistants shows that after five years about 80% of the student apprentices are still with the company that sponsored them.”

As Bishop can attest, medical assisting can be a truly rewarding career, and she is determined to help ensure student success.

“Our Medical Assisting program works so that students receive the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective skills needed to begin their career as a practicing medical assistant,” she said. “We also continuously update the program curriculum and instructing materials to reflect the current practices in ambulatory care.”

November 8, 2022 by stgschoolcraft

One of the defining strengths of Schoolcraft College is the hands-on learning opportunities provided to students – especially those in occupational programs. Now the College is expanding those opportunities to more students through the brand-new Center for Experiential Learning (CEL).

The Center for Experiential Learning is not so much a physical location as much as it is a way to deliver impactful learning. Dr. Michele Kelly, Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences, defines it as “learning by doing,” using the concept of baking a cake as an illustrative example.

people standing around Freedom House banner — Students will have service-based opportunities through the Center for Experiential Learning

“We tend to understand baking a cake more comprehensively when we actually bake a cake instead of watching a baking show or reading a recipe,” she said. “We understand baking a cake even better once we taste our creation and reflect on why it’s good – or not so good!

“Our occupational programs are full of hands-on experiences where student learn by doing – think of CPR and ambulance practice, practicing with welding equipment, driving on our driving facility or brewing beer and submitting it for contests.”

Now, for areas of study like Humanities or Communications, students and faculty may access and engage in learn-by-doing opportunities through the CEL.

Bridging the gap

In broad terms, Schoolcraft College tends to serve two types of students. One group is students in the occupational programs who gain education and training to enter the workforce quickly to begin their careers. The other group is students in the Liberal Arts and Sciences programs. These students tend to start here to earn credits to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree.

In fact, transferring to a four-year school is the one of the most popular “majors” at Schoolcraft College. Dr. Kelly said the CEL will help give those students access to the kind of high impact co-academic opportunities that will make their resumes and applications competitive to elite universities. It also will prepare them for the kind of project-based learning they may encounter in junior- and senior-level coursework.

“Students who earn degrees at Schoolcraft in our occupational programs intend to go directly into industry,” Dr. Kelly said. “If you study Nursing, you probably want to work as a nurse. If you study Culinary Arts, you want to get to work as a chef. If you join our Fire Academy, you probably want to get to it fighting fires.

“Also, perhaps you might go back to school to earn an advanced degree or maybe return for a career change. However, students who want to study economics, political science, chemistry, math and so forth often need further study before working. Many jobs we need in society require a bachelor’s degree or more.

“The CEL will benefit transfer students because their path to work is longer, and they need concentrated resources to be competitive transfer students. Whether transferring or going directly into employment after obtaining certification at Schoolcraft, all our students deserve access to high-impact learning opportunities, and the CEL is open for everyone!”

Bringing opportunities and services under one umbrella

Another key component of the CEL is that it will be the access point for:

Schoolcraft Honors Scholars
Service Learning Endorsement
SC International Institute Global Endorsement
STEAMz conference (eventually)
Existing liberal arts or science-based undergraduate research, fellowships, internships, and or scholarships

“Schoolcraft College has a legacy of high-impact programming including the award-winning Honors Scholars, Service Learning, International Institute and more,” Dr. Kelly said. “These are all examples of signature programming that are embedded in and run tightly parallel to the classroom. The Center for Experiential Learning consolidates these resources under a single access hub; it is an organized framework for our best stuff!”

Bringing all of this “best stuff” into a single unit isn’t a new idea.

“The reason we can do it now is through the generous outreach from the University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts Transfer Bridges program and their extension of a multi-million-dollar Mellon grant,” Dr. Kelly said. “We joined Grand Rapids Community College and Henry Ford College as partners with U of M. The University of Michigan is right to notice the value of transfer students from community colleges – especially those who come from Schoolcraft College – because of the extra opportunities students enjoy here.

“We joined this grant by proposing the Center for Experiential Learning as a one-stop shop for existing signature programs and with new features that will benefit students.”

The CEL also will introduce new programs that include the following:

Social Impact Scholars
Humanities in Action Network
New liberal arts or science-based undergraduate research, fellowships, internships and scholarships

“Since we won this grant in March 2022, Schoolcraft College students have had access to some awesome opportunities with the University of Michigan,” Dr. Kelly said. “For example, Schoolcraft students were awarded Engelhardt Social Justice Fellowships ($5,000 stipends), GLACE* fellowships (fully funded summer humanities research), and MoMentum workshops ($500 fully funded).

“The vision is for Schoolcraft College students to have funded access to life-changing opportunities like this along with many others, and for students and faculty to trust the Center for Experiential Learning as the access point.”

* GLACE stands for Great Lakes Arts, Cultures, and Environments. It is an interdisciplinary humanities program held in Northern Michigan during the summer half-term. University of Michigan faculty and other instructors teach three interconnected, two-credit courses: one in English, one in English/Anthropology, and one in English/American Culture. Successful students are awarded 6 credit hours total from the University of Michigan.

November 3, 2022 by stgschoolcraft

Diwali is one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus

The Schoolcraft College Asian Student Association and the Detroit Indian Women’s Association (DIWA) invite people of all faiths to the Diwali Celebration from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 12, in the Vistatech Center.

“Diwali is a festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus,” said Dr. Anna Maheshwari, English Professor and Department Chair. “The festival usually lasts five days and is celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar month Kartika. On this day, it is believed that Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, blesses homes that are brightly lit with lamps.”

Dr. Maheshwari said Diwali also is officially the new year for Hindus.

“People wear new clothes and adults and children light fire crackers until late into the night,” she said. “Children get cash and other gifts from their elders and the homes are filled with celebrations and good food.”

Tickets are $25 per person and must be purchased in advance. Children under the age of 3 are free.

Tickets are available in the Student Activities Office of Schoolcraft College, which is in the lower level of the Vistatech Center, or by calling 734-462-4422. For more information, please contact Dr. Maheshwari by phone at 248-345-5313 or by email at [email protected] or Alka Srivastava, Vice President/Treasurer of DIWA, at 734-748-2035.

October 31, 2022 by stgschoolcraft

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), the purpose of which is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities.

The history of National Disability Employment Awareness Month traces back to 1945 when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1962, the word “physically” was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

More information can be found on the Administration for Community Living website.

Dr. Frederick Moss portrait — Dr. Frederick Moss

Dr. Frederick Moss, Instructor and Faculty Representative for the Department of Music, is blind. A native of Atlanta, he discovered music as his passion as a young boy who, as he said, “was trying so hard to fit in.”

Born in 1962, Dr. Moss grew up in a time when some of his teachers were not especially progressive or accommodating. Some examples include resistance to participating in marching band, challenges when teachers would write notes or assignments on a blackboard, or allowing for extra time to take a math test in braille.

Dr. Moss, who has been with Schoolcraft College since 2001, graciously sat down for the following interview, which has been edited for brevity and clarity, to provide reflections and insight.

Q: What is it like to be blind?

Dr. Moss: The answer to that is so big and so huge. I guess that’s part of how we’re living our lives these days – we want these quick answers to complicated questions. To start, there is often this assumption that floats around that I must have everything done for me. For example, I’m not a great cook, but I can cook for myself.

To explain further, it’s a matter of helping people understand all the time and constantly that there are other ways to do just about everything. But they’re not often easy fixes. A screen reader would be an example of one of the quick fixes, though it took a long time to get this type of technology.

The harder fix, for example, is transportation. I’m lucky I have a colleague willing to be my Uber almost every day. And my wife, too. When I was living in Atlanta, though, it was hours on buses.

Q: How did you find your way?

Dr. Moss: I would say I started off pretty darn confident. Elementary school didn’t seem like that big of a deal, though I do remember I wasn’t thrilled that it wasn’t easy to be part of Little League. But I found other things. I’m also grateful to have grown up in a time when it was still fashionable to play in the neighborhood. So, we worked out alternatives to kickball and things like that. I did feel very much a part of my neighborhood and especially my school.

And then comes middle school. And everything starts changing. I think that was one of the first times I felt a tremendous amount discomfort and a moment when I had to define myself.

I had grown up dreaming of being in the marching band. My life’s dream at that point was being in the University of Alabama’s marching band. And in high school the first thing that comes up is the band director refusing me to be part of the marching band.

I had never had this type of resistance from a teacher before. Suddenly the dream is challenged. We went round and round and I did finally make it in.

From then on, there was always this question rattling around in my head if the next person was going to help or hinder. I was always prepared for pushback from that moment on. I was relieved when I was embraced and encouraged or got that feeling of “here we go again” when I got pushback.

When I entered college, the stakes were so high. I felt it was a moment that would define my career. So, I had those worries throughout college, such as convincing someone I could be a student-teacher. I also worried about what work would look like after college because I certainly knew by this time the resistance of having a teacher in a school setting who was blind or visually impaired was intense.

Dr. Frederick Moss standing beside piano

Q: How did you get into music?

Dr. Moss: Howard Gardner, who is adjunct professor of psychology at Harvard, talks about young children demonstrating affinities for various areas of interest early on. I think for me, it was music and relationships, or making friends. I started out on piano and did the traditional piano thing, but I was singing and moving and being as musical as I could early on. Then I focused on clarinet in fifth grade. I was drawn to it and homed in on it. I felt success, and that became my thing as I moved into high school.

Music has really served me well in so many ways, but that early feeling of success did have something to do with finding my voice. I knew then there was something specific I could do, and if I could do that, there must be other things I could do.

Q: What was your classroom experience like growing up?

Dr. Moss: By the time I came along in my school experience, the mainstreaming process was starting. My own experience, especially in the elementary school, was good. On one hand, I had shared experience with other kids who were blind and visually impaired, but also spent a lot of time around sighted kids.

Some challenges were self-imposed because I was so driven to succeed. When schoolwork wasn’t coming for me quickly, I would get terribly frustrated. I felt I was not moving at the same pace as my non-disabled peers.

I remember in high school and college particularly feeling a lot of fatigue because I was putting out so much effort. And then there was the business of navigating through a very crowded school, using a cane, which set yourself apart from everyone else, which you didn’t want to do. But if you don’t use it, you’d get jostled around.

Those were some of the more difficult experiences. I was really blessed I was encouraged strongly to eradicate what we call blindisms as a kid – staring up, rocking. I was encouraged to work against those things. I hated it at the time, but I think it helped me have healthier interactions at an early age. I was also really lucky to have a small circle of really committed friends I’m still in touch with to this day.

Q: How has your experience been at Schoolcraft College?

Dr. Moss: This is exactly always what I wanted. This was the job I had developed in my mind’s eye. I feel really lucky landing here at Schoolcraft College. I’m sorry to say that is unusual because I think the unemployment rate among people who are blind or visually impaired is 75 percent, which is higher than the rate for disability in general, which I think is 70 percent. I’m very aware of the privilege that’s brought me here and the lucky strokes that have come my way and allowed this to happen.

October 26, 2022 by stgschoolcraft

Schoolcraft College Theatre opens the 2022-23 season with a new interpretation of a familiar tale with “The Gravedigger: A Frankenstein Play.” Written by Joseph Zettelmaier, the piece includes many of the elements of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” while exploring more deeply some of the themes presented in her book.

Michael Alan Herman, in his second year teaching theatre arts at Schoolcraft, is the director. The veteran actor and playwright said the audience won’t see Boris Karloff’s “Frankenstein” stomping around the James R. Hartman Theatre.

“A lot of people know theUniversal Studios version of Frankenstein – this big hulking green monster that has bolts on the side of his neck,” Herman said. “But that is not the monster that Mary Shelley wrote in her genius book. Her monster is poetic and yearns for love, sees the world with wide-eye fascination, and takes criticism very personally.

“This is the same monster that Joe wrote in ‘Gravedigger.’ The story is a deep dive into the human condition and asks these powerful questions like ‘What does it mean to be human?’ and ‘What does it mean to be a good human?’ The actors really go to 11 when it comes to the drama and the excitement, and I can’t wait for Schoolcraft audiences to see what we are making for them.”

Zettelmaier is a familiar name to patrons of Schoolcraft College Theatre. His play “It Came From Mars” was to be the spring 2020 production, but had to be canceled due to COVID-19. A year later, Zettelmaier and Herman collaborated on “Alone/Together,” which was presented in March 2021.

“Joe is just the best,” Herman said. “He’s a genius writer, a visionary director, and on top of that, he is just the nicest person you would have the chance to meet. I love working with Joe. He, my wife, and I work together all the time and we just love it.

“Joe is so good at writing plays that are heartwarming, meaningful and funny at the same time. ‘Gravedigger’ is no different. It’s set in a world of monsters and villains, but it has so much heart and I couldn’t love it more.”

Herman has had a busy past few months acting as he landed the role of Dylan in the movie “Chasing Hope.” His parts were filmed in nearby Brighton.

“’Chasing Hope’ is a Christian feature film about a man named David Jakes who is trying to save himself from a degenerative disease,” Herman said. “In the process, he recruits my character to find him a donor. I’m a hacker/part-time criminal that has some experience poking around places that I’m not supposed to. We find a woman named Hope, who is a good match for Jake, and I spend a lot of the film pursuing her – or … ‘chasing’ Hope.”

Herman said “Chasing Hope” premiered a few weeks ago and should be distributed soon on a streaming service. View the trailer.

“Gravedigger: A Frankenstein Play” will open at 8 p.m. on Friday, October 28 – just in time for Halloween – in the James R. Hartman Theatre on the campus of Schoolcraft College.

Other performance times are:

Saturday, October 29 – 8 p.m.
Sunday, October 30 – 2 p.m. (matinee)
Friday, November 4 – 8 p.m.
Saturday, November 5 – 8 p.m.

Tickets are $20. Purchase Online

October 13, 2022 by stgschoolcraft

To help the Schoolcraft College community better understand, support and engage in the strategic theme of IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access), the Office of Equity and Engagement held a launch event in September. The well-attended program in the DiPonio Room of the Vistatech Center – supplemented by an engaged online audience – served as an important starting point to integrate equitable practices into the fabric of Schoolcraft College.

“We were so happy to have so many participating in the IDEA Launch Event and adding their perspectives to how we will move forward in creating a more inclusive campus,” said TaQuilla Kusero, Director of Equity and Engagement. “The event was not only to introduce the goals of IDEA, but to discuss how reaching those goals will take an integrated and structured approach from all of us.”

Also presenting were Catreese Qualls, Research Assistant for the Office of Equity and Engagement; and Dr. Glenn Cerny, President of Schoolcraft College.

What is IDEA?

Here is how Schoolcraft College defines IDEA:

Inclusion

An environment where individuals are empowered to use their perspectives, experiences, knowledge, and talent to create change.

Diversity

Psychological, physical, and social differences that occur among any and all individuals; The product/outcome of the inclusive and equitable practices of an organization.

Equity

Offering individualized support to address barriers that can limit the full participation of an individual or group.

Access

Students, employees and community members have equitable opportunities to take full advantage of the education, advancement, and resources that we offer and opportunities for similar outcomes.

Catreese Qualls, Research Assistant for the Office of Equity and Engagement.

“The launch event was an opportunity to share the mission, expectations, and purpose of creating a culture of inclusion, centrally focused on the IDEA Strategic Theme,” Qualls said. “It was a call to action to every member of our campus community to reimagine the way we think, communicate, and navigate within our respective departments and within our campus community. We must work in tandem to achieve success in creating a legacy of hope for generations to come.”

From these IDEA definitions, the College has created specific objectives to make the vision a reality. Those objectives are:

Objective 1

Enhance access and success

Objective 2

Inclusive teaching, learning and scholarship

Objective 3

Cultural engagement and competency

Objective 4

Accountability and responsibility

Objective 5

Fostering community

Those objectives then ladder up to specific areas of focus for the College’s leadership, faculty and staff, and student population, with action and accountability being at the forefront. Kusero noted in her presentation that progress is not always linear, but it should be incremental and measurable.

“Will it be easy to tear down barriers built by decades of broken systems? Absolutely not, but are we capable and authentically inspired to create change? Yes, we are!” Qualls said.

The DEE team noted that the launch event was the catalyst for more leaders to emerge and to encourage a deeply rooted desire to overcome the past and boldly overcome any obstacles by creating access for opportunities to have the uncomfortable conversations needed to push onward and upward.

“This is the first of many collaborations we will have as we begin to do the work of creating equitable outcomes for students, employees, and the communities we serve,” Kusero said.

October 5, 2022 by stgschoolcraft

Schoolcraft College’s Asian Students Association will present Navratri Garba on Saturday, October 8, from 7 p.m. to midnight in the Vistatech Center. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Children 5 and younger are free.

Navratri is a Hindu festival that takes place over nine nights. The word “Navratri” is a conjunction of the two words “nava” (meaning “nine”) and “ratri” (meaning “night”). This festival is devoted to the Mother Goddess known variously as Durga, Kali, Bhavani, Amba and Chandika.

Garba is one of the dance forms. Dandiya Raas, from the state of Gujarat, is a popular dance form as well.

Navratri customs include:

During the nine days of Navratri, feasting and fasting take precedence over all normal daily activities among Hindu people.
Evenings give rise to the religious dances in order to worship Goddess Durga Maa.
Mother Goddess is seen as personification of strength, courage, knowledge, wealth, art, fertility and love.
Water, mango leaves, rice, coconut, betel leaves, haldi, kumkum and ritual fire (aarti) all help celebrate the supreme mother and her divinity.

You can purchase advance tickets for Navratri Garba from:

Schoolcraft College Student Activities Office (lower level of Vistatech Center)
Call 734-462-4422

Taj Cottage
8429 Grand River Avenue, Farmington Hills, 48335
Call Rachna Chandra, 734-620-4933

The ticket includes an Indian dinner catered by Suvai and live music by Kuldip Bhatt. Indian clothes and jewelry will be available for purchase as well.

All proceeds will go toward the Schoolcraft Student Food Pantry, a program that is dedicated to providing non-perishable food items to students and their families who are impacted by financial hardship.

Our thanks to Dr. Anna Maheshwari, Chair of the English Department, for her assistance with this story.

October 3, 2022 by stgschoolcraft

My name is Armando Saucedo-Villegas, and I was born in Saltillo, Mexico. Currently I’m the Multimedia Editor for the Schoolcraft Connection, where I record, edit, and publish all the video content that goes up on the YouTube channel “Schoolcraft Connection.” Being Latino gives me a connection to my family. For many Latinos, “Family” is not just the people you live with – family is tradition.

As an immigrant, I try very hard to maintain connection with my traditions and culture; however, I also realize that my family came to this country for better changes. Having that dichotomy all my life of being from a place where I barely remember and living in this area of cultural diversity where life has been changing constantly is tough. I know I haven’t had it as hard as I could have had it, having lighter skin and not having an accent means that if I don’t mention being Latino in the conversation, it wouldn’t be considered an option. I don’t try to hide where I’m from, but it does say something about the people who act differently when I mention that I wasn’t born here.

As much as these 31 days (of Hispanic Heritage Month) help spread awareness of obstacles that Latino people have in their life, I know I don’t have the same problems as people that have darker skin than I do. A problem that I and many others do have, however, is having to live in a car-dependent suburb and having to drive everywhere, especially school. One way to make Schoolcraft a better place not just for people like me, but everyone on campus, is to add some form of public transportation, or add better protected bike and path networks to get to the local restaurant for lunch.

This solution doesn’t have anything to do with me being Latino, but it would open up opportunities for every student to be able to arrive on campus without having to rely on buying a car that may break down just to get an education or have access to any amenity found at Schoolcraft.

October 3, 2022 by stgschoolcraft

Schoolcraft College’s Wednesday Noon Concert Series returns this fall with classical and jazz programs highlighting outstanding woodwind, piano, brass, string and percussion musicians. All performances are from noon to 1:00 p.m. in Kehrl Auditorium in the Vistatech Center.

Please note that the Vistatech Center is undergoing construction and that the main entrance is closed. Go to schoolcraft.edu/progress to download a map with parking and entrance information.

Here’s a brief look at this fall’s performances:

Wednesday, October 5 – Classical

Musicians: Nancy Ambrose King, oboe; Matthew Thompson, piano; Trevor Ambrose King, bassoon
About the program: Nancy Ambrose King, Professor of Oboe at the University of Michigan, has appeared with orchestras throughout the United States and abroad and has given solo performances at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. Matthew Thompson is an Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Michigan and serves as a vocal coach for graduate voice students. Trevor Ambrose King has performed with numerous ensembles across the United States and Canada.

Wednesday, October 19 – Jazz

Musicians: The Steve Wood Quartet (Steve Wood, saxophone; Phil Kelly, piano; Ray Parker, bass; Jon Blanchette, drums)
About the program: Steve Wood, a teacher at Cranbrook Academy and at Michigan State University Community Music School, has performed with many of the world’s finest jazz musicians. He has toured Europe twice and also performs at clubs, concerts and festivals throughout Michigan and Ohio.

Wednesday, November 2 – Jazz

Musicians: Jonathon Muir-Cotton and Expressions
About the program: Jonathon Muir-Cotton, a student at Michigan State University pursing a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies, is a multi-award-winning double bassist and bassist. He continues to hone his craft, hopes to tour the world and eventually become a music educator.

Wednesday, November 16 – Classical

Musicians: Sophia Gilmson and Soonghee Ha, piano duo
About the program: Sophia Gilmson, a Russian/American pianist and pedagogue, graduated cum laude from the St. Petersburg (Leningrad) Conservatory, studying with Vitaly Margulis. She has performed extensively in the U.S., Europe and Russia and has presented workshops and master classes nationally and internationally. Dr. Soonghee Ha teaches Class Piano and Music History at Schoolcraft College. She received her doctoral degree in Piano Performance and Master of Music Education from the University of Texas.

Wednesday, December 7 – Classical

Musicians: Today’s Brass Quintet (Jean Moorehead Libs, trumpet; Mitchell Wechsler, trumpet; Brian Robson, trombone; Alan Taplin, horn; Joseph DeMarsh, tuba)
About the program: Today’s Brass Quintet (TBQ) has enjoyed a reputation as one of the Midwest’s finest artistic ensembles since its inception in 1983. TBQ programs its original arrangements from a full spectrum of styles, ranging from the sparkling baroque masterpieces of Bach and Pachelbel to the toe-tapping pleasures of Sousa, Gershwin and Ellington.

Coming to the Wednesday Noon Concert Series in winter 2023:

Three classical concerts — cellist Suren Bagratuni, the Brazilian duo João Luiz and Danilo Brito, and the Schoolcraft Music Faculty Recital
Two jazz performances — the Ellen Roe Trio and the Ingrid Racine Quartet

October 3, 2022 by stgschoolcraft

Schoolcraft College is preparing to welcome ghosts, goblins, superheroes, princesses and more to the first-ever Halloween Spooktacular. This free, family-friendly event will be held from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, October 28, in the Mercy Elite Sports Center.

Families are asked to register for the Halloween Spooktacular, which will feature:

Trick or treating
Bounce houses
Photo opportunities with Ozzy, the College mascot
Photo opportunities with Ozzy’s friends, including superheroes and princesses
Activities
Costume contest
And more

Time slots at 5:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. are available. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.