Schoolcraft College

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Theme of conference was “Women Leading With Resilience In Challenging Times”

Schoolcraft College was well-represented at the 2022 Michigan American Council on Education Women’s Network Conference (MI-ACE) of the ACE Women’s Network. Held June 13-14 at the Suburban Collection Showcase in Novi, this year’s theme of the annual conference was “Women Leading With Resilience In Challenging Times.”

The MI-ACE Women’s Network was formed in 1978 and is the professional network for Michigan women in higher education.

Attending from Schoolcraft College were:

  • Dr. Jodie Beckley, Director, Personal and Professional Learning
  • Joi Durant, Associate, Student Financial Services
  • Tammy Duval, Lab Technician
  • Melissa Gury, Director of Laboratory Sciences
  • Dr. Michele Kelly, Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • TaQuilla Kusero, Director of Equity and Engagement
  • Trennis D. Sweatt, Personal and Professional Learning Programming Coordinator
  • Lori Timmis, Dean of Distance Learning
  • Rena Yuzon, Course Manager, Distance Learning

Dr. Beckley co-presented “Women Leaders of Color in Community Colleges: New Research, Same Challenges” with CharMaine Hines, Ed.D., Vice Chancellor, Academic Accountability and Policy, Wayne County Community College District.

Here are some reactions to the conference from Schoolcraft College attendees:

From Joi Durant, Associate, Student Financial Services:

I was introduced to MI-ACE in 2021 after attending their WOCC (Women of Color Collaborative) and women’s equal pay day workshops. I became involved with the Schoolcraft division of MI-ACE this year and it has been such an impactful experience. This year’s conference focused on defining resilience and finding ways to put the ‘resilience perspective’ into practice. During the two-day conference I was able to attend several workshops, some of which included:

  • Enhancing your Institutional committee involvement
  • (Re) Imagining the Superwoman
  • Women Leaders of Color in Community College: New Research, Same Challenges
  • Women Leading with Resilience during Challenging Times Keynote Address

I found each session to be informative, which led to me feeling excited, empowered and equipped to bring this information back to campus and incorporate this information in conversations that contribute to impacting effective change. It also provided the opportunity to meet and collaborate with colleagues here at the college that I would not otherwise have had the opportunity to work with. I would encourage any woman employed in higher education to consider joining the MI-ACE Network as it provides networking support and training enhance the experience of women in higher education.

From Melissa Gury, Director of Laboratory Sciences:

One of my favorite sessions was “Mental Health Strategies for a More Resilient You” presented by Dr. Nikita Murry, Director of Diversity Education at Central Michigan University. She spoke about what it means to be resilient, and highlighted five ‘Gs’ to make sure to focus on in our lives: Gratitude, Goal Reflection, Girlhood, Goodness, and Gracefulness. I am very grateful to have been given the opportunity to attend, and am excited to continue working with the MI-ACE Women’s Network to empower women!

From TaQuilla Kusero, Director of Equity and Engagement:

One valuable practice discussed during the “Mental Health Strategies for a More Resilient You” session, led by Dr. Nikita Murry, Director of Diversity Education at Central Michigan University, was to ask yourself five questions before taking on a new role or opportunity.

  1. Does the opportunity align with your goals?
  2. Am I the right person?
  3. Is this a professional challenge?
  4. Do you see professional growth opportunity?
  5. Will the workload be manageable?

If you can answer yes to these questions, and the role or opportunity is something that fits into your mission, vision and goals, you will be in a better position to deal with more challenging times when they arise. I plan to implement this in the future.

From Trennis D. Sweatt, Personal and Professional Learning Programming Coordinator:

Attending the MI-ACE conference and “The Importance of Wellness and Belonging in the Workplace” session as well as the “Women Leaders of Color in Community Colleges: New Research, Same Challenges” session brought about the following insights for me:

First, as women of color working in higher education, it is essential to know that we belong and that we have the equal opportunity to be valued as a woman and as a leader in our organization. And second, Dr. Hines’ and Dr. Beckley’s research on Women of Color in Mid-Level Administration re-ignited my passion to pursue my Ph.D. in higher education. Our gender and ethnicity should not continue to be a barrier on our path to a leadership role in higher education.

From Lori Timmis, Dean of Distance Learning:

Tuesday’s keynote session with Dr. Stephanie Bulgur, incoming President at Lane CC (Eugene, Oregon), prompted three key takeaways:

  1. Lead from your values
  2. Address the moment with your vision
  3. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable

In the spirit of resilience, as part of the conference theme, Dr. Bulgur affirmed that “comfort and growth do not co-exist.” Likewise, in times of challenge, we have a duty to serve – our students, communities, and the organization.

The presidents’ panel encouraged strategic risk taking, reimagining services, evaluating and enacting change propositions, sharing communications and camaraderie, setting stretch goals to build stamina, developing teams, empowering people, and elevating mentorship. The presidents reminded us that we all serve as educators in different ways with a same end goal.

The afternoon’s plenary session – Do Not Take It for Granted. Focus on International Women’s Resilience – with Manizha Wafeq, President and Co-Founder of the Afghanistan Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry, was a powerful testimony of leadership, courage, and determination in establishing the first women’s chamber in Afghanistan. As the session title implies, women leaders and professionals can and do serve in valuable roles that make a difference.

The fishbowl conversations on leadership engaged session participants to share your voice, collaborate and connect with others, and balance work and other commitments with stress-relieving channels (the good reminder of “me” time).

A final takeaway includes the resources available through the MI-ACE Women’s Network of professional development workshops, committee engagement, and networking events to advance women leaders in higher education.

I will aim, as a leader and looking within, to promote the wisdom shared from the collective session takeaways – encourage dialogue, support engagement and participation, seek growth opportunities, serve assuredly and compassionately, and much more.

From Rena Yuzon, Course Manager, Distance Learning:

This was my first time at the MI-ACE Women’s Network Conference. It was a great experience where I got to meet women from all over the state. One of the best seminars I attended had to do with enrollment challenges for institutions of higher education. I learned about the many factors impacting enrollment in higher education today and will take that back with me in my work scheduling semester offerings.

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graduates take photo with the ocelot mascot
The Dean’s List recognizes high academic achievement. Go to schoolcraft.edu/deanslist to see the complete list.

During the fall and winter semesters, Schoolcraft College recognizes students for high academic achievement by naming them to the Dean’s List. The minimum requirements are:

  • Full-time students with a semester grade-point average of 3.5 or higher.
  • Part-time students who, after completing a total of 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 credit hours, have earned a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 or higher.

A total of 1,680 students made the Dean’s List for the Winter 2022 semester. Go to schoolcraft.edu/deanslist to see the complete list in alphabetical order.

Congratulations to all!

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Today for our Staff Spotlight story we’re sitting down Lisa Brooker, our Director of Financial Aid, to learn more about her and this important department.

Schoolcraft College: Hello, Lisa! Please tell us a little about your educational and professional background, what led you to Schoolcraft College and how long you’ve been with us.

Lisa Brooker: My journey with financial aid began in 2006 when I was hired in as a student assistant. I loved the atmosphere in the office and in the College. I had great co-workers and was learning so much in such a fast-paced office. I remained working in the office part time after I completed my Associate degree at Schoolcraft.

Once I completed my Bachelor’s in Psychology at Eastern Michigan University, I wasn’t sure where I wanted to end up, but I didn’t hesitate to accept a full-time position in the office while I figured it out. It was around that time I started really working with students. I could really relate to them since I had so recently gone through the same processes I was helping them navigate. I started to see a future in this career, and while making my way through the office, I got my MBA from Baker College. I am now settling into my fourth month as the position of Director of Financial Aid.

Lisa Brooker
Lisa Brooker, Director of Financial Aid.

Schoolcraft College: From a high level, can you please explain what the Financial Aid department does? And also what it doesn’t do?

Lisa Brooker: In the simplest of terms: Financial Aid awards students grants, scholarships, work-study and student loans. To break that down a little, we first help students and their families navigate through the application processes. This often begins with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is an annual application that is the basis for most types of student aid.

Once that is complete we can better get a picture of what types of aid might be an option for individual students. We work under federal regulations, college policies, and timelines to move students through the process of each various award. Throughout the year we have various processes to ensure students are maintain eligibility and we make adjustments to awards, as needed.

We work closely with the Student Accounts Office, but they have very different functions. This can sometimes cause confusion because we share an office. They are responsible for payment plans, third-party payments, MET (Michigan Education Trust), MESP (Michigan Education Savings Program), and past-due balances.

Schoolcraft College: What does a “typical” day look like for you and your team? What are the busiest times during the academic year?

Lisa Brooker: Days can look very different in our office depending what time of year it is and where we are in the current semester. The summer (most specifically late July – early September) is our busiest time. We receive the most applications and see the most students during this time. Most of our awards run on an annual basis. So we get more students at the start of fall than any other semester, as many of them only need to see us once per year.

This is when documents can take the longest to process since we have more coming into the office than other times in the year.

This is also when we see longer wait times for our phone calls. As soon as Fall classes start, we are gearing up for Winter aid applications. After classes are underway each semester, we monitor changes such as students who change their schedule or earn a No Show (NS) grade by not showing up to classes. This often results in reductions or recalculations in a student’s aid. Once grades post, we verify that students are eligible for future semesters by meeting academic progress requirements.

Schoolcraft College: What piece of advice do you have for students, parents and others as they begin the process with financial aid? What’s the best way to get started? And what are some tips to avoid frustration?

Lisa Brooker: First, ask questions and do not wait. We are here to help and want our students to understand what they need to do to remain eligible for aid. We understand these processes are complex, can seem intimidating or even violating to some. We can only answer questions if they are asked.

We also recognize that things change, last-minute decisions are made, and things are forgotten. Financial Aid is very time-driven; there are deadlines we have to stick by and things that take us time to complete as well. The earlier you can get the process started, typically the less stressful it will be. File your FAFSA early each year, even if you do not think you will qualify. That opens you up to more opportunities once completed.

Questions do not end when you get awarded. As I mentioned, things are constantly changing throughout the year and semester. If you want to withdraw from a class – talk to us first. If you are struggling – let us know, we can see what options may be best for you to consider. Finally, be mindful to check your SC mail and Ocelot Access. Most all of our communication goes to one or both of those resources and it is important to read (and understand) notifications that go out.

Schoolcraft College: What are some highlights for you so far in your new role?

Lisa Brooker: I am very lucky with my team – both my staff and other offices we work with. One thing that sets Schoolcraft apart in my mind is that the people want to be here. Our staff wants to work here and wants to help our students. Our students want to be here as it is a great place to get an education. We see students in all walks of life, and I’ve found we can all learn from each other.

Being in this role I am able to make decisions and influence change. I have never lost the relatability I have with our students and fully remember how daunting college can be. I carry that with me and hope to be a part of positive changes for our students from that perspective.  

Schoolcraft College: What’s the best way for people to reach Financial Aid?

Lisa Brooker: Come see us! We are in the office Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You also can call us at 734-462-4433, or email us at [email protected]. We host and are part of various events around campus, including help with FAFSAs and other aid-related presentations. If there is a topic you would like to see covered – send us an email and we can see if we can work it in.

Schoolcraft College: Thank you, Lisa! Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Lisa Brooker: Thank you for allowing me this time and to share a little about me and my office. As I’ve mentioned – don’t hesitate to come see us with any and all questions! It’s great seeing faces back around campus!

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Spring carnival will have merchandise, food and more

If you’re looking for something new this Memorial Day weekend, consider attending Basant Bahaar Mela 2022, presented by Schoolcraft College’s Asian Students Association, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 28, in the DiPonio Room in the VisTaTech Center on the main campus.

All are welcome to this free (no admission charge), family-friendly event, which will provide a fun and immersive cultural experience.

Basant Bahaar Mela can be loosely translated to “Spring Fair” or “Spring Carnival.” Guests can shop for clothing, jewelry and home décor from area small businesses. Food will be available for purchase as well, and there will be music, games and face painting for children. A fashion show and dance performances are scheduled as well.

“The pandemic has put a huge strain on small businesses, so we want to support them by hosting them at Schoolcraft College,” said Dr. Anna Maheshwari, Chair, English Department. “Basant Bahaar Mela 2022 will provide a great way for the Schoolcraft community to experience this fun event and shop while enjoying delicious food while showcasing our College.”

Proceeds will benefit the Schoolcraft Food Pantry.

food bowl of meat with sauce
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beaded jewelry display
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Photo 1: Guests can purchase food at Basant Bahaar Mela 2022, which is from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. this Saturday, May 28, in the DiPonio Room in the VisTaTech Center on the main campus.
Photo 2: Jewelry and other items from area small businesses will be available at Basant Bahaar Mela 2022, which is from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. this Saturday, May 28, in the DiPonio Room in the VisTaTech Center on the main campus.

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The 110,800-square-foot facility includes new labs and lecture classrooms

Schoolcraft College celebrated the official opening of the beautiful new Health Sciences Center (HSC) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, April 27. After remarks by Dr. Glenn Cerny, President of Schoolcraft College, and Joan A. Gebhardt, Chair of the Board of Trustees, area community and business leaders toured the 110,800-square-foot facility.

The HSC strengthens the College’s commitment to students in the health sciences and will provide a pipeline of talented graduates who are much needed by area healthcare providers. Trinity Health Michigan, Beaumont Health, Michigan Medicine and Henry Ford Health System all have facilities in Livonia or near Schoolcraft College, including the on-campus Livonia Medical Center.

Built on the site of the former Applied Science building, the HSC added 36,700 square feet to the existing 74,100 square feet, of which about 56% was renovated. The grand total budget was $24,286,615.

The construction manager was AUCH Construction, and the architect was Integrated Design Services. Schoolcraft College’s Construction and Design department worked on this project from the initial submission to the state, they collaborated with department and program subject matter experts to design the building, and directly oversaw construction.

person viewing medical computer screen
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medical surgeon room
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Photo 1: Jufauri Ely, Program Director/Instructor for Radiologic Technology and Faculty Representative for Medical Imaging Programs, demonstrates one of the pieces of equipment used for medical imaging.
Photo 2: Visitors gave high marks to how well the space at the Health Sciences Center, such as this one for Surgical Services, mirrored real-life facilities.

Programs housed in the HSC are:

  • Emergency Medical Technology
  • Health Information Technology
  • Medical Assisting
  • Medical Imaging
  • Nursing
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant
  • Pharmacy Technology
  • Surgical Services

The space features:

  • 23 labs (21 for Health Sciences, 2 for Health Information specialty labs)
  • 10 lecture classrooms, 8 of which are new spaces
  • 5 computer labs (3 with major renovations; 2 are new spaces)

Other members of the Board of Trustees who attended were Carol M. Strom, Vice Chair; Brian D. Broderick, Secretary; William P. Erwin, Trustee; Dillon E. Breen, Trustee; and Brett M. Gierak, Trustee.

“We’re excited to add the Health Sciences Center as another first-rate learning facility on our campus to help create transformational educational experiences for Schoolcraft College students,” said Dr. Glenn Cerny, President of Schoolcraft College. “The HSC is another great win-win for our students and the community, and I want to thank everyone who made it possible.”

Learn more about Schoolcraft College’s health sciences programs.

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Michigan community colleges will focus on students, workforce development

Although commencement ceremonies have concluded and Michigan community colleges, including Schoolcraft College, have sent another group of well-educated and well-trained graduates on their way to pursuing their dreams, the job of developing a strong workforce never stops.

Schoolcraft College, with a rich history of strong academic programs and business partnerships, has long been a leader in educating and training students for key roles in a variety of fields, including manufacturing, engineering and technology, health care, culinary arts, police and fire and many more vital occupations.

With all Michigan community colleges facing a number of challenges, including ones related to enrollment and funding, members of the Michigan Community College Association (MCCA) will be meeting at Schoolcraft College this week, Thursday May 19, and Friday, May 20, to find creative ways to address those challenges with meaningful actions.

VisTaTech Center building
The VisTaTech Center will be the site of this week’s Michigan Community College Association meeting.

“We look forward to providing our great facilities at the VisTaTech Center to be an incubator of great ideas and solutions to the challenges community colleges face,” said Dr. Glenn Cerny, President of Schoolcraft College. “I look forward to the open dialogue and wide range of perspectives as we work together to find even better ways to provide transformational learning opportunities for our students.”

The Michigan Community College Association fosters collaboration, connection, and partnerships among the 28 Michigan public community colleges and their stakeholders.

The MCCA provides strong legislative and public advocacy in Lansing and throughout Michigan, works to improve the image and credibility of community colleges, and advances numerous shared initiatives through the Michigan Center for Student Success, Michigan Colleges Online, Collaborative Programs, and the Michigan New Jobs Training Program.

Members of the MCCA are:

  • Alpena Community College
  • Bay College
  • Delta College
  • Glen Oaks Community College
  • Gogebic Community College
  • Grand Rapids Community College
  • Henry Ford College
  • Jackson College
  • Kalamazoo Valley Community College
  • Kellogg Community College
  • Kirtland Community College
  • Lake Michigan College
  • Lansing Community College
  • Macomb Community College
  • Mid Michigan College
  • Monroe County Community College
  • Montcalm Community College
  • Mott Community College
  • Muskegon Community College
  • North Central Michigan College
  • Northwestern Michigan College
  • Oakland Community College
  • Schoolcraft College
  • Southwestern Michigan College
  • St. Clair County Community College
  • Washtenaw Community College
  • Wayne County Community College
  • West Shore Community College

Learn more information about the Michigan Community College Association.

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Ocelots ready to make their mark in the world

Dr. Glenn Cerny, President of Schoolcraft College, presents a diploma to a happy Schoolcraft College graduate. Also pictured is Stacy Whiddon, Chief Academic Officer.

A beautiful day, a packed house of guests and nearly 300 graduates eager to make their mark in the world marked Schoolcraft College’s 57th annual Commencement on Saturday, May 7, in the St. Joe’s Mercy Elite Sports Center (ESC) on the main campus.

Saturday’s ceremony was the second at ESC, but the first with guests. Last year’s graduation ceremony was open to students only due to health-related precautions.

This year’s keynote speaker was Marina Shoemaker, the Director of Global Diversity and Inclusion Strategies DEI External Partnerships for General Motors.

The Student Reflection was delivered by Catreese Qualls, whose many accomplishments include 2021/2022 Division III International Vice President, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Dr. Cerny bestowed Honorary Degrees upon Marina Shoemaker, Michigan Senator Dayna Polehanki, and Chuck Dardas, President and CEO of AlphaUSA.

Joan A. Gebhardt, Chair of the Board of Trustees, bestowed Distinguished Alumni Recognition upon Michael Siegrist, Clerk for Canton Township.

Stacy Whiddon, Chief Academic Officer, presented the Class of 2022. Skills Certificates, Certificates, Associate degrees, and Bachelor of Science degrees all were awarded.

Assisting Dr. Cerny in conferring degrees and certificates were: Dr. Laurie Kattuah-Snyder, Chief Student Services Officer; Dr. Marty Heator, Dean of Students; Dr. Jerome Lavis, Faculty Forum President; and the Schoolcraft College Board of Trustees: Joan A. Gebhardt, Chair; Brian D. Broderick, Secretary; Terry Gilligan, Treasurer; William P. Erwin Jr., Trustee; and Brett M. Gierak, Trustee. Carol M. Strom, Vice Chair, and Dillon E. Breen, Trustee, were unable to attend due to commencement ceremonies of family members.

The Star-Spangled Banner was sung by student Jared Glasel, a member of the graduating class.

Academic Marshals were: David S. Kelser, D.C., Associate Dean of Health Professions; Dr. Michele Kelly, Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences; Dr. Robert Leadley, Dean of Occupational Programs and Economic Development; and Lori Timmis, Dean of Distance Learning.

Student Marshals were: Erin Bressler, Vice President of Leadership, Phi Theta Kappa; and Temitope Odunleye, international student.

The Processional, Recessional and other selections were performed by the Schoolcraft College Wind Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Paul Michalsen.

Schoolcraft College Facilities, Media, Campus Police, Student Records, Food Operations, President’s Office, Bookstore, Student Ambassadors, Student Activities Office, and Marketing and Communications also contributed to the success of Schoolcraft College’s 57th Commencement, which can be viewed online.

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SC was a finalist for Outstanding College/Corporate Partnership at the American Association of Community Colleges Awards of Excellence program

two people holding an award
Dr. Glenn Cerny, President of Schoolcraft College, and Dr. Laurie Kattuah-Snyder, Chief Student Services Officer, hold the finalist award for Outstanding College/Corporate Partnership from the American Association of Community Colleges Awards of Excellence program.

Schoolcraft College’s ongoing partnerships and dialogue with area businesses, which help to expand program offerings, inform important curriculum updates and better prepare students to enter the workforce, was recently recognized nationally at the American Association of Community Colleges Awards of Excellence program.

Schoolcraft College was a finalist in Outstanding College/Corporate Partnership and was the only Michigan community college named a finalist in this category.

“By forging strong corporate partnerships on our campus, Schoolcraft College has been able to create more opportunities for our students,” said Dr. Glenn Cerny, President of Schoolcraft College. “These opportunities include internships, apprenticeships and jobs while in school as well as attractive career choices for our students when they graduate.

“Area business and industry have benefited as well as they’ve improved their job pipeline with graduates who are tailor-made for them. It’s a win for our students, a win for our corporate partners, and a win for our community.”

One example of a strong college/corporate partnership is Schoolcraft College’s relationship with Trinity Health Michigan. The College welcomed the Livonia Medical Center to campus in the spring of 2021. This facility provides a wide range of options to the community, including primary and specialty care physician services, urgent care, surgery center, clinical lab, radiology and physical rehabilitation services.

It’s also literally within walking distance of the new Health Sciences Center (HSC), a 110,800-square-foot facility that’s home to eight disciplines:

  • Emergency Medical Technology
  • Health Information Technology
  • Medical Assisting
  • Medical Imaging
  • Nursing
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant
  • Pharmacy Technology
  • Surgical Services

The HSC was “officially” opened at a ribbon-cutting on Wednesday, April 27.

“We look forward to building on our success in the coming years and continuing to serve our students, businesses partners and our community at the highest level,” Dr. Cerny said.

Learn more information about the American Association of Community Colleges Awards of Excellence program.

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He played at Mott CC and Detroit Mercy, coached at Wayne State

EJ Haralson Jr.
EJ Haralson Jr. is the new men’s basketball coach at Schoolcraft College.

Schoolcraft College has hired EJ Haralson Jr., a veteran former assistant head coach and interim head coach at Wayne State University, as its new men’s basketball coach. His start date is effective July 1, 2022.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome EJ Haralson Jr. to our staff,” said Cali Crawford, Director of Athletics. “He brings a wealth of experience and deep-rooted connections in the Metro area, and checks off every single box that we were looking for to lead our men’s basketball program.”

Haralson Jr. had served at Wayne State since 2003. In addition to his coaching and recruiting duties, Haralson Jr.’s responsibilities also included serving as the team’s academic coach. His success in that role included increasing the overall team GPA by 0.64 over the past four years and maintaining a team GPA over 3.0 each semester for the past three years.

He played two seasons at Mott Community College (1994-96) before transferring to the University of Detroit Mercy (1996-98).

“I’m so excited to get the opportunity to meet young men with a passion for basketball, and it’s my job to get them to understand the other things that come with that,” Haralson Jr. said. “The Michigan Community College Athletic Association is a competitive league; I played in this league and I’ve recruited players out of this league. I know Schoolcraft has had success in the past, so it’s exciting.”

He’s looking forward to meeting with the returning players.

“Whenever there’s a transition of coaches, there needs to be a time and space for the players to understand who I am and for me to understand what they’re going through and create a situation that’s comfortable for everyone, but competitive at the same time,” Haralson Jr. said. “So that’s the first thing – getting to know the returning players.”

EJ Haralson Jr. holding a basketball
EJ Haralson Jr. previously served as a coach at Wayne State University.

Haralson Jr. earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems from the University of Detroit Mercy and a Master of Arts in Education from Wayne State. He’s working on his Doctor of Philosophy in Education at Wayne State.

“Coach Haralson will bring integrity, enthusiasm and work ethic necessary to build and sustain a successful program both on and off the court,” Crawford said. “The future is extremely bright for men’s basketball and I look forward to working with him.”

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Schoolcraft College’s 57th annual Commencement, scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, in the St. Joe’s Mercy Elite Sports Center (ESC) on the main campus, will be open to a new era.

That’s because this will be the first Commencement at ESC that will welcome guests. Last year’s graduation ceremony was open to students only due to health-related precautions.

“We’re pleased to welcome guests to this year’s Commencement,” said Dr. Glenn Cerny, President of Schoolcraft College. “Graduates share with us how important the support from family members and friends has been during their journey, so it’s our privilege to once again have their guests here in person to share in their great day.”

This year’s keynote speaker is Marina Shoemaker, the Director of Global Diversity and Inclusion Strategies DEI External Partnerships for General Motors.

“It’s our honor to have such a distinguished speaker,” Dr. Cerny said. “Marina has been a great friend to Schoolcraft College over the years, willingly lending her expertise to important initiatives, including helping incorporate a DEI component into our STARS DEI leadership program and serving as a co-chair of our Foundation’s Vision 2025 campaign.”

More than 900 applications for graduation were received by Student Records, with nearly 400 students signed up to participate in Commencement.

Skills Certificates, Certificates, Associate degrees, Bachelor of Science degrees and Post-Associate degrees will be awarded. In addition, the College will confer Honorary Degrees and recognize a Distinguished Alumni during Commencement.

The Student Reflection will be delivered by Catreese Qualls, whose many accomplishments and contributions to Schoolcraft College include:

  • 2021/2022 Division III International Vice President, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society 
  • Michigan All-Academic Team Silver Scholar 
  • Coca-Cola Scholar 
  • STARS DEI mentor
  • Oberndorf Scholar
  • Kehrl Communications Arts Scholar
Ozzy the ocelot mascot
You can meet Ozzy, the new Schoolcraft College mascot, at Commencement.

Ozzy, the new Schoolcraft College mascot, will make its official debut and will be available for photos, including in a new 360-degree photo booth where users can instantly share their photos. (Maximum of four people in the photo booth.)

Traditional photo booths also will be available. Students can upload their photos on their social channels and use the hashtags #OcelotPride and #OcelotGrad.

Doors open at 12 p.m. Students are asked to arrive by 1 p.m.

A livestream will be available.

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Short-handed staff produces excellent work

The Schoolcraft Connection student newspaper continues to add to its well-deserved reputation for excellence following outstanding performances in two key contests.

First, the Schoolcraft Connection won seven awards from the 2021 College Better Newspaper contest presented by the Michigan Press Association (MPA). The Connection competed in Division III: Two-year college publications or newspapers publishing less than weekly. 

Members of the Arkansas Press Association reviewed 568 entries submitted by 16 Michigan college newspapers. Over the past nine years, the Schoolcraft Connection has won 95 awards total in this contest.

“It is more important than ever to recognize and encourage good, impactful journalism,” said Joanne Williams, associate professor of journalism and mass communication at Olivet College and Michigan College Press Association president. “That is what our college newspapers are doing, and with support and recognition from contests and professionals in the field, that will continue. Our experienced faculty and advisors will see to it as well,” 

The following students received awards for their work in 2021:

SC Connection Staff
Front row, left to right: Armando Saucedo (Multimedia Editor), Sasha Spearman (Design Intern), Vae O’Neil (Arts and Entertainment Editor), Jordan Weston (Staff Writer).
Back row, left to right: Alexander Hawthorne (Staff Writer), Ben Bolstrum (Editor-in-Chief), Matthew Kern (Managing Editor), Matt Karbownik (Layout and Design Editor).

Awards from the MCCPA

The staff followed that outstanding performance with an additional 14 awards from the Michigan Community College Press Association (MCCPA), making it a total of 21 awards for the 2021-22 academic year.

Here is a look at the Connection’s totals for the last 10 years in both yearly competitions:

  • MCCPA 10-year total (2012-2022): 147
  • MPA 9-year total (2012-2021): 95
  • MCCPA and MPBA combined total (2012-2022): 242

Students who received awards in the MCCPA contest:

  • 1st place for Sports Feature Story: Ben Bolstrom
  • 1st place for News Photo: Armando Saucedo
  • 1st place for Feature Photo: Claire Smith
  • 1st place for Inside Page Design: Matt Karbownik
  • 2nd place for Front Page Design: Matt Karbownik
  • 3rd place for Feature Story: Matthew Fular
  • 3rd place for Personality Profile: Vae O’Neil
  • 3rd place for Inside Page Design: Matt Karbownik
  • 3rd place for Video Production: Armando Saucedo
  • 3rd Place General Excellence: SC Connection Staff
  • Honorable Mention for Column Serious: Matthew Kern
  • Honorable Mention for Critical Review: Vae O’Neil
  • Honorable Mention for Sports News Photo: Claire Smith
  • Honorable Mention for Video Production: Jordan Weston

“This is a remarkable achievement for these students as they did this with only five senior editors out of the possible 10 positions on staff,” said Rena Laverty, Student Activities Technician, College Photographer and Connection Adviser. “We’re now looking for new editors to join us for the 2022-23 year. Any students interested in writing, photography, videography or design can contact us.

“All majors are welcome and encouraged. Editors are compensated up to $1,100 per semester for Fall and Winter.”

For more information, call 734-462-4422 or email [email protected].

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Part of program will discuss small-modular reactors

Jesse Deer
Jesse Deer In Water

Jesse Deer In Water, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma and a leader in CRAFT: Citizen Resistance at Fermi Two, will be the guest speaker as the Schoolcraft College International Institute’s Focus Series presents “Dangers of FERMI: The Day We Almost Lost Detroit” on Thursday, April 21.

CRAFT is a grassroots, Indigenous-led environmental activism group focused on protecting the Great Lakes. The Fermi 2 Power Plant, on the shore of Lake Erie in Newport, Michigan, supplies 20 percent of the power generated by DTE Energy.

A key focus of Jesse Deer In Water’s presentation will be the dangers of small-modular reactors, sometimes called “breeder” reactors because they produce more fuel than they consume. This is the same type of reactor that was used in Fermi 1, which suffered a partial meltdown in October of 1966 that prompted more scrutiny of the safety of nuclear power plants. Fermi 1 was permanently shut down in 1972.

“Fermi 1 had a small-modular reactor, which is the same technology that’s being pushed as new and a safe technology,” Jesse Deer In Water said. “That’s a total misconception. I’ll explain how small-modular reactors are potentially more dangerous because the fuel is enriched to a higher level, which means more heat and more waste. Plus, these plants themselves are smaller and less stable, which can lead to more problems if there’s a meltdown.”

Fermi 1 plant
The Fermi 1 plant had a partial meltdown in 1966.

“We’ll also talk about the solutions and what it’s going to take to replace facilities like Fermi 2 and to prevent small-module reactors from coming to our cities.”

Jesse Deer In Water, who lives in Redford, works both from the bottom up and the top down to build coalitions and understanding across the area, state and country.

“The burden of proof is on us as citizens, even though we have much less resources compared with energy companies and commissions,” he said. “We have to take things into our own hands because there’s no accountability.”

Watch a video interview with Jesse Deer In Water.

The presentation will be held from 2:30-3:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 21. You can join the Zoom meeting here. The Meeting ID is 870 6670 0492.

The event is sponsored by the Department of Sociology, the Native American Student Organization, and the Student Activities Office.