Schoolcraft College

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Meet Alexis, an Honors Scholar student who hopes to join the medical field after completing school.

To celebrate Black History Month, Schoolcraft College will highlight the stories of Black students, faculty, staff and administrators and what Black History Month means to them. Check back every week this month for stories on the Black experience here at Schoolcraft College.

Alexis Aguwa isn’t afraid to share her Nigerian heritage.

Aguwa, an Honors Scholars student and laboratory assistant at Schoolcraft College, said her culture is her pride, identity and what defines her.

“To be an unapologetically black emerging scholar here at Schoolcraft College means a lot to me. It’s like spreading and expressing my culture out to the world. The world must know my culture because as a Nigerian anywhere I go, I find people just like me who know their roots and who they truly are.”

She credits her mother as one of her most influential voices in her life. She said her mother has helped her to be able to express herself authentically without shame and no regret toward her culture.

The drive Aguwa has to succeed – she plans on earning her associate degree in nursing before earning a BSN and eventually become a doctor – is best summarized in one of her favorite quotes, which comes from Theodore Roosevelt: “Nothing in this world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty. No kind of life is worth leading if it is always an easy life.”

Aguwa desires to help those in need after seeing the great care given to her father during his battle with cancer.

“I want to take care of others and treat patients who are in critical conditions, bringing back hope and putting a smile on their faces the same may the medical team did for my father,” she said.

In addition to listening to music, dancing and watching her favorite football club (Real Madrid), Aguwa includes studying as one of her favorite hobbies. “My community college experience has helped shaped me in becoming the person that I am today,” she said.

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The acknowledgement reiterates that Schoolcraft College rests on land that was the ancestral territory of several Native American tribes.

Schoolcraft College has recently approved a new land acknowledgement that recognizes that indigenous peoples originally occupied the land the College currently sits on.

The acknowledgement, approved by the Board of Trustees at its Jan. 29 meeting, states the land the College occupies was the ancestral territory of the several Native American tribes and recognizes them as the original owners. 

The land acknowledgement reads as follows:

“At Schoolcraft College, we stand together to honor the past, embrace the present and cultivate a brighter future. We acknowledge that the land in which the College occupies is the ancestral territory of the Potawatomi Tribes, Indian Nations, and all Anishinaabeg – Three Fires Confederacy, including Ojibwe and Odawa peoples. In particular, Schoolcraft College resides on the land that was ceded to the United States government in the Treaty of Detroit of 1807.”

The land acknowledgement serves as a formal statement to recognize the history of the land and the relationship it holds with indigenous peoples. The statement will be listed on the Schoolcraft College website, as well as on a plaque that will be placed on campus later this year.

The decision to acknowledge the Native peoples that originally occupied the nearby lands follows traditions at other institutions of higher education to observe this region’s history.

“Part of being a respectful member of the community is recognizing where we come from and what was here before us,” said Dr. Glenn Cerny, President of Schoolcraft College. “This land acknowledgement shows our community we are working to better understand our history and the people that lived here before us.”

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A party is scheduled to take place to mark the first birthday of the five comfort dogs on campus, as well as celebrate the completion of their training.

It is time to have a big, pup-tacular celebration for Schoolcraft College’s comfort dogs.

The dogs, known as the Campus Comfort Companions, have spent the last several months getting acclimated on campus since their arrival last spring. From visiting classrooms to attending events, the dogs have become an integral part of the Schoolcraft College community. 

Now, the five dogs will mark not only a birthday, but another major milestone: completion of their training. All of them recently finished Comfort Companion training, which is the last piece of major training they need to complete. All the dogs are now Certified Comfort Companions.

To help mark this “pawsome” occasion, the College will hold a birthday party for the Campus Comfort Companions later this month. Guests can visit the dogs during their party beginning at noon Jan. 29 in the Wilson Room of the Vistatech Center. Guests are invited to come and enjoy a cupcake and take photos with the dogs. All five dogs, along with their handlers from the Schoolcraft College Police Department, will be in attendance.

Join the paw-ty on January 29 from 12-2:00 at Vistatech

The five dogs – Scout, Copper, Mocha, Starla and Teddy – were all born between late January and early February last year in Canada. They received initial training after birth and arrived on campus a last spring. Since then, the dogs have worked to become more integrated on campus, attending events and meeting students and employees.

“The Campus Comfort Companions have become such an important part of the Schoolcraft College community since they arrived. Seeing faces light up when they see one of the dogs in our buildings has been so rewarding and we’re so glad the campus community has embraced these wonderful dogs,” said Mark Engstrom, Schoolcraft College Police Chief and handler for Scout. “Their mission of helping reduce stress and improve mental health is critical and they serve an important role here on campus.”

The Campus Comfort Companions program is made possible through the generosity of the Schoolcraft College Foundation. Fulfilling part of the College’s Strategic Plan, these dogs will continue to connect not just with the campus but with the greater community as well.

To keep tabs on the dogs and all their adventures, be sure to follow the Campus Comfort Companions on Instagram @sc_pups.

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The first class of surgical tech graduates were recently recognized for their work in the program.

Marie Nielsen hadn’t even heard of being a surgical technologist when she first took classes at Schoolcraft College. But now, after two years of studying, she’s ready to join five of her classmates as the first graduates of the health care program.

The first class of surgical tech graduates were recognized Dec. 12 during a pinning ceremony held in the DiPonio Room inside the Vistatech Center. The pinning marks the end of coursework for the students, who became the inaugural students in the program back in 2022.

Nielsen said she first began in the nursing program at the College. She later learned about the surgical technology program and decided to make a change.

“This just sounded more interesting to me,” she said.

The Surgical Tech program provides students with the opportunity to learn the skills to become a surgical technologist. Those roles are responsible for assisting surgeons in operating rooms before, during and after surgery. Students in the program who complete all requirements earn the Surgical Technology Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree.

Throughout the program, students learn how to properly identify current instruments needed during an operation, a crucial skill in a field that has thousands of different tools. Being able to learn in the skills needed in a state-of-the-art Health Sciences Center – a building that has two operating rooms for students to learn in – has properly prepared students for their clinicals.

Students spent several hundred hours working their clinicals, getting real-life experiences in health care facilities operated by providers such as Trinity Health and Corewell Health. Those hundreds of hours help get the students prepared for a career after graduation, with many of them having work already lined up once their studies wrap.

With their pinning ceremony complete, the students now turn their focus to studying for the national Certified Surgical Technology exam to earn their credential. That is expected to take place sometime in early 2025.

Surgical technologists are needed in the health care field: the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics states the field is growing at a faster-than-expected rate of 6%. Schoolcraft College students are well-prepared to enter the job market, thanks to the in-depth training, number of clinical hours and state-of-the-art facilities students are taught in during their academic career.

“There’s no better place for our Surgical Tech students to learn the skills they need than right here at Schoolcraft College. With two fully-functional operating rooms and many of the instruments used by surgeons, our students learn what they need to know in order to be successful as soon as they begin working,” said Mary Jo Nowicki, the program’s director who helped develop the curriculum. “Health care providers can be confident in hiring Schoolcraft graduates because of the extensive preparation our students receive during their time here.”

Those looking to enroll in Schoolcraft College’s Surgical Tech program can learn more by visiting schoolcraft.edu.

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Anita Süess Kaushik, an instructor in World Languages, recently earned a rare distinction: she became a member of the International Association of Hyperpolyglots, a group made up of members that speak at least six languages.  

Walk into Dr. Anita Süess Kaushik’s office and it transfers you across the globe. That feeling continues as soon as she begins to chat with you in one of the eight languages she speaks.

Dr. Süess (as many of her students call her because of the identical-sounding children author), a full-time instructor who teaches in the World Languages Department, recently added a new honor to her list of accomplishments: she has become a member of HYPIA, the International Association of Hyperpolyglots; an organization celebrating those who can speak six languages or more.

For Süess Kaushik, spending time learning the languages is just as enjoyable as speaking in them.

“The most important thing is joy. If you force yourself, and your interest in the target language is not that strong, then the path towards fluency will be difficult,” she said. “As far as I am concerned, I have always loved the journey as much as the end result.”

The eight languages Süess Kaushik is fluent in include: Swiss-German, standard German, French, English, Italian, Spanish, Dutch and Hindi.

Dr. Süess, a native of Switzerland, grew up speaking Swiss-German at home. She was a voracious reader, a passion that led to her interest in other cultures, and by extension, languages. After getting her undergrad degree in Switzerland, she moved to Paris to earn her master’s at the Sorbonne. She came to the United States in 1988 for a teaching assistant position at the University of Cincinnati, expecting to only stay one year before heading back to Europe.

That changed on the connecting flight she took from New York to Ohio: she met a man from India who became her husband two years later. Discussing where they would live, they decided on staying in the U.S. and completing their doctorates together at the University of Cincinnati.

Hindi is the most-recent language she has been studying, because she wanted to converse with her husband in his native tongue and be able to easily communicate when traveling in India.  

“So, exactly two years ago, I decided that the moment was right for this new and challenging language, being empty-nesters and all, and I have pretty much dedicated my life to it since then,” she said. “If I’m not working, I’m studying Hindi. I gave up Netflix and reading and reduced other hobbies too to find the necessary time.”

Now that Süess Kaushik is “fluent-ish” in Hindi, it’s become the default language spoken in her household. 

“I know enough now to easily converse with my husband and it’s a miracle that after 35 years of speaking English together, we were able to switch the language,” she said.

Besides acquiring languages as an autodidact, Süess Kaushik has founded or co-founded several conversation or polyglot groups where enthusiasts meet, both in-person and online, to chat and at the same time expand, practice, and maintain their various languages.

The HYPIA membership is a rarity for a faculty member here at the College, said Dr. Michele Kelly, the dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She believes Süess Kaushik is the lone faculty member to earn such a distinction.

A passion for teaching

After UC, Süess Kaushik has worked at universities in Connecticut and Michigan and was hired at Schoolcraft College in 2006. She has taught several languages throughout her career, including French, Spanish, German and Italian. The passion for teaching has kept her in the classroom for all these years.

She has always had a wonderful connection to her students, she said.

“I bring a lot of energy to the table, but it always gets replenished by their enthusiasm, interest and active participation,” she said.

It’s something she’s going to need to find a replacement for: “Dr. Süess” will retire from her full-time role in the World Languages Department later this month.

“Having someone like Anita teaching our students is incredibly valuable. We’ve been so fortunate to have her here at Schoolcraft College,” Kelly said. “To have her become a member of the International Association of Hyperpolyglots is an incredible testament to her dedication and passion.  We will miss her dearly as she prepares for her retirement.”

While Süess Kaushik is departing from the classroom, she’s not saying goodbye completely to the College. She’s been leading annual world travel trips since 2006 and will continue organizing them for the foreseeable future, including the May 2025 trip to Spain, Portugal and Morocco (itinerary and signup can be found online). This tour is open to Schoolcraft College students, faculty, staff, as well as community members. She is also planning on teaching an occasional course at SC to stay connected to her field.

Despite knowing eight languages, Süess Kaushik is ready for a new challenge and plans on adding Catalan to her list, a Romance language spoken in Spain, France, Italy and Andorra. Her son recently married a young woman native from Barcelona. Last year, they all spent Christmas together with her daughter-in-law’s family in Spain and they issued this playful ultimatum: “Okay, Anita, next time we see each other, you better be fluent in Catalan too.”

“How fun — I’ll do my best!” was her response.

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“Detroit: The City of Chefs,” a documentary film made by Keith Famie, explores metro Detroit’s culinary scene, including the educational component taught at institutions such as Schoolcraft College.

A documentary highlighting some of the best chefs in metro Detroit comes with a side of Schoolcraft College.

“Detroit: The City of Chefs,” a film created by legendary local cinematographer Keith Famie, tells the story of the region’s culinary heritage. With a whole host of auto executives traveling to the city beginning in the 1960s, the region’s food scene ramped up and saw influence from chefs from across the world.

Playing a major role in this story is Schoolcraft College, a community college located in Livonia, Michigan, with its world-renowned culinary arts program. Several chefs – including alumni and instructors – are featured in the film, sharing stories and how the school impacted the culinary arts in Detroit.

“It’s an honor to have the Schoolcraft College Culinary Arts recognized for the role it’s played in growing Detroit’s culinary tradition,” said Chef Chris Misiak, CCE, CEC, the program coordinator for Culinary Arts. “Our program has educated many of the region’s best chefs and we were pleased to work with Keith in helping tell this incredible story.”

chef demonstrating how to whisk
Chief Jeffrey Gabriel, CMC, creates some audio using chef’s tools in the Schoolcraft College recording studio. The sounds were used as a part of the documentary film “Detroit: The City of Chefs.”

In addition to chefs being featured in interviews, Schoolcraft College’s top-of-the-line facilities are featured heavily in the film, including in the film’s opening sequence. The College’s kitchens serve as the backdrop for the opening credits, where several stop-motion figurines come to life and become animated after a group of Schoolcraft College chefs wrap up constructing a cake for the evening.

This opening was animated by students at the College of Creative Students, with several sound recordings created using chef’s tools in Schoolcraft College’s sound recording studio. The College’s new Collaborative Learning Studio, a one-of-a-kind demonstration kitchen that opened in 2023 after a massive renovation of the Vistatech Center, is also used throughout the film, as well as the College’s kitchens.

Famie made multiple trips to the College, getting to know the chefs and the way culinary arts students are educated.

“Schoolcraft College has been wonderful to work with the last several months as we create this love letter to Detroit’s culinary arts history,” Famie said. “There’s no question that the food scene we have in Detroit today can be attributed to the wonderful education many chefs received at Schoolcraft. It’s been a pleasure to get to see the campus and incorporate it into this film.”

“Detroit: The City of Chefs” premieres Dec. 9 at Emagine Theatre in Novi. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the theater’s website, emagine-entertainment.com. More information about the film can be found at detroitcityofchefs.com.

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The celebration of anime, manga and plenty more will return Dec. 7 to the Vistatech Center.

The world of anime returns to Schoolcraft College this weekend.

Otaku U anime convention returns Dec. 7 for its third year of celebrating all things anime, manga, video games and more.

The convention, put on by the Schoolcraft College Otaku Anime Club and sponsored by RIW Hobbies & Games, will have activities and event for all ages, including:

  • A vendor hall filled with local vendors and artists
  • Anime AMV viewings
  • Asian cuisine food demo
  • A cosplay contest
  • An array of panels
  • Tabletop gaming area hosted by RIW Hobbies & Games
  • Name that anime team trivia
  • New This Year: The Ribbon Game and in the evening an Underground Dance Party featuring DJ Kuuma and DJ Retcon from Slashsound LLC.

Special guests voice actors Tyson Rinehart, Aaron Campbell and Xanthe Huynh, known for their work on anime programs, will host panels and provide signatures to fans.

people walking around vendor tables
The third year of Otaku U is back at Schoolcraft College’s Vistatech Center, with vendors, activities and more taking place.

Otaku U is ran completely by students at Schoolcraft College, who aim to make the convention a destination for all those who love the world of anime.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming the community to our junior year of Otaku U. This incredible day is a wonderful celebration put on by our students that has become a mainstay on the anime convention calendar,” said Todd Stowell, director of the Student Activities Office at Schoolcraft College. “Between the activities, panel discussions, cosplay contest and more, we have something for everyone here at the third year of Otaku U.”

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Dec. 7 in the Vistatech Center on Schoolcraft College’s campus, located at 18600 Haggerty Road, Livonia, MI 48152. Advance tickets for those who are 11 and up can be purchased for $7 and $5 for those 10 and under at otakuu.org. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10 per person.

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The app, SC Safe, has several tools available to keep those who visit campus safe.

Schoolcraft College has rolled out one more tool to keep students and visitors safe.

SC Safe is a new app available that provides several safety outlets for those on campus. The app provides a way to contact the Schoolcraft College Police Department, a full list of safety plans for various emergencies and even a way for friends to keep an eye out for those walking across campus.

The Friend Walk feature allows users to send their location to a contact of their choosing. The contact will then receive a link where they can track their friend’s movement in real-time, ensuring they make it to their destination safely. Once the user makes it to their destination, they can disconnect the session.

In addition to the safety features, the app allow users to connect with other resources, such as academic counseling, sexual assault help and mental health counseling. A set of maps of every campus, including the Public Safety Training Complex and the Manufacturing and Engineering Center, is also included.

“Having this app is a great tool to help everyone on campus feel safer,” said Mark Engstrom, Schoolcraft College Police Chief. “We’re excited to offer this app to our students, staff and guests and look forward to utilizing this new platform to keep the Schoolcraft College community better informed.” The free app is available for both iOS and Android devices. It can be downloaded through the App Store and Google Play.

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A ceremonial groundbreaking that took place Nov. 7 marks the beginning of construction for the new international marketplace on campus.

A groundbreaking marked the beginning of construction for the new Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace on the campus of Schoolcraft College.

The new market will be located in the North commuter lot on the campus of the College near the Vistatech Center along Haggerty Road. 

It will feature a wide array of gourmet goods, including produce, meats, flowers and more. It will serve as an important educational hub, providing opportunities for Schoolcraft College students in programs such as Culinary Arts and Supply Chain Management, among others.

“Having a Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace right here on campus will give all of our students real-world experience that will enhance their education,” said Dr. Glenn Cerny, President of Schoolcraft College. “This marketplace will help teach our students in ways no other community college can offer. We cannot wait for our students and the community to see this wonderful addition to the campus.”

large arc entrance to a market building
A rendering of the new Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace that’s planned on the north end of the Schoolcraft College campus. The new market, which will offer several educational opportunities for students, is expected to open in 2025.

Work on the 48,100 square-foot marketplace will take place over the next several months. Construction on the new parking lot adjacent to the Vistatech Center will wrap up by December.

Founded by the late Nino Salvaggio in 1979, the company will expand its footprint to the tri-county area with the opening of the Livonia store. Nino’s children Leo Salvaggio and Andrea and Frank Nicolella continue to expand upon Nino’s legacy by building this new store and investing in the community.

“On behalf of our entire Nino’s family, we are proud to make this significant investment in the community and excited to introduce our marketplace to Schoolcraft College and the surrounding neighborhoods,” said Leo Salvaggio, one of the owners. “We’re pleased that Schoolcraft College and Nino Salvaggio share a commitment to being deeply rooted in the community we serve. We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome everyone to our newest store.”

The project is being financed by Comerica Bank. The new market is expected to open after construction wraps up in Fall 2025.

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“Proof,” which opens Friday in the James R. Hartman Theatre, holds big ideas of greatness, madness, romance and mystery wrapped in family drama, as the discovery of a mysterious notebook raises questions of Catherine’s own genius – or madness.

The Schoolcraft College Theatre Department and the James R. Hartman Theatre are proud to announce the Fall semester production of “Proof” by David Auburn.

Directed by faculty member Paul Beer, “Proof” is the story of Catherine on the eve of her 25th birthday. She is in the home of her father Robert, a once-brilliant mathematician, following his death. Catherine cared for Robert in his final years as he descended into mental instability, and this weekend, she must confront his funeral, her estranged sister Claire who comes to “help,” and Hal, Robert’s graduate student who is combing through Robert’s old notebooks, hoping to find some undiscovered bit of brilliance left behind.

This play holds big ideas of greatness, madness, romance and mystery wrapped in family drama, as the discovery of a mysterious notebook raises questions of Catherine’s own genius – or madness.

“The play’s dialogue is remarkably real; these characters exist in three dimensions as we watch them cope with grief and love and discovery,” Beer said. “I’m thrilled to have a talented cast and crew of students and alumni bring this story to life!”

The show is well-known with plenty of accolades to its name: “Proof” won the 2001 Pulitzer Prize, as well as a Tony Award for Best Play.

Cast and crew members are a mix of Schoolcraft students and alumni, some returning to the stage, and some performing with the ensemble for the first time.

“I’m always pleased to have alumni stay connected to our theatre program, and to introduce new and talented students to our audience,” Beer said.

Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25, 26, Nov. 1 and 2. A matinee performance will take place at 2 p.m. Oct. 27. All performances will take place in the James R. Hartman Theatre, located in room 500 inside the Liberal Arts Building at Schoolcraft College.

General admission seats are $20 ($15 for students). Tickets are available online at schoolcraft.edu/theatre or by calling 734-462-4596.

“Proof” is the first of three productions for Schoolcraft Theatre this year. A Night of One-Act Plays (featuring plays by David Lindsay-Abaire, Joseph Zettelmaier, and Michael Alan Herman) is coming in February 2025, and Samuel Hunter’s “Clarkston” will take the stage in April 2025.

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Work has commenced on a new parking lot that will allow guests at the Vistatech Center to park closer when visiting.

Additional improvements taking place this fall to Schoolcraft College’s Vistatech Center will enhance the user experience in the state-of-the-art facility.

Construction has begun on a new parking lot to the west side of the Vistatech Center on the Livonia campus that will add 260 parking spaces in the new lot. This new lot will allow for visitors to the Vistatech Center to park significantly closer to the building, including handicap spaces. Electric charging stations for vehicles will also be added.  

The new parking lot will also connect Schoolcraft College’s North parking lot and the lot adjacent to the Bradner Library and McDowell Student Center. 

parking lot and building rendering
A rendering of the new parking lot currently under construction at the Vistatech Center. The new parking lot is expected to open later this year.

“This project builds onto the wonderful improvements that wrapped last year at the Vistatech Center,” said Dr. Glenn Cerny, President of Schoolcraft College. “We’re excited to make the experience at the Vistatech Center even better for our students and guests visiting this amazing facility.”

The Vistatech Center underwent an $11 million renovation that wrapped up in 2023, which included the addition of a new prefunctionary space, a brand-new demonstration kitchen named the Collaboration Learning Studio, and a refreshed Main Street Café and American Harvest restaurant. 

Work on the new parking lot is expected to take place throughout the fall. The new lot is expected to open by the end of the year.

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Students can grab a hot lunch from Henry’s every day of the week, as well as get food from the JC Café again this semester.

Hungry Schoolcraft College students rejoice: more dining options have returned for the fall semester.

Henry’s, the College’s food court located in the Waterman wing of the Vistatech Center, has brought back several hot food options for students looking for lunch in-between classes. Several grab-and-go dishes are available during lunchtime, including burgers, chicken, French fries and pizza.

The additional hot food was brought back after the College heard from students and employees wanting to have additional options for eating without having to leave campus. The grab-and-go hot food is available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday in Henry’s.

“The driving force behind expanding the food options at Henry’s is to give students an affordable hot meal on campus,” said Amanda Schroer, the Café and Markets Manager for Culinary Operations at Schoolcraft College. “We heard from our students that bringing back hot food choices were important. We’re glad to provide these to our customers.”

Henry’s continues to offer its typical menu items, including salads, drinks, coffee, snacks and more in addition to the grab-and-go hot food.

The expansion of the menu at Henry’s is not the only dining option changing this semester. The JC Café, located on the first floor of the Jeffress Center, has reopened for the semester after being closed in the spring. The café offers salads, sandwiches, snacks, drinks and more to those taking classes or simply studying in the building. Run by Culinary Operations, the JC Café is open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The additional food options expand the already-offered markets available to students, employees and the public. That includes Main Street Café in the Vistatech Center, Elite Market inside the TrinityElite Sports Center, Ocelot Market inside the Livonia Medical Center and Trinity Health Sports Dome; and Ocelot Market Express inside the Physical Education Building.