First Fall Noon Concert is Wednesday

by

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

by

Looking to develop a side gig, add skills to advance in your current job, or explore a new career? Schoolcraft College’s continuing education department, Personal and Professional Learning (PPL), can help.

Registration is now open for the Fall 2022 schedule. Over 400 courses in a variety of areas, including beer tasting, remote (drone) piloting, and dementia care, are offered.

“A key focus for PPL has been to increase class offerings for professional development,” said Dr. Jodie Beckley, Director, Personal and Professional Learning. “Many classes are starting in October or November, so there is still time to register.”

Here’s a closer look at some of the courses starting later this fall:

glasses of beer
The Craft Beer 101 course begins Monday, October 17.

Craft Beer 101: Ingredients, Brewing and Tasting Basics

Join Advanced Cicerone® Annette May on a fun and informational sensory journey as you learn how beer is made. Taste raw ingredients and learn how to correlate them with beer flavors. Learn the basics of great beer service, then sample, taste and evaluate 10 popular Michigan craft beers as part of your experience. You must be at least 21 years old to attend, and bring a driver’s license or Michigan ID.

Begins: Monday, October 17

class viewing drown flying
You can learn to fly a drone on Saturday, November 12.

Recreational Drone Fundamentals

Learn to fly a drone and have fun by reviewing basic terminology, various types of drones, laws and regulations, and how to safely use and store your equipment. Learn where and when you can fly, with an emphasis on pre-flight inspection and safety protocols. The class includes practice with flying Schoolcraft College’s quadcopters.

Begins: This is a one-day course from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, November 12.

three people conversing
Fundamentals of Dementia Care is offered Saturday, October 1.

Fundamentals of Dementia Care

This course will help you understand the basics of dementia by distinguishing the common forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. You’ll be able to develop strategies to improve communication and understand the root cause of challenging behavior. The class includes a question-and-answer opportunity with a person living with dementia and/or his/her care partner.

Starts: This is a one-day course from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 1. You can attend in person or via Zoom.

Note: Several other courses related to dementia care are available as well.

For more information and to download a PDF of PPL’s Fall 2022 schedule, visit their website.

by

Rena Yuzon was born and raised in Michigan. She was graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History from Wayne State University and a Master of Arts degree in Education from the University of Michigan. Rena currently works as the Course Manager of the Liberal Arts, Social Sciences and Public Safety Training Complex disciplines in the Distance Learning office.

Rena Yuzon
Rena Yuzon, Course Manager in Distance Learning, with her family.

Hispanic Heritage Month means many different things to me. It is certainly an opportunity to learn, celebrate and engage in the rich and varied histories and cultures of Hispanic communities. It also offers an opportunity to look at identity in all its nuance.

I am a biracial woman who identifies as Hispanic. I was born to a white mother and a Hispanic father. I am a third-generation American on both sides. I was raised in a predominately white suburban community. I learned about my culture as all do – from my family, holidays, birthdays, weddings, funerals and the like. As I grew up, I heard a multitude of narratives about my ethnic and racial identity. I straddled two communities, always searching for my place in them.

In high school, I learned about the immense reach and influence of the Spanish Empire across the world. Through family tree projects, I got to learn about the early Latin American diaspora and how migration affected my own family. In college, I learned the details of the Spanish colonization of the Americas and the impacts on the indigenous and enslaved people and how new identifies were forced and shaped. These lessons helped me understand the significance of personal identity and allowed me to get more comfortable in my own.

After graduate school, I married a first-generation Filipino-American. Through this, I got to learn more about the Hispanic dimensions of Filipino history and culture, since the Philippines was a Spanish colony for more than 300 years. Now, we have a multiracial son named Diego. I’m excited to help him find his own identity in all this nuance.

As I was considering what to write about for Hispanic Heritage Month, I listened to Painting by Numbers, an interesting episode from the podcast Code Switch. One of the things that became clear to me was that I am far from the only one grappling with these issues of identity. My greatest hope for the Schoolcraft College community, metropolitan Detroit, the state of Michigan, and the country as a whole, is to understand that each one of us carries a unique, layered and fluid identity worthy of respect and dignity. My life’s work is to cultivate this understanding through teaching and learning. I’ve continued to pursue this work during my time at Schoolcraft College with many wonderful faculty and staff. I am proud of the hard work we’ve done together and look forward to continuing the work toward a more diverse and inclusive community.

by

It’s free and will be from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, October 6

Those looking for a new career or to move up in their field are encouraged to attend Schoolcraft College’s free Fall Job Fair from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 6. The Fall Job Fair will be held in the TrinityElite Sports Performance Center (formerly called the St. Joe’s Mercy Elite Sports Center) on the campus of Schoolcraft College. 

More than 80 area employers, including ones from high-demand fields such as health care, law enforcement, hospitality, retail, education, business and more, are expected. In addition, the College’s Career Services department has partnered with the Schoolcraft Manufacturing & Engineering Center to add a new feature: a “fair within a fair” focusing on manufacturing and engineering jobs. 

No registration is required. 

People working tables at the fair present information to attendees
People working tables at the fair present information to attendees
More than 80 area employers are expected at the free Fall Job Fair from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, October 6, at Schoolcraft College.

“The job fair is open to the public – anyone can attend,” said Julie Hill, Director, Career Services. “We especially encourage students, their families and the community to attend – even if they aren’t looking for a job at this time – to learn more about the employers, what they have to offer, and to make that initial connection with what could be a future employer.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to network – you can meet representatives from local businesses and get valuable one-on-one time with them.”

Hill recommends that attendees should treat the Fall Job Fair as an informal job interview, and prepare and dress in workplace attire. If you bring your resume, make sure it’s up to date. If you need help with your resume, Career Services offers free assistance to anyone – students and community members alike.

For more information, contact Career Services by email at [email protected] or by phone at 734-462-4421. 

by

TaQuilla Kusero is the Director of Equity and Engagement for Schoolcraft College, working collaboratively across the campus to integrate equitable practices into the very fabric of the College. A key focus is the IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) strategic theme, which will have a launch event from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 27, in the DiPonio Room of the Vistatech Center. Please read the following interview to learn more about TaQuilla, her office and her objectives.

Q: To start, please tell us a little about your education and professional background, especially your positions at Schoolcraft College.

A: In over a decade of working in higher education, I have worked with underrepresented and historically excluded populations at Lawrence Tech University, The United Negro College Fund in Washington D.C., and the University of Baltimore, along with the last four years at Schoolcraft College in the Distance Learning department. I have owned and operated a wedding and event floral design company, and I’m a part of a former military family, who worked and traveled abroad in Okinawa, Japan; Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; and across the U.S., exchanging language and culture. It is really a full-circle moment in my journey to have the opportunity to work with the SC campus community as the new Director of Equity and Engagement.

See, I was a child who suffered from an autoimmune condition that caused total hair loss, leg and joint pain, fatigue and facial rashes that left me in and out of the medical system for a large part of my childhood from the age of 7. I wouldn’t have successfully remained engaged in school, and found my joy in supporting students, if it weren’t for the empathetic and caring teachers, family and community surrounding me.

Even as I dealt with both the very visible symptoms of the condition, and the non-visible pains that made it hard to walk some days, it was the empowering words and actions of the people around me that kept me going and led me to the diversity, equity and inclusion work I do today: Specifically standing up for those who are not able to do it themselves. It was through overcoming the fear and uncertainty of what might be before me that I have been able to embrace and lead change throughout my life.

TaQuilla Kusero
TaQuilla Kusero, Director of Equity and Engagement, previously was a member of the Distance Learning department for four years.

Q: You were named our College’s Director of Equity and Engagement (DEE) in May. First, could you briefly explain your roles and responsibilities in this department? And second, what’s been your focus for the past few months as the Fall 2022 semester gets under way?

A: My role as Director of Equity and Engagement is to work collaboratively across the campus to integrate equitable practices into the very fabric of our institution. This will include developing and utilizing researched strategies, collaborating with stakeholders to set goals, providing professional development and training, and measuring progress. The last few months have involved meeting with stakeholders and laying out a plan to build a systematic approach to collaboration and integration in those areas. We have also been involved in matters of educational reform and development that have begun this summer for the Schoolcraft campus.

Q: Could you briefly explain IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) from both a high level and what it means on a sort of day-to-day basis for the Schoolcraft College community?

A: The overall goals of IDEA are:

  • To create practitioners of equity and inclusion across campus departments, with each department trained to view and implement their work with a DEI lens.
  • To create a student base that is engaged in equity and justice efforts on campus and in their community.
  • To track our progress with campus culture, practice and policy changes on a yearly basis.

IDEA provides five (5) key objectives to guide us in reaching those goals:

  • Strategic Objective 1 – Enhance Access and Success – Enhancing access and success for students, faculty, and staff belonging to structurally excluded populations.
  • Strategic Objective 2 – Inclusive Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship – Devote resources, promote, and incentivize practices that further enhance the teaching, learning and scholarship to ensure that the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion are essential components of a Schoolcraft educational experience.
  • Strategic Objective 3 – Cultural Engagement and Competency – Promote active social and academic engagement to ensure that we center and amplify students’ needs and voices by continuously elevating cultural and intercultural competency in and out of the classroom setting.
  • Strategic Objective 4 – Accountability and Responsibility – Develop mechanisms to continuously assess institutional climate and promote responsibility to a socially responsible Schoolcraft College.
  • Strategic Objective 5 – Fostering Community – Engage in practices that build relationships and partnerships to ensure the sustainability of Schoolcraft College within the greater Livonia community

What that looks like on the ground level is:

  • Creating classrooms, curriculums, and workplaces that include, affirm and utilize the knowledge, perspectives and experiences of underrepresented and marginalized students and employees.
  • Using high-impact practices and frameworks to reform the educational experience from recruitment to graduation, to meet the needs of students.
  • Measuring and collecting quantitative and qualitative information that not only helps us identify where we are in the process of institutionalizing equitable and inclusive practices, but also guides us in how to measure our progress, challenges and create solutions along the way.

Q: What’s on the horizon and what are you looking to accomplish the rest of this semester/calendar year?

A: The rest of this year will be spent building the campuses capacity to create widespread, integrated changes through the establishment of collaborative advisory groups and liaisons to each department. There also will be four areas of focus we will be working on in conjunction with other departments on campus, including:

  1. Identifying practices and policies that have a disparate impact on marginalized and underrepresented people on campus in order to change them.
  2. Developing professional and training opportunities that cover IDEA frameworks and practices, developing learning communities that provide ongoing support, and creating programming to discuss and share solutions for issues that affect us locally, nationally, and globally.
  3. Engage students through leadership development and scholarship opportunities for students who are interested in engaging the campus community in meaningful conversations and activities around topics of diversity, inclusion, equity and social justice.
  4. Making evidenced based decisions based on research and feedback.

Q: How can people get involved?

A: Creating a more inclusive campus is the job of every person in our community, no matter your role or area of expertise. We will be working closely with faculty, departments, students, and groups on campus to integrate strategies moving ahead. We also can be reached at [email protected] if you want to be directly involved in other opportunities throughout the year. We hope that you join us at the IDEA Launch on Tuesday, September 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. to hear more about the imperatives of equity and inclusion in higher education, as well as have an opportunity to bring your voices and perspectives to the table as we forge ahead.

by

All are invited to monthly book discussions

Pageturners, Schoolcraft College’s book club, has announced its Fall 2022 schedule with three selections that will captivate readers and create engaging discussions. These discussions, which are open to students, faculty, staff and community members, are facilitated by either an Honors student or one of the co-coordinators of Pageturners, Denise Schell, English Professor; or Wayne Pricer, Librarian.

“These conversations are very interactive,” Professor Schell said. “Everyone who attends is invited to share their opinions, reactions, insights, and overall impressions of the book.”

With the season about to officially turn to fall, the first book is both familiar and appropriate: “Frankenstein,” by Mary Shelley.

September: “Frankenstein”

“Frankenstein” will be discussed in September.

Synopsis: Young scientist Victor Frankenstein, grief-stricken over the death of his mother, sets out in a series of laboratory experiments testing the ability to create life from non-living matter. Soon, his experiments progress further until he creates a humanoid creature 8 feet tall. But as Frankenstein soon discovers, a successful experiment does not always equal a positive outcome.

  • Book discussion: 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 27, in BTC 120
  • Movie screening: 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 29, in McDowell 100 B and C

“Frankenstein” serves as a lead-in to the Schoolcraft College Theatre Department’s production of “The Gravedigger: A Frankenstein Story” by Joseph Zettelmaier and directed by Michael Alan Herman. You can learn more about the production on the theatre website. The first performance is Friday, October 28.

October: “On the Fringe: Where Science Meets Pseudoscience”

“On the Fringe: Where Science Meets Pseudoscience” will be discussed in October. 

For October, Pageturners continues its tradition of collaborating with Dr. Mark Huston, Professor of Philosophy and Liberal Arts, on his Humanities 190 book selection. This year’s work is “On the Fringe: Where Science Meets Pseudoscience” by Michael G. Gordin. Dr. Huston, one of the region’s foremost authorities on conspiracy theories, will moderate a panel discussion.

Synopsis: “On the Fringe: Where Science Meets Pseudoscience” explores the philosophical and historical attempts to address the problem of differentiating between genuine science and pseudoscience. This book argues that by understanding doctrines that are often seen as antithetical to science, we can learn a great deal about how science operated in the past and does today.

  • Book discussion: 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 25, in BTC 120
  • Panel discussion: 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 27, in McDowell 100 B and C

November: “True Biz”

“True Biz” will be discussed in November. 

The November selection is “True Biz” by Sara Novic. This book will be covered in collaboration with Dr. Deborah Burke and sections of her Psychology 229 course.

Synopsis: This is a story of sign language and lip-reading, disability and civil rights, isolation and injustice, first love and loss, and, above all, great persistence, daring and joy. Absorbing and assured, idiosyncratic and relatable, this is an unforgettable journey into the Deaf community and a universal celebration of human connection.

  • Book discussion: 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 15, in BTC 120
  • Movie screening of “CODA”: 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 17, in McDowell 100 B and C

Remote option available

A remote option will be available for the discussions. You also can join by phone at 1-571-392-7650 PIN: 819 517 4794.

“Our fall selections are an eclectic mix that has a little something for everyone,” said Wayne Pricer, Pageturners co-coordinator. “We invite everyone to attend for lively and insightful conversation.”

All book selections can be purchased from the Schoolcraft College Bookstore.

by

To help celebrate the rich history and contributions of Latin Americans, all are invited to “Hispanic Heritage Month: The Latin American Experience in the U.S.” The program, hosted by the Office of Equity and Engagement and presented by Safe Place, will be from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 28, in the lower level of the Vistatech Center on the campus of Schoolcraft College.

The presentation offers an opportunity to learn more about the importance of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA). Safe Place is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all, with this program looking at the Latino representation, achievements, contributions and current struggles facing Latin Americans in the U.S.

Thanks also to the Student Activities Office for its support. For more information, contact the Student Activities Office at 734-462-4422.

by

Schoolcraft College’s School Daze is set for 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 19, in the TrinityElite Sports Performance Center (formerly named the St. Joe’s Mercy Elite Sports Center). This annual one-day fall festival lets students know about and interact with all the student clubs, organizations and campus support offices Schoolcraft College offers.

This year’s theme is “School Daze Fall Festival: Let’s Play.” New for this year is the “Human Library”-type attraction, specifically, “The Humanity Project: Diverse Dialogues and Experiences.”

Sponsored by Learning Support Services STARS DEI, Bradner Library and the Student Activities Office, this event will feature people with diverse stories and experiences, or “books,” shared with the College community. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) “books” will be featured from 10:00 a.m. to noon, with vocational “books” to follow from noon-2:00 p.m.

Other School Daze attractions include:

  • Live entertainment on the main stage
  • Club Fair offered up by SC student organizations
  • Campus resources
  • Community Fair coordinated by the Hinkle Center 
  • Marketplace with local businesses
  • Transfer college section
  • Food available in the Ocelot Café
  • Games every 20 minutes and prizes
  • Hot dogs for 50 cents, chips for 25 cents
large crowd of tables and attendees under a tent
students visiting a table vendor
Phi Theta Kappa table display
You can learn about some of Schoolcraft College’s outstanding student activities and clubs, including the award-winning Phi Theta Kappa chapter, at School Daze. School Daze will be from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 19, in the TrinityElite Sports Performance Center (formerly named the St. Joe’s Mercy Elite Sports Center).

Test your athletic prowess

The move to TrinityElite Sports Performance Center allows students and visitors to test their agility by playing pickleball, soccer, flag football and/or volleyball inside next to the fair. Also available will be Allied Advertising (with free sneak preview movie passes), psychics, a free caricature artist, an Escape Room, ax throwing and free 10-minute chair massages from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Register to vote and more

Other services and attractions include the League of Women Voters will be out to register students to vote in local, regional and national elections, and the Asian Student Association will have a henna artist to create art for participants. A small fee is associated, with 100% of proceeds going to the Schoolcraft College Food Pantry.

Finally, the Hinkle Student Resource Center has joined Student Activities again this year to provide a Community Service (Resource/Wellness) Fair for Schoolcraft College students. This partnership allows the College to have community agencies from across the area right here on campus to inform students of the services available to them.

by

Savings are available for two weeks starting September 19

If you’re a Schoolcraft College student, employee or alumni looking to add to or change up your professional wardrobe, the upcoming JCPenney Suit-Up Online event can help. 

In collaboration with the Hinkle Student Resource Center and the Student Activities Office, the JCPenney Suit-Up Online event will be held for two weeks from Monday, September 19, through Monday, October 3. Participants receive an extra 30% off on career and professional categories as defined by JCPenney. You can find the categories at jcpenney.com.

a group of professionals smiling at the camera
With the Fall Job Fair just around the corner, now is a great time to upgrade your professional wardrobe.

To participate, text the code schoolcraft to 67292 during the event dates of September 19-October 3 to receive the 30% off coupon. The coupon can be used online or in the store, and each coupon is good for one transaction. However, if another coupon is needed for other purchases, participants can text the same code to receive additional coupons. In addition, coupons can be used on sale items for optimal savings.

Just after the Suit-Up event is Schoolcraft College’s Fall Job Fair, with more than 80 area employers from a variety of businesses and industries, including health care, law enforcement, retail, hospitality, manufacturing, business, education and more. The Fall Job Fair will be from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 6, in the TrinityElite Sports Performance Center (formerly called the St. Joe’s Mercy Elite Sports Center).

“We’re grateful to JCPenney for offering this Suit-Up event for Schoolcraft College students, employees and alumni,” said Rhonda Donovan, Hinkle Student Resource Center Specialist. “This is a wonderful opportunity, especially for students who might need new clothes for a job interview, like at our upcoming Fall Job Fair, or new job. Plus, the two-week window of the event and the ability to shop online adds even more convenience.”

For more information about the Suit-Up event, please contact the Hinkle Student Resource Center by calling 734-462-4443 or emailing [email protected].

by

He’s a Professor in the Engineering/Computer-Aided Design (CAD) program

Today for “Faculty Spotlight” we’re sitting down with Steven E. Rochon, a Professor in the Engineering/Computer-Aided Design (CAD) program at the Manufacturing & Engineering Center.

Schoolcraft College: Hello, Professor Rochon, and thanks for joining us today. To start out, could you please share a bit about your background and career at Schoolcraft College? What drew you to a career in engineering and Computer-Aided Design (CAD)?

Professor Rochon: I was drawn to a career in engineering and CAD when I first took a drafting class and got hooked. While working, I attended Eastern Michigan University and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Aided Design. I went on to earn a Master in Business Administration to round out my education.

I worked at Schoolcraft College teaching engineering and CAD part-time from 1999-2016 and became a full-time faculty member in 2016.

Steven Rochon
Steven E. Rochon, a Professor in the Engineering/Computer-Aided Design (CAD) program at the Manufacturing & Engineering Center.

SC: Some of us are old enough to remember taking mechanical drawing classes in high school and drawing parts using triangles, French curves and so forth on an actual drafting table. How are today’s students learning these types of skills?

Professor Rochon: Yes, the first drafting class I took was using the manual tools on the drafting table. I really enjoyed the skills that entailed. The new CAD technology has replaced the manual systems. The CAD programs are still only as effective as the designer when it comes to solving problems and making correct choices.

SC: One area that you and your colleagues at the Manufacturing & Engineering Center excel at is helping connect students with key leaders in business and industry for potential career opportunities. Please tell us about that.

Professor Rochon: Ford Motor Company speaks with our students about career opportunities as Ford engineers and energy engineers in the Engineering 100 class – Introduction to both CAD and Engineering.

Our students are in high demand with transportation industry companies. We train students with state-of-the-art, industry 3D software that the businesses rely on, including: NX by Siemens, CATIA and SolidWorks by Dassault Systèmes, and 2D AutoCAD software by AutoDesk.

Besides the 3D and 2D software, we also offer GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) training, also known as Advanced Tolerance training. With the use of GD&T, component and assemblies are almost guaranteed to be interchangeable. This is a vital part of complex manufacturing because it enhances design accuracy by allowing for appropriate tolerances that maximize production quality. Classes prepare students to take the industry-valued ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) GD&T certification testing.

figurine and block pieces
Here are some items students create in Professor Steven E. Rochon’s Computer-Aided Design class.

SC: Engineering and manufacturing are moving so fast these days. What do you see on the horizon? How are we preparing our students for success?

Professor Rochon: CAD and Engineering careers are still driven by analytical thought and creativity. For example, industries are shifting their energy sources, adapting and moving from coal to wind for power. We are seeing the transference of robotics replacing manual labor. We now are using a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) and are measuring and manufacturing directly from the virtual 3D design. The CMM is a device that measures the geometry of physical objects by sensing discrete points on the surface of the object with a probe. Various types of probes are used in CMMs, including mechanical, optical, laser, and white light. The CMM is now used for doing quality verification on production components.

SC: Can CAD and engineering students get a certificate and immediately be employed?

Professor Rochon: Many industries in Michigan, the U.S. and globally look to hire those with certified CAD skills, making this an in-demand career that can you take anywhere. You can work in diverse industries, including aerospace, defense, medical technology, manufacturing and transportation technology.

Our engineering students will need to transfer to a four-year institution and earn advanced degrees to be an engineer. The CAD student may go right to work as a designer/detailer, learning more on the job, with a certificate or an Associate degree. The software we work with at Schoolcraft is industry-driven and gives students access and experience.

I let students know that there is still so much to learn and know. I encourage them to keep on gaining knowledge and credentials. If they are interested in being in management or a team leader, they will need the extra skills and qualifications to realize their goals.

by

Food, entertainment, shopping available at Festival of India

Schoolcraft College and miindia.com will present Festival of India, an annual celebration by the Indian American community in Michigan, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 10. The Festival will be held in the DiPonio Room of the Vistatech Center on the campus of Schoolcraft College.

Festival of India offers an excellent opportunity to learn and experience the Indian culture. Food, entertainment and shopping (more than 40 booths from local businesses) will be among the activities of this family-friendly event, which is open to all. Admission and parking are free.

strings of beads
Photo 1
people dancing
Photo 2
Photo 1: Jewelry and other items from local businesses will be available for sale at Festival of India on Saturday, September 10.
Photo 2: Experience Indian culture at Festival of India on Saturday, September 10.

Late summer/early fall begins an important time for Indian people.

“The Indian festival season commences during the month of September and extends through the end of October,” said Anand Kumar, President of miindia.com, which has hosted Festival of India for over a decade. “During this holiday season, members of the Hindu community celebrate the holidays of Navratri, Dusherra and Diwali (Festival of Lights).

“Food, shopping and entertainment are a big part of these holidays. This is also a time for families and friends to meet and rejoice. The event features delicious Indian cuisine along with entertainment in the form of music and dance. Talented youth from the community enthrall the audience with their skills. It is also a destination for shopping for Indian fashion, jewelry and arts.”

by

Three have earned credentials; two more start this fall

It’s always gratifying to hear from families how Schoolcraft College met their educational needs. In the case of the Janisch family of Livonia, three have earned credentials and two more will start on that path this fall.

Proud Ocelot graduates are:

  • Cole Janisch, Associate in Arts, May 2013. He was an ambassador at Schoolcraft and in the honors program, then earned a bachelor’s degree from Aquinas College in 2015. He met his future wife while giving a tour at Schoolcraft.
  • Shelby Janisch, Certificate in Baking & Pastry Arts, May 2015; Associate in General Studies, May 2016. She worked as Chef Jeffrey Gabriel’s sous chef for two years after graduation as well as at several restaurants. Shelby currently uses her baking skills to make custom cakes.
  • Mary Janisch, Associate in Science August 2020; Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, May 2022. She is a registered nurse at Beaumont Hospital in Grosse Point and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing at Eastern Michigan University.

Cole was a student at Livonia Stevenson, while Shelby and Mary were homeschooled and took advantage of the dual enrollment option as juniors. In brief, dual enrollment allows high school students to earn college credits. 

The personal touch that Schoolcraft College offers is much appreciated by the Janisch family. (Note: No members of the Janisch family are shown in this photo.)

Two more members of the family, Eleanor and Peter, will be attending Schoolcraft this fall as dual-enrolled high school seniors. 

“They are unsure of their future careers at this point, but Schoolcraft will give them a great start for the foundation,” said Melissa Janisch, the mother.

Melissa said the entire experience with Schoolcraft College has been excellent.

“We like that Schoolcraft is close to our home and affordable but mostly, as we were reminded recently while our kids were taking their placement test and we were waiting for them, we like how kind everyone is who works there,” she said. “We were there in the hall for about three hours and everyone who walked by stopped to talk to us. They were all very supportive and enthusiastic about their jobs. Why wouldn’t you want to send your kids there?”

Added Randall, the father, “We also like the fact that our kids can get the basic classes at Schoolcraft without incurring any debt. When talking to other parents and students, we tell them that most students don’t really know what they want to study or change their area of study within the first year or so. Going to Schoolcraft in that time period is a great fit because it is affordable, convenient, and a quality education.”