Pageturners Kicks off with “Frankenstein”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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].

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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.

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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
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people dancing
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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.”

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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.”

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Awards will be given for overall and age winners

The Schoolcraft College campus will welcome area road runners and healthy walkers to the Healthy Livonia 5K run/walk on Sunday, September 25.

Registration is now open for the race, which starts at 9 a.m. The course is a loop that begins and ends at the TrinityElite Sports Performance Center. The entry fee is $30. Registration will be accepted online only – no race day registration.

large group of runners
Register today for the Healthy Livonia 5K on Sunday, September 25, on the campus of Schoolcraft College.

Awards will be given to the overall first-, second- and third-place male and female, as well as first, second and third in each age category.

“Making Livonia the healthiest community in the nation is a goal of mine,” said Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan. “The Healthy Livonia 5K is another step forward toward that goal and I hope it’s another great success. We are fortunate to have wonderful community partners, including Trinity Health and Schoolcraft College, that make Healthy Livonia initiatives become reality.”

Healthy Livonia, which dates to 2016, is a collaboration that leverages the resources of some of the city’s major institutions to create a health supportive environment and a good quality of life for all people in the Livonia community, with a focus on infrastructure, schools and workplace. The Healthy Livonia 5K is an excellent example of that vision as the event is perfect for families and seasoned runners.

About the TrinityElite Sports Performance Sports Center

The TrinityElite Sports Performance Center, which also is home to Schoolcraft College’s Commencement, is a 75,000-square-foot facility that includes:

  • The TrinityElite sports performance and training programs, physical therapy and more
  • Eight volleyball courts that can be configured into pickleball courts
  • A 1/7-mile track
  • A practice field for the Michigan Wolves Soccer Club
  • Classrooms and equipment for Schoolcraft College’s Movement Science program
  • The western suburban home of the Michigan Elite Volleyball Academy
  • The Elite Market and Smoothie Bar

“We’re very happy to welcome the Healthy Livonia 5K to Schoolcraft College,” said Patty Donohue-Ebach, Director of Recreation Services at Schoolcraft College. “It’s a great event that will bring the community together to kick off fall in a healthy and fit way and also allows us to showcase our beautiful campus throughout the course.”

runners map
Healthy Livonia 5K Course Map

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Men’s and women’s soccer teams will take on Jackson College

An annual tradition, Schoolcraft College’s 2022 Tailgate Party will be from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 17, as the Ocelots take on the Jackson College Jets in men’s and women’s soccer.

Tickets are $20 in advance, $15 for children ages 6-12. Children 5 and younger are free. Proceeds support Schoolcraft College Athletics. Order online by Wednesday, September 7, before prices increase.

All paid tickets include admission into both games, a Schoolcraft College T-shirt, hospitality tent with a barbecue lunch and more. The men’s game is at noon with the women taking the field at 2 p.m. The soccer field is on the southeast part of campus, across from the St. Joe’s Sports Dome.

For more information, call 734-462-5324 or email [email protected]. Thanks to the Schoolcraft College Foundation for its support of the Tailgate Party.

two men's soccer players high fiving
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two female soccer players high fiving
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Photo 1: The Schoolcraft College men’s soccer team will take on Jackson College at noon on Saturday, September 17, as part of the annual Tailgate Party, which starts at 11:30 a.m.

Photo 2: The Schoolcraft College women’s soccer team will take on Jackson College at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 17, as part of the annual Tailgate Party, which starts at 11:30 a.m.

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New programs bring more campers to campus

child smiling holding robotic car
Creating Lego robots is one of the activities in the Robots Rule camp.

New offerings and more registrations highlighted this year’s Kids on Campus (KOC) summer enrichment program, which recently concluded on the campus of Schoolcraft College. Arts and culture; communication; computers and technology; science and more are among the topics that are explored by children through 12th grade.

This year, Kids on Campus expanded beyond the main campus to the Manufacturing & Engineering Center (MEC). The MEC, which opened in 2020, was the ideal location for programming for those interested in STEM-related activities, including 3D printing and design and machine manufacturing.

“The classes at the MEC were very well received,” said Dr. Jodie Beckley, Director of Schoolcraft College’s Personal and Professional Learning (PPL) department, which manages the Kids on Campus program. “The overall attendance was great and the responses from students were very positive. Classes at the MEC allowed students to work with equipment currently used in manufacturing and allowed students to explore career options early.”

Given Schoolcraft College’s excellent reputation in the field of culinary arts, it’s no surprise that those classes were popular once again. Another well-received program was Camp Scrubs, which gives students a glimpse into a variety of careers in the medical field and highlights the outstanding resources on campus, including the brand-new Health Sciences Center.

For 2022, Kids on Campus, which ran June 27-August 12, had

  • More than 2,300 registrations this summer
    • This was an increase of more than 700 compared with last summer
  • 196 sections
  • 118 unique camps
  • 10 brand new camps
kid using machinery
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kids in kitchen
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Photo 1: Under the direction of Gene Keyes, Schoolcraft College faculty member, a student explores the world of design in the Manufacturing & Engineering Center.
Photo 2: Students create a delicious masterpiece in Baker’s Academy.

Impressions from Kids on Campus

The engaging, invigorating programs taught by dedicated and enthusiastic teachers made Kids on Campus a winner once again. Here is a sampling of responses to the question, “What would you tell a friend about KOC?”:

Students:

  • “I hope I have college here” – David D. (Non-Stop Science)
  • “Kids on Campus is the best; it is amazing” – Daniel M. (Ocean Adventures)
  • “It is very enjoyable and fun and the teachers are really nice. It also helps you make friends” – Reyhan K. (Debate)
  • “Best decision of my life” – Cayden M. (Minecraft Modders – 7,8,9)
  • “It’s highly structured while remaining fun – helps curb the summer slide, especially during COVID” – Katie P. (Physics Fun)
  • “It’s a five out of five!” – Cameron J. (Make it Work)
  • “I would say that it’s a lot of fun and the people here will have a lasting effect on you” – Annastasia M. (Make it Work)
  • “It is fun for kids who like hands-on learning” – Ryan C. (Manufacturing & Engineering)

Parent:

  • “Classes are very engaging and it helps to expand the kids’ minds, curiosity, and knowledge. Instructors are awesome!” – Elizabeth H. (Preschool)

Michele Biaolo, Programming Manager, Personal & Professional Learning, is eager to build on this year’s momentum next year.

“Next summer we plan to have even more camps for kids in grades 1 and 2 and more camps the last week of Junewith Before and After Care,” she said. “This summer we tested the last week in June with six camps and they were very successful.”

Registration for next summer’s Kids on Campus is scheduled to open Thursday, February 10, 2023.  The annual Open House will meet Tuesday, February 8, 2023. Updates on next year’s KOC lineup can be found at schoolcraft.edu/koc.

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She served in many roles over 30 years at the College

Schoolcraft College’s great legacy is built on the contributions of its outstanding, faculty, staff and students. As part of an occasional series, we will look back at some of the people who have served our College in the highest manner. Today, we profile Dr. Jean Pike, who played an important role in the early days of Schoolcraft College and for many years afterward.

For more than 30 years, Dr. Jean Pike was an important part of the fabric of Schoolcraft College, serving a variety of roles supporting student success, including Assistant Dean of Students, the position she retired from in 1997. Dr. Pike passed away in January of this year at 87, but her legacy endures.

Dr. Pike was one of the first employees of Schoolcraft College. She started as a full-time counselor on August 24, 1964 – just one week before the first day of classes. From there, Dr. Pike moved to Director of Career Planning & Placement, then to Director of Counseling before becoming Assistant Dean of Students from July 1, 1982, until July 1, 1997.

Jean Pike receiving an award
Dr Jean Pike (center) was a vital part of Schoolcraft College for more than 30 years. Former President Dr. Conway Jeffress is at right.

Her contributions were many and varied during her career. Among the highlights and accomplishments noted in the Board of Trustees resolution on April 23, 1997, were:

  • Established the first Student Activities Office
  • Organized and established the Career Planning and Placement Center (now Career Services) with expanded services and resources for services
  • Coordinated the Counseling Center and Career Planning and Placement Center
  • Revised and expanded orientation and increased university contacts and articulation efforts
  • Received a Presidential Recognition Award in 1985
  • Helped forge the link between the College and the community by representing the College with chambers of commerce, the Livonia Civil Service, Michigan Employment Security Commission, Livonia Public Schools, and numerous state and community agencies

Jack Washka, Professor Emeritus, started at Schoolcraft College in 1967. He said his first contact with Dr. Pike likely was as the swimming and tennis coach, working with her and her office to make sure his student-athletes were staying on track academically. The next year, they had quite an adventure.

“The most fun Jean and I had in our early years together had to be our trip to New York City with the 1968 Schoolcraft College soccer team,” Professor Washka said. “This was to compete in the NJCAA championship. At this point in our lives, we were not much older than our team. Marv (Dr. Marvin Gans, Director of Athletics) had half the soccer team in one station wagon and Jean and myself, as a driver, in the second.

“What an amazing nightmare I had attempting to keep up with him in traffic I never knew existed! I clearly remember, in panic mode, switching lanes and riding on curbs to even stay close to him!

“It wasn’t until that evening when he told us that during his college days at New York City’s Hunter College he had been a New York City taxicab driver! And then he laughed.

“Jean and I got the picture and did not feel quite so bad about my driving skills. He had a way of smiling at us with a twinkle in his eye that let us know ‘All was well.’

Aged poster for "Hello Dolly" theatre production
Jack Washka, Professor Emeritus, and Dr. Jean Pike accompanied the men’s soccer team to New York in 1968 for the national tournament. While there, they enjoyed the stage production of “Hello, Dolly!” starring Pearl Bailey and Cab Calloway.

“Besides all the excitement of the national championship was our opportunity to attend “Hello Dolly” on stage at the St. James Theatre starring Pearl Bailey and Cab Calloway. The evening was filled with fun and excitement as only New York City can provide.

“Jean and I always remained close friends. This friendship grew even stronger during her years at Fox Run (senior living community) and our time together on the Retirees Committee. I always found Jean to be so charming and charismatic at all times.”

As a side note, Schoolcraft College defeated Marinette (Wisconsin) 3-0 in the quarterfinals, then lost to eventual national champion Mercer County (New Jersey) 4-0 in the semifinals and lost to SUNY Canton (New York) 4-0 in the third-place match.

Dr. Pike’s legacy continues to help students through the Jean E. Pike Scholarship Endowment Fund, which she started in 2015 with an initial donation of $25,000 to the Schoolcraft College Foundation. 

The Jean E. Pike Scholarship provides financial support for students who are pursuing studies at Schoolcraft College and are enrolled in a degree program. Applicants must be enrolled full-time and have a cumulative college GPA of 3.0 to be considered. Scholarship funds are available for tuition, fees, lab fees and textbooks. Up to $1,250 per semester can be awarded.

“Jean was very smart and very kind and generous,” Professor Washka said. “Witty, always fun to be around. I never saw her when she wasn’t happy. She was just great to be with.”

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Special Olympics soccer tournament included teams from 25 countries

Thanks to the hard work of several departments across campus, Schoolcraft College proved to be an outstanding host for the Special Olympics Unified Cup 2022 presented by Toyota, which welcomed soccer players from around the world.

The St. Joe’s Sports Dome and the College’s soccer field were the sites of men’s preliminary matches August 1-5. In addition, the “Healthy Athletes” program came to the TrinityElite Sports Performance Center (previously named the St. Joe’s Mercy Elite Sports Center) to provide hearing and vision screenings as well as strategies for maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle, including nutrition and exercise, for the teams.

A total of 22 Special Olympics Unified teams totaling more than 300 players with and without intellectual disabilities (Unified partners) represented by 25 countries competed. You can read a full recap of the tournament online. 

soccer players in action
The Special Olympics Unified Cup brought together teams with players with and without intellectual disabilities. Morocco defeated the United States 3-0 in this match played Thursday, August 4, in the St. Joe’s Sports Dome on the campus of Schoolcraft College. Photo credit: Brian Glass/Special Olympics.

The combination of excellent facilities and a strong, collaborative attitude and expertise among the College’s Recreation, Conference and Events, Facilities, Culinary Operations and other departments made Schoolcraft College a natural site for this global competition.

Here are reactions from some of the various departments:

Matthew Cooper, Recreation Facilities Manager

“The Recreation Services team has been working with key representatives from Special Olympics and their partners for approximately one year through many facility tours, conference calls, and virtual walkthroughs. This event took a great amount of coordination and planning to pull off, so to see it come to fruition has been very exciting. 

table booths offering health screenings
The three-day Healthy Athletes program held in the TrinityElite Sports Performance Center offered health screenings and more to the teams. 

“We welcomed staff, volunteers, spectators, and athletes from across the country and around the globe, and we were thrilled to be able to showcase our venues to that crowd. In total, 10 different men’s international teams played at the St. Joe’s Sports Dome, and the competition was intense! We’ve always felt that our facilities were top-notch, and I think that was proved (August 1-5).

“Personally, I enjoyed getting to know the people working behind the scenes as well as the athletes who were so excited to be here.”

Heather Moore, Director of Culinary Operations

“Special Olympics was an awesome week for Culinary Operations. It was amazing to see everyone work together as a team to prepare and serve 1,750 wraps, 283 pounds of salad, 1,750 chips and 1,452 cookies! It was a great opportunity to internationally showcase Schoolcraft Culinary Operations. 

“We stayed with our value of fresh, high-quality food, and did not sacrifice that with any form of shortcuts, which is easy to try to justify with large volume. A special thanks to Chef Tom Clark for leading the kitchen to success! In addition to the large volume, we had the obstacle of Michigan August heat. 

“Thank you to everyone, especially Holly McDermott, who helped serve and keep our food at safe temperatures all week long. Be proud of the fact that you all have the power to rise above any situation and deliver the best results no matter the circumstances. Excellent work, and go Team Cul Ops!”

Kelly Wuorenma, Recreation Coordinator

“During the three-day Healthy Athletes program held in the TrinityElite Sports Performance Center, the energy from both the volunteers and athletes was incredible and infectious. This event accommodated every athlete from all 25 nations and allowed time for the athletes to visit each station. The stations provided were: Fun Fitness, Health Promotion, Opening Eyes, Pediatric Screening, Healthy Hearing and Special Smiles. Each station gave free exams and the necessary medical devices, such as glasses and hearing aids, and/or referrals. 

“During the second day, Miss America, Emma Broyles, stopped in to see all the wonderful things the volunteers were doing for the athletes. She toured every station, asked questions, took pictures with anyone who asked and was very appreciative for the work being done. 

Everything went smoothly, and I received several compliments on the facility. One of the representatives from Starkey, the Healthy Hearing station, said it was the best venue he’d ever been to and didn’t feel sore after being on his feet all day! They also loved the food from the Elite Market & Smoothie Bar and were grateful for the air conditioning when it was 90-plus degrees. Overall, everything went well, and we all learned so much from the Unified Cup.

“I also want to mention that our Facilities team was amazing. From helping to unload the heavy sound booths to keeping the fields and TrinityElite Sports Performance Center clean, they did a fantastic job!”

Lisa Meinzinger-Abraham, Account Manager, Conference and Event Services

“Outstanding! This is the word that comes to mind when looking back at the hospitality shown by Schoolcraft College and each department from beginning to end. Athletics happily hosted multiple guided tours for the Special Olympics International team, and Culinary Operations pulled off extraordinary large-scale (multiple) daily lunch deliveries with precision and grace. 

Matthew Cooper and Miss America, Emma Broyles
The Special Olympics Unified Cup drew several VIPs to campus, including Miss America, Emma Broyles, who is with Matthew Cooper, Recreation Facilities Manager.

“Shipping and Receiving went above and beyond for months ahead of time to deliver items to their POD as well as last-minute oversized items on site. They even offered to pick up a freezer from Home Depot! Facilities staff members were flexible and demonstrated their usual brand of hard work and timeliness. Media was on-point being tasked with providing clear sound on media-bare fields, while shielding expensive equipment from the elements. Chief Engstrom and Campus Police were ever-patient and helpful, as always. 

“Leading up to the event, Conference & Event Services tirelessly tweaked contract requirements, paying special attention not to leave out any details. This event required three separate detailed contracts totaling 55 pages, and countless hours spent on site to ensure all needs were defined and carried out according to the Special Olympics’ needs. 

“I’m not going to sugarcoat it and say this event went off without a hitch as there were some 800-pound bumps in the road (called sound booths). Fortunately, these challenges make us stronger as a team and make every event better than the next. It’s not often we get to be part of an event that wholeheartedly promotes inclusion and impacts individuals and communities all over the world. To see the smiles on the athletes’ faces and the cheers at the Unified Cup awards’ ceremony was truly worth every step.”