Schoolcraft College Welcomes Unified Cup

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Teams are composed of athletes with and without intellectual disabilities playing together.

Schoolcraft College will welcome soccer players from around the globe for the Special Olympics Unified Cup 2022 presented by Toyota, a competition that will show the world how the power of sport builds and shapes a diverse community that unites and empowers people of all abilities, from all backgrounds.

The event runs from Sunday, July 31, through Saturday, August 6, with more than 300 athletes from over 20 nations competing. Special Olympics Unified Sports® is a uniquely inclusive organization as teams are composed of athletes with and without intellectual disabilities playing together.

“We’re extremely pleased and proud to welcome the athletes, coaches, support staff, families and friends of the Special Olympics Unified Cup to the campus of Schoolcraft College,” said Dr. Glenn Cerny, President of Schoolcraft College. “Hosting great events like this that bring together a wide spectrum of people while breaking down barriers and creating transformational experiences complements the welcoming and inclusive environment we are working to create for every person every day at Schoolcraft College.”

two opponents run toward soccer ball
Matches in the Special Olympics Unified Cup 2022 presented by Toyota begin Monday, August 1.

The St. Joe’s Sports Dome and the College’s soccer field will host men’s preliminary matches August 1-5. The women’s preliminary matches are also August 1-5 and will be held at The Corner Ballpark in Detroit.

The Unified Cup is expected to draw 10,000 spectators, 1,000 volunteers and 500 family members and dignitaries with the common mission of celebrating the joy of sport and the power of inclusion through camaraderie, competition and breaking down social barriers.

The men’s and women’s Division One finals will be streamed live from Keyworth Stadium—home of the Detroit City Football Club—to hundreds of millions of viewers across the globe by ESPN.

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

Health screenings will be provided for the athletes at the St. Joe’s Mercy Elite Sports Center as part of the “Healthy Athletes” program. Hearing and vision screenings as well as strategies for maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle, including nutrition and exercise, will be offered.

Kellie Murphy, Manager of Sports & Wellness for Special Olympics Michigan, said the following will be provided from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, August 3 through Friday, August 5:

  • The Opening Eyes program will provide vision screenings and free prescription glasses, goggles, or sunglasses
  • Healthy Hearing provides hearing tests, cerumen removal, and Starkey will be fitting athletes for hearing aids and providing those at no cost to the individual
  • The FUNfitness program offers physical therapy assessments for balance, flexibility, and functional strength
  • Health Promotion will educate athletes on healthy lifestyles topics like nutrition and hydration as well as providing bone density testing
  • The Special Smiles program, the dental initiative, will provide a dental screening, fluoride, mouthguard fitting, and education on proper brushing and flossing

“Individuals are welcome to come check it out; volunteer spots are still available,” Murphy said. “We have clinical volunteer roles (health professionals and health professional students) as well as general volunteer roles that don’t require a healthcare background like data entry and athlete guides.”

Anyone interested in volunteering can register online.

In addition, Culinary Operations is preparing a deli fresh lunch every day, feeding up to 500 athletes, coaches and support staff. The Ocelot Market at the Sports Dome and the Elite Market and Smoothie Bar at the Sports Center will be open to service spectators.

soccer team huddles in circle
The combination of excellent facilities and a strong, collaborative attitude and expertise among the College’s Recreation, Conference and Events, Facilities, Campus Police, Culinary Operations and other departments made Schoolcraft College a natural site for the Special Olympics Unified Cup 2022.

Countries with teams participating in the 2022 Unified Cup include the following:

Women’s teams:

  • Burkina Faso
  • Caribbean (Haiti, Aruba, Bahamas)
  • Costa Rica
  • Egypt
  • Guatemala
  • India
  • Mexico
  • Namibia
  • Slovakia
  • Sri Lanka
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United States

Men’s teams:

  • Brazil
  • Jamaica
  • Japan
  • Korea
  • Morocco
  • Nigeria
  • Paraguay
  • Romania
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Singapore
  • United States

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Student Madison Ling graciously shares her perspective

The month of July is Disability Pride Month, and 2022 marks 32 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed into law, prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. 

The first Disability Pride Day event, after the Act was passed, was held in Boston, Massachusetts, later turning into a month-long celebration. The month-long events include making the statement that disabilities are an identity and culture that should be celebrated and that societies structures have to be changed to allow for whole and meaningful participation however someone shows up. 

The Social Model of Disability “looks for ways that society can be planned and organized in order to provide accessibility, independence and opportunity in a way that enables people rather than ‘disables’ them.”

This is a key point for TaQuilla Kusero, Schoolcraft College’s Director of Equity and Engagement. 

“While the ADA creates a base for ensuring that organizations make legal accommodations, how do we go above and beyond that to create a campus that removes barriers and fully empowers people with disabilities to reach their full potential on campus?” she asked.

These questions are all tied to the College’s IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) pillar built into the Strategic Plan. In brief, through meaningful actions, the College will ensure that IDEA is woven into the fabric of everything done for students, faculty and staff.

Schoolcraft College student Madison Ling with Livonia Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan.
Schoolcraft College student Madison Ling with Livonia Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan.

Madison Ling, a current Schoolcraft College student who has served the campus in a variety of leadership roles, graciously offered the following perspective:

Schoolcraft resembles a home, community, and all-encompassing experience that I didn’t know was missing from my life until it was there. Living a life with a disability, or as any minority, is not inspirational, nor is it for the faint of heart – it’s reality. There are inconceivable challenges and complications that come attached to any given condition and that give way to frustration, pain, and heartache – feelings and thoughts that are more crippling than any physiologically induced condition by far.

There was a time when I viewed myself as limitless without the slightest uncertainty. Over time, life’s trials and tribulations truly made me begin to question the validity of this inherent belief. Health complications, societally inflicted ableism (whether intentional or not), and ensuing self-doubt were the true source of paralysis in my teen years, not my disability. My mind, once an impenetrable fortress, was crumbling for the first time. My philosophy “I can’t is not an option, but I can try is” and the unshakable confidence I once had in my adaptability were waning. Just when I thought I was down for the count, I came to Schoolcraft College and everything changed.

While I would like to think I took the College by storm, the truth is that this campus and our treasured community took me by the hand, reminded me who I’ve always been, and what life can be with the right support behind you. I went from taking community transit to becoming an independent driver, a young adult unsure of her place in the workforce to a proud student employee, and a socially timid recluse to a decorated student leader that leads with gratitude for where I’ve been and where I’m going. My mindset with regard to the future and my goals have transitioned from “That’s impossible” to “Maybe, I can try” to “Of course I can do that. I am Madison Ling and I’m an unstoppable Ocelot.”

All of this is because I made the #CCSmart decision to come here. I’m unbelievably grateful to have a community composed of friends, faculty/staff, police officers, and an incredible College President that have a healthy balance of being my greatest supporters and being a safety net should I ever fall. Most of all, I’m Ocelot Proud to see the changes developing on our campus and to be a part of making Schoolcraft College a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable place for all.”

Below are some additional resources:

What is the Social Model of Disability and what do the Disability Pride Flag colors mean? 

Schoolcraft College Disability Support Services

Interview with Edythe (Edee) Copeland of the Michigan Works! Association

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Today for our Staff Spotlight we’re sitting down with Dr. Karen Young, who recently joined Schoolcraft College as the new ARC Program Coordinator, with responsibility for the program. (ARC stands for Alternative Route to Teacher Certification.) Dr. Young teaches part-time at Schoolcraft in EDUC, and her previous role was the Coordinator of Curriculum, Assessment, and Peer Mentoring for the ARC program. She is the Director of the Michigan Alternate Route Network.

Schoolcraft College: Hello, Dr. Young! First, welcome to Schoolcraft College! Could you please tell us a little about your professional background and education and what led you to Schoolcraft College?

Dr. Karen Young: Thank you, I am excited to be a part of the Schoolcraft College community full time. Throughout my 24 years in education, I have had the opportunity to be a part of public and charter schools holding a variety of positions. I began my career teaching middle school in Milford and then spent eight years in California holding teaching and administrative positions. Once back in Michigan, I worked for K12 through their online charter schools as an administrator and opened Niji-Iro Dual Immersion Elementary School for the Livonia Public School District serving as their first principal. 

Opening Niji-Iro Dual Immersion Elementary School and serving as the principal for three years has been a highlight of my career. Not only did I learn a lot, but the amazing cultural experiences and relationships I built will last a lifetime. I also have taught teacher education courses for the University of California San Diego, Madonna University, and Schoolcraft College.

I grew up in Livonia with Schoolcraft College being a part of my life. My dad taught at Schoolcraft and we visited the campus often. When I opened Niji-Iro, I met with Dr. (Dennis) Genig to learn more about the program and how it could assist some of our Japanese teachers to earn certification in Michigan. I was so excited about all the program had to offer that I reached out to Dr. Genig to join the part-time faculty. I begin teaching in the ARC program in 2017.

Schoolcraft College: Can you please explain what being the ARC Program Coordinator entails?

Dr. Karen Young: As the ARC Program Coordinator my job entails overseeing all details of the ARC program. This includes accreditation, state program approval, curriculum oversight, monitoring of candidates and teachers, approval of interim and standard teaching certificates, and working with faculty and staff on continuous program improvement.

Schoolcraft College: We’re sure you and your team will be building off the great foundation that Dr. Genig put in place. What are some of the next steps?

Dr. Karen Young: Dr. Genig has developed a strong ARC program. I do believe that Schoolcraft’s ARC program offers the best support due to the enhanced peer mentoring model that is included. The ARC program has an additional layer of support by contracting with a peer mentor at each teacher’s school requiring implementation of Schoolcraft’s peer mentoring activities. I was fortunate enough to study our peer mentoring program in depth through my doctoral dissertation. 

The peer mentoring program truly highlights best practice to retain and support new teachers. Our program guarantees consistent support to new teachers from the school (peer mentors) and the college (instructional coaches).

Dr. Karen Young, ARC Program Coordinator

Our next step is to look at current program offerings and compare them to the newly released state grade bands for teacher certification. While completing this process we will also be carefully looking at all curriculum and assessments for our upcoming accreditation visit. 

The ARC program is preparing to offer the new grade bands PK-3, 3-6, 5-9, and 7-12. 

Schoolcraft College: What does Schoolcraft College’s ARC Program offer that sets it apart from others? How does it work and why should people enroll in our program?

Dr. Karen Young:  Schoolcraft College’s ARC Program offers a unique wraparound system of support for each new teacher. While alternate route teaching programs do get teachers into the classroom sooner, Schoolcraft College’s ARC Program requires rigorous training and support at least a semester prior to teaching and during a teacher’s first three years in the classroom. The ARC Program is committed to developing effective teachers who will positively impact our future leaders. I wish I would have had access to such well-designed support during my early years of teaching.

The ARC program offers two programs: one for those seeking initial teacher certification (Traditional) and one for those seeking to add additional endorsements onto their current teacher certificate (IPP).

For those seeking initial certification, an earned bachelor’s degree is needed. The appropriate Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) needs to be passed prior to beginning the ARC Program. The program then consists of four pre-certification classes along with a 60-hour practicum to build a foundation before entering the classroom. These classes can be taken in one semester or two. 

After certification, for three years the teacher receives peer mentoring and instructional coaching support along with additional coursework to assist with connecting theory to the classroom and building effectiveness in core teaching practices. At the end of meeting the program/state requirements, a Standard Teaching Certificate is issued.

Many teachers who currently hold a teaching certificate are looking to add an endorsement to support their school community by filling open teaching positions. Through our Individual Program Plan (IPP), we assist currently certified teachers in earning a new endorsement. When teachers apply to our IPP program, previously completed coursework is used to waive some of the program requirements. In many cases the pre-certification coursework is already met through traditional teacher preparation programs. 

With passage of the MTTC, an interim certificate can be award immediately. The teacher then receives peer mentoring and instructional coaching when teaching under their new endorsement area and may need to complete additional coursework, while teaching, that was not met through their previous program. When all program/state requirements are met, the new endorsement area is added to their Standard Teaching Certificate. Go here for more information.

Schoolcraft College: Where are you located and how can people find out more about our ARC Program?

Dr. Karen Young: I am in the Health Sciences Center, Office 583. If you would like to learn more about the ARC program, please visit the website or call 734-462-4335.

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

Dr. Karen Young: I am honored to be coordinating the ARC Program. I love that I can support teachers and continue to impact the educational community. 

Schoolcraft College faculty are current practitioners who provide unique insight into the variety of practices and constant changes within education. Combined, our faculty and staff have over 468 years of experience in the field of teaching. It is my goal to be an advocate for alternate route certification programs as a highly effective way to train teachers. We need to look differently at how we are developing teachers. 

Designing schools to have a combination of traditionally trained teachers and alternate route teachers with varied life experiences from previous careers provides students an amazing opportunity to connect learning to the world.

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Registration is now open

A wide range of new courses, including exploring Detroit’s rich history, improving culinary skills and preparing for key professional certifications, highlight the Fall 2022 schedule for Schoolcraft College’s continuing education department, Personal and Professional Learning (PPL).

Registration is now open. Over 400 courses in a variety of areas, including fitness, aquatics, art, music, languages, culinary, photography and professional development, are offered.

Infographic depicting the roles of project management
New for PPL’s Fall 2022 schedule is a Project Management Professional (PMP®) Exam Preparation course for those pursuing PMP Certification.

A key focus for PPL has been to increase class offerings for professional development. New for the fall is a Project Management Professional (PMP®) Exam Preparation course for those pursuing PMP Certification. Topics include domains and tasks from the PMP® Examination Content Outline, such as building a team, managing communications and benefits realization. 

Returning to the program lineup this fall is Level One of the Digital Sculpting with Autodesk Alias. This is a four-class certificate program, with Level One offered in the fall only. Digital sculpting is used by professionals in the automotive industry as well other fields requiring skilled surface design. Learn more about Schoolcraft College’s Digital Sculpting program. 

PPL also will provide more online career training with self-paced programs in Information Technology, Accounts Payable, Management, Video Game Design and more.

Enrichment opportunities

In addition to expanded offerings geared toward professional development, PPL will have more than 20 new enrichment courses this fall, including:

Two people on a dance floor
Nightclub Two-Step is one of the new courses offered in PPL’s Fall 2022 schedule.
  • Nightclub Two-Step
  • Present Moment Meditation: Lifestyle Skills
  • Travel Photography
  • Sweater Knitting
  • Passion for Chocolates
  • Introduction to Food & Wine Pairing
  • Self Defense

Popular courses such as yoga and aquatics will continue to be offered as well.

While some PPL courses are completed over the course of several weeks, others take just a few hours. This includes the Dine & Discover and Conversation & Coffee series. Six new lectures are available for the fall, highlighted by:

  • Haunted Detroit (Dine & Discover)
  • Lost Restaurants of Detroit (Dine & Discover)
  • Sherlock Holmes: The Hero With a Thousand Faces (Conversation & Coffee)

Dine & Discover includes a full buffet lunch with vegetarian and gluten-free options. All proceeds support youth and adult scholarships. Light refreshments are served at Conversation & Coffee.

“We’re very excited about our Fall 2022 schedule, which includes several new offerings in addition to our popular fitness classes,” said Dr. Jodie Beckley, Director, Personal and Professional Learning. “We look forward to welcoming our returning students in their favorite courses, trying out a new activity or expanding their professional skills. We also encourage new students to explore what PPL is all about – there really is something for everyone!”

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Ocelots on all teams did outstanding academic work

Schoolcraft College will recognize its top student-athletes on all teams from the 2021-22 year with a ceremony on Friday, July 15. Awards from the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and the Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) are noted. Congratulations to all!

2021-22 Individual Academic Awards

Student-athleteHonors
Women’s soccer
Jordan CampbellNJCAA 3rd; All MCCAA & All Conference
Cailee CorsentinoAll MCCAA & All Conference
Riley GrahamNJCAA 2nd; All MCCAA & All Conference
Emily GurneyNJCAA 3rd; All MCCAA & All Conference
Emma HughesNJCAA 2nd; All MCCAA & All Conference
Paige KrollNJCAA 2nd; All MCCAA & All Conference
Neysa LyonMCCAA All Conference
Adyson McCulloughAll MCCAA & All Conference
Taylor MeadowsAll MCCAA & All Conference
Ceceilya MernattiNJCAA 3rd; All MCCAA & All Conference
Adriana SapiaAll MCCAA & All Conference
Faith StaleyNJCAA 2nd; All MCCAA & All Conference
Men’s soccer
Gavin BroseNJCAA 1st; All MCCAA & All Conference
John EvangelistaNJCAA 3rd; All MCCAA & All Conference
Nicklas LemaNJCAA 2nd; All MCCAA & All Conference
Corey MatthewsNJCAA 3rd; All MCCAA & All Conference
Alex (James) NevilleNJCAA 2nd ; All MCCAA & All Conference
Joshua PierceAll MCCAA & All Conference
Drew TappenNJCAA 2nd ; All MCCAA & All Conference
Jordan ThomasNJCAA 2nd ; All MCCAA & All Conference
Volleyball
Sedona CoonNJCAA 2nd; All MCCAA & All Conference
Hannah FolzNJCAA 1st; All MCCAA & All Conference
Alexa RichardsonNJCAA 2nd; All MCCAA & All Conference
Valdes, AndreaAll MCCAA & All Conference
Softball
Sophie BaterNJCAA 3rd; All MCCAA & All Conference
Bridget BogdenAll MCCAA & All Conference
Erin BresslerAll MCCAA & All Conference
Kathryn KoszykowskiNJCAA 2nd; All MCCAA & All Conference
Madelyn LathamNJCAA 2nd; All MCCAA & All Conference
Kiersten MetzNJCAA 1st; All MCCAA & All Conference
Autumn ReedNJCAA 2nd; All MCCAA & All Conference
Baseball
Cole AtkinsonNJCAA 3rd; All MCCAA & All Conference
Jack CronynAll MCCAA & All Conference
Joseph ElwellNJCAA 2nd; All MCCAA & All Conference
Cooper GeanAll MCCAA & All Conference
Garrett HallMCCAA All Conference
Landon KempainenAll MCCAA & All Conference
Joshua MichaelsMCCAA All Conference
Jonathan SabudaAll MCCAA & All Conference
Gabriel SmithNJCAA 3rd; All MCCAA & All Conference
Brandon StricklandNJCAA 3rd; All MCCAA & All Conference
Women’s bowling
Allison LittleNJCAA 1st; All MCCAA & All Conference
Lydia WesenbergMCCAA All Conference
Men’s bowling
Erik BungeNJCAA 3rd ; All MCCAA & All Conference
Women’s basketball
Shalah ArderNJCAA 2nd; All MCCAA & All Conference
Danielle BryantMCCAA All Conference
Natasha CarterNJCAA 3rd; All MCCAA & All Conference
Nour ElzeinNJCAA 2nd; All MCCAA & All Conference
LaZae MosleyNJCAA 3rd; All MCCAA & All Conference
Samantha SmithAll MCCAA & All Conference
Justina SzalkowskiNJCAA 1st; All MCCAA & All Conference
Makaiya ThomasNJCAA 2nd; All MCCAA & All Conference
Men’s basketball
Ashton NanceNJCAA 2nd; All MCCAA & All Conference
Devin WhiteMCCAA All Conference
Teams achieving NJCAA & MCCAA awards for earning a
3.0 (or higher) GPA
Softball3.35
Women’s soccer3.18

Award criteria:

  • NJCAA Academic First Team: 4.0 GPA
  • NJCAA Academic Second Team: 3.80-3.99 GPA
  • NJCAA Academic Third Team: 3.60-3.79 GPA
  • All MCCAA & All Conference: 3.20 or above GPA
  • All Conference: 3.00-3.19 GPA

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Join us Sunday for live performances beginning at noon

For the first time in three years, Schoolcraft College once again will be the site of some of the best jazz musicians in the country, especially from Detroit and throughout Michigan, performing live at the Michigan Jazz Festival on Sunday, July 17. The free event starts at noon and features more than 40 bands performing in venues across campus, mainly in the VisTaTech Center. 

"27th annual Michigan Jazz festival" written under an illustration of a jazz band performing
This graphic for the Michigan Jazz Festival was designed by Weston Parker, a Computer Graphics Technology student at Schoolcraft College.

The last live performance was in 2019; the 2021 program was presented online. 

Dr. Barton Polot, who served the Music Department at Schoolcraft College for nearly 20 years, including as Department Chair, encourages everyone to attend.

“You know, there are roughly a dozen jazz and blues festivals all over the state each summer,” he said. “The Michigan Jazz Festival stands out, however, with seven simultaneous stages. Nothing else compares.  

“All day long, at any given time, jazz lovers can choose from a variety of musical styles and talents, familiar names as well as first-timers, the best jazz musicians in the state, all within a few steps. Add to that convenient free parking, air-conditioned comfort, great food and Schoolcraft College’s award-winning craft beer. Did I mention that attendance is free?”

A jazz band performing on stage
The VisTaTech Center will be the site of the Michigan Jazz Festival on Sunday, July 17.

New to the Festival this year is the Michigan Jazz Festival All-Star High School Band under the direction of Vincent Chandler. The group will perform at 2 p.m. Also new are two in-person jazz education clinics, the first of which starts at 9:00 a.m.

Weston Parker, a Computer Graphics Technology student at Schoolcraft College, designed the graphic for this year’s Michigan Jazz Festival.

Here is the schedule of the performances and venues:

Leven Open Air Stage – The Big Tent

  • Noon – Phil Ogilvie’s Rhythm Kings (PORK)
  • 1:30 p.m. – Oopapada
  • 3:00 p.m. – Terry Lower Trio & vocalist Edye Evans Hyde
  • 4:30 p.m. – Dave McMurray
  • 6:00 p.m. – Dave Bennett Quartet
  • 7:30 p.m. – Diego Rivera Quintet

Bill Bolle Presentation Stage – Kehrl Auditorium

  • 12:30 p.m. – Allen Dennard Quintet
  • 2:00 p.m. – Jon-Erik Kellso and friends
  • 3:30 p.m. – Louis Jones Quartet
  • 5:00 p.m. – Anthony Stanco Quintet
  • 6:30 p.m. – Jonathon Muir-Cotton and Expressions
  • 8:00 p.m. – Sean Dobbins Trio

Jerry McKenzie Rathskeller Stage – Lower Waterman

  • 12:15 p.m. – Russ Macklem Quintet
  • 1:45 p.m. – Cary Kocher and Sarah D’Angelo
  • 3:15 p.m. –  Doc’s Holiday Tribute Band
  • 4:45 p.m. – Vincent Chandler Experience
  • 6:15 p.m. – Ron Kischuk: Masters of Music Tbones
  • 7:45 p.m. – Lunar Octet

Vosgerchian Solo Piano & More – Reynolds Room

  • 12:30 p.m. – Michael Malis
  • 1:45 p.m. – Bill Meyer
  • 3:15 p.m. – Jordan Young Organ Trio
  • 4:45 p.m. – Ryan Bills / Trevor Lamb Sextet
  • 6:15 p.m. – Matthew LoRusso Quintet
  • 7:45 p.m. – Brandon Williams

Salden Big Band Stage – DiPonio Room

  • 12:15 p.m. – Planet D Nonet
  • 2:00 p.m. – MJF All-Star High School Jazz Band
  • 3:45 p.m. – Russ Miller and the Jazz Orchestra
  • 5:30 p.m. – CSO
  • 7:15 p.m. – Jeff Trudell Big Band

Music Hall Future of Jazz Stage – Henry’s Café 

  • 12:00 p.m. – Millennium Trio
  • 1:30 p.m. – Ellen Wallenfang Quintet
  • 3:00 p.m. – Playing with the Pros
  • 4:30 p.m. – Notre Dame Prep Jazz Combo
  • 6:00 p.m. – Nate Topolewski Quartet

Livonia Community Foundation Cabaret Stage – American Harvest

  • 12:15 p.m. – Olivia Van Goor and William Bennett
  • 1:30 p.m. – Lori Lefèvre and Chris Buzzelli
  • 2:45 p.m. – Barbara Ware and Cliff Monear
  • 4:00 p.m. – Kate Patterson and Chuck Shermetaro
  • 5:15 p.m. – Naima Shamborguer and Sven Anderson
  • 6:30 p.m. – Jiana Hunter and Scott Gwinnell

Michigan Council For the Arts Clinic Stage – Forum Auditorium

  • 9:00 a.m. – Dwight Adams — Jazz Improvisation clinic
  • 11:00 a.m. – Ellie Martin — Jazz Vocal Improvisation clinic

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Business, marketing strategies part of what students will learn

Helping artists take control of the business side of their career is at the heart of Schoolcraft College’s new Art Entrepreneurship Certificate, which will be offered for the first time in the Fall 2022 semester.

The certificate prepares artists to build their own success in addition to the art they create. Melissa Machnee, adjunct faculty member, holds a Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture and developed the Art Entrepreneurship Certificate and the Metal Sculpture courses at Schoolcraft College. “I want to make sure that students can continue their progress and career making sculptures when they graduate,” Machnee said.

The Art Entrepreneurship Certificate will help students learn the skills to thrive as a professional artist. It is designed for students who want to manage their own career in the art world by honing their artistic abilities and developing foundational business-related skills.

  • Full-time students can complete the 31-32 credits, which can be applied to an Associate in General Studies degree, in about 9 months. The curriculum includes classes in Art, Accounting, Business and Computer Graphics Technology.
  • The Art Entrepreneurship Certificate is modeled after the Music Entrepreneurship Certificate. The music certificate is designed for those who are interested in managing their own music career.

Students will receive a well-rounded education that will help them succeed in the highly competitive artist market environment. When students graduate with an art degree, they often struggle because they do not know the business side of a successful artist. This program supports them with the creative as well as business aspects of making it as an artist in today’s competitive art market. “We are trying to eliminate the ‘starving artist’ stereotype with this certificate,” Machnee said.

Specifically, the Art Entrepreneurship Certificate helps students:

  • Model fine art abilities associated with a field in the art world.
  • Develop a business plan for a career in the art world.
  • Develop marketing strategies for different scenarios to promote one’s artwork.
  • Demonstrate personal management skills to support a career in the art world.
  • Develop record-keeping abilities essential for financial management for a career in the art world.
  • Articulate the viability of different careers in the art world as related to various media.
person sketching on paper
Schoolcraft College’s new Art Entrepreneurship Certificate will help students develop a business plan for a career in the art world.

Two new courses

Two new courses help students meld the business and creative skills needed to thrive in the world of art.

ART 150, Intro to Art Entrepreneurship, is designed to help artists discover the different career opportunities, including entrepreneurship, and develop skills and resources to help achieve their goals. Students will explore sales of personal artwork, evaluate techniques for the display of artwork, examine online and traditional art venues and resources, and investigate how and why good images of artwork are important. Students will be expected to build a professional portfolio.

ART 180, Foundations of Jewelry and Design, examines elements of design and creation for jewelry and small metal objects. Students will explore different surface finishes, materials, and tools as well as metal casting and metal joining techniques to make their designs come to life. Students will apply different techniques and use various materials in the creation of their own designs.

The Schoolcraft College difference

Machnee believes the Art Entrepreneurship Certificate answers a vital need for artists who are ready to jump into their careers. With the reality that many art careers do not require a degree, Machnee noted, “By melding the creative applications of art with the business of art, artists are empowered to become more successful as professional artists.”

person mixing colors on palette
Schoolcraft College’s new Art Entrepreneurship Certificate will help students model fine art abilities associated with a field in the art world.

The College welcomes art students who want to earn an Associate in Fine Arts and then transfer with the goal of earning a Master of Fine Arts. The Art Entrepreneurship Certificate, on the other hand, is designed to help those artists who might be holding down multiple jobs in this gig economy to take better control of their future as a self-employed artist.

Learn more about Schoolcraft College’s Art Entrepreneurship Certificate. Registration is open now. Fall 2022 classes start Monday, August 29.

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Gavin Brose wins top honor from the Michigan Community College Athletic Association

Gavin Brose holding soccer ball
Gavin Brose credits support from Amy Proctor, Student-Athlete Support System Coordinator; and coach Rick Larson with helping him win the Dick Shilts Male Athlete of the Year award.

Schoolcraft College soccer player Gavin Brose was just about ready to give up the sport he loves. In addition to fighting through the usual injuries that soccer dishes out, Brose also suffers from a chronic illness that has hospitalized upon occasion. His hard work and dedication paid off, however, as he has been named the Dick Shilts Male Athlete of the Year, which recognizes outstanding student-athletes in the Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA).

The award is named for the former Athletic Director at Kalamazoo Valley Community College and the longest-serving MCCAA president.

Brose started 11 of 12 games for the Ocelots, scoring 6 goals with 11 assists and had 2 game-winning goals. He was the MCCAA Men’s Soccer Player of the Year and earned All-MCCAA honors. 

Brose said his favorite match came at home against Ancilla. 

“We had to win to make the playoffs,” he said. “I made what might be the longest goal in Schoolcraft College history – I shot it right off the kickoff and it went in. We ended up winning 3-0.”

With his passion for soccer reignited, Brose has a trip to Germany planned for this summer for a tryout to possibly play professionally. 

An Exercise Science student, Brose has a 3.93 GPA and earned a perfect 4.0 for the 2021-22 school year. He won Schoolcraft College Student-Athlete of the Month, is a member of the first class of Theta Chi Alpha, the national honor society for student-athletes at two-year schools, and volunteers at youth soccer camps.

“To win this award is humbling and reminded me that hard work pays off and with the right people around you and the right support you can go a long way, which is what I got here at Schoolcraft,” he said. “It’s a team effort, really. I’m glad to accept the award, but I accept it on behalf of the whole team who worked with me.”

Brose, a graduate of Livonia’s Adlai E. Stevenson High School, was quick to praise and thank Amy Proctor, Student-Athlete Support System Coordinator; and coach Rick Larson for their support. 

“They took time out to work with me and support me and I really appreciate that,” he said.

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

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

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

Attending from Schoolcraft College were:

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

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

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

From Joi Durant, Associate, Student Financial Services:

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

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

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

From Melissa Gury, Director of Laboratory Sciences:

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

From TaQuilla Kusero, Director of Equity and Engagement:

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Lori Timmis, Dean of Distance Learning:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Rena Yuzon, Course Manager, Distance Learning:

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

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

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

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

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

Congratulations to all!

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Increasing programming for working professionals is a focus

Schoolcraft College’s continuing education department, Personal and Professional Learning (PPL), recently earned program certification from the Learning Resources Network (LERN), recognizing the College’s commitment to and excellence in non-credit courses.

The Learning Resources Network, an industry leader in continuing education, awards the LERN Program Certification to continuing education programs in universities, colleges and public schools across the country that meet the most rigorous quality standards, including:

  • Programming that aligns with the organization’s central mission
  • Running and analyzing critical programmatic data
  • Developing relevant course programming
  • Establishing appropriate customer service standards
  • Identifying marketing channels relevant to top segments
  • Increasing registrations year over year
  • Improving process efficiency
PPL team standing with a large PPL sign
Schoolcraft College’s Personal and Professional Learning team includes (left to right) Dr. Jodie Beckley, Director of Personal and Professional Learning; Trennis D. Sweatt, Programming Coordinator; and Felicia Bannan, Programming and Promotions Coordinator.

“We are excited and honored to be one of the continuing education programs recognized with the LERN certification award and will continue to bring fresh, relevant programming to our surrounding communities,” said Dr. Jodie Beckley, Director of Personal and Professional Learning. “Having our PPL program analyzed by an objective third party with benchmarks and standards assures our students and community that PPL is a leader in quality non-credit programming and has a strong community focus.”

PPL offers a wide variety of non-credit classes to help students bolster their career, support a hobby or just try something new. 

“We offer a variety of career training programs to help people upskill in their profession, or re-skill for a career shift if that is their goal,” Dr. Beckley said. Some of those training opportunities include:

  • Project Management Professional (PMP) Exam Preparation
  • Certificate in Nonprofit Management
  • Certificate in Event Planning
  • Certificate in Dementia Care
  • Part 107 Exam Preparation for the Remote Pilot (Drones)
  • Certificate in Google IT Support
  • Photography Certificate

“One of our goals is to increase the amount of programming available for working professionals in our community,” Dr. Beckley said. “We continue to add new programs to our lineup that support people to better their careers and lives.”

Several new courses have been added for the Fall 2022 schedule. These include:

  • Certified Ethical Hacker
  • Accounts Payable Specialist
  • Java Programmer + Python Developer

The above classes will be offered as online advanced career training programs, which students can complete at their own pace.

In addition, three new photography classes have been added for those pursuing their photography certificate, or just wanting to add to their skill set: Commercial Photography, Travel Photography, and Real Estate Photography. Also new for food enthusiasts are Passion for Chocolates; a holiday desserts class; and a food and wine pairing class. 

The Fall 2022 schedule is available now. For more information, go to schoolcraft.edu/ppl.

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Community colleges will be focus of Western Wayne Business Leadership Banquet

Dr. Glenn Cerny, President of Schoolcraft College, will join other community college leaders on the panel of the 2022 Western Wayne Business Leadership Banquet on Tuesday, October 4. 

Held at The Henry, Autograph Collection, in Dearborn, this prestigious and influential gathering brings together Western Wayne’s business and political leaders in a forum designed to connect people to initiatives and opportunities across metro Detroit.

Dr. Cerny will be joined by Dr. Curtis Ivery, Chancellor, Wayne County Community College District; and Russell Kavalhuna, President, Henry Ford College. Jackie Paige, WWJ 950-AM, will moderate the conversation.

“Workforce is the No. 1 issue for all industries right now, and the community colleges have an important voice in helping us with that challenge,” said Dan West, President and CEO of the Livonia Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to hearing from these college leaders and connecting them with our region’s industry leaders.”

Dr. Cerny speaking at a podium
Dr. Glenn Cerny, President of Schoolcraft College, will join other community college leaders on the panel of this year’s Western Wayne Business Leadership Banquet.

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

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

The new Health Sciences Center (HSC), which officially opened this spring, is the latest example of the outstanding collaboration the College has forged with area businesses to create a win-win solution for students and partners

Built on the site of the former Applied Science building, the HSC added 36,700 square feet to the existing 74,100 square feet, of which about 56% was renovated. 

The 110,800-square-foot facility strengthens the College’s commitment to students in the health sciences and will provide a pipeline of talented graduates who are much needed by area healthcare providers. Trinity Health Michigan, Beaumont Health, Michigan Medicine and Henry Ford Health System all have facilities in Livonia or near Schoolcraft College, including the on-campus Livonia Medical Center. 

“I’m honored to be a member of the panel at the Western Wayne Business Leadership Banquet and am very much looking forward to what I believe will be an interesting, engaging and meaningful conversation about what community colleges have to offer and how we serve our students and the community,” Dr. Cerny said.

The 2022 Western Wayne Business Leadership Banquet is presented by Beaumont Health in partnership with the Livonia Chamber of Commerce and the Conference of Western Wayne.