Staff Spotlight: Chef Heather Moore, Director of Culinary Operations and Adjunct Professor

June 13, 2022 by mlemon

Today for our Staff Spotlight story we’re sitting down Chef Heather Moore, our Director of Culinary Operations and Adjunct Professor. Chef Moore, a Certified Master Baker (CMB) and a Certified Executive Pastry Chef, is a Schoolcraft College graduate who has performed a wide variety of roles with the College.

Schoolcraft College: Hello, Chef Moore! You have been a familiar face around Schoolcraft College, first as a student, then as an instructor and a director. Please tell us a little about how you got interested in Culinary Arts and what led you to Schoolcraft College.

Chef Heather Moore: When I graduated high school I was pretty set that I was going to be an elementary school teacher. I even completed the kiddie campus program at Canton High School, which was a program to prepare you for early childhood education. I completed one year at Eastern Michigan University and realized that I really needed a change.

That’s when a friend of mine mentioned that he heard about a new Baking and Pastry program at Schoolcraft College. It immediately piqued my interest because if I’m being honest I had no idea you could even go to school for baking and pastry arts. From the moment I started the program it all clicked for me and I was where I was meant to be. I loved the environment, I loved the creativity, and I loved being surrounded by others that enjoyed the same things that I did. It is kind of neat that I did still end up teaching just college and not elementary school.

Schoolcraft College: Can you please explain what being the Director of Culinary Operations entails?

Chef Heather Moore: As the director of Culinary Operations I oversee the department that operates all of the food venues on campus, with the exception of American Harvest, which is run by the Culinary Arts program. This includes Conference and Events, Henry’s and Main Street Café in the VisTaTech Center; JC Café in the Jeffress Center; wholesale food or the Livonia Medical Center; Ocelot Market at the St. Joe’s Sports Center; The Elite Market and Smoothie Bar at the St. Joe’s Mercy Elite Sports Center; and Ocelot Market Express at the Fitness Center. (And more to come!)

Schoolcraft College: What does a “typical” day look like for you and your team?

Chef Heather Moore: Busy! Our team has been amazing this past year of adapting to so many changes and dealing with the difficulties of labor shortages and supply chain issues. Because we oversee all of the food venues on campus, being a member of our team means every day could look a little different. Conference and events have begun to really pick back up. Our top-notch service staff is focusing on executing a new menu that provides a variety of comfort levels for large gatherings.

Our team of talented chefs and culinary art student employees prepare our food from scratch for our venues as well as events. The St. Joe’s Mercy Elite Sports Center has kept our team at the Elite Market and Smoothie Bar very busy with weekly tournaments. Our smoothie bar team makes around 1,000 smoothies a weekend during these tournaments.

Schoolcraft College: What’s on the horizon for Culinary Operations? Can you give us a sneak preview of things to look for this spring and summer and into the fall?

Chef Heather Moore: Lots of exciting things are in the future for dining at Schoolcraft! We are currently in the process of opening an Ocelot Market inside the Manufacturing & Engineering Center (MEC) as well as the Masco building on our main campus. JC Café will be adding in a Starbucks barista menu in the next few weeks.

I am most excited about the VisTaTech 2.0 project, which breaks ground the beginning of August. American Harvest will be remodeled and expanded, and several new things are being built. This includes a state-of-the-art demonstration lab, a beautiful pre-function space that will connect a hallway we use for events to the main entrance of the building, a new Main Street Café, a prep kitchen that is shared space for Main Street Café and the demonstration kitchen, and a brew pub and kitchen to service it.

With all of that being said, this year will look a little different. Henry’s will continue in a grab-and-go format with expanded offerings, and a temporary Main Street Café will occupy some of the currently unused Henry’s space.

Schoolcraft College: What are some highlights for you, both as a student and in your career?

Chef Heather Moore: My highlight as a student without a doubt was being able apprentice under Chef Joseph Decker, Certified Master Pastry Chef (CMPC). It was an unforgettable learning experience that I was fortunate enough to have. Another highlight as a student was building relationships with the other students. Your classmates and instructors truly become your family, and that bond lasts a lifetime.

chefs in a kitchen — Chef Heather Moore, Director of Culinary Operations and Adjunct Professor, works with Crystal Sheeka, student employee (middle) and Chef Allie DiMaria, Pastry Chef (right) on taste testing some new menu selections.

As far as highlights of my career, I can truly say that coming back to Schoolcraft as an adjunct instructor was one of my top highlights. It felt like coming home, and it was surreal at first to be teaching the next generation of culinarians what I was taught within the same walls.

The other highlight of my career was obtaining my CMB certification through the Retail Bakers of America (RBA). Since obtaining my certification I have also become a lead judge for the RBA. It’s been amazing to be able to travel to different testing locations and meet amazing bakers from all over the country.

Schoolcraft College: What’s your favorite dish to make and why?

Chef Heather Moore: I wouldn’t say there is one particular dish that I like to make, but rather my favorite thing to do is plan events and menus around a theme. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a sucker for a great theme. I love the whole process of planning and then seeing all of the details come to life. It’s fun to get the whole team involved and be creative together.

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

Chef Heather Moore: I would like to say thank you to the Schoolcraft community for being so supportive and understanding of our department while we undergo so many large changes and challenges. I am very excited about the future of our department and the exciting things you will be seeing in the near future.

June 13, 2022 by mlemon

Your credits from a four-year school could be applied toward an associate degree.

Learning, of course, is the goal of any college experience. Part of that education means familiarizing yourself with some unfamiliar terms. Today, we take a look at what a reverse transfer is.

Reverse transfer: From there to here

One of the main reasons students attend Schoolcraft College is to complete their general education requirements and earn other credits to then transfer to a four-year school to complete a bachelor’s degree.

A reverse transfer works the same way – only in, well, reverse. In other words, if you’ve earned credits at a four-year college or university, you can, in many instances, transfer those credits back to Schoolcraft College and use them toward an associate degree, for example.

The process starts with the four-year school. As an example, the University of Michigan-Dearborn has a Reverse Transfer Agreement with Schoolcraft College with the following requirements:

Four people working together at a table — With a reverse transfer, you might be able to obtain an associate degree while you pursue a bachelor’s degree.

40+ credit hours earned at Schoolcraft College
20+ credits earned at UM-Dearborn
Minimum GPA of 2.0 at UM-Dearborn

If students want to pursue obtaining an associate degree, they need to inquire with their four-year institution about the reverse transfer process. Please note there is a form that needs to be completed with the four-year school that must be sent with the transcript. This is how the Records Office of Schoolcraft College knows that the transcript received is for reverse transfer.

So if you’re a student pursuing a bachelor’s degree at a four-year school, see if a reverse transfer works for you. It never hurts to have additional credentials on your resume.

June 13, 2022 by mlemon

Consider attending an event in your area

To help celebrate, recognize and understand more about Juneteenth, TaQuilla Kusero, Director of Equity and Engagement, thoughtfully provided the following essay:

Juneteenth, or June 19^th, has become one of the most celebrated holidays that marked the end of slavery in the United States. Though the Emancipation Proclamation took effect on January 1, 1863, most confederate states, and slaveholding border states, continued to enslave Black Americans until Union troops arrived to confront the resistance and enforce the laws over the next few years. In fact, owners of enslaved Black Americans would flee the fighting in the East and move to neighboring states like Texas to escape the Union Army’s grasp, bringing along enslaved people with them.

TaQuilla Kusero, Director of Equity and Engagement

It was not until two and half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, June 19, 1865, that Union troops reached the long holdout city, Galveston, Texas. This incident marked the day the Union took control of the area and announced to the enslaved people still held there that they were now free from the horrors of slavery.

The original announcement stated:

“The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.”

This day marked the beginning of what would become a second independence day in the United States and commonly referred to as Juneteenth. Celebrations began the very next year and typically included, music, food and religious gatherings. This period also brought about what is known as the Reconstruction era. Between 1865 and 1877 the nation attempted to bring southern states back into the political process and create a new relationship with newly freed Black Americans, but this period was short-lived, as a new wave of segregationist laws and restrictions effectively made black Americans second-class citizens for another 90 years until the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed.

During this time Juneteenth celebrations diminished, then experienced a resurgence in the 1970s-1990s. The recognition of Juneteenth has grown by leaps and bounds over the past two decades as awareness of it has spread through the media, popular TV shows and statewide celebrations. Over 40 states now recognize Juneteenth as a holiday, with a handful of those states working to establish it as an official paid federal holiday.

How Juneteenth is celebrated is a very individual practice, just like most other holidays. Some celebrate with grand outdoor events, including food, rodeos, live performances, historical reenactments and fireworks. Some use it as a time to reconnect with nature by going hiking, camping or to the beach. Others use it as a time to continue the fight for equitable rights in the U.S. The true embodiment of this holiday is that you are free to celebrate it the way you see fit.

If you are unfamiliar with the holiday and would like to take part in its traditions, please find an event near you. It is one thing to learn about the history in a book or article, and another to participate in the festival of freedom to which this holiday represents.

The Detroit Free Press has a list of Juneteenth events.

June 6, 2022 by mlemon

Omicron Iota Chapter consistently meets high standards with projects

Schoolcraft College’s highly decorated Omicron Iota Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa again has achieved 5 Star Chapter Status and is The Most Distinguished Chapter in Michigan after this spring’s regional and international conventions.

Phi Theta Kappa’s mission is two-fold: Recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students and; provide opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service and fellowship programming.

The PTK officer team consists of:

Abigail Walters, Chapter President
Meeta Singh, Vice President of Service
Erin Bressler, Vice President of Leadership
Madison Ling, Vice President of Communications
Catreese Qualls, Office Liaison to Student Activities Office, Mentor/International Vice President Division 3 to PTK

The Michigan Region, which includes 31 chapters, recognizes individual and chapter hallmark award recipients as well as the top four most distinguished chapters in the Michigan Region. The Omicron Iota Chapter at Schoolcraft were recognized as the Most Distinguished Chapter in Michigan.

Schoolcraft College’s PTK chapter also took home some additional hardware at the PTK Catalyst Convention and was recognized as top 50 out of nearly 1,300 chapters globally for its College and Honors in Action Project service and community projects and write ups. The purpose of the College Project is to establish a supportive relationship between the chapter and the college administration. This year’s project was a study of our students’ understanding of scholarships that are available and sought to provide information to the campus community by partnering with the President’s office, Financial Aid, Learning Support Services, the Schoolcraft Connection and the Schoolcraft College Foundation.

Catreese and PTK associates in a selfie style photo — Catreese Qualls (right), Office Liaison to Student Activities Office, Coca-Cola Scholar, Mentor/International Vice President Division 3 to Phi Theta Kappa, is shown with other Phi Theta Kappa members.

You can view the video here.

Phi Theta Kappa also has a research program called Honors in Action, designed to engage students in informed action that fosters student success and helps fulfill our mission to provide college students opportunities to grow as scholars and leaders. Schoolcraft College’s chapter chose the theme “The Heirs of Our Ways,” and this project won first place in Theme 1 and first-runner-up overall in the Michigan Region.

You can read about the Honors in Action study guide in PDF format.

Through the research, the team directed their effort toward foster care youth once they have aged out of the system. In doing this, they hoped to provide the resources and soft skills needed to succeed independently as a member of the society. Thus, Project HOPE was born. It is the hope of the Omicron Iota Chapter to create a brighter future and a partnership between Community Colleges and foster care organizations. The team sought to accomplish this through workshops geared towards providing a seamless transition from foster care into independence.

Three students were named an All Michigan Academic Scholar:

Ben Bolstrom, Editor in Chief, the Schoolcraft Connection
Christopher Rose, All Michigan Academic Team Workforce
Abigail Walters, PTK, Omicron Iota Chapter President

Walters also was named a 2022 New Century Workforce Scholar and will receive a $1,250 scholarship. This scholarship is the first of its kind to support students at associate degree-granting institutions on a national scale as they plan to enter the workforce upon the completion of a degree or certificate. The program is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

PTK officers group photo — Omicron Iota Chapter officers (left to right) Madison Ling, Vice President of Communications; Todd Stowell, Advisor; Abby Walters, President (Coca-Cola Scholar, Transfer Scholar); and Shaida Azzam, Chairperson of the College Project (Most Distinguished Member).

New Century Workforce Scholars are selected based on their academic accomplishments, leadership, activities, and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom. Over 2,200 students were nominated from more than 1,200 college campuses across the country.

Only one New Century Workforce Scholar was selected from each state.

“We congratulate Abigail Walters for receiving this prestigious scholarship, and we are honored to partner with The Coca-Cola Foundation to recognize her outstanding achievements,” said Phi Theta Kappa’s President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “Scholarship programs like this are integral for creating opportunities for students to succeed as they prepare to enter the workforce and for putting college completion within reach.”

Shaida Azzam, Schoolcraft College’s PTK chapter’s membership chairperson for the College Project and President of the Amnesty International Club on campus, was named one of the Most Distinguished Members in the Michigan Region and recognized as a top 50 member from PTK International.

This year’s officer team and key contributors include:

Abigail Walters, Chapter President
Madison Ling, Vice President of Communications
Erin Bressler, Vice President of Leadership
Meeta Singh, Vice President of Service
Shaida Azzam, Membership Chairperson of the College Project
Catreese Qualls, Office Liaison to Student Activities Office, Mentor/International Vice President Division 3 to PTK
Rena Laverty, Student Activities Office Technician
Elizabeth Machniak, Student Activities Office administrative support

Todd A. Stowell, Director, Student Activities Office; and Larry Choraszewski, Professor of Mathematics, serve as Advisors for PTK.

Learn more about Schoolcraft College’s Omicron Iota Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa.

June 6, 2022 by mlemon

Ocelots earn national and conference recognition

Schoolcraft College’s student-athletes proved their academic excellence over the past year with recognition by both the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and the Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA).

Student athlete Justina — Women’s basketball player Justina Szalkowski has earned a 4.0 GPA for two consecutive academic years.

A total of 16 student-athletes achieved a 4.0 GPA in either the Fall 2021 or Winter 2022 semester. In addition, six student-athletes earned a 4.0 GPA for the entire 2021-22 academic year:

Gavin Brose, men’s soccer
Hannah Folz, volleyball
Allison Little, women’s bowling
Kiersten Metz, softball
Justina Szalkowski, women’s basketball (second year in a row)
Jayden Thurmand, women’s soccer

“I want to congratulate our student-athletes on their outstanding work in the classroom over the past academic year,” said Cali Crawford, Director of Athletics. “Our student-athletes are true multi-taskers with many responsibilities, but they make sure the ‘student’ part of ‘student-athlete’ always comes first.”

Student-athletes who earned a 4.0 in 2021-22

Name	Sport	Semester Earned 4.0	Awards
Gavin Brose	Men’s soccer	Both	NJCAA 1st, All MCCAA & All Conference
Hannah Folz	Volleyball	Both	NJCAA 1st , All MCCAA & All Conference
Allison Little	Women’s bowling	Both	NJCAA 1st, All MCCAA & All Conference
Kiersten Metz	Softball	Both	NJCAA 1st, All MCCAA & All Conference
Justina Szalkowski	Women’s basketball	Both	NJCAA 1st, All MCCAA & All Conference
Jayden Thurmand	Women’s soccer	Both	N/A
Shalah Arder	Women’s basketball	Winter	NJCAA 2nd, All MCCAA & All Conference
Sophie Bater	Softball	Winter	NJCAA 3rd, All MCCAA & All Conference
Tyler Brown	Men’s bowling	Fall	N/A
Jordan Campbell	Women’s soccer	Fall	NJCAA 3rd, All MCCAA & All Conference
Sedona Coon	Volleyball	Fall	NJCAA 2nd, All MCCAA & All Conference
FaithAnn Dennis	Women’s soccer	Fall	N/A
Joseph Elwell	Baseball	Winter	NJCAA 2nd, All MCCAA & All Conference
Riley Graham	Women’s soccer	Fall	NJCAA 2nd, All MCCAA & All Conference
Emma Hughes	Women’s soccer	Winter	NJCAA 2nd, All MCCAA & All Conference
Kathryn Koszykowski	Softball	Fall	NJCAA 2nd, All MCCAA & All Conference
Madelyn Latham	Softball	Fall	NJCAA 2nd, All MCCAA & All Conference
Miranda McIntosh	Women’s soccer	Winter	N/A
Ceceilya Mernatti	Women’s soccer	Fall	NJCAA 3rd, All MCCAA & All Conference
Carmen Raad	Women’s soccer	Winter	N/A
Drew Tappen	Men’s soccer	Fall	NJCAA 2nd, All MCCAA & All Conference
Makaiya Thomas	Women’s basketball	Fall	NJCAA 2nd, All MCCAA & All Conference

Student-athletes must earn at least 24 credits in the year to be considered.

Requirements:

NJCAA Academic 1st Team 4.0 GPA
NJCAA Academic 2nd Team 3.80-3.99 GPA
NJCAA Academic 3rd Team 3.60-3.79 GPA
All MCCAA & All Conference 3.20 or above GPA
All Conference 3.00-3.19 GPA

June 6, 2022 by mlemon

Brynne Barnes started the work in 2015

English Professor Brynne Barnes is a prolific author of children’s books, with a focus on celebrating living in a diverse world. Her latest work is Black Girl Rising, which is to be released on Tuesday, June 28, everywhere books are sold. Professor Barnes graciously answered the following questions to provide insight into her books, her creative process and what’s next.

Q: Please tell us a little about your latest work, Black Girl Rising. What’s it about, what inspired you to write it, when did you start and when did you finish?

Professor Barnes: This is a love letter to Black girls, to Black girlhood, to women everywhere. It’s the book I needed, wanted to read as a girl. This is a tribute to our younger selves and our present selves. Children’s literature has a way of reminding us of all the most important things – to listen to ourselves, our inner voices about what we can do, who we are, and who we can be. It’s not up to the world to tell us who we are; it’s our job to tell the world. I first started this book in 2015 (if you can believe it) and completed it by 2016. It sold in 2017.

Q: Can you give us some insight into your creative process? How do you connect with your “muse”?

A copy of "Black Girl Rising" — *Black Girl Rising* will be released June 28.

Professor Barnes: For me, it all starts with a verse and a voice. When I hear something that catches my ear, I write it down; it keeps playing in my mind over and over again like a record spinning round and round. Then, I hear something else — another verse, and so on and so forth. The more I write, the more I hear. This voice actually took me by surprise, and it intrigued me because it sounds like someone doubting herself, playing back the voices that tell her she can’t, she shouldn’t, she won’t, she’s not enough, or she’s too much.

These are all things that we’ve heard before in some way, shape, or form. When we internalize doubt like that – what others tell us – we cannot hear the truth about how magically wonderful we truly are. That’s the thing – the light is always there. We just have to let it shine and get to know ourselves for who we truly are.

Q: What sort of relationship do you have with the illustrators of your books? Do you communicate or how does that work?

Professor Barnes: Great question! In most cases, we do not communicate until after the book is done. However, with my last two titles — Books Do Not Have Wings and now, Black Girl Rising — I was very involved. My editor, the art director, the illustrator, and I discussed our concepts for the illustrations and how they might come to life on the page along with the words. I actually ended up making a mock-up of the book with the words on the page and photographs that depicted certain ideas I had about conceptualizing the visual story.

Q: When we last chatted last year, you had a couple of other books in the pipeline. Can you give us any update on those?

Portrait photo of Brynne Barnes — Brynne Barnes is the author of *Black Girl Rising.*

Professor Barnes: Yes, I’m happy to say that Chronicle will be releasing the sequel to Black Girl Rising entitled Black Boy Rising in 2025. The book that Simon & Schuster picked up, When I See You, will be releasing in September of 2023.

Q: You’ve been an English Professor at Schoolcraft College since 2014. As it appears we’ve finally emerged from the pandemic, what are some of the lessons you’ll take away as a teacher moving forward?

Professor Barnes: I’ve learned that nothing compares to the human connection; this is the cornerstone of everything that we do as professors. The more invested you are in reaching your students, the more you’ll find yourself inspired.

Q: Thank you, Professor Barnes. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Professor Barnes: Writing and teaching are great acts of love, and it is my greatest joy to share my greatest loves with the Schoolcraft family and children around the world.

May 31, 2022 by mlemon

Clarenceville Middle School students learned about a variety of programs

In an effort to begin exposing potential students to the many programs and potential career paths Schoolcraft College has to offer, the College piloted a career exploration program with Clarenceville Middle School this past year.

Called the Middle School Career Awareness Program (M-CAP), this dynamic, hands-on initiative allowed eighth-graders to explore:

Public Safety
Manufacturing and Engineering
Business and Technology
Culinary Arts
Health Care

Community leaders at a banquet table — Attending the Middle School Career Awareness Program celebration banquet were (left to right): Joan A. Gebhardt, Chair of the Board of Trustees; David Lawrence, Executive Vice President and CAO, AlphaUSA; Dillon E. Breen, Trustee; Carol M. Strom, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees; Dr. Glenn Cerny, Schoolcraft College President; and Stacy Whiddon, Chief Academic Officer.

The students arrived from Clarenceville in the morning and saw concepts and ideas come to life by Schoolcraft College faculty. This included learning how put out a fire, using a CNC* laser to engrave a name plate, tracking a smartphone through the supply chain process, exploring how chemistry is a key ingredient in the culinary arts, and learning how to care for a patient. (All activities were safely and directly supervised by Schoolcraft College faculty and staff.)

Students then enjoyed lunch at Schoolcraft College before returning to Clarenceville Middle School.

Participating Clarenceville Middle School eighth-graders, parents, guardians, friends and administration were invited to a celebration banquet on Tuesday, April 26, in the DiPonio Room in the VisTaTech Center on the main campus.

“The M-CAP program was a great collaboration between Schoolcraft College and Foundation, Clarenceville School District, and industry partner AlphaUSA,” said Stacy Whiddon, Chief Academic Officer for Schoolcraft College.

“I want to personally thank the Schoolcraft College faculty and staff for making the M-CAP program a success. So many people contributed to the design and execution of the hands-on learning experiences to make this a memorable and valuable program. We can’t wait to welcome back these future Ocelots to campus in the very near future!”

Three attendees smiling around a banquet table — Clarenceville Middle School students and their families enjoyed the Middle School Career Awareness Program celebration banquet held Tuesday, April 26, in the DiPonio Room in the VisTaTech Center on the main campus of Schoolcraft College.

Four attendees smiling for a photo — Clarenceville Middle School students and their families enjoyed the Middle School Career Awareness Program celebration banquet held Tuesday, April 26, in the DiPonio Room in the VisTaTech Center on the main campus of Schoolcraft College.

Guests included:

Joan A. Gebhardt, Chair of the Board of Trustees
Carol M. Strom, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees
Dillon E. Breen, Trustee
Dr. Glenn Cerny, Schoolcraft College President
David Lawrence, Executive Vice President and CAO, AlphaUSA
Paul Shepich, Superintendent, Clarenceville School District
Melissa Carruth, Asst. Superintendent of Learning Services, Clarenceville Schools
Alan Kantor, Principal, Clarenceville Middle School

Over dessert and coffee, Melissa Schultz, Chief Student Enrollment Officer, highlighted several programs available to help students continue their journey with Schoolcraft College, including:

Kids on Campus:This popular summer program provides children through high school a fun, educational and safe experience at Schoolcraft College.
Dual Enrollment: Allows high school students to earn college credits while still in high school, often at little or no cost.
Michigan Reconnect: This last-dollar scholarship program pays for Michigan residents to attend their in-district community college tuition-free. The scholarship can be used to complete an associate degree or a Pell-eligible skill certificate program. To be eligible, you must:
- Be at least 25 years old when you apply
- Have lived in Michigan for a year or more
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Have not yet completed a college degree (associate or bachelor’s)

At the end of the program, Schoolcraft College gifts and prizes were awarded to the students who were present.

The Schoolcraft College Foundation concluded by awarding one student a $400 KOC scholarship and announcing that it will award 10 more scholarships of $250 each to the participating M-CAP Clarenceville eighth-graders for the popular KOC summer enrichment program. Registration is now open for Kids on Campus, which begins Monday, June 27.

M-CAP was made possible due to the generous support of AlphaUSA and the Schoolcraft College Foundation.

*CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control.

May 31, 2022 by mlemon

Initiative is from the University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts

Three Schoolcraft College students with a passion for meaningful change will have the opportunity to exercise their creativity and skills this summer after being named Engelhardt Social Justice Fellows.

This initiative from the University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) offers an opportunity for students and organizations to propose a mutually beneficial summer project. Students whose projects are selected will be paid $5,000 for approximately 300 hours of work with the sponsoring organization. Interns and organizations create their own work schedule, but the required hours must be completed by August 31.

Schoolcraft College’s Engelhardt Social Justice Fellows are:

Tamyra Goodwin
Alex Hawthorne
Tahirah Viox

Eligible students must:

Be an enrolled student in good academic standing in a degree program in UM-LSA during the time of the fellowship or be an enrolled student at Henry Ford College, Grand Rapids Community College, or Schoolcraft College, with a goal of pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the future.
Co-create a project with a community organization within southeast Michigan that focuses on social justice, broadly defined.
Have an existing connection to that partnering community organization.
Be available for the full duration of the Fellowship

Meet Tamyra Goodwin

Tamyra Goodwin is studying business administration with an eye toward transferring to Eastern Michigan University or Wayne State University to continue her education. She started at Schoolcraft College in August of 2020 and has a sister who is involved in a nonprofit organization (S.I.S., which stands for Sisters In Success), so the Engelhardt Social Justice Fellowship is a natural fit.

“While talking to my older sister, we agreed that one thing we both have an issue with in the community is the lack of care for those who are in need of food and homes,” Goodwin said. “So we will prepare blessing bags given to local shelters which offers the essentials; for example, deodorant, tooth brush, toothpaste, and even menstrual products. And at the end of all of that we will host a sort of ‘gala’ for the girls to show our appreciation to them and being willing to help.”

Meet Alex Hawthorne

Alex Hawthorne, who started at Schoolcraft College in the fall of 2020, is working toward an Associate Degree in Engineering with plans to transfer to the University of Michigan this fall to major in Data Science.

After that, he hopes to work as a data scientist, then become a researcher in artificial intelligence.

“As someone who is very passionate about science and technology, I find that it is important that if I were to contribute to a project related around social justice I would want to work within an area of which I am comfortable with to make meaningful change instead of lifeless chants of activism,” Hawthorne said. “Instead of petitioning for laws to be changed, scheduling a protest, writing a listicle for clicks, or making a tweet, I find it better to be working with my hands for change to a community.

“What good is one’s intelligence if their words speak louder than their actions? I am being sponsored by Oakland Avenue Urban Farms and the projects I plan to take on include a redevelopment of their farming infrastructure in order to use more solar power to increase their efficiency and output. By doing this not only will the group have a cool solar-based system for farming, but they will be helping the community through providing more food as well as helping to reduce electricity use even more for our planet.”

Meet Tahirah Viox

Tahirah Viox started at Schoolcraft College in the summer of 2021. She’s working toward an Associate Degree, then has plans to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a Master of Arts in Social Work.

“I hope to have a career in either social work; counseling; or as a diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant for businesses,” she said. “Any of these paths allow me to help minority groups who are most vulnerable. As someone who is a part of multiple minority groups, I feel that my intersectionality has given me a natural passion for social justice.”

Viox will be working with City of Asylum, which brings together writers, artists, activists, and academics from Detroit.

“My project seeks to uplift the voices of people who are incarcerated or who have recently been incarcerated while also supporting education while behind bars,” Viox said. “My plan is to create an exhibition where I can showcase short stories, poems, and other creative works of these individuals who enjoy writing.”

The exhibition will be digital through a website that Viox will help create. Each artist will include a biography and a link to their commissary and/or a link to a Go Fund Me page for their family. Another portion of the project Viox hopes to bring to life is a drive to donate books and writing materials to correctional facilities.

“Incarcerated individuals are some of the most vulnerable groups of people in our country and there is a lack of resources to help them,” Viox said. “I am passionate about my project and am so excited for this opportunity to make a difference in my community.”

May 23, 2022 by Schoolcraft College

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 23, 2022 by Schoolcraft College

Spring carnival will have merchandise, food and more

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

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

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

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

Proceeds will benefit the Schoolcraft Food Pantry.

May 23, 2022 by Schoolcraft College

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

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

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

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

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

person viewing medical computer screen — Photo 1

Programs housed in the HSC are:

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

The space features:

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

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

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

Learn more about Schoolcraft College’s health sciences programs.

May 16, 2022 by Schoolcraft College

Michigan community colleges will focus on students, workforce development

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Members of the MCCA are:

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

Learn more information about the Michigan Community College Association.