Proclamations Celebrate 60th Anniversary

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Honors tied to College’s founding in 1961

Schoolcraft College has received two proclamations in honor of the 60th anniversary of the College’s founding. One was from Wayne County and one was from the Wayne County Commission. Each was presented at the regular Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, October 27.

Assad Turfe, Wayne County Executive Chief of Staff, presented on behalf of Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans.

“We’re happy to have you in Wayne County,” he said. “Schoolcraft College plays an important part in Wayne County. Almost 30,000 students enroll every year and we’re happy to have you. You’re great partners.”

Wayne County Commissioner Terry Marecki presented on behalf of the Wayne County Commission. Commissioner Marecki, from the 9th District, represents Northville, Northville Township and part of Livonia.

She is also a former Schoolcraft College Student.

“Congratulations on your 60th anniversary – we’re so proud of you,” Commissioner Marecki said. “We’re very proud to have you in this area.”

“We respectfully thank the leadership of Wayne County for their respective proclamations,” said Dr. Glenn Cerny, President of Schoolcraft College. “Schoolcraft College has a rich history of serving students in our surrounding communities and throughout Wayne County. We look forward to continuing to deliver transformative learning opportunities to everyone.”

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Photo 1: Terry Marecki, Wayne County Commissioner and a former Schoolcraft College student (left), presents the proclamation to Joan A. Gebhardt, Chair of the Board of Trustees.
Photo 2: Assad Turfe, Wayne County Executive Chief of Staff (left), presents the proclamation to Joan A. Gebhardt, Chair of the Board of Trustees.

The honors came just a few days after the 60th anniversary of the founding of what became Schoolcraft College. On October 24, 1961, residents of the Livonia, Plymouth-Canton, Garden City and Clarenceville school districts voted to establish a community college in an effort to create an environment for individuals seeking the opportunity to grow intellectually and strengthen their economic independence. (Northville Public Schools joined the district in 1963.)

“The Board of Trustees is thankful to the Wayne County CEO Warren Evans and the Wayne County Commission for their recognition and anniversary proclamations,” said Joan A. Gebhardt, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “Having Chief of Staff Assad Turfe and District 9 Wayne County Commissioner Terry Marecki to personally attend our meeting to present the proclamation is heartwarming, especially since Ms. Marecki is a former Schoolcraft student. Student success has been our goal since 1961, and it continues to be our main strategic planning initiative as we go ‘Onward and Upward.’”

Originally called Northwest Wayne Community College, the name was changed in February 1963 to Schoolcraft College in honor of Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, a 19th century explorer and scholar who played a part in the early development of Michigan.

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Diwali is one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus

The Schoolcraft College Asian Student Association and the Detroit Indian Women’s Association (DIWA) invite people of all faiths to the Diwali Celebration from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 6, in the VisTaTech Center.

“Diwali is a festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus,” said Dr. Anna Maheshwari, English Professor and Department Chair. “The festival usually lasts five days and is celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar month Kartika. On this day, it is believed that Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, blesses homes that are brightly lit with lamps.”

Dr. Maheshwari said Diwali also is officially the new year for Hindus.

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Photo 1: Highly skilled dancers will be part of the celebration.
Photo 2: Guests can enjoy live music.

“People wear new clothes and adults and children light fire crackers until late into the night,” she said. “Children get cash and other gifts from their elders and the homes are filled with celebrations and good food.” For more information, please contact Dr. Maheshwari by phone at 248-345-5313 or by email at [email protected] or Alka Srivastava, Vice President/Treasurer of DIWA, at 734-748-2035.

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Ozzy will debut in 2022

Ozzy the Ocelot, Schoolcraft College’s new mascot, will be coming soon to events on campus and beyond.

The name Ozzy had the highest number of votes in a contest during School Daze in September.

“Ozzy will be our enthusiastic representative of Schoolcraft College at athletic events and other activities around campus displaying school spirit.”

Van Nguyen, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
Ozzy the Ocelot

“Ozzy will be our enthusiastic representative of Schoolcraft College at athletic events and other activities around campus displaying school spirit,” said Van Nguyen, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of Schoolcraft College. “We look forward to sharing Ozzy with everyone.”

Ozzy’s lair is in the Marketing and Communications department in the Jeffress Center. Details on how to request the use of Ozzy will be announced later. The mascot will debut in 2022.

On January 19, 1966, Ocelots was chosen as the school mascot by a vote of the student body. Other suggestions were Frontiersmen, Saxons, Sun Devils and Vikings.

Schoolcraft College is believed to be the only college currently using Ocelots as its mascot.

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Excellence of program showcased on morning segment

On Monday, October 18, Schoolcraft College student Austin Hannah distilled hundreds of hours of practice and preparation into about five minutes for viewers of FOX 2 Detroit.

Hannah and Certified Executive Chef Chris Misiak were featured in a news story about Hannah earning second place overall in the National Student Chef of the Year competition during the summer. He prepared and plated his seafood appetizer for the audience as Chef Misiak explained the dish and how the competition worked.

“I don’t know which one was more stressful – the camera or the chefs looking over my shoulder,” Hannah said. “It was fun and a good time. I enjoyed working with Chef Chris and I was definitely happy to be back in the kitchens of Schoolcraft College.”

For the national competition, Hannah had to prepare four portions each of an appetizer and an entrée in two hours using ingredients out of a “mystery basket.” Hannah competed in the Hot Foods division and placed first in that category.

Seafood appetizer plate - School Craft College Detroit
Student Austin Hannah demonstrated his seafood appetizer he created for the National Student Chef of the Year competition. Hannah finished second overall.
A plate with raw food on it - Schoolcraft Detroit Michigan community college
Student Austin Hannah had to create an appetizer out of these ingredients.

The appetizer consisted of:

  • Butter-poached lobster
  • Butter-poached scallops
  • Green leek puree as a base
  • Pickled leeks
  • Ricotta 
  • Pancetta (a sort of cured bacon)

The entrée consisted of:

  • Flat-iron steak covered in Ras el Hanout (a Middle Eastern spice)
  • Eggplant puree
  • Involtini-stuffed eggplant with persillade bread crumbles to provide a crisp texture
  • Quinoa tabbouleh
  • Cucumber salad with yogurt, garlic and dill
  • Kafta meatball 
  • Apricot-lemon marmalade
  • Pistachios

The easy rapport between Hannah and Chef Misiak came through during the segment – and that’s no accident. Chef Misiak accompanied him to nationals, and along with Certified Master Chef Brian Beland and Certified Master Chef Shawn J. Loving, helped him prepare for the competition.

“I don’t know which one was more stressful – the camera or the chefs looking over my shoulder.”

Schoolcraft College student Austin Hannah comparing his live TV segment with the National Student chef of the Year competition

“That’s something Schoolcraft College offers – a very personal connection with the instructors, which I appreciate very much,” Hannah said.

Hannah, who works at the Detroit Athletic Club, has his sights set on being a Certified Sous Chef as the next step in his culinary career. He may compete again, but next time as a professional.

He’ll likely challenge himself with a new dish after acing the seafood appetizer.

“That dish is second nature to me, I know it so well,” he said. “It’s a piece of me now.”

Watch the full segment.

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It’s a companion piece to last winter’s “Alone Together”

With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to impact lives, it’s appropriate that Schoolcraft College Theatre opens the season with “Something at Last,” a companion piece to last winter’s “Alone Together.”

Where “Alone Together” explored the isolation brought on by the pandemic, “Something at Last” explores how we are emerging from isolation. Written by award-winning Michigan playwrights Joseph Zettelmaier and Michael Alan Herman, “Something at Last” features six separate stories told in monologue form.

Professor Paul Beer directed the production, which will be available for viewing on YouTube beginning on Monday, November 1, and will be open for viewing for a week.

Professor Beer graciously provided his insight in the following interview:

Q: Like “Alone Together,” this production was filmed and then will be presented on a video stream. From your perspective as a director, what are the challenges of presented the work this way? What sort of changes have you had to make in terms of your style, how you work with the actors and so forth?

Professor Beer: Joe Zettelmaier and I conceived of the idea of a monologue show as we considered alternatives for our season within the constraints of the pandemic, and Joe offered to work with his writing partner, Michael Alan Herman, to produce a script. Our original goal was to provide our students a performance opportunity, and to stay connected with our base of patrons who have support Schoolcraft Theatre over time.  

Last winter semester, “Alone Together” was quite successful; our audience was at least as big as audiences when we perform live, and we reached well beyond the traditional geography of Schoolcraft Theatre support. When we realized that pandemic precautions this fall semester would still prevent a live performance before an audience, we turned to Joe and Michael again.

While it’s a performance opportunity, it is different. First, the performance of a monologue, without other actors on the stage, requires a different, but very important, set of skills for an actor. The actor must create his character and the audience he is addressing at the same time. Second, our performance for cameras rather than a live audience is a new experience for some of our actors.  

We have tried to film the performance as if it were live (rather than doing something truly cinematic), but it is still more intimate than playing to a house full of audience members. With a live audience, the audience becomes part of the performance; in a filmed performance, the actors are missing that partnership, too.

Q: What do you miss most about live productions?

Professor Beer: The audience! We have enjoyed our audience members who have attended Schoolcraft Theatre over the years, and new audience members who come from our student body. The audience is a critical part of live theatre, and we miss communing with them. 

We look forward to inviting our audiences back to the James R. Hartman Theatre in March of 2022 when we’ll present a live performance of Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park.  (Tickets will go on sale in January 2022.)  

Q: Thank you for your time, Professor Beer. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Professor Beer: Schoolcraft Theatre is fortunate to have the support of the College and the community, and we’re very grateful.

Cast and crew bios

Paul Beer

Paul Beer

Director

Paul Beer has been teaching at Schoolcraft since 2015 and is thrilled to present this new play. “We conceived of the recorded monologue show last winter to cope with COVID and give our students a chance to act in a safe environment,” he said. “Given the continuing concerns, we’re happy to build on that success and offer ‘Something at Last.’ These are great stories and great characters. We can’t wait for you to meet them!”

    Nicole Levine

    Nicole Levine

    Stage Manager

    Nicole Levine is a Schoolcraft student nearing the completion of her associate degree in Fine Arts and Theatre. She’s worked on many productions and is a great backstage boss for the tech team. Like so many Schoolcraft students, Levine balances her academics, theatre work and employment, keeping many plates spinning in her life.

      Emily Betz

      Emily Betz

      Ambrosia

      Emily Betz has worked with Schoolcraft Theatre for a number of years as the costumer, and she has many shows to her credit both here and outside Schoolcraft. This is her Schoolcraft acting debut. Her character, Ambrosia, is a COVID-driven career changer finding joy in her line of work. 

        Hassan Chammout

        Hassan Chammout

        Devon

        Hassan Chammout also performed in “Alone Together” and “Rabbit Hole.” He recently graduated from Schoolcraft and is continuing his education at the University of Michigan (double majoring in Biology and Theatre) while building his professional resume. Devon is a working actor who has a surprise appearance in his childhood home.

          Bryan Lamance

          Bryan LaMance

          Jude

          “Something at Last” is Bryan LaMance’s debut at Schoolcraft, where he’s studying broadcasting. He hopes to make his living writing and voice acting. Jude is a hobby fisherman who isn’t so sure he wants the isolation of COVID to end.

            Julia Gilewski

            Julia Gilewski

            Quinn

            Julia Gilewski is a Schoolcraft College sophomore, studying education, and this is her first performance on the SC stage. She mentioned in her audition that she’s more comfortable behind the scenes. Quinn discovers her first post-COVID job as a ride share driver might not be the best fit.

              Gavin Carrigan

              Gavin Carrigan

              Jim

              Gavin Carrigan is a first-year student at Schoolcraft pursuing an associate degree in Communications Studies. He’s done lots of theatre in middle and high school, and this is his first performance in the James R. Hartman Theatre. He’s looking forward to working as a voice actor in the future, and as a “Halloweenie” in “Something at Last.” Jim is thrilled to return to a more normal celebration of his favorite holiday, Halloween.

                Essie Weasley

                Essie Weasley

                Kennedy

                Essie Weasley previously performed in “Alone Together” and “Sylvia.” Offstage she continues to work in healthcare while pursuing a variety of performance opportunities. She plays Kennedy, who discovers secrets about her family’s past after her mother’s death.

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                  Learning, of course, is the goal of any college experience. Part of that education means familiarizing yourself with some unfamiliar terms. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

                  As part of an occasional series, we’ll explain phrases, lingo or topics to add to your college vocabulary. We call it “Say What?” If there’s a topic you’d like to see covered, please send suggestions to [email protected]. 

                  Today we’ll learn about the Schoolcraft College International Institute, or SCII.

                  Why do we have it?

                  Developing a global perspective with understanding and appreciation of the diversities and commonalities among world cultures is more important than ever. A key resource to help develop that perspective and understanding is the Schoolcraft College International Institute. This organization serves as the umbrella for several initiatives at the College, including a variety of events; a publication, “International Agenda”; and academic opportunities.

                  Schoolcraft College students, employees and community members all are invited to take advantage of the many offerings.

                  “It is important to promote International and Intercultural education more than ever,” said Professor Kimberly Lark, who is Co-Chair of the International Institute along with Professor Helen Ditouras. “In a highly connected globe, we interact with varying cultures and nationalities on a daily basis. Increased cultural and social awareness makes for better citizens, better employees and a more well-rounded person.”

                  The roots of the International Institute go back more than 25 years. This longevity, combined with the high caliber of the events and the support from the College and the community, means the SCII is a vital, thriving and important organization.

                  “Today the SCII is a bottom-up, grass-roots organization drawing on faculty and staff from a wide variety of disciplines and departments across campus,” Professor Ditouras said. 

                  What are some of the events?

                  Perhaps the best-known event within the International Institute umbrella is the Focus Series, which began in January 2004 to provide a campus-wide focus on one cultural region of the world or global theme. The Focus Series features films, presentations, displays and performances, allowing students and community members to explore the culture, politics, economics and history of the featured region and its relation to the rest of the world.

                  International Institute

                  This year’s theme is “Human Rights Around the Globe.” All events are free and open to the public on Zoom. View the upcoming schedule. 

                  “The International Institute has cultivated relationships with academic partners from a variety of institutions, including Wayne State University, Michigan State, and University of Michigan,” said Professor Ditouras, who also serves as the Focus Series Coordinator. “In addition, our longstanding partnership with the Midwest Institute for International Intercultural Education has provided us a pool of stellar scholars that we have been fortunate to invite over time.”

                  Other events include the Multicultural Fair, usually held in the spring, GlobalEYEzers and Global Roundtables.

                  “The first Multicultural Fair debuted in 2001 under the co-sponsorship of the SCII and the Learning Assistance Center – it now welcomes 3000 ‘travelers’ each year,” Professor Josselyn Moore, former Chair of the International Institute, said. “This is free and open to the public, and historically has attracted quite a large number of attendees.”

                  GlobalEYEzers and Global Roundtables provide opportunities throughout the year for informal discussion of a variety of topics related to living and learning in a global society. The GlobalEYEzers Coordinators are Dr. Anna Maheshwari and Professor Moore.

                  What else is there?

                  The “International Agenda” is the official newsletter of the Schoolcraft College International Institute and is delivered electronically throughout the year. It contains information about events around campus, profiles of students, faculty, staff and community members and short articles about relevant international and intercultural topics. 

                  “International Agenda” is emailed to all Schoolcraft College faculty and staff. It is also available to non-Schoolcraft-affiliated individuals by emailing Professor Colleen Pilgrim, who serves as Editor.

                  Global Endorsements for students and faculty

                  Schoolcraft College students have the opportunity to build their international resume by earning a Global Endorsement as part of their degree. This program, overseen by the International Institute, requires participating students to complete a minimum of 15 credit hours of classes designated as International and taken Fall 2006 or after. Such classes, which are identified in the class schedule every semester, contain at least two weeks of global or multicultural content. 

                  There are 85 different classes across 22 academic disciplines making it easy for students to find courses that meet degree requirements and contribute to the Endorsement. The Global Endorsement is an attractive option for students pursuing any of a variety of programs.

                  Faculty interested in teaching a Globally Endorsed class can contact any member of the International Institute leadership team for more information and assistance.

                  Anyone interested in learning more about the Schoolcraft College International institute can attend a meeting or email International Institute directly at [email protected]. 

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                  Nursing students were the latest to benefit from interactive event

                  Being smart and talented used to be enough in business. In today’s climate, defined by round-the-clock challenges, multicultural workplaces and team members who might be located off-site or even around the world, those qualities are just the start, the bare minimum.

                  In addition to the academic rigor and hands-on training that community colleges excel at, companies today are hungry for entry-level employees who possess the critical skills to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure global business environment.

                  Students attentive in a classroom setting
                  Nursing students engage during a Reality Ready® symposium.

                  Schoolcraft College proactively worked with dozens of area businesses, many of which have global reach, to develop curriculum that addressed this glaring and growing need.

                  The result: Reality Ready®, an initiative that helps Schoolcraft students win in the workforce. Through an intensive, interactive all-day program, students come away equipped with intellectual and behavioral skills that result in well-rounded individuals who employers are seeking.

                  The College continues to make Reality Ready® available to more Schoolcraft College students. During the week of October 4, students from the College’s acclaimed Nursing program attended symposiums. Dr. Debra Amaro, Nurse Educator, served as Facilitator.

                  “The presentation helped with learning new ways of communicating and reflecting on yourself before you communicate with others,” said student Latesia Anderson-Wigner, who has a goal of being a nurse in the field of mental health. “In my area of nursing, my patients can be difficult and angry for reasons outside themselves, so what I’ve learned will help me navigate those situations.”

                  Reality Ready® boosts proficiency in four key areas:

                  • Emotional Intelligence: IQ isn’t the only thing candidates get assessed by in the real world – EI is equally important. EI demonstrates the capacity to be aware of, control and express one’s emotions and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically.  
                  • Conflict Resolution: An informal or formal process that two or more parties use to find a peaceful solution to their dispute through key points of negotiation arbitration and conflict avoidance.
                  • Professional and Personal Communication: The oral, written, visual and digital forms of receiving and delivering information in the context of a workplace as well as personally. Acquiring nonverbal communication skills and the ability to have clear and concise conversations.
                  • Networking and Professionalism: The cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business. In addition, exhibiting characteristics that can apply to virtually any type of business, including exuding competency, reliability, proper appearance any other qualities.

                  “The presentation helped with learning new ways of communicating and reflecting on yourself before you communicate with others.” 

                  Schoolcraft College student Latesia Anderson-Wigner

                  Building on Core Abilities

                  The areas presented in Reality Ready® mirror and build upon the eight Core Abilities established by Schoolcraft College. The Core Abilities are broad outcomes or skills that every graduate of Schoolcraft College is expected to achieve. From a practical standpoint, these universal skills are transferable from one job to the next. 

                  Here’s how Reality Ready® modules connect to Core Abilities:

                  • Emotional Intelligence connects to Social and Cultural Awareness
                  • Conflict Resolution connects to Act Responsibly
                  • Professional and Personal Communication connects to Communicate Effectively
                  • Networking and Professionalism connects to Manage Information

                  How Reality Ready® works: Putting theory into practice

                  Schoolcraft College has addressed the need for an engaging and practical training event for students of the college by creating a one-day symposium led by a dynamic, diverse group of professionals. This approach will create an environment for attendees to attain some sensible “real world” skills that will benefit them in the workplace and provide confidence as they pursue the next chapter in their lives – obtaining a job, getting accepted into a four-year institution, being selected for an important internship and more.

                  An interactive environment of table teams drives much of the learning. This approach allows a more tailored effect for the students in how they learn because each table had a 1:5 ratio. In real time, the table coach assessed if the students understood the content, provided clarity and coached them how to apply the skills. 

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                  The hymn includes the College motto: Semper Altius Aspice (“Look Ever Upward”)

                  Did you know Schoolcraft College has its own Hymn? Composed by Wayne Dunlap with lyrics by Ralph Kelley, it was first performed on April 25, 1965, at the campus dedication Service by the College Choir.

                  Headshots of Wayne Dunlap and Ralph Kelley
                  The Schoolcraft College Hymn was composed by Wayne Dunlap (left) with lyrics by Ralph Kelley

                  The words are:

                  All Hail to thee, Oh Gold and Blue;
We lift our voices in praise of thee.
Semper altius aspice. 
May knowledge, hope and vision here begin.

                  Semper Altius Aspice is the College motto and means “Look Ever Upward.”

                  In the spring of 1964, Dunlap had been hired by Schoolcraft College. The following passage is from “Reaching Out … A History of Schoolcraft College” by Samuel Hudson.

                  Wayne Dunlap, well-known director of music in the Plymouth-Canton school system, was appointed to head the college’s music department. A graduate of Texas Christian University, and holder of a master’s degree from the Eastman School of Music, Dunlap was then conductor of the Plymouth Symphony Orchestra, and had served as conductor of the Grosse Pointe Symphony, the West Shore Symphony, and the South Oakland Symphony orchestras.

                  Dr. Frederick Moss playing guitar
                  Dr. Frederick Moss, Department Representative for Music, performs the Schoolcraft College Hymn

                  Dunlap served Schoolcraft College until 1971, when he resigned as Director of Fine Arts. He was conductor of the Plymouth Symphony Orchestra, now known as the Michigan Philharmonic, from 1951-1979 – the longest run in that group’s history.

                  The Schoolcraft College Hymn also was performed at the 50th Gala in 2001. 

                  Dr. Frederick Moss, Department Representative for Music, graciously lent his time and talent to the following performance of the Schoolcraft College Hymn, which can be viewed here.

                  If you have any information regarding the Schoolcraft College Hymn, please send an email to [email protected]

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                  Program is October 28 at the Manufacturing & Engineering Center

                  Schoolcraft College invites area business to an Apprenticeship Information Session from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 28, at the Manufacturing & Engineering Center.

                  An apprenticeship program is an excellent way for businesses to ensure a pipeline of right-skilled workers to remain competitive in their industry. Subjects to be covered include understanding program benefits; the registration process; key resources, including current employer financial incentives; and next steps to develop a customized program.

                  Attendees will hear from the Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship representative as well as workforce partners.

                  Overall, attendees will learn:

                  • Process overview: How Registered Apprenticeship works
                  • Benefits: Why Registered Apprenticeship works
                  • Knowledge: Resources and contact information to jump start program development
                  • Details: Current employer funding opportunities of up to $1,000 per apprentice.
                  A student working on plexiglass
                  Schoolcraft College student Logan Leinbach is the first Woodwork Manufacturing Specialist apprentice. The College and Leinbach’s employer, Burke Architectural Millwork, helped develop the apprenticeship for the Department of Labor.

                  Space is limited. Please contact Pamela Linton, Apprenticeship Coordinator for Schoolcraft College, by email at [email protected] or by phone at 734-462-7372 by Thursday, October 21, to reserve your spot. Breakfast will be provided.

                  The Manufacturing & Engineering Center (MEC), 13001 Merriman Road in Livonia, is the home of Schoolcraft College’s engineering and technology programs. Opened in the fall of 2020, the 48,000-square-foot facility more than doubled the space for occupational programs, including:

                  • Biomedical Engineering Technology
                  • Computer Aided Design (CAD)
                  • Engineering Technology
                  • Electronics
                  • Manufacturing Technology/CNC (Computer Numerical Control)
                  • Mechatronics
                  • Metallurgy and Materials Science
                  • Plastic Technology
                  • Welding

                  MEC also houses a 3D printing lab and robotics lab.

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                  Information sessions will be held this week and next

                  Schoolcraft College students who plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree should consider applying for the 2022 Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. This is the largest undergraduate, private scholarship in the United States, and worth up to $55,000 per year. Funds can be used for tuition, books and other fees and expenses at any accredited four-year institution.

                  “The selection process for these awards is rigorous and highly competitive, with approximately 50 scholarships awarded each year out of thousands of applicants,” said Dr. Laurie Kattuah-Snyder, Chief Student Services Officer. “Schoolcraft College, however, has had six Jack Kent Cooke Scholars over the past few years, so we definitely encourage our students who plan to transfer to a four-year school to apply.”

                  “Schoolcraft College has had six Jack Kent Cooke Scholars over the past few years, so we definitely encourage our students who plan to transfer to a four-year school to apply.”

                  Dr. Laurie Kattuah-Snyder, Chief Student Services Officer

                  Minimum qualifications

                  Applicants must meet all of these qualifications:

                  • Be a current student at an accredited U.S. community college with sophomore status as of January 1, 2022, or a recent graduate (since spring 2017)
                  • Plan to enroll in a full-time baccalaureate program at an accredited college or university in the fall of 2022
                  • Have a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent)
                  • Demonstrate unmet financial need. They will consider applicants with a maximum annual gross income of $95,000.  
                  • No previous enrollment or attendance at a four-year institution.  
                  Five people standing in a row with a banner that reads "Jack Kent Cooke Foundation"
                  Funds can be used for tuition, books and other fees and expenses at any accredited four-year institution.

                  A review panel of distinguished college faculty and staff judge the applicants using criteria that includes:

                  • Achievement and academic ability
                  • Financial need
                  • Persistence
                  • Leadership
                  • Service to others

                  Students can take advantage of information sessions to help prepare their applications. The dates, times and locations are: 

                  • Wednesday, October 13, 5:00 p.m., Liberal Arts 500
                  • Tuesday, Oct. 19, noon, McDowell 100

                  Other resources

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                  She looks to build upon a well-respected and important department at the College

                  Today for Staff Spotlight we’re sitting down with Lori Timmis, who recently joined Schoolcraft College as Dean of Distance Learning. Lori comes to us from Siena Heights University in Adrian, where she served for nearly 20 years in a variety of roles.

                  Schoolcraft College: First of all, welcome to Schoolcraft College! We’re happy to have you here. How have things been going so far?

                  Lori Timmis: Thank you for the warm welcome! I’m happy to join the creative and hardworking Distance Learning team and work with Schoolcraft’s dedicated faculty, staff, administrators and other key stakeholders. Since starting my position in mid-August, Schoolcraft employees continue to enthusiastically welcome me to the college. I appreciate becoming acquainted with faculty and staff across departments, many of whom maintain longstanding service to the college, understanding their important roles and the common threads we share in our higher education careers. The Schoolcraft community integrates daily the college mission in fostering a transformative learning experience for students. Likewise, Schoolcraft students reflect distinct generations with unique, evolving needs, representing first-generation students and returning students. 

                  During this time, I continue to gain knowledge of people, systems, processes, and initiatives to inform intentional and thoughtful planning for continued distance learning program growth.

                  Schoolcraft College: How did you get involved in higher education and why did you decide to pursue a career in higher education, specifically with a focus on Distance Learning?

                  A portrait of Lori Timmis
                  Lori Timmis, Dean of Distance Learning

                  Lori Timmis: A favorite quote, by Ralph Waldo Emerson, reflects my higher education journey: “Do not go where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path, and leave a trail.” My journey comprises winding paths that, simultaneously, situated my commitment to serve in higher education and distance learning. 

                  As a first-generation college graduate, I achieved my associate degree while a full-time student and working adult. Consequently, this progressed my interest to serve in higher education. I transferred to a bachelor degree completion program at Cleary University. This was my first exposure to distance learning through a hybrid cohort model, a setting I thrived in and one that propelled my passion for distance learning. Upon graduation, I started my higher ed career at Siena Heights University. 

                  My nearly 20-year career at Siena brought encounters to build and sustain quality online and hybrid learning initiatives. I completed my master’s degree with a thesis focus on developing a blended online program that I applied directly to my work. I served as the founding director of the university’s distance learning programs, as an online adjunct instructor and developer, and in various leadership roles with oversight of distance learning initiatives. Within these roles, I collaborated closely with faculty and staff peers. At the core, our professions reflect cultivating engagement with others, and our efforts to deliver quality online learning largely derive from shared collaboration.

                  Schoolcraft College: Is there anything in particular that appealed to you to pursue the Dean of Distance Learning position here?

                  Lori Timmis: Yes. Several aspects spoke to me in applying for the Dean of Distance Learning position at Schoolcraft. It would allow me to come full circle honoring my educational roots, as a community college graduate, and serve at a well-regarded community college. Likewise, I could serve in a successive leadership role to champion, in partnership, a continued vision of flexible learning experiences delivered through adaptable modalities, distinct services and resources, and emerging instructional models. 

                  My research and progressing through the interview process highlighted the college’s longevity, over a multi-decade period, with and commitment to quality distance learning for students, embraced by dedicated faculty and staff. These and other unique aspects highlighted an exceptional opportunity to me and why Schoolcraft holds a respected position as a forward-thinking institution in the community, state, and nationally. 

                  “No longer is distance learning an ‘alternative’ model, but part of a flexible and transformative learning experience.”

                  Lori Timmis, Dean of Distance Learning

                  Schoolcraft College: The importance of having a strong Distance Learning department has been magnified by the pandemic. What are your goals for Distance Learning both in the near future and long term?

                  Lori Timmis: Schoolcraft’s Distance Learning Programs maintain a distinct history over the last several decades with a growing portfolio of online degrees, certificates, and courses. The infrastructure encompasses a conscientious quality assurance framework for online course design and delivery. This foundation and the efforts of the Schoolcraft distance learning team, faculty, and staff allowed Schoolcraft to quickly respond to the shift in remote and online learning in the pandemic’s onset. Nevertheless, the pandemic continues to uncover additional needs and provide lessons to move us forward, which requires research, planning, and implementation. 

                  Short-term, I seek to build internal cross-departmental and program alliances and external alliances to support student and institutional success. It takes an extensive base to coordinate quality-driven instruction, student learning and student success, and faculty support and development. Likewise, I plan to incorporate evidence-based decision making from institutional and other scholarly data to drive long-term DL strategic planning. Distance Learning also will embark on numerous goals this academic year including a phased-shift to BB Ultra, new and revised RTT courses including SC’s Professional Development Series, and continued adoption of OER, accessibility, and inclusive practices and strategies. These short-term goals will springboard in creating a shared purpose and vision for distance learning in concert with SC Momentum 2021.

                  Faculty responded to massive change in a short time during the pandemic. Looking ahead, new and evolving technologies and their associated pedagogies will necessitate ongoing faculty support and development. Faculty, as subject matter experts, work closely with our instructional designers and course managers to develop and teach high-quality online courses. Distance Learning will continue to support faculty, in collaboration with the Center for Academic Innovation, with relevant instructional professional development and recertification pathways to inspire interactive and authentic distance learning design and delivery.

                  As national trends continue to show, students desire more flexible options through online, hybrid, and remote modalities, and Schoolcraft is positioned to respond with additional programs, courses, instructional models, and modalities. We also must stay well informed of the evolving landscape including trends, research, regulations, technologies, and competition. Correspondingly, the pandemic identified gaps and needs for students that we will continue to examine to support effective and engaging student learning, one that promotes comprehensive interaction and active learning. This requires long-term agility in designing accessible, equitable, and innovative approaches.

                  Distance learning can offer more students access to higher education to boost their professional and personal endeavors. No longer is distance learning an “alternative” model, but part of a flexible and transformative learning experience. This coupled with a robust community college education, such as through Schoolcraft’s comprehensive academic portfolio, brings opportunities for future unique learning and workforce contributions.

                  Schoolcraft College: You are currently pursuing your doctorate in Global Leadership and Change from Tiffin University. How is that coming along?

                  Lori Timmis: Thank you for asking. I’m halfway through my coursework in Tiffin’s Ph.D. program. The program format encompasses rigorous 7-week online courses, three residencies, and a dissertation with a curricular emphasis on global leadership and change and cultural awareness competencies. Today’s workforce environment incorporates cross-cultural characteristics. While our work may bring a local, physical context, our professions should espouse a global mindset, which celebrates a rich cultural diversity that contributes to successful work.

                  As a working adult student, the online program accommodates the needs of my schedule. I value the flexibility coupled with the faculty and student engagement in the program to build active learning communities. We can deliver this in any modality with thoughtful planning and humanized pedagogy. My online student experience strengthens purpose in creating a collaborative infrastructure that meets the needs and capabilities of our students, develops active and meaningful learning, and advances professional development for our faculty and staff.

                  Schoolcraft College: Is there anything else you would like to add?

                  Lori Timmis: I look forward to continued interactions, idea sharing, and collaboration with the Schoolcraft Community. I’m excited to build connections with the community to champion a vibrant future for online teaching and learning at Schoolcraft College.