My Story, My Voice: Thomas “Tommy” DeJesus (Anderson)

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Thomas “Tommy” DeJesus (Anderson), alumni

Thomas “Tommy” DeJesus (Anderson) has been a community organizer for seven years. A graduate of the University of North Texas in Integrative Studies, he’s currently writing his memoir, which will be released this year.

To help celebrate Black History Month, we’re pleased to share “My Story, My Voice,” a series of essays written by Schoolcraft College students, faculty, staff and alumni. Please go to schoolcraft.edu/BHM to read the complete collection.

Thomas DeJesus

By Thomas “Tommy” DeJesus (Anderson), alumni

 “Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair” – Mother to Son by Langston Hughes. Truer words have never been spoken. Though I smile outside, my inner thoughts contain memories of a childhood marred by violence and death with a mix of nostalgia.

My parents’ wishes came true as I was born at 11:11 p.m. My mother had already suffered a miscarriage a few years earlier. She was told that the chances of her giving birth were slim. I was born with Meconium Aspiration Syndrome, one of the leading causes of infant mortality. In Detroit – where I was born – the infant mortality rate is so high it rivals the war-torn country of Libya. As an occupational therapist, she was well aware of the odds that Black mothers often faced in dealing with hospitals. Nevertheless, she still persevered, and I was able to pull through without any issues.

I grew up in Farmington Hills. Like Livonia, Farmington Hills represented one of several white flight towns in Metro Detroit during the mid-20th century. I grew up in a majority Black and Asian neighborhood created through exclusionary zoning in the 1990s. My parents were deep believers of the Christian faith and decided to send me to a Christian school, hoping I’d receive a better education there than a public school. Big mistake.  

Racial epithets and insensitivity flew from the mouths of my “Christian” teachers, classmates, and their parents with impunity. I assumed the treatment I received was normal, so I never complained to my parents. However, my mother saw it and did everything she could to fight it. With her help, the school instituted their first ever Black History Month program my 1st grade year.

In my 3rd grade year, she began her own fight with pulmonary hypertension, which ultimately took her life on November 12, 2008. As a result, my father became a single father and the racial torment worsened as we entered the Obama era. Nonetheless, like her during my birth, I persevered.

Over 10 years later, her legacy lives on through me. Today, I continue to serve humanity by promoting Black unity and self-love. “There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson…” – Malcolm X.

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A total of 23 Ocelots from 6 sports will be recognized

Schoolcraft College’s inaugural class to be inducted to the Michigan Alpha Chapter of Theta Chi Alpha, the National College Athlete Honor Society, includes 23 student-athletes representing all 6 sports the Ocelots currently compete in.

To qualify, student-athletes must have completed three full-time semesters with a cumulative grade point average of 3.40 or above.  The Athletic Department will hold an induction ceremony later this semester.  

Computers against a wall next to a trophy case
Dedicated space in the Physical Education building is available to help student-athletes with their studies.

“We’re pleased to recognize the excellent work our student-athletes are doing in the classroom and welcome our inaugural class of 23 Theta Chi Alpha inductees,” said Cali Crawford, Director of Athletics. “It’s a testament to the dedication of our student-athletes and our coaches to ensure that academics always comes first.”

The National College Athlete Honor Society, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was founded in 1996 by then DePauw University head football coach Nick Mourouzis. His goal was to provide outstanding student-athletes with an opportunity to become connected within a fraternal association that aligns their educational and athletic successes for a lifetime.

Amy Proctor, Student Athlete Support System (SASS) Coordinator, serves as advisor for Schoolcraft College’s chapter of Theta Chi Alpha. 

Members of Schoolcraft College’s inaugural Theta Chi Alpha class are:

Student-athleteSport
Natasha Carter
Jack Cronyn
John Evangelista
Mohamed Hammoud
Emma Hughes
Allison Little
Miranda McIntosh
Kiersten Metz
James (Alex) Neville
Erin O’Neil
Autumn Reed
Jon Sabuda
Jacob Saez
Adriana Sapia
Brandon Strickland
Justina Szalkowski
Drew Tappen
Andrew Weiss		Women’s Basketball
Baseball
Men’s Soccer
Men’s Soccer
Women’s Soccer
Women’s Bowling
Women’s Soccer
Softball
Men’s Soccer
Women’s Soccer
Softball
Baseball
Men’s Bowling
Women’s Soccer
Baseball
Women’s Basketball
Men’s Soccer
Baseball

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Contributions of Asian Indian community spotlighted

A documentary film that spotlights Asian Indians, an important and growing immigrant population, will be the focus of Schoolcraft College’s next GlobalEYEzers program. Created by Dr. Arifa Javed, a sociologist and professor at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Essential Arrival: Michigan’s Indian Immigrants in the 21st Century, shows the contributions the Indian community has made to American society.

Dr. Arifa Javed with a map of the globe in the background
Dr. Arifa Javed, a sociologist and professor at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, created Essential Arrival: Michigan’s Indian Immigrants in the 21st Century

This Michigan-based production showcases the professional, social and cultural life of Indian immigrants in America, highlighting their assimilation in the mainstream while they retain some of their cultural capital. According to the American Immigration Council, India (11%) trails only Mexico (13%) as the top country of origin for immigrants in Michigan.

Essential Arrival: Michigan’s Indian Immigrants in the 21st Century will be screened on Zoom from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Friday, February 11. Join the screening with the following credentials:

Join the Zoom Meeting

  • Meeting ID: 838 2039 2692
  • Passcode: 422227

Watch the Trailer

This event is sponsored by the SCII Focus Series, the Student Activities Office and the Asian Students Association. Learn more about Schoolcraft College’s International Institute (SCII) on their website at schoolcraft.edu/scii. 

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Katelynn Haygood, Alumni

Katelynn Haygood earned her Associate in Science Degree and now is majoring in Environmental Studies and minoring in English at Wayne State University. She works in the Geology Department at Wayne State and as a Pharmacy Technician. She hopes to one day bio-engineer plants to improve overall air quality.

To help celebrate Black History Month, we’re pleased to share “My Story, My Voice,” a series of essays written by Schoolcraft College students, faculty, staff and alumni. Please go to schoolcraft.edu/BHM to read the complete collection.

Katelynn Haygood

By Katelynn Haygood, Alumni

Juan Haygood
Katelynn Haygood’s grandfather, Juan Haygood.

Black History Month is a time to remember those who have come before us and what lesson they can teach us in the present. I was lucky to have my grandfather, Juan Haygood, who made a huge impact on my life before he passed. When I was a young girl, he would take me fishing, hiking, and boating with him. My grandfather hated being outdoors and was the kind of man who always wore slacks and dress shoes. However, he knew I loved doing those things and always made time for us to be together. It was those moments of having positive encouragement that helped develop me into the adult I am today.

After he passed away, my dad told me more about his life and the things he accomplished. He was highly educated, a businessman, owned many properties, traveled the world, and lived a very full life. I hope to follow in his footsteps and live my life to the fullest. And also to graduate from the same college he attended, which was Wayne State University. 

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Cedric Howie, Professor of Economics

Professor Cedric Howie has been a full-time member of the faculty in Economics at Schoolcraft College for 31 years. Prior to coming to Schoolcraft, Professor Howie taught at colleges and universities in South Carolina, Massachusetts, Nebraska and Japan. His area of concentration is in microeconomics.

To help celebrate Black History Month, we’re pleased to share “My Story, My Voice,” a series of essays written by Schoolcraft College students, faculty, staff and alumni. Please go to schoolcraft.edu/BHM to read the complete collection.

Cedric Howie

By Cedric Howie, Professor of Economics

During February our country observes Black History Month. This is a time to learn about key figures, concepts, and texts representing African American history. Writing reflectively can develop one’s opinion on a topic. This year, I’m reflecting on Black History Education.  

The desire to write about and learn Black History is not a new priority in Black communities. Black educators, including W. E. B. Du Bois, Booker T. Washington, and Carter G. Woodson, historically wrote Black literary resources to correct white writers’ omissions and misrepresentations.

Black History Education became more mainstream during the Black Power Movement. The Movement prompted some states to create legislation mandating Black History Education in public schools.  Subsequently, Black History Education has experienced growing pains as it is conceived, perceived, and taught.  A prominent educator, Gloria Ladson-Billings, wrote in her 2003 Critical Race Theory: Perspectives on the Social Studies, “when schoolchildren learn ‘Black history,’ they learn that Black people are relatively insignificant to the growth and development of our democracy and our nation, and they represent a drain on the resources and values.”

We dishonor Black History Education when we teach about Black history instead of through Black history. The study of Black history should nurture the understanding of the importance of Blacks in America. Teaching through Black history means teaching from the actual historical experiences and voices of Black Americans.

Black History Month is an opportunity to reinvent Black History Education. When Black History Month was originated, Black History Education was little talked about or written about, leaving the impression that Black Americans had a minimal contributing presence in our country’s history.  Ideally, there would be no specific month for Black History or Black History Education; it would be an integral part of the American story continuously.

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Catreese Qualls, Student

Catreese Qualls is a non-traditional student and mother who serves as the Division III International Vice President of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She is a businesswoman; diversity, equity and inclusion mentor; and a Schoolcraft Scholar studying social work with an emphasis on urban studies. Catreese is a community advocate dedicated to empowering unrepresented and at-risk populations.

To help celebrate Black History Month, we’re pleased to share “My Story, My Voice,” a series of essays written by Schoolcraft College students, faculty, staff and alumni. Please go to schoolcraft.edu/BHM to read the complete collection. 

Catreese Qualls

By Catreese Qualls, Student

Closed doors, redirected pathways, carrying the burden while others reaped the harvest is the truth that’s helped to shape My Story! I’ve walked boldly in the face of adversity with bronzed feet, weathered cheeks, tear-filled eyes and a can-do spirit that will not be broken. Today I stand mighty, compelled by the blood, sweat, tears and rich history of those who laid the foundation beneath me. I’ve witnessed a perpetual war waged against children that looked like me; unequal education, housing inequities, food and financial insecurities and socioeconomic status all stamped denied. I’ve survived this ill contempt, elevating above these injustices to keep the torch aflame for those who shined it before me. 

I lay myself out as a blueprint for others to follow. African Americans can no longer afford to merely exist in mediocracy, nor afford to walk in the unbridled ignorance of those who seek to perpetuate centuries old oppressive behaviors. No! It has been declared that we should transition into a life filled with equity, promise and a hope of a better tomorrow. As a minority, a mother, and non-traditional student leader, I speak on behalf of those oppressed, underrepresented, stigmatized, stereotyped and otherwise rejected.

I use the legacy and fullness of the awakened warriors to run forward, speak the truth, denounce ignorance and dissolve hatred. Daily I overcome obstacles and breakdown barriers to challenge the status quo. I am a reflection of Sojourner Truth, forged in the unbreakable, unshakable and unmatched grit of my heroes of today: Venus & Serena, women embalmed by circumstance. Because of them and every other little girl and boy who would otherwise be silenced, I lift my voice to celebrate who I am. 

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Parents and children can meet instructors, ask questions

An open house for Kids on Campus (KOC), the popular summer enrichment program for children pre-school age through grade 12, will be held from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 8. Please come to the DiPonio Room of the VisTaTech Center on the campus of Schoolcraft College, 18600 Haggerty Road, Livonia, 48152.

Parents and children will have the opportunity to meet select class instructors and participate in hands-on activities. Staff will be available to answer questions about registration, which opens at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 10.

Kids on Campus Catalog cover
Registration for Kids on Campus begins Thursday, February 10

KOC’s summer day camps are led by skilled professionals in a diverse and dynamic social environment. The summer programs generally run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. to noon with limited before and after care available for a small fee. 

Hands-on learning experiences, which bring out the inquisitive side of even the most hesitant of participants, are emphasized. Children ready to engage in a whole new experience can enjoy access to computers, math, cultural immersion, acting, the arts, science, writing and career-oriented learning opportunities. For those who want to expand academically, skills workshops are also offered. 

Highlighting this summer’s new offerings are three new classes for middle school and high school students at our state-of-the-art Manufacturing & Engineering Center (MEC):

3D Printing and Design
Grades 7-9

Students will follow the same process as an industrial designer – read blueprints, draw and sketch an image, add dimensions and turn an idea into a 3D model using Tinkercad. They’ll then bring the idea to life with a 3D printer, creating an actual prototype.

Machine Manufacturing, Leading Edge Technology
Grades 10-12

Students will use Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software and real Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines to create, design, build and finish products.

Explore Manufacturing and Engineering Design, Build and Test
Grades 10-12

Students will learn Computer Aided Design (CAD), Manufacturing, Welding, Metallurgy and Robotics in this camp. They start by designing a product, then bring it to life in the Manufacturing and Welding labs. In the Metallurgy module, students will learn about metals and other materials to support product design and manufacturing. They then finish the week learning about Robotics and testing out their new product.

The classes at MEC run from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., allowing parents the opportunity to drop off children both there and at the main campus. The MEC is at 13001 Merriman Road in Livonia.

Learn more about Kids on Campus

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Knowing the difference can help you decide what path to pursue

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 some of the differences between the certificates and degrees that Schoolcraft College offers. The College has over 130 different programs leading to either a skills certificate, certificate, associate degree, or post-associate certificate. We also offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary and Dietary Operations Management.

Skills Certificates and Certificates

Skills Certificates and Certificates are viable credentials for improving your salary and career outlook. They are approved by the Schoolcraft College accrediting organization, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and by the Department of Education/Federal Financial Aid. The Skills Certificates and Certificates are earned by many students and can help you gain a job in your chosen field or can help advance your career in an industry. They do not require as much time, or as many classes, and so are an economical way to begin and achieve.

Students in regalia holding up degrees
Schoolcraft College offers a variety of credentials – Certificates, Skills Certificates, Associate Degrees and a Bachelor of Science degree – to help students attain their goals.

The Skills Certificate will help provide you with an introductory view of the field and may help you to obtain an entry-level position in a variety of roles. The Certificate can assist with entry-level positions as well as enter more concentrated career paths.

The credits earned are also stackable so that you can go on from earning the Skills Certificate (most are about 16 credits), to then earning the Certificate (about 16 additional credits). 

By achieving these certificate milestones, you will have access to potential entry-level positions, advancement in current positions, and advancement toward further degrees and professional certificates. It also will allow for new career paths for workers of any industry that have been displaced and are seeking a career change with a positive growth potential.

With success comes more confidence and the boost in confidence, career and earnings make these credentials very attractive.

Degrees

The majority of students at Schoolcraft College are working toward graduating with one of these four associate degrees:

  • Associate in Arts (AA)
  • Associate in Science (AS)
  • Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
  • Associate in Business Administration (ABA)

What are the differences?

Both the Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Science (AS) degrees are designed for students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a particular discipline. Many, if not all, credits can be transferred to four-year institutions. Check with your Academic Advisor, but in some cases it’s possible to enter a four-year school as a junior with all general education courses already completed. Earning an AS or AA at Schoolcraft College first can result in tremendous cost savings compared with attending a college or university for all four years to complete a bachelor’s degree.

An earlier Say What? explains these transfer possibilities in further detail.

An Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree is designed for those interested in entering the workforce right away and establishing a career in health care, business, manufacturing and more. Professionals already working in these fields find that completing an associate degree can lead to career advancement. In some cases, apprenticeships are available and employers may pay for classes.

An AAS is considered a “terminal degree” – that is, the courses are designed to get students the education they need to succeed in the workforce right way rather than serving as a foundation or stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree. While it’s possible to transfer AAS courses to a four-year institution, it’s not the usual path.

The Associate in Business Administration (ABA) is the best of both worlds, providing a foundation to both a bachelor’s degree and the knowledge to enter the workforce in a variety of business-related fields, including:

  • Accounting
  • Business Administration
  • Computer Information Systems
  • Finance
  • Human Resources Management
  • International Business
  • Management
  • Marketing

In addition, Schoolcraft College also confers the following degrees:

  • Associate in Engineering (AE)
  • Associate in Fine Arts (AFA)
  • Associate in General Studies (AGS)
  • Bachelor of Science (BS)

Like the AA and AS degrees, the Associate in Engineering (AE), Associate in Fine Arts (AFA), and Associate in General Studies (AGS) degrees are designed for students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution.

Schoolcraft College’s Bachelor of Science degree program, usually completed in four years, is in Culinary Arts. Students on this track earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary and Dietary Operations Management. As the name suggests, it prepares graduates for management positions in the food and nutrition industries. This program also combines business and science courses to broaden the knowledge base beyond culinary and improve the student’s career opportunities. 

There are many programs at Schoolcraft College offering certificates and degrees that will make a positive difference in your career opportunities and earnings. Continue to meet with your Academic Advisor to ensure you’re on the right path for all that you want to achieve with your education at Schoolcraft College. 

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The Lunar New Year begins February 1

In the United States, “Holiday Season” refers to the period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. For some countries and cultures, however, an important holiday is on the horizon. That holiday is the Lunar New Year, which is celebrated in many Asian countries as well as by people of Asian descent living in other nations. Heddy Worden, Director of Strategic Enrollment, graciously provided the following story on the Lunar New Year.

Colorful strings of lanterns
The Lantern Festival includes lit lanterns, representing family reunion and society, illuminating the night sky.

On Tuesday, February 1, over 1.5 billion people around the world will gather in celebration of the Lunar New Year—the first new moon of the lunisolar calendar!

This year celebrates the year of the Tiger, specifically the Water Tiger, a symbol representing strength, vitality and courage.

Also known as the Chinese New Year and Spring Festival, this ancient tradition was established millennia ago during the Han Dynasty and remains one of the most honored celebrations among Asian countries, including China, South Korea, and Singapore. Other Asian countries celebrate this time by a different name. In Vietnam, for example, the Lunar New Year is known as Tết, and in Tibet as Losar.

The Lunar New Year is, first and foremost, a time of family and gathering. It is a time to reunite with loved ones, solidify relationships, honor those who have gone before and rejoice in all that is new and positive. With over 1.5 billion travelling at one time, the Lunar New Year has been regarded as the single largest annual migration on the planet. This extraordinary period of travel even has a special name, Chunyun.

Colorful dragon costumes and presentation
Dragon dances are used to ward off bad omens.

During this time the special Chinese character Fù, printed on red paper and hung upside-down, adorns several city streets and households. The character represents fortune and good luck, while the diamond signifies that fortune is arriving.

Households undergo a thorough cleaning prior to the start of the Lunar New Year. All debts are paid and extravagant meals consisting of several dishes accompany the celebration, as do dances and astounding acrobatics. Among the most anticipated are the Lion and Dragon dances. These mythical figures, encased in red and accompanied by fireworks, are used to ward off bad omens and the ancient monster known as Nian. 

Numbers like 8 and 7, colors like red and gold, and fruits hold special meaning during the celebration and are intended to attract good luck.

Other practices and superstitions include:

  • Wearing new clothing in bright colors – black and white clothes are associated with mourning. 
  • Eating dumplings – the word dumpling is jiao zi, which closely resembles the Chinese adage of “out with the old and in with the new.”
  • Refraining from using scissors as they signifying severing rather than reuniting.
  • Not purchasing or gifting books during the celebration as the word for book, shứ, sounds too close to “lose.”
Two children smiling
Children receive red envelopes containing money.

The Lunar New Year celebration lasts for 16 days during which elders and parents present children and unmarried adults with red envelopes or pockets, hóng bāo, containing money and their well wishes for the new year. 

The celebration concludes with the much-anticipated Lantern Festival, during which millions of lit lanterns, representing family reunion and society, illuminate the night sky and herald in a bright new future.

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The play is a classic by Neil Simon

Schoolcraft Theatre is pleased to announce open auditions for a live performance of Neil Simon’s comedy “Barefoot in the Park.” Auditions will be in the James R. Hartman Theatre (Liberal Arts 500) on the Livonia Campus at 7:00 p.m. February 1 and 2 (Thursday and Friday). The play will be directed by faculty member Paul Beer.

“We are thrilled to prepare to welcome a live audience back to the James R. Hartman Theatre,” Beer said.  “We have missed the interaction with our live audiences, and hope to charm them with this Neil Simon classic.”  

Beer hopes to fill the following roles in the auditions:

  • Corie Bratter, a young newlywed
  • Paul Bratter, her new husband, a young lawyer
  • Mother, Corie’s mother, a suburban housewife
  • Victor Velasco, Corie and Paul’s eccentric older neighbor
  • Telephone repairman

Schoolcraft Theatre auditions are open to the entire Schoolcraft community – students, faculty, staff and community members. No prior experience is required. 

Barefoot in the Park
“Barefoot in the Park” premiered on Broadway in 1963.

Those auditioning are invited to prepare a 60-120 second comedic monologue, and will be asked to read from the script. Audition sides, and more information, are available at www.schoolcraft.edu/theatre. Please see the website for COVID-19 precautions.

Barefoot in the Park will be performed live in the James R. Hartman Theatre on March 25 and 26 (Friday and Saturday) and April 1 and 2 (Friday and Saturday). A matinee performance will held on Sunday, March 27.

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Prestigious program now in 14th year

Michael Williams, Director of Financial Aid

Michael Williams, Director of Financial Aid, has been named a member of the Michigan Chronicle’s latest class of Men of Excellence.

The Michigan Chronicle Men of Excellence Awards, in its 14th year, recognizes local African American men who inspire others through their vision, leadership, exceptional achievements, and participation in community service. They are men who exemplify extraordinary stature, poise and integrity who continue to break the mold and effect change in their professions and community.

Williams’ leadership, ability and overall professional excellence as Director of Financial Aid at Schoolcraft College are vital to connecting Schoolcraft College students to the financial resources they need to complete their educational goals. The basic responsibilities of his role include ensuring compliance with federal and state legislation, Title IV administration, and regulatory requirements for all student aid programs.

Of particular note, Williams oversaw the department that dispersed a total of $14,192,651 of federal aid from three waves of the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act, with every dollar accounted for in an independent audit.

Williams also actively develops plans to inform and educate students about all aspects of financial aid as well as streamlining processes to deliver financial aid. Williams’ acumen and passion have been noted by his peers as he has been elected to serve in leadership roles in several prominent state and regional organizations, including:

  • President and Vice President of the Michigan Student Financial Aid Association
  • State of Michigan Representative of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
  • State of Michigan Representative of the Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators

“I’m extremely honored to be one of this year’s Men of Excellence,” Williams said. “I’m deeply appreciative of the role the Michigan Chronicle plays in our community to ensure Black voices are heard and acknowledged, and I sincerely thank them for including me in this year’s class of Men of Excellence.”

In addition to his work at Schoolcraft College, Williams willingly gives back to the community and acts as a mentor in several ways. As a youth football coach for nearly 20 years, for example, including the last seven with the Detroit Spartans, he has mentored hundreds of young people. He’s helped them on a path of success that includes college scholarships, doctors, entrepreneurs and even pro football players – all with a message of becoming positive and productive members of their community. Williams also has willingly lent his professional expertise to adults in teaching them the principles of saving to help secure a more stable financial future.

Williams and the rest of this year’s Men of Excellence class will be inducted on Thursday, January 27, at The Eastern in the Eastern Market area of Detroit.

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Today for our Faculty Spotlight story we’re sitting down with Jufauri Ely, Program Director/Instructor for Radiologic Technology (RAD), and Faculty Representative for Medical Imaging Programs, to learn more about the many programs related to Radiology that Schoolcraft College has recently added and will be taught in the new Health Sciences Center.

Schoolcraft College: Hello, Jufauri! Please tell us a little about your background and what led you to Schoolcraft College.

Jufauri Ely: I have been a registered radiographer for over 21 years with history working as a Technologist, Lead Technologist, Manager of Diagnostic Imaging and currently an educator. I hold an Associate Degree in Applied Science Radiology from Ferris State University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Administration from Madonna University, and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. It was essential for me to find a position that helped students know their role as a health professional and how they could positively improve the lives of patients.

I wanted to work with Schoolcraft College specifically because they were responsive to the vast need for medical imaging professionals. They have created new in-demand occupational programs, designed a state-of-the-art imaging facility, and secured the latest equipment in diagnostic imaging. When the students complete these programs, they will find gainful employment and earn excellent salaries in a short period of time.

Schoolcraft College: What inspired you to become a certified radiologic technologist?

Jufauri Ely: I always wanted to be a scientist. When I was 16 I broke my thumb and went to Children’s Hospital to get it diagnosed and set. I thought it was interesting watching the doctors and technologists work, and I thought it would be a great job with two years of school and an associate degree. I received my degree and kept going for nine more years because medical imaging is an exciting field!

Schoolcraft College: Please give a high-level description of what will be taught and what students will learn.

Jufauri Ely: Schoolcraft College has added some of the most in-demand imaging programs in existence. We currently have a Radiologic Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and a Diagnostic Medical Sonography AAS degree, which prepare students to use specialized equipment to create diagnostic images of the internal structures of the human body. Though these technologies are quite different, they both can provide information to a radiologist to interpret. Through interpretation we find pathology, function and information that we can use to the patient’s benefit.

We also offer post-primary certifications in Mammography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Computed Tomography (CT). These programs allow students to further their education while gaining a new skill. Students will learn how to create 2D and 3D images in varying anatomical planes. They may be imaging cross-sectional anatomy or helping to identify a tumor.

Imaging technologists provide essential services to the community. We make the invisible visible, while being on the front lines. We are there prior to the diagnosis and we are involved in a multitude of health areas for the well-being of patients. We are part of the health team participating where there are injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and for injury prevention and generalized pain.

Jufauri Ely, Program Director/Instructor for Radiologic Technology (RAD), and Faculty Representative for Medical Imaging Programs

Schoolcraft College: Please tell us about some of the equipment.

Jufauri Ely: Schoolcraft College is providing advanced facilities, labs and equipment that are the standard in any major hospital. We will have the latest digital X-ray equipment and sonography machines. We also will be housed in a brand-new facility that allows for collaboration group work and real-world experiences. Other occupational health programs, such as Nursing, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Surgical Technology, also will be housed in the Health Sciences Center. This essentially allows the health team to work together as a unit.

Schoolcraft College: What are some of the careers that students enter after leaving your program? How does this program help in their career path?

Jufauri Ely: Upon completion of the program, students will become Radiographers, Sonographers, Mammographers, CT/MRI Technologists, Medical Imaging applications specialist or technical sales representatives. There are a plethora of paths that one can take in this field. We ensure that the imaging programs have rigor, work experiences, and a positive learning environment. We meet with hospital system administrators to build relationships and affiliation agreements. We help students to identify what types of positions they want, and we track their success at finding related employment.

Schoolcraft College: What do you want people to know most about your program? Are there any misconceptions people might have that you’d like to address?

Jufauri Ely: Medical imaging programs are high in demand because of the employment and salary opportunities. With the employment outlook being positive and median salary close to $60,000, it’s hard to find anything comparable.

One misconception is that these programs are easier to complete than other health programs. They require tons of commitment and empathy, and a passion for helping others. Medical imaging professionals work in surgical areas and perform exams after traumatic events. We do a lot more and see a lot more than most people realize.

Schoolcraft College: What advice might you give students who are interested in the medical imaging programs?

Jufauri Ely: You should enjoy technology, work to excel in math, anatomy, physiology and have a strong interest in science. The program is limited by our clinical availability, so if you are interested, first work with a Schoolcraft advisor. You can also work on the prerequisite classes and make sure you keep your grade point average up to become enrolled in the program.

Learn more about the Medical Imaging programs at Schoolcraft College.