‘A Pair of Kings’ hits the theatre stage Nov. 7, 8

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The production will take to the James R. Hartman Theatre stage Nov. 7 and 8 in Schoolcraft College’s Liberal Arts Building.

Directing one of the most legendary Greek tragedies of all time has been on Paul Beer’s bucket list since his time in graduate school.

After tinkering with some ideas, Beer, a theatre instructor at Schoolcraft College, believes he’s found a modern take on a pair of classic theatrical performances and will direct them this fall.

“A Pair of Kings” consists of one-act versions of Oedipus Rex by Sophocles and Ubu Roi by Alfred Jarry. The production will take to the James R. Hartman Theatre stage Nov. 7 and 8 in Schoolcraft College’s Liberal Arts Building.

Beer said he took the perceptions of the modern-day experience and saw the perfect fit to adapt these two performances into something modern audiences could relate to.

“As we see what many characterize as the rise of authoritarianism, it is a chance to see the danger of one person’s vision taking control.  And even if we didn’t equate it to this time, there are certainly other periods which have seen the same thing,” Beer said. “Similarly, Ubu Roi is about madness, about decisions that have no rational basis, and their appalling consequences.  For many, the present circumstances feel like ‘Ubu madness.’”

“Oedipus Rex” follows the story of King Oedipus, who seeks to rid Thebes of a deadly plague, only to discover that he has unknowingly fulfilled a prophecy by killing his father and marrying his mother. “Ubu Roi” is a darkly satirical play that premiered in 1896. The story follows the greedy and cowardly Père Ubu, whose violent rise to power and ridiculous reign lampoon corruption, tyranny and the chaos of human ambition.

The performance will feature a cast and crew featuring Schoolcraft College students, alumni and community members.

Despite the source material being older, Beer said the performances are done in modern language, complete with music and humor.

“Not only are classical and current issues at the forefront, but we are blending a number of historical styles into our eclectic performance: there will be elements of Greek tragedy and absurd theatre, of course, but also Commedia dell’Arte, and even Brecht’s theatre of alienation,” Beer said. “Every modern performance draws on many sources, but ours does, too. Finally, like good Greek tragedy, it might spark some catharsis for audience members, as they confront the intersection of these old tales with our modern world.”

“A Pair of Kings” will take the stage 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7 and 8, as well as at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 8 in the James R. Hartman Theatre inside the Liberal Arts building at Schoolcraft College. Admission is $15 and students are $10. Tickets may be purchased at schoolcraft.edu/theatre, by phone at 734-462-4596 or at the door.

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The Career Mentorship and Placement Office will present two events tailored to unique career needs: the Fellowship and Transfer Fair Nov. 4; and the BizTech Job Fair Nov 10.

Job seekers and students will have multiple opportunities to explore their next career steps at two events hosted by Schoolcraft College this November.

The Career Mentorship and Placement Office will present two events tailored to unique career needs:

  • Fellowship and Transfer Fair — 3–5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4, in McDowell Center, Room 100
  • BizTech Job Fair — 3–5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, in Vistatech Center, Room 425

Both events are free and open to the public and aim to connect attendees with educational and employment opportunities.

The Fellowship and Transfer Fair will allow two-year college students to explore pathways to four-year degrees and fellowship opportunities. Students in liberal arts, sciences and related disciplines will have the chance to meet with representatives from colleges, universities and fellowship programs. The event is sponsored by the Career Mentorship and Placement Office, the Office of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Center for Experiential Learning and Advising and Transfer Services.

The BizTech Job Fair will connect candidates with employers in industries such as accounting, business, information technology and supply chain management. Applicants are encouraged to bring résumés and dress professionally. **The event is sponsored by the Career Mentorship and Placement Office and Occupational Programs such as Accounting, Business, Computer Information Systems and Supply Chain Management.

“These placement events strengthen connections between students, employers and higher education partners across our community,” said Sharon Christian, Director of the Career Mentorship and Placement Office at Schoolcraft College. “Each event helps open doors to new opportunities — whether that’s transferring to a university, finding a fellowship or launching a career.”

For more information about the fairs and the services offered by the Career Mentorship and Placement Office, visit schoolcraft.edu/careeradvantage.

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Loung Ung, author of “First They Killed My Father,” will give a talk and answer questions Nov. 11 during her visit to campus.

Students and members of the community will have the opportunity to hear from a bestselling author later this fall at Schoolcraft College.

Loung Ung, the author of the memoir “First They Killed My Father,” will be on campus to share her story. Her presentation begins at 10 a.m. Nov. 11, in the Kehrl Auditorium of the Vistatech Center, 18600 Haggerty Road in Livonia.

Her memoir recounts her experiences during the 1975 fall of Phnom Penh, which ended the Cambodian Civil War, and was adapted into a 2017 Netflix Original film directed by Angelina Jolie. Over the next four years, she lost her parents and two siblings, was separated from her family, and was trained as a child soldier. In 1980, at the age of 10, Ung and her brother escaped to a refugee camp in Thailand before resettling in Vermont.

In addition to a presentation, Ung will answer questions from the audience as well.

“We are thrilled to welcome Loung Ung to Schoolcraft College this fall,” said Colleen Pilgrim, a psychology instructor. “Her powerful story and tireless advocacy for human rights provide our students and community with a rare opportunity to engage directly with a voice of courage and resilience. Hosting Ms. Ung reflects our commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue and inspiring the next generation to think critically about global issues.”

The event is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to read “First They Killed My Father” and bring their copies of the book for Ung to sign. No books will be available to purchase at the event.

This is a Schoolcraft College Focus Series and Schoolcraft Pageturners collaborative event. The event is supported by the Center for Experiential Learning and the Schoolcraft College Foundation.

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Miller’s job is to connect job seekers with the help they need as a part of Schoolcraft College’s Career Mentorship and Placement Office.

Jessica Miller’s career has been all about guiding students about careers and encouraging them along their career journey.

The Career Services Navigator in the Schoolcraft College Career Mentorship and Placement Office began her role earlier this year, quickly getting adjusted and helping students.

A Michigan State University alumna, Miller graduated with an English degree. She then made her way to graduate school at Eastern Michigan University, earning a master’s degree in guidance and counseling with a focus in college student personnel. She ended up working in the career services office at the university and discovered her love of helping people. Since then, she’s remained working at various higher education institutions helping students and alumni find work.

Miller began working at Schoolcraft College in January. As she’s been here longer, she’s seen more interest in career mentorship services.

“I meet with students, alumni and the community and help them with just exploring their career path,” she said. “It could be reviewing their resumes, cover letters, job search strategies, interviewing.

Miller visits classes, sharing knowledge with students as they begin their education, helping them better understand what they can do to prepare to enter the workforce once they complete their education. In addition to occupational programs – such as business and accounting – Miller said she’s spoken to plenty of liberal arts classes, including English and history. Career guidance supports all students in all ranges of professions.

As such, the list of who is eligible to receive help is large, and Miller is always working with a wide range of jobseekers including current students, alumni and the community.

“There’s such a diverse group of the population that comes in. Current students, graduates, and community members utilize our range of holistic career services,” Miller said. “We strive to support the greater Schoolcraft College community for their personalized career and economic goals.”

She also coordinates the drop-in career support service which offers current students and recent alumni the opportunity to get assistance with resumes, cover letters, interviewing and LinkedIn tips from student mentors.

The Drop -In Career Support is in the Jeffress Center Room 124. Fall semester hours are Tuesdays-Thursdays from 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Those interested in learning more about how Miller and the Career Mentorship and Placement Office can visit schoolcraft.edu/career-services or visit the office, which is in the Jeffress Center Room 340.

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Deciding she needed a new career path several years ago, Charlotte Lawrie came to Schoolcraft College looking for a change. She found it and later opened her own shop in downtown Garden City.

A car crash nearly 20 years ago made Charlotte Lawrie realize she needed to change career paths.

Long a staple in the customer service field, Lawrie had dreams of working her way up in her field, eventually becoming a manager with a great benefits package. But after the car crash, she found it difficult to stand for long periods of time, which made her reconsider her career choice.

Realizing she enjoyed the creative side of business, Lawrie – a Garden City High School alumna – decided to go back to school and learn graphic design.

“I was like. ‘There’s got to be something else I can do,’” she said. “I thought, ‘I’m going to go to school and I’m going to design websites, because I love doing that kind of stuff.’”

Looking around, she discovered the amazing faculty at Schoolcraft College and enrolled.

Here, she embraced her creative side, taking a photography class and falling in love with creating beautiful images with a camera. She was urged by family and friends to become a photographer.

While Lawrie enjoyed taking senior photos and other portraits – especially once she opened a photo studio in a permanent location in Garden City – it wasn’t paying the bills. Then another pivot came: after her sister used her space one day for a craft party, she realized she could make that her living.

Thus, Creative Sol Makery was born.

Opening in 2014, the shop located at 5909 Middlebelt in downtown Garden City, has become Lawrie’s passion. In addition to selling art and art supplies, the space has a dedicated back room for crafters to host events. The shop has seen plenty of success, including being named the Business of the Month by the Wayne County Commission for September 2025.

Lawrie credits her time at Schoolcraft College as the reason for her success in operating the store. Being exposed to a wide range of experiences, especially as a post-traditional student in her 30s, gave her a new outlook on life. Besides attending classes, Lawrie got involved with the student photography club and worked at The Schoolcraft Connection newspaper. She even submitted a design for the Michigan Jazz Festival one year, which was selected as the event’s logo.

“I did my research, and it was very important to me where I got my education from,” she said. “If it wasn’t for Schoolcraft, I wouldn’t have done any of this.”

Charlotte Lawrie working on craft in maker space
Charlotte Lawrie, owner of Creative Sol Makery in downtown Garden City, works on a project in the back of her shop. Lawrie is a graduate of Schoolcraft College, using the skills she acquired in school to help boost her small business.

Her involvement on campus was incredibly valuable, said Rena Laverty, who works in the Student Activities Office and serves as the adviser for The Schoolcraft Connection.

“Charlotte’s passion for art and photography has always been remarkable. Working with her as a student was a true pleasure,” Laverty said. “Watching her thrive for more than a decade after graduation reflects the creativity and drive she brought to Schoolcraft College from the very start.”

Lawrie’s advice for students in a similar situation as her? Don’t be afraid to make the move and enroll.

“It scares people because they’re thinking about homework and all that. But if you want to do something creative and fun, they have that. You don’t have to be scared,” she said. “There are so many offerings at that Schoolcraft.”

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Initiated through the Career Mentorship and Placement Office, the College2Career Professional Mentorship program returns this fall to provide opportunities for students to acquire firsthand knowledge from industry-experienced staff and faculty leaders.

Just one semester of mentoring has shown Jason Greifenberg how important mentorship is for student success.

The Executive Director of Infrastructure Administration and Business Continuity in the Information Technology department at Schoolcraft College had never participated in a mentorship program but found his experience as a College2Career Professional Mentor incredibly valuable.

“In just a few months of mentoring students here at Schoolcraft College, I’ve already witnessed the value of providing motivation, building confidence, and helping students navigate both college life and their transition into the workforce,” he said.

This past spring marked the inaugural semester of Schoolcraft College’s College2Career Professional Mentorship program, which saw a dozen mentors connect with mentees from various industries such as Information Technology, Supply Chain, Business, and Healthcare. Initiated through the Career Mentorship and Placement Office, the program plans to return this fall to provide opportunities for students to acquire firsthand knowledge from industry-experienced staff and faculty leaders.

After meeting with one of his mentees, Greifenberg made time to meet throughout the semester. A key feature of this program allowed mentors and mentees to set their schedule to their liking: meeting as much or as little as needed.

With his mentee, Greifenberg said he encouraged him to celebrate his accomplishments, no matter how big or small. That included walking at this year’s commencement ceremony.

That conversation was one, Greifenberg said, that stuck with his mentee.

“He kind of paused and said, ‘I’ve never heard that before,’” Greifenberg said. “They had a party at home and his family was there. It was a good time all around. I feel happy for him that my mentorship helped him obtain that moment.”

Having the experience of working with students in the mentorship program, Greifenberg said such a program is important to make Schoolcraft College a better place.

“Mentoring isn’t just about sharing knowledge — it’s about investing in the future of our students,” he said. “When we take time to support and guide them, we’re not only helping them succeed academically and professionally — we’re also strengthening our entire college community.”

The College2Career Professional Mentorship Program pairs students with faculty and staff at Schoolcraft to establish career goals, create action items towards those goals, and gain valuable industry insights.

Mentorship opportunities are available to students for the upcoming Fall semester. For more information, contact the Career Mentorship and Placement office at [email protected].

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Guests will enjoy an evening of dinner, dancing, live music, kitchen tours and more during the signature event, which will feature a Nashville chic theme.

CulEx 2025: An American Harvest — the Schoolcraft College Foundation’s signature fundraising event — will bring Nashville to campus on Thursday, October 23, 2025. The celebration takes place inside the Vistatech Center at Schoolcraft College, 18600 Haggerty Road in Livonia, and kicks off with the Sponsor Pre-Glow at 5:30 p.m., followed by the main event at 6 p.m.

Guests will enjoy an evening of dinner, dancing, live music, kitchen tours and more. The strolling farm-to-table menu features seasonal small plates and pastries prepared by the College’s award-winning Culinary Arts students and Master Chefs. Between bites, guests can explore state-of-the-art facilities – including the kitchens that host the Certified Master Chef exam for the American Culinary Federation – the American Harvest restaurant run by culinary students, and the Collaborative Learning Studio, a one-of-a-kind demonstration kitchen that opened in 2023.

This evening’s libation highlights include exclusive brews from the College’s Brewing and Distillation program, whiskey tastings from Detroit City Distillery and Nashville-inspired craft cocktails from Alchemi. Dance the night away with live tunes from The Fox and the Fiddle, followed by DJ-led fun that’ll keep the energy high all evening long.

“CulEx is more than a fundraiser — it’s a one-of-a-kind experience that brings our community together to support students and the future of education,” said Dawn Magretta, Executive Director of the Schoolcraft College Foundation. “It’s truly a unique evening you won’t find anywhere else.”

Sponsorship and ticket information are available at scf.schoolcraft.edu.

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The Nursing Department at Schoolcraft College will host a site visit for continuing national accreditation for its Associate of Applied Sciences Degree in Nursing and the Practical Nursing Certificate programs by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Have something to share about Schoolcraft College’s Nursing program? Now’s your chance.

The Nursing Department at Schoolcraft College wishes to announce that it will host a site visit for continuing national accreditation for its Associate of Applied Sciences Degree in Nursing and the Practical Nursing Certificate programs by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

You are invited to meet with the site visit team and share your comments about the program in person at a meeting scheduled from 3:30 to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in the Health Sciences Building, HS room 984, located at the Livonia Campus, 18600 Haggerty Road, Livonia, MI 48482.

Written comments are also welcome and should be submitted to the ACEN via email at [email protected] or to the ACEN office: Attn: Accreditation Services Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing 3390 Peachtree Rd NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta GA, 30326

All written comments should be received by the ACEN by October 1, 2025.

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About 15 students enrolled in a special, weeklong seminar in August entitled “Embracing Detroit and its Environments. It offered students interdisciplinary classroom learning, reflection and immersive experiences in Detroit.

Spending a week reflecting some of Detroit’s cultural and ecological treasures was an eye-opening experience for Rune Cuthrell.

Exploring places such the Black Bottom neighborhood and Belle Isle showed Cuthrell and their Schoolcraft College classmates a part of Detroit they perhaps may not have understood before.

Geology instructor holding large rock
Geology instructor Samer Hariri speaks to students during the summer seminar “Embracing Detroit and its Environments.” (Photo by Rune Cuthrell)

“This week allowed me to view Detroit in a new way and to learn some history I had never been acquainted with before,” they said. “I was profoundly impacted by our visits to Lafayette Park, as well as the Wright Museum of African American History.”

About 15 students enrolled in a special, weeklong seminar that took place in August. Entitled “Embracing Detroit and its Environments,” was sponsored by Schoolcraft College’s Center for Experiential Learning (CEL) – offering students interdisciplinary classroom learning, reflection and immersive experiences in Detroit.

Participants in this non-credit fellowship program embarked on learning in the classroom and in the city, exploring topics such as urban renewal, poetry, the impact of invasive species on biodiversity and more. Students were taught by several Schoolcraft College instructors, all from varying disciplines.

Capping the week, students stepped onto a boat and took a tour of the Detroit River, exploring the waterway’s ecological and historical impact on the region.

Those who signed up for the seminar found it was the perfect way to connect with the city.

group student photo with Detroit backdrop
A group photo taken of the students and faculty who participated in the summer seminar “Embracing Detroit and its Environments.”

“This is an opportunity for me to get back into the community, because I think you should live and serve in the community in which you reside,” said Patti Conover, a post-traditional student who’s seeking a position in law after working several decades as a trauma nurse. “In order for me to do that as a student, I have to learn and appreciate and acknowledge not only the differences in culture, but in people and how people and the environment collaborate.”

The program is one that’s been in the works for two years, said Errin Stegich-Moloney, the Manager of the Center for Experiential Learning at Schoolcraft College. This seminar provided students with ample enrichment opportunities and gave them a baseline to better understand the region around them.

“We had incredible engagement during the seminar, and I’m so happy to see the CEL Summer Seminar Fellowship become a huge success,” Stegich-Moloney said. “Having our students better understand the world around them was the goal, and after seeing the students present on their findings, it’s clear our students have a better understanding of the city.”

Cuthrell certainly felt the impact of the week. They said it made them think harder about the impacts left on places like Detroit, and they said it will be something they will carry with them for a long, long time.

“The CEL Summer Seminar Fellowship as a whole encouraged me to contemplate what justice means to me, what it means for our environment and what it means for the City of Detroit,” they said. “The fellowship was an enriching journey that I will not soon forget.”

journal page of images and handwritten notes
A page from Rune Cuthrell’s journal during the seminar. Students throughout the week journaled their experiences as they traveled. (Photo by Rune Cuthrell)

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Schoolcraft College has teamed up with the Better Business Bureau of Michigan to host a job fair this fall focusing on skilled trades.

Job seekers can find a new position by attending a skilled trades career fair next month at Schoolcraft Collge.

The career fair will take place from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Sept. 25 in the DiPonio Room of the Vistatech Center, 18600 Haggerty Road. Presented by the Better Business Bureau of Michigan and the Schoolcraft College Office of Career Mentorship and Placement, this dynamic event will focus on positions within the skilled trades.

The career fair is free and open to job seekers, with registration requested but not required. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with local employers, learn about open positions, and in some cases, interview on site. Guests are encouraged to dress in interview-appropriate attire and bring several copies of their résumé.

Attendees will find opportunities for long-term career growth with local employers. The fair welcomes students, graduates, veterans, experienced professionals and career changers in the skilled trades. It also supports the BBB Educational Foundation’s mission to educate individuals and businesses about ways to operate safely and ethically in today’s marketplace.

“There are so many opportunities for those seeking jobs in the skilled trades, and we’re excited to team up with the Better Business Bureau of Michigan to hold this job fair in the Vistatech Center on campus,” said Dr. Glenn Cerny, President of Schoolcraft College. “This job fair will provide many opportunities for guests to meet employers and find a new position that fits their skillset.”

For employers, exhibitor registration is $100, or $75 for BBB Accredited Businesses and chamber members. Vendors who reserve a booth by Sept. 3 will also be entered into a drawing to have their booth fee fully reimbursed. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

A recent survey put out by the BBB® showed its Accredited Businesses in the skilled trades identified “hiring and maintaining employees” as one of their greatest challenges. Given this challenge, the BBB of Michigan decided to team up with Schoolcraft College for this upcoming job fair.

“At BBB of Michigan, we are deeply committed to supporting both the businesses that serve our communities and the individuals who help them thrive,” said Lisa Frohnapfel, President and CEO of BBB of Michigan. “We heard our Accredited Businesses loud and clear—there’s a growing need for skilled trades talent—and we’re proud to take action by bringing together employers, job seekers, and partners for this important hiring event.”

For more information or to register as an attendee or vendor, visit BBB.org/local/0372/jobfair.

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The community is invited to bring by their old computers, phones and more for recycling.

Got old electronics at home? Get rid of them at Schoolcraft College later this fall.

The College will hold an e-waste recycling day for the community Sept. 13. Those with electronic waste such as old computers, tablets, cellphones and more are encouraged to bring them to the north parking lot at Schoolcraft College near the Health Sciences Center to dispose of them.

Items eligible for donation include:

  • Computers
  • Cellphones
  • Tablets
  • Electronic cords
  • Household batteries
  • Audio/video equipment
  • Flat screen monitors

Items that we cannot accept:

  • Kitchen appliances and other white goods (fridges, stoves, kitchen appliances)
  • Microwaves
  • CRT televisions

Donations will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day. There is no limit for the amount of e-waste that can be donated.

“We know with the school year starting soon, families are cleaning out their homes and finding things they need to get rid of. This e-waste recycling event is the perfect opportunity to get rid of those old electronics that have been hanging around for too long,” said Nicholas Nelson, Shipping and Receiving Operations Supervisor at Schoolcraft College. “We’re looking forward to offering this incredible service this fall to the community.”

The recycling event will take place with the assistance of CERS Lifecycle, the company Schoolcraft College works with to recycle its old electronics on campus.

Vehicles are asked to line up in the parking lot entering off of St. Joe’s Parkway, which is accessible from either Haggerty Road or Seven Mile Road. There, cars will then queue in the parking lot near the Health Sciences Center, where their e-waste will be collected.

The event is free and open to the public, though attendees are encouraged to bring a canned or non-perishable food item to benefit the Schoolcraft College Food Pantry drive to help feed students in need.

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The partnership between Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace and Schoolcraft College will grant students in areas of study such as culinary arts, business, supply chain management and more access to real-world experiences on campus that cannot be found anywhere else.

A brand-new partnership between Schoolcraft College and Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace will feature incredible opportunities for students.

Highlighted in a recent promotional video produced by Schoolcraft College’s Media Services department, the partnership will grant students in areas of study such as culinary arts, business, supply chain management and more access to real-world experiences on campus that cannot be found anywhere else.

“We’re very excited for this new opportunity and new phase of our life with Nino’s. We’re very fortunate that we’re able to pull your students, who have a background and have a flair for the culinary arts,” said Leo Salvaggio, one of the market’s owners. “We’re going to help the students. We’re going to help the students grow and understand exactly what they’re getting into.”

The new market — which is currently under construction on the north side of Schoolcraft College’s campus along Haggerty Road — will not only provide the community with a high-class shopping experience, it will also serve as an extension of Schoolcraft College’s hands-on education. Through the partnership, guests to the market will observe students getting real-world experience in a variety of disciplines.

Curriculum ideas are already in the works for several academic departments, with students already getting hands-on experience: culinary arts students have spent time with Nino Salvaggio’s staff learning how to properly identify the right produce to take back to the market with hands-on experience at Detroit Produce Terminal.

Arielle Taylor, a full-time business instructor, said students will get a chance to directly impact operations of the market in a unique way.

“If you’re looking at a BUS 101 course, our students will be able to learn about buying patterns and what it takes to run a grocery store from start to finish,” Taylor said. “It’s exciting because our students will be able to come up with these opportunities that will get our community members to come back to campus.” Securing the academic experience for students to get this experience was a top goal of Schoolcraft College President Dr. Glenn Cerny at the beginning of the project.

“Watching the new building go up and the relationships forged between Schoolcraft College and Nino Salvaggio’s is a dream come true,” Cerny said. “Making sure our students get the best experiences is what we’re all about, and this partnership will give them the tools they need to succeed.” Nino Salvaggio’s International Marketplace is scheduled to open by the end of 2025. It will be the company’s first location in Wayne County.