Schoolcraft College alumna named National Student Pastry Chef of the Year 

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Allison White, who recently graduated from Schoolcraft College, has been awarded the 2024 National Student Pastry Chef of the Year through the American Culinary Federation.

A recent Schoolcraft College graduate has been awarded the 2024 National Student Pastry Chef of the Year through the American Culinary Federation.

Allison White competed earlier this week at the ACF’s national competition in Phoenix, Arizona, against three other chefs for the title. She was named the winner after creating a pair of dishes using the required ingredients. The winning dishes were:

  • A Contemporary Sacher Torte made with pistachio shortbread, gluten-free chocolate cake, apricot mousse, a chocolate glaze and an apricot sorbet
  • A Warm Peach and Plum Strudel, made with blueberry balsamic compote, pecan cookie crumble, sour cream and brown sugar ice cream

“I’m ecstatic to earn this recognition. Baking has become a passion of mine and to be named the ACF’s Student Pastry Chef of the Year is an absolute honor,” White said. “I’m extremely grateful to everyone who helped me along this journey, including my instructors at Schoolcraft College.”

group of four holding an award
Retired Schoolcraft College Culinary Arts faculty Chef Joseph Decker, Allison White, Schoolcraft College faculty members Chef Heather Moore and Chef Drew Sayes.

White won a competition in May at the Culinary Institute of Michigan in Port Huron, which enabled her the chance to compete on the national stage. She has spent the past several months honing her dishes in the kitchens at Schoolcraft College, returning several days a week to perfect her entries.

She ran into trouble when arriving in Arizona: White’s cake layers she planned to use in the competition did not survive the flight. That’s when Schoolcraft College’s own president, Dr. Glenn Cerny, stepped up: Cerny and his wife own a home in the Phoenix area, which they opened to her to remake her cake layers right before the competition.

“Helping each other out is what Schoolcraft College is all about. Whether it’s here on campus or thousands of miles away, everyone at the College wants to step up and help our students however we can,” Cerny said. “Allison is a perfect example of what our students are made of: they’re resilient, talented and successful. She is a great representation of Schoolcraft College’s award-winning Culinary Arts program.”

Chef Heather Moore, CMB, CEPC, a Culinary Arts faculty member who worked with White, said she knew quickly that White was a great candidate to compete for such awards.

“Allison has a great mindset when it comes to baking and I’m not surprised at her success,” Moore said. “After seeing her in class, we knew she had the skillset and talent to be a successful competitor. Myself and the rest of the Culinary Arts faculty at Schoolcraft College are incredibly proud of her accomplishments.”

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The annual event has dozens of performances across several stages at Schoolcraft College.

Jazz lovers unite: the smooth sounds of the Michigan Jazz Festival return this weekend to Schoolcraft College.

The 29th Annual Michigan Jazz Festival takes place all day July 21 on the grounds of Schoolcraft College. Featuring 39 performances across eight stages, the festival brings some of the most talented jazz musicians under one roof at the Vistatech Center. Schoolcraft College is a festival sponsor, having hosted the Festival since 1999.

This year’s festival takes advantage of all the new spaces redone in the Vistatech 2.0 renovations, which wrapped up last summer. New this year is the Michigan Humanities’ Jazz Talks!, which takes place in the new Collaborative Learning Studio. Guests can listen to interviews and discussions from presenters such as journalist and author Mark Stryker, as well as listen to George Sinnott interview people such as Ramona Collins, Jerry McKenzie and Barbara Ware.

Cabaret performances will take place in the American Harvest restaurant, which is expanded this year.

Returning after a one-year hiatus is the Future of Jazz Stage, which will take place in the Waterman Wing of the Vistatech Center. This stage features high school and college acts, including the Valentino Tischio Quartet, the Nolan Johnson Trio and the Wayne State Jazztet.

Those who arrive early to the festival can stop by the Presentation Stage in the Kehrl Auditorium for a vocal jazz clinic, Vocal Jazz A-B-C’s, put on by April Tini. This clinic will begin at 10:30 a.m.

Admission to the festival is free. Performances begin at noon throughout the festival and run all day. A full list of performances can be found at michiganjazzfestival.org.

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Allison White will compete to become the American Culinary Federation’s Student Pastry Chef of the Year during a competition July 14-18 in Phoenix, Arizona.

A newfound love of baking began at age 12 for Allison White.

She enrolled in a cupcake decorating class as a part of Kids on Campus, the Schoolcraft College summer camp program put on for youngsters each year by Personal & Professional Learning.

person stirring a whisk in kitchen
A photo of Allison White participating in a Kids on Campus summer camp when she was 12.  

Now, 14 years later, she’s taking those skills she’s collected over the years and putting them to the test: White will compete to become the American Culinary Federation’s Student Pastry Chef of the Year during a competition July 14-18 in Phoenix, Arizona.

She received a degree originally in graphic design out of high school, but when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she decided to head back to school for something different. It’s been quite a journey for White, who came back to school to pursue a degree in the culinary arts, specifically in pastry.

“I love cooking in a normal kitchen, but the intricate detail and the whole science behind baking and pastries, that’s kind of where my heart’s at,” she said. “Plus, it always tastes good, too.”

She enrolled in several culinary classes, including the salon competition course, a section she particularly enjoyed. She then was approached by several Culinary Arts faculty members, inquiring if White was interested in being nominated to compete. She was honored and began practicing.

“Allison has a great mindset when it comes to baking and it was a no-brainer when we approached her to compete,” said Chef Heather Moore, CMB, CEPC, a Culinary Arts faculty member. “After seeing her in class, we knew she had the skillset and talent to be a successful competitor.”

She competed for the first time in February, her first such event. She ended up leaving with a gold medal from that competition.

Fast forward to the beginning of May, where White headed to the Culinary Institute in Port Huron. There, she put her best foot forward, creating several dishes put up against several student chefs from across the central United States. After the judging was complete, she got the word: she had won an individual award and won the chance to compete in the national competition happening in July.

chef glazing pastry in kitchen
Allison White preps for the American Culinary Federation Student Pastry Chef of the Year in the Schoolcraft College kitchens

She couldn’t believe her ears when her instructor told her the news.

“I started screaming at the point where they had to shut the doors because they thought something was going wrong,” White said.

If that wasn’t exciting enough for White that day, she then packed up and headed back to Livonia for another major event: Schoolcraft College’s 59th Annual Commencement, where she walked across the stage after earning an Associate in Applied Science Degree and a Certificate in Baking.

“It was a very busy day. It was insane,” she said. “It was a crazy day, but it was a good memory.”

Since graduating, White can still be found in the Schoolcraft College kitchens, working to prepare her two dishes for competition later this month. She’s testing recipes, including crepes and tortes made with a variety of sweet ingredients.

After the competition, she plans on sticking around and working as an assistant the next school year. Eventually, White said she would love to end up at a largescale baking operation at a place such as Mackinac Island.

“I told myself I have the summer to focus on competition to get myself to that national title level,” she said. “I would like to eventually go work somewhere in a big pastry kitchen.”

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The agreement will allow students to transfer from WCCCD to Schoolcraft College to access a seamless career pathway catering to the high-demand employment needs of the culinary arts industry.

Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) and Schoolcraft College are excited to announce a new collaboration in the field of culinary arts. A new agreement between the colleges provides students with a unique opportunity to access a seamless career pathway that includes multiple stackable credentials, catering to the high-demand employment needs of the culinary arts industry.

Under the agreement, students can complete foundational culinary arts courses at WCCCD, earning for-credit certificates in preparation to transfer to Schoolcraft College to build additional credentials that culminate in a Bachelor of Science Degree in Culinary and Dietary Operations Management from Schoolcraft. The program also offers accelerated options that combine industry-aligned classroom instruction with hands-on training.

culinary student stirring a pan on fire in cooking
A Schoolcraft College culinary arts student.

 “This agreement is a win-win for both of our institutions. Working together to better our students’ education is every college’s mission, and having agreements in place such as this one only help to serve the students both our schools serve,” said Dr. Glenn Cerny, president of Schoolcraft College. “We’re excited to welcome students from WCCCD to our campus to continue their studies and hope this agreement leads to other similar arrangements that benefit all our students.”

“Our mission has always been to offer our students pathways to better lives through higher education,” said WCCCD Chancellor Dr. Curtis Ivery. “We are proud to partner with Schoolcraft College to mark a significant step forward in culinary arts education, offering students a robust and comprehensive pathway to success in a thriving industry.”

This agreement will take effect later this fall with 15 students. For more information, please call 313-496-2345.

Main photo: Wayne County Community College District Chancellor Dr. Curtis Ivery, left, shakes hands with Dr. Glenn Cerny, president of Schoolcraft College. The two schools have entered into an agreement to provide students a pathway to earning a credential in the culinary arts.

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When a fellow fencer collapsed while walking across the gym floor earlier this spring, these people sprung into action. Their work saved his life.

Interest in fencing from her daughter got Stephanie Wilson into the sport.

After taking her daughter to a fencing class offered through Schoolcraft College’s Personal & Professional Learning, she realized it wasn’t just for young people. So she picked up a foil and took it up. That led to plenty of nights of bouts, including against her own daughter.

It also led the registered nurse to utilize her CPR training when a fellow fencer collapsed earlier this year.

Wilson, along with several other members of the fencing club that met regularly at Schoolcraft College, ended up needing that skill the evening of March 15, 2024. That evening, while in between bouts, fellow fencer Kevin Ede collapsed, losing his heartbeat and going into cardiac arrest.

“When you’re in the field, you need to keep up your CPR training every two years,” she said. ““You never know when you’re going to use it.”

Thanks to the quick action of several members of the club – several with medical backgrounds – Ede survived his incident. He credits the CPR his fellow fencers performed on him, as well as the automated external defibrillator (AED) used on him that was just around the corner.

Because of their actions, four individuals – Wilson, Michael Byrd of Plymouth, Sean Layow of Northville and Patrick Paquette of Livonia – were recently recognized by Schoolcraft College. The recognition included a Citizen Lifesaving Award from the Board of Trustees and a special Chief’s Challenge Coin from Police Chief Mark Engstrom.

large group photo with the college board and president
police chief handshaking citizen

Left: The four members who played a major role in saving Kevin Ede’s life pose with their recent commendations along with the Schoolcraft College Board of Trustees and Dr. Glenn Cerny, President of the College.
Right: Schoolcraft College Chief of Police Mark Engstrom presents Patrick Paquette with a Chief’s Challenge Coin. Paquette, along with three others, received the award for aiding in saving a life earlier this spring on campus.

“We couldn’t be prouder of all those who helped save this man’s life that night in the gym,” said Dr. Glenn Cerny, president of Schoolcraft College. “Their efforts and quick actions made a difference, and we’re honored to recognize them for their efforts.”

After wrapping up a fencing bout, Ede was walking across the gym floor in the Physical Education Building when he collapsed. His fellow fencers, not knowing what had happened to him, began to assess the situation and realized he was not breathing.

“I assessed the situation. He looked like he was having seizures,” said Byrd, a member of the fencing club who also works as an emergency nurse at an area hospital. “Then I checked him for a pulse and he had a pulse, but then lost it.”

Noticing this, Byrd, Wilson and Layow assisted in providing CPR to Ede. Paquette quickly ran out of the gym and into the hallway to fetch the AED device, which was located just down the hallway from the gym. The device was prepped and Ede shocked, which eventually led to him regaining his pulse.

All these steps lined up perfectly to resuscitate Ede, saving his life. From the time he collapsed to being revived, a total of 3.5 minutes elapsed.

For Wilson, this felt much, much longer.

“Honestly, in real time, it felt like it was 15-20 minutes,” she said. “It’s definitely a sense of relief for all of us.”

Knowing where the AED was located was crucial to Ede’s survival. Buildings all across Schoolcraft College’s campus have AEDs located inside them.

Because of its close proximity, the rate of success of saving Ede’s life increased, Byrd said.

“The longer we have to do CPR and the longer we have to do that first shock makes all the difference in getting him back,” Byrd said. “Every minute, every couple of seconds that he does not have that hooked up means less survivability.”

Engstrom said he believes organizations of all kinds should keep one on hand nearby to use when cardiac emergencies happen.

“This event is the perfect example of how important AED devices across campus are. Without this device, we may have had a different result,” Engstrom said. “This event just shows why having an AED device readily available is crucial. We encourage all organizations thinking about purchasing an AED to highly consider it. You could save someone’s life.”

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After a career in accounting, Eric Sokoloski found himself wanting more. So he enrolled at Schoolcraft College to learn how to brew the perfect craft beer. 

Real-life experience from his instructors was a critical part of Eric Sokoloski’s education at Schoolcraft College. 

A Dearborn High School graduate, Sokoloski had spent several years working in accounting. But he found himself wanting more. A radio spot he heard advertising Schoolcraft College’s Brewing and Distillation Technology program piqued his interest.  

A passionate homebrewer, he thought combining his business sense with his creative sense would lead to a successful new venture. 

“I have an artistic side, but I also have my numbers side. Brewing’s both,” Sokoloski said. “That worked out for me.” 

Those looking to join the exciting field of brewing are invited to an event this weekend. Schoolcraft College will hold an open house for its Brewing and Distillation Technology program from 3-6 p.m. Saturday, June 22 in the Vistatech Center, 18600 Haggerty in Livonia. There, prospective students can see the brewing facilities, learn more about the certificate program and enjoy a pint of student-brewed beer.  

He’s since found his new passion: Sokoloski is the owner/brewer of Great White Buffalo Brewing Company, which opened in 2023 in the heart of downtown Northville. The brewery boasts onsite brewed beers, seltzers, house made root beer and offers Michigan made wine and ciders from New Hudson-based Whole Hearted Winery located in New Hudson. They also have a full menu, including a kids menu as well as gluten free and vegetarian options. They have a full patio with events going on every week at the brewery.  

 It’s a venture he would not have been able to be a part of without the education he received at Schoolcraft College. 

wall of framed photos
Photos surround the Great White Buffalo Brewery logo on the wall inside the downtown Northville business. 

“The program taught me a lot, honestly. The program’s amazing,” Sokoloski said. “It has amazing teachers that have real-life experiences. Not only can they teach from the book, but they can tell you how it really is.” 

Sokoloski began looking for spaces to open a brewery in 2019 looking across the region before finding the brewery’s current home at Main and Center in Northville. He and his team transformed the space, a former frozen yogurt spot. Understanding all the needs for launching a business – from the utility costs to filing the regulatory paperwork – were skills he learned while earning a Brewing and Distillation Technology Certificate. 

Even after graduating several years ago, Sokoloski still keeps up with the happenings on campus. That includes regularly speaking to Tom Block, the head of the Brewing and Distillation Technology program at Schoolcraft College. That comradery extends not just to his alma mater, but with brewers from across the region. 

That’s just how the industry looks after its members, Block said. It’s not uncommon for either Block or Sokoloski to call each other, looking for advice or some additional product.  

“That’s one of our advantages of our craft beer industry,” he said. “We can reach out to other breweries owners.” 

Opening his own place has been an eye-opening experience for Sokoloski, who said it was always his goal to do just that. Gone are the days of his friends simply trying the beers he brews; now, the beer he creates is examined closely by paying customers. 

“I think it’s getting a better, bigger picture of what you’re doing. When you’re homebrewing and you have a crappy batch, your friends are going to drink it. They’ll support you through whatever,” he said. “Now I have a brand that I hold to very high standards and if we make a bad batch, we choose to dump it rather than serve a inferior product.” 

The drive to open his own shop was something Block saw in Sokoloski right away when he enrolled.  

“Eric was an awesome student. Not everybody comes in and says, ‘I’m going to open a brewery,’” Block said. “There’s a few of them that come in bound and determined.” 

With a year under his belt, Sokoloski said he’s looking forward to the next year as members of the community get to know his product better.  

His advice to those looking to change career paths and join the brewing field? Get ready to learn. 

“Take the class, get to know the instructors. And get ready to work because it’s tough,” Sokoloski said. “I knew it was going to be tough, but I didn’t know it was going to be this tough.” 

Main image caption: Eric Sokoloski pours a beer from the tap at Great White Buffalo Brewing Company in downtown Northville.  

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Guests can purchase cold drinks, smoothies, salads, sandwiches, house made soup, Starbucks coffee and more at the market, which is located on the first floor as guests walk in the main doors.

Hungry visitors to the Trinity Health Medical Center on campus have some new options thanks to the opening of Schoolcraft College’s latest market.

The Ocelot Market-Livonia Medical Center recently opened to customers visiting the medical building at 19000 St. Joe’s Parkway. The market brings several options to the medical center, with more on the way.

Guests can purchase cold drinks, smoothies, salads, sandwiches, house made soup, Starbucks coffee and more at the market, which is located on the first floor as guests walk in the main doors. It is staffed from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, though customers can still make purchases through a self-checkout until 7 p.m.

“Bringing back culinary service to the Trinity Health Medical Center is a great way to not only serve students, but also the community,” said Maeghan Scully, Associate Director of Culinary Operations for Schoolcraft College. “We’re happy to offer our guests in the building a taste of what we have to offer on campus.”

hamburger in box
A sandwich made at The Ocelot Market inside the Trinity Health Medical Center.

The market takes cash and credit cards when staffed, accepts card payments at the self-checkout. The market also accepts Apple Pay. The market expands the on-campus offerings provided by the College’s Culinary Operations, which includes several other locations, such as the Elite Market in the TrinityElite Sports Center, the Ocelot Market in the Trinity Health Sports Dome, Ocelot Market Express in the Physical Education Building and Henry’s inside the Vistatech Center. Main Street Café inside the Vistatech Center offers an array of mouth-watering pastries and baked goods as well as Starbucks barista beverages, smoothies, sandwiches and more.

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Now in its third year, the program invited students to campus to share their capstone portfolio projects in front of Schoolcraft College leadership. 

Ever since launching the Schoolcraft Teacher Education Program three years ago in partnership with Schoolcraft College and Detroit Western International High School, the program has brought high school students to campus for a taste of higher education. 

That was the case again May 30, when several students made the trek from their school in southwest Detroit to Schoolcraft College. This is the third year of the Teach and S.T.E.P. program – a program done in collaboration initiative between Schoolcraft College and the CTE TEACH Pathway at Western International High School.  

Through the program, students can take college courses while still in high school, as well as providing them with hands-on experience in classrooms by working with elementary students. The high school students visited campus recently to tour the college and present their capstone portfolio projects among their fellow students and Schoolcraft leadership. One of those students, Iyania Matteini, said her experience has made her want to attend Schoolcraft College after her senior year next year. Her goal is to attend Eastern Michigan University for her bachelor’s degree and eventually become a teacher. 

Participating in the S.T.E.P. program has been transformational for her. 

“I don’t think I would have gotten these experiences elsewhere,” she said.  

The program is run by College and Beyond instructor Professor Janice Tomlinson and Ryan Masters, a teacher at both Schoolcraft College and Western International High School. Masters’s students have been involved with such organizations as Soar Detroit, a literacy program for children in the city. Students have forged a bond with Schoolcraft College, which also included taking a college class and touring the campus.   

This is a long-standing partnership between Enrollment Services, Chief Student Enrollment Officer Melissa Schultz, Masters and Tomlinson. Now in its third year, the program has seen an increase in student participation. 

Masters said they have begun to expand their reach, including participating in several competitions. He also plans to offer opportunities to teach the students about piloting drones. They have also added a partnership with New City Kids, an after-school organization for children in the city.   

“We have all kinds of great opportunities for them,” Masters said.  

In between the presentations, the students were able to ask questions of Dr. Glenn Cerny, president of Schoolcraft College. He lauded the program and encouraged the students to consider looking at Schoolcraft as their destination after high school. 

“You can test things. You can see what you like, what you don’t like, what you’re interested in, what your passions are,” he said. “That’s what Schoolcraft gives you. 

“It’s always important to know you’re welcome here.” 

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FAN, a Metro Detroit-based nonprofit founded in 2007, has installed Rescue Boxes stocked with free NARCAN at multiple Schoolcraft College locations.

Schoolcraft College and Families Against Narcotics (FAN) have partnered to help make a difference and save lives here on campus.

FAN, a Metro Detroit-based nonprofit founded in 2007, has installed Rescue Boxes stocked with free NARCAN—an easy-to-use nasal spray that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose — at multiple Schoolcraft College locations to make the life-saving drug more accessible.

NARCAN (generic name naloxone) works by binding to the brain’s opioid receptors and displacing or blocking the effects of opioids like heroin, morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl.

Even though the Food and Drug Administration recently approved over-the-counter distribution of NARCAN at pharmacies, the cost of the drug can still be prohibitive for some people. The NARCAN available via the FAN Rescue Boxes at Schoolcraft College is free to students, faculty, staff and the general public.

The Rescue Boxes can be found at the following locations on campus:

  • Trinity Sports Dome lobby near the Reception Desk
  • Physical Education Building main hallway near the AED
  • Vistatech Main Street hallway outside of Henry’s near the AED
  • Vistatech Hallway near the Diponio Room
  • Lower-level Waterman/Student Activities area near the Food Pantry
  • Main hallway of the Manufacturing & Engineer Center near the AED, 13001 Merriman

“Having NARCAN available on campus is just one more step Schoolcraft College is taking to help combat the opioid crisis,” said Lt. Matthew Mayes of the Schoolcraft College Police Department. “These resources are essential to keeping the community safe and we’re proud to offer them on campus to those who need them.”

The Rescue Boxes are accessible when the College is open, and anybody who would like to get free NARCAN can visit one of the locations.

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Dr. Colleen Pilgrim is currently on a three-week research trip to Cambodia as a part of several Overseas Faculty Development Seminars with The Council for American Overseas Research Centers.

To promote global curriculum in the classroom, Schoolcraft College full-time professor Dr. Colleen Pilgrim has packed her bags and traveled across the globe to study the challenges facing the people of Cambodia and southeast Asia.

Pilgrim is currently on a three-week research trip to Cambodia as a part of several Overseas Faculty Development Seminars with The Council for American Overseas Research Centers. Pilgrim, a Psychology professor, will study political and climate change in the southeastern Asian nation, through the end of the month.

“My current travel is a developmental seminar through CAORC and their partners the Center for Kmer Studies and the Inya Institute,” Pilgrim said. “Our group of fifteen faculty members from across the United States will attend lectures, meetings with media professionals, civil society and environmental organizations, and site visits across Cambodia. We will explore Cambodia’s culture, history, and natural habitats with visits to the capital city of Phnom Penh, Battambang, Siem Reip, Ankor Wat, and the Tonle Sap Lake.”

The trip was originally planned for spring of 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the military coup in Myanmar. Pilgrim is traveling with other educators from community colleges and minority-serving institutions.

The seminar focuses on politics and climate change in Southeast Asia and will allow Pilgrim to better understand the challenges faced by local communities, leaders, and politicians. Spending time in the country, she said, will help educate her on the current conditions across the globe and give her more knowledge to bring back to the College to share with her students.

“The Myanmar and Cambodian people have suffered trauma from war and conflict, and environmental disasters, and it has the potential to worsen because of climate change,” Pilgrim said. “My participation in the seminar will allow me to better understand the global prevalence of mental health issues and how economic, political, social, cultural, and other environmental factors impact well-being.”

This is the most-recent academic trip for Pilgrim, who has also traveled to Colombia, eastern Europe, Turkey, and Indonesia for research.

As the lone psychologist on the research trip, Pilgrim said she’s looking forward to working with other researchers from different disciplines and different institutions across the United States.

Her travels will also support the educational works of the Schoolcraft College International Institute, where she serves as editor of their newsletter.

“My experiences this summer in Cambodia allow me to better educate myself on current conditions across the globe and address those issues in my classroom and across campus in our curriculum. A major aim of the seminar is to better understand ‘To what extent can Cambodia’s and Myanmar’s civil society mobilize against these challenges, and by what means?’” she said. “Information will be infused into my classroom curriculum as well as initiatives with other colleagues and the Schoolcraft College International Institute.”

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Matt Cooper, the Recreation Facilities Manager at the Schoolcraft College Fitness Center, reflects on the meaning of Jewish American Heritage Month.

Having a month dedicated to Jewish heritage is a meaningful addition to the calendar for Matt Cooper.

Cooper, the Recreation Facilities Manager for the Schoolcraft College Fitness Center, said National Jewish American Heritage Month is a wonderful way to recognize the contributions of Jewish Americans throughout the nation’s history.

“It’s a good feeling to be recognized in a positive way on a national level like that. It brings the history, culture, accomplishments and most importantly, the existence, of the Jewish people to the forefront of people’s minds, if only for a short time,” he said. “It also helps negate the many harmful stereotypes and biases associated with Jews. I think what minority populations ultimately want is to be acknowledged and accepted, and as a religious minority, Jewish people are no exception.”

National Jewish American Heritage Month began in 2006 with a declaration by then-President George W. Bush. Since then, the month has been observed across the country, marking the contributions of Jewish people to the United States.

Having the month to recognize Jewish heritage helps recognize the contributions of an important group. Growing up in a diverse community, Cooper said they did not think twice about the differences between his neighbors and himself. That changed when he went to college and realized that’s not always the case.

Understanding and celebrating the differences between people is crucial to higher education, whether it’s a large university or a smaller community college.

“Having basic knowledge and understanding about other races, religions, beliefs, and experiences that differ from yours leads to increased tolerance and empathy towards others both on campus and in the community,” he said. “I wish more people understood that you can still stay true to your own beliefs while respecting and acknowledging the beliefs of others.”

Like many other cultures, Cooper said his Jewish heritage stems from family influence. He said many of the traditional gatherings happened at his grandparents’ house.

“They were the true leaders of our family, the storytellers and the all-knowing source of information for our family history,” he said. “I always admired their ability to look at an old photo and tell me everything about that particular day, who was there, and what they were doing.”

The feeling of family has connected for a long time for Cooper: he said one of his favorite quotes comes from his mother: “Be kind, smile, and make a difference.”

“That was my mom’s favorite quote, and we even had it inscribed on her headstone when she passed away,” Cooper said. “I like to think that I get a lot of my best qualities from her!”

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Students enrolling in the program have the opportunity to earn college credit and get a head start on college at Schoolcraft College.

It’s never too early to get college started. A returning program at Schoolcraft College will help new college students jump start.

Schoolcraft College has brought back its highly successful summer bridge program this year, this time offering three different sessions for students to get ahead on their collegiate careers. The Step Ahead with Schoolcraft College program gives students planning to enroll in a Michigan college or university in the fall a chance to earn college credit and receive a free Chromebook.

By enrolling, students will take College and Beyond 102, a two-credit course designed to help clarify education and career direction for new students. Students will also participate in math and English workshops, as well as engage in career exploration activities. The program is free.

“After such a successful first year of the Summer Bridge program, we’re excited to have the opportunity to expand it to three sessions this year,” said Jennie Rokakis, Learning Support Services Coordinator. “This program is perfect for first-time students to give college a chance and prepare for their next academic journey.”

Registration is currently open for the three sessions, which run the following times:

  • July 8-July 19, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in person
  • July 29-Aug. 9, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in person
  • July 29-Aug. 9, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m online

Participants will receive a free Chromebook, a transportation stipend, lunch during the program and will be eligible to receive awards toward the Fall semester at Schoolcraft College.

As part of the bridge program, students will meet with an academic success coach and utilize Learning Support Services such as tutoring to strengthen their academics in English and Mathematics. In addition, students will have the opportunity to become familiar with additional campus resources such as advising, student employment, student life with the student activities office, Hinkle Student Resource Center and more. 

To qualify, students must have a GED, high school diploma or a certificate of completion. They must also be taking their first college-level math or English course at a Michigan college or university in the fall. Those who have taken both college level math and English courses (level 100 or above) are ineligible to participate.

Registration is currently open. Those interested can visit Students can go to schoolcraft.edu/StepAhead for more program information and to fill out the interest form.