New reflection rooms open on campus

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A pair of study rooms in the Biomedical Technology Center have been converted into reflection rooms, providing students and employees a space for reflection, prayer or simply some quiet time away from everything.

Students needing some space for reflection, prayer or simply quiet time can find it in two new spaces inside the Biomedical Technology Center on Schoolcraft College’s campus.

Two new reflection rooms are now open on campus, perfect for students needing a space to meditate, pray or silently reflect during the hustle of the day. These rooms, located in BTC 336 and BTC 340, have a relaxing atmosphere and are open to students, faculty and staff.

Adding the reflection rooms to campus helps further the mission of Schoolcraft College to be a more inclusive environment. Such spaces celebrate the diversity on campus and provide just one more option for students to practice their beliefs.

“These rooms are a perfect addition to campus, especially as our Muslim students approach the season of Ramadan. They will give our students a chance to step out of the busyness of the day and just take a moment to reflect, pray or meditate to bring themselves inner peace,” said TaQuilla Kusero, the College’s Director of Equity and Engagement. “We’re excited to offer these rooms to the Schoolcraft College community to help promote better mental health across the campus.”

The rooms – which are formerly study rooms – are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is enough room for students to lay down a prayer rug if they choose, or they may utilize the provided furniture. The rooms are available to the campus community whenever the Biomedical Technology Center is open.

First utilized last year during Ramadan, Kusero said the decision was made to make the former study rooms permanent reflection rooms this spring.

The rooms are designed for individual reflection and are not study rooms, nor should they be used for sleeping. No food or beverages are allowed, and users are asked to limit their reflection time to 20 minutes to allow others to utilize the spaces as well.

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The College has signed a non-binding memorandum to possibly bring a new facility on the north end of the campus on land currently occupied by a parking lot.

Schoolcraft College and Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace are in talks to potentially add a new retail market with educational capacities located on the College’s main campus in Livonia.

A non-binding memorandum of understanding has been signed between the two organizations to possibly bring a new facility on the north end of the campus on land currently occupied by a parking lot.

“This agreement is the first step to an exciting development here on campus,” said Dr. Glenn Cerny, president of Schoolcraft College. “Bringing Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace to campus would not only benefit our students with brand-new educational opportunities but add another exciting business to the bustling Haggerty Road corridor.”

Founded by the late Nino Salvaggio in 1979, the company will expand its footprint to the tri-county area with the opening of the Livonia store.

“On behalf of the entire Nino Salvaggio family, we are excited to work with Schoolcraft College to debut a vibrant new grocery store on the Livonia campus with state-of-the-art educational facility for students,” said Leo Salvaggio.

Plans are in the works for student learning opportunities for supply chain management, as well as business and accounting.

More details on the project will be released at a later date.

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We’re highlighting women whose work is inspired by this year’s theme for Women’s History Month: “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” 

It’s hard to find someone who represents the Schoolcraft College experience better than Maria Gosur.

A User Experience (UX) Engineer in the Marketing Department, Gosur is the brains behind one of the most important tools of the College’s communication: its website. Updates to dozens of department pages and the creation of new ones for new initiatives all go through her.

As a woman working in the technology arena, Gosur said she sees the challenge of being in a male-dominated field as a way to better herself and her skills.

“I have seen and experienced challenges being a female in the coding and tech field, in addition to within business and entrepreneurship spaces; however, it is improving and hasn’t deterred me from going after my goals,” she said. “Exposure to obstacles faced combined with kind education and thoughtful discussions help steer positive change to take place. Despite notable achievements, it’s important to keep striving for continual betterment.”

Gosur has spent plenty of her career at Schoolcraft College: after earning her Associate of Applied Science Degree in Web Design, she went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree from Baker College and her Master’s Degree from the University of Michigan. She’s taught classes here at the College, as well as working as a web developer and UX engineer, since 2009.

When she’s not updating the College’s website, Gosur keeps busy running two businesses out of Ann Arbor: One providing design, development and marketing for clients, and the other being an entrepreneurial startup that helps aspiring creatives grow their knowledge, confidence and output in creative work.

Her creativity also reaches beyond screens and onto paper. She’s also a published author, writing and illustrating “What I’ve Learned in Therapy A to Z,” a book celebrating the personal journey many take with therapy in hopes of breaking the negative connotations of therapy.

“People go into therapy for different reasons, and there are many types. It’s easy to stereotype therapy, but I think it’s quite an admirable journey,” Gosur said. “A person is deciding to dive into hard, messy inner work to get through difficult challenges, make pivotal decisions and thrive to be a better person and live a more fulfilling life. That’s a pretty cool thing that deserves no judgement.”

When it comes to advocating for equity, diversity and inclusion, Gosur said she admires the women who came before her, helping to blaze a path for people like her. She hopes her work in tech serves as a reminder for those who come after.

“This year’s theme makes one word come to mind: resilience. What I admire most about women who have paved the path for a better future for other women is their continuous grit to keep pressing forward, to never give up,” Gosur said. “This month is a celebration of progress made from women of the past, present and continued efforts into the future.”

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Hundreds of Schoolcraft College students who have completed the necessary requirement for their degrees will be recognized during the 59th Annual Commencement May 4.

The pinnacle of the academic year is almost here.

Schoolcraft College will celebrate its 59th Annual Commencement at 1 p.m. May 4 at the TrinityElite Sports Center on the Livonia campus. This ceremony is a time to honor and recognize those candidates and graduates who will receive degrees from the College.

“Commencement is perhaps the most exciting day on our campus all year,” said Dr. Glenn Cerny, president of Schoolcraft College. “Celebrating those who have earned degrees and completed their programs, it’s a time to honor our students for their remarkable achievements. I’m looking forward to seeing our graduates cross the stage.”

Doors open at noon for Commencement, where hundreds of candidates and graduates will walk and receive recognition for their achievements during the annual ceremony. To best prepare, students who have met graduation requirements or are expected to meet their graduation requirements soon can apply for graduation through the College’s online portal, Ocelot Access. Those students who are unsure of whether they qualify to walk at Commencement can speak to an academic advisor.

The last day for students to apply for graduation and have their name in the commemorative Commencement booklet is April 12. Students can still apply for graduation after that date, but their names will not be included in the booklet.

Those eligible to walk at Commencement can attend the College’s Grad Fair at the Campus Bookstore later this spring to order and pick up caps and gowns. The Grad Fair will take place at the following times at the Bookstore:

  • 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 17
  • Noon to 6 p.m. April 18
The College President with student in regalia
Graduate Melia Connors, the 2023 student commencement speaker, with Dr. Glenn Cerny, president of Schoolcraft College.

Those walking will receive four tickets for family and friends to attend. The ceremony will also be livestreamed on the College’s YouTube channel. Prior to the ceremony, photo opportunities with Ozzy, the College’s ocelot mascot, will be available, as well as activities to celebrate the day.

The College is currently seeking a student to speak at the ceremony. Those interested in applying can do so by visiting the Commencement page of the College’s website. “Our students have worked incredibly hard to earn their degrees, and Commencement is a day to honor and recognize all their hard work,” said Stacy Whiddon, the College’s Chief Academic Officer. “We’re looking forward to celebrating their achievements with them that day.”

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From poems to paintings, several students were recognized during the second annual Black Excellence in the Arts Awards Ceremony Feb. 22.

When it comes to artistic expression, Brynne Barnes compared the work of writers to those who tend gardens.

“A writer creates gardens with words. Ideas are like fireflies: they’re bright, they’re beautiful and they’re fleeting. Dreams are the same way: they must be captured quickly, or they’re gone,” said Barnes, an English instructor at Schoolcraft College and an award-winning author. “It takes attention, dedication. And by doing what is necessary with passion and willingness, it transforms. That is how we write history. That is how we create ourselves and the world around us.”

Barnes’s remarks came as she addressed students being recognized for their art during the second Black Excellence in the Arts Award Ceremony.

The event – held Feb. 22 in the DiPonio Room of the Vistatech Center and put on by the College’s Office of Equity and Engagement – celebrated excellence in the arts, with students submitting pieces in various mediums.

group of people listening to presentation
The second annual Black Excellence in the Arts Awards Ceremony took place Feb. 22 in the Vistatech Center, celebrating works that honor the Black experience.
person speaking at podium next to book display
Brynne Barnes, an English instructor, was the keynote speaker at the event. One of her books, Black Girl Rising, rests on the table.

The following students received accolades for their work:

Artwork
1st place – Quinlan Brooks
Honorable mention – Sara Meeks

Essays
1st Place – Matthew Morrow
Honorable mention – Shelby Knott

Poems
1st Place – Gar Willoughby
Honorable mention – Zahraa Alrafish

The reception was lined with much of the artwork submitted for consideration. It showcased the theme for this year’s Black History Month, which is “African Americans and the Arts.”

Other speakers at this year’s event included State Rep. Stephanie A. Young, Livonia City Councilwoman Carrie Budzinski and Delia Upshaw, the chairwoman for the Livonia Equity & Anti-Racism Network.

Also speaking was Dr. Glenn Cerny, president of Schoolcraft College. Cerny said having students flourish in the arts helps make the College a better place not just for learning but for connecting with the community.

“The arts are a part of this culture,” he said. “That’s important to the Schoolcraft College community, and when I say community, that’s what I mean. We’re not just a college, we’re a community.”

Learn more and view event photos

Feature Image Caption: Student Quinlan Brooks speaks while his artwork, three portraits, are on display in the background.

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Five comfort dogs will arrive later this spring, with their goal to reduce stress and improve mental health across campus.

Schoolcraft College is grrrrr-owing.

The College will add five new, unique employees to its ranks later this year. These new members of the Schoolcraft College family are not your typical employees, however: these new helpers each have four legs and plenty of fur.

Dubbed the Campus Comfort Companions, these new helpers are comfort dogs, designed to serve several roles at the College. These dogs – currently being raised and trained at Lucky Labs in Chatham-Kent, Ontario – will arrive later this spring and begin additional training with their handlers.

Before the pooches arrive, the College is reaching out to the community for its help: naming each of the five dogs via an online poll taking place this week.

Polls will open on the College’s Instagram account this Tuesday, Feb. 27, with options for names for all five dogs. Four names per dog will be available to vote on during a 24-hour period. A list of the names, along with background information on them and the person who will be their handler, can be found below.

The puppies will receive several weeks of Lab Puppy Training when they are eight weeks old. They will be delivered to campus when they are 12 weeks old later this spring. As they become accustomed to their new homes, the puppies will receive advanced obedience training at a local training facility.

The puppies will begin as “in-training” comfort dogs by the start of the fall semester.

“These new comfort dogs will serve a vital role here at Schoolcraft College when they arrive. Their presence will bring smiles to faces and help our students and staff take a moment to simply recharge and rejuvenate with fun-loving energy that only a dog can bring,” said Dr. Glenn Cerny, President of Schoolcraft College. “We’re looking forward to having them on campus and enhancing the lives of our students, faculty and staff.”

Full integration into campus by next year

Once the dogs hit their first birthdays, they will receive therapy dog training and certification. After that, they will become full members of the campus community.

After their training, they will be available for visits and events across campus. That includes assisting students in reducing stress, especially around finals. Their goal is to help improve mental health and increase compassion on campus.

“Each dog will be assigned to a Schoolcraft College police officer who is responsible for their care on campus and in their home each night,” said Colleen Pilgrim, a psychology professor and faculty liaison to the Campus Comfort Companion program. “Each officer will be matched with a staff or faculty handler who will coordinate additional comfort dog interactions with our Schoolcraft community.”

The dogs are being paid for through the generosity of the Schoolcraft College Foundation.

The new pups will continue the College’s mission to create a welcoming campus for students, faculty and staff. Fulfilling part of the College’s Strategic Plan, these new comfort companions will connect not just with the campus but with the greater community as well.

HOW TO VOTE: Members of the public are invited to visit the College’s Instagram page, @schoolcraftnow, starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27. The polls can be viewed through the “Stories” section and users can select their pick using the poll function. The College will then announce the winners at a later date. A full list of the finalist names can be found below.

row of puppy labs

Dog Names

Chief Mark Engstrom

Lottie – A play on “Ocelot,” the college’s nickname.

Scout – I’m the father of four daughters. Scout is the strong female lead in To Kill a Mockingbird and was one of their early heroines.

Roux – This is a culinary-related term. Roux is a mixture that thickens sauces, and we just liked the sound of it.

Sage – Another culinary related term. Sage is an herb that has a grayish/green color.  It’s also a term to describe a wise person with sound judgment.

Lt. Matthew Mayes

Liv – An acronym for “life is valuable” and short for Livonia.

Dolly – It means “beloved” and references Dolly Parton a great humanitarian and country singer.

Lu Lu – For Lieutenant and Hawaiian roots, it means, “peaceful,” “protected,” and “calm.”

Copper – Loyalty and protection, also for chemistry.

Sgt. Carla Murray

Starla – The comfort dog program was conceived while I was attending an astronomy class at the college, it also rhymes with my name and sounds fun and sparkly.

Justice – A shoutout to the Schoolcraft Collee criminal justice program, because myself and two of my children are proud graduates, and my husband and I both graduated from the college’s police academy.

Vista – Derives from the college’s beautiful Vistatech Center.  Vista means: A beautiful view and future possibilities.

Cocoa – Matches the puppy’s beautiful brown chocolate color.

Sgt. Randy Lorenzetti

Mocha – Based on getting a chocolate lab this goes with the color of the dog.

Maple – Based on the dog coming from Canada & the maple leaf on their flag.

Maisy – Based on the Schoolcraft colors of blue and yellow/gold/maize.

Belle – Based on the bell tower symbol of Schoolcraft College that sits near the library.

Sgt. Kenneth Losey

Teddy – Named after the famous “Teddy Bear” that was named in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt. My kids have always loved to snuggle with teddy bears at night due to the comfort they bring. One of the tasks of the brown chocolate therapy dog coming to Schoolcraft College is to bring comfort.

Dash – Named after the Disney character “Dash” that stared in the movie, “The Incredibles.”

Rowe – A name referencing Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, the namesake of the College

Hops –  In honor of the brewery program at Schoolcraft College. Hops is the flower of the plant used in making beer.

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An adjunct professor of Sociology, Griffin said Black History Month is a time to focus on major times and events in history.

To celebrate Black History Month, Schoolcraft College will highlight the stories of Black students, faculty, staff and administrators and what Black History Month means to them. Check back every week this month for stories on the Black experience here at Schoolcraft College.

Black History Month is important to Ryan Griffin for all the obvious reasons.

The month highlights the accomplishments and contributions of African Americans that all of America should be aware of and are pleased to discover and share. Most importantly, Griffin said, it gives us the motivation to research and gather information different than what we have been accustomed to from our childhood.

Black History Month is also a time to not only focus on major times and events such as the Civil Rights Movement and political figures, but a time to educate ourselves on the arts such as music, science, literature and other areas of great contribution and invention. Understanding history and culture can bring healing and strength to many.

Griffin is an adjunct professor of Sociology, working at the College the past seven months. He is about to earn his Master’s degree in Africology and African American Studies.

The biggest influencer for Griffin and the impact on our nation is Malcolm X. Malcolm X, through his dedication and love for African Americans, asked his people to understand their God-given right to live a peaceful and productive life. He demanded us to claim that right “Through Any Means Necessary.”

“As Malcom X made many Americans feel uncomfortable, his continual growth showed the world that his ultimate goal was for the basic human rights of all, regardless of color,” Griffin said.

Higher education is a vessel for allowing minds to expand and grow, which brings perspective, even if it is different than one’s own. It’s a vehicle to learn more about one another and use the tools to be free to think for ourselves and have our own conclusions. This can help with cultures unfamiliar with Black History Month to be more willing to learn about such a rich and strong history in America.

Griffin said a quote that speaks to him comes from James Baldwin, an American author and civil rights activist: “The paradox of education is precisely this – that as one begins to become conscious one begins to examine the society in which he is being educated.”

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The new WeConnect Mentorship Program aims to assist Reconnect students with navigating the college experience.

Homayra Adiba knows the challenges associated with enrolling in college several years after high school.

Adiba wears many hats at Schoolcraft College, including being the president of the Omicron Iota Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and a staff writer for The Schoolcraft Connection student newspaper. But now, she has a new role: a mentor in the brand-new WeConnect Mentorship Program, a unique program aimed at assisting Michigan Reconnect students connect better with campus.

The program, launching this month, hopes to connect those attending college on a Michigan Reconnect scholarship – which currently includes students 21 and older without a college degree – with more resources to better help them get the full experience at Schoolcraft College and foster a sense of belonging.

“I am excited about this program,” said Adiba, a Michigan Reconnect student herself. “We want to foster a sense of belonging.”

The program came into existence after a survey was done among Reconnect students asking a variety of questions. Having a mentorship program emerged as a top priority, so Adiba began working with Sharon Christian, Associate Dean of Student Success and Retention and Todd Stowell, Director of Student Activities in crafting the new program.

Along with Learning Support Services’ Academic Success Coach for Reading, Dr. Carmen Wilson, the College has also brought on a pair of Michigan College Access Network College Completion Corps members to assist the program as well: Eva Potka, a Schoolcraft alumna, and Joel Daniels, a former instructor at the College, will work with Adiba to provide personalized support to students. They hope their skills can assist students looking for success when they’ve been out of school for years and, for some, decades. Together with the WeConnect Mentor, the program aims to provide a network of support for Michigan Reconnect Students at the College.

Michigan Reconnect is a state program that provides free in-district tuition to students looking to earn a degree or skills certificate who do not currently have one. The program is typically for students 25 and older, though a change in state law has temporarily dropped the eligibility age to 21 for those to apply through Nov. 15.

“Michigan Reconnect students often have full-time jobs, childcare, or other personal obligations in addition to pursuing their degree. This mentorship program creates a community of support for Michigan Reconnect students. The program strives to foster a welcoming college environment, provide peer mentorship, and to align students with resources for long-term academic success,” Christian said. “We’re so excited to introduce this one-of-a-kind program to Schoolcraft College.”

To help launch the program, two events are planned in the Winter semester. Both will take place in the Lower Waterman wing of the Vistatech Center:

  • WeConnect: Mix and Mingle, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 13
  • WeConnect: Relax and Recharge, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 17

WeConnect Mentorship is a collaboration between Learning Support Services, Phi Theta Kappa, and the Student Activities Office. For more information on the WeConnect Mentorship program, contact Learning Support Services at [email protected].

Caption: Several people involved in the new WeConnect Mentorship Program. From left to right: Eva Potka, Homayra Adiba, Dr. Carmen Wilson and Joel Daniels. Potka and Daniels are Michigan College Access Network College Completion Corps members, Wilson is an academic success coach and Adiba is a student who also serves as a mentor in the program.

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A student in the College’s Real Estate Property Management program, Plavich said Black History Month provides opportunities for teaching others about Black culture and contributions by Black individuals.

To celebrate Black History Month, Schoolcraft College will highlight the stories of Black students, faculty, staff and administrators and what Black History Month means to them. Check back every week this month for stories on the Black experience here at Schoolcraft College.

Black History Month serves as a platform for education and awareness for Jasmine Plavich.

It provides an opportunity for non-Black individuals to learn about Black history, culture, and experiences. By highlighting the contributions of Black individuals, it challenges stereotypes and promotes inclusivity and diversity. As a Black woman, Black History Month encourages Plavich to advocate for the rights and well-being of the Black community, ensuring that their stories are told, and their voices are heard.

Pavlich – who lives in Ypsilanti and is enrolled in Schoolcraft College’s Property Management Program – said she was happy to have discovered the program. A licensed real estate agent and broker, she aims to eventually work in operations or acquisitions for an international company.

She said she aims to lead a life full of promising times and moments.  

“The quality of our lives is determined by how we choose to live them,” she said. “I choose growth and happiness.”

The late and great Whitney Houston inspired many people around the world. As a trailblazer in the music industry, she paved the way for so many more artists to follow. She was a multi-talented actress, singer, and performer. For many people, her music was a source of strength, wisdom, and love. Many people throughout the world continue to be inspired by Whitney Houston’s legacy. She is one of the voices Plavich looks to for inspiration, especially during Black History Month.

In her experience as a non-traditional student who is already employed in their desired field, Plavich gravitates toward quotes which keep her positive and prosperous, such as the following:

“Press forward at all times, climbing forward toward that higher ground of the harmonious society that shapes the laws of man to the laws of God.” — Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.

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The Dean of Occupational Programs, Business and Education at Schoolcraft College says Black History Month is a great time to celebrate Black history.

To celebrate Black History Month, Schoolcraft College will highlight the stories of Black students, faculty, staff and administrators and what Black History Month means to them. Check back every week this month for stories on the Black experience here at Schoolcraft College.

Black History Month means a lot of things to Dr. Keambra Pierson.

The Dean of Occupational Programs, Business and Education at Schoolcraft College, Pierson said the month is a time to recognize and celebrate Black history.

“It is a time to acknowledge our contribution to history, culture and society,” she said. “Additionally, it serves as a reminder of the perpetual hardships faced by Black Americans, hardships that still hinder our progress as we fight for our place in this world.”

Reflecting on previous events – both good and bad – that have shaped our culture remind us to demand justice, equality and equity. Plenty in culture have reminded Pierson of the importance of Black culture, including Maverick City Music, a contemporary gospel group; author Daniel Black, who wrote Pierson’s favorite book, Perfect Peace; and Jessica Nabongo, a Detroit native and the first Black women to travel to every country on the planet.

Citing Ida B. Wells, Pierson said her quote “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them” speaks to her. She said celebrating Black History Month is about realizing how far society has come, but knowing there is more to do.

“We simply must be honest with ourselves and acknowledge that we have come a long way but far too often lately it feels like we are regressing,” Pierson said.

Pierson attributes her path to the journey made by someone before her, a reason why Black History Month is so important. While she looks to the past at those who blazed the trail, she also looks to the future, knowing that someday, others may look to her as someone who laid the groundwork for their success.

When it comes to the role higher education plays, Pierson said seeking and encouraging diverse perspectives to prepare students not just to exist but to excel in our society is just one way to prepare students for their time outside the classroom.

“Diversity enriches the college experience and promotes a healthy, growing society, which strengthens communities and enhances economic growth,” Pierson said. “This sort of growth and change goes beyond a month-long celebration.

“It should be embedded in the culture of higher education.”

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The first-ever Campus Ambassador Week showcases the efforts of the students who give tours, promote the College and do so much more.

For many students at Schoolcraft College, one of their first interactions with campus comes in the form of a tour. Tours are led by Student Ambassadors who devote their time assisting with campus programs and represent the Schoolcraft College community. 

This week, Schoolcraft College is celebrating its first-ever Student Ambassador Week. This week will include sharing information about the program and showcasing the students that wear the signature blue-and-gold polo shirt. 

Our Student Ambassadors showcase the very best that Schoolcraft College has to offer, and we are proud to highlight their accomplishments.  

Student Ambassadors have several duties on campus. Some of which include giving campus tours to prospective students and assisting at both on- and- off campus events such as commencement. This program provides an excellent way for students to get involved on campus, meet new people, and gain multiple leadership experiences that help build their resume.   

In exchange for doing 50 hours of service per semester and maintaining a 3.0 GPA, Student Ambassadors receive a $1,500 scholarship. Student Ambassadors must be enrolled for at least six credit hours per fall/winter semester. 

Interested in becoming a Student Ambassador? Applications for the 2024-2025 academic year open Feb. 1. Those interested in applying can do so by visiting the college’s scholarship website.  

Meet some of the student ambassadors currently serving this year: 

Leonardo Gjinaj

Name: Leonardo Gjinaj

Hometown: Redford Township

Academic program: Associate of Science

Years at Schoolcraft College: 2

Additional accomplishments, certifications, and licensures:  I am a certified lifeguard as well as eligible to train. I speak 2 languages, English and Albanian. I am also a first-generation college student and immigrant.

Other involvement at Schoolcraft College: I participate in the Math and Physics club here at Schoolcraft. I also tutor in the Learning Center located in the Bradner Library.

Reason for becoming an ambassador: I joined the Ambassador program to meet new people, develop new skills, and build connections within the campus community.

Caleb Kirkpatrick

Name: Caleb Kirkpatrick

Hometown: Yukon, Oklahoma

Academic program: Business Administration

Years at Schoolcraft College: 3

Additional accomplishments, certifications, and licensures: Commercial drone operator license

Other involvement at Schoolcraft College: Business Club, Phi Theta Kappa

Reason for becoming an ambassador: I wanted to be a Student Ambassador to become part of the Schoolcraft community and help prospective students get involved. I enjoy getting to know others and being an ambassador has given me opportunities to meet staff and students I otherwise would never have been able to meet.

Evan Allen

Name: Evan Allen         

Hometown: Berkley

Academic program: General studies

Years at Schoolcraft College: 1.5

Additional accomplishments, certifications, and licensures: Member of the Scholars Honors Program

Other involvement at Schoolcraft College: Member of the Schoolcraft Film Club

Reason for becoming an ambassador: I wanted to become a student ambassador because I believed it would be a good first step at Schoolcraft and a way to serve my campus community. 

Destiny Shedd

Name: Destiny Shedd

Hometown: Southfield

Academic program: Nursing

Years at Schoolcraft College: 2

Additional accomplishments, certifications, and licensures: Black Excellence Award

Reason for becoming an ambassador: I applied to be a Student Ambassador to get familiar with campus. I have gotten the chance to develop many connections and I have enjoyed educating students about Schoolcraft.

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Barry Melancon, the CEO of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, will host students for a Coffee & Conversations event later this month in the Vistatech Center.

Schoolcraft College students interested in accounting will have the opportunity to ask questions to one of the most influential financial minds later this month.

Barry Melancon, the CEO of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, will host students for a Coffee & Conversations event later this month.

Melancon will host the informal session from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Jan. 31 in the new Collaborative Learning Studio inside the Vistatech Center at Schoolcraft College.

Overseeing the most influential body of professional accountants on the planet, Melancon has been involved with the organization since 1995. He is the organization’s longest-serving CEO in its 129-year history. His visit will allow students to inquire about the latest trends in accounting.

The event is sponsored by the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants, the Schoolcraft College Foundation, the Student Activities Office and the Schoolcraft Accounting faculty.

“Having someone like Barry Melancon visit campus is a fantastic opportunity for our students,” said Michelle Randall, an Accounting faculty member. “We’re so fortunate to host Barry and give our students access to one of the most influential minds in the accounting world.”

Interested students should bring their questions for Melancon to chat with him over coffee. Dress code is business casual. Those interested in visiting can register online on the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants website. Space is limited.