commencement

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With Commencement this week, Schoolcraft College is showcasing the stories of several students walking during the upcoming ceremony. The next student is Kathryn Wenske, who is graduating with an Associate in Science Degree.

This week’s Commencement Ceremony at Schoolcraft College is going to look very different for Kathryn Wenske than it did for her high school graduation.

A student who was homeschooled her whole life, Wenske donned a cap and gown and walked across her Dearborn Heights home’s driveway when she graduated. It was a vision, she said, inspired by her mother.

She and her brother graduated at the same time, and her mother knew it had to be special.

“We rented out a giant tent, made a makeshift stage and podium, had all of our friends and family in the garage and my sister was ‘the speaker,’ who was balling her eyes out for no reason,” Wenske said. “My younger brother and I were the graduates. It’s literally just the two of us, on a stage, next to my sister in the middle of the driveway.”

group in regalia

This time around, it will have a completely different feel for Wenske: there will be plenty more people in attendance, except one very meaningful one: Wenske’s mother, who died last year.

The motivation of what her mother, a Schoolcraft College alumna, would want for her helped Wenske push through difficult times while in school. Saturday, she’ll walk across the stage at the TrinityElite Sports Center and be recognized for receiving an Associate of Science.

“She would want to be in the front row. I think she would absolutely be proud of how I’ve spent my time at Schoolcraft and my mother is who’s kept me going,” Wenske said. “There was no way I was going to give up.”

Wenske has long been a face well associated with Schoolcraft College. From her time as Editor-in-Chief of the student newspaper, The Schoolcraft Connection, to serving as a Student Ambassador to being a member of Phi Theta Kappa and working as a tutor at the Learning Center, Wenske might be one of the most recognizable student faces on campus.

There’s a reason for that: going from a homeschool environment to a larger community college, Wenske said she was always trying to find her place. Schoolcraft College gave her that sense of belonging.

It’s something she discussed in her transfer essay when she applied at the University of Michigan: when asked about a community she is part of, she said Schoolcraft College.  

“I feel like I can actively contribute. And I think that is a beautiful thing,” she said. “It’s very easy to get to know everyone on this campus.”

Wenske plans to double major in mathematics and the Philosophy, Politics and Economics program. While she has been incredibly active at Schoolcraft, Wenske said she plans to take a step back and focus more on her studies.

“I’m getting all my campus involvement out of my system so when I go to U-M, I can just be a student,” she said. “I told myself I’m only going to do the honors society. I really want to be a student.”

Once she completes her bachelor’s degree, she hopes to continue and earn a law degree.

When it comes time to walk on Saturday, Wenske said she’ll have plenty to think about, but her mom will be the first thing on her mind. She plans on decorating her cap as a tribute to her, a celebration of everything her mom did.

“She always wanted us to pursue what interested us,” Wenske said. “Even if she was suffering in pain, she never tried to display it, because she never wanted us to stop what we were doing for her.

“I think she’d be very, very proud and excited for me.”

Schoolcraft College’s 59th Annual Commencement Ceremony takes place at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 4, in the TrinityElite Sports Center on the Livonia campus. Those who cannot attend in-person are invited to watch the livestream of the Ceremony on the event web page.

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With Commencement this week, Schoolcraft College is showcasing the stories of several students walking during the upcoming ceremony. The first student is Zahraa Alrafish, who is graduating with an Associate in General Studies Degree.

Zahraa Alrafish is ready to begin helping the community one person at a time.

She found the world needs more people that want to help with the problems in her community. That’s why she plans to head to Wayne State University after she graduates from Schoolcraft College to pursue degrees in social work.

“We need more people that care, we need more people that have heart,” Alrafish said. “That is who I am and that is why I chose social work. I want to wake up every day and know I’m helping out at least one individual in this world.”

A graduate of Western International High School in Detroit, Alrafish is the first woman in her family to attend college. That has kept her pushing forward, knowing how much support she had received to make the leap to college.

“I think the thing is with my family, they always wanted the best for me and they always pushed for me to get an education and to pursue a higher degree,” she said. “My motivation was to make them proud because of how much they sacrificed for me.”

Alrafish comes from a family of immigrants: while she was born here in the United States, her family immigrated to the U.S. from Iraq. After she was born, her family did spend some time back in Iraq, allowing her to see a different world than the one she was born in. It’s an experience, she said, she that was worthwhile to spend time in her family’s native home.

She arrived at Schoolcraft College as a Detroit Promise scholar. After hearing good things from her fellow high school graduates, she decided to head to Schoolcraft after finding how simple it was to enroll and get set up to attend classes.

While here, she got involved with campus, joining the Film Club and even launching her own nonprofit: Arab Women United, which aims to cultivate safe environments for women and strives to bring equal opportunity and stand against injustice.

Alrafish credits a lot of the support she received at Schoolcraft to Catreese Bell-Qualls, the College’s Equity and Engagement Program Coordinator.

“She really supported me, she made sure I had all of the resources that I needed,” she said. “She always pushed me to do more and she always pushed me to do the best that I can while always being kind to others.”

Her experience has been one to remember at Schoolcraft College. Alrafish said it’s important to take it all in, because your time at Schoolcraft happens only once.

“Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way and make the most out of every class, make the most out of every assignment,” Alrafish said. “I believe that Schoolcraft is such an amazing community of people here who will support you. You just need to find the right crowd and really involve yourself in the right room of people.”

Schoolcraft College’s 59th Annual Commencement Ceremony takes place at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 4, in the TrinityElite Sports Center on the Livonia campus. Those who cannot attend in-person are invited to watch the livestream of the Ceremony on the event web page.

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The former tackle for the Detroit Lions will speak to graduates at Schoolcraft College’s 59th Annual Commencement Ceremony taking place May 4.

A longtime member of the Detroit Lions will provide inspiration to the Schoolcraft College graduating class this spring.

Lomas Brown, who played 18 seasons in the National Football League, will serve as the speaker at Schoolcraft College’s 59th Annual Commencement Ceremony, taking place at 1 p.m. May 4 inside the TrinityElite Sports Center. Brown spent his first 11 years in the NFL playing for the Detroit Lions after the team drafted him No. 6 overall in the 1985 NFL Draft.

Brown will receive an Honorary Associate Degree in Arts and Sciences from the College during the ceremony, which recognizes the hundreds of graduates earning certificates and degrees from the Livonia-based college.

“Our children and young adults are our greatest resource to reinvest in,” Brown said. “They are our future leaders.”

Brown played college football at the University of Florida, where he was recognized as a first-team All Southeastern Conference and a first-team All American. He also received the Jacobs Blocking Trophy, given to the best blocker in the SEC, during his senior season.

During his time with the Detroit Lions, Brown was part of the offensive line that blocked for running back Barry Sanders. The Lions made the playoffs several times during his tenure, including the 1991 team that played in the NFC Championship Game. He was inducted into the Lions’ Hall of Fame in 2023. He currently works as a color analyst for Detroit Lions radio broadcasts.

“We are so excited to welcome Lomas Brown to campus and speak to our graduates later this spring,” said Dr. Glenn Cerny, president of Schoolcraft College. “Lomas knows success and we know his speech will resonate with all those earning degrees and certificates. Given the recent success of the Detroit Lions, bringing Lomas to campus to address our graduates is a win.”

Several hundred Schoolcraft students will be awarded a Skills Certificate, Certificate, Associate Degree, Bachelor of Science degree, or Post-Associate degree at the ceremony. Graduates will be recognized across academic programs, including Business, Criminal Justice and Public Safety; Culinary, Brewing and Hospitality; Health Professions; Manufacturing and Engineering Technology and Science; and Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

The Commencement Ceremony will be livestreamed for those unable to attend. For more information on the ceremony, visit schoolcraft.edu/records/commencement.

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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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Ocelots ready to make their mark in the world

Dr. Glenn Cerny, President of Schoolcraft College, presents a diploma to a happy Schoolcraft College graduate. Also pictured is Stacy Whiddon, Chief Academic Officer.

A beautiful day, a packed house of guests and nearly 300 graduates eager to make their mark in the world marked Schoolcraft College’s 57th annual Commencement on Saturday, May 7, in the St. Joe’s Mercy Elite Sports Center (ESC) on the main campus.

Saturday’s ceremony was the second at ESC, but the first with guests. Last year’s graduation ceremony was open to students only due to health-related precautions.

This year’s keynote speaker was Marina Shoemaker, the Director of Global Diversity and Inclusion Strategies DEI External Partnerships for General Motors.

The Student Reflection was delivered by Catreese Qualls, whose many accomplishments include 2021/2022 Division III International Vice President, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Dr. Cerny bestowed Honorary Degrees upon Marina Shoemaker, Michigan Senator Dayna Polehanki, and Chuck Dardas, President and CEO of AlphaUSA.

Joan A. Gebhardt, Chair of the Board of Trustees, bestowed Distinguished Alumni Recognition upon Michael Siegrist, Clerk for Canton Township.

Stacy Whiddon, Chief Academic Officer, presented the Class of 2022. Skills Certificates, Certificates, Associate degrees, and Bachelor of Science degrees all were awarded.

Assisting Dr. Cerny in conferring degrees and certificates were: Dr. Laurie Kattuah-Snyder, Chief Student Services Officer; Dr. Marty Heator, Dean of Students; Dr. Jerome Lavis, Faculty Forum President; and the Schoolcraft College Board of Trustees: Joan A. Gebhardt, Chair; Brian D. Broderick, Secretary; Terry Gilligan, Treasurer; William P. Erwin Jr., Trustee; and Brett M. Gierak, Trustee. Carol M. Strom, Vice Chair, and Dillon E. Breen, Trustee, were unable to attend due to commencement ceremonies of family members.

The Star-Spangled Banner was sung by student Jared Glasel, a member of the graduating class.

Academic Marshals were: David S. Kelser, D.C., Associate Dean of Health Professions; Dr. Michele Kelly, Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences; Dr. Robert Leadley, Dean of Occupational Programs and Economic Development; and Lori Timmis, Dean of Distance Learning.

Student Marshals were: Erin Bressler, Vice President of Leadership, Phi Theta Kappa; and Temitope Odunleye, international student.

The Processional, Recessional and other selections were performed by the Schoolcraft College Wind Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Paul Michalsen.

Schoolcraft College Facilities, Media, Campus Police, Student Records, Food Operations, President’s Office, Bookstore, Student Ambassadors, Student Activities Office, and Marketing and Communications also contributed to the success of Schoolcraft College’s 57th Commencement, which can be viewed online.

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Schoolcraft College’s 57th annual Commencement, scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, in the St. Joe’s Mercy Elite Sports Center (ESC) on the main campus, will be open to a new era.

That’s because this will be the first Commencement at ESC that will welcome guests. Last year’s graduation ceremony was open to students only due to health-related precautions.

“We’re pleased to welcome guests to this year’s Commencement,” said Dr. Glenn Cerny, President of Schoolcraft College. “Graduates share with us how important the support from family members and friends has been during their journey, so it’s our privilege to once again have their guests here in person to share in their great day.”

This year’s keynote speaker is Marina Shoemaker, the Director of Global Diversity and Inclusion Strategies DEI External Partnerships for General Motors.

“It’s our honor to have such a distinguished speaker,” Dr. Cerny said. “Marina has been a great friend to Schoolcraft College over the years, willingly lending her expertise to important initiatives, including helping incorporate a DEI component into our STARS DEI leadership program and serving as a co-chair of our Foundation’s Vision 2025 campaign.”

More than 900 applications for graduation were received by Student Records, with nearly 400 students signed up to participate in Commencement.

Skills Certificates, Certificates, Associate degrees, Bachelor of Science degrees and Post-Associate degrees will be awarded. In addition, the College will confer Honorary Degrees and recognize a Distinguished Alumni during Commencement.

The Student Reflection will be delivered by Catreese Qualls, whose many accomplishments and contributions to Schoolcraft College include:

  • 2021/2022 Division III International Vice President, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society 
  • Michigan All-Academic Team Silver Scholar 
  • Coca-Cola Scholar 
  • STARS DEI mentor
  • Oberndorf Scholar
  • Kehrl Communications Arts Scholar
Ozzy the ocelot mascot
You can meet Ozzy, the new Schoolcraft College mascot, at Commencement.

Ozzy, the new Schoolcraft College mascot, will make its official debut and will be available for photos, including in a new 360-degree photo booth where users can instantly share their photos. (Maximum of four people in the photo booth.)

Traditional photo booths also will be available. Students can upload their photos on their social channels and use the hashtags #OcelotPride and #OcelotGrad.

Doors open at 12 p.m. Students are asked to arrive by 1 p.m.

A livestream will be available.

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Be sure to attend one of the Grad Fairs this week

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

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

Today, we take a look at the difference between Graduation and Commencement.

What’s the difference?

It’s easy to think that graduation and commencement are the same thing, but they definitely are not. Graduation means fulfilling all the academic requirements for your credential – certificate, skills certificate associate degree or bachelor’s degree. Commencement is the ceremony that celebrates this achievement.

What do I need to do to graduate?

Now is a good time to check your progress toward your credential. To do that, log in to Ocelot Access, select Student Planning, and then My Progress to track your progress.

Next, choose Graduation Overview and click Apply in Ocelot Access to submit your graduation application. Schoolcraft College has only one Commencement a year, so the semester in which you will take your final courses is the semester for which you should apply for graduation. 

Graduates in caps and gowns
This year’s Commencement is at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, in the St. Joe’s Mercy Elite Sports Center on the main campus.

Once final grades have posted for the semester, the Records Office will begin auditing graduation applications to verify that all requirements have been met.

The process is done manually, so your patience is greatly appreciated. You will receive an email when your credential has posted to your transcript.

The last day to submit a graduation application for the Winter 2022 semester is on Thursday, May 5. To ensure your name appears in the Commencement program, you need to submit a graduation application by Friday, April 15 for Winter, Spring and Summer 2022.

Learn more information about graduation. 

When is Commencement?

This year’s Commencement is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, in the St. Joe’s Mercy Elite Sports Center on the main campus. 

To help you get ready for Commencement, please plan on attending one of the Grad Fairs, which will be held on the following dates and times at the Bookstore on the main campus:

  • Wednesday, April 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, April 14, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Be prepared to purchase and pick up your cap and gown for $30. You also will be given your four guest tickets at this time. Graduates must pick up their guest tickets in-person at the Bookstore.

Also available for purchase will be announcements, diploma frames, class rings, and a variety of alumni/graduate merchandise.

More information about Commencement, including a list of FAQs, is available on its web page.