Schoolcraft College Foundation

August 22, 2022 by Schoolcraft College

Men’s and women’s soccer teams will take on Jackson College

An annual tradition, Schoolcraft College’s 2022 Tailgate Party will be from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 17, as the Ocelots take on the Jackson College Jets in men’s and women’s soccer.

Tickets are $20 in advance, $15 for children ages 6-12. Children 5 and younger are free. Proceeds support Schoolcraft College Athletics. Order online by Wednesday, September 7, before prices increase.

All paid tickets include admission into both games, a Schoolcraft College T-shirt, hospitality tent with a barbecue lunch and more. The men’s game is at noon with the women taking the field at 2 p.m. The soccer field is on the southeast part of campus, across from the St. Joe’s Sports Dome.

For more information, call 734-462-5324 or email [email protected]. Thanks to the Schoolcraft College Foundation for its support of the Tailgate Party.

two men's soccer players high fiving — Photo 1

two female soccer players high fiving — Photo 1

June 20, 2022 by mlemon

24 students across 8 disciplines recognized

The Kehrl Academic Excellence Awards are awarded each year to the top students in the areas of Art, Communication Arts, Culinary Arts, English, Health Information Technology, Mathematics, Police and Fire. Faculty from each area developed the criteria for each award and then selects the awardees based on the requisite criteria.

The Kehrl Academic Excellence Awards are made possible by the Schoolcraft College Foundation through the generosity of the Floyd and Marian Kehrl Family, supporters of Schoolcraft College since 1964.

Here are this year’s winners:

Art

Annabelle Smith
Carrick Hill
Penny Livingston

Communication Arts

Andrew Kelly
Joshua Mohlman
Samantha Dul

Culinary Arts

Isabella Breazeale
Lauren Timm
Hannah Folz

English

Best Modern English Grammar student: Kyra Dickson
Best Building Writing Skills student: Joaquaina Perry
Most Improved Developmental English student: Heather Kahler
Global Citizenship Award: Daniel Shahollari

Health Information Technology

Jarrod Steckle
Tallon Ora
Lisa Locechli

Pythagorean Prize-Mathematics

Olivia Hudson: First-prize winner
Joseph Rosato: Second-prize winner
Russell Clark: Third-prize winner

Police Academy

John Dyda
Kevin Koberg
Kelly McLaughlin

Fire Academy

James Brown
Austin Saunders

April 25, 2022 by mlemon

Renovation, expansion will transform Culinary Arts, PPL and community programs

The Schoolcraft College Foundation has made a multi-year $1 million grant commitment to support the expansion and renovation of the College’s VisTaTech Center, with the goal of providing more experiential learning space for Schoolcraft’s renowned Culinary Arts program and the addition of a new high-tech demonstration space that provides unique opportunities for academic, professional development, and community-based education programs.

The over $6 million, 15,000-square-foot project, referred to as “VisTaTech 2.0,” includes an addition of 10,000 square feet and renovation of 5,000 square feet. The Foundation is proud to be the first funder to step up to support this exciting, student-centric initiative.

Layout map for the new center — This image shows the renovations and additions that will create “VisTaTech 2.0.”

This funding maximizes the impact of the Foundation. “I believe it goes to the heart of the Schoolcraft Foundation’s purpose,” said Schoolcraft College President Glenn Cerny. “Donors will be able to see first-hand how their contributions truly impact creating high-end educational facilities that will enhance our mission of providing transformational experiences to our students, businesses, and the community-at-large.”

Schoolcraft’s students, faculty and members of the community have come to rely on the superior facilities and services of the College, and VisTaTech 2.0 is a further step toward improving the quality and expanding the capacity of the campus infrastructure and services.

Besides expanding the existing Culinary department’s American Harvest Restaurant, the new space will include an additional Culinary classroom and new innovative space that can be used as a demonstration kitchen, multipurpose lab and high-tech educational theater. As part of the renovation, spaces will be reworked to increase effectiveness of space utilization and offer a more welcoming space for students and community guests. This includes an expanded Café retail space and Brewpub to accommodate the increasing demands for those services.

“This investment is an opportunity to support the forward-thinking vision for students and the community served by Schoolcraft College,” said Lois McEntyre, President, Schoolcraft Foundation Board of Governors. “This is the largest single grant commitment made through our Vision 2025 Campaign and a way for the College to leverage this support for future investments.”

The project will start this summer and is expected to be complete by fall 2023. For information, contact the Schoolcraft Foundation office at 734-462-4455.

March 9, 2022 by Schoolcraft College

Funds awarded on first-come, first-served basis

The Schoolcraft College Foundation is awarding up to $100,000 in scholarships for the upcoming Spring and Summer terms through the new “Spring Forward with Schoolcraft Scholarship.” Students who enroll in 3 to 5 credit hours for the Spring or Summer terms can apply to receive $100. Students who enroll in 6 or more credit hours can apply to receive $200.

“We are excited to offer students a little extra help for Spring/Summer semester,” said Melissa Schultz, Chief Student Enrollment Officer, Enrollment Services, Schoolcraft College. “We realize times are tough and recognize that even $100 or $200 makes a difference in a student’s decision to continue their education during the Spring/Summer term.” Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are depleted. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is not required to apply.

Students walking outside — Registration for the Spring and Summer terms begins Saturday, March 26.

Apply for the Spring Forward with Schoolcraft Scholarship at www.schoolcraft.edu/scholarships. For questions, call the Schoolcraft College Foundation at 734.462.4455 or email [email protected].

Registration for the 2022 Spring and Summer terms begins on Saturday, March 26. Search for courses online.

January 10, 2022 by mlemon

Proceeds enhance scholarships and grants

One of the most prestigious annual events at Schoolcraft College is returning in February.

The Culinary Extravaganza (CulEx), billed this year as the Diamond Jubilee Culinary Extravaganza, will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 24, in the VisTaTech Center. The Diamond Jubilee Culinary Extravaganza will showcase the skills of the distinguished and award-winning students and faculty of Schoolcraft College’s Culinary Arts and Brewing and Distillation Technology programs.

chefs preparing plates in a kitchen — The Diamond Jubilee Culinary Extravaganza will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 24, in the VisTaTech Center.

Proceeds from this fabulous strolling dinner will enhance scholarships and grants for the benefit of students and programs through the Schoolcraft College Foundation (SCF).

A wide array of sponsorship and ticket options are available. For more information, contact Carole Booms, Director of Annual Giving & Scholarship Administration, at 734-462-4455 or [email protected].

For more information, visit the Schoolcraft College Foundation website.

November 29, 2021 by Schoolcraft College

Schoolcraft College ceramics students, Culinary Operations donate bowls and food

Schoolcraft College’s Empty Bowl Luncheon is a great way to get a hearty meal, take home a new bowl and help ease hunger – all at once.

This year’s Empty bowl Luncheon will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 1, in the Wilson Room inside of Henry’s in the VisTaTech Center.

People looking at a table of ceramic bowls — Photo 1

Someone pouring soup into a bowl — Photo 1

Attendees can purchase a handcrafted bowl created and donated by Schoolcraft College ceramics students, with all proceeds going to the Schoolcraft Student Food Pantry. Along with their purchase, they will receive a bowl of soup and fresh-baked bread donated by Schoolcraft Culinary Operations.

The College’s food pantry is open to all members of the campus community and is committed to trying to address hunger and food insecurity issues on campus. Donations of non-perishable, non-expired food items are gladly accepted throughout the year. Donations can be placed in the collection bins in campus buildings or dropped off at the Student Activities Office in the lower level of the VisTaTech Center.

Learn more about the Schoolcraft Food Pantry.

Also, you can make your gift to the Food Pantry through the Schoolcraft College Foundation at schoolcraft.edu/giving. Select Food Pantry under the gift designation box.

August 16, 2021 by mlemon

He’s learning from leaders in the construction industry

Will Peper, who is pursuing a path toward civil engineering, has the opportunity to better understand his prospective career thanks to a scholarship that has him working for a valued partner of Schoolcraft College on an important on-campus construction project.

Peper, of Plymouth, is the recipient of the AUCH Construction Scholarship, and he’s been busy this summer working on the refurbishing and upgrading of the Applied Science building, which is transforming into the Health Sciences Center (HSC).

“My goal was and is to have hands-on experience for what engineers do on a daily basis, and AUCH has graciously provided a means for that to happen,” Peper said.

Peper comes from a large family, including six older siblings who were Schoolcraft College students, so he was familiar with the school. He also was familiar with AUCH Construction.

“My goal was and is to have hands-on experience for what engineers do on a daily basis, and AUCH has graciously provided a means for that to happen.”

Will Peper, Schoolcraft College student and recipient of the AUCH Construction Scholarship

“I am used to seeing the AUCH sign next to the St. Joe’s Sports Dome while driving past on I-275, but I was not aware that AUCH was responsible for renovations of existing buildings or the creations of new ones, such as the St. Joe’s Mercy Elite Sports Center.”

Indeed, AUCH has been an important partner for the College. In addition to the St. Joe’s Mercy Elite Sports Center and the Sports Dome, AUCH’s other projects for Schoolcraft include:

The Manufacturing & Engineering Center in Livonia, home to the College’s occupational programs
The Public Safety Training Complex in Livonia, home to the College’s police and fire academies
Numerous renovations of rooms and space in buildings across the main campus

A medical building — **The new St. Joe’s Mercy Elite Sports Center is one of many projects that AUCH Construction has led on the campus of Schoolcraft College.**

The transformation of Applied Science, which formerly housed the occupational programs, to the Health Sciences Center, is the next key project for the College. The HSC will be the future home of all programs related to healthcare, with partial occupancy expected for the Fall 2021 semester. The upgrades will add 36,600 sq. ft. of space to the current Applied Science building.

“Most of my experience has been gained through observing and participating in the process of renovating the Applied Science building,” Peper said. “Many of my day-to-day tasks range anywhere from cleaning up the building and surrounding areas to reflect an efficient, orderly and well-managed project site; preparing areas to be worked in by other tradesmen; and assisting foremen of various subcontractors in completing one-off tasks.

“With the assistance of my superintendent, I have attempted to dabble in various projects that would normally be done by various tradespeople (carpentry, demolition, masonry).”

The AUCH team has been glad to have Peper this summer.

Four people standing in front of a building — **Will Peper (second from right) is shown with (from left) Jeffrey D. Hamilton, Shawn Verlinden and Vincent DeLeonardis**

“We were delighted that Will was the recipient of the AUCH Construction Scholarship and can now take it a step further with some real life work experience in an effort to guide him with his goals for a potential future career in our industry,” said Jeffrey D. Hamilton, President, AUCH Construction.

Peper has been grateful for the experience.

“I had never stepped foot on a construction site before May of this year,” he said. “My exposure to hands-on projects was rather limited growing up, and my knowledge leading up to my internship was lackluster as a result. However, with the grace, patience, and immeasurable experience of my supervisors, my ability to expand my understanding of the construction world has been unprecedented.”

April 12, 2021 by Schoolcraft College

Schoolcraft College alumni are well-known for giving back to their school and to their community. One of many examples is the Culinary Extravaganza (CulEx), a celebration of fine food and wine that traditionally serves as the Schoolcraft College Foundation’s signature fundraising event, with proceeds benefiting students and the program.

A key reason for the success of this event is the support from area establishments, many of which employ Schoolcraft College alumni in key positions. They donate delicious food and beverages and generously lend their time and talent to ensure a successful experience.

Sadly, the CulEx had to be canceled in 2020 because of COVID-19, which has devastated the restaurant industry. To help restaurants in this time of need, the Schoolcraft College Foundation offered a helping hand in the form of $1,000 grants to 20 area restaurants that are owned by Schoolcraft alumni and/or employ Schoolcraft students.

Most restaurants are in Detroit, but businesses in Birmingham, Hazel Park, Northville, Novi, Plymouth, Redford and Royal Oak benefited as well.

“Past support we received from area restaurants in terms of their delicious food and beverages, their amazing talent and their generous time really makes the Culinary Extravaganza happen,” said Dawn Magretta, Executive Director, Schoolcraft College Foundation & Alumni Relations. “These restaurants have done so much to help us over the years, so we wanted to return the favor and help them during these challenging times.”

News of the difficult times in the restaurant industry prompted Joan A. Gebhardt, Chair of the Schoolcraft College Board of Trustees, to act.

“The food industry has been devastated by the COVID pandemic probably more than any other,” she said. “Reading and hearing on TV about chefs losing their jobs and restaurants closing made me want to help them.

“At Schoolcraft we prepare our students to be ‘job ready,’ but nothing prepares our culinary grads, our extended family, for dealing with this pandemic.”

Certified Executive Chef Chris Misiak was immediately enthusiastic about the concept and helped bring it to reality.

“Schoolcraft College is committed to supporting the community it serves, and the Culinary Arts Department reflects that mission,” he said. “In Culinary Arts we see our alumni and students as a type of family and we will always support family.”

The cash infusion has been greatly appreciated.

“I am touched and appreciative that the same institution that trained me as a chef is supporting me again in such a challenging time,” said Chef Paul Grosz, owner of Cuisine Restaurant in Detroit and a Schoolcraft College alumni. “The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the food industry tremendously, and I am so thankful that our community is coming together to support each other.”

Kelli Lewton, chef/owner of 2 Unique Caterers and Event Planners in Royal Oak, has been associated with Schoolcraft College for more than 30 years, first as a student, then a member of the culinary team and an instructor in the Culinary Arts department for more than 20 years.

“I was honestly brought to tears when I opened the letter and found the check,” Lewton said. “Sometimes the help you need on a dark day is to know that someone is thinking about you and cares.”

Lewton said she put the $1,000 toward payroll for her business, which is entering its 30^th year in operation.

“It sounds simple, but kindness is really what we all need during these dark days” Lewton said. “Kindness has a spark that can fuel fires of hope, change and better in our lives and businesses.”