The Bell Tower - Spring 2009

3Schoolcraft Col lege Alumni and Fr iends

Connect ing Schoolcraf t Col lege Alumni & Fr iends Spr ing 2009

F E A T U R E S T O R Y

WelcomeBack!The SchoolcraftReunion Cruise

CampusExpansionBiomedical Technology& VisTaTech Centers

Profi les inExcellenceSusan McKenna &Dr. Steve Dolgin

DEBUTISSUE

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2 Volume 1 / Issue 1 / Spring 2009 3Schoolcraft Col lege Alumni and Fr iends

Message From Our

I am pleased to introduce Schoolcraft College’s new alumni magazine,The Bell Tower. This magazine isdesigned with you in mind—toprovide Schoolcraft College alumni the information you want about the College you love.

P R E S I D E N T

You know that Schoolcraft is Henry’s last name

You know how to get to 7 Mile Rd. from thenorth lot without ever touching Haggerty

You’ve had a close encounter with aSchoolcraft golf cart

You know…because you’ve actually paced it, that it’s 1/4 of a mile from the north lot to the center of campus

You’ve uttered the phrase, “Yes, free parking!”

You’ve found yourself humming along to the music mysteriously emanating from the Bell Tower at Christmas

You’ve never screamed, “Touchdown!”anywhere on campus

You’ve found yourself daydreaming about the Schoolcraft lunch menu

You believe S’craft is actually a word

And the #1 way you know beyond a doubtthat you are a Schoolcraft alum…

You know what theheck an ocelot is!

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1

Board of TrusteesGregory J. Stempien, ChairBrian D. Broderick, Vice Chair Carol M. Strom, SecretaryPatricia Watson, TreasurerMary Breen, TrusteePhilip N. Cascade, TrusteeJoan A. Gebhardt, Trustee

Foundation Board of GovernorsJohn Bowen, PresidentAbe Munfakh, President ElectRay Friedrich, Vice PresidentMartha Snow, TreasurerJames Fausone, SecretaryJohn AllieCraig BowlesJohn ElkinsRobert FarrisGuy GehlertElizabeth JohnsonMary Ellen KingCharles McIlhargeyTerri O’BrienMichelle PlaweckiEdwin SchulzRodger VojcekMark WilkieHonorary MembersThomas MarekJohn Santeiu, Jr.Ex-Offi cioMary BreenConway A. JeffressA. Reginald Best, Jr.

Alumni Advisory CommitteeLinda Besh, ’86; John Carley,’04;Karen Carley, ’04; Jim Faydenko,’85;Chris Jackett, ’04; Marguerite Kirby ’66; Jennifer Mackinder ’00; Karyl Niemi, ’01; Robbin St. Amour, ’89 to ’91; Clothildes Tate, ’04 & ’05

The Bell Tower Magazine

Editorial Advisory Committee:Schoolcraft College Developmentand Marketing Offi ces and VMA, Inc.

Art Direction/Design: VMA, Inc.

Contributing Writers: C. Jackett and L. Schneider

Cover Photography:Steve Fecht

The Alumni and Friends Program exists to cultivate and sustainlifelong relationships withSchoolcraft College’s extended family of alumni, students, faculty, staff and the community at large.

The Bell Tower isYour Magazine!

If you would like to submit an idea for a future article or if you are interested in volunteering to be a contributing writer, please contact us at [email protected]

Phone: (734) 462-4501

E-mail: [email protected]

Web: www.schoolcraft.edu/alumni

1Bell Tower Facts: Th e Bell Tower was constructed in 1964 and stands 90 feet tall. Th e carillon bells purchased by donor Floyd Kehrl for $6,500 were installed in November 1965.

To Know For Sure You’re A Schoolcraft College Alum…

An email contest was held among alumni (open to alumni with an email address on file)to solicit recommendationsfor naming this magazine.The Schoolcraft Alumni Advisory Committee wishes to congratulate alums Jason and Connie Clark of Plymouth, MI (pictured) for submitting the winning entry, (honorable mention to alumLarry Carver who also recom-mended the name). The Bell Tower was selected because

the name represents a truecampus icon uniquely associated with Schoolcraft College. Since 1964 the tower has stood asa proud symbol of Schoolcraft College for students, alumni and the surrounding community.

A Nationwide SchoolcraftAlumni Community

This map represents over 32,000 alumni graduates living and working throughout the world and in all 50 states. The College’s Alumni and Friends program launched in late 2006, continues to build momentum with plans to reach out to all former students that have attended the College. Over its 40-year history close to 300,000 students have been educated by Schoolcraft College.

Th e ocelot: Also known as the painted leopard, is a wild cat distributed over South and Central America and Mexico.

Why Magazine?

Q:

I encourage you to think of yourselves as forever part of a community that has enriched the minds and hearts of many students for more than forty years. From the moment students enter our classrooms, Schoolcraft encourages a passion for learning.

During my tenure as president, I have seen an awakening of renewed pride in the College by alumni, and with good reason. We offer the highest quality education at an affordable cost. Signifi cant investments have been made in the areas of infrastructure and campus technology. Just this past year we opened the new Biomedical Technology Center dedicated to improving the College’s science, technology, and mathematics disciplines. Students continue to be the main focus of Schoolcraft, and we have increased enrollment every semester for the last ten years. We exert an increasing infl uence on higher education in this community and around the state of Michigan.

Many opportunities are available for you to stayconnected to Schoolcraft. If you haven’t been backto campus lately, I invite you to visit to see the growthand value of a Schoolcraft degree.

As a member of the Schoolcraft College community, you have every reason to be proud of your College. Just as we have every reason to be proud of you and your accomplishments.

Sincerely,

Conway A. Jeff ress, Ph.D., President

Schoolcraft College

Alumni of Schoolcraft College

can be found living and working

in all 50 states.


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Susan McKenna started her career pathway at Schoolcraft College in the 80s eager to become a registered nurse, but she found something more than an education in nursing. For her it was the beginning of a journey into real life and creativity that she feels is something only a community college like Schoolcraft is able to offer, where each student is not only a face in a crowd, but part of a close-knit family.

It was the teachers and the atmosphere and perhaps the struggle of not having an education dropped in her lap that made her degree from Schoolcraft so special. After graduation, Susan made it her mission to share with many young aspiring nurses that armed with only her associate degree from Schoolcraft College she was able to become a Director of Nursing, a nursing instructor, a clinical manager and a pediatric nurse at Children’s Hospital of Michigan. She achieved this success through determination and motivation. When others saw limits, Susan saw challenges and possibilities.

After an accident, Susan was forced to give up nursing, but true to form she saw this challenge as an opportunity and decided to pursue writing. She returned to the place she felt was home, Schoolcraft College, and she ventured into Dr. Steven Dolgin’s creative writing class. She loved being a part of the whole Schoolcraft experience again. Susan credits Dolgin’s class as the inspiration for her newest career. “He made me think outside the box. I thought I would be writing fi ction and it turns out he had me enjoying everything!” Susan continued her studies, won a scholarship from Schoolcraft to attend a writer’s conference, and she was on her way.

Susan went on to become an award-winning poet and novelist. She has authored six children’s books and has just fi nished a self-helpbook for women. But, she hasn’t stopped there. In addition to beingan author, Susan is now motivating others with what Schoolcraft College instilled in her. She is a Life Coach and motivational speaker helping others to create hope and motivation where it is lacking.She has been featured on the cover of Detroit’s Twist magazine andappeared on television and national radio talk shows. She wasnominated as a semi-fi nalist for the American Broadcasting Corporation’s and Prevention magazine’s national contest for Women Who Inspire Other Women and she received the Women Who Make Magic award by Detroit’s WNIC’s Breakfast Club.

Continuing to credit Schoolcraft with her success, Susan feels the college has always remained focused on the right thing…planting the seeds for success in students. “For many,” she adds, “Schoolcraft provided the essential support they needed to enable them to make something of their lives and a difference in the world.” This factmotivated her to get involved with Schoolcraft’s new alumni program. “I think what drew me into the alumni program is that too many of us saw the people who walked in the front door, but we never saw who walked out the back.” Susan believes the alumni program will fi ll that gap. “Schoolcraft alumni prove that you can become whoever you want to be when you get the right start. Our alma mater gave us a real foundation. They planted and nurtured the seeds and the alumni program offers the opportunity for us all to share that harvest”.

Want to share your story? We’re eager to hear from you!

Email [email protected] or call (734) 462-4501

English profi ciency is a key skill for any career and those who have taken English courses at Schoolcraft College during the past two decades have likely crossed paths with Dr. Steven Dolgin.The 56-year-old professor has taught composition, literature and creative writing with zest and fl air throughout the past 19 years at Schoolcraft, turning out several successful students, including author Susan McKenna. He has also served as editor of the nationally recognized The MacGuffi n literary arts publication since 2002.

“I try to minimize anxiety that many students, especially non-traditional, returning students have. It’s a bit of a balancing act. I want my students to meet the course objectives and to be prepared for other courses,” Dolgin said. “If I can incorporate a bit of humor, an interesting example —great. Sometimes that creates an eclectic atmosphere and I run the risk of losing student focus. Nonetheless, when I can tie up an eclectic hour and bring the ideas full circle, it’s a great feeling of working hard and achieving my intention.”

Dolgin has been passionately dedicated to both the literary artsand Schoolcraft College for years. Much of this ties into his family.Earning his fi rst degree from the University of Illinois in 1973, theMorton Grove, IL native went on to marry his wife, Sheryl, and now lives nearby in Farmington with their two sons, Keats and Eliot, who are named after poets John Keats and T. S. Eliot.

Eldest son Keats attended Schoolcraft for two years before earning a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University, and Eliot is making his way through high school as his father “keep(s) promoting Schoolcraft as the best place to go for the fi rst two years of college.” Keats’ positive experience at Schoolcraft reiterated what Dolgin has told peers and students for years; the same message he passes onto Eliot.

“My colleagues at Schoolcraft prepared my son for upper-division undergraduate work and instilled a sense of confi dence that served Keats well as he fi nished his MSU coursework and then began a career in marketing/communications,” Dolgin said. “Schoolcraft, in the tradition of the two-year college, is perhaps the most democratic educational institution available to the community it serves.”

“I see the college, and the English Department in particular, working diligently to prepare students for their academic endeavors as well as meeting the needs of our community in terms of course variety, certifi cate programs and so forth.”

As he’s helped Schoolcraft grow and fl ourish into one of the best community colleges in the state, the College has been embraced asa second family for Dolgin, who also maintains a scholarship through the Schoolcraft College Foundation.

“When I started teaching at Schoolcraft in 1990, my sister had just passed away and my parents made a modest contribution to the Foundation to help students offset the expense of a course or two,” he said. “After my parents died, I (was) determined to continue the fund and use it to help those students—many of whom have lost jobs in the current economic crisis—to take courses to train for a new job or to return to pursue a program at Schoolcraft. I am especially proud of the Dolgin Family Fund.”

Want us to feature your favorite faculty/staff member:

Email [email protected] or call (734) 462-4501

3

ALUMNI: Susan McKenna

FACULTY: Dr. Steven Dolgin

“Dr. Dolgin made me think outside of the box. I thought I would be writing fi ction and it turns out he had meenjoying everything.”

“I try to minimize anxiety that many students, especially non-traditional, returning students have. It’s a bit of a balancing act. I want my students to meet the course objectives and to be prepared for other courses.”

2 and Clarenceville. On December 7, 1972, the first “Bell Tower, Christmas Lighting Ceremony” was held. 24 strings of 2,400 mulicolored bulbs were used. The tower has five small bells from rural schools in the five local K–12 districts which comprise the College District—Livonia, Northville, Plymouth-Canton, Garden City


who went on to get both a BS and MS in marketing. Another important benefi t of attending Schoolcraft includes the opportunity to work at the College. For Yolanda, it was working in the placement offi ce for Dr. Pike. For Chris Jackett and Andrea Robertson, it was working for Stu Baker in the counseling offi ce.

“I learned a lot from (Stu),” Chris explains. “He’s one of my favorite people. He was so down to earth.” While at Schoolcraft, Chris wasactive editing the Schoolcraft Connection paper, receiving state awards and earning his associate in 2004. He then moved on toearn his BA in journalism from MSU.

Andrea Robertson, who studied accounting and then earned her bachelor’s degree at EMU, found it much easier to work and attend classes at Schoolcraft. “I loved all the people there and the faculty was so nice,” she recalls. “They were very down-to-earth andapproachable.” Today, she’s amazed at how many instructors onthe yacht recognize her.

As the Bugs Beddow Band jamming on the third sun deck takes a quick break, a member of the Development staff at Schoolcraft College addresses the crowd. “Welcome aboard!” he calls out to applause. “We’re delighted to be able to reconnect with our alumni, and we hope this is the fi rst of many events.”

A “BOATLOAD” OF SCHOOLCRAFT ALUMNIHe then introduces Dr. Conway A. Jeffress, president of Schoolcraft College, who thanks everyone for their enthusiasm. “We love the idea that all of you have attended Schoolcraft College,” he says before introducing Victoria Rexius, a proud Schoolcraft alumnus and Alumni & Friends Coordinator. “Look at this!” Victoria proclaims.“We have a boatload of Schoolcraft alumni! We decided to doan all-decade reunion because it really captures the true spirit of Schoolcraft College. That’s what’s so unique and enriching aboutattending Schoolcraft…we have such a wide variety of studentsin diversity, backgrounds, ages and more.”

As the Ovation heads south into the turquoise waves of Lake St. Clair, she goes on to tell how the Schoolcraft alumni program has been developed to rekindle relationships with some of the almost 300,000 Schoolcraft alumni. “Many are so eager to share their feelings and tell their stories,” says Victoria, as she introduces a special alumni video entitled, “Welcome Back.”

As Liz DeWitt and her fellow alums fi nish watching the video featuring her interview, Liz credits her Schoolcraft education and experience for her career advancement, fi rst to Assistant Vice President at Michigan National Bank and later to Corporate Offi cer at Comerica Bank. “All alumni are ambassadors! I want people to know how great a school

it is,” Liz states. “It has helped me my whole life. If I hadn’t found Schoolcraft and kept at it, I would not have gone far.”

As the video ends, alumnusJim Faydenko reminds thegroup that the six-minute video captures only a few of the many Schoolcraft alumni stories. The crowd thunderously agrees.

The cruise has been a perfect opportunity for alumni to venture up to Dr. Jeffress and other key Schoolcraft faculty to meet them, thank them and hold a personal, one-on-one conversation toconvey all that Schoolcraft has meant over the years.

SURPASSEDEXPECTATIONSAs the Ovation heads north,back toward St. Clair Shores, a Schoolcraft staff member takes a moment to refl ect on one amazing afternoon. “We’re overwhelmed by the success of this cruise,” he smiles. “It’s surpassed all expectations. We’ll do more reaching out.”

While the Schoolcraft staff knew all of the logistics of the well-planned event, they couldn’t have predicted the dynamic, upbeat crowd.Although it should be no huge surprise; since the alumni program was put in place staff have been amazed at the personal stories alumni have shared. No matter whether they graduated in 1965 or 2005, alumni stories of the Schoolcraft experience often name aninstructor, counselor or other staff member. There was a personalconnection that still resonates.

Personal connections deepen as the yacht docks and the jovial troupe reluctantly heads toward shore. “Next time, can we cruise for six hours?” someone jokes, while another says, “This was great.”As they disembark, faculty and alumni linger for last minute hugs,photos and basking in the glow of a perfect afternoon. “What made this cruise so special was the overall diversity of the group,” alumnus Jim Faydenko explains. “Yet each of us had one important factor in common: Schoolcraft—and its impact on our lives. Everyone brought their own unique backgrounds and journeys and that, in a nutshell, is the Schoolcraft College experience.”

Jeff erson Beach Marina, St. Clair Shores—It’s only noon, but this clear, sunny June Sunday is already heating up. Fortunately, the wind rising off Lake St. Clair provides refreshing bursts of cool air as a crowd gathers next to a large, luxurious yacht. The hearty gusts can’t mask the group’s growing anticipation for the fi rst-ever Schoolcraft College all-decade reunion aboard the Ovation.

As they line up to board, Rondi Andersen of Livonia and her friend Lynn Headapohl of Kalamazoo already know this will be anythingbut an ordinary college reunion. Rondi has her eyes peeled forSteve Wroble, a man who played a pivotal role in her life nearly20 years earlier.

Today, Rondi is immersed in a successful career in InformationTechnology, but in 1991, she was a newly single mother of three with no job and no prospects of a decent job. Then she made what seemed at the time a small decision to check out Schoolcraft College and its Women’s Resource Center (now called the Transitions Center). She needed to support her kids and she needed help.

Rondi had an interest in computers, but also loved art, so the Center’s aptitude testing suggested she might enjoy a new fi eld. Ultimately, Rondi earned her associate degree in computer graphics in 1993 with the help of Schoolcraft Professor Steve Wroble.

“When I saw his name on the list of faculty scheduled to attend the cruise, I said I’ve got to go,” Rondi explains. “Steve was really, really encouraging, so supportive and friendly. He brings out thebest in everyone.”

THE PERFECT SPRINGBOARDSo often, Schoolcraft serves as a springboard for its students, thanks in part to the real-life experience so easily accessible. “Hopefully, my students are coming out better prepared and knowing what the real world is like,” Steve Wroble notes. “Rondi was ambitious,” recalls

Wroble. “She was always looking beyond. I saw that she wanted to go somewhere.”

Rondi currently holds an I.T. position for the City of Livonia. “I havea fabulous job and love it,” she says. And the Schoolcraft experience, “was the best thing I ever did. It was huge for me. I would not be where I am now without them. Schoolcraft College is really high energy. And the staff is fabulous.”

When alumni are asked to describe their Schoolcraft faculty, common themes include practical experience and high energy, yet friendly, approachable and down to earth. In fact, most alumni on this cruise were prompted to participate not so much by the fabulous cruise venue as the invitation’s list of instructors scheduled to attend.

As the group effi ciently makes its way on board to pick up nametags and spread throughout the spacious vessel’s three decks, each complete with delicious entrees and desserts, beverages and other amenities, an animated, jovial atmosphere spreads. In the salon on the second deck, former students are quickly gathering aroundgeology Professor Jim Rexius.

Scott Wenzel and his wife Pat of Livonia came in part because Rexius’ name was on the invitation list. “I’m looking forward to this cruise,” Scott says. “Schoolcraft College has great faculty. We had all kinds of fun fi eld trips and great learning opportunities. Schoolcraft is a part of my history. I met a lot of friends there.”

Schoolcraft set the foundation for Scott in 1988 and allowed him to springboard into Eastern Michigan University’s (EMU’s) Collegeof Business.

Schoolcraft was the perfect launch pad for Livonia’s Yolanda Vargas too, who got her liberal arts degree in 1987. “Schoolcraft was my other family. It’s an open community and open to feedback,” says Yolanda,

ALUMNI & FACULTY CRUISE INTO DEEPER CONNECTIONS

5Schoolcraft Col lege Alumni and Fr iends4 Volume 1 / Issue 1 / Spring 2009

“What made this cruise so special was the overall diversity of the group, yeteach of us had one important factor incommon: Schoolcraft —and its impact on our lives. Everyone brought their own unique backgrounds and journeys and that, in a nutshell, is theSchoolcraft Collegeexperience.”

6 Volume 1 / Issue 1 / Spring 2009

BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGY CENTER (September 2008)

After 10 years of planning and two years of construction, the Biomedical Technology Center offi cially opened its doors to students in the fall of 2008.

Although the $14-million earth-friendly structure fi ts seamlessly into the existing campus architecture, once inside, visitors immediately realize this is a very different space. The ultra contemporary interior is an open and airy space fi lled with natural lighting and sleek black marblefl oors. The state-of-the-art math and science classrooms are outstandingand equipped with the latest technology. They feature a humananatomy and physiology lab headlined by two plastinated cadavers,a high-tech biomedical technology lab, a globally connected learning theater and a nursing lab.

“The BioMed Center indicates that the College understands theimportance of technology in the classroom and the necessity toprovide the best physical atmosphere in which learning can take place. Schoolcraft College is clearly committed to providing conditions which maximize the potential of students and faculty,” said Thomas O’Connor, a 19-year veteran biology instructor. “The new facilities include an image analysis lab which is equipped with a scanning electron microscope. It is rare to have something like this at the community college level and it would not have been possible without the space provided by the new building.” Generous gifts to the Schoolcraft College Foundation from alumni, community leaders and donors enabled the Foundation to grant $1.5 million toward the Center’s construction.

BRADNER LIBRARY RENOVATION (November 2005)

Serving students for 40 years had taken its toll on the Bradner Library, spurring a need for some much needed additional space and renovations. The $3.5-million project wrapped up and the library's doors reopened in November 2005.

Opening up the northern end of the library with more modern, high ceilings and a glass atrium, the expansion and renovation addeda central circulation desk, private study areas, two classrooms, 30computer stations and gallery space to showcase student art.The expansion provides the library staff, along with the college’s ever-expanding Media Department, additional space. The facility also houses the Learning Assistance Center which offers support services to help students reach academic success.

“The new Bradner has combined Library, Learning Assistance, Tutoring, and Writing Fellows programs into a single building, thereby improving the coordination of student learning opportunities,” said librarian Roy Nuffer. “In achieving its goal of better coordination of services and a better learning environment for students, it has also turned us into a very busy operation.”

“I think the VisTaTech Center is hip; refl ects a forward-thinking mentality. Students take pride init and can see themselves in a similar environment one day; it helps them project possibilities.”

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If you have not been to Schoolcraft College recently,you may not recognize it. The past 15 years have brought signifi cant change to the Livonia campus in particular. Renovations have been made and state-of-the-art facilities have been added. Four of the College’s newest buildings have put the school at the forefront of Michigan community colleges.

CAMPUS

TOURSSCHEDULE A TIME:

[email protected]

(734) 462-4501

VISTATECH CENTER (March 2003)

Standing for Vision, Talent and Technology, the VisTaTech Centerrepresents the campus’ largest investment in the past two decades. The 55,000-square-foot multi-purpose facility houses the newAmerican Harvest Restaurant, Main Street Café, the Culinary ArtsDepartment, the renovated Waterman Center (featuring Henry’sFood Court), and outstanding meeting and conference facilities.

The $27-million VisTaTech was funded in part by a capital campaign launched by the Schoolcraft College Foundation. The campaign enabled the Foundation to give $2 million towards the Center’sconstruction, representing the largest sum ever presented to theCollege by the Foundation. The main corridor of VisTaTech proudly displays a donor appreciation wall listing all alumni, business and community donors who contributed to the VisTaTech project and the names of those who provide on-going support to the work of the Foundation.

VisTaTech is a dynamic multi-functional space. Its state-of-the-artculinary kitchens and classrooms have put Schoolcraft on the forefront of national culinary training. The American Harvest Restaurant continues to be a training environment for culinary students while providingthe community with one of the area’s fi nest dining experiences.In addition, VisTaTech’s state-of-the-art meeting and conference facilities have quickly established it as a premier venue for business, community and campus events.

Meeting space ranges from a banquet area that can seat up to 600to an acoustically excellent presentation theater that can accommodateup to 270, as well as nine breakout rooms. There are also two computer labs each equipped with 24 desktop computers, perfect for software training or new product demonstrations. Projectors and screens are built into the structure of each room with onsite technical support.The entire building has high-speed Internet and Wi-Fi, and has the capability of holding satellite teleconferences, Webcast Webinars, audio conferences and interactive video conferences.

“The Center is THE mechanism that demonstrates what the world of work looks like,” said 18-year-veteran Susan Lupo, Schoolcraft’s executive director of Planning and Research. “I think the Center is hip; refl ects a forward-thinking mentality. Students take pride in it and can see themselves in a similar environment one day; it helps themproject possibilities.”

Schoolcraft alumni enjoy a special discount for VisTaTech

facility rental and American Harvest dining.

MCDOWELL CENTER (January 1995)

If you attended Schoolcraft in the 70s, your fi rst experience as a student may have included waiting outdoors in long registration lines with class schedules displayed on portable blackboards in the campus parking lot.

The College wanted to improve student registration processes by combining them into one central location. In 1995, it achieved its goal with the opening of the $7.8-million McDowell Center. Named after former college president, Richard McDowell, the building facilitates administrative processes for new students that were once scattered across campus. Featuring a central, three-story winding stairwell, accented with an incredible glass dome ceiling, the building houses several administrative offi ces, including Admissions, Counseling, Financial Aid, Registrar’s and the Transition Center (formerly knownas the Women’s Resource Center).

“The best thing about the McDowell Center is that it consolidated allof the college’s Student Services into one beautiful state-of-the-art facility. Even the cashier’s offi ce used to be in the Administrationbuilding, so students had to go to another building to pay,” said Counselor and Associate Professor Stuart Baker, who has worked at the college 36 years. “The McDowell Center is the fi rst building students enter when fi rst applying, getting counseling services and fi nancial aid, and then registering and paying for classes.”

For VisTaTech rental details, contact us at (734) 462-4610 or email

[email protected]. For American Harvest Restaurant

reservations, call (734) 462-4488 or visit www.schoolcraft.edu/harvest/

^ ^


When Marcia (Wright) Scarbrough graduated from Livonia Franklin High School in 1977, she had no idea what to do with her life.

With her mother widowed, she was eligible for a special scholarship and decided to carpool daily to Schoolcraft College with twoneighbors, with the hope that she would fi nd direction for her life.

“Schoolcraft gave children of widows money to go to college,”Scarbrough said. “They helped me out. When I graduated high school, I didn’t think I had a future at all.”

She credits Schoolcraft with making her the person she is today.

“When I was 18, I was so scared thinking about what I would dowith my life. Up to that point, my only job had been babysitting.” Scarbrough said. “Schoolcraft was a very nice change from high school, not a popularity contest. Everyone was there to learn. The teachers really cared about you as a person and took their time.”

Scarbrough really matured at Schoolcraft, “I even got my fi rst job at Schoolcraft, at the Bradner Library.” She admits, however, that she didn’t decide what to do with her life until shortly after she graduated

with her associate degree in general studies in 1981. She decided to use her degree from Schoolcraft to secure a physical therapy job as a nursing aid in Detroit.

Working in the physical therapy fi eld opened her eyes. “You see people who are handicapped and can’t walk and you realize what a gift it is to be able to walk,” Scarbrough said.

She fell in love with her job and decided to pursue a degree in physical therapy. She graduated from Macomb Community College’s physical therapy assistant program with an associate degree in 1988. MCC was one of only a few colleges in the region offering the program at the time.

“All my classes transferred from Schoolcraft,” Scarbrough said. “I think Schoolcraft helped me to transition to a career. They gave me what it took to get a good start.”

The current Waterford resident knows her life would be much differentif she hadn’t chosen Schoolcraft College. Remembering her own struggles, she wanted to help current students fi nd their path in a similar manner, so she called Schoolcraft Director of Development A. Reginald Best, Jr. to set up an annuity donation plan.

“My grandmother created a scholarship fund. She was a volunteerfor 20 years. I gave to her scholarship every year, but decided it was time to start one of my own. Reginald made it very fun and easy, very honest,” Scarbrough said. “It’s a good way to give back to the college because they’re the ones who gave me a start. It helps the students out. Some people need a little extra help. My hope is that current Schoolcraft students will use the money to better themselves.”

For more information about giving opportunities, visit:

www.schoolcraft.edu/foundation/giving or call Reginald Best at (734) 462-4689

8 Volume 1 / Issue 1 / Spring 2009

70s

^ SHEILA OVINGTON :’72I graduated in ‘72 with an AAS in Art.At the time, I was thirty-four years old with a husband and four small children. I was so proud to be part of Schoolcraft, it was just a good “fi t.”In ‘75 I earned my B.A. in Fine ArtsInterior Design from Eastern Michigan University. I worked for a design stu-dio in Birmingham and then for Ethan Allen in Livonia. I moved to St. Louis and I continued my career with Ethan Allen until I retired 15 years ago.

^ RON ROBINSON :’72I graduated from SchoolcraftCollege in ‘72 with an AAS inSecondary Education. I have been teaching at Schoolcraft since January 1976. I am currently an AdjunctProfessor of Political Science. I amalso a Contract Negotiator for theU.S. Army TACOM, since June 1981.

^ PJ STEEBY :’75I am a proud alumna of Schoolcraft College, after four semesters on the Dean’s list I graduated with an AAS in Business in ‘75. My maiden name was Patty J. King. My successful career as an executive in the hospitality/busi-ness travel management industry hasoffered me the opportunity to travel and live globally. In ‘88, I helpedcharter a global associationrecognized as the leading global association representing the Fortune 500’s corporate hospital/travelprograms. Recently, my husband of28 years and I retired. We now enjoylife in beautiful Northern Michiganand tropical Bonaire. I recall myexperience at Schoolcraft College with great fondness and respect.

80s

^ JUDITH SHAW :’85I graduated in ‘85 with an AAS in Marketing and Management, as Judith Quayle and then pursued my B.A. from Lawrence Tech. I became an Independent Training Contractor and Consultant, working for GM, Chrysler and Ford, and in the 90s, Michigan Carton & Paperboard. I currently hold a position as Safety, Training & Human Resource Manager with a company in Atlanta, GA. I have continued to pur-sue my education by going back to school for a Master's of Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix. Schoolcraft College is where my fi rst steps towards a career really began. Best of luck to the Alumni Pro-gram, I wish you continued success!

^ JOHN BOERGER :’82AAS, ArchitecturalEngineering Technology, ‘82,Schoolcraft College

Bachelor of Science, Human Services, Lake Superior State University, Sault Ste Marie, MI

I went on to gain global experience in Europe, Mexico, and Canada, working in the fi elds of Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering and Quality Management. Since ‘86, I have held a variety of offi ces with the Society of Engineers—including Chairman and Vice Chairman.

90s

^ MO HIJAZI :’96Graduated Schoolcraft in ‘96. I was part of the men's soccer teams in ‘94 and ‘95 playing for the late Van Dimitriou. I broke the school record for goals scored with 31 goals during the ‘95 season; our team was ranked 3rd in the country. In ‘99 I received my B.A. from Eastern Michigan University and I continued to play soccer there while attending the business school. I went on to sign a contract with Lebanon’s most popular professional soccer team the “Stars” and played all over Europe. I went to work for Comerica Bank, eventually running a branchas manager for two years. I joined Quicken Loans in ‘06, and truly love working there. I've been happilymarried since ‘02 to my beautiful wifeMouna and our fi rst child, 17-month-old, Hussein, is already on a career path to be the next great Schoolcraft College goal scorer. My Schoolcraft years were some of my fondest memories. It's always cool to drive by the campus and remember the good ole days.

^ ROB RICHARDS :’91I graduated from Schoolcraft in ‘91with an AAS in Liberal Arts Degree.I transferred to U of M where I gradu-ated with honors. My time in school has been dedicated towards a quest for knowledge in philosophy andpolitical science without a specifi c goal of career enhancement. I makemy living in the area of computer-aided design and have done well without the added advantage of anengineering degree.

^ ROBBIN ST. AMOUR :’91I graduated in 1991 with an AASdegree. Following graduation, I worked for the University of Michigan for 11 years in the Business Offi ce (Cash Offi ce/Student Organizations). In 2002, I returned to Schoolcraft to take a class called Serve Safe. I left U of M in 2003 and I opened my food vending business called Sister Caesar’s Salad, Inc. I am presently semi-retired.

00s

^ ERIN BRODHAGEN :’00 & ’04I graduated with an AAS in Liberal Arts from Schoolcraft College in ‘00. I went on to attend Eastern Michigan University where I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Assistance in 2004. Still single, no kids yet.

^ CINDY WELLS :’01Class of ‘01—Post-Associate Certifi cate in Information Technology

I graduated with a Master of Science in Information Systems from Walsh College in ‘09. I created a Board Policy Manual for the Michigan Council of Women in Technology as my cap-stone project. I am currently working with Ascension Health Information Systems in Southwest Michigan.

^ CLOTHILDES TATE :’04 & ’05I graduated from Schoolcraft with two Honors AAS and AGS degrees while working midnights, with a family, volunteering at Schoolcraft and attending Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts. I love Schoolcraft College, its staff, faculty and students. Thank you very much for your special talents, but especially for all the opportunities you have given me!

1919 19 20

Annui ty prof i le : Marcia Scarbrough

Alum Gives Back To ThoseResponsible For HelpingShape Her Life

“It’s a good way to give back to the collegebecause they’re the ones who gave me a start.It helps the students out. Some people need a little extra help. My hope is that current Schoolcraft students will use the money to better themselves.”

SUBMITYOUR CLASS INFO

[email protected]

(734) 462-4501

GIVINGTO SCHOOLCRAFT

www.schoolcraft.edu/foundation

Or call:Reginald Best (734) 462-4689

Foundation EventsSchoolcraft College Foundation EventsVisit www.schoolcraft.edu/foundation for complete details or call (734) 462-4518

Golf Classic Fore ScholarshipsJune 1, 2009 Annual golfi ng fundraiser to provide scholarships to Schoolcraft students. Walnut Creek Country Club, South Lyon, MI

Culinary ExtravaganzaSeptember, 27, 2009, 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.A fi ne food & wine event to benefi t Schoolcraft College students featuring Michigan’s most notable restaurants, wineries and pastry shops.Schoolcraft College VisTaTech Center, Livonia, MI

VisTa GalaApril 17, 2010, 6:30 p.m.A gala and benefi t showcasing Schoolcraft’s award winning nationallyrecognized Culinary Arts Program.Schoolcraft College VisTaTech Center, Livonia, MI

Campus & Community Events

Michigan Jazz FestivalJuly 19, 2009, 12:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m.For more information: www.michiganjazzfestival.homestead.com

Transitions Center (formerly the WRC) Luncheon Series11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.September 18, 2009—Up the Rouge Paddling Detroit’s Hidden River October 23, 2009—Behind the Scenes of the Purple Rose Theater December 4, 2009—Yoga at the Wall For info call (734) 462-4443

Dinner TheatreOctober 23 & 24, November 6 & 7, 2009Dinner: 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.Theatre Performance: 8 p.m.–11:30 p.m.Theatre Performance Only: November 14 & 15, 2009, 8:00 p.m.–11:30 p.m.Play to be determined.

Professional & Business Development SeminarsSchoolcraft College’s Business Development Center (BDC) is committed toproviding high-quality business consulting and entrepreneurial developmentservices to existing and start-up businesses in southeast Michigan.For information, visit www.schoolcraft.edu/bdc or call (734) 462-4438

Fundamentals of Starting a Small BusinessHelps aspiring entrepreneurs assess their abilities, manage a company, and evaluate market and sales potential for their products.Morning Seminars: June 3, July 8, August 5, September 9, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.Evening Seminars: June 24, July 22, August 19, September 23, 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.

Fundamentals of Writing a Business PlanLearn about the key components of writing a business plan, including:marketing, fi nance, legal, regulatory issues, operations, information basedplanning and management.Morning Seminars: July 15, September 16, June 10, August 12, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.Evening Seminars: June 10, August 12, 6:00–9:00 p.m.

How To Become a Government ContractorFind out what it takes to sell your goods and services to the federalgovernment and the State of Michigan.Morning Seminars: June 11, July 9, August 13, September 17, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Th e VisTa Gala showcases

our award winning

Culinary Arts Program

Schoolcraft CollegeAlumni & Friends Program18600 Haggerty RoadLivonia, MI 48152-2696

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

U. S. POSTAGEP A I D

Schoolcraft College

Are you an alumni or friend of Schoolcraft College? Please update your contact information. E-mail at [email protected], or call (734) 462-4501

Want to participate?

ALUMNI FOCUSGROUP DISCUSSION

To volunteer, email

[email protected] call (734) 462-4501

!

The Bell Tower - Spring 2009

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