eNews 40th Edition

For 60 years, the Schoolcraft College Foundation has helped remove barriers, expand opportunities and support student success across our community. In this 40th edition of eNews, we reflect on that impact while highlighting the students, alumni, donors and partners who continue to shape Schoolcraft’s future.

In this edition:

Schoolcraft College Foundation Celebrates Donor Impact and 60th Anniversary

The annual Schoolcraft College Foundation Donor Celebration welcomed more than 200 supporters, students and community leaders May 21 to celebrate the impact of philanthropy at Schoolcraft and honor student success across generations. Executive Director Dawn Magretta, President of the Schoolcraft College Board of Governors Marina L. Shoemaker and Schoolcraft College President Emeritus Dr. Richard McDowell shared remarks on Schoolcraft College’s growth dating back to 1966 when the Foundation was created.

“This amazing group of donors have given so much of their time and talent to continue to advance the Foundation’s support of the students and community we serve,” Magretta said. “Many of the students impacted by your generosity are here tonight, representing hundreds more whose lives were changed through Foundation support this year alone.”

Shoemaker went on to applaud the audience for supporting more than 500 students who were awarded scholarships this year, totaling nearly $1 million awarded annually.

“Schoolcraft continues to be on the forefront of filling the gaps in today’s workforce while looking at the future to ensure we are meeting the changing educational needs of industry and the community,” Shoemaker said. “The Schoolcraft College Foundation, through the generosity of donors, is able to support many areas beyond scholarships including programs like the student food pantry, student emergency needs fund, various student-run programs and more.”

A Student Success Panel featured scholarship recipients sharing how the Foundation’s support shaped their educational journeys and provided stability, confidence and opportunity.

Hinkle Student Resource Center Specialist Rhonda Donavon shared her efforts to support students in times of emergencies. She then introduced Samantha Bleim, President of Phi Theta Kappa Omicron Iota, who dedicated a project to restocking and upgrading Schoolcraft’s food pantry due to her own experience with financial insecurity.

Arianna Nunez-Conley was announced as the 2026-2027 Foundation Scholar, the Foundation’s most prestigious scholarship. She shared that taking care of her grandfather after he suffered a heart attack solidified her desire to become a nurse. Now with the Foundation’s support, that dream is becoming a reality. Runner-ups Odyssey Brown, Viviana Sepulveda and Dingding Zhao were in attendance and also received scholarships.

Jean Pike, a pioneer that helped start Schoolcraft, and the namesake of the Jean Pike Scholarship Fund, was posthumously inducted into the Fellows Circle of the Bell Tower Society. Cynthia and Jerry Larson were also inducted into the Henry Rowe Schoolcraft Society, which recognizes individuals who include Schoolcraft in their estate plans. To end the festivities, five new funds were established by generous donors.

• Northville Masons Scholarship
• Heartfulness Endowed Advancement Fund
• The Manchester Family Scholarship Fund
• Judith Hetsler Memorial Endowed Scholarship
• Aldis Reiner Nursing & STEM Scholarship
• The John J. Walsh Family Civic Engagement Fund
• James G. Fausone Community & Business Institute Fund

The 2026 Donor Celebration was a reminder of what the talented students at Schoolcraft can accomplish when financial barriers are removed. Philanthropic support can change the trajectory of a student’s life, building passion, confidence and a drive to shape the future.

Panel Discussion at the Mackinac Policy Conference

Schoolcraft College Foundation staff hosted a panel discussion at the Detroit Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference to showcase the College’s pioneering Masonry Trades Program. The program is a new model in Michigan due to its collaborative effort amongst education, industry, labor, and state government to address Michigan’s workforce challenges. The most successful workforce pipelines come from these types of experiential learning partnerships. The Schoolcraft College Foundation has turned this model into a priority to form new collaborations that generate innovate programming while securing funding.

The Conference, attended by more than 1,500 Chamber members, focuses on increasing the dialogue between statewide decision-makers to encourage collaborative efforts to grow business, improve outcomes for the regional community, and shape Detroit’s future.

61st Annual Commencement Ceremony

Congratulations to the 402 Schoolcraft College students who graduated May 9! Graduates heard inspiring remarks from student speaker TereOnna Moore and Schoolcraft alumnus Elis Shola, a Jack Kent Cooke Scholar and Detroit-based logistics company owner. The ceremony was livestreamed on YouTube for family, friends and supporters to celebrate this important milestone from anywhere.

Thanks to the generosity of scholarship donors, many graduates were able to pursue their educational goals with reduced financial barriers and greater confidence in their futures. Their support continues to open doors for Schoolcraft students and help make these achievements possible.

Sparking Passion: Ally Sharnowski’s Story          

Ally Sharnowski had no idea that a trip to the gym would be the deciding factor in her future. She was a Michigan State University sophomore in search of a job when she saw an advertisement for the Novi Fire Department that read “Add a New Suit to Your Wardrobe: Become a Paid-on-Call or Auxiliary Firefighter!”

For Sharnowski, with a passion for fitness and church volunteering, it wasn’t just a physical sign; it was a symbolic one. She saw herself in the woman outfitted with firefighting gear on the advertisement and decided that was the future she wanted.Over two years later, she is well on her way as a part-time firefighter/EMT for the Novi Fire Department, and as the fall 2025 recipient of the Marie & Clyde Rivard Scholarship through the Schoolcraft College Foundation.

Sharnowski also didn’t know she would receive this scholarship until Clyde Rivard himself presented it at her graduation. He served as a firefighter in the City of Livonia from 1982-2008 and retired as a Senior Captain. Between 1989-2002, he developed and administered Schoolcraft’s Fire Academy and Fire Technology Program as its first coordinator. His late wife, Marie Rivard, was a CAT scan technician and dedicated athlete. She was known for her commitment to helping others realize their own potential, and as a dedicated runner who participated in over 75 full- and half-marathons.

“It was kind of surreal,” Sharnowski said. “I was so excited and honored. Those are my type of people, and I just felt honored that I was chosen. It meant a lot that someone who didn’t even know me thought of me in that sense. I really do want to honor that.”

Inspired by Marie Rivard’s active lifestyle, Sharnowski decided to follow in her footsteps by signing up for a marathon the same day she graduated. She is an avid CrossFitter and tackle football player, with a history of volleyball, basketball, softball and gymnastics, but this was deeper than an athletic accomplishment for her.

“It was the hardest physical task I’ve ever done,” Sharnowski said. “I’m very excited and proud that I was able to finish it even though it was really hard, and that I was able to finish it to honor Marie. That was the biggest thing.”

Luckily, Sharnowski was well into her training at Schoolcraft. Her life had become dedicated to learning all the tricks of the firefighting trade: how to throw, force a door open, carry heavy equipment and more. The physical conditioning and discipline that comes with being a firefighter helped her cross the finish line.

“I just want to help people,” Sharnowski said. “I heard once that the meaning of life is service to others and I feel like I’ve been called to both firefighting and being an EMT, on the road and in the medical field, at a deeper level.”

Since 2019, The Marie & Clyde Rivard Scholarship has been awarded to pre-service students graduating from the Fire Technology Associate Degree program at Schoolcraft. Each fall and spring semester, it is given to the cadet who showed the most improvement in their physical condition while maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. This invaluable support not only eases the financial aspect of cadet’s academic journey but inspires them to reach their full potential. Because of their generous donation, the next generation of firefighters will rise to the occasion in service to our community.

“Ally’s commitment and passion is exactly what I want to foster,” Clyde Rivard said. “She is dedicated to helping others and clearly takes her responsibility to heart. I’m proud to see she is following in Marie’s footsteps. She is a shining example of a cadet and will make a remarkable firefighter.”

Sharnowski earned her Fire Fighter Technology Certificate from Schoolcraft, and her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from MSU in the winter 2025 semester. She recently ended her probationary period at the Novi Fire Department. Next, she aims to earn a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies by day at the University of Detroit Mercy, while fighting fires by night and weekends. She will continue to honor Marie Rivard by running her second marathon in the coming months.

Sponsor Spotlight: AlphaUSA

AlphaUSA is a Gold-level sponsor of the annual Culinary Extravaganza event and a member of the Foundation’s Pacesetters Circle, which recognizes cumulative giving of $100,000 and more. Their support for the Schoolcraft Foundation is steeped in a passion for expanding pathways available to students entering the workforce, and a desire to further prepare the next generation with development opportunities and programs that heighten knowledge, skill and confidence. Since joining the Schoolcraft College Foundation Board of Governors in 2024, AlphaUSA’s President, Charles Dardas, has made an undeniable impact on campus, supporting students alongside the company.

AlphaUSA is an engineering and product development manufacturer created in 1956. Based in Livoniathey serve a variety of industries and clients worldwide with production needs. Their products include Engineered Fasteners, Engineered U-Nut Clips, Value Added Assemblies & Stampings, Engineered Washers and Engineered Cam Bolts.

Tickets & sponsorships for the CulEx 2026: A Taste of Detroit are available now. To register, please click here.

Faculty & Staff Campaign: Goal Surpassed!

The Schoolcraft College Foundation is proud to share that the 2026 Faculty & Staff Campaign exceeded its goal, raising a total of $15,651—surpassing the $15,000 target. This includes $8,151 in faculty and staff contributions and a $7,500 dollar-for-dollar match from Michigan Educational Credit Union.

Nearly 100 faculty and staff donors made more than 180 gifts, demonstrating strong engagement and a shared commitment to student success. Campaign funds support vital resources like the Student Emergency Needs Fund, which provides up to $1,000 in crisis support and has helped more than 85% of recipients persist or complete their studies. Gifts also benefit the Student Food Pantry and Kids on Campus Scholarship Fund, ensuring basic needs never stand in the way of education.

The campaign concluded with a celebratory Lunch & Lip Sync Battle, where faculty and staff competed for a $5,000 grand prize grant, bringing energy, creativity, and campus spirit to the finish line.

Thank you to all who gave, participated, and supported this year’s campaign!

Giving and Growth Series: Highlights from May Event

Schoolcraft College Foundation welcomed community members, donors, and campus partners to the latest installment of its Giving & Growth luncheon series, Women Who Give: Stories, Strategy & Impact.

Held May 15 in the Vistatech Center, the event explored the powerful role women play in philanthropy as donors, advisors, mentors and changemakers. Moderated by Foundation Board Member Robin Whitfield, the conversation featured distinguished panelists Dr. Faye Schuett, Professor Emerita of English at Schoolcraft College; Jackie Duggan, CFP®, CRPS™, financial advisor with Edward Jones; and Yolande Herbert, J.D., Senior Planned Giving Officer at Wayne State University. Planned Giving Committee Chair Clyde Rivard welcomed guests and panelists to Schoolcraft’s campus.

Together, the panelists shared personal stories, professional insights and thoughtful perspectives on intentional giving, charitable planning, and the lasting impact philanthropy can have on students, families, and communities. Discussions touched on the importance of aligning giving with personal values, the evolving role of women in philanthropy and practical strategies for growing charitable support through both current and planned gifts.

The conversation also highlighted how thoughtful planning can support broader financial and legacy goals, including tax-wise giving strategies that maximize impact for both donors and the organizations they care about most.

The event reflected the spirit of generosity and community engagement that continues to shape the mission of the Schoolcraft College Foundation. Thank you to our speakers, attendees and Foundation Board members for making this event such a meaningful and inspiring conversation!

New Gifts, Grants and Funds

Schoolcraft Secures $2 Million Federal Support for Skilled Trades Partnership: Building on the momentum of the State of Michigan’s investment in the Masonry Trades Apprenticeship and Training Center, Schoolcraft College has been awarded $2 million in congressionally directed funds, sponsored by U.S. Senator Gary Peters, to support the programmatic components of its partnership with Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 2. This funding will advance the development of an innovative experiential learning model that integrates apprenticeship training with academic instruction and student support services, while creating pathways for apprentices to earn college credit as they progress in their training.

John Walsh Establishes Civic Engagement Institute to Inspire Future Leaders: John Walsh has established a new fund through the Schoolcraft College Foundation to support student civic and political engagement, including the creation of the John J. Walsh Civic Engagement Institute. The fund includes both current and endowed support, as well as a planned estate gift of $250,000, reflecting a long-term commitment to the College and its students. The Institute will provide programming that engages students and the community in public service, civic leadership, and political, social and community advocacy.

Wilson Endowment grows through $100,000 bequest: The Hazen J. & Margaret S. Wilson Endowment was bolstered by a $100,000 legacy gift from the Hazen Wilson Charitable Remainer Unitrust in January. Established in 1997, the Wilson Endowment provides unrestricted support for student scholarships. Hazen, together with his wife, Margaret Wilson Ferrara, made generous annual contributions to their named endowment over many years, which has grown to support more than five students annually.

Bosch Community Fund Renews Support for EV Mobility Training: The Schoolcraft College Foundation has received an additional $50,000 grant from the Bosch Community Fund to support electric vehicle mobility training and curriculum development. The investment continues Bosch’s support of Schoolcraft’s mobility programs and will help expand hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for emerging careers in advanced automotive and mobility industries.

New Endowed Scholarship Honors Judith A. Hetsler: David Parr has established a $25,000 endowed memorial scholarship to honor the life and legacy of Judith A. Hetsler, a leader in medical information technology and founding faculty member of the Informatics program at the University of Detroit Mercy. Created with the support of her family and friends, the scholarship reflects Judie’s passion for learning and is designed to help Schoolcraft College students pursue their educational goals and achieve their dreams.

Manchester Family Scholarship Supports First-Generation and Adult Learners: Mark and Linda Manchester established a new scholarship through a $10,000 gift to support students who demonstrate perseverance in pursuit of their educational goals. Scholarship awards will benefit first-generation college students, adult and nontraditional learners returning to school, and students balancing coursework with work and family responsibilities.

First Responders Scholarship Increased to $10,000: Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union has increased its annual Stephen Thomas First Responders Scholarship to $10,000 for the 2026–2027 academic year. Awarded at graduation, the scholarship supports students in Schoolcraft College’s police, fire and emergency medical technology programs as they transition into careers in public safety.

Northville Masons Establish Scholarship to Support Future Skilled Trades Professionals: The Northville Masonic Lodge has established the Northville Masons Scholarship through the Schoolcraft College Foundation to support students pursuing careers in skilled trades and occupational programs. The scholarship expands access to career-focused education by helping reduce financial barriers for students entering high-demand fields, while supporting Schoolcraft’s efforts to strengthen the skilled workforce and create pathways to stable, well-paying careers across the region.

Foundation Board Member Spotlight: Marina L. Shoemaker

Director of DEI External Partnerships, General Motors (retired)

Marina L. Shoemaker served as Director of DEI External Partnerships for General Motors, where she expanded the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion impact through strategic external partnerships and helped guide its response to the evolving demographics and needs of customers and employees worldwide. During her 33-year career with General Motors, she became the first woman to serve as National Director of the GM Dealer Development Program, overseeing the growth, profitability and retention of more than 400 minority- and women-owned dealerships generating over $11 billion in annual sales. She also created Drive to Succeed, a dealer-funded scholarship program supporting career pathways for women in the automotive retail industry.

As President of the Schoolcraft College Foundation Board of Governors, Shoemaker is committed to fostering long-term donor support in service to the students and communities that the Foundation serves. She brings extensive experience in consumer research, product marketing, automotive retail and leadership development, along with a passion for solving complex challenges and advancing human potential. She values Schoolcraft’s forward-thinking culture and its strong commitment to student success.

Shoemaker earned her Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business and was awarded an honorary Associate of Arts and Sciences degree from Schoolcraft in 2022. She was inducted into the Michigan Chronicle’s Women of Excellence in 2020 and is an active member of the Ann Arbor Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She previously served as president of the Ann Arbor Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and as co-chair of the Schoolcraft College Foundation’s Vision 2025 campaign, which exceeded its goal by nearly $10 million.

In Memoriam: Donald Anthony Ryktarsyk

December 14, 1940 – January 4, 2026

Donald Anthony Ryktarsyk, age 85, passed away at home on January 4, 2026. Donald is survived by his loving wife, Donna, son Todd (Christine), four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

A funeral gathering took place at Guardian Lutheran Church in Dearborn on, Jan. 8, where Don was an active member and provided video and sound support for services. Burial was at Glen Eden Memorial Park in Livonia. 

Don was a business professor(emeritus) and member of the Schoolcraft First Year Club, beginning his teaching career in the Fall of 1964. He retired in January of 2005.  Don taught Marketing & Management, Business math and Sales courses.  Along with Professor Evan Garrett, he developed an electronic portfolio/resume product for student use.

Leisure activities included painting as well as music, playing the accordavox (electronic accordion with speakers) at weddings and parties. He was an active member of the North/South Skirmish Association, which performed active Civil War (live ammunition) weekend shooting exhibitions throughout the country, in the summer.

His wife Donna retired as the Assistant Director of Financial Aid at Schoolcraft College (1967-2003) Honoraire.

Save The Dates

6/5/26: Retiree Summer Luncheon

6/13/26: Schoolcraft College Student Activities Office Reunion

8/14/26: Schoolcraft Night at the Tigers game!

10/22/26: CulEx 2026: A Taste of Detroit

Schoolcraft Offers Students, Alumni & Friends FREE Webinars

We are excited to offer monthly FREE webinars featuring national speakers. These webinars are an excellent way to enhance your business skills and broaden your knowledge. Topics include leadership, workplace fairness, technology, psychology and many more all led by a distinguished lineup of speakers. We encourage you to check them out and share your feedback! Remember, knowledge is power!

To register or to view past event recordings, please visit: alumlc.org/schoolcraft

Upcoming Webinars

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Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 12 p.m.

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Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 12 p.m.

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Your Best Meeting Ever: Get Things Done While Reclaiming Your Calendar
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Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 12 p.m.

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Fixing Fairness: A New Path Forward for DEI
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Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 12p.m.

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The Wealth Habit: Small Changes for Lasting Financial Freedom featuring
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Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 12 p.m.

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Adult ADHD: How to Burn Bright without Burning Out
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Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 12 p.m.

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The Power of Mattering: How to (and Why) Ensure People Feel Seen, Valued, and Needed
Dr. Zach Mercurio, Author & Leadership Expert
Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 12p.m.

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