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eNews 37th Edition

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In This Edition

Schoolcraft Celebrates Vision 2025: A Historic $19.3M Campaign Success

V2025 Celebration

On June 26, Schoolcraft College welcomed over 800 donors and community members to celebrate the remarkable success of its first-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign—Vision 2025.

Launched in 2019 with a $10 million goal, the campaign soared to an incredible $19.3 million by June 2025, thanks to the generosity of donors and the leadership of campaign co-chairs John Walsh and Marina Shoemaker.

Vision 2025 is already transforming lives through:

“This campaign has elevated much of what we offer our students and community,” said Dawn Magretta, Executive Director of the Schoolcraft College Foundation.

Over the course of the campaign, the Foundation created 110+ new funds and awarded nearly $3 million in scholarships to 3,200 students—a powerful testament to community impact.

“We are deeply grateful to our donors,” said Marina Shoemaker, Foundation Board President and Campaign Co-chair. “Their support makes them vital members of the Schoolcraft College family.”

Vision 2025 marks a milestone in Schoolcraft’s 64-year history, setting a new standard for philanthropy and student success.

Visit the Vision 2025 page to watch our Impact Video and view our Impact Book!

Presidential Golf Outing Supports Student Athletes

The Schoolcraft Foundation sponsored The President’s First Annual Golf Outing June 9 at St. John’s Resort. This was an incredible day of fundraising, collaboration and networking, raising over $80,000 in support of the Schoolcraft Athletics Department. The Invitational highlighted key areas of growth and potential at the College and brought together partners, alumni and community supporters for student success.

Lomas Brown, Jr., Foundation Brings Students to Schoolcraft for Summer Learning Adventure

EMT with Kids at Schoolcraft College

Schoolcraft College was buzzing with energy this July as the Lomas Brown, Jr. Foundation hosted two unforgettable learning days for 30 middle and high school students from Detroit Service Learning Academy. On July 10 and 24, students explored exciting career paths in health care and business, getting hands-on experience and a glimpse into their potential future careers.

This campus-wide collaboration included support from Occupational Programs and Education, Personal and Professional Learning (PPL), Admissions and Recruitment, and the Schoolcraft College Foundation. And of course, no visit to Schoolcraft is complete without a taste of our amazing Culinary Operations—definitely not your average cafeteria food!

A huge thank you to the Lomas Brown, Jr. Foundation for investing in our future students and making learning fun and inspiring!

Donor Highlight: Fausone Donor Giving

Jim & Carol Ann Fausone

The importance of Schoolcraft College to western Wayne County has kept the Fausones involved with the College for decades. From generous philanthropists to volunteer roles, the Fausones have had a significant impact on Schoolcraft.

Jim and Carol Ann Fausone have long seen the value of the College and its efforts. That vision has them working closely with the Schoolcraft College Foundation, with Jim spending time on the Foundation’s Board of Governors and as a former member of the Schoolcraft College Board of Trustees.

They see several of the programs serving an important community role, including nursing, advanced manufacturing and more. These areas of work need workers, and Schoolcraft College knows how to get students ready for those jobs. Using the connections the two of them have – Jim is a lawyer who has worked in the region for many years, and Carol Ann is a retired Brigadier General who spent 36 years in the United States Air Force and Michigan Air National Guard.

“I have clients who, for decades, are now involved with Schoolcraft because you get to introduce them to the staff and faculty,” Jim Fausone said. “Being active participants of the College can bring added value to networking resources.”

As someone who worked as a nurse, Carol Ann knew the importance of having well-trained health care professionals. Seeing the types of students Schoolcraft College was graduating was positive for her, another reason for being so supportive.

“The community is really important, and I think it’s always great to collaborate.It gives students a great opportunity at a smaller cost for their education,” she said. “I love the mission of Schoolcraft.”

Like many others, the Fausones have stayed involved because of the wonderful people that make up the College. From presidents such as Dr. Richard McDowell, Dr. Conway Jeffress, Dr. Glenn Cerny and plenty more, the couple sees the compassion and drive and it’s a driving force to keeping them involved. 

“They have been part of the tapestry, part of the fabric of Schoolcraft College,” Jim Fausone said. “You see how dedicated these people are to meeting the mission.”

Charting a New Course Through the Stars: Sophia’s Journey

Sophia didn’t always believe college was in the cards. After graduating high school in 2022 with a low GPA, she stepped away from academics, uncertain of her future. But something kept pulling her back: math. In her free time, she’d find herself flipping through algebra textbooks online, captivated by formulas and equations.

“Math was the only thing I enjoyed in high school,” she reflected, tracing her love of numbers back to childhood lessons with her dad.

That spark never faded.

Two years later, she took a placement test at Schoolcraft College, where an advisor saw her potential and encouraged her toward engineering. That small moment of encouragement changed everything. Now, Sophia is entering her second year at Schoolcraft with a 4.0 GPA, tutoring fellow students, and aiming high: a transfer to the University of Michigan and a future in aerospace engineering and mathematics.

“NASA would be a dream,” she said. “I want to work on spacecraft and rockets, expanding our knowledge of the universe.”

Sophia’s academic rise is fueled not just by determination, but by opportunity. After spotting the Foundation Scholar opportunity late one evening, she sprang into action, calling her mom to help with the application and practicing interview questions with her boyfriend. When she got the call that she’d been selected, she was overwhelmed.

“I broke down in tears. I must’ve said ‘thank you’ ten times,” she said. “Then I called my mom, sobbing. We celebrated together.”

Receiving $6,000, $3,000 each semester, has been a game-changer. “This is how I’m paying for school,” she said. “It’s the biggest scholarship I’ve ever received. It’s the reason I can prioritize school while still working. I’m so thankful.”

Beyond the classroom, Sophia found belonging and inspiration in Schoolcraft’s Math and Physics Club, where she dove into weekly challenge problems surrounded by like-minded peers.

“I hadn’t taken physics since middle school, but they welcomed me,” she recalled.

As a tutor and Peer Assisted Learning Leader, Sophia not only strengthens her own skills but empowers others.

Sophia’s story is one of rediscovery, resilience, and relentless pursuit of her dreams. “There’s never enough thanks I could give to the donors,” she shared. “Because of their support, I can fully dedicate myself to my studies and passions. It’s one of the most incredible gifts I’ve received, and I’ll never forget it.”

Saint John’s Resort Launches Culinary Scholarship to Empower Future Chefs

Pulte

Saint John’s Resort, a Humanitarian Hotel owned by the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation, has partnered with Schoolcraft College to establish a new scholarship supporting aspiring culinary professionals. This generous fund provides up to $26,000 per student to help complete a two-year associate degree in culinary arts.

The scholarship is designed for students who demonstrate financial need, a passion for cooking or hospitality, and personal qualities such as grit, integrity, and ambition. Preference will be given to ProStart and first-year students, and recipients will also gain career development opportunities, including participation in a Chef’s Table event at Saint John’s Resort.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Saint John’s Resort and the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation for their commitment to education and community impact. Their support helps turn dreams into careers.

Interested in culinary arts? Apply for this scholarship and explore other opportunities available through Schoolcraft College Foundation. Your future in hospitality starts here!

A Partnership in Learning: Nino Salvaggio’s & Schoolcraft College

Watch this video to find out how this partnership will allow Schoolcraft College students to gain access to real-world experiences in areas of study like supply chain management, business, and culinary arts.

Upcoming Events – Save the Date!

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Sponsor CulEx or Purchase Tickets Today!

Get ready to saddle up for CULEX 2025: An American Harvest, the Schoolcraft College Foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year—and one unforgettable night!

This year, we’re bringing the spirit of Nashville to Livonia with a farm-to-table celebration that highlights the incredible talents of our Culinary Arts, Brewing, and Distillation students and faculty.

What to Expect:

🍽️ Chef-curated small plates and pastries crafted by Schoolcraft’s award-winning culinary team

🎶 Live country music by The Fox and the Fiddle and DJ-led dancing

🥃 Craft cocktails from Alchemi, whiskey tastings from Detroit City Distillery, and exclusive brews from our Brewing & Distillation program

👨‍🍳 Special appearances by our celebrated alumni Chef Squad

🏷️ A lively auction featuring unique excursions, culinary experiences, local treasures, and an original painting by renowned artist Tony Roko

Why It Matters:

CULEX isn’t just a celebration, it’s a catalyst for change.
Your ticket purchase, sponsorship, and donation directly support student scholarships, innovative programs, and community impact through the Schoolcraft College Foundation.

📞 Questions? Contact Lisa Meinzinger at 734-462-4698 or email labraham@schoolcraft.edu.

To sponsor or purchase tickets, please visit: bit.ly/25scfculex

Foundation Board Update

After seven years of dedicated service, including roles as President and Past President, Lois McEntyre has completed her term on the Schoolcraft College Foundation Board of Governors as of June 30. While she’s stepping away from the Board, it’s certainly not goodbye! Lois played a key role in launching the College’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign, Vision 2025, and her leadership has left a lasting impact. We thank her for her outstanding contributions to Schoolcraft College and the Foundation.

We’re excited to welcome our new Executive Committee:

President: Marina Shoemaker
Immediate Past President: Lynn Coburn
Vice President: Ram Ramanujam
Treasurer: Robin Whitfield
Secretary: Clyde Rivard

Joining the Board of Governors as of July 1 are:

– Ashwini Balasubramanian, Head of Motorcycle Strategy & Operations, Harley-Davidson Motor Company
– Stuart Baker, Former Schoolcraft Counselor
– Claude Kendrick, Real Estate Agent, KW Professionals
– Soraya Kim Larkin, Chief of Strategic Partnerships, U.S. Department of Energy

Learn more about our Board members at: scf.schoolcraft.edu/about-us/board-of-governors

In the News

Schoolcraft Brewers win medal from the US Open Beer Championship
FOX 2 Detroit- By Amber Eikenberry- July 22, 2025
Five Michigan breweries recently brought home medals from this year’s U.S. Open Beer Championship, with one of those racking up four awards for the state. Read more.

Schoolcraft Cul Arts Grad: Cookie trends unveiled during IDDBA session
Bake Magazine- By John Unrein- August 7, 2025
Katrina Robbins and Darcy Martin from David’s Cookies unveiled the hottest cookie and flavor trends during an IDDBA session. Read more.

Michigan wants more college grads. Can boosting spending for dual enrollment help?
Bridge Michigan- By Kim Kozlowski- July 29, 2025 
The share of Michigan students who take college classes while attending a high school is one of the lowest in the nation. Read more.

Open Scholarships for Fall 2025/2026 School Year!

Do you know anyone who could use support for this upcoming school year? Scholarships provided by the Schoolcraft College Foundation are still available! 🌟

Whether it’s a recent high school grad, a returning student, or someone exploring a new career path—there is help available. Read more.

The Foundation is awarding 2025-26 scholarships now:

8/11 – 9/21 Round 3 Scholarships

👉 Head to schoolcraft.edu/scholarships to learn more and apply today!

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

Can’t make it to a webinar or miss one? 
Here is a link to the library of previous presentations you can access free of charge!

Show your support for Schoolcraft College students and programs today.

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