eNews 39th Edition
Looking Back Before We Look Forward
The Schoolcraft College Foundation welcomes readers into the new year with more exciting programs, initiatives, events and impact stories just around the corner. Join us for the 39th edition of eNews as we highlight new events as well as annual favorites, opportunities to see the campus grow and showcase students who embody Ocelot Pride.
In This Edition
- The Wilkie Family Challenge: Match Met!
- New Fund – James G. Fausone Community & Business Institute Fund
- The Countdown Is On! The Faculty & Staff Giving Campaign Launches April 1–30!
- Schoolcraft College Retiree Holiday Party
- New Tax Rules & New Opportunities to Give
- Nino Salvaggio’s Campus Marketplace Update
- Meet Bree Kneisler
- Schoolcraft Offers Alumni & Friends FREE Virtual Learning Opportunities with National Speakers
- Save the Dates – Lunch & Lip Sync and CulEx 2026
- In the News
The Wilkie Family Challenge: Match Met!
The Schoolcraft College Foundation is thrilled to announce that the Wilkie Family Challenge has exceeded its goal for the fifth year in a row! Including the generous gift from Helen and Mark Wilkie, the Schoolcraft College community raised a record total of $393,164 to support critical student needs, including scholarships, emergency assistance, and academic programs. Thank you to all our generous donors!
New Fund – James G. Fausone Community & Business Institute Fund
The James G. Fausone Community & Business Institute Fund was created to strengthen the connection between business, community and public service through education and civic engagement.
Jim is widely respected for his legal expertise and his unwavering commitment to community service. Besides the Schoolcraft College Foundation, he has served on numerous boards, including at the University of Michigan College of Engineering, the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, the Schoolcraft College Board of Trustees, the Canton Public Library, the Livonia Chamber of Commerce and the Michigan Military and Veterans Hall of Honor. His dedication to community, collaboration and opportunity reflects across Southeast Michigan.
A passionate advocate for veterans, Jim hosts the annual Veterans Summit for the Canton Community Foundation and, alongside Brig. Gen. Carol Ann Fausone (ret.), supports multiple local veterans’ organizations. His philanthropy also extends to education, funding scholarships for students at both the University of Michigan and Schoolcraft College.
This fund ensures his legacy of service continues by supporting the James G. Fausone Community & Business Institute’s mission to:
- Enhance skills and knowledge across diverse audiences
- Strengthen community-business relationships
- Promote lifelong learning and civic responsibility
Core initiatives may include networking programs, seminars, speaker series, educational forums, podcasts and student experiential learning.
The Countdown Is On! The Faculty & Staff Giving Campaign launches April 1–30!
Check out what inspires Dr. Laurie Kattuah Snyder, our Chief Student Services Officer, to give—and join us in making an impact!
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And don’t forget…
🎤 Lunch & Lip Sync Battle sign‑ups are now OPEN!
Get your group together and perform in the May 1 GRAND FINALE!
Questions? Please contact Lisa Meinzinger at ext.4698 or email labraham@schoolcraft.edu
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Schoolcraft College Retiree Holiday Luncheon
The annual Retiree Holiday Luncheon brought together retirees from 1964 through 2025 for an afternoon of reunion, warm memories and holiday cheer. Guests enjoyed a festive meal and remarks from Dr. Cerny, who highlighted exciting campus innovations and the lasting impact of retiree contributions.
UX Engineer Maria Gosur offered an engaging presentation on digital currency and its growing influence on industries and user experiences. The event also honored Committee Members of the Year, Deb Dani and Mary Beaudoin, for their outstanding leadership in securing this year’s auction items.
This special gathering celebrated decades of service and the enduring pride and purpose that define Schoolcraft College. We extend heartfelt appreciation to all retirees, committee members, speakers, and staff who made the luncheon truly memorable.
New Tax Rules, New Opportunities to Give
Recent tax law changes may make it easier—and more beneficial—for you to support the Schoolcraft College Foundation this year. New provisions allow many donors to receive a charitable deduction even if they don’t itemize, meaning your generosity can make an impact and offer tax advantages. Additional benefits are available for donors 65 and older, and thoughtful strategies like giving appreciated assets or making gifts from an IRA can further maximize your impact.
Whether you give cash, stock, or plan a future gift, there are flexible options to align your philanthropy with your financial goals. We invite you to explore how these updates may affect your giving—and how the Foundation can help you make the most of every dollar.
Learn more about the new tax rules and smart giving strategies here.
Nino Salvaggio’s Campus Marketplace Update
This winter, the President’s Office hosted a series of exclusive behind‑the‑scenes tours of the upcoming Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace. Faculty and staff had the chance to explore the space from the front of the house to the impeccably maintained walk‑in coolers, getting an early look at what will soon become a dynamic learning hub on campus.
General Manager Jeff Lombardo shared exciting details about the real‑world, hands‑on opportunities the new marketplace will provide for students across culinary, business and supply‑chain programs.
Dr. Cerny also highlighted a special touch coming to the store: a mural celebrating Schoolcraft College, as well as the creativity and community spirit behind this one‑of‑a‑kind partnership. The new market is set to open in spring and will be both a community destination and an extension of Schoolcraft’s experiential learning mission.
Meet Bree Kneisler
Please welcome Bree Kneisler as the Director of Major Gifts for the Schoolcraft College Foundation/Development Office. Bree comes to us with extensive experience in development and alumni affairs, most recently serving as Campaign Director at Wayne State University where she led the strategic planning and execution of a nine-year, $1 billion comprehensive campaign. Prior to her seven years at Wayne State, Bree led campaign and fundraising operations at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. She began her career as a student fundraiser in Michigan State University’s Greenline program in 2006.
She is currently pursuing her Masters of Business Administration from Wayne State University and holds a BA in Communication Studies from Wayne State as well. Important to note is that Bree is a lifelong Livonia resident and graduated from Livonia Churchill High School.
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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!
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!
How to Navigate Disruptive Change
Scott D. Anthony, Professor of Strategy & Author
Tuesday, February 24th 2026 at 12:00 PM EST
How to Lead with Heart in the Age of AI
Maria Ross, Author and Podcaster
Wednesday, March 4th 2026 at 12:00 PM EST
Fly! How to Reclaim Your Financial Future
Steph Wagner, Author & Women’s Advocate
Wednesday, March 11th 2026 at 12:00 PM EDT
How to Manage the Business of Being Sick: Advocacy and Support Strategies for Women
Rebecca Bloom, Author & Women’s Health Advocate
Thursday, March 26th 2026 at 12:00 PM EDT
Upcoming Events – Save the Date!
Alumni & Friends:
3/20/26: Giving & Growth Series
5/1/26: Faculty & Staff Lip Sync Battle
10/22/26: CulEx 2026
In the News
From Campus to Pasadena
Schoolcraft Connection – Jan. 26, 2026
Jeff Groth, manager of The Craft Grille at Schoolcraft College, marched in the prestigious Tournament of Roses Parade as part of the Band Directors Marching Band. Selected through a competitive application process, Groth joined more than 300 performers in this celebrated New Year’s Day tradition. Read more
Nursing Simulation Lab gets expansion
Schoolcraft Connection – Nov. 19, 2025
Schoolcraft College’s Nursing Simulation Lab has been significantly expanded, giving students enhanced access to advanced clinical training spaces and high‑fidelity mannequins. The project, supported by a state grant in partnership with Oakland University, increases opportunities for hands‑on learning and better accommodates growing enrollment needs. Read more
23 Students Join MDOS Collegiate Student Advisory Task Force
The Times Herald – Jan. 27, 2026
The Michigan Department of State has selected 23 students from across the state—including representation from Schoolcraft College—to serve on the Collegiate Student Advisory Task Force. Members will advise on strengthening voter education and improving civic engagement on college campuses throughout the 2026 election cycle. Read more
Sweet Success
Schoolcraft Connection – Jan. 30, 2026
Chef Amy Knowles, a Schoolcraft College Culinary Arts instructor, has been named Michigan’s 2025 Pastry Chef of the Year. Known for her precision and creativity, she has built a distinguished career and now dedicates her expertise to mentoring future pastry chefs at Schoolcraft. Read more
Show your support for Schoolcraft College students and programs today.