eNews 41st Edition

The Schoolcraft College Foundation welcomes students back to campus in style. In this 41st edition of eNews, we highlight innovative ways Schoolcraft College is creating new educational pathways, share how scholarships are helping hardworking Ocelots succeed and look forward to the autumn season.

In this edition:

Schoolcraft College Night at the Tigers

The Ocelots took to the Comerica Park stands Aug. 14 for an exciting evening of baseball and fellowship. Guests enjoyed an excellent view of the game from the Happy Thursday Rooftop Deck, and an opportunity to connect with fellow Ocelots. Whether cheering from the stands or enjoying time together, it was a great opportunity for the Schoolcraft community to come together and enjoy a night out at the ballpark.

Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 2, Michigan Community College Association Sign Agreement with 24 Community Colleges for Pioneering Masonry Trades Program

Michigan College Credit for Apprenticeship Program (MI-CCAP) Officially Signed

Schoolcraft College becomes First Adopter

A groundbreaking public/private collaboration with the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 2, the Michigan Community College Association and Michigan’s Labor and Economic Development Office (LEO) are pioneering a new workforce development model. The initiative integrates apprenticeship training and a learner’s experience into credit toward an associate degree at 24 Michigan community colleges.

The pioneering initiative awards college credit to participants who complete the building trades Registered Apprenticeship Programs. In the model, apprentices enrolled in the program will have access to tutoring, advising and student wellness services while learning in a hands-on environment connecting classroom learning with real-world applications. Livonia-based Schoolcraft College is the first institution to adopt this new collaboration.

“We believe the MI-CCAP agreement is one of the first in the country to facilitate a transfer agreement to union workers. I thank Schoolcraft College President Dr. Glenn Cerny for leading the way to early adoption of this program,” said Susan Corbin, the director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Development. “This program enables past, current, and future apprentices to earn college credit for their on-the-job training. It opens doors to degrees and certifications that strengthen careers, support employers, and build a skilled, adaptable workforce across Michigan.”

A dual enrollment opportunity also exists for high school students to enroll in the program and graduate from high school with their diploma, complete an apprenticeship and earn credits toward a college degree.

“This partnership is one more tool for us to recruit and train union workers and leaders,” said Brett Gierak, president of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union Local 2 of Michigan. “The program is an opportunity for our workers to continue their education without having to start over.”

“By awarding college credit for apprenticeship, we are creating clear pathways for apprentices to further their education, gain additional skills and advance their careers to build a stronger workforce and support local employers,” said MCCA President Brandy Johnson

This model is especially important as the Bricklayers Union and Schoolcraft College implement a new partnership funded in part by Congressionally Directed Spending, sponsored by U.S. Sen. Gary Peters and LEO. 

“This agreement is meeting learners where they are and moving them forward statewide,” Cerny said. “Hands-on training while earning credit for this experience is vital to their successes. We look forward to welcoming these workers to Schoolcraft College as they continue their education and grow their skills.”

The Schoolcraft College Foundation played a significant part in supporting and securing funding for this partnership which will provide additional opportunities for Michigan residents to secure living wage-paying jobs, while providing an educational pathway to future careers if they choose to pursue them.

President’s Roundtable Brings Community Together to Discuss Schoolcraft’s Future

Schoolcraft College recently hosted its inaugural President’s Roundtable, bringing together members of the College and broader community for a candid conversation about the future of the College and its evolving role in the region.

The discussion followed the completion of the Schoolcraft College Foundation’s recent feasibility study, which gathered perspectives from stakeholders about the College’s strengths, opportunities and future direction. Representatives from Eaton Cummings Group shared key findings and insights gathered through the process.

President Glenn Cerny also reflected on what College leadership heard and how those insights can help shape Schoolcraft’s path forward.

“Your insights are going to help shape what we’re going to be doing,” President Cerny said. “Not only today, but the next five to ten years. And I think what better way to be a part of an organization than to be engaged with somebody that’s thinking a little bit bigger and a little bit broader. For our students, for our workforce, and more importantly, for our community.”

The conversation highlighted Schoolcraft’s role in strengthening workforce development, expanding career pathways and connecting students with opportunities to gain meaningful, hands-on experience. These efforts reflect the College’s broader commitment to helping students prepare for careers while strengthening the workforce and creating lasting impact across our region.

The Roundtable reflects Schoolcraft’s continued commitment to listening, learning and strengthening its connections with the community as the College moves forward with SC Momentum 2031, its new strategic plan.

Fostering a Better Environment: Arianna Nunez-Conley’s Story

Tragedy struck when her grandfather suffered a heart attack, but watching healthcare workers assist his recovery showed Arianna Nunez-Conley that she could do the same. Her resilience during those formative moments would set her on the path to a career in nursing.

Entering foster care in her teenage years, she learned the importance of self-advocacy early. Nunez-Conley enrolled at Schoolcraft College in 2022, but as a full-time student supported by loans, her dreams were uncertain until she discovered the Foundation Scholar award, which provides $6,000 to one outstanding student each year who represents the Foundation’s mission to support education.

She submitted a scholarship application, told her story in front of a committee that was impressed by her inspiring experience as a child and her enduring resilience as a teenager, but didn’t expect to achieve such an accomplishment.

 “Having people support me in mentorship, like people at Schoolcraft, that believe in me is really important,” Nunez-Conley said. “It’s different than believing in yourself. Knowing that other people do too is nice. Luckily, I’ve been able to get through the first year. So just the fact I’ll have a scholarship now, and I’ll be able to work goes a long way.”

When she was 17, she worked in long-term care, where she provided memory care and assisted living services for senior patients. She also worked in classrooms as a paraprofessional supporting children. These experiences further established her stewardship for others. As a result, she intends to work in pediatrics or geriatrics as a nurse or continue her paraprofessional career. Whichever path she takes, helping others is her number one priority.

“Growing up, I learned how much kindness, patience, and consistency from adults can impact a child,” Nunez-Conley said. “I want to be the kind of nurse who not only provides medical care, but also creates an environment where children feel safe and understood. Even small moments of reassurance can make a lasting difference in a child’s life, and that’s the kind of impact I hope to have.”

She took another leap toward spreading this impact when she began working part-time as a nurse technician at Corewell Health in August. She’ll gain vital clinical experience through shadowing registered nurses, becoming accustomed to the medical field and learning the tricks of the trade as she works toward her degree. In this role, she’s one step closer to living her life in service to others,

“I’m excited. I feel like it’ll give me experience,” Nunez-Conley said. “It’s good being that person of support when family’s not there. I really like working one-on-one with patients. Clinicals are really good too. We are only there one to two days a week, so it’ll be more hands-on practice. They told me that if I do end up liking the unit and want to work there, I’ll have a job.”

Now that she has won the Foundation’s most prestigious scholarship, Nunez-Conley can comfortably focus on her future. She will graduate from Schoolcraft in May 2027 and intends to enroll at Oakland University for their seamless integration with Schoolcraft. Her long-term goal is to obtain a master’s degree in nursing, and like the nurses who made an impact on her grandfather, she hopes to carry that legacy forward by making a difference in the lives of others, just as the Foundation has done for her.

CulEx 2026 Sponsor Spotlight: Thomas Marek

Thomas Marek is a Platinum level sponsor of the annual Culinary Extravaganza event and a member of the Foundation’s Visionaries Circle. Previously the Global Manager of Corporate Food Services for Ford Motor Company ARAMARK Corporation, Marek has a lifelong interest in culinary arts, which is why he joined the Schoolcraft College Foundation and the Culinary Extravaganza Sponsor Committee. He served two terms as President in 2003 and 2004. He retired in 2005 and earned emeritus status for his continued dedication and support for the Foundation in 2008.

During his term as Board President, the Foundation contributed $2 million to the Vistatech Center’s construction and its state-of-the-art kitchens to kickstart the culinary arts program. He also oversaw fund development campaigns that raised more than $800,000. He generously created the Thomas & Dorothy Marek Memorial Scholarship to honor his late wife in 2012 and continues to donate to the endowment today as a testament to the pair’s commitment to higher education.

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

Presidential Golf Outing

Schoolcraft College hosted its Second Annual President’s Invitational Golf Outing June 9, which raised more than $80,000 in support of the College’s Fine Arts programs. Held at St. John’s Resort in Plymouth, the event brought together partners, alumni and community supporters for a day of fundraising, collaboration and friendly competition. The invitational highlighted key areas of growth and potential at the College while supporting student success.

New Gifts, Grants and Funds

First Valedictorian’s Legacy Continues Through Planned Gift: The Schoolcraft College Foundation has received a $135,000 gift from the late Alan Tope, a member of Schoolcraft College’s first graduating class in 1966 and the College’s first valedictorian. The gift is part of a larger estate commitment and will support the First Valedictorian’s STEM Scholarship and Academic Achievement Award, established by Alan and his wife, Nancy, to help students pursue studies in STEM and related fields. Tope credited Schoolcraft’s rigorous curriculum and high academic expectations with helping build the confidence and problem-solving skills that shaped his career.

$100,000 Legacy Gift Establishes Thomas C. Luyckx Scholarship Fund: The Schoolcraft College Foundation received a $100,000 legacy gift to establish the Thomas C. Luyckx Endowed Scholarship Fund, creating a permanent source of support for students with financial need. The fund will provide scholarships and flexible assistance with educational expenses such as books, supplies, equipment and testing, helping address practical costs that can become barriers to persistence.

Patel Family Establishes Endowed Scholarship: The Ramjibhai and Shardaben Patel Endowed Scholarship Fund was established with a leadership gift from the Madhav Foundation to help Schoolcraft College students overcome financial barriers and persist toward their educational goals. Created by siblings with a personal connection to Schoolcraft, the fund honors their parents’ legacy while investing in future generations of students. The family gathered on campus for a ceremonial signing on July 1, alongside friends, family and colleagues, to celebrate the legacy of generosity they hope to carry forward.

Kelly Family Establishes Jack Kelly Memorial Scholarship: The Kelly family has established the Jack Kelly Memorial Scholarship to support students who are finding their direction while balancing work, education and service to others. While attending Schoolcraft College, Jack worked at the Fitness Center, where relationships and hands-on experience helped inspire his path toward a career in teaching and coaching. The scholarship will carry forward Jack’s curiosity, perseverance and commitment to helping others by encouraging students to embrace opportunities that can shape their own futures.

Community Foundation Distribution Advances Nursing Education: The Schoolcraft College Foundation received a $44,000 distribution from the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan in support of the Marian M. Schoen Nursing Book Fund, established through the generosity of Clarence Constantakis. The fund helps reduce educational expenses for nursing students while supporting Schoolcraft’s efforts to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Detroit Athletic Club Members Establish Chef Shawn J. Loving Endowed Fund: Members of the Detroit Athletic Club have established the Chef Shawn J. Loving Endowed Fund to support Schoolcraft College Culinary Arts students pursuing culinary excellence. The fund honors Chef Shawn Loving, who served as chair of Schoolcraft’s Culinary Arts program for 14 years before becoming Executive Chef at the Detroit Athletic Club. The fund will provide flexible support for expenses such as books, culinary tools, uniforms and other costs that can become barriers to completing the program.

Chef Kelli Lewton Establishes Endowed Scholarship for Aspiring Culinary Professionals: Chef Kelli Lewton has established an endowed scholarship fund to support aspiring culinary professionals at Schoolcraft College. A graduate of Schoolcraft’s Culinary Arts Program, Lewton taught in the program for more than 23 years before joining the Schoolcraft College Foundation Board of Governors. The scholarship reflects her commitment to “pay it forward” by helping students pursue their culinary education and overcome expenses that can become barriers to program completion.

Board Spotlight: Spencer Knickerbocker

Chief Investment Officer, Stonebrook Private

Spencer Knickerbocker serves as Chief Investment Officer and founding partner of Stonebrook Private, where he oversees the firm’s investment strategy with a disciplined, data-driven approach. He helped establish the firm in 2023, focused on aligning complex financial strategies with the real-world goals of clients. Knickerbocker began his career as an Advisor Consultant for Lord, Abbett & Co. LLC in New Jersey before relocating to Michigan to serve as a Financial Advisor at Raymond James, where he provided investment management and financial planning guidance. He later helped form Stonebrook Private in 2023 following his team’s transition to independence.

Knickerbocker’s connection to Schoolcraft College reflects a longstanding engagement with the community. He first attended as a child through the Kids on Campus summer program and later returned to take summer courses during college. He values these experiences and the College’s role in providing accessible, career-focused education that meets students where they are. He is committed to supporting efforts that expand access to resources and opportunities, strengthening both student success and community engagement.

Knickerbocker earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance from Miami University, where he was a member of the Beta Sigma Gamma Business Honor Society. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst, Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst and Certified Financial Planner. He remains active in civic and philanthropic efforts, supporting the Northville Educational Foundation, the Northville Historical Society and Folds of Honor.

Schoolcraft College Foundation Hosts Annual Retiree Summer Luncheon

Schoolcraft College Foundation hosted its annual Retiree Summer Luncheon on Friday, June 5, 2026, bringing together former faculty, staff, administrators, family members and friends to celebrate the dedicated employees whose years of service helped shape the College and support its mission of student success.

The afternoon featured a delicious Detroit-style barbecue buffet luncheon, complete with a variety of barbecue favorites and an assortment of elegant desserts. The gathering provided the perfect opportunity for retirees and colleagues to reconnect, reminisce and share cherished memories of their time at Schoolcraft College.

A highlight of the event was a presentation by John Wright, Schoolcraft College Construction Manager, who provided attendees with an informative update on the new Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace. Wright shared insights into the company’s growth, the wide range of products and services offered throughout its markets and the extensive logistics and operational planning required to support its operations.

During the luncheon, the College also recognized the many ways retirees continue to contribute to the Schoolcraft community. Several retirees were acknowledged for their volunteer service and ongoing support of various Schoolcraft College and Schoolcraft College Foundation events. Their continued involvement reflects the strong connections they have maintained with the institution and their commitment to giving back through service and community engagement.

The Retiree Summer Luncheon remains a valued Schoolcraft tradition, honoring the individuals whose dedication, hard work, and passion have left a legacy at the College.

Student Activities Office Reunion

Alumni gathered at Kensington Metropark June 13 for the Schoolcraft College Student Activities Office Reunion, celebrating their shared connection to the College with an afternoon of music, games and fellowship. Former students and members of the Schoolcraft community came together to reconnect, reminisce and enjoy time outdoors. The festivities featured live music throughout the day, with performances from Rock 22, Charlie and Sherry Springer, and Until Sunday. The event offered alumni an opportunity to reconnect with old friends and create new memories while celebrating the lasting community built through Schoolcraft’s Student Activities Office.

Save the Dates

8/27/26: Map Your Ascent Book Launch

9/25/26: Giving and Growth

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

As Powerful as Gravity: Leading in a Connected World featuring Jim Ferrell
Bestselling Author & Leadership Consultant
Wednesday, September 2nd 2026 at 12 p.m.

Transforming Communication Barriers into High Performance with Natsuyo Nobumoto Lipschutz
Executive Coach & Author
Thursday, September 10th, 2026, at 12 p.m.

Genius at Scale: How to Lead Innovation That Lasts with Emily Tedards
Spark60 Presents: Author & Researcher Emily Tedards
Thursday, September 17th, 2026, at 11 a.m.

How Companies Can Optimize Talent & Support Dual-Career Families featuring Dr. David Smith & Dr. Brad Johnson
Acclaimed Authors & Organizational Experts
Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026, at 12 p.m.

Find Your Strategic Margin by Managing Emotional Energy with Neal Schore
Executive Coach & Author
Tuesday, September 29th 2026 at 12 p.m.

In the News

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