eNews 42nd Edition

As the leaves change and classrooms fill with students, the Schoolcraft College Foundation celebrates the biggest day of the year at the 2026 Culinary Extravaganza: A Taste of Detroit. Award-winning students and staff displayed Detroit’s historic and famed culinary culture from the Schoolcraft Culinary Arts and Brewing & Distillation programs. Read about this event and more in the 42nd Edition of eNews.

In this edition:

A Taste of Detroit

Thanks to your generous support, CulEx: A Taste of Detroit, the Schoolcraft College Foundation’s signature fundraiser, welcomed more than 400 guests and raised a record-breaking $190,000 to support student scholarships, services and programs.

The Wilkie Family Challenge Match also made a triumphant return, with the family pledging to match donations up to $175,000 through Dec. 31. These donations create transformative opportunities for students who otherwise may not have been able to afford them at Schoolcraft College.

Guests contributed an inspiring $37,445 toward the Wilkie Family Challenge, doubling the impact on students in need. The evening brought the Schoolcraft community together for fellowship, fun and Detroit-infused global cuisine capped off with an auction featuring Detroit staples from restaurant experiences to sporting events and beyond. The auction raised an additional $20,000 to support students.

CulEx: A Taste of Detroit honored distinguished alumni chefs, each a leader in the culinary scene:

• Reid Shipman, Executive Chef at Continental, which has grown from an office coffee and vending provider to the Midwest leader in workplace food and beverage offerings.
• Derrick Davenport, Vice President of Military Workforce Development at Rouxbe, the world’s leading online culinary school. He is an American Culinary Federation Certified Executive Chef and Executive Pastry Chef.
• Teresa & Brad Schmidt, co-owners of Hosel Rockets, an indoor golf & whiskey lounge in Waterford, Michigan.
• Josh Meeker, Corporate Chef at Gabriel Group, a foodservice manufacturers’ representative serving hospitality and foodservice operators across six states.
• Reva Constantine, founder of Reva Constantine Events, a full-service catering and events company.

These culinary stars were inducted into Schoolcraft’s distinguished Chef Squad, which recognizes outstanding professional achievement, leadership and mentorship by graduates of Schoolcraft College’s renowned culinary program.

Event Highlights:

• A celebration of Detroit’s vibrant culinary culture and a diverse menu featuring Schoolcraft chef-curated cuisine
• A strolling dinner where guests went behind the scenes of the Culinary Arts kitchens to see where all the magic happens
• Schoolcraft craft beer, as well as local craft cocktails from Detroit City Distillery, Whiskey Factory and Alchemi

Your generosity helps students overcome barriers and achieve educational goals by providing access to scholarships, emergency assistance, food and housing support, and other vital resources. We are deeply grateful for your continued support. A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated committee and volunteers whose hard work made CulEx 2026 an unforgettable Taste of Detroit.

Gifts to the Greatest Needs Fund made between Oct. 22 and Dec. 31, 2026, will be matched by the Wilkie family up to $175,000—making this their most generous challenge match to date. https://scfoundation.givevirtuous.org/donate/2026-wilkie-match

To view the full CulEx 2026 gallery, click here.

A Fresh Start: Odyssey Brown’s Story

She graduated high school 20 years ago, but an opportunity to climb the career ladder inspired Odyssey Brown to seek higher education. She came to Schoolcraft College at 40 years old to chase her passion, and the Schoolcraft College Foundation is supporting her journey.

Brown was a customs broker for 10 years until a career change in October 2025 brought her to Wilson International as a quality analyst. Further growth meant she needed a Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Supply Chain Management, and Brown was ready for the challenge. A daunting task ahead, she sought out the Foundation to assist. Her bravery in renewing her education as an adult learner showcased a drive to succeed, and the Foundation provided her with the resources to do so, resulting in her being awarded the Edward C. and Hazel L. Stephenson Scholarship.

“I’m glad that the Foundation invested time in me,” Brown said. “They were also giving me great advice during the interview. I love the fact that they gave me a scholarship, it’s helping me with my books, it’s helping a lot.”

Brown had heard about Schoolcraft’s extensive Supply Chain Management program, which inspired her to enroll. Most of her full-time course load is online while she works from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the week, which allows her to balance work and education while caring for her family.

“My son is in the Culinary Arts program. He just graduated high school last year. My husband is in the fire academy. He just got through his EMT training in the winter semester, so he passed that. Now he just started at the fire academy. Being in school also motivates my husband. I’m proud of him and my son. If they see me succeed, they’ll succeed.”

Her efforts inspired her family to follow suit and gives her the passion to keep moving forward. Customs and regulatory laws aren’t going away anytime soon, which gives Brown a sense of stability in her world of imports and exports alongside the reassurance that she’s not alone at Schoolcraft.

“My job is actually proud of me being in school,” Brown said. “They said if I need to take classes during work hours they’ll work with me. They’ll move my time around; I can move overnight if I have to. They’re proud of me. They’re bragging about me at work. Especially when I got the Stephenson Scholarship. It’s nice.”

Brown hopes to graduate from Schoolcraft by the summer of 2027, she plans to use a transfer pathway to transition to Wayne State University or Eastern Michigan University. Once she earns her Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Supply Chain Management, she hopes to earn a Master of Business Administration and climb the career ladder at Wilson International. In the meantime, she is committed to honoring Stephenson’s enduring commitment to student success by showing her family that it’s never too late to start again.

About the Edward C. and Hazel L. Stephenson Scholarship

The Edward C. and Hazel L. Stephenson Scholarship Fund is a permanently endowed scholarship established through the Schoolcraft College Foundation that has supported recipients since 2003. It is available to full-time students enrolled at Schoolcraft with a high school or college GPA of 3.2. Stephenson Scholars are chosen to recognize strong academic achievement and support by covering tuition, fees and books so they can focus on their education and future goals.

This and other scholarships are made possible through Scholarship Universe.

D3C3: A Transformational Investment with Lasting Impact

From Dec. 2022 through June 2026, Schoolcraft College’s Detroit Drives Degrees Community College Collaborative (D3C3) initiative turned a $4.49 million investment from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and Ballmer Group into measurable, lasting impact for students and the region.

Across Student Success, K-12 Alignment, and Mobility Workforce Development, the initiative expanded access, strengthened pathways to completion, and connected more students with meaningful career opportunities. Just as importantly, D3C3 created momentum for the future, leveraging more than $1.2 million in additional support and resources to help sustain and build upon this work.

Advancing Student Success

A cornerstone of D3C3 was the purchase and implementation of a new CRM designed to create a more student-friendly experience while improving efficiency for staff. The results extended well beyond technology. Schoolcraft exceeded its credential attainment goal, with 1,273 students earning degrees or certificates in 2025-26, a 6% increase over the baseline year. Pell Grant recipients grew from 27% to 37% of the student population, while applicants from underserved groups increased by eight percentage points. The introduction of 24/7/365 mental health services also provided 233 students with counseling, crisis support and wellness resources.

Doubling Down on K-12 Pathways

Schoolcraft’s D3C3 funding dramatically expanded opportunities for middle and high school students to get an early start on college. Dual enrollment grew from 586 to 1,191 students, a 103% increase, while participation among underserved students increased by 109%. Students earned 3,459 college credit hours through dual enrollment, more than doubling the baseline and helping more young people accelerate their path toward a college credential.

Building Michigan’s Mobility Workforce

This grant support also strengthened the connection between education and high-demand careers. Mobility-related enrollment increased 5%, while credentials earned jumped 86%. Even more significant, 69% of mobility graduates secured employment in mobility-related fields, exceeding the original goal, with median wages above the program benchmark. Partnerships with Bosch, Roush, and the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor further expanded access to cutting-edge learning and training opportunities aligned with Michigan’s evolving mobility industry.

This funding from the Ralph C. Wison, Jr. Foundation and Ballmer Group did more than meet grant objectives: it created momentum. The initiative opened doors for more students, strengthened connections from K-12 through college and career, and built systems and partnerships that will continue serving Schoolcraft students long after the grant period has ended.

It is a powerful example of what strategic philanthropy and collaboration can accomplish: greater access, stronger outcomes and more opportunities for students to succeed.

Creating a Legacy

This funding from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and Ballmer Group did more than meet grant objectives: it created momentum. The initiative opened doors for more students, strengthened connections from K-12 through college and career, and built systems and partnerships that will continue serving Schoolcraft students long after the grant period has ended.

It is a powerful example of what strategic philanthropy and collaboration can accomplish: greater access, stronger outcomes and more opportunities for students to succeed.

Board Spotlight: Ram Ramanujam, Schoolcraft College Foundation Board of Governors Vice President

Northville Township Economic Development Council Board – Chair

Ram Ramanujam served as an executive leader in manufacturing engineering and global program management during his 33-year career at General Motors. As Vice President of the Schoolcraft College Foundation Board of Governors, Ram views the impact of philanthropy as especially powerful at the community college level. He aims to connect people with their passion, whether they are students, patrons, educators or donors looking for ways to support their community. He values Schoolcraft College’s role in transforming lives and believes every interaction strengthens both the student experience and the broader community. He believes that anytime 911 is called, a Schoolcraft alum is likely to respond, and it demonstrates the integration of Schoolcraft in the community.

Ram earned his Master of Business Administration in General Management from the University of Michigan, his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University, and his Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Regional Engineering College, Trichy (NITT) in India.

He serves as Chair of the Northville Township Economic Development Corporation and Vice President of Scholarships for the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan Asian American and Pacific Islander Club. He is also a member of the program committee for Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan and serves on the Audit Committee of Tamil Sangam Michigan, among other activities.

CulEx Sponsor Spotlight: Phoenix Innovate

Creative Strategy Behind CulEx

Great events start long before the doors open. As a platinum-level sponsor and valued partner of the Schoolcraft College Foundation, Phoenix Innovate contributed significant in-kind services to help bring CulEx2026 to life.

From graphic design and a mailed save-the-date to email marketing and social media strategy and content, Phoenix Innovate helped build excitement for CulEx and connect audiences with the celebration of Detroit’s rich culinary history. Its creative expertise helped the Foundation deliver a coordinated, engaging campaign across multiple channels.

Phoenix Innovate combines data-driven insights with creative strategy to help organizations connect with their audiences and achieve their goals. Its services span digital marketing, direct mail, web design, content development and marketing automation, bringing strategy and execution together to make communications work harder.

We are grateful to Phoenix Innovate for investing its talent and resources in the success of CulEx and the Foundation’s mission to support the programs, purposes and initiatives of Schoolcraft College.

Save the date! CulEx returns October 21, 2027. Stay tuned for ticket and sponsorship information.

New Gifts, Grants and Funds

Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Invests $1 Million to Advance D3C3 Initiative

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation has awarded $1 million to Schoolcraft College to support implementation of the Five Frontiers Framework through the next phase of the Detroit Drives Degrees Community College Collaborative (D3C3). The second round of major grant support for D3C3 will advance efforts to strengthen student pathways and career planning, transform onboarding and advising, expand concurrent enrollment and strengthen college-to-career pathways.

Angelo and Margaret DiPonio Foundation Contributes $100,000 to Greatest Needs

The Angelo and Margaret DiPonio Foundation has made an unrestricted gift of $100,000 to support the Schoolcraft College Foundation’s Greatest Needs through the Wilkie Family Challenge Match. The gift provides flexible philanthropic support to help address the College’s most pressing priorities.

Alan Tope Estate Continues Legacy of Academic Excellence with Additional $100,000 Gift

The impact of Schoolcraft College’s first valedictorian continues with an additional $100,000 gift from the Estate of Alan Tope, bringing further support to the First Valedictorian’s STEM Scholarship and Academic Achievement Award. A member of the College’s inaugural graduating class in 1966, Tope’s legacy gifts will help future students pursue opportunities in STEM and related fields.

$25,000 Gift Supports Patrick O’Rourke Memorial Scholarship

A new $25,000 gift to the Patrick O’Rourke Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of Sgt. Patrick O’Rourke, a Schoolcraft College Police Academy graduate and 12-year veteran of the West Bloomfield Police Department who was killed in the line of duty in 2012. Established by his family, the endowed scholarship supports students pursuing careers in law enforcement through Schoolcraft’s Police Academy, carrying forward O’Rourke’s commitment to public service. The family also hosts an annual golf outing to raise funds for the scholarship, helping ensure his legacy continues through the next generation of officers.

Zonta Club of Northwest Wayne County Expands Scholarship Support The Zonta Club of Northwest Wayne County has added $8,500 in new funding to its scholarship at the Schoolcraft College Foundation, continuing its commitment to educational opportunity and economic well-being. The scholarship supports Wayne County students who demonstrate financial need and whose educational goals, community involvement or leadership reflect Zonta’s commitment to equality, opportunity and empowerment.

Save the Dates

12/11/26: Schoolcraft College Retiree Holiday Party

2/12/27: Giving & Growth Lunch Giving & Growth Series

4/2/27: Faculty & Staff Lip Sync Battle

4/23/27: Giving & Growth Lunch Giving & Growth Series

9/10/27: Giving & Growth Lunch Giving & Growth Series

10/21/27: CulEx 2027

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

WORDZ We Wear: How Our Language Shapes Identity, Confidence, and Success, with Vera Milan Gervais
Author & Keynote Speaker
Tuesday, November 10th, 2026, at 12 p.m.

AfterShock to 2030: Leading Through AI, Uncertainty, and Workplace Change featuring Caroline Stokes
Bestselling Author, Executive Coach, and Leadership Strategist
Tuesday, November 17th, 2026, at 12 p.m.

Both/And Strategic Leadership: Turning Paradoxes into Sources of Innovation featuring Wendy Smith
Leadership Expert, Management Professor & Bestselling Author
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2026, at 12 p.m.

Leading with LOVE@WORK: Empowering High-Performing Teams in a Changing Workplace
Mark A. Mears, Bestselling Author, Keynote Speaker, and Chief Growth Officer
Tuesday, December 8th, 2026, at 12 p.m.

Tiny Experiments: Stop Following the Script and Start Designing Your Life with Anne-Laure Le Cunff
Spark60 Presents Neuroscientist Dr. Anne-Laure Le Cunff
Wednesday, December 9^th, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.

Better Good: Turn Good Intentions into Lasting Results featuring Scott M. Curran
USA Today Bestseller & Social Impact Adviser
Tuesday, January 5th, 2027, at 12 p.m.

How We Think about our Stuff – and Ourselves– as We Own Less and Use More featuring Carey Morewedge
Psychologist & Distinguished Faculty Scholar
Tuesday, January 12th, 2027, at 12 p.m.

Quit Pivoting: Anchor Your Value When Everything Changes featuring Jennifer J. Fondrevay
Author & Change Leadership Expert
Wednesday, January 20th, 2027, at 12 p.m.

In the News

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