eNews 31st Edition
In This Edition
- Your Generosity Made It Possible for Thomas to See
- Schoolcraft College Opens New Center to Support Student Veterans
- SC BeWell: Supporting Student’s Mental Health
- Naples, Florida Reception is Feb. 29, 2024
- Economic Outlook Breakfast with Dr. Cedric Howie is BACK!
- CulEx 2024: Schoolcraft’s Signature Fundraiser is Oct. 24
- National Speakers Headline FREE Webinar Series
- In the News
- See the Foundation in Action on Social Media
Your Generosity Made It Possible for Thomas to See
Thomas has a passion for cooking, but he also has a challenge: he is legally blind. He was diagnosed with macular degeneration at the age of eight, and his vision deteriorated over the years. He tried college at 19 but needed the right accommodations to succeed. He gave up on his dream of becoming a chef.
But in 2018, everything changed. Thomas started working in the culinary department at Schoolcraft College. With the help of mentors like Chef Chris Misiak and Chef Shawn Loving, he enrolled in the Culinary Arts program. Thomas learned to use his other senses to cook, smell, touch, taste, and sound. He discovered that he did not need his eyes to see the beauty of food.
But the story gets even better. Thanks to generous donors, Thomas received new, specialized glasses that helped him see more clearly. He also got a portable device to read books, labels, and recipes. These tools removed a huge barrier to his education and his career.
“I’ve waited 27 years to be able to see. This has changed my life,” says Thomas. “It is still overwhelming sometimes to be able to see. I am very thankful to the Foundation and donors.”
Now, Thomas has a new goal: to focus on nutrition and become a personal chef. He does not know of any chefs who are blind, but that does not stop him from pursuing his goal. Thomas walks to and from Schoolcraft to chase his dream. And, thanks to the generosity of donors, he has a clearer vision of his future.
We’re almost there! The Wilkie Family Challenge Match is $23,624 away from reaching $100K by December 31, 2023
Your gift to the Greatest Needs Fund will be DOUBLED before Dec. 31! Your generosity can make a significant difference for Schoolcraft College students in many ways. You can provide financial support for tuition, books, and fees through scholarships, enhance the quality of education and student life by supporting various programs and initiatives, improve learning environment and resources by contributing to facilities, and inspire students to make a positive impact by sharing your stories and experiences. Please consider making a gift today and help create more opportunities for Schoolcraft students.
.
Schoolcraft College Opens New Center to Support Student Veterans
Schoolcraft College is proud to announce the opening of the Mark L. Whitfield Veteran & Military Services Center, a new space dedicated to serving student veterans, military members, and their families. The Center, located on the second floor of the McDowell Building, reopened on November 9th after several months of renovation and expansion.
The Center provides a range of services and resources to help student veterans, current military members, and their dependents succeed in their academic journey. The Center’s staff can assist with enrollment, transcripts, Veterans Affairs benefits, scholarships, and more. The Center also offers the Masco Command Post, a lounge area where student veterans can relax, study, and connect with their peers.
The Center is named after Mark L. Whitfield, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate who served six years in active duty and retired as a Commander. Whitfield and his family were among the generous donors who made the new Center possible, along with the Mahoneys, Masco, the Fausones, the Stroms, and many others from the Schoolcraft donor community.
Lauren Harman, a Navy veteran, and a student at Schoolcraft College, expressed her gratitude for the Center and its staff. “They listened to my concerns and really understood me first as a person and then a student and directed me in choosing the right classes that fit my current financial situation as well as the needs of my degree,” she said. “They guided me with resources that would benefit me as a veteran and made my time at Schoolcraft College less stressful.”
The official Grand Opening of the Mark L. Whitfield Veteran & Military Services Center was held on November 9th, coinciding with the week of Veterans Day. The event celebrated the achievements and contributions of the student veterans and the donors who supported them.
Schoolcraft College is honored to serve those who have served our country and is committed to providing them with a transformational educational experience.
.
SC BeWell: Supporting Student’s Mental Health
Across the D3C3 collaborative, mental health was identified as a barrier to student persistence and completion. At Schoolcraft, post-COVID, we saw an increase in suicide ideation and other mental health issues that really impacted students’ educational pathways to succeed.
Led by Chief Student Success Officer Laurie Kattuah-Snyder, SC BeWell mental health care services for students will launch in October. This will include:
- Wellness Hub – digital platform
- Student Engagement app including 12/7 clinical support
- Awareness Campaign
- Connect communication & reporting
- 24/7/365 coverage telephone line
- Self-guided Internet based Cognitive Behavioral training
- Treatment options include up to 5 visits per issue per student per year
These are just two areas that are moving forward with innovative initiatives that truly will transform the student experience. Meanwhile, there is much work being done in the background including identifying solutions to “pain points” in current processes across all departments including advising and financial aid which are priority areas of action from the NISS Playbook.
Look for more updates on Mobility and K-12 soon!
Naples, Florida Reception is Feb. 29, 2024
Schoolcraft retirees, alumni and friends of the college who live in, winter in, or might be visiting Florida will have an opportunity to visit with President Glenn Cerny as he shares College accomplishments and the vision for its future. RSVP today @ https://bit.ly/23scfl
.
Economic Outlook Breakfast with Dr. Cedric Howie is BACK
Register and mark your calendar today so you don’t miss this in demand annual event!
https://bit.ly/24scfecon
CulEx 2024 is Thursday, October 24
CulEx, Schoolcraft’s signature fundraiser, is an extraordinary strolling dinner unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. We expect an early sell-out again this year, so don’t wait to get your sponsorships or reservations!
Sponsorships are available now at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/diajubculext/event/2024culex/
Individual online registration opens February 1st, 2024!
National Speakers Headline FREE Webinar Series
As an extended member of the Schoolcraft family, the SC Foundation and Alumni Office invite you to keep learning! Visit our Free Upcoming Webinars page to see all events, register and explore recordings of past events. This program is 100% free of charge to participate in. All previous webinars are available to view if you missed them! Don’t miss out on these engaging topics:
New Year, New View: Setting Goals that Set You Up for Success
Georgia Homsany
Wednesday, January 10th at 12:00 PM EST
How to Create Your Own Career: Career Mashup–the Career of the Future
Connie Steele, Bestselling Author and Future of Work Expert
Thursday, January 18th at 12:00 PM EST
The Power of Conscious Connection: Four Habits to Transform How You Live & Lead Talia Fox, Author and Leadership Expert Wednesday, January 31st at 12:00 PM EST |
Become the Bravest You: How to Embrace the Embarrassing and Celebrate the Cringe Henna Pryor, Award-Winning Author and 2x Tedx Speaker Thursday, February 8th at 12:00 PM EST |
In the News
DBusiness Daily Update: Detroit’s Revitalization Recognized by Travel Influencers, and More
DBusiness Magazine – December 4th, 2023
… Schoolcraft College Launching Varsity Men’s Ice Hockey Program Next Fall. Schoolcraft College in Livonia will launch a varsity ice hockey program …
Read More >
Schoolcraft College launching men’s ice hockey beginning in 2024-2025
Fox 2 Detroit – December 2nd, 2023
This will be the first intercollegiate ice hockey team that the college has launched as part of the Schoolcraft College Athletic Department. All …
Read More >
DBusiness Daily Update: Schoolcraft College in Livonia Scores with New Soccer Fields, and More DBusiness Magazine – November 22nd, 2023
Two new soccer fields are being added to Schoolcraft College’s campus in partnership with the Michigan Wolves Soccer Club. Specifically designed for …
Read More >
See the Foundation in Action on Social Media
Find out the latest happenings at Schoolcraft College! We’ll be sharing content that you don’t want to miss. Follow us on LinkedIn, like us on Facebook and don’t forget to check us out on YouTube – scroll to the bottom of this page for all our social links.
Show your support for Schoolcraft College students and programs today…
Vision 2025: The Fundraising Initiative
Vision 2025 is a five-year fundraising initiative that supports Schoolcraft College — its programs, students, and members of the southeast Michigan community. It is designed to provide the financial support needed for innovation beyond the limitations of current funding. Vision 2025 will impact the next 25 years of the 21st century by helping the college transform workforce education, which will engage, inspire, and transform students, the community, and economy.