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Alumni Spotlight: Ross Hinkley

Current or most recent title and employer?
Tax Associate, BDO USA, LLP

How did SC4 help prepare you?
SC4 gave me the first opportunity to learn at a high level. All of my professors, coaches, and other support staff at SC4 were constantly teaching at a high level as well as expecting me to perform at a high level. I was able to be at a school that truly cared about me and was involved in each and every decision I made, both on/off the basketball court. SC4 was the first institution to help me look at my future and help truly map out my education/professional life, which I was able to carry into my future educational experience and now professional life.

What do you like most about what you do professionally?
I work at a very large accounting firm, which can be up and down in terms of working a 9-5, with working 50+ hours a week during tax season. But, two pieces stick out to me the most on what I enjoy most about my current job/career. First off, I have been able to work with lots of non-profit businesses that use BDO for their tax services and this has been very fulfilling. I have been able to help people and organizations that aren’t “business-minded” to focus on what their core purpose is, no matter the organization. Also, meeting and engaging with different people, of all professional levels and different walks of life has been an amazing experience. I would equate doing this has been similar to my walk at SC4 and my basketball career as well, being able to meet different people from different backgrounds, all while having a similar passion and enjoyment, has taught me plenty about the people with whom I have the pleasure to work.

Did you transfer on and earn other degrees? If so, what degrees and from where?
Yes I did. I transferred to Western Michigan University and earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Alumni Spotlight: Christi Reid

Current or most recent title and employer?
Clinical Information Specialist, McLaren Healthcare

How did SC4 help prepare you?
Nursing programs are notoriously some of the most stressful and rigorous programs out there (as they should be when dealing with patient’s lives) and I went through two of those programs at SC4. First, for my LPN and later, for my ADN. That foundation of patient safety and healthcare knowledge prepared me to serve on the front lines during the Covid pandemic and most recently transition to a more “behind the scenes” role in Clinical I.T.

What do you like most about what you do professionally?
I love that nursing can take you in multiple directions! I’ve moved through geriatric care to med surg, and now into I.T. There are so many options and adventures available that you always have the choice to try new things, or stay right where you are most comfortable!

Did you transfer on and earn other degrees? If so, what degrees and from where?
I completed the LPN program in 2007 and the LPN to ADN transition program in 2015. I then attended Chamberlain University and completed my BSN in 2020 and MSN with a focus in Informatics in 2022, which prepared me to earn my board certification in Nursing Informatics from the American Nursing Credentialing Center.

Juneteenth Celebration planned for June 19

St. Clair County Community College’s (SC4) Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion invites the community to attend “Freedom Day 2023: A Juneteenth Celebration” from noon to 6 p.m. Monday, June 19, on SC4’s campus.

Juneteenth (short for June 19) is an annual holiday that commemorates the day when the last slaves in Galveston, Texas, were told of their freedom on June 19, 1965—two and a half years after the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation in January of 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln.

The event at SC4 will feature games and activities, food, live music performances and entertainment, black-owned business vendors, giveaways, educational and community resources, and a Kid’s Zone that includes free crafts, games, a cake walk, activities and bounce houses.

It is co-hosted by SC4, the City of Port Huron, the NAACP Port Huron Branch, Port Huron Museums, St. Clair County Organizing for Regional Equity (SCCORE), Black Lives Matter Port Huron, the International Council of Community Churches, the Community Foundation of St. Clair County and the Diversity Initiative of St. Clair County.

 “Last year, we welcomed more than 500 community members to campus for this event, and we anticipate greater participation this year,” said SC4 Vice President of DEI and Admissions Jessica Brown. “Individuals can bring their blankets and chairs to lounge on the lawn and enjoy all the day offers!”

For directions to campus and information about parking, visit sc4.edu/about/maps-and-directions/. For questions related to SC4’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, email dei@sc4.edu.

Alumni Spotlight: T.J. Brinker

Current or most recent title and employer?
Regional Vice President – Equipment Depot

How did SC4 help prepare you?
SC4 provided a friendly learning environment that was close to home and budget-friendly. During my time at SC4, I began to build my professional network and also forged lifelong friendships. I grew as a person in the classroom and on the baseball field.

What do you like most about what you do professionally?
I have passions for talent acquisition, employee development, and fostering a unique corporate culture. Equipment Depot has given me the opportunity to build a number of high-performing teams and reward them for their results. One of our company’s core values is “Make it Fun.” Working for a company that strategically articulates fun as a core value has been a direct contributor to the way we view/treat our coworkers as family.

Did you transfer on and earn other degrees? If so, what degrees and from where?
After earning my associate degree at SC4, I transferred to Spalding University in Louisville, Ky. At Spalding, I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. I also hold an MBA from the University of Louisville.