Author: Mark Rummel

Alumni Spotlight: Linda Siewert

Current or most recent title and employer?
Human Resources Manager

How did SC4 help prepare you?
The coursework, instructors and guidance I received at SC4 was integral in preparing me for my career as a human resources professional.

What do you like most about what you do professionally?
As a human resources manager, I have the opportunity to work with several company departments and a variety of employees on a daily basis.

Did you transfer on and earn other degrees? If so, what degrees and from where?
After I completed my studies at SC4, I transferred to Baker College and earned my bachelor’s degree (magna cum laude).

Fall 2023 registration now open

Registration for fall semester is now underway at St. Clair County Community College. Fall semester courses—which are offered online and on-campus— begin Aug. 21.

Students interested in earning affordable credits toward a degree or transfer pathway, as well as those community members interested in learning more about a particular topic or passion, can now enroll to secure their classes.

“SC4 can help you get there—regardless of where you’re headed,” said Jessica Brown, vice president of DEI and Admissions. “SC4 alumni are engineers, doctors, nurses, lawyers, welders, scientists, public safety officers, designers, managers, entrepreneurs and much more. SC4 credits transfer easily and are a fraction of the cost compared to four-year institutions. Plus, we offer a wide array of support services and exciting campus life experiences.”

A full list of courses and sections is available at sc4.edu/schedule, and new students can learn how to apply and register at sc4.edu/admissions/. Current students can register via the SC4 Portal at portal.sc4.edu.

Dual enrollment and early/middle college options are available for current high school students to earn college credits at no cost. However, if cost is still a factor for other types of students, SC4 financial aid experts stand ready to assist.

“Our goal is to help students understand what support is out there so they can focus on what matters most—their classes,” said Jo Cassar, SC4 executive director of Financial Assistance and Veteran Services. “Most of our students receive financial aid, through a combination of federal, state and private funding sources, grants and scholarships. There’s potential support out there, but you’ll never get it unless you fill out a FAFSA and apply.”

New this year is the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which provides eligible high school graduates (starting with the Class of 2023) with up to $2,750 if they attend a community college, per year. Additionally, Michigan Reconnect pays for qualifying students who are 25 years old and older to attend SC4 tuition-free.

For more information about applying to SC4 and registering for courses, contact the SC4 Admissions team at (810) 989-5571 or starthere@sc4.edu. For more information about financial aid and scholarships, send an email to financialaid@sc4.edu or call (810) 989-5530 with questions.

Alumni Spotlight: Karen Deschaine

Current or most recent title and employer?
Director of Communications, Woman’s Life Insurance Society

How did SC4 help prepare you?
I was working full-time when I first enrolled at SC4, and initially only planned to take a few classes to improve my graphic design skills. An SC4 advisor helped me create a path to complete my associate degree in business by combining the required/core classes with electives that helped me build the design skills I needed for the job I had then. It was a lot of hard work, taking classes in person and online while working full-time, but it was definitely worth it in the end. The classes I took at SC4 prepared me well for the next level of classes when I transferred to Walsh College. Even today, the combination of my degree(s) and those creative skills helps set me apart from others and has enabled me to continue to grow in my career.

What do you like most about what you do professionally?
I’m fortunate to work for an organization that has a mission I care about deeply. In my role, I get to work on a wide variety of communications and marketing-related projects and campaigns from developing corporate messaging and ad campaigns to graphic design, video production to social media and website content. I love that I get to apply the skills I gained at SC4 and continue to learn new things every day while helping my organization and the people we serve as we pursue our mission.

Did you transfer on and earn other degrees? If so, what degrees and from where?
After graduating from SC4, I transferred to Walsh College where I earned my bachelor’s degree in business and marketing.

Alumni Spotlight: Bill Thrash

Current or most recent title and employer?
Senior Vice President, Customer Operations at Critical Start

How did SC4 help prepare you?
SC4 provided an educational foundation based in critical thinking, strong interpersonal communication, and the value of community engagement. SC4 gave me the tools to build and nurture a network of individuals that would go on to support my growth and development long beyond my time at SC4.

What do you like most about what you do professionally?
Cyber security is a thrilling field. I am grateful I get to build teams of engineers, customer success managers, support analysts, and program managers that solve unique security problems and prove value long-term to our customers. I love the community that exists in cyber security. We’re all facing big problems and we all rally to help one another. I am fortunate that I can lead such an amazing group of people and help maximize their potential each and every day.

Did you transfer on and earn other degrees? If so, what degrees and from where?
No, I obtained my 60 hours and went on to law enforcement. I’ve never returned to finish my degree.