Current or most recent title and employer?
Substitute Teacher
How did SC4 help prepare you?
My Associates Degree focused on Elementary Education.
What do you like most about what you do professionally?
Giving back to local educators by filling in when needed.
Did you transfer on and earn other degrees? If so, what degrees and from where?
N/A
St. Clair County Community College (SC4) has received $955,000 in federal funds appropriated by U.S. Senator Gary Peters to support STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning opportunities at SC4’s Challenger Learning Center and Experience Center.
Funds will be used to provide greater opportunities for valuable STEM-based experiences for learners of all ages.
“Many thanks to Senator Gary Peters and his staff for supporting SC4 and our efforts to encourage STEM learning in Michigan,” said Dr. Deborah A. Snyder, president of SC4. “Our state and nation need future leaders who are adept at understanding and solving the challenging problems of today and the future. SC4 will play an even greater role in preparing future leaders and innovators thanks to this support.”
Senator Peters and his staff recently toured the Experience Center and Challenger Learning Center.
“I’m proud to have helped secure this funding for the Challenger Center to encourage STEM learning for Michiganders of all ages,” said Senator Peters.“After visiting the Center and seeing the exhibits firsthand, I know this is a meaningful investment in St. Clair County and will provide invaluable learning experiences for its visitors.”
More than 2,500 people have visited the Challenger Learning Center at SC4 since it launched in April 2022. The Center provides visitors with a space-themed, simulated learning and role-playing experience that teaches them about STEM careers and cultivates problem-solving, critical thinking, communication and teamwork skills.
Located in SC4’s Experience Center—which also is home to the Dr. Bassam H. Nasr Natural Science Museum, mineral and bird galleries, and health sciences virtual reality and dissection technology exhibits—Challenger Learning Center at SC4 is the only Center of its kind in Michigan and one of 40 Challenger Learning Centers nationwide and around the world.
Upcoming Experience Center and Challenger Learning Center at SC4 events and opportunities for learners of all ages include:
“We’ve welcomed students, educators, superintendents, businesses and corporations, friends and residents from across Michigan,” said Kristin Copenhaver, SC4 chief marketing officer. “The feedback has been incredible. In fact, many guests are re-booking missions immediately after visiting!”
For more information, visit challenger.sc4.edu/ or send an email to experiencecenter@sc4.edu.
Current or most recent title and employer?
Athletic Director – Hartland High School
How did SC4 help prepare you?
SC4 was a major building block in my development as a student and an athlete. Coming from a small town in the thumb of Michigan, the environment that SC4 provided was perfect for me. I grew up a lot during my two years in Port Huron. The life skills learned made my transition to Central Michigan University very easy. SC4 was the “first step” that I needed to propel me into a successful future.
What do you like most about what you do professionally?
I enjoy working with student-athletes and young coaches. I love setting them up to reach the goals that they have set for themselves and their teams. Interscholastic Athletics are a very unique avenue for students to learn a lot about life. I enjoy providing an environment for them to do that while also having a great time with their teammates and coaches.
Did you transfer on and earn other degrees? If so, what degrees and from where?
Yes. Central Michigan University (K-12 physical education) and a master’s degree from Oakland University.
Current or most recent title and employer?
ICU RN, Ascension Warren Campus
How did SC4 help prepare you?
The nursing degree prepared me to deliver holistic care, providing the best possible outcomes for my patients. Also, earning my associate degree from SC4 prepared me to go on for my BSN.
What do you like most about what you do professionally?
I enjoy bedside nursing. The challenges I experience every day I go to work and the teamwork my unit has.
Did you transfer on and earn other degrees? If so, what degrees and from where?
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), graduating Suma Cum Laude from Arizona State University.
