Author: Mark Rummel

SC4 honors 34 practical nursing graduates

St. Clair County Community College honored its practical nursing program graduates at the end of their NCLEX Review on Tuesday, Dec. 15.

Due to current restrictions on organized events, a formal graduation ceremony was not held. Exiting the review, students were given a gift bag containing a Practical Nursing pamphlet with their nursing pin, the traditional apricot rose, a USB slideshow prepared by graduate Allie Smith and an ornament created by students Nikki Rodriguez, Michaela Schulz, Heather Travis, and Demi Varty.

The 34 graduating students who completed the nursing program are qualified to take the National Council Licensure Examination.

A full list of graduating students is listed below. Those interested in learning more about SC4’s nursing programs can visit sc4.edu/nursing.

List of graduating students:

  • Elizabeth Bowen — Clay Township
  • Kayla Brabaw — Port Huron
  • Christina Cardinal — Port Huron
  • Sherri Domzalski — Capac
  • Brittney Dudley — Port Huron
  • Emily Escobar — Algonac
  • D. Hope Galarza-Amaro — Port Huron
  • Jenna Graham — Clay Township
  • Melissa Graham — Clyde Township
  • Lydia Hill — Avoca
  • Amanda Isaac — Fort Gratiot
  • Jessica Keast — Clay Township
  • Payton Kehoe — Richmond
  • Kaitlynn Kindsvater — Marysville
  • Jennifer Knoth — Lakeport
  • Shelly Lander — Port Huron
  • Christopher Luke — Algonac
  • Christene Marcum — New Haven
  • Davon Morris — Kimball Township
  • Katie Noble — Deckerville
  • Heather Porter — Jeddo
  • Nicole Ricciardi — Roseville
  • Niurka Rodrigues — Port Huron
  • Michaela Schulz — Algonac
  • Alexis Semaan — Algonac
  • Tara Smalls — Port Huron
  • Alexandra Smith — Memphis
  • Jennifer Steinke — Port Huron
  • Jenah Ternes — Macomb
  • Heather Travis — Port Huron
  • Demi Varty — Port Huron
  • Hannah Wiegand — Marysville
  • Renee Wolschleger — Memphis
  • David Wolven — Port Huron

SC4 inducts 63 students into its chapter of Phi Theta Kappa international honor society

St. Clair County Community College inducted 63 students from communities across the region into its Lambda Mu chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society during a virtual ceremony on Friday, Dec. 11.

Phi Theta Kappa is a premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of community college students to grow as scholars and leaders. The society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 10 countries.

SC4’s Lambda Mu chapter of Phi Theta Kappa was chartered in April 1961. Since its beginning, the chapter has received numerous honors, including recognition as the top U.S. chapter at Phi Theta Kappa’s International Convention in 2000.

“When you join Phi Theta Kappa, you join the largest honor society in the world,” said Angela Heiden, Lambda Mu chapter advisor. “Phi Theta Kappa is so much more than just an honor society. It is a chance for students to gain leadership skills, earn scholarships and give back to their community.”

The fall 2020 inductees to the Lambda Mu chapter of Phi Theta Kappa are:

  • Savannah Adkins — Port Huron
  • Payton Aiello — St. Clair
  • Ashlyn Albert — Fort Gratiot
  • Dylan Albert — Fort Gratiot
  • Jade Anderson — Imlay City
  • Hellena Banner — Port Huron
  • Brent Baysinger — St. Clair
  • Lydia Bonney — Fort Gratiot
  • Gabrielle Borneman — Marine City
  • Elizabeth Bowen — Clay Township
  • Mikayla Cameron — St. Clair
  • Erica Chesney — Wales Township
  • Jennifer Chilcutt — Warren
  • Faith Chmielewski — Port Huron
  • George Clark — Casco Township
  • John Criger — St. Clair
  • Erica Devigili — Marysville
  • Melissa Dunsmore — Yale
  • Darien Durette — Kimball Township
  • Ricki Edwards — Port Huron
  • Daniel Ferrone — East China Township
  • Ashlynn Fistler — Mussey Township
  • Brian Frederick — Port Huron
  • Jenna Graham — Clay Township
  • Kylie Grambau — Port Huron
  • Camryn Griffith — Kenockee Township
  • John Heffner — Riley Township
  • Ashley Howard — Fair Haven
  • Rebecca Jar — Marlette
  • Tanya Keefe — Port Huron
  • Jordan Kelly — Emmett Township
  • Stephanie Kluger — Mussey Township
  • Nolan Lacey — Burtchville Township
  • Shelly Lander — Port Huron
  • Kathryn Lozowski — Emmett Township
  • James Majeski — St. Clair
  • John Majeski — St. Clair
  • Katie Marcero — Clyde Township
  • Christene Marcum — New Haven
  • Austin Milutin — Port Huron
  • McKenna Mullen — Kimball Township
  • Dominique Perreault — Imlay City
  • Ryan Peters — Wales Township
  • Tara Peters — Wales Township
  • Matthew Pohlman — Emmett Township
  • Kelly Prososki — Burtchville Township
  • Lauryn Roff — Kimball Township
  • Anna Ross — Imlay City
  • Jessica Ruckman — Snover
  • Tosha Sabbagh — Clay Township
  • Vincenza Scrima — Sterling Heights
  • Lawrence Skotzke — Fort Gratiot
  • Steven Sly — Berlin Township
  • Peyton Stein — Fort Gratiot
  • Gianna Swain — Memphis
  • Hanna Teeple — Fort Gratiot
  • Jenna Titcombe — Brown City
  • Selena Torrez — Croswell
  • Milissa Trombley — Memphis
  • Daria Vaughan — New Haven
  • Amaya Williams — Fort Gratiot
  • Reagan Williams — Port Huron
  • Jennifer Winkler — Kimball Township

Instructor Scott Berg encourages students to stay strong during current learning environment

The Engineering Graphics program at St. Clair County Community College prepares students for real life experiences using hands-on preparation. This gives them the foundational skills to be successful, whether they start their career in our community or if they choose to continue their education beyond SC4.

In instructor Scott Berg’s classroom, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges, but students have adapted to using the protocols set in place to allow continued hands-on learning in the classroom. Wearing masks and shields, practicing social distancing and washing hands frequently is the new normal. Berg also contributes a successful learning environment to the SC4 maintenance staff keeping the classroom environment clean and disinfected.

“I have been encouraging students to keep their heads up and to keep smiling, because they can be a light to others during this difficult time,” said Berg. “Nothing lasts forever.”

In Introduction to Computer Aided Drafting (ETG-115), students get an introduction to the use of AutoCAD software, focusing on geometric construction and editing tools. They learn and incorporate techniques of computer-aided drafting practices by reading and checking drawings, principles of orthographic projection, and working drawings.

This class is part of the first semester curriculum for any student interested in earning an Associate in Applied Arts and Science in Engineering Technology—Engineering Graphics/CAD degree.

Students gain experience with software such as AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, Solidworks and CATIA, while translating their drawings to life using 3D printers. These experiences provide the foundational skills to adapt to multiple platforms of computer-aided design (CAD) now being used in manufacturing, automotive, medical and other fields. Advanced, specialized courses help students develop proficiency in areas such as bodyline design, tool and die, and injection mold design.

“I know it sounds cliché, but teaching at SC4 has given me the opportunity to serve,” Berg said. “I enjoy guiding students and learning from them.”

To learn more about engineering programs at SC4, visit https://sc4.edu/programs/science-technology-engineering-math/.

Winter classes start in January. Current students can register now through the Portal Service Center and new students can learn more and get started at sc4.edu/start here.

December 3rd worldwide celebration of International Day of People with Disabilities

The International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPD or IDPwD) was established in 1992 by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to increase understanding and awareness of disability issues and the abilities of people with disabilities; promote the full and effective participation in society for the dignity, rights and well-being of people with disabilities; and celebrate the achievements and contributions of people with disabilities. It is observed worldwide on December 3 each year.

This year, during the annual celebration of people with disabilities, the 2020 theme ‘Not all Disabilities are Visible’ also focuses on spreading awareness and understanding of disabilities that are not immediately apparent, such as mental illness, chronic pain or fatigue, sight or hearing impairments, diabetes, brain injuries, neurological disorders, learning differences and cognitive dysfunctions, among others. 

According to the WHO World Report on Disability, 15 percent of the world’s population, or more than 1 billion people, are living with disability. Of this number, it’s estimated 450 million are living with a mental or neurological condition— and two-thirds of these people will not seek professional medical help, largely due to stigma, discrimination and neglect. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, isolation, disconnect, disrupted routines and diminished services have greatly impacted the lives and mental well-being of people with disabilities right around the world. Spreading awareness of invisible disabilities, as well as these potentially detrimental— and not always immediately apparent— impacts to mental health, is crucial as the world continues to fight against the virus.

Around the world, physical, social, economic and attitudinal barriers prevent people with disabilities face from participating fully and effectively as equal members of society. They are disproportionately represented among the world’s poorest individuals. People with disabilities lack equal access to basic resources, such as education, employment, healthcare and social and legal support systems. They also have a higher rate of mortality. Yet disability as a whole has remained largely invisible in the mainstream development agenda and its processes.

St. Clair County Community College is firmly committed to making higher education accessible to students with disabilities by removing barriers and providing programs and support services necessary for them to benefit from the instruction and resources of the College. SC4 Disability Services provides support and resources for students with or without a documented disability. Students do not need to have documentation of a disability to discuss strategies for college success. For more information, visit our Disability Services website.

Information obtained from IDPWD.org.