Author: Mark Rummel

SC4 Creates Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

PORT HURON – A new Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has been created at St. Clair County Community College to advance the college’s efforts in providing educational access and support for all. As part of the enhanced focus, a national speaker series will be launched on campus to support diversity, equity, and inclusion awareness and action this fall.

The series will kick-off October 9 with Jen Fry, a nationally recognized social justice educator speaking on campus. Another initiative is a campus book discussion. The college has ordered several books suggested by Ms. Fry on topics of equity, white privilege, and racism which will be available for faculty and staff to read this summer and fall. Informal book discussion sessions will be coordinated on campus this fall through the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to foster understanding.

SC4 also will officially recognize Juneteenth, the commemoration of the emancipation of slaves after the Civil War, as a college holiday on June 19 each year.

“The trustees are very supportive of these efforts to ensure that the college is a place where all are welcomed to learn and grow,” said SC4 Board of Trustees chair Dr. Nicholas DeGrazia. “The new Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will be instrumental as we continue toward our goals of growth, sustainability, and creating a stronger community that reflects the world we live in.”

Jessica Brown will lead the office as Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and will work to develop a comprehensive and cross-functional emphasis on these critical issues at SC4. Brown has more than a decade of higher education experience, having worked previously at Davenport University, Rochester College, and Macomb Community College before joining the SC4 team in 2014. She has served as the director of the college’s TRIO Student Support Services program since September 2015. The program works with first-generation and other high-risk college students to support them throughout their college career and has been very successful in increasing student retention and graduation. She also is a member of SC4’s Global Diversity Advisory Council. Brown has Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Strategic Management degrees from Davenport University.

Skippers Esports looks to continue its success in the fall

The St. Clair County Community College Esports team found tremendous success in its inaugural season, claiming three top-four finishes this past April in the National Junior College Athletic Association Rocket League and Super Smash Bros. tournaments.

Skippers Jarod Graham and Mitchell Lumpford finished second in the country in the doubles for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Graham finished fourth in the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate single player tournament. Kylar Marinez, David Roy and Philip Winterbauer finished fourth in the country in Rocket League.

The teams were launched in the fall, and through their first season continued to grow under the direction of coach James “Jimmer” Jordan. When COVID-19 closed campuses throughout the country cancelling other sports, SC4 Esports team members were fortunate enough to have their own systems at home so they could continue the season.

Each of the players began Esports at different ages, some using the Nintendo 64 console when they were younger than 10 years old, while other team members picked up on video games in junior high school. Most stated they really began taking Esports seriously late into high school, and one just a few months before when they joined the Esports team.

“I never really took competing in games seriously or thought that I had a chance. When some of my friends talked to me about playing for SC4, I decided to give it a try,” Winterbauer said. “It was a cool opportunity to get involved with Esports through my college, with a professional-level coach to mentor us and really step our game up to the next level.”

Winterbauer said he began the season at a low rank in Rocket League and in the past four months has climbed three ranks while competing for the Skippers.

“Anybody is capable if you put your mind to it,” he said. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, why not give it your all? Maybe you’ll find your calling.”

Being on the team and competing together helps with real-world skills.

“(Esports) helped me improve and grow relationships and learning abilities. It teaches you diligence – to do things the right way, every time, even if it is harder that way when you first start,” Marinez said. “Things like that are really going to help me in the future and transfer over to job training.”

Added Graham: “It gives you the feeling of always wanting to do your best, not just for you but for the college, too.”

With a stay-at-home order in place, playing at home for the remainder of the playoffs wasn’t quite the same as the team atmosphere they have in the facilities at the college. The team had formed a family-like bond over the last few months.

“Competing with this team, and for the college, really gives it purpose for me,” Roy said. “It’s different than playing alone.”

Most of the team plans to come back next season, except for sophomore Mitch Lumpford, who completed his Associate of Arts degree at SC4 and will be continuing his education at Oakland University in the fall.

Jarod Graham, Mitch Lumpford, Kylar Marinez, David Roy and Phil Winterbauer
Jarod Graham, Mitch Lumpford, Kylar Marinez, David Roy and Phil Winterbauer

SC4 faculty, staff honored for years of service

St. Clair County Community College honors 31 faculty and staff members for their dedicated service to SC4.

“SC4 faculty and staff are dedicated to doing everything possible to provide students with a great learning experience,” said SC4 President Dr. Deborah A. Snyder. “We are pleased to honor and recognize retirees and employees for their continued commitment and service.”

Retiring employees

  • Suzanne Bacheller of Clyde Township, science, technology, engineering and math secretary, 22 years.
  • Mary Hawtin of Port Huron, executive assistant to the President, 27 years.
  • Patricia Macey of Port Huron, social science secretary, 35 years.
  • Darlene Pauly of Fort Gratiot, veteran and sponsorship billing representative, 30 years.
  • Kathy Ruby of Fort Gratiot, psychology professor, 23 years.
  • Holly Sanchez of North Street, graphic designer, 33 years.

Employees honored with service awards

5 years

  • Paul Costanzo of Fort Gratiot, assistant director of admissions.
  • Katarzyna Mantha of Sarnia, biology instructor.
  • Katherine McCullough of Algonac, associate degree nursing clinical instructor.

10 years

  • Michael Belleman of Port Huron, business and economics professor.
  • David Goetze of Port Huron, directory of behavioral intervention and support services.
  • Lisa Haerens of Brockway Township, library technician.
  • Martha Pennington of Port Huron, advising and retention specialist.
  • Rita Radzilowski of Port Sanilac, business professor.
  • Mark Rummel of Port Huron, digital and creative services coordinator.

15 years

  • Mary Kay Brunner of St. Clair, chief financial offices and vice president of administrative services.

20 years

  • Kraig Archer of St. Clair, sociology professor.
  • Paul Bedard of Fort Gratiot, mathematics professor.
  • Colleen Forsgren of Marysville, computer information technologies professor.
  • Robert Hunckler of Fort Gratiot, geography professor.
  • Kim Kelley of St. Clair, humanities secretary.
  • Tom Kephart of Marine City, director of admissions and marketing.
  • Chrystal Lilly of Chesterfield, marketing and communication secretary.
  • Jacalyn Rummel of Port Huron, accounts payable clerk.
  • Suzanne Schiappacasse of Clinton Township, psychology professor.
  • David Sheldon of Fort Gratiot, biological science professor.
  • Tamara Turney of Fort Gratiot, associate degree nursing professor.
  • Scott Zeller of Fort Gratiot, library and technology services secretary.

30 years

  • Joseph Gibbons of Jeddo, chemistry professor.
  • Kelly Lindsay of Port Huron, testing center representative.

35 years

  • Patricia Macey of Port Huron, social science secretary.
  • Laurie Smith of Port Huron, cataloging and acquisitions technician.

 

 

SC4 honors the 96th annual class of graduates

Commencement is an opportunity to honor our graduates who have worked hard to achieve their goal of earning a college credential. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, our May 8 Commencement event was cancelled.

“We are very proud of our graduates and look forward to recognizing their hard work and determination. The College has begun planning a future event to acknowledge the outstanding efforts and accomplishments of our graduates,” said Vice President of Student Services Pete Lacey.

Details regarding a new commencement date will be shared with all graduates via a special letter of invitation once finalized.

Visit sc4.edu/commencement to view the lists of our December 2019 graduates and the graduation candidates for May and August 2020 (as of April 23, 2020). The faculty and staff of St. Clair County Community College are proud of our students’ achievements and wish everyone the very best in their next ventures.