Alumni Spotlight: Sheri Faust

Current or most recent title and employer?
Co-Founder and Executive Director of Friends of the St. Clair River, Environmental Health Educator for the St. Clair County Health Department

How did SC4 help prepare you?
My experience at SC4 was rewarding because I was able to build relationships with my instructors due to the small class sizes. Some instructors evolved into personal mentors, like Bob Collins or more affectionately known as Bio Bob. He was a tremendous influence in my life as he devoted extra time out of class to spend time with students in the field teaching invaluable lessons and experiences that can’t be had in a classroom. It was his influence that convinced me I was on the right path to pursue my passion in natural resources management. Many of my instructors were influential in my early life as a young college student because they were personable, accessible and helpful. SC4 gave me the confidence to move on to a four-year university and pursue the career I was passionate about.

My various professional roles and titles have benefited from partnerships with SC4, so I’m grateful to have a long history with the College – both as a student and as a career professional. As a student, I became familiar with the landscape and culture of SC4, and when I returned back to Port Huron after college and marriage, getting reacquainted with SC4 staff and campus was familiar territory because I felt like I had a personal connection to the campus. This partnership has carried on for the duration of my career living and working in Port Huron.

What do you like most about what you do professionally?
My interests, hobbies, passions and career all intersect. I think this is an ideal scenario which I feel lucky to be blessed with.

Did you transfer on and earn other degrees? If so, what degrees and from where?
After two years at SC4, I transferred to MSU and earned a bachelor’s degree in natural resources management. Additional certifications, community service and awards include: Certified Planning and Zoning Citizen Planner, Planning Commissioner for Port Huron Township, Board Member for the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, Blue Water Woman Government Professional of the Year award

SC4 to open traveling Detroit Historical Society ‘WWII Propaganda Posters’ exhibit Nov. 6

St. Clair County Community College’s (SC4) Fine Arts Gallery will soon offer an unforgettable journey back in time with a traveling “WWII Propaganda Posters” exhibit from the Detroit Historical Society.
 
The exhibit opens on Monday, Nov. 6, with a ceremony at 6 p.m. in the SC4 Fine Arts Theatre and Gallery featuring SC4 history professors Scott Fernandez and Patricia Frank. The exhibit is open for viewing from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday until Dec. 8, with closure dates Nov. 22-24. 
 
Posters included in the exhibit highlight key messaging by U.S. Government departments at the time, reflecting themes such as military and nursing recruitment, patriotism, conservation of resources and security. They also highlight the works of specific period cartoonists, illustrators, graphic artists and portraitists.
 
“We’re thrilled to bring this exhibit to our community,” said SC4 Chief Academic Officer Ethan Flick. “These posters—a primary communication tool long before digital screens and social media platforms existed—help us explore the notion of propaganda and provide a glimpse into a pivotal time in our nation’s history. We look forward to welcoming students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends to this exhibit.”
 
“WWII Propaganda Posters” is free as an SC4 Community Arts offering to encourage and support the arts in our community. No tickets are needed.
 
For more information and the most current list of upcoming events, visit sc4.edu/events/. Please note that additional programming may be added and event information may change.

Above posters are part of the Detroit Historical Society’s “WWII Propaganda Posters” exhibit at SC4 beginning Nov. 6. 

SC4 to present ‘KODACHROME’ by Adam Szymkowicz, Nov. 2-4

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) thespians will take the SC4 Fine Arts Theatre stage Nov. 2-4 as they present “KODACHROME” by Adam Szymkowicz.

“KODACHROME,” a “play about love, nostalgia, the seasons and how we learn to say goodbye,” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. (concordtheatricals.com). Performances are scheduled for 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2, 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3, and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4.

“Being able to join the wonderful tradition of theater at SC4 is a true joy and an honor. Over the years, I have had the privilege of attending several top-notch productions at the College,” said James McCulloch, SC4 theater director. “For this production, we have a talented cast of students who are going to be storytellers on the stage. Adam Szymkowicz´s new play takes us to those beautiful and bittersweet moments in life. Audience members will recognize themselves and see their lives onstage in the stories of the folks who live in Colchester. The play really celebrates how life is made up of these wondrous moments, and I believe audience members will be truly impacted by the moving and beautiful scenes.”

“Kodachrome” performances are free as an SC4 Community Arts offering to encourage and support the arts in our community. No tickets are needed. SC4’s Fine Arts Theatre seats 295. For more information and the most current list of upcoming events, visit sc4.edu/events. Please note that additional programming may be added and event information may change.

View image pdf here.

Hispanic American Heritage Celebration set for Oct. 27

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) and the Hispanic Alliance of Southeast Michigan will host a Hispanic American Heritage Celebration to celebrate Hispanic and Latino cultures from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27, in SC4’s Fine Arts Theatre.
 
The event is titled “Introducing the Hispanic Alliance of Southeast Michigan: Our past, presence and future!” From 5 to 6:30 p.m., it will feature a panel discussion moderated by Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Thelma Castillo, and from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. attendees can enjoy live music by Detroit’s PanaMO, a renowned Latin Jazz ensemble.
 
The event also will feature sample food from Doña Marina’s LLC.
 
Hispanic Alliance of Southeast Michigan (HASM) panelists and community volunteers include:

  • Jessica Totty – HASM president, Mexican and Indigenous descent, SC4 alumna, nurse and pastor
  • Jesus Castillo – HASM member, Veteran and U.S. Army Commendation Medal recipient, Consumer’s Energy retiree, former Hispanic Council of St. Clair County chairperson
  • Eunice Castillo – HASM member, Retired Port Huron Area School District teacher in charge of the English as a Second Language Program, former Hispanic Council of St. Clair County chairperson
  • Heather Fagan – HASM member, Doña Marina’s LLC, Seed & Soul Society president and co-founder, Nicaraguan-American
  • Iris Santillano – HASM member, event planner and SC4 alumna born in Puerto Rico
  • Irma (López) Santillano – HASM member, marketing and fundraising expert who is Mexican and Puerto Rican and speaks fluent Spanish

“We invite our community to come out and learn more about our Hispanic heritage through discussion and music,” said SC4 Chief Diversity Officer Jessica Brown.
 
The event is free and open to the public. For more information on other SC4 upcoming events, visit sc4.edu/events/.