Category: Community

Explore STEM on March 15 at SC4’s Annual STEM Fest

St. Clair County Community College will be celebrating science, technology, engineering and mathematics on Saturday, March 15 with STEM Fest.

STEM Fest provides a day of hands-on exhibits focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Encouraging young innovators to explore STEM and opportunities in STEM available at SC4. The free event features 100 unique experiences, taking place across multiple buildings, presented by SC4, Michigan Technological University’s Mind Trekkers, Cranbrook Institute of Science and the Reptarium of Utica.

This year, SC4 once again welcomes retired NASA Astronaut Dorothy “Dottie” Metcalf-Lindenburger, who will be in the Experience Center available for meet-and-greet and questions.

In addition to the many exhibits that can be found inside the Experience Center, Challenger Learning Center, Fine Arts Building, College Center and SC4 Fieldhouse, there will be timed activities that require registration for participation. These experiences include a Challenger Mini Mission, Mad Science Detroit Fire and Ice show, Cranbrook’s How Did T. Rex Become the Ruler of the Dinosaurs, Cranbrook’s Light and Sound, Drop Into Math!, Planetarium Experience and Analytical Uses of Light in Science.

“The vast scope and influence of STEM across various careers highlights the importance of fostering its study, with a significant event at SC4 serving as a timely reminder of its value and impact,” said SC4 Chief of Staff/Senior Vice President Sarah Rutallie.

People must register for timed activities by Friday, March 14, but general event registration will remain open at www.sc4.edu/stem-fest/.

Need help getting to campus? Here are directions and parking information. Concessions will be available for purchase in the SC4 Fieldhouse and College Center. 

Questions can be directed to the SC4 Experience Center at (810) 989-5789 or experiencecenter@sc4.edu.

Returning favorites from last year’s event include the SC4 Challenger Learner Center, plan health science exhibits, Nasr Museum and hands-on activities by the Mind Trekkers from Michigan Technological University.

SC4 Honors Community Leader with 2024 Alumni Award

SC4 has awarded Kevin Totty Sr. as the 2024 alum of the year to honor the life and work he has invested in the Port Huron Community.

“SC4 has a rich history of successful alumni,” said SC4 President Kirk Kramer. “SC4 Alumni are individuals from our midst that build on the foundation of our community to enrich our lives. We recognize, value and honor the service and life of Kevin Totty, Sr. as the 2024 SC4 Alumni of the Year.”

Totty was involved with many local organizations, including SONS outreach, working as a chaplain for the Port Huron Police Department, and serving on the Governance Board and Board of Directors for the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce. He also served, along with his wife Jessica, as a pastor for #C4Yourselfchurch, and worked for the St. Clair County Juvenile Center. 

Most recently, Totty worked as a full-time staff member for the Community Foundation. After being with the organization for five years as a volunteer, he was hired onto their staff in 2021. In an article written by the Community Foundation titled “The Many Hats of Kevin Totty”, Kevin was quoted as saying, “Out of all the jobs I’ve had, the Foundation really is the closest to the different assignments the Lord has put on my heart.”

In addition to his SC4 degree, Totty recently returned to school and earned his bachelor’s degree in philanthropy. Totty recently passed away on September 7, 2024, after a battle with cancer. He leaves behind a loving family, including his wife of 40 years, Jessica Totty, their five children and three grandchildren.

For a more in-depth look into Kevin Totty’s life, please see the community foundation’s article “The Many Hats of Kevin Totty” at https://stclairfoundation.org/the-many-hats-of-kevin-totty/

### For media inquiries, please contact Sarah Rutallie, Chief of Staff/ Senior Vice President, SC4, at srutallie@sc4.edu

  

Alumni Spotlight: Kevin M. Totty Sr.

Current or most recent title and employer?
Philanthropist – Community Foundation of St. Clair County

How did SC4 help prepare you?
Communication, Connections and Community! SC4 is our hometown gem that needs to be shared with other folks around the world!

What do you like most about what you do professionally?
Connect folks to paths of resources where they can tell their story in life.

Did you transfer on and earn other degrees? If so, what degrees and from where?
Bellevue University – Bachelor in Business
ECornell – Certificate in Equitable Community Program
Ordained Minister – International Council of Community Churches

SC4 Hosts Free Concert Featuring Award-Winning Guitarist

Jimmy DeHeno

On Thursday, December 5, SC4 will host two free concerts featuring guitarist Jimmy DeHeno. This event is a part of the Free Noon and Night Concert Series, which celebrates a variety of traditions and cultures through music and the arts. Performances are December 5 at noon and 7 p.m. in the SC4 Fine Arts Theatre.

“SC4 is excited for the performance of award-winning guitarist and Marine City native Jimmy DeHeno at the Noon and Night Community Concert series,” said Mindy Charron, Community Arts Liaison for SC4. “Not only is Jimmy gifted in classical guitar, he plays bluegrass banjo, Dobro and pedal steel guitar. Jimmy has numerous awards in songwriting and fingerstyle guitar competitions and has master workshops published in Fingerstyle Guitar Magazine.”

Part of Jimmy’s journey included two years studying classical guitar at SC4. Jimmy still lives in Marine City and frequently performs in the area. SC4 is delighted to host one of its former students to provide this enrichment opportunity for the community.

For additional information on the Free Noon and Night Concert Series visit https://sc4.edu/campus-life/arts/free-thursday-concert-series/.

For media inquiries, please contact Sarah Rutallie, Chief of Staff/ Senior Vice President, SC4, at srutallie@sc4.edu