Category: Community

Alumni Spotlight: T.J. Brinker

Current or most recent title and employer?
Regional Vice President – Equipment Depot

How did SC4 help prepare you?
SC4 provided a friendly learning environment that was close to home and budget-friendly. During my time at SC4, I began to build my professional network and also forged lifelong friendships. I grew as a person in the classroom and on the baseball field.

What do you like most about what you do professionally?
I have passions for talent acquisition, employee development, and fostering a unique corporate culture. Equipment Depot has given me the opportunity to build a number of high-performing teams and reward them for their results. One of our company’s core values is “Make it Fun.” Working for a company that strategically articulates fun as a core value has been a direct contributor to the way we view/treat our coworkers as family.

Did you transfer on and earn other degrees? If so, what degrees and from where?
After earning my associate degree at SC4, I transferred to Spalding University in Louisville, Ky. At Spalding, I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. I also hold an MBA from the University of Louisville.

SC4 adds adaptive sports, wheelchair basketball team to its athletic offerings

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is pleased to announce the launch of a wheelchair basketball team beginning in the fall 2023 semester.

The SC4 wheelchair basketball team is open to SC4 students and community members with disabilities or those who are able-bodied and passionate about wheelchair basketball, with priority given to students enrolled at SC4. Those interested in joining the wheelchair basketball team for 2023-24 should visit sc4.edu/athletics, send an email to mjwhittredge@sc4.edu or contact the Athletics Department at 810-989-5670 with questions. 

This co-ed team brings collegiate athletic offerings at SC4 to 16 teams, joining opportunities in baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, dance, Esports, golf, soccer, softball, volleyball and wrestling. Its addition makes SC4 a leader in adaptive sports offerings among colleges and universities in Michigan.

“Our Skippers Athletics program continues to grow and flourish, and the addition of adaptive sports at SC4 is a significant step forward in creating a more inclusive and diverse campus community,” said SC4 Athletic Director Dale Vos. “We’re thrilled to offer this new opportunity for both athletes and fans.”

Last fall, talented wheelchair basketball teams from around the Midwest and Canada converged at SC4 for an action-packed weekend of wheelchair basketball. Hosted by the University of Michigan Adaptive Sports and Fitness department in conjunction with SC4, the Wolverine Invitational marked the second edition of the event and kicked off the second competitive season of wheelchair basketball for the University of Michigan.

This year, SC4’s wheelchair basketball team plans to schedule exhibition contests and games as part of the inaugural season. The team is also working to participate as part of the Wolverine Invitational, which is scheduled to return to the SC4 Fieldhouse this fall, Sept. 29 to Oct. 1. 

“The opportunity to host the Wolverine Invitational right here on our own campus with high-caliber collegiate athletes from institutions such as the University of Michigan is extremely exciting,” Vos said. “We’ll provide more information on game schedules and more as soon as details are finalized.”   

Alumni Spotlight: Holly Koglin

Current or most recent title and employer?
Finance Manager at Dick Huvaere’s Richmond CDJR

How did SC4 help prepare you?
Prior to SC4, I was a high school grad who was unsure of what I wanted to do in terms of my career. I felt extremely overwhelmed not knowing what I was passionate about and how I would be able to apply myself to the world in order to succeed. I felt there were too many options and not enough time to decide. SC4 helped me narrow down what interests I had and find a career path in which I was going to flourish. I was able to gain a better understanding of my strengths, weaknesses and passions. I feel extremely thankful for my decision in going to SC4 and I still reflect on my time spent there, especially all the amazing professors I met along the way who really inspired me.

What do you like most about what you do professionally?
What I love most is that I’m able to love my career. Not many people are able to say they love their job or coworkers, so I feel very grateful that I’m able to be one of the lucky ones who really does. I’m able to truly be myself in my environment and do something that I’m passionate about each and every day. It’s all a dream!

Did you transfer on and earn other degrees? If so, what degrees and from where?
After SC4, I transferred to Oakland University. There, I earned my bachelor’s degree in management. After graduating from Oakland University, I decided to further my education at Central Michigan University and earned my MBA in project management.