Category: Community

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

SC4 Supports Returning Students Through Partnership with ReUp Education

Lil Skip mascot standing next to a woman in graduation robes. The woman is holding a baby in her arms.

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is proud to announce a partnership with ReUp Education as part of the Re-Enroll with Reconnect grant through the State of Michigan. This collaboration aims to help adult learners fulfill their educational goals by providing the resources and support they need to successfully return to higher education.

ReUp Education has been helping colleges and universities re-engage and support adult learners since 2015. Through their patented technology and one-on-one personalized coaching, ReUp offers a tailored approach that complements SC4’s existing support systems. Together, we’ll work to re-engage learners who had to pause their education, guiding them back on their path to success.

“At St. Clair County Community College, we are committed to helping every student achieve their educational and career goals,” said Spencer Hazelwood, Chief Technology Officer/ Senior Information Security Advisor. “Our partnership with ReUp Education represents a significant step in reconnecting with students who paused their academic journey. By providing personalized support and resources, we aim to welcome them back and empower them to complete their degrees, unlocking new opportunities for their futures.”

Returning students will benefit from holistic, ongoing support from ReUp, from the initial re-enrollment process through to degree completion. In addition, SC4’s advising and financial aid teams will be available to assist with next steps, answer questions and provide guidance, ensuring a seamless experience for students as they pursue their educational goals.

Through this partnership, SC4 reaffirms its commitment to empowering adult learners and helping them achieve their dreams of completing a college education.

For those interested in learning more about the Michigan Reconnect program, please visit https://sc4.edu/admissions/financial-aid/reconnect/.

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