SC4 announces April 18 Career/Job Fair

The 2023 St. Clair County Community College (SC4) Career/Job Fair will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 18. The event will bring hundreds of students, alumni and community members to the SC4 Fieldhouse.
 
The Career Fair portion of the event allows participants to learn about opportunities to start their career path at SC4 and talk with professionals in various career fields about key skills needed to succeed. Event participants can meet with an SC4 recruiter to walk through the steps to an enriching career, discuss career paths with health career educators, and explore apprenticeship options with the SC4 apprenticeship coordinator.
 
The Job Fair portion of the event provides attendees with opportunities to find employment in a wide variety of industries across the region.
 
Job Fair tables are expected to fill to capacity. Interested employers in search of qualified candidates are encouraged to register as early as possible at sc4.edu/careerfair
 
SC4 is collaborating with the Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County, Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works!, the City of Port Huron/McMorran Place and SC4’s Support Services, including the TRIO Program, for this year’s event.

Alumni Spotlight: R. Daniel Murray, Ph.D.

Current or most recent title and employer?
Senior Medical Scientist – Johnson and Johnson Pharmaceuticals

How did SC4 help prepare you?
SC4 courses in biology were the catalyst for my love of life sciences and a career in cardiovascular medicine. Reflecting on my two years at SC4, the quality of instruction was excellent and prepared me for further study.

What do you like most about what you do professionally?
My greatest reward professionally is the recognition that my involvement in medical research is helping others live longer and healthier lives.

Did you transfer on and earn other degrees? If so, what degrees and from where?
B.S. – University of Oregon
M.A. – Western Michigan University
Ph.D. – Ohio State University

SC4 receives $955,000 for Challenger Learning Center at SC4, Experience Center

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) has received $955,000 in federal funds appropriated by U.S. Senator Gary Peters to support STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning opportunities at SC4’s Challenger Learning Center and Experience Center.

Funds will be used to provide greater opportunities for valuable STEM-based experiences for learners of all ages.

“Many thanks to Senator Gary Peters and his staff for supporting SC4 and our efforts to encourage STEM learning in Michigan,” said Dr. Deborah A. Snyder, president of SC4. “Our state and nation need future leaders who are adept at understanding and solving the challenging problems of today and the future. SC4 will play an even greater role in preparing future leaders and innovators thanks to this support.”

Senator Peters and his staff recently toured the Experience Center and Challenger Learning Center.

“I’m proud to have helped secure this funding for the Challenger Center to encourage STEM learning for Michiganders of all ages,” said Senator Peters.“After visiting the Center and seeing the exhibits firsthand, I know this is a meaningful investment in St. Clair County and will provide invaluable learning experiences for its visitors.”

More than 2,500 people have visited the Challenger Learning Center at SC4 since it launched in April 2022. The Center provides visitors with a space-themed, simulated learning and role-playing experience that teaches them about STEM careers and cultivates problem-solving, critical thinking, communication and teamwork skills.

Located in SC4’s Experience Center—which also is home to the Dr. Bassam H. Nasr Natural Science Museum, mineral and bird galleries, and health sciences virtual reality and dissection technology exhibits—Challenger Learning Center at SC4 is the only Center of its kind in Michigan and one of 40 Challenger Learning Centers nationwide and around the world.

Upcoming Experience Center and Challenger Learning Center at SC4 events and opportunities for learners of all ages include:

  • School field trips for half- or full-day STEM learning tied to national science standards.
  • Group missions and experiences – Book a group of 18-34 guests anytime!
  • Feb. 18 open mission – Book one or more seats on a mission and meet others who will join you on your flight!
  • March 11 SC4 STEM Fest – Register for this exciting event, which features 100+ hands-on experiences by SC4, with Michigan Technological University’s Mind Trekkers, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and the Leslie Science & Nature Center
  • Summer STEM camp opportunities

“We’ve welcomed students, educators, superintendents, businesses and corporations, friends and residents from across Michigan,” said Kristin Copenhaver, SC4 chief marketing officer. “The feedback has been incredible. In fact, many guests are re-booking missions immediately after visiting!”

For more information, visit challenger.sc4.edu/ or send an email to experiencecenter@sc4.edu.

Alumni Spotlight: JD Wheeler

Current or most recent title and employer?
Athletic Director – Hartland High School

How did SC4 help prepare you?
SC4 was a major building block in my development as a student and an athlete. Coming from a small town in the thumb of Michigan, the environment that SC4 provided was perfect for me. I grew up a lot during my two years in Port Huron. The life skills learned made my transition to Central Michigan University very easy. SC4 was the “first step” that I needed to propel me into a successful future.

What do you like most about what you do professionally?
I enjoy working with student-athletes and young coaches. I love setting them up to reach the goals that they have set for themselves and their teams. Interscholastic Athletics are a very unique avenue for students to learn a lot about life. I enjoy providing an environment for them to do that while also having a great time with their teammates and coaches.

Did you transfer on and earn other degrees? If so, what degrees and from where?
Yes. Central Michigan University (K-12 physical education) and a master’s degree from Oakland University.