Black History Month Read-in event planned Feb. 4

The SC4 Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will host a Read-in event featuring Detroit-raised artist and guest author Solomon Johnson to honor Black History Month on Saturday, Feb. 4, at 10:30 a.m. to noon in the SC4 Fine Arts Theatre. This event is open to the public and K-12 students, SC4 students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members are invited to attend.

The National African American Read-in was created in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month by bringing together community members to listen to the reading of poems, stories and book excerpts by Black authors.

“Black History Month is a celebration of achievements and contributions to human development. And the fact that Black history is part of American history is essential for all Americans to know, learn about and understand,” said Jessica Brown, Vice President of SC4’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Student Recruitment, Advising & Admissions. “The Read-in event reflects groundbreaking efforts to encourage communities to read together, centering on African American books and authors and celebrating the beautiful legacy together.”

The mission of SC4’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is to advance the college’s efforts in providing educational access and support for all. The office hosts national speakers, podcasts, guided book discussions, events and programs to make SC4’s campus an inclusive environment for students, faculty, staff and the community.

Attendees are asked to register in advance for the free Read-in event by filling out the event registration form or by sending an email to dei@sc4.edu. To read more about SC4’s DEI Office, visit sc4.edu/dei.

Winter 2023 fast-path courses help students and residents earn credits faster, explore passions at SC4

Registration is open for fast-path winter semester classes at St. Clair County Community College. Seats are available in 12-week classes starting the week of Feb. 6 and eight-week classes starting the week of March 13.

Fast-path classes allow students to earn credits that count toward general education or degree requirements at a quicker pace. Sections are available for classes in topics that include art, business, management, marketing, cybersecurity, English, French, history, mathematics, psychology, political science, speech and more.

Offerings this winter help students and community members expand their knowledge base and uncover passions.

Examples of some specific courses offered this winter include:

  • ART 120-67—Art Appreciation
  • BUS 150-66—Principles of Business
  • BUS 155-66—Principles of Management
  • BUS 186-65—Internet Marketing
  • BUS 252-65—Consumer Behavior
  • CIS 105-65—Cybersecurity Essentials
  • ENG 101-63—English Composition I
  • FR 101-2—Introductory French 1
  • GEO 105-63—Introduction to Meteorology
  • HIS 101-64—History Western Civ to 1715
  • HIS 150-61—History of U.S. 1877 to Present
  • MTH 110-62—Intermediate Algebra
  • MTH 120-65—Introduction to Statistics
  • PS 101-69—Intro to Political Science
  • PSY 180-63—Introduction to Psychology
  • SOC 101-65—Principles of Sociology
  • SPC 101-63—Speech Communication
  • THA 105-61—Oral Interpretation

“Whether you’re a student interested in earning credits toward your degree or transfer pathway faster, or you’re a community member interested in taking a course of interest to learn and grow, our fast-path courses are a fantastic option,” said Jessica Brown, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Student Recruitment, Advising and Admissions.

A full list of courses and sections is available at sc4.edu/schedule, and new students can learn how to apply and register at sc4.edu/admissions/. Current students can register via the SC4 Portal at portal.sc4.edu.

For more information, contact the SC4 Admissions team at (810) 989-5571 or starthere@sc4.edu.

Alumni Spotlight: Bill Kerr

Current or most recent title and employer?
Superintendent, Peck Community Schools

How did SC4 help prepare you?
The confidence I gained from my experience at SC4 was instrumental in the professional path I’ve taken to this point. The opportunities I was granted at SC4 were unique and I would not have had the same access at a larger institution. That experience was invaluable to me, helping me realize I could set high standards for myself and be successful. I’ll always cherish my time at SC4 and the relationships I made there.

What do you like most about what you do professionally?
I love the positive impact I am able to have on students, staff and the community from my position. My goal is always to put the very best resources and opportunities in front of our students and help grow the teaching profession. I am fortunate to work in the community that helped raise me so it feels like I am giving back on a daily basis. I am proud of the work we do here and the role it plays in helping young people thrive and achieve.

Did you transfer on and earn other degrees? If so, what degrees and from where?
I moved on from SC4 and earned my Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education at SVSU and then went on to complete the Masters in Public Administration program at UM-Flint.

SC4 announces Skippers pitching clinic with MLB pitcher Paul Fry Jan. 21

St. Clair County Community College will host a Skippers pitching clinic with special guest Major League Baseball pitcher Paul Fry on Saturday, Jan. 21, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the SC4 Fieldhouse.

The camp is open to the first 50 registrants ages 8-18. The cost is $20 with proceeds benefiting Skippers Athletics. Registration is available online at stclair.nbsstore.net/specialty-baseball-pitching-clinic. Questions can be directed to SC4 Athletics at athletics@sc4.edu or (810) 989-5670.

Fry was a dominant left-hander for the Skippers in the 2011 and 2013 seasons. Following the 2013 season, he was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the 17th round of the MLB Amateur Draft and was named the Seattle Mariners minor league “Relief Pitcher of The Year” in 2015.

Fry was traded to the Baltimore Orioles in 2017 and made his MLB debut against the Los Angeles Angels on June 28, 2018, throwing 1 and 2/3 scoreless innings while striking out three-time MVP and likely future MLB Hall of Fame hitter Mike Trout.

Fry remained with the Orioles for five seasons from 2018-2022 before being traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks during the summer of 2022.

His big-league career is still being written as he signed with the Toronto Blue Jays for the 2023 season.