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.
Category: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
SC4 event to explore Toni Morrison’s short story ‘Recitatif’
St. Clair County Community College’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will host a guided book discussion highlighting “Recitatif,” a New York Times best-seller by Toni Morrison, on Friday, March 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in SC4’s Fine Arts Theatre.
“Recitatif” is the powerful story of two young girls, Twyla and Roberta, who are roommates at St. Bonny’s Orphanage. Morrison keeps Twyla’s and Roberta’s races ambiguous throughout the story and weaves themes of friendship, race, childhood, memory and trauma throughout the story.
Dr. Leah Howell, director of Learning Design at Everspring, Inc., and Dr. Portia Watkins, Michigan State University director of Transitions and Transfer Student Success and a trainer of the Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation program, will serve as facilitators for the event.
The event will explore the key themes and symbols found throughout “Recitatif” within the context of the American education and foster care systems, examine the impact of the narrative decisions made by Morrison on the reader’s experience of the story, and reflect on the power of friendship. Attendees will be invited to reflect on their own assumptions and personal experience of relationships over time, the impact of our environment on how we learn to navigate relationships, and the role of human connection and belonging in our lives.
Book are available by contacting SC4’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at (810) 989-5564 or visiting the DEI office during normal business hours in SC4’s Welcome Center.
To register for this free event, visit sc4.edu/event/book-discussion-recitatif-by-toni-morrison/ or send an email to dei@sc4.edu.
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.
SC4 to host Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration Jan. 16
The St. Clair County Community College Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the SC4 Global Diversity Advisory Council will present the 21st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, in the SC4’s Fine Arts Theatre.
The theme of this year’s event is “Daring to Dream: The Radical Imagination of a New Generation.”
The event, which also will be live-streamed at sc4.edu/dei-live, will feature a celebration of Dr. King’s legacy with a diverse variety of speakers, musicians and other performances.
Register for the event online or send an email for more information to dei@sc4.edu.
Challenger Learning Center at SC4 announces Dec. 10 public mission date
>>> Register here
Challenger Learning Center at St. Clair County Community College (SC4) will launch visitors to the moon with Mission: Lunar Quest at 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10. The mission date is open to the public and limited to the first 34 registrants. Seats on the mission are $25 per person and those ages 10-99+ are welcome!
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. It is a fully immersive, space-themed experience aimed at deepening understanding and appreciation of STEM careers and topics and building critical 21st-century skills. It offers unique learning and team-building opportunities for students, educators, corporations and community residents.
“We’re so pleased to announce this open mission date,” said Kristin Copenhaver, vice president of communication and special projects. “If you haven’t yet checked out the Challenger Learning Center, this is an incredible opportunity to do so. Come and join the crew for this mission as individuals or with your families, friends or teammates. See what the excitement is all about!”
Mission participants will launch to the moon in search of a long-term human habitat, command and assist in Mission Control, or board the Spacecraft as an astronaut, serving on teams like biology, geology, weather, robotics, life support and more. They will help deploy a Lunar Exploration Rover to investigate areas of the lunar surface and make critical decisions to turn a potential catastrophe into NASA’s finest hour.
Challenger Center was founded in 1986 in the aftermath of the Challenger shuttle tragedy. The families of the crew came together and created Challenger Center to carry on the spirit of their loved ones and continue the Challenger crew’s educational mission. Challenger Center, with its network of Challenger Learning Centers and digital programs, has reached more than 5.5 million students and learners worldwide.
Register for the Dec. 10 mission at stclair.nbsstore.net/open-lunar-quest-mission-december-10. Mission: Lunar Quest is open to learners in 5th grade and beyond. Support may be available. Contact us with inquiries and questions at experiencecenter@sc4.edu or (810) 989-5789.
To schedule a full group mission at another time, visit challenger.sc4.edu/schedule-a-visit/.
New York Times bestselling author to make Michigan book discussion debut at SC4
New York Times bestselling author Andrew Maraniss will make his book discussion and signing debut in Southeast Michigan on Tuesday, Sept. 20, at St. Clair County Community College (SC4) in Port Huron.
The event, hosted by SC4’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, will feature a guided book discussion on “Strong Inside,” the story of trailblazing athlete Perry Wallace and of civil rights and race in America during the tumultuous 1960s. The book also highlights as a key character Detroiter Godfrey Dillard, a fellow pioneering black Vanderbilt Commodores player and now prominent civil rights attorney.
“Strong Inside” is the first of five books by Maraniss that aims to illuminate social justice issues through an athletics lens in an effort to raise awareness and foster an interest in reading. His other books include:
- “Inaugural Ballers: The True Story of the First U.S. Women’s Olympic Basketball Team” – Due out on Sept. 13, 2022
- “Singled Out: The True Story of Glenn Burke” – The story of Glenn Burke, the first openly gay MLB player and inventor of the high five
- “Games of Deception: The True Story of the First U.S. Olympic Basketball Team at the 1936 Olympics in Hitler’s Germany”
- “Strong Inside” Young Readers Edition
“I was really into sports growing up, and I realized there are a lot of social issues you can study through sports,” Maraniss said. “Whether it’s paving the way as a first player or team in a previously prohibited space, or advocating for pay equity or more, sports often have a way of leading and elevating the discussion. My hope is that by writing about these events, teams and figures, more readers, especially students, who have a passion for sports will want to continue reading other books as well.”
In addition to his work as an author, Maraniss also serves as director of special projects at Vanderbilt Athletics. He’s also held positions as a contributing writer at ESPN, a partner at McNeely, Pigott & Fox Public Relations, and media relations manager with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
Though Maraniss himself does not have Michigan roots, his father, David Maraniss—who’s also a New York Times bestselling author—was born in Detroit. Andrew’s grandparents also have ties as residents and University of Michigan alumni.
“We’re thrilled to bring such a talented and relevant author to campus and to our region,” said Dr. Deborah A. Snyder, president of SC4. “We’re committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable educational environment here at SC4. Our students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members and guests from across Southeast Michigan and Ontario will benefit greatly from this discussion and visit.”
The book signing will take place from 5 to 5:45 p.m. and the discussion from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on SC4’s Port Huron, Mich., campus in the Fine Arts Theatre. The event is free and open to the public, though registration is required. For more information, contact SC4’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at dei@sc4.edu.
To order books by Maraniss, visit andrewmaraniss.com/buy-the-books/.
“Strong Inside” book review
“In a magnificently reported, nuanced but raw account of basketball and racism in the South during the 1960s, Andrew Maraniss tells the story of Perry Wallace’s struggle, loneliness, perseverance and eventual self-realization. A rare story about physical and intellectual courage that is both shocking and triumphant.” – Bob Woodward, Washington Post associate editor and author
Black History Month Read-In event planned Feb. 21
In recognition of Black History Month, SC4’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is hosting a Read-In event from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 21, in the Fine Arts Theatre.
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.
“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, director of SC4’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
The event is focused on bringing the community together to listen to the reading of poems, stories and book excerpts from favorite Black authors. Program participants include K-12 students, SC4 students, faculty, staff and local citizens.
Brown stated, “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 discussion, events and programs to make our campus an inclusive environment for students, faculty, staff and our community.
Attendees are asked to register in advance for the free Read-In event by filling out the event registration form. To read more about SC4’s DEI Office, visit sc4.edu/dei.
SC4 celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan. 17
St. Clair County Community College will present its 20th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration “Where Are We Now?” at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 17, in the Fine Arts Theatre on SC4’s Port Huron campus.
The event will feature a celebration of King’s legacy with songs, dances, videos and a selection of words spoken by Dr. King. The event also features panel discussions on health care disparities and racism; investing in small business; diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in education and more.
Scheduled presenters and performers include:
- Alphonso Amos
- Jessica Brown
- Bishop Kim Brown
- Cerees Hazely
- Natasha Holmes
- Dr. Pete Lacey
- Althea McLellan
- Dr. Annette Mercatante
- NAACP Youth Council
- Lurlene Nichols
- Harold Powell
- Mayor Pauline Repp
- Shawn Shackleford
- L’Anesha Stanley
- Marion Stewart
- Jessica Totty
- Kevin Totty Sr.
- Kanchan Wankhede
- Kevin Watkins
- Daysha Woodley
Admission is free and can be reserved by emailing dei@sc4.edu. Seating is limited. Masks required inside campus buildings. The event also will be livestreamed at sc4.edu/dei-live for those unable to attend in person
The event is sponsored by SC4’s Global Diversity Advisory Council, SC4’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Port Huron branch of the NAACP.
For questions, call SC4’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at (810) 989-5564.
Native American History Month presentation planned Nov. 5
In recognition of Native American History Month, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is sponsoring a presentation titled ‘We Are Still Here’ by Banashee (Joe) Cadreau and Giddigongookskwe (Jade) Green. The presentation will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 5, in the Fine Arts Theatre.
The event will be a discussion and presentation on Indigenous culture and history in Michigan, the United States and Canada. The importance of identity and the real history of the three fires people of Michigan (Ojibwa, Odawa and Botawatami) and how we are still here and why our history was never told due to colonization and assimilation.
Banashee is an enrolled member of the federally recognized Sault St. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. He was raised in both traditional and urban upbringings, both on reservation and a major metropolitan area. In his adolescent years, refusing to acknowledge his culture led to many difficult times as he struggled to find his place in the world. He later recognized his calling was to fight for social justice and equity. He is an active community advocate for Anishinaabe people and all Indigenous people throughout the country and globally.
He travels across the state delivering diversity presentations for schools, universities, museums and corporate clients.
Giddigongookskwe, a 14-year old from Howard City, is co-founder of Bimose Ode. She has a passion for speaking about her journey with her Indigenous identity and issues that indigenous youth face today and in the future.
The oldest of four siblings she helps to instill traditions and a sense of Native pride for her family. She is particularly concerned with issues surrounding racism in the battle for clean water and access to healthy food. She spends her time volunteering and getting involved in social activism and community organizations.
Email dei@sc4.edu to reserve a seat for this event.
