Schoolcraft College Vision Newsletter

FOUNDATION INCREASES SUPPORT FOR VISTATECH 2.0

SCHOOLCRAFT FACULTY AND STAFF HELP CHANGE LIVES

In March, the Schoolcraft College Foundation Board approved additional support for Vistatech 2.0, a 15,000-square-foot enhancement to the current Vistatech Center. The funding will not only enhance the student experience through expanded culinary classrooms, it also adds an Innovation Center, which can be used as a demonstration center for various programs from science to Culinary. An essential part of the area community, Vistatech Center will now have an expanded restaurant, Brew Pub, and market, making the Vistatech Center even more of a hub for the community. Look for the new space opening just in time for Fall 2023 classes!

The Foundation is thrilled to share that as of April 30th, 2023, Schoolcraft faculty and staff members have contributed over $63,000 this fiscal year! This is exciting as employee contributions surpassed last year’s total by $11,000! Schoolcraft faculty and staff are incredibly generous and go above and beyond their daily hard work to support our students and give them the best opportunity to succeed at Schoolcraft College! Throughout April, the Foundation held its annual Faculty & Staff Campaign featuring fun raffles and a Presidential Match from Dr. Cerny for gifts made during the month. The Campaign culminated in an ice cream social celebrating the generosity of all faculty and staff who give their time, talent, and treasure. More than 150 faculty and staff were served ice cream by Foundation staff and Foundation Board Member Stuart Baker. Many toppings were available – even root beer for root beer floats! Guests mingled and chatted while enjoying their ice cream creations and celebrating a fantastic opportunity to bring the Schoolcraft community together and celebrate all the ways we help Schoolcraft Students!

EXCITING SUPPORT FOR VETERANS & MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS

As part of Vision 2025, the expansion of the Veteran’s Resource Center of Schoolcraft College, a Michigan Veterans Affairs Gold Level Veteran Friendly School, was one of the key areas in the case for support. The Veterans Center, located in the center of campus, is crucial in assisting our veterans and current military members to thrive on campus. Providing aid during the enrollment process by assisting with transcripts and other materials, as well as helping navigate all available VA benefits and scholarships. The existing space is being expanded and named the Mark L. Whitfield Veterans & Military Services Center , allowing more room for our men and women who give so much to our country. Mark graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and served six years on active duty as well as a Navy Reservist and now a retired Commander.

In addition to Mark and Robin Whitfield’s support, the project has also received the following support: MASCO has provided a $150,000 grant for renovations to the space. This expansion will allow the College to expand services to Military members and families of Military members. This additional funding will enable the project to start in July 2023. An additional gift from Jim and Charlie Mahoney starts The Winom James & Charlotte Mahoney Veterans & Military Services Center Emergency Needs Fund as part of expanding services. This is the first emergency needs fund for veterans, military members, and their families at Schoolcraft.

If you would like to support student veterans through the new Whitfield Veterans & Military Services Center , go to:

Summer 2023 | 5

4 | Schoolcraft College Foundation Newsletter