Campus Blog

By James O. Sawyer, IV, Ed.D, Macomb Community College President

Congratulations Class of December 2018! Hard work and determination have brought you to this moment, which stands as a testament to what you can accomplish if you believe in yourself. Graduation from Macomb will forever be a milestone in your history, as this commencement will be in the history of the College.

On Friday, Dec. 14, Macomb will mark its 100^th commencement.  While all commencement ceremonies are significant events, this one serves as a reminder of the College’s longtime presence in the community.  It has served as an educational gateway for 100 classes of graduates and will continue to serve as a gateway for 100 more.

Among those participating in Friday’s ceremony are many who are following in the footsteps of grandparents, parents or siblings by graduating from Macomb.  All of us at the College are proud of that fact.  It is what inspires us to do our best every day in service to the families of this community.

As we commemorate this 100^th commencement together, my sincerest wish is that you leave Macomb inspired by us as well.

By Vikki Gordon, Ed.D.
Apprentice Coordinator, Applied Technology and Apprenticeship

This is an exciting time for manufacturing careers and apprenticeships in our region. Employers are embracing apprenticeship as a workforce development strategy at a pace that we haven’t seen for many years. Students are reaping the benefits of rewarding career pathways and employer-paid schooling that not only satisfies the educational requirements for apprenticeship, but counts toward associate degrees and local bachelor’s degree options. That’s why I hope you join me at an upcoming event!

On Thursday, Dec. 6, Macomb will hold its annual “Explore Careers in Manufacturing and Technology” from 5:30-8 p.m. in the Sports and Expo Center on South Campus. This is a great opportunity for teens grades nine through 12, their families, college students and anyone interested in a career change to learn about the many exciting careers these fields have to offer in southeastern Michigan and beyond.

Attendees may browse through interactive displays showcasing technology in several of these fields, including robotics, clay modeling, automotive design, electric and automated vehicles, and many more. Several area employers will be on hand to discuss future career opportunities, providing insights on the skills and credentials required. The evening will be capped off with a group discussion led by me and featuring current Macomb students and representatives from area manufacturers, giving attendees a chance to dig deeper with questions they have about apprenticeships and other work-based learning programs.

I look forward to seeing everyone there on Dec. 6! Register online at bit.ly/2FhqDhF.

By Kevin Chandler
Dean, University Relations

Are you studying at Macomb and intend to transfer afterwards? Then we have a great event for you!

The University Center (UC) Open House is the most anticipated event for transfer students at Macomb. Our 12 University Center partners will be there to give students and the community a wealth of information about their programs. From admissions and financial aid requirements to scholarship opportunities, the UC Open House provides attendees with excellent resources for transferring.

If you are interested in earning bachelor or master degrees, or even a doctorate in osteopathic medicine, look no further than this event. Everything you wanted to know about transfer credits, transfer guides and agreements are available in real-time. Meet with a counselor on-site, print your transcripts and then head to the college or university of your choice to get resources and help. And feel free to bring your family and friends, there is something for everyone at this open house, including snacks and beverages.

So if you are interested in transfer then attend the University Center Open House this Thursday from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the University Center on Macomb’s Center Campus. See you there!

By Cinthia Aguilar

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and as a student enrolled in the Network Security Professional degree program here at Macomb, I would like to share with you some reasons why cybersecurity awareness is so important.

In this rapidly growing online world, new threats are detected every day, which means new security patches must be developed every day to protect vulnerable data.

This has created a huge demand for network professionals who are experienced in cybersecurity.  But knowledge of cybersecurity can benefit anyone, regardless of what field they are in.  I tell other students who inquire about Macomb’s Cybersecurity Club that they don’t have to be in the cybersecurity program to join.  In fact, it’s a smart idea for everyone to learn how to protect sensitive information and the club offers an easy way to do it.

A working knowledge of cybersecurity can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for jobs.  A little bit of training can also help you stay safe in our online world, from creating strong passwords to being cautious of possible threats to data in public places. Knowing what to look out for and what to be cautious of can keep your sensitive information secure and out of the hands of those with malicious intent. Take this month as a challenge to update your passwords or install antivirus software on your devices, and make cybersecurity awareness a year-round habit!

By Casandra Ulbrich, Ph.D. – Vice President, College Advancement and Community Relations

On Tuesday, Nov. 6, Michigan voters will head to the polls to choose among national, state and local candidates and vote on state and local ballot initiatives.  Will you be one of them?

Voting is an important activity in which you can directly participate in and impact the outcome of your community. But first, you must register to vote.

National Voter Registration Day, a national holiday celebrating civic engagement and democracy, will be observed this year on Tuesday, Sept. 25 and serves as a reminder of the importance of voting in America.

Here at Macomb, we have made it easier for students to register to vote and receive important reminders about upcoming elections by partnering with TurboVote.  This free service is available to all Macomb students and can be used to register to vote BEFORE the upcoming deadline of Oct. 9.

Beyond voting, there are other ways for you to engage in civic participation, such as becoming a poll worker, volunteering for a campaign or issue, or even running for office.  You can learn more about voting and participation at www.michigan.gov/vote.

The college also offers opportunities for engagement.  Next month, Macomb’s Lorenzo Cultural Center will host a free event with Tim Skubick, a Lansing-based correspondent, to discuss the upcoming November election.  For more information, click here.

Finally, be sure to share your voting experience with fellow students at #macombvotes.

By Aviano Vasko

Recent Walsh Graduate

I started my college career at Macomb Community College and transferred to Walsh College at the University Center. The transfer process started when my Walsh advisor, Angela Boesler, gave a short presentation to my econ class at Macomb. She piqued my interest in Walsh, and I scheduled a meeting with her the next week. Angela was knowledgeable and explained everything very well. After that first meeting, I knew Walsh was the school for me.

This decision came as a surprise to me as I never thought a strictly business college would be where I would end up. Walsh’s class schedule at the University Center was flexible, which allowed me to work while attending college. I was always able to schedule classes that met the requirements of my program and everything meshed well together. I asked many questions yet never felt like I was perceived as asking too many.  Angela was always happy to answer them and assist me.

I absolutely loved my time at Walsh, and I would do it all again. As a matter of fact, I am. I am going back for my masters!

May I see by a show of hands how many know what a provost does?   That’s what I thought.  I’ll do my best to explain my role and connection to students.

A provost is a college’s chief academic officer. I am responsible for ensuring that your education is of the highest quality and opens doors for you in your field of choice.  In doing this, I work closely with faculty, deans, associate deans and others throughout the College.

As provost, I also have the privilege and pleasure of welcoming and introducing you to Macomb.  Whether you are new to our campuses or a returning student, let me point out the people and places that can make your time here enriching and rewarding.

In G Building on South Campus and H Building on Center, you will find a dedicated staff of counselors and advisors.  Hopefully, you have already visited one of them and she or he has set you on the right path toward success, however you personally would define that term.

If you do hit a speedbump – perhaps with that first college term paper or mastering macroeconomics – the Reading and Writing Studios and the Learning Centers, both free and located in the libraries, are here to help. Who knows, you may even get me as your tutor!

Student Life and Leadership, with offices adjacent to the cafeterias,  keeps things lively with everything from Ted Talks to field trips (Chicago anyone?), while Career Services, located near the counseling offices, can help you find employment – both now and after you graduate.

There are many other great things about Macomb that I will leave you to discover on your own. For now, I wish you all the best as you pursue your goals in higher education.  And don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or suggestions.

Best wishes for a great semester!

William Tammone

Provost

By Ilene O’Neil and Shondra Whitson

We both agree, the best part of our job at Macomb is when we hear relief in a student’s voice when they realize they have received a scholarship.  There are sometimes tears, but always a huge “Thank You” and a chorus of “I can’t believe how easy it was to apply.”

That’s right.  Applying for scholarships at Macomb is no more difficult than pulling up a YouTube video or posting on Snapchat or Instagram.  True, it may take just a little more time, but the results are incredibly worth it.

To show you how easy it is, here are links to three of the nearly 200 private scholarships available to Macomb students.  Just click on one and see for yourself.

1. Macomb Community College IT Programs Scholarship (for Information Technology students), $3000: https://macomb.academicworks.com/opportunities/4696
2. Katherine L. Grenda and Donald N. Ritzenhein Endowed Scholarship for Students in the Arts, $300: https://macomb.academicworks.com/opportunities/4877
3. Brose Jefferson Scholarship (for Automotive Technology students), $2,500: https://macomb.academicworks.com/opportunities/4319

That’s it. An application, an essay (not always) and click, you’re done.  To see all of the scholarships available and for instructions on how to use Macomb’s Online Automated Scholarship Information System (OASIS) go to:  https://www.macomb.edu/future-students/paying-for-college/scholarships.html.

Of course, you can thank us when you are awarded your scholarship.  But please wait until after we wipe the tears from our eyes.

For questions about creating a scholarship fund, email Foundation@macomb.edu.

For questions on how to apply for a scholarship, email finaid@macomb.edu.

About the authors:  Ilene O’Neil and Shondra Whitson work closely together to ensure Macomb students continue to have the scholarship assistance they need to achieve their educational goals.  Ilene is the manager of Annual Giving & Fund Development for the Macomb Community College Foundation and works with donors to develop and replenish private scholarships.  Shondra is the coordinator of Financial Aid Programs and Scholarships and continuously awards scholarships to deserving students and manages the College’s OASIS scholarship application system.

Whether you have just applied to Macomb or are in the process of completing the admission steps (required before you can register), the Admissions team is ready and willing to help. With registration beginning in July, now is the time to get started!

You can reach us:

• By phone: 445.7999 – choose Admissions from the menu
• In person:
  • South Campus, G building, room 224
  • Center Campus, G building, room 110
• By email: admissions@macomb.edu

We would love to talk with you, especially if you are feeling overwhelmed or confused by the process. We’re so glad you’ve chosen Macomb and we can’t wait to get you admitted!

By Michael Pawlusiak

I had a unique and exciting opportunity as a Macomb Media and Communications Arts (MACA) student to help create the torch for the Macomb County Bicentennial Torch Relay.

My contribution was to provide the Macomb County logo in vector format (used to create crisper images), since the original logo was a pixelated image. The logo needed to be redrawn to vector format in order for the Computer Numerical Control machine to create the metal emblem for the torch.  The logo needed to fit in the cutout of the torch, so it was resized to 5” x 2”. I also had to redesign the ribbon on the logo. The ribbon had a consistent blue color, with a different bright blue stroke to emphasize the front. I made a small change by making the front of the ribbon the same bright blue, and placing the darker blue at the back half of the banner, creating a better illusion of depth. The font for the logo was unknown. I had to search through fonts to find one that matched.

Also, in the original logo there were two instances of the year “1818,” (when the county and Mount Clemens were both founded.) One was on the center emblem and the other on the banner itself. I removed the “1818” on the center emblem to eliminate the redundancy and ensure everything was visible on the final emblem.

I had to draw out each shape and pull everything together to get the new vectorized logo. I made a couple variations: a grayscale version and a black and white version. The black and white version became the source logo for the machine to etch onto the torch itself.

This was a great project to test my MACA skills and to have the experience of working with other areas (climate control and machining), and I thank the faculty for making it possible.  And when the torch is used on June 22 to light the fireworks in Mount Clemens, I will be proud of the part I played in making it happen!

Read more about the project here.