By: Jason Cale, Macomb Senior Writer

You’ve likely seen the hashtag #OwnYourStory on campus or online. But, have you ever wondered what it actually means? Macomb Community College created the campaign to highlight student success stories and show that, by coming to Macomb, you really can Own Your Story! You’re enriching yourself, receiving a quality education, and taking an important step toward a rewarding career.

“I’ve attended several community colleges, and I actually love Macomb most out of all of them.” –Tranyssa, Macomb student

Allow me to ask you a few questions: Do you love taking classes at Macomb? Has a faculty or staff member really helped shape your experience here? Do your classes inspire you to achieve more with your education? If the answer to any of these is yes, I encourage you to Share Your Story with Macomb.

“Macomb has taught me to believe in myself.” – Jarod Baker, Macomb student

Please take a few moments to complete a brief online form, telling us a little bit about yourself. If selected, you’ll be contacted by our Marketing and Communications team. You could be our next Real Student of Macomb Community College or appear in an advertising campaign!

By: Edwina Basho (Macomb alumni, University of Detroit Mercy student)

The University Center on Macomb’s Center Campus has given me many opportunities.

After earning an Associate of Applied Science Degree from Macomb, I chose to complete the University of Detroit Mercy Health Services Administration (HSA) program at the University Center, where students are offered a tuition discount and can obtain their bachelor’s degree in HSA in two years or less. I was introduced to the HSA program at the University Center by Donna Gormely, U of D Mercy coordinator at the University Center, who helps Macomb students transfer. Being able to take most of my classes at the University Center made it a lot more convenient and affordable for me.

U of D Mercy has an agreement with Macomb that allows for the transfer of up to 87 (compared to the typical 63) credits towards the HSA degree, which was awesome! Also, I was very fortunate to have met Dr. Maia Platt, who was one of my instructors and also happened to be my advisor throughout the program. All of the professors that I have had at the University Center have been very helpful, kind, and available always, not only with me but other students as well.

I highly recommend Macomb students to take classes at the University Center. It provided me with a great education and great opportunities for my future career!.

https://www.macomb.edu/resources/university-center/attachments/UDM/UDM-BS-HSA.pdf

By Bradley Wakefield, Macomb Philosophy Professor

Looking for an art form that speaks as knowingly to the present as it does to the past? Ready for a cultural experience that lyricizes life while explaining away some of its most puzzling contradictions? Then, please join me on Wednesday, Feb. 6 at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts from 12:30 to 2 p.m. when the Michigan Opera Theatre (MOT) and the College presents: OperaHERE.

This is a great opportunity to learn about opera in general and the opera Candide in particular.  Based on the 18^th century satirical novella by Voltaire, Candide and its exploration of the tragedy of human nature was transformed into an opera in the 1950s with music composed by Leonard Bernstein, longtime director of the New York Philharmonic. Arthur White, MOT’s audience coordinator, will speak about the social, historical and economic context in which both the opera and novella are set.  Mr. White will be accompanied by MOT studio artists, who will perform some of the opera’s highlights, hopefully inspiring new audiences to seek out this wonderful art form.

OperaHERE is free and open to the public, as well as Macomb students, faculty and staff. I ask you to leave your preconceived notions about opera at the door and be open to a new experience.  And mark your calendars for March 9 or 10, when the MOT will perform Candide at the Macomb Center.

As an added bonus, attendance at OperaHERE is eligible for continuing education credit toward a cultural competency certificate through Macomb Multicultural International Initiatives. Make sure to register through the My Macomb Portal (Self-Service Menu>NonCredit/Con’t Ed Students) to get your credit, using code 70727.

By Eric Tobey: Novi Police Officer

I earned an Associate of Applied Science in Law Enforcement from Macomb and went on to participate in the 3+1 program offered by Madonna University. I was able to attend my Madonna classes at the University Center, which made for an easy commute as I earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.

The Madonna faculty at the University Center offered me many opportunities. All professors are or have been in the field they teach, which is how I started my career as a police officer. One of my professors turned out to be Novi’s police chief and he was looking for potential officers for his department.

My professor urged me to apply to Novi’s police cadet program. He told me that the position was great for experience and would also help me get into the department as a full-time officer. I took his advice and worked at the department as a police cadet while finishing my degree and applied for an officer’s position after I graduated. I was hired and am now enjoying the career I went to school for.

I personally believe that the 3+1 program is the way to go. It provided me with opportunities that I would not have gotten elsewhere.

By Sophia Gojcaj, Macomb alum and Northwood University student

When I was 17, fresh out of high school, I was unsure about what I wanted for my future. A lot of my friends knew which schools they wanted to go to and what degrees they wanted to work toward. I felt lost and pressured.

I considered nursing during my first semester of college, without actually thinking about whether it was the right field for me.  Looking back, I know I was only leaning toward a career that seemed safe.  Realizing that nursing was not what I wanted to do, I chose to take some time and really weigh my options.  While attending Macomb, I discovered the Entertainment, Sport and Promotion Management program offered by Northwood University at the University Center on Center Campus.  Now I am working toward something I am passionate about!

To this day, I believe that starting my college career was one of the best decisions that I have made and I would recommend it to anyone.  A piece of advice to anyone in the same shoes that I was in: take your time and figure out what is best for you! The University Center offers so many options, and I am so thankful that one of them was Northwood.

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.