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Growing my career through Ferris State’s ITM program

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By Rami Naamo

I was born in Baghdad, Iraq, and I came to Michigan in 2012. Once here, I started looking for a job, and I ended up working for US Farathane as a machine operator.

In 2015, I decided to continue my education at Macomb Community College. While there, one of my professors introduced me to Ferris State University’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Industrial Technology and Management (ITM) program, offered at Macomb’s South Campus. Once I discovered everything the program had to offer, I decided to pursue an ITM degree.

I am currently enrolled in my last semester at Ferris State. I hope to graduate next May after finishing a couple of general study classes. I am happy that I was part of Ferris State and the ITM program. I am also very thankful for all the help and support I received from all the professors and the staff.

Thanks to the ITM program, I gained the knowledge that helped me to hold a production supervisor position at US Farathane.

Learn more about Ferris State University at the Macomb University Center.

Food for thought

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By Sierra Okoniewski, Macomb and soon-to-be OU alum

When I was a little girl, I’d always help my mom cook. She told me, “good food brings people together.” Since then, I’ve always dreamed of a career in the food and beverage industry.

After high school, I enrolled in Macomb’s Culinary Arts program. While there, I considered a career combining my love of gastronomy with another passion – writing.

Rewriting my future

I met with Oakland University (OU) Academic Counselor Lindsay Zeig at Macomb’s University Center.

She told me about OU’s Bachelor of Integrative Studies (BIS) degree. OU’s BIS program gave me a seamless path from Macomb to OU, allowing me to transfer all 88 Macomb credits. And, OU’s BIS program let me design an individualized plan of study, focusing on journalism and public relations courses to literally “build” my degree so I would develop my skills as a writer.

Finding ways to make my bachelor’s degree affordable was another factor that solidified my decision to attend OU. I received the presidential transfer scholarship, so I didn’t need student loans. Without this scholarship, I’d have taken fewer credits each semester. With it, I can finish faster and graduate sooner.

Through it all, Lindsay has supported and challenged me to stay “on track” to graduation. I know she’s dedicated to my success. I couldn’t imagine my OU journey without her.

What does my future hold?

As a food and beverage (F&B) writer, I want to highlight the work of those building a better Detroit, as well as chronicle the work and lives of F&B entrepreneurs locally, nationally and globally.

With my Macomb and OU degrees in hand, I’m confident I’ll accomplish more than I ever dreamed possible!

Follow my lead!

Be like me: Find your career at www.oakland.edu/macomb and request a transcript evaluation! Nearly 37 percent of OU’s undergraduate students transferred there.

And just like me, many of those students began their journeys at Macomb Community College.

Prepare now for your seamless Macomb-to-OU path. Learn more about OU at the University Center: www.macomb.edu/uc.

Walsh Now and FastTrack programs: a winning combination

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By Sydney Dych, Macomb and Walsh alum

Sixth grade is quite early to decide where you want to go to college, but my higher education future had been set after attending the Early College of Macomb (ECM) presentation at my high school’s college night. At that time, I had no idea what I would end up accomplishing only a few years later.

I started the ECM program when I was in 11th grade. Originally, I was attracted to the idea of getting an associate degree while I was still in high school, essentially accelerating my college career. I was never one for stagnation. I always had to be doing the maximum.

I completed the majority of my associate degree before I graduated high school, with over 40 credits under my belt by the time I walked for my high school diploma. Shortly after, when the last year of the ECM program rolled around, it was time to decide what to do next.

From ECM to Walsh Now: the next steps to accelerated success

This is when I met Angela Conard, a wonderful recruiter and admissions advisor from Walsh College (now Walsh). She showed me the different accelerated program options Walsh could provide, and how flexible their semesters and course options were. I knew this was my next step.

So, I applied for the BBA program and got accepted to Walsh while I was still finishing up my associate degree. I took advantage of the Walsh Now program to do that.

I was awarded the Community College Excellence award, which helped me achieve my goals of completing college with no debt. I had also been hired by Walsh to work in their admissions department.

It was just under a year later from my high school graduation that I walked again, this time for my Associate of Arts degree.

Macomb to Walsh: a perfect combination

The transition from Macomb to Walsh was almost seamless, a perfect combination. I completed my Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing in December 2020, roughly a year after I finished my AA degree.

Using Walsh’s FastTrack program, I completed four graduate level courses in my undergraduate program. I was then able to complete my Master of Business Administration at Walsh in June 2021, only six months after graduating with my BBA, and all with no debt.

I still sometimes can’t believe I’ve made it this far in such a short amount of time! Macomb and Walsh will always hold a special place in my heart. They opened doors for me I never thought possible.

Pursue your dream with Madonna University at the UC!

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By Katie Krafft, Macomb alumna and Madonna University student

At the age of 24, I realized that the cosmetology field was not going to provide me with the kind of career I wanted. Earning an associate degree from Macomb Community College’s Legal Assistant program in the spring of 2019 let me quit my three jobs I was working to pay for my degree and work full time as a litigation paralegal. However, I made yet another life decision and decided that I wanted to earn a bachelor’s degree. But how could I do this without moving away to a university?

The Macomb University Center (UC) made this possible. The process was simple, and within two months I was a student in Madonna’s Paralegal program. I was able to schedule most of my classes online and all in-person classes were held right at the UC. No need for me to move!

At the age of 29, I will be graduating from Madonna this spring. I am now applying to law school. I enjoyed being a paralegal, but I wanted to be the one arguing cases in court and that requires me to be an attorney.

It is never too late to make a career change and pursue your dream!

Learn more about Madonna University at the Macomb University Center

Achieve your goals at any age through OU at the UC

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By Tricia Ashman, Oakland University alumna

I earned my associate degree at Macomb Community College in 1993. I planned to pursue my bachelor’s degree, but then life happened. I had a full-time job. I got married and was raising three kids. But, completing my degree was a personal goal.

In 2016, I met with Oakland University Academic Adviser Lindsay Zeig at the University Center (UC). Lindsay told me that Oakland University’s (OU) bachelor of integrative studies degree would allow me to transfer 88 credits, meaning I only needed to take 32 credits at OU. And, I could customize my courses for those 32 credits. I wanted to use my writing and interpersonal skills, so I chose communication and human resource development courses.

OU was a great choice for my bachelor’s degree. I was able to juggle my work and family commitments, taking evening courses at the UC with online courses. And, the OU faculty were incredibly understanding of my needs as a non-traditional student.

Earning my degree at 47 showed my kids it’s okay to accept life’s detours and it’s never too late to achieve your goals. With my OU degree and 30 years of professional experience, I’m ready to take on new career opportunities.

Learn more about Oakland University at the Macomb University Center: https://www.macomb.edu/future-students/choose-program/university-center/oakland-university.html

3 and 1 program: An easy and affordable path to a Ferris State bachelor’s degree

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By Katherine Woodson, Ferris State University alumna

This past August, I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Ferris State University. I started my amazing college journey at Macomb Community College. When I first came to Macomb, I was back and forth with what I wanted to do and where I wanted to transfer. Then, I heard about their fantastic partnership with Ferris State University!

The Ferris advisor I spoke to was extremely helpful and laid out everything I needed to do. I was so relieved to have such a straightforward plan for my education. I also love the 3 and 1 program they offered. This allowed me to spend three years at Macomb and one year at Ferris, keeping costs down while still giving me a remarkable education. Ferris’ teachers at the University Center were tremendously knowledgeable, and my overall experience was most certainly positive. I gained lifelong friendships and experiences through Ferris, and I am proud to be a Ferris State University graduate.

If you are a student at Macomb and are looking for what comes next, I would absolutely recommend looking into Ferris’ 3 and 1 program through the Macomb University Center.

Learn more about Ferris State at the Macomb University Center

FastTrack your advanced degree through Walsh at the University Center

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By Alexa Harris, Walsh student

When I started the transfer process at Macomb Community College, I received a great amount of guidance and support. I knew I wanted to obtain a bachelor’s degree in business, but I did not know where I wanted to go from Macomb. The University Center (UC) helped me make the best decision in continuing my education at Walsh!

I spoke with one of Walsh’s academic advisors at the UC who helped me outline a customized path to completing my bachelor’s degree in business management, focusing on my goals and future career plans. I also decided to enroll in its FastTrack program, which allowed me to complete graduate level courses toward a dual MBA and Master of Science in Management degree. Doing this gave me a head start in the master’s program while completing my undergraduate degree.

During this difficult time for everyone, I have been able to stay connected by using the Walsh Navigate Student app. I used the Study Buddies option to join a study group for each of my classes. Being provided a Zoom account has allowed my classmates and I to virtually meet and study for exams together. From Navigate Student to Walsh Connect, there are so many ways to get involved and connect with other students.

I have built great relationships with my classmates and professors during my time at Walsh. I participate in the book club organization and will soon be joining the Walsh Alumni Association!

I am looking forward to being able to say I am a Walsh alumna!

Learn more about Walsh at the Macomb University Center: https://www.macomb.edu/future-students/choose-program/university-center/walsh-college.html

Transfer fair is right around the corner!

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Are you overwhelmed thinking about transferring credits from one college or university to another? Don’t be! We’re here to help.

We’re having a College and Transfer Fair on Tuesday, Feb. 25, which provides you with a one-stop resource for everything you need to know about transferring or how to transfer.

The fair will be held in the Sports and Expo Center on Macomb’s South Campus. Drop in anytime between 4 and 7 pm to learn about the Michigan Transfer Agreement, bachelor and master degree opportunities at Macomb’s University Center and other colleges and universities, and scholarships available to transfer students.

Don’t miss this opportunity! Register now to save your place at the Macomb College and Transfer Fair so that you, like Macomb/Walsh grad Aviana Vasko, can say, “…the transfer process was easy. I never had to redo any classes.”

A convenient way to explore your college and transfer options

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 Instead of spending hours researching four-year colleges and universities online, on the phone or in person, you have an opportunity to compare what many of these schools have to offer in one evening and not far from home.

 Macomb’s College and Transfer Fair will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the Sports and Expo Center on South Campus. Drop in anytime between 4 and 7 pm and learn more about the transfer process and what some of Michigan’s top colleges and universities offer in regards to programs, scholarships, academic resources and more.

All 12 of our University Center partners (see list below) will be present to discuss the degree programs they offer on Macomb’s Center Campus.

Macomb students who have earned at least 60 credits at another college or university have the opportunity to complete their bachelor’s degree (or earn a master’s degree) at the University Center, conveniently located on Hall Road in Clinton Township. 

 This event is free and those who attend can enter a drawing to win an Apple Watch! Don’t miss this great opportunity! Save your spot today at macomb.edu/TransferFair

Macomb’s University Center Partners
Central Michigan University
Davenport University
Ferris State University
Madonna University
Michigan State University (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine)
Northwood University
Oakland University
Rochester University
University of Detroit Mercy
Walsh
Wayne State University
Western Michigan University

Transfer agreement helps busy professional follow her passion

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By Mary Smith, communications staff

Jennifer Harvala covers a lot of territory in her life.  She is director of operations for the Mike Morse Law Firm in Southfield, lives with her husband and three beloved dogs in Warren, and is working on a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Macomb’s South Campus in a program offered by Ferris State University.

“This partnership (between Macomb and Ferris) has made it incredibly easy to earn my bachelor’s degree,” says Harvala. “I can take online or hybrid classes at times that are convenient for me.”

The 3 + 1 transfer agreement between the two schools also means that Harvala can save money as well as time by taking the majority of her courses from Macomb.  

“I have found this to be a super accessible format for earning a degree,” says Harvala, whose husband earned the same degree in the same program two years ago. “Everything about it has been awesome.”

After a short and unfulfilling career in cosmetology, Harvala earned an associate degree in Macomb’s Legal Assistant Program in 2007, which helped her move up the ladder at Morse’s firm, where she has worked for 15 years.  Next up will be Central Michigan University’s Global Campus and a master’s degree in administration, with a specialty in training and development. “That’s my passion,” says Harvala. “Fortunately, I work for a company that is very supportive of professional development.”