MOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
CONNECTION
FEBRUARY 2007
MCC
FACULTY
& STAFF
NEWSLETTER
WHAT’S
INSIDE
AROUND CAMPUS
LOCAL POLICE
OFFICERS/AUTHORS
FEATURED AT
CAMPUS EVENT
COACH SCHMIDT
INDUCTED INTO
HALL OF FAME
COMMUNITY SHOWS
SUPPORT FOR
NORTHERN TIER
ASBESTOS
ABATEMENT
PROJECT
Q UOTE OF
THE M ONTH
“We are not makers of history. We
are made by history.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Harry Belafonte to Headline
Ballenger Program in April
Harry Belafonte, world renowned singer,
actor, humanitarian and acknowledged "King of
Calypso," will be the keynote speaker for the
Ballenger Eminent Persons Lecture Series set for
7 pm April 3 at the Ballenger Field House.
Sponsored by the Ballenger Trust, this event is
free and open to the public. Considered one of
the most successful African-American pop stars
in history, Belafonte has been a longtime advocate for civil rights and ardent
champion of humanitarian
causes. He brought Jamaica's
calypso beat to mainstream
audiences, and then used his
fame to fight against racial and
social inequality.
Born in 1927 in New
York, Belafonte is the son of
Caribbean-born immigrants.
Growing up, he split time
between Harlem and Jamaica.
After serving in the U.S. Navy,
he settled in New York city to
forge a career as an actor, performing with the American
Negro Theater while studying
drama at Erwin Piscator's
famed Dramatic Workshop,
with the likes of Marlon Brando, Rod Steiger and
Walter Matthau. In 1949, he launched his recording career, and with the lead role in the film
adaptation of Oscar Hammerstein's Carmen
Jones, Belafonte shot to stardom. Belafonte also
became television's first African-American producer, and his special "Tonight with Harry
Belafonte" won an Emmy award in 1960.
His film credits include Island in the Sun,
Odds Against Tomorrow, Buck and the Preacher,
Uptown Saturday Night and The Angel Levine.
After a long absence from the screen, Belafonte
took on a number of film roles in the mid-1990s,
notably in White Man's Burden and Kansas City.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Belafonte focused his
efforts toward humanitarian causes, becoming a
central figure for the USA for Africa effort when
he sang on the 1985 single "We are the World." A
year later, he replaced Danny Kaye as UNICEF's
Goodwill Ambassador. Both the Peace Corps and
UNICEF have honored Belafonte's work.
The Ballenger Lecture Series, named for
benefactor Willliam S. Ballenger, Sr., was initially created in 1955 through a generous gift
designed to enhance educational opportunities for
MCC students, as well as create a public discussion of issues facing the greater Flint community.
In April 2005, the Foundation for Mott
Community College announced
the return of the Ballenger
Lecture Series and its Ballenger
Chair of Learning Program,
selecting individuals who meet
specific qualifications tied to a
superior track record in teaching. In the fall of 2005, it was
announced that MCC
Sociology Prof. Terrence
Stewart would serve as the
Ballenger Chair of Urban
Studies. For more information
about the Ballenger Lecture
Series, call the Foundation for
MCC at (810) 762-0425.
In addition, The Flint Institute
of Arts (FIA) has scheduled a
number of Belafonte films to
coincide with the April 3 Ballenger Lecture, starting in March. The film series entitled "The FIA
Theater Presents a Tribute to Harry Belafonte"
will be shown at 4:30 pm on Saturdays in the
FIA theatre. Admission is free. Shows start
March 31 and run through April 28. The shows
are listed below:
March 31
Kansas City (USA, 1996)
April 7
Carmen Jones (USA, 1954)
April 14
Island in the Sun (USA, 1957)
April 21
Odds Against Tomorrow (USA, 1959)
April 28
The World, the Flesh, and the Devil (USA, 1959)
d
Ca m pus
Art Instructor John
Dempsey lets us know that
paintings from the "Urban and
Industrial Landscape
Painting" class from this past
summer are currently on display at the Good Beans Cafe.
The exhibit runs through
March 5 with an artists reception 6-9pm on Feb. 9. The
reception is free and open to the
public. The work features Flint
and our current landscape.
Congratulations to Chief Theresa Stephens-Lock, Director of
Public Safety and Psychology Prof. Lillie McCain, two of four honorees to be recognized at the 2007 Genesee District Library Black
History Month Awards Brunch, scheduled 10 am Saturday, Feb. 24 at
the Genesys Conference & Banquet Center, located at 805 Health
Park Blvd, Grand Blanc. Tickets are $20 per person or $200 per
table. For tickets or more information, call 732-5570. Susan L.
Taylor, Editorial Director of Essence Magazine, will be the guest
speaker.
Political Science Prof. Paul Rozycki and Psychology Prof.
Lillie McCain presented a paper entitled "Service Learning and
Leadership in Distressed Communities: Mott Community College
and the COPC program" at the Phi Theta Kappa Leading Edge
Leadership Conference in Nevada on Nov. 18. Also, the fifth edition
of Politics and Government in Michigan by Jim Hanley and Paul
Rozycki was published again by McGraw Hill. The book is being
used by a number of colleges around the state as a basic state and
local government text and incorporates the updates of the 2006
election.
English Prof. Greg Shafer is presenting at the Conference on
College Composition and Communication in March in New York. He
will be part of a panel that discusses publishing in NCTE journals.
The Fine Arts Gallery in the Visual Arts and Design Center will
present an exhibition of work by Lansing area artist and MCC art
instructor Renee Robbins titled, "Paintings: Interior/Exterior"
Monday Feb. 5 through Tuesday Feb. 20. Renee will give a public
presentation about her work on Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 10 am in the
Arou
n
Visual Arts and Design Center, room 129. These events are made
possible in part by the Ballenger Trust.
Office of Institutional Research Executive Director Gail Ives
has nominated OIR Research Coordinator Marty Goldstein for the
Children's Champion Award for her work with Grand Blanc City
School - 4 H. Every year, Priority Children hosts its Breakfast for
Champions to recognize shining examples of those in the community
doing good things for children. The Children's Champion Awards
Breakfast is a unique opportunity for the entire Genesee County
community to rally around children and make them a priority. One
award will be given in each of eight categories. All nominees will be
recognized and the Margaret Lochman Scholarship will be awarded.
The 12th Annual Breakfast for Champions will be on Friday, Feb. 9
at Genesys Conference & Banquet Center. The reservation price is
$10 per person (includes breakfast). Seating is limited; reservations
must be made by Feb. 2.
Congratulations to Financial Aid's Sue Lossing. She recently
received a Service Award from the State Mackinac Chapter of the
Sierra Club. Only five Service Awards were given state-wide. The
local chapter of the Sierra Club, the Nepessing Group, has over 400
members and the MCC Environmental Club hosts their monthly
meetings and presentations at Mott Community College. Sue serves
as advisor of the MCC Environmental Club.
Math Prof. Christine Hughes tells us that the Science and Math
Division really showed their generosity this year. They sponsored
two families through the FISH organization. Money, food and gifts
were collected from everybody to help these families through the
holiday season. FISH of Grand Blanc is a local organization that was
organized in 1974. The first FISH group began in England in 1961.
The word FISH recalls the symbol the early Christians used to identify themselves. FISH helps needy families in the Grand Blanc School
District, by providing and distributing food, clothing and other services on a temporary and emergency basis. It is comprised of a group
of volunteers from the community. Many individuals, churches,
service organizations and businesses support FISH throughout the
year.
From Friends of Mott Library President Manosha Dasanayaka:
The next Friends book discussion is scheduled for noon Feb. 14 in
the Library Quest Center. The book selection is The History of Love
by Nicole Krauss.
Local Police Officers/
Authors Featured at
Campus Event
Two local police officers who have authored books will be
on campus to address community awareness this month.
Inspector David Dicks, author of First Line of Defense and
Officer Brian Willingham, author of Soul of a Black Cop, will
be on hand to conduct a presentation entitled "Raising
Community Awareness" at noon Thursday, Feb. 8 in the
Applewood Café, located in the Prahl College Center. This
event is free and open to the public. Both will be signing
copies of their books, which will be available for purchase at
the event. The LERN Club (Law Enforcement Resource
Network), under the direction of Dr. Avon Burns, MCC
Criminal Justice Coordinator and Professor who serves as the
club's advisor, is presenting this special program. Refreshments
will be provided by Grace Alexander Washington,
Professor/Coordinator of the MCC Culinary Arts Program. The
event is sponsored by the Campus Life Enhancement Fund
(CLEF) and the Criminal Justice Program.
The Friends of the Mott Library have established a major endowment
through The Foundation for MCC, starting with a $10,000 gift which they hope
to grow to the next tier of $25,000, reports Friends President Manosha
Dasanayaka. "Tireless fundraising efforts by Bill Reich, Lisa Poma and
Kathleen Goodrow among others has made this possible," she said. "We feel
strongly that an endowment will ensure funding for the Library beyond the life
of this board and our membership. We feel it is a prudent investment, which
will be mutually beneficial for our organizations. We hope that establishment
and growth will help enhance MCC’s Library for generations."
Coach Schmidt Inducted
into Hall of Fame
MCC's Head Men's
Basketball Coach Steve
Schmidt, the winningest
coach in MCC history,
has been inducted into the
Greater Flint Area Sports
Hall of Fame. Schmidt
was among inductees
honored at the 2006
Greater Flint Area Sports
Hall of Fame banquet
held in December. During Schmidt's 15-year tenure at Mott Community
College, the Bears have won eight conference championships, five state
championships, four Region 12 championships and the National
Championship in 2003, along with National Championship game appearances in 2001 and 2004 (finished national Runner-up). Coach Schmidt's
current accumulative record is 396-107 (78.7%). He has the most wins in
school history, and in 2003, was named the NJCAA National Coach of
the Year.
Schmidt takes great pride in helping student-athletes develop and
achieve their goals, on and off the court. He has sent more than 50 players on to four-year institutions, many into Division I programs, and ten
former Bears have been named NJCAA All-Americans. MCC's program
has become one of the most consistently recognized programs nationally,
and currently has the highest winning percentage in National Tournament
play. The trademark of Schmidt-coached teams and student-athletes is
that they are disciplined, unselfish, and relentless competitors. A perfect
example: Kevin Tiggs, sophomore forward from Flint Northern High
School, was recently named National Player of the Week. The Bears
record is currently 18-2 as of this writing.
"I feel extremely humbled to have received this honor," Schmidt
said. "It has been a privilege to coach and make an impact on the lives of
the student-athletes that I've worked with the past 15 seasons. I hope that
everyone who has worked towards the success of our nationally recognized program can take pride in what we have accomplished. These
accomplishments have been a result of the commitment and sacrifices of
many - and we have done it with integrity and character."
Community Shows Support
for Northern Tier Center
Mott Community College President Richard Shaink and MCC
Board of Trustees Chair Lenore Croudy were joined by a host of MCC
administrators, faculty and staff, local dignitaries, civic leaders, legislators and members of the community at the Jan. 8 rededication/ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Northern Tier Center. More than 350 people were on hand to help MCC celebrate the opening of the new NTC
site, located at 4082 West Vienna Road in Vienna Township. Guests
had an opportunity to tour the facility as well as enjoy refreshments,
performances and entertainment provided by the Mott Bear, MCC's
mascot, MCC jazz combo under the direction of MCC Music
Coordinator/Prof. Chuck Iwanusa, MCC and Clio High School cheerleaders and local vocalist Amanda Mihalic, who sang the National
Anthem. A local color guard and Boy Scout troop were also on hand
to help mark the special occasion. There were demonstrations by
MCC's ballroom dancers and nail technician students as well as an
MCC student art exhibit. Housed in the former Pamida Store in the
Vienna Square Plaza between Jennings Road and I-75, the new stateof-the-art facility features several spacious, high-tech classrooms,
ample office space, a computer lab, student lounge area, campus safety
office, plenty of convenient parking, and much more. The new site on
Vienna Road is near shopping venues, restaurants and gas stations. In
addition, the Mass Transportation Authority (MTA) has agreed to provide shuttle service between Clio and Flint. Students can park their
cars at either NTC or the MCC main campus in Flint and take the
shuttle bus between sites. For more information about the new
Northern Tier Center, call (810) 232-8044.
Asbestos Abatement Project
Museum Educators from the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum's educational outreach program "Young Scientists" recently visited with faculty and
students of MCC's Early Childhood Learning Center's Michigan School
Readiness Preschool Program. Pictured are Early Childhood Learning
Center Instructor Colleen Hames and students Lauren Forbes, Timothy
Johnson, Chase Grays, and Kylee Zook (back to camera). The children are
observing a demonstration of the forces of motion project called "Magnet
Marvels." The Early Childhood Learning Center is housed at the Woodside
Church adjacent to the MCC main entrance on Court Street.
The entire second floor of the Prahl College Center will be undergoing asbestos abatement and remodeling starting this month and continuing through July. All Student Services offices will be moved to
temporary locations. Listed below are locations of the relocated
offices:
Main Level, Prahl College Center:
Orientation, Genesee Room
Lower Level, Prahl College Center:
Counseling, Advising, Job Placement, Registrar
Curtice-Mott Complex:
Health Services (CM 1131), Placement Testing (CM 1119), Career
Resource Center (CM 1129)
For more information about the asbestos abatement project, call
Larry Koehler, Physical Plant Executive Director at (810) 232-8153.
FEBRUARY 2007
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday Thursday
1
Friday
Saturday
2
Sunday
3
4
10
11
Women’s Basketball
1 p.m.-Ballenger
Men’s Basketball
Game 3 p.m.
Ballenger
5
African American
Cultural Event
12-2 p.m.
Student Life Center
12
Women’s Basketball
5:30 p.m.-Ballenger
6
13
7
Swartz Creek High
School Visit
8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
RTC
14
8
Wild Ones
7-9:30 p.m.
Genesee Room
15
Men’s Basketball
Game 7:30 p.m.
Ballenger
19
African American
Music Program
12-2 p.m.
Student Life Center
26
20
27
21
U.S. Air Force Recruiting
11a.m.-1 p.m.
CM Fishbowl
9
22
Women’s Basketball
1 p.m.-Ballenger
Men’s Basketball
Game 3 p.m.
Ballenger
16
Flint River Watershed
Coalition
8:30-11 a.m.
Genesee Room
23
17
Women’s Basketball
1 p.m.-Ballenger
AAU Basketball League
7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Ballenger
18
Men’s Basketball
Game 3 p.m.
Ballenger
24
25
Phi Theta Kappa
Orientation
2-4 p.m.
RTC1005
28
Soul Food/History
and Sampling
12-2 p.m.
Student Life Center
PRESORTED
STANDARD
US POSTAGE PAID
Flint, MI
Permit NO 51
1401 East Court Street
Flint, Michigan 48503-2089