MOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
CONNECTION
MAY 2009
MCC
FACULTY
& STAFF
NEWSLETTER
WHAT’S
INSIDE
AROUND CAMPUS
2008
OUTSTANDING
EMPLOYEES OF
THE YEAR
MCC CONCERT
BAND PREFORMS
IN STURGIS
OUSTANDING
EMPLOYEE OF
THE MONTH
Q UOTE OF
THE M ONTH
"Happiness is produced not so much
by great pieces of good fortune that
seldom happen, as by little advantages that occur every day."
Benjamin Franklin
Governor holds town hall
meeting at MCC
Gov. Jennifer Granholm chose Mott
Community College as the site for a town
hall meeting held on April 17 in the Event
Center to discuss how the Flint/Genesee
County area will benefit from funding provided by the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act, the federal stimulus
plan signed into law by President Barack
Obama in February. A host of local dignitaries were among an audience of nearly
200 residents from across the region convened at MCC to hear the Governor discuss how Michigan's economic plans align
with President Obama's specific goals of creating jobs and diversifying the economy; educating and
training students and workers and helping Americans with providing for their families during these
tough times. The total amount of money Michigan is expected to receive is $18 billion, the Governor
announced.
"Michigan, as we know, is the poster child of a state that needs recovery and transformation,"
Granholm said. "Looking at our natural assets, we have so much going for us. We're just going through
a rough time. But if we use this act well and focus on this strategic plan that dovetails with our
strengths, we're going to be all right."
Motown, Mott and More Lip Sync Show
You don't want to miss this
year's all-star lineup, featuring
a number of MCC staff and
community members lip-synching and performing to their
favorite tunes at the 2009
Motown, Mott and More Lip
Sync Show, set for 7 pm
Friday, May 15 at the Mott
Memorial Building Auditorium.
Tickets are $20 per person in
advance, $25 at the door.
Various sponsorship levels and
payroll deduction are also
available. For more information, call the Foundation for
Mott Community College at
762-0425. Proceeds from this
fundraising event benefit the
MCC Alumni Student
Assistance Scholarship Fund.
Around Campus
Social Sciences Dean Margaret Brainard lets us know that
Sounya Walker, Interim Teacher Education Coordinator, was awarded the student club Advisor of the Year award on Friday, April 17.
Sounya is a first-time club advisor to a brand new club, the MCC
Future Teachers Association. Congratulations to Sounya for her diligence and leadership!
Fine Arts Dean Mary Cusack brings news from her area. Music
Professor Mary Procopio performed a recital with the London Trio
at the Sturges-Young Auditorium and Civic Center on March 27. She
also sponsored a trip for her World Music Appreciation students to
the Wright African American Museum in Detroit on Sunday April 5.
Art Prof. Thom Bohnert was part of "The Art of Obsession"
exhibit at Gallery Project in Ann Arbor. Thom's work of 100 drawings of the same bird, entitled "One in a Hundred, One of a Kind,"
was highlighted by one reviewer, who called it "subtle and meditative."
Theatre Instructor Dan Gerics turned the final performance in
his Fundamentals of Acting class into a small-scale production.
Students performed the work "All in the Timing" by David Ives, a
series of six sketches about the quirkiness of relationships. The performances were held in the Event Center April 23-24, followed each
night by a dessert reception with the cast.
The Fine Arts Division invites everyone to stop into the lobby
and see our latest acquisition, the sculpture "Random Traits" by
Chakia Booker, who uses car tires to create intricate (and heavy!)
sculptures. The Flint Institute of Arts has one of her works in its collection. The work had previously been installed at Kettering, but due
to a lack of interest in the piece by their constituency, curator Camille
Brewer contacted MCC and asked if we would host the work.
Technology Dean Clark Harris provides updates from the
Technology division. Dave Butke and Matt Roda attended a rigorous five day lecture/hands-on training program at the Automotive
Career Development Center, in Seekonk, Mass. The participants
received extensive training, and vast hands-on opportunities to learn
the intricacies of a wide variety of hybrid vehicles. Alternative Fuel
vehicles are the future of the auto industry, and the hybrid vehicles
are leading the way. The Automotive Career Development Center has
many hybrid vehicles in their fleet for attendees to work on which
will continue to expand Dave and Matt's knowledge as they introduce
the new Hybrid Vehicle classes this fall. The new classes, and content
incorporated into the existing automotive technology classes will
provide critical knowledge to the MCC automotive graduates as they
enter the highly technical field as automotive technicians.
Accelerated Robotics Learning at MCC: Students participate in
an extensive 25-week training program currently underway to provide
high level skills in the area of robotics. This program entails a combination of credit and non-credit courses that have been put together to
train students in areas such as Robotics, CAD, Simulation, and
Electronics. It is a collaborative effort of Workforce Development,
Regional Technology Initiatives and the Technology Division. The
instructors include Dennis Hughes, Matthew Sullivan, Jim Mayes,
Rick Sveller, Jason Slade, Marty Wagner and others. The training
is rigorous and exhausting for both students and teachers, with many
sessions of classroom and lab training going all day. The hard work
will be worth it, as completers will possess skills to design systems,
program PLCs, as well as to program and troubleshoot robots.
DMA Renewable Energy Conference Co-Hosted by MCC:
Sherry Bradish, Tom Crampton, and Clark Harris were on the
planning committee for the Design and Manufacturing Alliance
Renewable Energy Conference that was held April 22 at Kettering
University. The regional conference brought in several important
speakers to talk to 170 secondary, college and university educators
about renewable energy topics. Liesl Clark was the keynote speaker,
speaking on the topic of Michigan's Renewable Energy Direction.
Other topics included wind energy, solar energy, renewable energy
design and manufacture, energy conservation, alternative construction
techniques and the global view of energy. The conference also included carousel speakers, tours of energy labs, a resource exhibit and a
display of vehicles with a variety of alternative fuels.
English Prof. Wendy Byard will be signing her new inspirational book Teach and Reach for Classroom Miracles! Lessons on
Teaching With Love on Saturday, May 9, 1-4 PM at the Little
Professor Book Center in Fenton. On Saturday, May 30, Wendy will
sign from 1-4 PM at the Book Shelf in Lapeer. Books signings in the
Flint area are being planned for fall. Visit wendybyard.com to learn
more and to order the book.
Business Dean Bob Loth provides a report on activities from the
Business division. On April 16, chefs Matt Cooper CEC and
Douglas St. Souver lead a team building workshop for the Ruth Mott
Foundation at the Applewood Estate. The purpose was to bring
together the foundation’s 28 members from the estate and the downtown offices for a day of teamwork through culinary preparations
using local and organic ingredients. After the exercise, the items prepared by the members along with others provided by the chefs were
served at that day's luncheon. Students were selected from the Garde
Manger and Pastry classes at MCC and were guided by chefs Miller,
St. Souver, and Cooper to be team leaders to teach and guide the
foundation members through their tasks. This gave our students valuable experience in a leadership role. The final result was a very successful team building experience for The Ruth Mott Foundation
members and the MCC culinary team and their students. Plans are
already in the works for next year's event.
The cosmetology department reports a host of activities:
March 26 – The cosmetology and nail technology students provided
mini-manicures to the participants at Hurley Medical Center's
Empowering Women event. There were over 135 guests present for
this first annual event.
March 29 – 31: Seventy cosmetology, nail technology, and
esthetics students and staff went to the American Beauty Show in
Chicago, Ill. This is an annual event where our students are exposed
to one of the largest trade shows in the industry. They received
education on products, techniques, business skills, and the latest in
technology in the industry.
April 18 – The cosmetology and nail technology students provided mini-manicures at MCC's Earth Day celebration.
A hearty welcome goes to the following new employees: Jody
Bonamy, Supervisor of Purchasing, start date: March 18; Lucy
Powell, part-time custodian, Office of Physical Plant, start date:
March 29; Mary Brown, Support Specialist-Accounting, start date:
April 16; Heidi Clippard, Support Specialist-Health Sciences, start
date: May 4. Welcome, to the MCC Family!
A thank-you note from Marketing
Assistant/Web Content Manager
Rebecca Gale-Gonzalez, who also
serves as advisor to the MCC Gardening
Association: "The 10th annual Earth
Day and Garden Celebration was a huge
success. We reached over 1,000 visitors
at the combined activities. This premier
event helps MCC fulfill its mission by
Earth Day at MCC.
engaging the community, especially
youth, in educational activities that show our commitment to environmental stewardship. The outpouring of support for this event is what
has made it so successful. I'd like to thank all of the MCC administrators, faculty and staff for their support
2008 Outstanding
Employees of the Year
MCC Concert Band
Performs in Sturgis
A total of ten employees were eligible for the Outstanding Employee
of the Year award. during 2008. At the Employee Appreciation Event held
on April 9, 2009, Sherry Bradish and Paul Jordan were announced as the
2008 Outstanding Employees of the Year:
The Mott Community College Concert band, under the direction
of Music Professor Mary Procopio, performed at the Sturges-Young
Civic Center and Auditorium on Sunday, April 26, 2009, an event
sponsored by the Sturgis Council of the Arts, maintained and run by
the City of Sturgis, Michigan.
Together, MCC, the Sturgis Council of the Arts, and SturgesYoung were able to offer a rare gift to the Sturgis community: a free
concert. The director of the Sturges-Young Civic Center &
Auditorium, Brad Donmyer, as well as the Sturgis Council of the
Arts, pooled their resources to sponsor this performance along with
grants from MCC, to transport the band, provide programs, and pay
for a meal after the performance. Mary Procopio spearheaded this
effort.
"This was a very nice honor, and we're very proud of the work
Mary Procopio did to coordinate the event and get funding," said
MCC Fine Arts Dean Mary Cusack.
Sherry Bradish – Academic
Affairs
Sherry Bradish has been with the
College since December 1996. Her
current position is Coordinator – Tech
Prep/School to Careers. Sherry was
described as being personally
accountable on every committee or
initiative she works on. In addition, it
was noted that she exhibits commitment to the college as she works with
Mott Middle College and our K-12
partners to ensure a seamless transition to the higher education experiences of area high school students to ensure effective K-12 articulation
agreements are in place and with faculty to create innovative program
opportunities to dually- enrolled Mott Middle College students.
Paul Jordan – Social Sciences
Paul Jordan began employment with
MCC in September 1995 as a parttime instructor in the Social Work
area. He attained his current full-time
position as Social Work Technician
Program Instructor/Coordinator in
January 2007. In addition to serving
as advisor to the Social Work Club
and taking the initiative to create the
"Pioneers Program" for first-generation college students, Paul has
exhibited outstanding commitment to
the mission, vision and values of MCC as Instructor/Coordinator of the
Social Work Technician Program. He has worked to change the program
in positive ways while maintaining the values of transferability to
university programs and entry-level career readiness. To better serve the
program's students, Paul has increased the number of human service
agencies in which students can be placed in their field work experience
courses from 45 to 73. This means that students have more opportunity
to work in agencies within their own communities and to experience a
broader range of social work environments.
Each employee was presented with a $500 Visa gift card and a certificate of appreciation.
The MCC Lapeer
Extension Center
recently honored
Lapeer County graduates with cakes and
punch. Pictured is
Lapeer secretary, Paula
Becker, with one of the
cakes she created for
the occasion. Paula is
also a student in the
Culinary Arts program.
Outstanding Employee of the Month
Tamara Hunt, Standards and Procedures Coordinator - Office of Physical Plant, (left) has
been selected as the Outstanding Employee of the Month for March 2009. Tamara was
described as "continuously upgrading rules and regulations for safety issues concerning staff and
students at Mott Community College, as well as for anyone on the campus." In addition, it was
noted that Tamara functions in a spirit of partnership with other employees, bringing a positive
spirit to work every day. In addition to a $50 Target gift card, Tamara was presented with a
framed certificate of appreciation and a balloon bouquet. Tamara is joined by Sylvia Green HR
Generalist and Larry Koehler, Physical Plant Executive Director.
Sen. Bill Hardiman, Chair of
the Senate Appropriations
Subcommittee on Community
Colleges, was at MCC on April 20
to hold a hearing on the FY 200910 Community Colleges
Appropriations Bill. MCC
President Dick Shaink was among
several speakers representing MCC,
including MCC student government
president Yakini Brown and several
MCC and dual-enrolled MCC-Mott
Middle College students.
MAY 2009
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
2
5
Genesee Athletics Club
Competition
8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Curtice Mott 1316
11
Genesee Area
Counseling Association
Ex. Board Meeting
11:30 am-2:00 pm
Genesee Room
12
Bruin Club
Board Meeting
Noon-1:30 pm
Genesee Room
18
Police Academy
Workshop
8:00 am-4:30 p.m.
RTC 2305
Board of Trustees Meeting
7:30 pm • ML 1010
19
Police Academy
Workshop
8:00 am-4:30 p.m.
RTC 2305
26
25
Volleyball Practice
6:30-9:30 p.m.
Ballenger
Mid Michigan
Innovative Team
10:00 am-2:00 pm
RTC 1107
6
Steve’s Basketball Club
5:00-7:00 p.m.
Ballenger Field House
13
Police Academy
Workshop
8:00 am-4:30 p.m.
RTC 2305
20
Ethics Training for
Police Officers
8:00 am-5:00 p.m.
Mott Library
27
Steve’s Basketball Club
5:00-7:00 p.m.
Ballenger Field House
3
Volleyball Tournament
7:00 am-7:00 p.m.
Ballenger
For more calendar items visit www.events.mcc.edu
4
Sunday
7
Ethics Training for
Police Officers
8:00 am-5:00 p.m.
Mott Library
14
Police Academy
Workshop
8:00 am-4:30 p.m.
RTC 2305
21
Youth Senate Reception
5:00-8:00 pm
PCC 109
28
Battle Cats Wrestling
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Ballenger
8
Lifelong Learning
for Seniors
9:30 am-Noon
ML1010
15
9
MSHDA Training
8:00 am-3:00 pm
RTC 2123
16
10
Volleyball Tournament
7:00 am-7:00 p.m.
Ballenger
17
Motown, Mott & More Summer Youth Job Fair Soccer Referee Training
Celebrity Lip Sync Show
8:00 am-5:00 pm
1:30-4:30 pm
6:00-10:00 p.m.
RTC 3110
CM 1110
MMB 1130
22
Police Academy
Workshop
8:00 am-4:30 p.m.
RTC 2305
23
MSHDA Training
8:00 am-3:00 pm
RTC 2123
29
30
Steve’s Basketball Club
5:00-7:00 p.m.
Ballenger Field House
Volleyball Tournament
7:00 am-7:00 p.m.
Ballenger
24
Volleyball Tournament
7:00 am-7:00 p.m.
Ballenger
31
Volleyball Tournament
7:00 am-7:00 p.m.
Ballenger
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