MOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
CONNECTION
SEPTEMBER 2009
MCC
FACULTY
& STAFF
NEWSLETTER
WHAT’S
INSIDE
AROUND CAMPUS
RENOWNED
POLITICAL PUNDIT
TO SPEAK AT
MCC
LAPEER TO
BENEFIT HONOR
STUDENTS
FRIENDS OF MOTT
LIBRARY ART
AUCTION
OUTSTANDING
EMPLOYEE OF
THE MONTH
Fulbright Scholar to Visit MCC
Mott Community College has been selected to host a noted
scholar affiliated with the Fulbright Visiting Specialists: Direct
Access to the Muslim World Program, which is administered by the
Council for International Exchange Scholars.
Hadeer Abo El Nagah, a Fulbright Visiting Specialist from
Cairo, Egypt, is scheduled to visit the MCC main campus from
Monday, Sept. 14 to Friday, Oct. 23, 2009, lecturing and participating in a variety of programs on campus and in the community. Dr.
Abo El Nagah's visit is specifically designed to promote the understanding of Islamic civilization, history, politics and culture. MCC's
Center for Teaching and Learning is coordinating this event.
Dr. Abo El Nagah also has served as a Fulbright visiting scholar
to the State University of New York in Cobleskill. She holds a doctorate in philosophy, a Master of
Arts degree in English and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature with a double major in
Islamic studies, from Al Azhar University in Cairo, one of the world's most ancient and prestigious
universities. She has taught at Misr international University in Cairo, State University of New York,
University of Ottawa and was a visiting professor to Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada. An
Associate Professor of English literature, Dr. Abo El Nagah is currently teaching at Taibah University
KSA.
She has devoted most of her life's work to studying Islamic and Western cultures' schools of
thoughts, inspired by a lifelong mission to bridge the cultural divide between the U.S. and the Muslim
world. Dr. Abo El Nagah has authored a series of 10 books introducing Islam to English readers and
has translated a number of books. She is an invited speaker to numerous conferences in North America
and the Arab world, discussing the relation between Islam and the West. Frequently interviewed by
media, Dr. Abo El Nagah is a regular contributor to a large number of newspapers and magazines. Her
research interests focus on post colonial and ethnic literature, women's literature and the representation
of Islam in English writings. She blogs on New York Times Union on Muslim women in America.
We are looking forward to Dr. Abo El Nagah joining MCC and working with us on several projects and events, specifically designed to encourage understanding of Islamic issues," said Bill Reich,
Director of MCC's Center for Teaching and Learning. "To have someone of Dr. Abo El Nagah's stature
gracing our campus is an honor."
Friday, Sept. 18
7:30-9 pm 4 Concerts for a Cause, "Global Interfaith Relations and a Quest for World Peace," with
dinner followed by Dr. Abo El Nagah presentation and then a concert with related music, Woodside
Church, 1509 E. Court St.
Thursday, Sept. 24
4 -6 pm MCC Campus/Community Reception for Dr. Abo El Nagah, MCC's Applewood Café
Q UOTE OF
THE M ONTH
"Luck is where opportunity meets
preparation."
--Anonymous
Wednesday, Sept. 30
5 -7:30 pm Documentary Film Showing/Discussion of Zeitouna: Refusing to Be Enemies, produced
and directed by Flint Filmmaker Laurie White. A panel discussion following the documentary will
include Dr. Abo El Nagah, Laurie White and members of Zeitouna, a self-formed group of 12 women
who hope that their personal journey of personal transformation may pave the way to socio-political
transformation and peace, MCC Regional Technology Center.
Additional events may be scheduled after Dr. Abo El Nagah's arrival. For details, call MCC's Center
for Teaching and Learning 232-7883.
d
Ca m pus
Upward Bound
Coordinator Clarence
Jennings brings us good
news from Upward Bound.
MCC hosts two Upward
Bound Programs that service 125 students from the
Flint, Bendle, Beecher and
Westwood Heights school
districts. The accomplishments of Upward Bound's Class
of 2009 include:
• Four incoming MCC freshmen
took classes this summer as part of our Upward
Bound Summer Bridge Program.
• We had two valedictorians: Zachary Crothers, Flint Northern
High School and Valerie Addy, Bendle High School
• Aeisha Reese, Flint Central High School, made it to the 2nd
round of the Gates Millennium Scholarship Competition
• Kevin Phillips, Flint Southwestern, received the MCC Trustee
Scholarship
• Graduates received over $297,000 in scholarships
• All 22 graduating seniors have been accepted to college with 10
graduates attending MCC in the fall.
Jim Coviak, Director of the Steelheads Percussion Ensemble
and Steel Band, reports that the Steelheads had another successful
year. In May, the band traveled to the Virginia Beach Panorama,
where they took home the "Gold Award" Trophy. In June, the group
accepted an invitation to the Carousel of Nations Festival in Windsor,
where the Steelheads performed a concert of their own, and then
joined the Alexander Zonjic Band to help close out his set. The highlight of the year was a June concert with world renowned special
guest Andy Narell at the Syracuse Jazz Festival. Please join The
Steelheads at this year's upcoming Detroit Jazz Festival at 2:45 p.m.
on Monday, Sept. 7 on the main amphitheater stage.
Sociology Instructor Terrence Stewart will be in Michigan
Opera Theatre's fall production of Nabucco, which concerns King
Nebuchadnezzar and the exile of the Jews during his reign. The opera
will appear Oct.17, 21, and 24 at 7:30 pm at the Detroit Opera
House. Terrence will be performing as a bass-baritone member of the
opera chorus.
Business Division Dean Bob Loth shares news from his area.
Chef William Crawford spent the first two weeks of July on board
Arou
n
the USS Cleveland, which is the second oldest ship in the Navy. He
trained over 30 Culinarians and aided in the food preparation for 500
marines and 300 sailors. This the fourth year that Chef Crawford has
volunteered for a program sponsored by The American Culinary
Federation and the US Naval Supply Operations Command. His travels have taken him to Italy, Australia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and
Borneo. He has trained over 150 sailors during his tours at sea. Office
Information Systems Prof. Bettie Goodman appeared on WFLT-AM
on Saturday, Aug. 15 to discuss the Business Division programs of
study, particularly Business Office Administration and Business
Health Services. She elaborated on both the Associate Degree as well
as the new Certificate programs. In addition, Professor Goodman
shared her recent teaching experience in Krakow, Poland from
January 10-24, 2009.
Adjunct English professor Wendy Byard, author of Teach and
Reach for Classroom Miracles! Lessons on Teaching With Love, will
be signing her inspirational new book for educators at the Mott
College Bookstore. Please join her Wednesday, Sept. 23, 11 am to 2
pm at the bookstore. Visit wendybyard.com for more information.
Sgt. Nancy Metcalfe lets us know that the Public Safety
Department is collecting cell phone donations to benefit the YWCA
of Greater Flint. The collection box is located in the Public Safety
Administration office at CM1150 and will be available through
September.
English Prof. Greg Shafer has been selected to be part of the
Braddock Awards Committee. Committee members choose the best
essay of the year from the journal College Composition and
Communication.
Marketing's Administrative Assistant Rebecca Gale-Gonzalez
invites you to join the "MCC Bears Making Strides" team for the
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K/3 mile walk on Saturday,
Oct. 10 at 9 am, Downtown Flint at Saginaw Street. To join the MCC
team, please visit cancer.org/stridesonline, choose Michigan and the
Flint event, then enter our team name. For details, contact one of our
team captains: Cindy Sanders at 232-2484, Jennifer Follett at 7620500, or Rebecca Gale-Gonzalez at 762-0455.
MCC welcomes the following new employees: Kenneth
Martin, Director, Student Services Communications, start date: Aug.
25; Houssein Hachem, Instructor, Networking, Web programming,
Programming, Information Technology, Aug. 31; Krista Black,
Sociology Instructor, Social Science Division, Aug. 31; and Alex
Perry, Public Safety Officer, July 31. Welcome to the MCC family!
Renowned Political Pundit Donna Brazile to Speak at
Mott Community College September 22
Veteran Democratic political strategist Donna Brazile will speak at MCC Women In Education luncheon program at
11:30 am Tuesday, Sept. 22 in the Ballenger Field House. The cost is $25 per person. Proceeds benefit MCC's Women in
Education Fund. This event is open to the public.
Brazile, who is an adjunct professor at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, serves as Vice Chair of Voter
Registration and Participation at the Democratic National Committee. She is a syndicated columnist and author of the
best-selling autobiography Cooking with Grease: Stirring the Pots in American Politics. Brazile has worked on numerous state and local campaigns, and every presidential campaign from 1976 through 2000, when she served as presidential campaign manager for former Vice President Al Gore. In the media, she serves as a political contributor on CNN;
consultant to ABC News; a regularly appearing commentator on ABC's This Week with George Stephanopoulos and a
frequent contributor to NPR's News and Notes. In print and online, she is a columnist for Roll Call and Ms Magazine.
The Washingtonian magazine named Ms. Brazile one of the "100 most powerful women" and Essence magazine named
her one of the top 50 women in America. In addition, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation has given her its award for political achievement.
Brazile is founder and managing director of Brazile & Associates LLC, a general consulting, grassroots advocacy and training firm based in
Washington, D.C.
For more information or reservations, call the Foundation for Mott Community College at 762-0425. A VIP reception for $75 will follow the
presentation, featuring a small group discussion, photo with Brazile and an autographed copy of her book.
Mini Golf & Go Kart Outing
in Lapeer to Benefit Honor
Students
The MCC Honors Alumni Scholarship Committee is presenting a
Mini Golf & Go-Kart Outing on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 1 pm at Lake
Nepessing Golfland, located at 1125 Lake Nepessing Road in Lapeer (Exit
153, 1/4 mile south of I-69.) This is a fun, family-friendly event that is
open to everyone. Participants pay only $18 to for two go-kart rides, plus
one round of miniature golf. Contributions benefit the Mott Community
College Honors Alumni Scholarship Fund. Please RSVP by Sept. 8 to
Rick Stigleman (810) 632-7595, rstiglem@umflint.edu or Heather Sisto at
(810) 762-0360, heather.sisto@mcc.edu. For more information about Lake
Nepessing Golfland, please visit www.lakenepessinggolfland.com.
Friends of Mott Library Annual
Art Auction Set for Oct. 8
The Friends of Mott Library will present their Annual Art Auction,
Thursday, Oct. 8 in the Event Center. This year's event will feature Artist
Jim Buckels as a special guest, with the theme: "Buckel" Up. Light hors
d’oeuvres and beverages will be served as usual and door prizes awarded as
part of the evening auction. Special door prizes this year include two pieces
of art valued up to $4,000. A preview and opportunity to meet the artist is
scheduled for 5 pm, with the auction to follow at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $10
in advance and $15 at the door. Tickets can be purchased from any Friends
of the Mott Library. For tickets or more information, call 762-0408.
Another opportunity to purchase art, Last Chance Sale, will be from 9 am
to 1 pm Friday, Oct. 9. All proceeds go to the Friends to support the Mott
Library.
Outstanding Employee of
the Month
GREEN INITIATIVES TEAM
MOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Announces
"Clean your office daze."
Wednesday, September 2 - Friday, September 4
Recycle waste paper, plastic, metal and glass in the CBC
recycling truck located in Lot B.
Bring your reusable office items including notebooks, three-ring
binders, pencils, pens, highlighters, paper clips, etc. to the Student
Life Center. Place in the designated bins. Beginning Tuesday,
September 8 students (and employees) can visit the Student Life
Center and help themselves to these items.
Details, call 762-0455
Foundation for MCC Events
Please mark your calendars for the following events, sponsored
by the Foundation for Mott Community College. For more information, please visit www.foundation.mcc.edu or call the
Foundation for MCC at 762-0425.
Women In Education event, featuring Democratic Political
Strategist Donna Brazile, 11:30 am Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009
(Location to be announced)
Cost: $25 per person. Other contribution levels offered
Welcome to Fulbright Scholar Dr. Hadeer Elbo Nagah
5 to 7 pm Thursday, Sept. 24, Applewood Café
Film "Seitouna" & Refreshments/Conversation
5 to 8 pm Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009, RTC
Mary Procopio, Assistant Professor of Music, has been selected as
the Outstanding Employee of the Month for April 2009. Mary was nominated by one of her students, who noted, "She makes it fun to learn so
much new information. She brings in paintings, musical instruments and
pictures from around the world. We got to experience not just the textbook music, but music from her own collection that she was so kind as to
share. We went on a field trip to the Charles H. Wright African American
museum in Detroit and it was simply amazing. Without this great teacher,
I never would have gone outside of class to experience this wonderful
display of art." The student went on to say, "Thank you for having her
available to teach!" Mary was presented with a framed certificate of
appreciation, a balloon bouquet and a $50 Target gift card.
Peace & Dignity Sacred Ceremony
Celebration of the Four Colors
October 2009 (Date to be announced)
8th Annual Distinguished
Alumni/Retiree Awards
Thursday, Oct. 15, Call 762-0425 for tickets
Ballenger Lecture Series (Free Lecture)
7 pm Thursday, Nov. 5, Ballenger Field House
Topic: Nanotechnology
SEPTEMBER 2009
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday Thursday
1
8
7
Labor Day - Campus
Closed
15
16
Alumni Association
Meetoing
12:00-1:30 pm
PCC 101
Wild Ones Meeting
6:00-9:00 pm
Genesee Room
21
28
9
Sierra Club Meeting
6-9:00 pm
Genesee Room
14
Genesee Area
Parliamentarians Meeting
4:30-8:00 pm
PCC 101
2
22
23
Foundation Annual/Full
Board Meeting
12:00-2:00 pm
Genesee Room
29
American Association of
University Women
Board Meeting
6:00-8:00 pm
Genesee Room
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
3
4
5
6
10
11
12
13
18
19
20
25
26
27
Ladies Volleyball
7:00-9:00 pm
Ballenger Field House
17
Michigan Rehabilitation
Council Meeting
8:00 am-5:00 pm
Mott Library
24
Lifelong Learning
9:00 am-11:20 am
RTC 1105
Flint River Watershed
Coalition Board Meeting
8:00-11:30 am
Genesee Room
Regional Career Pathway
7:30 am-3:00 pm
RTC 1403
30
For more calendar items visit www.events.mcc.edu
PRESORTED
STANDARD
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Flint, MI
Permit NO 51
1401 East Court Street
Flint, Michigan 48503-2089