MOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
CONNECTION
OCTOBER 2008
MCC
FACULTY
& STAFF
NEWSLETTER
WHAT’S
INSIDE
AROUND CAMPUS
MAJOR HOLLYWOOD
STUDIO FILMS
MOVIE SCENES AT
RTC
HR OFFERS ROAD
TO RETIREMENT
SERIES
MOTT LIBRARY
SHOWCASE
Q UOTE OF
THE M ONTH
"The aim of education is the
knowledge not of facts but of values."
- William Ralph Inge
Sen. Barack Obama Brings His
Campaign to Mott Community College
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, DIllinois, spoke to a group of about
250 people and a throng of media
from across the nation and
abroad, assembled for a town hall
meeting in the high bay of the
MCC Regional Technology
Center on Monday, Sept. 8, 2008.
The MCC visit was his second to
Flint this year. Sen. Obama
greeted a crowd comprised of
supporters, representatives from
local organized labor groups,
undecided voters, and a continMCC student and displaced autoworker, Jon Turbush, introduces
gent of state and local dignitaries,
Sen. Barack Obama at the Regional Technology Center.
including Gov. Jennifer
Granholm, Lt. Gov. John Cherry,
and Congressman John Conyers. "It's good to be back in Flint. It's good to be back in Michigan," as
he thanked MCC President Richard Shaink and his wife, Sally, "for being such lovely hosts."
Sen. Obama's remarks primarily centered around the economic woes troubling the nation -- citing
the high unemployment rates plaguing the state of Michigan and Flint area. He issued a challenge to
opponent, Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, to come to Flint. "What most people are concerned about is
what's happening to the American dream," Obama said, while talking to the crowd for nearly an hour,
and taking questions from the crowd after speaking. "Here in Michigan, the unemployment rate is at
8.5 percent. Here in Flint, 12.3 percent. That's double what it is nationally."
Obama outlined a number of his plans for America to the enthusiastic crowd, which include reinvesting in and retooling the U.S. auto industry to build
batteries and high-efficiency electric cars.
"The U.S. auto industry needs to change, but it needs a
government that is going to be a partner for change,"
Obama said.
Mara Jevera Fulmer, MCC Graphic Design
Coordinator and Art Professor, has uploaded photos and
audio from Sen. Barack Obama's Sept. 8 visit to MCC in
six parts on YouTube. If you go to YouTube and search
for "Barack Obama Mott Community College" you
should find all six segments of his talk -- audio with a
photo slideshow.
In addition, Mara has a limited supply of DVDs of
the event already burned. Please contact her to request a
DVD.
MCC Art Professor Catherine Smith
and students Leo Markel and Claude
Miller pose with the MCC bear.
d
Ca m pus
MCC Lapeer Site
Coordinator Wanda Dowdall
sends a thank-you note: "I
extend a most sincere and
heartfelt "thank you" to everyone who participated in the
Lapeer Learner Golf
Scholarship outing – this final
year and all past years. Your
support has given encouragement and financial resources to
many students in Lapeer County. We
will benefit from your long-lasting impact
Arou
n
for many years to come."
Social Sciences Dean Margaret Brainard has news to share
from her division. Becky Garske, Early Childhood Education
Coordinator/Instructor, served as a faculty facilitator of a small-group
discussion during the Faculty Colloquium of the Early On Center for
Higher Education. The first annual Early On Faculty Colloquium was
held at Lansing Community College on Friday, Sept. 19. Early On
Michigan, a project of the Clinton County Regional Educational
Service Agency, is the trans-disciplinary system that supports families
who have infants and toddlers, birth to age three, with disabilities and
delays. The colloquium is intended to provide ideas and strategies
for incorporating early intervention content into curriculum, coursework and community sites for college and university faculty in Early
Childhood, Special Education, Social Work, Occupational Therapy,
Nursing, Infant Mental Health and Communication Disorders.
In addition, Becky Garske has been accepted as workshop presenter at the 2008 National Association for the Education of Young
Children (NAEYC) Annual Conference in Dallas, Texas, Nov. 5 to 8.
Becky will be presenting with her sister, Deborah Campbell, a dental
professional, on "Oral Health in the Early Childhood Setting: A
hands-on approach to proper dental care for young children." Becky
also has been accepted as a workshop primary presenter at the
NAEYC Conference with Sue Lechota, Early Childhood Education
part-time faculty member, co-presenting their workshop called
"Building Blocks for Literacy: How to create child-centered environments which support emergent literacy skills." Congratulations to
Becky and Sue!
Social Work instructor Bettina Campbell has been chosen as part
of a cadre of volunteers for the Behavioral and Social Science
Volunteer (BSSV) Program. Tina, a long-time HIV-prevention
activist, Director of the YOUR Center and creator of the Center’s
HIV/AIDS Prevention and Medicaid Waiver Direct Care
Programming, will be funded to attend the national training in New
Orleans Oct. 10-13, 2008. The BSSV is a national HIV prevention
technical assistance program directed by the American Psychological
Association, Office on AIDS. Congratulations to Tina on her continuing
efforts to bring HIV awareness and prevention to our community!
Mott Library Showcase
Take time out to visit the Mott Library's current display in the lighted
showcase featuring rocks, fossils and gems on loan from MCC's Chester C.
Wilson Geology Museum and lab. The generosity and support of Geology
Prof. Sheila Swyrtek, made this exhibit possible. In addition, former MCC
staff member Waltraud Schlanzky graciously allowed the library to display
gems, jewelry, books, posters and resources from her personal collection.
Also on display are geology books from the library's circulating collection,
including a new book on Michigan fossils framed with several Petoskey
stones. Turntables borrowed from the Science department highlight several
large gems, including a copy of a huge brilliant diamond. The display continues through October.
Foundation for MCC Executive Director Lenetta Coney lets us
know that Vera Jenkins, Foundation for MCC Administrative
Assistant, has been featured on the National Association of
Professional Women's (NAPW) website new member profile section.
View Vera's NAPW profile at
http://www.napw.com/memberdisplay.cfm?m=Vera-Jenkins-10085683.
Also, Vera will be receiving a B.S. degree with a major in
Organizational Leadership and Communications from Rochester
College at the MCC University Center, with a GPA of 3.805 -- high
enough for her to graduate Magna Cume Laude. Congratualtions, Vera!
Phil Strbik, retired MCC Math and Physics professor, is seeking
volunteers to help provide free tax return preparation for senior citizens in Genesee and Lapeer counties. Training for anyone interested
in learning to prepare returns is provided by AARP and starts in
January. If you're interested in helping out, contact Phil Strbik at
(810) 235-1130, (810) 730-3472 or pstrbik07@comcast.net.
Technology Division Technician Dave Roach developed a test
device for use by automotive classes at MCC. The device emits a signal that tests ignition coils.
Graphic Design Coordinator Mara Jevera Fulmer had a short
essay on design across cultures published as part of a larger article on
an international design collaborative project that was based in New
Zealand. That project (and the larger article) is called "The Means by
which we find our way." Her essay portion, titled "A coconut for your
thoughts..." appears this month in the European Czech-based magazine "TYPO" Issue #32. Also, this month Mara will be doing a presentation with Janet Lorch of UM-Flint on the cooperation between
our two programs, the AAS in Graphic Design at MCC and the BFA
in Visual Communications at UM-Flint. They will be presenting at
the "Social Studies: Educating Designers for a Connected World"
conference for design educators from the AIGA/ Professional
Organization for Design, being held in Baltimore, MD, at the
Maryland Institute College of Art.
Music Professor/Coordinator Chuck Iwanusa lets us know that
In July and August, the Dave McMurdo Jazz Orchestra performed
some of his arrangements at Toronto's internationally acclaimed Jazz
Club, "The Rex." He also recently received an ASCAPLUS Award
from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers
(ASCAP) for performances of his Jazz compositions by the
Kazakhstan National Jazz Orchestra during their 2007 concert season.
Mott Library Executive Director Densise Hooks provides a
report on the Grayce Scholt Poetry Reading. The Friends of the Mott
Library and the Foundation for MCC hosted a poetry presentation by
Grayce Scholt, retired MCC Humanities Faculty member. Ms. Scholt
recently published a book of poetry, Bang! Go All the Porch Swings.
Over 80 students, faculty, staff and members of the community were
in attendance. Copies of the book were available for purchase and
were signed by the author. A copy of the program in DVD format is
available at the Mott Library Circulation Desk in the Reserve
Collection.
Major Hollywood Studio
Films Movie Scenes at RTC
HR Offers Mapping Your
Road to Retirement Series
The Human Resources Department is offering an informational series
on retirement issues scheduled for the week of Oct. 6 – 10. For details
on the presentations or to register, contact your HR Services
Representative: Sylvia Green – Secretarial/Clerical, S&M, Non-Union;
Ronda Hitchcock – Pro-Tech, Exempt, and PSO or Susan Praski –
Faculty, M & O. Following is a schedule of the presentations.
Monday, October 6
Hantz Group, a regional financial services firm will present Wills/Trust
and Estate Planning; Financial Planning 101 and Retirement Planning,
1 pm and 3 pm in the Genesee Room
Tuesday, October 7
Social Security Administration overview on what is needed to prepare
for retirement benefits on your wage record and more, 10 am, 1 pm
and 3 pm, Genesee Room
Cedric the Entertainer and Owen Benjamin listen for direction
during filming of the motion picture All’s Faire In Love.
MCC enjoyed its fair share of the limelight last month, with Sen.
Obama on campus one week, followed by a glimpse of Hollywood the
next week. A film crew and cast from the romantic comedy "All's
Faire in Love" shot scenes of the movie in the lobby and auditorium
of the Regional Technology Center Wednesday, Sept. 17. The film features Christina Ricci, Cedric the Entertainer, Nadine Velazquez, Bill
Engvall and Owen Benjamin. A number of MCC students and staff
members were picked as extras in the film, which is due out in theatres next year. Owen Benjamin and Cedric the Entertainer, All's Faire
stars shooting scenes at the RTC, posed for pictures and were cordial
to MCC students and staff on hand to help out with the production.
Crews also shot scenes in downtown Flint, at the Mott Foundation
Building and Atwood Stadium, with most of scenes being shot at
Michigan's Renaissance Festival in Groveland Township.
ACCT on Campus
Tuesday, October 7 & Wednesday, October 8
TIAA-CREF conducting individual counseling sessions. This session
requires pre-registration, to be held in CM-1020.
Wednesday, October 8
Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS), on
earning service credit, requirements for retirement, 10:30 am and
1:30 pm, Genesee Room
Thursday, October 9
TIAA-CREF presentations: "Building Your Financial Future,
9 am, Genesee Room.
“5 Habits of Highly Successful Investors;” 1:00 pm, Genesee Room.
Friday, October 10
The Hantz Group presentations: Financial Planning 101.
11:00 am and 3:00 pm in the Genesee Room
Retirement Planning – 9 am and 1 pm, Genesee Room.
Outstanding Employee
of the Month
J. Noah Brown, President and CEO of the Association of
Community College Trustees (ACCT) Board of Directors, (third from
left) addressed a group of MCC trustees, administrators, faculty and
staff and community leaders at the MCC Event Center on Tuesday,
Sept. 23 on the topic "The Role of American Community Colleges –
Today and Tomorrow – in the Communities They Serve." The ACCT,
headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a non-profit educational organization of governing boards, representing elected and appointed trustees
who govern over 1,200 community, technical and junior colleges in
the U.S. Pictured with Brown are MCC Trustees and Dr. Shaink.
Sherry Weeder, (holding plaque) Administrative Assistant,
Learning Center & Disability Services, has been selected as the
Outstanding Employee of the Month for July 2008. In addition to a
certificate of appreciation, Sherry received a $50 MasterCard and a
balloon bouquet. Sherry is congratulated by Learning Center staff and
Dr. Shaink.
OCTOBER EVENTS
be served and door prizes awarded as part of the evening auction. Please
RSVP by Oct. 13 by calling 762-0408.
MCC will be hosting a number of activities and events throughout the
month of October. Following is a list of events taking place this month.
Oct. 13-Oct. 28 Fine Arts Gallery Exhibit at Visual Arts & Design
Center, "Expanded Decoration" by featured artist Sarah Burgess. Gallery
hours are Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4:30 pm. Exhibit made
possible in part by the Ballenger Trust. For details, call 762-0443.
Oct. 22 The Visiting Nurse Services of Michigan will be on campus to
administer Flu shots from 10 am to 2 pm in the Prahl College center,
Rm. 2060. The cost of the Flu shot is $28. The following health insurances are acceptable and may be applied to the cost of the Flu Shot:
Medicare Part B; Health Plus of Michigan; Priority Health; Physicians
Health Plan; Health Alliance Plan; Health Advantage; McClaren Health
Plus. A Pneumonia shot at a cost of $40 will also be available.
Oct. 6 – 10 The Learning Center will be celebrating National Tutoring
Awareness Week with a variety of activities. A rally will be held
Thursday, Oct. 9 from 11 am to 1 pm in the Student Life Center. All
faculty, staff and students are welcome.
Oct. 10 Global Cuisine and Wine Pairing Fundraiser to benefit local
food artisan Chef Douglas St. Souver, who will be travelling to
Germany to compete in the IKA Culinary Olympics in November. Please
help Chef St. Souver in his efforts to win a gold medal by enjoying an
evening full of fine food, live music and the Chef's beautiful fruit and
vegetable carvings at 7 pm, MCC Applewood Café. Tickets can be purchased at the Flint Farmers Market D'Vine Wines shop on Tuesday,
Thursday or Saturday or by visiting www.artisansinculinary.com. For
more information, call Chef William Crawford at 232-6956.
Oct. 11 MCC team participating in the American Cancer Society's
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event; registration at 7:30 am
with the walk scheduled for 9 am; Genesee Valley Center. Call MCC
team leaders Rebecca Gale-Gonzalez, 762-0455; Desiree Londrigan,
Northern Tier Center 762-0207; Cindy Sanders, Student &
Administrative Services, 762-0502 or Jennifer Young, Technology
Division, 762-0500 for information.
Oct. 12 Bike-a-Thon to benefit the MCC Honors Program Alumni
Scholarship Fund. Registration is at 1 pm with the ride starting at 1:30
pm. The approximate 14-mile trail starts and ends at Kearsley Park
Pavilion with the destination, Stepping Stone Falls. Bikers must be at
least 18-years-old or accompanied by an adult, must wear a helmet and
sign an accident/illness waiver. For details, contact Rick Stigleman,
Honors Program alumnus at rstiglem@umflint.edu or 810-632-7595.
Oct. 15 October is breast cancer awareness month. Health Services will
be having a health fair on this important topic in the Curtice-Mott fish
bowl area, 10 am-2 pm.
Oct. 16 The Friends of Mott Library Annual Art Auction: This year's
theme: "Give My Regards to Art on Broadway." Guests are invited to
join the Friends in dressing as a Broadway character; a prize will be
awarded to the guest with the best costume. Preview begins at 5:15 pm
at the MCC Event Center with the auction following at 6:30 pm. Tickets
are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Another opportunity to purchase
art, “Take A Second Look” will be Friday, Oct. 17 from 9 am to 1 pm.
All proceeds go to support the Mott Library. Light hors d’oeuvres will
Oct. 23 Annual Regional College Fair featuring representatives from a
variety of higher educational institutions at Ballenger Field House. This
day-long event includes College Day, 9 am-11:30 am, specifically
designed for high school students and special groups coming to campus;
Transfer Fair for MCC students, 12:30 am-2 pm and College Night, 6-8
pm, open to high school students, parents and general public. Academic
program and department displays are needed. For more information, call
Regina Broomfield in Admissions at 762-0358.
Oct. 24 Ballenger Lecture Series, "Mothers of Invention: Women in
Science" with keynote speaker Dorceta Taylor, Associate Professor of
Environmental Sociology and Associate Professor of Afroamerican and
African Studies, University of Michigan (Ann Arbor), with the following
panelists: Amy Cheng Vollmer, Professor of Biology, Swarthmore
College (Pennsylvania); Dr. Tammy Chang, Physician of Family
Medicine and Founder/Director of Health in Action (Ann Arbor);
Jennifer Fillion, Professsor of Anthropology, Mott Community College
and Terri M. Lynch-Caris, Associate Professor of Industrial &
Manufacturing Engineering, Kettering University, 11 am to 3 pm, RTC
with breakout sessions. Opening remarks and keynote address, 11 to 12
noon; 12-12:30 lunch; breakout sessions at 12:30-1:15 and 1:30 -2:15;
general session and closing scheduled for 2:30 – 3 pm. RSVP by calling
762-0425 by Oct. 20.
Oct. 24 Annual Halloween Party for the community, coordinated by
MCC Public Safety Department, 5 - 8 pm at Ballenger Field House, free
and open to the public. Features include a haunted house, face painting,
pumpkin decorating, bounce houses, DJ and entertainment, food,
refreshments and prizes. Volunteers and donations are always welcome.
Call Public Safety at 762-0222.
Oct. 29 Distinguished Alumni & Outstanding Retiree Awards Ceremony,
5:30 to 8:30 pm, MCC Event Center. Call 762-0425 for tickets, reservations or more information.
PRESORTED
STANDARD
US POSTAGE PAID
Flint, MI
Permit NO 51
1401 East Court Street
Flint, Michigan 48503-2089