We Are Jackson College - December 2019

CENTRAL CAMPUS / JACKSON

DECEMBER 2019 / VOLUME 2 / ISSUE 2

League for Innovation

I AM PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE

that the League for Innovation in the Community College Board of Directors has invited Jackson College to become a board member!

welcomes Jackson College Jackson College announces its acceptance as a board member organization to the League for Innovation in the Community College.

League Board membership serves as a catalyst for creating meaningful change in higher education. “This is an opportunity to be recognized in our community as an institution of distinction,” Phelan said.

Jackson College Trustee Emeritus Dr. George Potter, who served the College for 44 years, lauds the accomplishment.

“The League for Innovation in the Community College is the most prestigious community college organization in North America. The selection of Jackson College as the 20th board member is a tribute both to the excellence of the College and President Dr. Daniel J. Phelan’s national leadership in the community college movement. Jackson College has been recognized as one of the best and most innovative community colleges in the United States and Canada,” Potter said.

RISING TIDE OF CHANGE League membership allows access to forwardthinking, creative educators at all levels for networking. The connection can help to access grants from leading national organizations like Apple, Amazon and others. Employees benefit from multiple professional development activities, as well as regional programming, research and publications.

“The world is changing with or without us. If we are going to be relevant and have a market value, we have to stay up

with the times,” Phelan said. “We are changing all the time. Because of this, I would rather be on the front end of change.”

RETHINKING EDUCATION Jackson College’s journey of change began eight to 10 years ago with an examination of the College’s “why,” defining its purpose.

This led to leaders reading pertinent books and examining ways of doing business at today’s most successful and innovative companies. As a result, a new business design model was enacted that considered students first. Consulting directly with students through conversations and focus groups, their needs were explored. This new business model, where new ideas are considered, prototyped and tested, began. Employees are encouraged to look for innovation, to ask fresh questions and not rely on the typical “because that’s the way it’s always been done.”

INNOVATION IN PRACTICE With a shift toward a new culture, Jackson College oriented itself behind one idea – Total Commitment to Student Success, or TCS2. New ways of offering education and doing business began to emerge. Some of these include: · Student Success Navigators · Guided Career Pathways · Seven-Week Classes · Competency-Based Education · Early College Programs · Campus Health Clinic, Oasis Center and Dental Clinic Today, Jackson College’s enrollment remains steady while most colleges face declines.

Student success scores are increasing, leading to more students completing degrees and credentials. Diversity and equity efforts help students of all backgrounds realize their goals.

Continuing these initiatives, finding new and better ways to educate students and connecting with the community to serve local needs will not only continue but also be enhanced through participation with the League board.

This board selection follows a great deal of hard work. To be sure, a focus on innovation involves looking at situations with new perspectives, asking fresh questions and offering bold new solutions.

It involves taking chances, testing new ideas, prototyping and scaling what works best. Some ideas become practice, while some become experience as we work toward something better. Our innovative efforts remain focused on students, in keeping with our Total Commitment to Student Success, TCS2, forming the bedrock of all that we do.

Now, our continuing efforts can be further amplified by working with our League peers. Twenty CEOs from the most influential, resourceful, and dynamic community colleges and districts in the world comprise the League Board. Leaders recognize the value of putting many heads together to find answers.

To our community, Jackson College remains deeply committed to offering an education that is relevant and valuable in today’s fast-changing world. A college education is more important than ever in our world. We care deeply about the time, money and hope that our students invest in their futures. We continue to examine every area and look for ways to improve so that every student story is a success story.

An innovative community college is a multifaceted tool for students and the community, and we are humbled to now be a part of the League to expand upon this work. We recognize that great minds working together can do much more than working alone.

Membership on the Board of the League for Innovation strengthens all our efforts.

Sincerely, Dr. Daniel J. Phelan Jackson College President & CEO

MARK YOUR CALENDAR DEC. 16, 2019 – Nominations for Dr. Ethelene Jones

Crockett Distinguished Alumni Award, 2nd Lt. Zenneth Pond Soaring Young Alumni Award due. (See pg. 3)

JAN. 13, 2020 – Winter semester begins JAN. 18, 2020 – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration with keynote Khari Willis, Indianapolis Colts

FEB. 8, 2020 – Annual Sportsman’s Banquet

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WE ARE JACKSON COLLEGE

Heritage Center wins 2019 State History Award Wayne State University to launch Jackson classes in January Students who want to pursue a business degree from Wayne State University can now enroll in WSU classes at Jackson College, allowing them to complete most of the courses needed for a bachelor’s here on Jackson’s Central Campus.

Beginning in January, WSU will offer two undergraduate classes from the Mike Ilitch School of Business: BA 1500: Business Tools and Applications and MGT 5530: Advanced Organizational Behavior.

Additional courses will be added in the future, and Wayne State faculty will teach all.

The business classes begin on Monday, Jan. 6, at Jackson. To be eligible, students must apply to Wayne State University using the online application at apply. wayne.edu. Once accepted, they can browse for classes and register at classschedule.wayne.edu.

Wayne State offers various merit scholarships for qualified incoming transfer students. Wayne State’s Transfer Student Success Center can guide students with specific questions or those who need help in completing their application and transitioning to WSU. Manager Ranae Hamama can be reached at 313.577.2487 or transfer@wayne.edu.

Together we inspire and transform lives.

We Are Jackson College • December 2019 • Volume 2 | Issue 2 We Are Jackson College is produced four times annually by the Marketing and Communications Department at Jackson College.

If you have comments or questions about the publication call 517.796.8416.

Publisher: Cynthia S. Allen • Editor: Dotty Karkheck Writer: Marilynn Fryer • Designer: Abbie Stein Photography: Marketing and Communications Staff JACKSON COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Sam R. Barnes, Chairman • John M. Crist, Vice Chairman Sheila A. Patterson, Secretary • Donna L. Lake, Treasurer Matthew R. Heins, Trustee • Philip E. Hoffman, Trustee Dr. Edward A. Mathein, Trustee Dr. Daniel J. Phelan, President & CEO All rights reserved. No part of the material may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage retrieval system without the permission of the publisher.

It is the policy of Jackson College that no person shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, gender, marital status, or handicap, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to, discrimination in any program or activity for which it is responsible for or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education.

Jackson College • 2111 Emmons Road • Jackson, MI 49201 517.787.0800 • visit www.jccmi.edu.

Jackson College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

The Higher Learning Commission 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604 (800) 621-7440 • hlcommission.org Jackson College became a board member in the League for Innovation in the Community College in October 2019.

C

ongratulations to the Jackson College Heritage Center, recipients of the 2019 State History Award in the category of Education: Educational Programs! This is the third statewide award the center has received in the last two years.

Dove. All found their way to the battlefield; two lost their lives over the Pacific, and one spent a lifetime trying to bring his two friends “home.” A documentary film and art display, as well as oral interviews, were part of the project.

Presented by the Historical Society of Michigan (HSM), the award recognizes organizations that have made outstanding

“Being involved with these projects has given me a sense of community, both with other students and with our larger Dameon Rhoads community,” said student Dameon Rhoads, who traveled to Ludington to accept the award for the Heritage Center. “Being part of the Heritage Center projects appealed to me because while I’ve never served, I do have many veterans in my family. The Heritage Center offers the opportunity to give back to the community and tell these heroes’ stories.”

contributions to the appreciation, collection, preservation and/or promotion of state and local history.

In 2019, 2nd Lt. Elwood Ray Bailey was remembered in the Heritage Center’s tribute, “Going Home: The Story of Sacrifice, Courage, and Friendship.” The documentary tells the story of three Jackson Junior College students, William Maher, Zenneth Pond and Bailey, who grew up as children of the Great Depression.

The three friends were pioneers in the early aviation field and were taught to fly by one of Jackson Junior College’s champions, Frank

Heritage Center student volunteers donate their time to collect and share the inspirational stories of Jackson history. Over the past 12 years, Heritage Center students have contributed over 20,000 service hours.

Learn more about the Heritage Center at www.jccmi.edu/heritage-center/.

Learning personalized for you, while building measurable skills Education at your own pace. Progressing to the next level when you can demonstrate your learning. This is at the heart of what is called competency-based education.

and tasks. For example, consider the demonstration of competencies or skills when one takes a driver’s test; can you parallel park or no? Competency education is similar.

The Higher Learning Commission, the College’s accrediting body, recently approved a first competency-based credential, medical insurance coder-biller certificate.

Coder-billers work in medical settings such as doctor’s offices, clinics or hospitals, completing necessary administrative work for patient files and billing.

Many students going to college after experience in the work world bring a number of transferrable skills they may not recognize.

Depending on the subject, some of those skills may count toward a degree!

Students may enter this in-demand field through this online program created in learning modules. As a student completes one module, the next module will open.

They progress by demonstrating mastery or competency, assessed by the faculty member.

MEETING A NEED This approach to education grew from the needs of employers who were unsure exactly what an “A,” “B” or “C” letter grade meant or measured when hiring new employees.

Competencies measure specific knowledge

“For someone working in the field already who brings both experience and on-the-job training but now wants a college degree, they may be able to test out of some competencies. That helps them through the program even faster,” said Dr. Kristin Spencer, program director for medical insurance coder-biller and medical assistant programs.

PERSONALIZED LEARNING Students should be self-disciplined and motivated, as one does work at one’s own pace while still meeting certain course milestones.

Interested students may meet with a student success navigator to learn more.

DECEMBER 2019

2020 Sportsman’s Banquet & Athletics:

A winning combination!

Jackson College presents the annual Sportsman’s Banquet on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020! Social hour begins at 5 p.m. and dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. in the Victor Cuiss Fieldhouse.

The Pond Young Alumni Award

Jackson College recognizes alumni Jackson College alumni impact every facet of their community through their profession and philanthropy. Honorees are selected for their accomplishments and contributions where they live, work and play. Notable alumni are featured on the “alumni wall,” on the grand staircase in the Potter Center. Congratulations to the current alumni honorees:

Read more about the honorees and others at www.jccmi.edu/alumni/alumni-recognition/ alumni-wall/.

Do you know of an outstanding Jackson College alumnus? The Jackson College Foundation is seeking nominations for two annual awards for 2020, the Dr. Ethelene Jones Crockett Distinguished Alumni Award and the 2nd Lt. Zenneth A. Pond Young Alumni Award.

Junior College, Jackson Community College or Jackson College for their outstanding involvement in the betterment of humankind. He or she should have ongoing contact with the College and demonstrate professional growth exhibiting standards learned at the College.

Banquet dinner tickets are $45; contact Rick Smith at 517.796.8592.

Sponsorships and Table Captains are also available; contact Smith for information. Proceeds from this event will benefit JC baseball and the athletic department.

ELMER HITT ’97, director of police and fire services for the City of Jackson who has spent his career in local police work, working to protect and serve others. He’s also completed the Jackson Leadership Academy and serves on the Board of Trustees for the John George Home.

Recognize a notable Jackson College alumnus

The Crockett Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes an alumnus of Jackson

There will be a dinner with live auction for a variety of prizes, such as hunting trips, sportsman’s gear and more. All are welcome. A preseason raffle for an ATV Sportsman Polaris 570 will also be offered.

ELLEN EWING ’64, a longtime educator who began her career in Litchfield then spent many years as a school administrator for Saline Area Schools before retirement, where the high school performing arts center bears her name.

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TOVAH SHELDON ’00, director of learning services and instruction with the Jackson County Intermediate School District, who began her career as a teacher, is committed to helping others. She serves multiple service groups such as Cradle to Career and the Jackson Community Foundation.

LEXAVA SMITH ’81, who has worked 32 years with the State of Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Environmental Stewardship Division, Farmland & Open Space Preservation Program, where she is actively involved in leadership, diversity and inclusion efforts.

Help when needed – online after-hours tutoring now available!

Tutoring options that better fit student’s time and schedule are now available from Jackson College!

A new after-hours online tutoring service will serve students evenings and weekends.

“We considered ways that we could help students after hours, and how we can help the whole student,” said Terry Anderson, supplemental support specialist with the Center for Student Success at Jackson College. While the Center offers in-person tutoring during weekday business hours, none were after hours.

“This is part of our efforts to support the whole student.”

Using software from Big Blue Button, students may schedule a meeting with online tutors, who will have virtual classrooms and work with students. Tutors may offer help with homework and study support. Multiple students can be involved in a group study session.

“It’s a good way for people who are not prone to asking for help to ease into getting tutored. Some people may feel more comfortable when behind a screen at home than in person,” said student Abigail Frew, a supplemental instructor leader and tutor. She recalls her first online session with a dual enrolled high school student who didn’t have any way to get to campus, so the online option served him well.

“It also allows people to get help in the evenings and on weekends.

People who work or who have kids may find this easier.”

Students may visit www.jccmi.edu/onlinetutoring to see the classes and tutors available.

honors and acknowledges excellence and leadership in a Jackson College alumni aged 35 and younger. The award recognizes the outstanding achievements of someone who has distinguished himself or herself by reaching for a high level of professional accomplishment and who possesses quality standards of integrity and character.

Nominations are due Dec. 16, 2019.

Honorees are announced in April, in advance of the winter commencement ceremony.

Visit www.jccmi.edu/alumni/alumnirecognition/ for full criteria and online nomination forms.

Drumline, African Drum ensembles starting soon!

Try out for Jackson College’s drumline this winter!

The drumline is an entertainment/musical ensemble. Like many musical performance classes, both current college students may enroll, as well as community members through Lifetime Learning (LTL) options.

Musicians with experience on snare drum, bass drum, tenor drums and crash cymbals, including high schoolers with musical experience (whether currently on drumline or not), are encouraged to audition.

Auditions will be held Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 6 p.m. in the Ruth Day Theatre, Potter Center. Those trying out should prepare a short demonstration of current abilities and be ready to sight-read.

Leading the drumline will be instructor Kevin Pople.

The College also offers an African Drum Ensemble, a unique group performing on instruments from Ghana.

Membership is open to all students and community members – no music reading skills or percussion experience required.

For more information contact Dan Bickel, music instructor, 517.990.1314.

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Y ear in Review 2019 •

WE ARE JACKSON COLLEGE

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

Jackson College recognized Harold White Jr. with the 2019 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Service Award. White spent his career with the Michigan Department of Corrections in addition to serving his community.

His son, H. James White, an attorney who helped represent hundreds of victims of the former Olympic Dr. Lawrence Nasser, offered the keynote on “Keeping the Dream Alive.”

Jackson College’s efforts in educating military veterans and their families were recognized with a Military Friendly® Designated Status from VIQTORY. The College enrolls about 140 militaryconnected students each year.

Exploring ways to create a more civil society, the College continued its Lux et Veritas symposia with “Nobody Wins When the Family Feuds.” The Lux et Veritas symposia are called to help promote an inclusive, civil, diverse and secure campus for all students, staff, faculty and visitors.

College President Dr. Daniel J. Phelan represented two-year public institutions of higher education as a negotiator on the Accreditation and Innovation Committee, part of the U.S. Department of Education’s Negotiated Rule Making process, in Washington, D.C. Phelan offered insight into the process that would guide the future of accreditation.

In its first season, the Jets men’s bowling team took the MCCAA/NJCAA Region XII Championship in February and traveled to nationals, taking 7th in the nation. Coach Corey Daniels earned Coach of the Year honors.

Students Laurence Setiawan, Askhahiran Devananda and Kacey Miles were named to the 2019 All-Michigan Academic Team, recognized by the Michigan Community College Association and Phi Theta Kappa, the International Honor Society for Two-Year Colleges.

MAY

JUNE

AUGUST

The Jets softball team continued their winning ways. Their record was 37-15 overall, a new program record for wins.

A milestone for head coach Jamie Vandenburgh and assistant coach Mick Ream came April 5, when they marked their 100th win in five years coaching together. They finished the regular season with 118 wins.

Weather didn’t stop the Juneteenth Celebration and Resource Fair, hosted

by Jackson College and a number of community partners at downtown’s CP Federal City Square. The day featured a resource fair, job fair, Kidz Zone and more, with a concert with Phase 5, Airtight and DJ Matt Wade.

More than 80 guests visited Central Campus for the annual Healthwise event!

Free health screenings, talks, tours, healthy snacks and a heart-healthy walk offered a full day.

Jets golfer Riley Hestwood qualified for the NJCAA Division II National Championship and gained an Honorable Mention All-American honor, finishing 24th out of a field of 132 players.

JULY Hillsdale’s Clyde LeTarte Center received a new look and some much-needed repairs. The exterior received an upgrade, giving it a more collegial look and increasing its curb appeal.

Board of Trustees member Dr. Edward Mathein received the 2019 Trustee Leadership Award for the Central Region of the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT).

DECEMBER 2019

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APRIL Jackson College students and Associate Professor Diana Agy received multiple awards from the Jackson Women’s History Council.

With teacher shortages across the nation and in Michigan, the College brought back a teacher education program to meet that demand. In the future, a second phase will allow an alternative route to a teaching certificate for those who currently have a bachelor’s degree.

Jackson College welcomed Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to campus in March.

Several local business and community leaders joined in an economic discussion with the governor.

Rain didn’t dampen spirits at the 2019 Easter Egg Hunt. The hunt moved indoors to the Bert Walker Hall Community Rooms but still offered children Easter fun.

Heritage Center continued to explore local history with premiere of new documentary, “Going Home: A Story of Courage, Sacrifice and Friendship.”

(Story on page 2).

Dr. Kathryn (Kate) Thirolf, vice president of instruction, was selected to participate in the Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program’s Presidential Fellowship for Community College Excellence, a leadership program aimed at preparing the next generation of community college presidents.

OCTOBER

To bring together local business, industry and community leaders to discuss issues important in our workplaces, the College and The Enterprise Group of Jackson launched a new Business Round Table series.

Jackson College Foundation’s 10th Annual Feast for Knowledge Oktoberfest offered guests a fun evening of German cuisine, music and auction. This event raises funds for student scholarships and the Harriet Myer Student Emergency Fund.

More than 200 Jackson College employees head out of their classrooms and offices to serve our communities.

Helping in local schools, humane society and parks, employees are happy to give back.

Dr. Jonathan Curtis ’10 received the first-ever Second Lt. Zenneth Pond Soaring Young Alumni Award, honoring excellence and leadership in an alumnus aged 35 and younger.

Jackson College offered two commencement ceremonies in spring to accommodate all graduates and their families! An estimated 280 graduates participated in commencement in April.

The Dr. Ethelene Jones Crockett Distinguished Alumni Award honors an alumnus who has gone above and beyond in their career and community. The 2019 Crockett Award recipient is Dr. Frederic Slete ’78.

SEPTEMBER

Negotiating teams for the faculty and the College reached an agreement on the faculty labor agreement more than a month before the expiration of its previous labor contract, marking the first time this has happened.

Sen. Mike Shirkey received the Distinguished Service Award.

Because of growing interest in competitive video gaming, the College launched esports as a Jets athletic team. Esports describes the world of competitive, organized video gaming. A new esports arena is taking shape in the Jets Hangar.

Children and families wore their Halloween costumes for the sixth annual Spooktacular! More than 3,000 people took part, trick-ortreating through campus buildings.

A new choral group, Vocal Point, made its debut with the Jackson Chorale. Vocal Point is comprised of 20 students under the direction of instructor Dr. Richard Hintze, who joins the music faculty this year.

Jackson College celebrates the opening of the Jets Trail fitness and walking path.

(See related story on page 7).

Connecting with the downtown community, the College began offering classes at Jackson’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Center.

NOVEMBER Jackson College invited to be part of the League of Innovation in the Community College Board of Directors. (See related story on page 1).

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WE ARE JACKSON COLLEGE

Choate lauded for teaching Assistant Professor Larry Choate knows what it’s like to be at the right place at the right time, and the importance of making the right choices to get there.

Choate recognizes the journey many of Jackson College students are on because his career took an unexpected turn. After growing up in Jackson, he began his career building tennis courts and running tracks around the country.

When demand for these projects dwindled, Choate found himself looking for work. He decided to go back to school to continue his education, studying computers.

Then he began teaching classes and has not looked back since!

After teaching 20 years in computer networking, cybersecurity and cloud computing, Choate still learns as much as his students do. “My material changes very frequently, so I continue to take classes myself,” Choate said. His teaching efforts were recognized in 2019 with the J. Ward Preston Outstanding Faculty Award.

Beyond his introductory classes, he guides his students through many hands-on activities where he and students tackle a project together, learning as they go. He invites students to participate in the cyber defense team, which has placed at competitions against two-year and four-year schools.

“Because I teach all the courses of the program, I get to watch the students from the time they come in till they leave, and get to see their progress. That’s very gratifying, I feel like I’m making a difference,” he said. Recognizing that students come from different backgrounds and some face many more hurdles, building trust is essential to his teaching. He strives to be the kind of instructor he would want.

I’m trying to help them learn to teach themselves. This field changes so fast, they will have to know how to teach themselves once they get out of the classroom. If you own your learning, you are going to remember it.”

Marketing student puts skills to work with new store Have you ever had an idea for a business, but weren’t sure how to make it happen?

For Joanne Havican of Parma, the knowledge she gained in a marketing class at Jackson College brought her idea from concept to reality!

With a desire to help her community, Havican imagined a store where people could get what they needed at little to no cost. She enrolled in the Principles of Marketing class to learn more. A final project entails coming up with a business idea and creating a complete marketing plan for that idea.

“I had the idea, but it was one of those things that you have to market to get people to give you the money to make it happen,” Havican said. “We did more things from my marketing class to get money from more areas, which was really exciting.

I had to go and present the idea and my thoughts to a lot of different places and people, and I found someone willing to support it.”

Ashley Campbell

LOCATIONS

“With my understanding of marketing and business, I was able to do what needed to be done,” she said. “Now we’re hoping to expand and find more volunteers.”

Jacoby Anderson

WICKWIRE SCHOLARS The Wickwire Scholarship provides up to $3,000 per academic year for a full-time student who maintains a grade point average of 3.5 or more. It is designed to attract and retain the best and brightest of Jackson College.

ASHLEY CAMPBELL

“My grandfather once gave my mom a wise piece of advice: wherever you go in life, whatever challenges you face, no matter what, you will always have your education.”

That advice rings true today for Jackson College student Ashley Campbell. She is a recipient of the 2019-20 Sterling Wickwire Scholarship.

Now in her fifth semester, she is thankful for the opportunity to complete her education, despite some of the roadblocks she has faced in her life.

She grew up with her mother and little brother.

Her mother – also a graduate of Jackson College – was an inspiration to her and helped instill the value of education.

but he’s persisted and will soon reach his first goal – graduating from Jackson College!

Anderson is a 2019-20 Wickwire Scholarship recipient. Diagnosed with Tourette ’s syndrome when he was young, he grew up struggling with the symptoms and with the reactions of others who didn’t understand the illness.

“It’s most common in young kids. Back then, not as many people understood. I had to always explain about it, why I would hum, shake my head, make noises – the list goes on. Teachers would hold me in at recess thinking I was just trying to be a distraction to other kids,” Anderson said. “It wasn’t easy, but it’s something I learned to live with.”

“So now, with my grandfather’s advice, wherever I go in this life, I will have my education, forever and always,” Campbell said. “Thank you for empowering me with the opportunity that I received from the Jackson College Foundation and their generous scholarship. I am forever grateful for this opportunity and am scheduled to graduate this spring with my Associate of Arts and with the intent to transfer to the University of Michigan.

Thank you.”

While some parts of life were uncontrollable, one thing was constant – academics. “I knew I could always keep my grades up and do well in school,” he said. Despite the challenges he faced, he graduated in the top 25 of his high school class and with a 4.0 grade point average, while playing multiple sports. He came to Jackson to continue playing soccer and to get a good start on his general education credits. He plans to transfer to the University of Michigan.

JACOBY ANDERSON

“I’m thankful to those who have helped students like myself. It really touches my heart and makes me want to give back one day as well,” he said.

Student and soccer player Jacoby Anderson faced interference in his life that could have stopped him,

CAMPUS

Gratis – Latin for “without charge” – offers gently used clothing and home goods at no cost to shoppers. Located at 123 N. Main Street in Parma, it accepts donations in good condition. It is a service of Village Hope Church. Since opening in June, Gratis has provided much-needed help for many, including families of foster children, exchange students, or those in emergencies.

CENTRAL CAMPUS 2111 Emmons Road Jackson, MI 49201 517.787.0800

MAHER CAMPUS 3000 Blake Road Jackson, MI 49201 517.768.7097

DECEMBER 2019

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Adjuncts bring their passion for serving others to the classroom Sharing a message in front of a congregation or teaching a class, three Jackson College adjunct instructors are well versed in both! Three ministers currently teach part-time for the College.

DEL BELCHER III has served as an ordained pastor since 1996 and is currently pastoring Pathway Community Church, PCA, in Brighton. In addition to teaching in the church, he has taught as an adjunct professor at Cornerstone University, Concordia University, and twice at a Bible college in Tyumen, Siberia. He began teaching in the Corrections Education Program a year ago and now teaches a freshman-year seminar course on Central Campus. “If you teach, you are learning.

It’s rewarding to work with students who want to move in the direction of growth themselves.

“Whatever I’m doing, to be able to encourage students in their work, to see them graduate and thrive, that’s tremendously gratifying. Wanting to pass on the blessings of those who have taught me, I just love it.”

EVERETT HENES moved to Hillsdale in 2008 to pastor the new Hillsdale Orthodox Presbyterian Church.

He has worked with college students since his arrival there and considered opportunities to teach. When the opportunity to teach on world

religions and history for Jackson College’s Clyde LeTarte Center came up, he was excited to accept.

“Much of my work as a pastor is teaching, just not in an academic setting. I enjoy delving into the subject matter, particularly my history as well as my religion classes. I enjoy the subject and sharing it with students. Being able to watch the light bulbs go on in the heads of students when they grasp onto an idea and begin to see how things are connected is wonderful. I have really enjoyed teaching Jackson College students.”

ADRIAN ROSA grew up as both a preacher’s kid and a missionary kid. He and his wife have spent much of their lives in ministry and mission work around the world themselves, returning to Jackson County 14 years ago from South Korea to care for his parents, who have since passed away.

Today, Rosa pastors the Hilltop Chapel on M-60 in Concord. At Jackson College, he teaches blended English courses and has taught a basic humanities course, Cultural Connections.

“There’s something about Jackson College. I have been at other junior colleges but they were not that helpful with their adjuncts. Jackson, and in particular the English department, is so helpful, I have found a great camaraderie with them.

“I enjoy the student interaction the best, that is my favorite thing. I like to be in the classroom.”

Jackson College frequently seeks part-time adjunct instructors to teach. Check online at www.jccmi.edu/employment-at-jackson-college/.

Enjoy music, dance, comedy and more with the 2019-2020 season!

AN EVENING WITH NEWSBOYS WITH SPECIAL GUEST ADAM AGEE Jan. 18, 2020 • 7 p.m.

THE GREATEST LOVE OF ALL: TRIBUTE TO WHITNEY HOUSTON Feb. 21, 2020 7 p.m.

BALLET FOLCLÓRICO NACIONAL DE MÉXICO DE SILVIA LOZANO Feb. 28, 2020 7:30 p.m.

FOGHAT March 7, 2020 7 p.m.

JACKSON COLLEGE @ LISD TECH 1376 North Main Street Adrian, MI 49221 517.265.5515

SISTER’S EASTER CATECHISM: WILL MY BUNNY GO TO HEAVEN? March 22, 2020 2 p.m.

Jets Trail makes strides toward health & wellness Caring for the whole student and providing a safe, enjoyable exercise opportunity for all, Jackson College built and dedicated its new Jets Trail fitness and walking path this fall.

This new, 1.25-mile path circles the Central Campus. Walkers and joggers may use the trail to take a break from work or studying, exercise and get fit. The trail features distance markers, water fountains and lighting. The trail is handicapped accessible and open to the public from dawn to dusk.

“One of the things that we look at is the student as a whole person,” said Trustee Vice-Chair John Crist.

“Each student is more than just an educational experience; they need help in many other ways. Providing this fitness trail is one way.”

GET MOVING Jonathan Marowelli, provost and vice president of Jackson Preparatory and Early College, added that some students come from the city where they don’t necessarily feel safe to walk outside. “When they come out here and go on the lighted trail, they know the campus is secure. It gives them an opportunity they haven’t had before.”

Julie Bloomfield is a health coach with the Henry Ford Allegiance Health “It’s Your Life” program.

“Students who are more physically active are more productive.

Employees who exercise regularly are productive employees. You feel better.”

LE CIRQUE ESPRIT’S SPIRIT OF THE MACHINE April 18, 2020 7 p.m.

THE OAK RIDGE BOYS 20/20 TOUR May 8, 2020 7 p.m.

For details and ticket prices call 517.796.8600 or visit www.jccmi.edu/pottercenter.

Purchase 3 or more shows and receive a 10% discount. Discount does not apply to Late Nite Catechism.

LETARTE CENTER 3120 West Carleton Road Hillsdale, MI 49242 517.437.3343

FLIGHT CENTER Reynolds Municipal Airport 3610 Wildwood Jackson, MI 49202 517.787.7012

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DECEMBER 2019

WE ARE JACKSON COLLEGE

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Corporate and Continuing Education Corporate and Continuing Education (CCE) at Jackson College is pleased to provide high-quality training programs. We will also work with employers to develop necessary trainings to meet demands.

CCE REDUCED-TUITION COURSES A limited number of reserved seats, at a reduced price, in credit-bearing classes.

Receive a certificate of completion after successfully finishing course.

• CE-105: Blueprint Reading, $360.56 – Starts March 16, 2020

COURSES OFFERED IN WINTER 2020 Teacher Education - State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs), previously known as Continuing Education Units for Michigan K-12 certification renewal.

Real Estate Online - CCE partners with Career WebSchool to offer quality Pre License, Broker Pre License, and Continuing Education Courses.

Advanced Truck Driver Training - Students are prepared to take the State of Michigan Skills Test to obtain a CDL License.

• CCE-110: Mig/Tig Welding, $590.25 – Starts March 16, 2020 • CCE-115: GD&T, $315.38 – Starts March 16, 2020 • CCE-119: Introduction to Electrical Systems, $360.56 – Starts January 13, 2020 • CCE-172: Materials/Metallurgy, $240.38 – Starts March 16, 2020 • CCE-221: Industrial Motion Control, $422.06 – Starts March 16, 2020

Online Trainings - CCE offers a robust catalog of online courses, from family learning to workforce training and more.

Six-week classes start every month. Cost per class starts at just $119.

For complete information or to register online, visit www.jccmi.edu/cce or call 517.796.8610.

Tips to finance a college education Going to college doesn’t have to be scary, for students or parents & family! Here are a few tips to take the fright out of becoming a freshman!

PAYING WITHOUT PANIC For most students and families thinking about a college, the No. 1 question is figuring out how to pay for it!

Don’t buy into these common misconceptions: • “I can’t afford it.”

• “I have to break the bank to do this.”

• “I will have to go without necessities to do this, or cut corners.”

Financing a college education can seem daunting, but fear not – financial aid is available.

Many students at Jackson College are eligible for financial aid:

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% of all students receive grants or scholarship aid;

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% of Jackson College students receive Pell Grants, money for an education that doesn’t have to be paid back;

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% of students take out student loans, money that does have to be paid back, with interest.

In addition to grants, loans and scholarships, students can earn while they learn through college work-study jobs that provide part-time campus employment.

The first step to financial aid is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, found online at fafsa.ed.gov.

Remember to complete the FAFSA for every year enrolled. That will provide an estimated family contribution, along with any financial aid package, depending on eligibility. With that information, the cost of education becomes much clearer. Jackson College offers payment plans that can break down the cost to make it more manageable.

“Start the process early and ask questions of professionals in that subject area,” said Andrew Spohn, director of financial aid. Be sure to file early – the FAFSA opens Oct. 1 of every year

– and fill it out completely, answering all questions.

Make sure name and address match those on income tax forms so that FAFSA may link to an IRS data retrieval tool. Also, be sure to have an FSA (Federal Student Aid) ID and password for both student and parent (if applicable). “Respond to any requests of the institution in a timely fashion. If you want assistance, contact us and set up an appointment. We are here to help!”

While understanding financial aid is important, some may wonder if college is worth it. Melissa Merkel, director of Jackson College’s TRIO Student Support Services program, answers this question often from students and families unsure about this new pursuit.

“We always explain, your education will take you places and it will open up doors for you, and it is something that no one can ever take away from you,” Merkel said.

More learning equals more earning!

In return for their investment, students will receive a stream of higher future earnings that will continue to grow throughout their working lives. For example, the average JC associate degree graduate from 2017-18 will see an increase in earnings of $8,900 each year compared to a person with a high school diploma or equivalent working in Michigan. Over a working lifetime, the benefits of the associate degree over a high school diploma can equate to hundreds of thousands of dollars!

Soccer’s Bulley recognized as Coach of the Year Jets men’s soccer recorded its first-ever MCCAA Conference Championship this 2019 season, netting coach Dan Bulley honors for All-MCCAA Coach of the Year for 2019.

The Jets finished the season with a 6-2 conference record, conceding only 8 goals with the best defensive record in the league, led by Captain Alec Carroll. They lost a heart breaker in double overtime in the NJCAA Region XII Division 1 Men’s Soccer Tournament, 1-0. “That saw the end of what was, overall, a good season for us,” Bulley said. The team had an 8-6 overall record.

“It is an honor to be named coach of the year, but this doesn’t come about unless you have a great assistant and a group of players who are willing to run through walls for the program and for each other to achieve our goals. I was proud of how the guys rallied around each other this season.”

Bulley has coached the Jets men’s soccer team since 2016. Before that, he was the men’s soccer head coach at Olivet College in Olivet, Mich., for three seasons, and spent three seasons as an assistant men’s coach at Western Michigan University. A native of Exeter, England, he played Div. 1 soccer at the University of Buffalo from 2007-09, where he was a two-time All-MAC (Mid-American Conference) selection, leading Buffalo in scoring each year and the entire MAC conference in 2007-08. He also played for Great Britain in Thailand (2007) and Serbia (2009). He also played for professional clubs Yeovil Town (2001-2002) and Plymouth Argyle (2002-2004).

He also operates Dan Bulley Soccer School.