We Are Jackson College - March 2020

CENTRAL CAMPUS / JACKSON

MARCH 2020 / VOLUME 2 / ISSUE 2

Hometown boys together again Sharing the stories of Jacksonians who have helped shape American history, the Jackson College Heritage Center students contribute time and talent to their community.

Over the past 12 years, Heritage Center students have contributed well over 20,000 service hours, working to save the community’s unique stories. Projects are shared with the community either in a museum or art displays, films, quilts or booklets, throughout Jackson, Adrian and Hillsdale counties. Participants in each project learn the importance of contributing to something greater than themselves, something for the greater good.

For student Dameon Rhoads, the Heritage Center’s work with veterans is important. “I’ve learned a lot about the impact that remembering people’s stories can have. To recall their stories really moves people,” he said.

The latest exhibit, at the Jackson County Airport, shares the story of JJC alums William Maher, Elwood Bailey and Zenneth Pond’s unique friendship.

The three friends were pioneers in the early aviation field and were taught to fly by one of Jackson Junior College’s champions, Frank Dove. Their second home was Reynolds Field, where they practiced aerobatics and dead-stick landings over Jackson. All found their way to the World War II battlefield; two lost their lives over the Pacific, and one spent a lifetime trying to bring his two friends “home.”

The manager of the Jackson County Airport, Juan Zapata, asked the Heritage Center to display two oversized genealogy quilts and an oversized art mural, each paying tribute to Pond and Bailey, in the airport lobby, further sharing the stories of these American heroes.

Students added a threepanel display highlighting JJC’s gold-star alumni from WWII. Student Elizabeth Storey (pictured at right) brings her own talents to the airport project. She created 3-D cutouts of Maher, Bailey and Pond to add dimension to the display.

“Since I became involved, I’ve incorporated both my writing and my creativity, allowing me to pull pieces of me into the project.”

About 30 students are involved in the Heritage Center and its projects.

“We’re like a family at the Heritage Center,” said student Abigail Frew.

“We support each other; we have fun working on projects and working in our community.”

There is no admission charge and all are welcome to stop and view the display daily from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the terminal building.

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WE ARE JACKSON COLLEGE

Casting Call opens doors for marketing Jackson College First came the open signup and snapshots. Then came the interview and video shoot. For 15 Jackson College students, persisting through this process means becoming the face of Jackson College!

Seeking success for each student Reflection or reflective practice is always a worthwhile endeavor. Behavioralists, psychologists, and even spiritual leaders note the value of undertaking this kind of interior work with some regularity.

In fall, Jackson College’s Marketing & Communications Office put out a Casting Call for students interested in appearing in photos, videos, advertisements and more throughout the year. Jackson College has long sought out its own students in its promotion and advertising.

The Casting Call was an idea brought back by a staff member from a National Council for Marketing & Public Relations conference to create a pool of students to assist with marketing efforts throughout the year.

As an innovative institution, we at Jackson College are always pausing to think about the “why” of our work. Our commitment is to our students’ success, in all its forms. We want to see each student reach their goals - the graduation ceremony being the most visible example of their achievement. However, our “why” goes beyond this grand occasion. Our “why” includes the opportunity to develop the whole student, to encourage their continuing growth, to advance their livelihood, and to inspire them to be a good and responsible citizen of these United States.

In particular, we promote civility, respect, kindness, responsibility, and acceptance of all people. Today, however, it is difficult to cultivate wanting our best for learners when much of what we see is antithetical to these and other virtues. For example, some of our students arrive at our college from difficult home environments, financial limitations, or other difficult hurdles. For others, they experience hurtful and harsh language in social media, traditional news outlets, or by hearing or observing the unkind behaviors of others. Still, our mission remains clear: we inspire and transform lives – more important now, than ever before.

To be sure, student success is not only our focus, but it is also our North Star.

Our employees provide exemplary customer service, outstanding teaching, and caring communication to ensure we are doing all we can for our students. We recognize the challenges our students face and have launched many resources to help: a college food pantry, health clinic, Oasis Center (behavioral health clinic), dental hygiene clinic, Jackets for Jets clothing closet, Harriet Myer Student Emergency Fund and more. We also have a full complement of student success navigators who are our first line of assistance when students need help – I am indebted to them for the good work they do in the service of others.

Creating a more civil society starts with each of us – every day. Let’s remember the excellent accomplishments among us, and offer a helping hand to those who are struggling. At Jackson College, we recognize that we must educate the whole, unique student in our communities; an effort that begins with taking the higher road, along with treating each person with the respect and dignity they deserve. Our future is too important not to do so. Let us all engage in this critical, essential and noble leadership.

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

“It’s always challenging to find the right mix of students who best represent the personality of the college in a way that speaks to prospective students, alumni, donors, elected officials and other constituents,” said Abbie Stein, graphic designer. “Casting Call allows us to use our own students and their stories to represent who we are. It gives us a lot of creative opportunities. The students literally were lining up to be part of the experience. They want their stories to be heard just as much as we want to hear them!”

Working with the Casting Call students has been a learning experience to understand who they are and how they came to Jackson College.

Do you think you can be the face of Jackson College with Casting Call? Future students should look for Marketing Office staff at Welcome Week events.

MARCH 2020

Student who loved math remembered with scholarship S

tudent Megan Tipton wanted to become a mathematics professor one day. Sadly her days were cut short when an unexpected medical condition took her life.

“She was very approachable. Megan might have been a bit wild and crazy, but she was someone you could always approach,” said husband, Jon Rowland.

Family and friends recall Megan as someone full of life who loved to help others. She and her husband, Jon Rowland, met at the cult classic “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” which became a special memory they would hold onto. Jon and Megan were married for eight years. After Jon found a steady job, Megan decided to return to college and finish her degree. Her first math class with Professor Mona Baarson turned out to be a pleasant surprise.

REMEMBERING MEGAN

“She came in saying, ‘I can’t do math,’” Baarson said. “Then she got her first test back and she aced it. She said, ‘I love this stuff. I want to be like you when I grow up.’ She said she’d love to teach and help people with math because she didn’t think at first, she could do this.”

Tipton became a math tutor and supplemental instruction (SI) leader at Jackson College, offering help to fellow students. She went above and beyond, always glad to help, even on her own time.

“Megan was probably the most responsible SI leader we’ve ever had. She just loved helping students; I think she would have done that job for free,” said Terry Anderson, a supplemental support specialist who oversees the SI program.

“She would always volunteer for panels and everything else we needed the SIs to help with,” said instructor Allison Price.

Jackson College earns

Military Friendly® Designated Status Building its record of outstanding service to military-connected students, Jackson College has been recognized again with Military Friendly® – Designated Status.

This is the second year that Jackson College has achieved the Military Friendly® designation

by VIQTORY. This national recognition measures an organization’s commitment, effort and success in creating sustainable and meaningful opportunities for the military community. It builds on the College’s recognition by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency with Gold Status for three years.

“This aligns with our College’s continued forward movement. We are continuously

On a very cold January day in 2019, Megan unexpectedly suffered a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot from her leg that traveled to her lungs and took her life. The news shocked and saddened family, faculty and friends.

To remember Megan, who gave so much of herself to help others and wanted to teach one day, math faculty, her husband and the Jackson College Foundation have launched a new scholarship fund. “It was very sad. We wanted to start a scholarship to remember her by,” Baarson said.

The Megan Tipton Memorial Scholarship offers a $1,000 annual award. The scholarship assists students who want to become educators, and current or former tutors or SI leaders who meet minimum grade point requirements.

At Halloween time, Rowland and the math faculty put on a memorial movie night with “Rocky Horror Picture Show” in the Jets Hangar, accepting donations to benefit the scholarship fund. They plan to continue this annually.

In addition, a memorial tree has been planted in the atrium of the W.J. Maher Campus.

“It’s been a big help,” Rowland says of the scholarship and the tree planting. “She would be happy to know that she is still helping others.”

trying to improve and reach new heights,” said Randall Locke, Jackson College’s Veteran resource representative. “We want constant improvement to be our focus, and we are refining our processes and capabilities that we have to offer our student veterans.”

UNDERSTANDING MILITARYCONNECTED STUDENTS The College’s Veterans Resource Center helps student veterans enroll in their education and find success in their courses. Veterans receive guidance with their education benefits and academic advising while enjoying space where they can connect with others. The College enrolls about 125 military-connected students each year.

Locke is also a student success navigator to all military-connected students. “Many come in simply not knowing about college, and we can explain the expectations and adjustments necessary. Like all the navigators, we’re looking into the future, understanding their bigger picture plans as students and how we can help them reach that next step.”

Locke, a U.S. Marine, understands the unique challenges military-connected students may face. “Veteran students are often dealing with the transition from military service to civilian life. It can take some adjustment,” Locke said.

“We can assist students with that transition.”

Find the Veterans Resource Center in Bert Walker Hall on Central Campus. Check the Jackson College website for more information.

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TRUSTEE PROFILE

Controlling costs priority for trustee Hoffman Born, raised and educated in Jackson County, Philip Hoffman ‘72 cares about the education offered to local students. Serving on the Jackson College Board of Trustees for the past 15 years is his way of giving back.

“I’ve watched our institution evolve educationally over time, from getting my associate (degree), working and serving in our community and now as a board member. I think the education we offer to our Jackson College students is better than it has ever been,” Hoffman said. “We’re all working for the total commitment to student success. It’s not just a saying.”

Keeping college costs down is a top priority for Hoffman. “College expenses for students are out of control. In my view, our No. 1 responsibility is keeping those expenses affordable for students,” he said.

Initiatives such as the use of digital texts through Textbook Zero are moves in the right direction. “If you can’t afford college, you can’t get educated. We’re reaching the tipping point.”

The Board of Trustees welcomes new ideas if they may benefit the students. “No idea is dismissed outrightly. We consider many different things; we can’t make them all happen, but we do our best to be innovative and creative,” Hoffman said.

ABOUT THE TRUSTEE Jackson College made a big difference in Hoffman’s life. He attended Jackson Community College in 1970 after graduating from high school, and he admits he wasn’t the best student at first. A counselor at JCC helped him get serious about college, and he ended up graduating with honors.

He continued his studies at Ferris State University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 1974.

Hoffman began his law enforcement career as a deputy sheriff with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, working from 1974’82. He was elected to office as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives from 1983-’93, and then the Michigan Senate from 1993-’02. He is now retired from a consulting business he owned.

Hoffman urges citizens to contact him and his fellow trustees with questions and concerns. “It’s nice to talk to neighbors about things, but if you want something done, give me a call.”

Information on the College’s Board of Trustees is available on the website, www.jccmi.edu/board-of-trustees/.

Trustee Hoffman can be reached at 517.795.5429.

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WE ARE JACKSON COLLEGE

All-Michigan Academic Team honors two from Jackson College Two students who want to reach and help youth through teaching and ministry are Jackson College’s 2020 Phi Theta Kappa AllMichigan Academic Team honorees!

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the Michigan Community College Association will recognize students Emily Beaman and Amity Zenz in March.

After completing her Associate in Arts, Emily Beaman plans to pursue her secondary education degree in history at Michigan State Emily Beaman University in the fall, and she plans to make history personal and thus more authentic so that students can fully claim their own places in history.

Amity Zenz will pursue a triple major in philosophy, theology, and religious studies at Spring Arbor University after completing her Associate in Arts, with plans to become an ordained children’s pastor. Zenz is a Phi Theta Kappa member, a soprano in the choral group, Vocal Point, and participates in Jackson College Marketing’s Casting Call.

Amity Zenz

Honorees are selected based on their academic achievement, community service and leadership. The All-Michigan Academic Team is a division of the AllUSA Community College Academic AllAmerican Team sponsored annually by Phi Theta Kappa, USA Today and the American Association of Community Colleges.

CAMPUS

LOCATIONS

Phi Theta Kappa helps students find their voice while extending REACH F

inding their voice, connecting with fellow students and learning about leadership.

These are just a few of the benefits that students find when they join the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Jackson College’s Alpha Rho Lambda chapter brings the life-changing benefits and opportunities of PTK membership to students, and they have been recognized for growth! The College has once again received REACH Rewards recognition, which encourages membership by rewarding chapters who meet or exceed 15 percent for their membership rate. In 2019, Jackson’s REACH Rewards was 19.3 percent of eligible students, with about 300 members overall.

PTK is available at all Jackson College campuses, and now, in the Corrections Education Program for incarcerated students.

Members hone their skills in research, writing and service through participation in PTK’s College Projects and Honors in Action projects.

The recent Honors in Action project focused on “Student Voices Matter: Making Big Data’s Use Transparent in Higher Education.”

As a result of their efforts, Jackson College students are helping to re-write the “scripts” that the Institutional Effectiveness office uses when explaining various student surveys so that students better understand the survey and how their information will be used.

CENTRAL CAMPUS 2111 Emmons Road Jackson, MI 49201 517.787.0800

FINDING ONE’S OWN VOICE

“I’ve never done research like this. We had to dive deep and understand the materials and what we were talking about, to put it into action,” said Emily Beaman, chapter president.

Beaman met people from across the state and nation through PTK. “That’s what made me love PTK; I could feel myself growing, learning from other people. I wasn’t aware of how beneficial it was to be part of PTK until I got involved with PTK. I’ve grown in ways I never thought I could.”

Phi Theta Kappa members have the opportunity to participate in leadership activities and may benefit from millions in scholarship funds. They may access $46 million in scholarships — $2 million in competitive scholarships through the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation and more than $44 million in transfer scholarships to over 800 four-year colleges.

“Being an active member opens so many opportunities; the scholarships are just the icing on the cake,” Beaman said.

“I’m happy I was pushed to join. I was OK with following and going along with everyone else before, but I found through PTK that my voice matters.”

Jackson College’s PTK chapter received many awards in recent years and is led by Professor Martha Petry. To learn more, visit the website at www.jccmi.edu/phitheta-kappa.

MAHER CAMPUS 3000 Blake Road Jackson, MI 49201 517.768.7097

MARCH 2020

State works to offer clear pathway for transfer Jackson College joins with community colleges across the state to create easy-to-understand pathways for students transferring credit to a university.

Working to increase degree completion among transfer students, the Michigan Community College Association (MCCA), Michigan Association of State Universities (MASU) and Michigan Independent Colleges and Universities (MICU) have collaborated to simplify the transfer process. In December, the first phase of new statewide transfer agreements, including biology, business, criminal justice, and psychology, gained approval by community colleges and universities from across the state. This allows community college students to apply every credit to four-year universities in these majors.

A new, more user-friendly online option is now available for students who want to transfer their postsecondary education credits from one institution to another. The new website, MiTransfer.org, allows the student to search for courses, view information about the Michigan Transfer Agreement, and link to more information about transferring from and to institutions throughout Michigan.

Jackson College students planning to continue their studies at a university may also take advantage of the Michigan Transfer Agreement, providing transfer of up to 30

Caring for the whole person, College offers a great start Tovah and Nick Sheldon appreciate the start they received at Jackson College.

Tovah knew the College well even before officially enrolling. Her father, Jim Scott, had been a professor and she had audited several courses while still at Lumen Christi High. When she did attend Jackson College, she found faculty who were helpful and caring, going beyond the subject matter to help students find their way in the world.

credits in many general education courses.

Students should meet with a student success navigator and the college they plan to attend to ensure enrollment in courses that will transfer.

Jackson College CCE offers: Advanced Manufacturing FANUC® Robotics This 32-hour certificate course covers the tasks that an entry-level robotics associate needs to set up, record and/or troubleshoot programs on the FANUC Robotics Handling Tool Software Package. Students work with a real, industrial FANUC robot and learn the skills necessary to work in the advanced manufacturing industry. Offered at Jackson Area Career Center; funding possible from Michigan Works! Southeast.

2020 SPRING TRAINING

April 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, & 25 • Friday: 5:45 - 9 p.m.

• Saturday: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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

ALUMNI PROFILE

mechanical engineering, social work, art, English, exercise science and public health.

“These new pre-baccalaureate transfer pathways will be a great resource for students interested in transfer,” said Ashley Van Heest, director of transfer and scheduling. “The alignment between four-year program requirements and two-year course offerings is a critical piece in a successful transfer and one that has sometimes been difficult to navigate. The support of this process at the state level has helped our institutions iron out those challenges, and will mean a smooth road for students.”

Aligning requirements between popular degree programs will ease community college transfers and help more students succeed. Phases 2 & 3 should tentatively be completed this year, and include communication, computer science,

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2020 SUMMER TRAINING

June 15 - 18 & June 22 - 25 • Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

2020 FALL TRAINING

Oct. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, & 17 • Friday: 5:45 - 9 p.m.

• Saturday: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Call Stacy Reese, MWSE, to see if you are eligible; 517.841.5627, ext. 64229.

Training opportunities available in partnership with the Advance Michigan Catalyst, Jackson College, Michigan Works! Southeast, Jackson Area Manufacturers Association, and the Jackson Area Career Center.

LETARTE CENTER 3120 West Carleton Road Hillsdale, MI 49242 517.437.3343

“I had a lot of great professors, sometimes those who already knew me.

I really did not have a professor that I didn’t like. They cared more about the person than the content. They wanted you to be successful not because you’ve memorized some facts, but because you are becoming a better person or citizen.”

She even met her husband, Nick, at Jackson College. Her dad had mentioned him to her after having Nick in class, but the two didn’t come together until a semester later. They started dating, and the rest is history!

Tovah began her career in teaching and today works with the Jackson County Intermediate School District as director of learning services and instruction, where she oversees the professional learning opportunities of county administrators, teachers and educational staff. Nick is a senior meter field reader and manager at Consumers Energy.

“Looking back, I credit Jackson College for the great foundation that pushed me to become the lifelong learner that I am today,” Nick said. “As a member of the community, I will continue to enjoy and support all that Jackson College has to offer.”

The Sheldons love to visit campus often to walk the new fitness trail or play disc golf. “Jackson College has again been a wonderful place for my husband and me, even our kids,” she said. “I think that the campus is not meant to be elite but to be inclusive. I think Jackson College does a really good job of that.”

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

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WE ARE JACKSON COLLEGE

Esports team hits start It’s game on for Jackson College’s new esports team, now in its first season!

The Jets have 16 players on this first-year team, competing in League of Legends and Rocket League. League of Legends is a five-person game so there are two teams, a varsity team and academy team. Rocket League is a three-person game so there are two teams there also.

“I wasn’t sure how many students we would have on campus who were available to play when we started tryouts,” said coach Brad Choate. “But word of mouth got around, and we were able to put together two full rosters for each game. It was a nice surprise to find that many players.”

Team members practice four days a week in the new esports arena in the Jets Hangar. They work on gameplay and mindset for competition and spend three days in the gym improving their physical fitness. Competition has gone well so far. The teams traveled to Grand Rapids for the Grand Rapids Rift Clash at Celebration Cinema, and otherwise are playing their games online. Games are streamed online at the Twitch.tv gaming site for those interested; tune in at www.twitch.tv/jcjets. Twitch has a chat room where fans can cheer online. Games are also broadcasted live on the drop-down screen in the Hangar.

Jackson College initiated an esports team because of a growing interest in competitive

video gaming. Competitors from different teams face off in games that have a specific goal, like winning a championship. The College is part of the NJCAA and participates in the esports division.

“The team has been incredible. I really didn’t know how the chemistry was going to be compared to when I played basketball and football, but these guys have become great friends of mine, which was totally unexpected,” said Addison Whorley. “At the end of the day, I think this program has been a great opportunity and one that I couldn’t pass up.

I can’t wait to see how far we can take it.”

With the growth of esports across the nation, some may still question its status as a sport.

Choate said that you will find the same elements in esports as in traditional sports, such as competition, camaraderie, teamwork, coordination and communication. Esports has a large following, attracting an audience of 380 million people worldwide today.

“The team competition thus far has been really eye-opening. I never thought about how much teamwork, precision and communication is required to play with a team in order to have a good team composition and output,” said team member Dyland Brigham.

Anyone wanting to learn more about esports at Jackson College may contact Brad Choate at BChoate@jccmi.edu or 517.796.8497.

Coaches visit Africa on a goodwill trip for soccer Exemplifying the sportsmanship and character he instills in his players, Jets soccer coach Dan Bulley had a chance to give back in December by helping youngsters in Africa.

Bulley, the owner of Dan Bulley Soccer School and men’s soccer coach for the Jackson College Jets, traveled to Malawi in southeastern Africa. “This is something I have always wanted to do, and it fell at the right place at the right time,” Bulley said. “I have been blessed to travel through soccer, and this is the fourth continent I’ve played or coached on. But this time it was very much about giving back; it was a different experience.”

Bulley and assistant coach Adam Wright took six others, fathers and sons, to the village. Working with a group called Shine On Malawi, they brought soccer uniforms, soccer balls, and instruction. They shared their love of the game with 300 boys and girls ages 11 to 19, stirring excitement among the villagers.

“I think we were all just completely out of our comfort zone, yet comforted by the excitement and gratitude that came from the local people that overcame the challenges we had,” Bulley said. For example, the village did not have running water or plumbing, so there were no restrooms or showers. With no funds to buy soccer balls, villagers had made their own using whatever they could find. Bulley brought 300 soccer balls, one for each child in the camp.

“It was incredible. They don’t have social media or other media, things like X Boxes. They are the purest of people. We knew that the soccer balls would get much use,” he said.

Bulley hopes to continue the relationship with Malawi. He met with sports ministers and government officials while there in hopes of creating an ongoing relationship. “This summer I will be flying out a coach or two so they can continue their education and enable them to go back and teach to the children of Malawi.”

MARCH 2020

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Sportsmanship comes first for Jets athletics Jackson College offers multiple intercollegiate sports teams, the most recent additions being bowling and esports. Coaches and athletics staff work to cultivate strong, competitive teams and much more. Student-athletes are encouraged in their academic studies, with many earning scholar-athlete recognition. They also reach out to their community through community service projects, teaching young athletes at the Jackson YMCA, welcoming special needs children to campus to learn, volunteering at community events or helping clean up area parks.

Meet the coaches for the current sport seasons, and hear what their jobs mean to them…

WALTER PASZKIET golf coach since 2010 “I have always enjoyed coaching young people. I enjoy seeing them grow from their experiences, good and bad; the new friendships they develop and the friendships you make as a coach. I like to see them get a good education at Jackson and then further their education elsewhere.”

JAMIE VANDENBURGH softball coach since 2015 “I enjoy coaching because it gives me the opportunity to facilitate learning experiences for our student-athletes. I enjoy the whole process of recruiting a player to Jackson College, developing their softball knowledge and skills, and helping them recognize their personal strengths and weakness to actively work on being a better person.”

“The best part is seeing them transform over the two years they are here into young adults that adopt and live out our team values. Every season is different, just as every team and individual player is different but feelings of joy from wins and seeing their hard work payoff is the same!”

RICK SMITH baseball coach since 2006 “There is nothing better than seeing players each year improve not only as a player but as a student athlete. I love the teaching portion of coaching and re-loading each year through the recruitment of each incoming class of players.”

“Jackson College has a lot to offer for athletes and is a good stepping stone for players to fulfill their dream of becoming an impact player at the four-year level of play. Our goal as a coaching staff is to give players a memorable experience and to advance them to the next level of play if they chose to do so.”

BRAD CHOATE esports coach since 2019 “A couple things that really stand out for me when it comes to what I enjoy about coaching is first getting to work with our students helping them better themselves as people and players and seeing the growth they experience. The other thing is being able to see them succeed as well as their resiliency and ability to pick themselves up when they have a rough game.”

“In esports I can only do so much to help prepare them for a game or match, but once they start playing everything they do, all the decisions they make, is on them.

And to see them succeed because of what they did to prepare, as well as the decisions they make in a game, is very rewarding.”

Sportsman’s Banquet sees record turnout Jackson College’s 2020 Sportsman’s Banquet hit a home run for Jets athletics and the baseball team! The banquet drew a record crowd of 339 attendees, with 22 table captains and eight table sponsors. “This was the first year the event used an online bidding format and plans are to expand those offerings next year”, said Rick Smith, baseball coach and assistant athletic director. Smith thanks the baseball team for their work on the pre-season raffle ticket sales for an ATV, members of the softball and baseball team, as well as all the College and Jackson College Foundation employees who made this year’s event a success.

New athletic director wants to build consistency, increase outreach Courtney Ivan has a passion for sports and fitness. Both come together in her new job as executive director for athletics and student development at Jackson College.

Ivan most recently worked at Glen Oaks Community College as the athletic and fitness center director and spent time advising students and serving as a student activities coordinator. Originally from Belleville, she is not new to Jackson College, previously coaching women’s basketball and serving as assistant housing director.

“I enjoy working with sports, seeing our players compete, helping them to the next level. I also have a passion for fitness, helping young and old face the struggle, set a goal and succeed. It’s very satisfying,” Ivan said.

Supporting players and coaches and building consistency in Jets athletic programs is important to Ivan in her new role. “My predecessor did a good job, bringing new programs on board. I’d like to continue that success.”

Being a student-athlete goes beyond just participating in one’s sport at Jackson College. Student-athletes are encouraged in their studies, with many student-athletes earning scholar-athlete honors for their success in the classroom. They also complete community service projects to give back to the community that roots for them.

“Jackson College has done some good things with our student-athletes, and we’d like that to continue,” Ivan said. In February, basketball teams played at the Martin Luther King Center in Jackson, collecting funds to go back to the King Center. Recent Pink Out Games raised money for the Jackson YMCA’s Turning Point program, which helps breast cancer survivors.

Supporting successful athletic teams, focusing on the whole student and promoting fitness, Ivan looks forward to the opportunities that await her!

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MARCH 2020

WE ARE JACKSON COLLEGE

Truck driving accelerates opportunities Each day, trucks transport nearly all goods that we use from origin to destination. Get moving toward a great career with a bright future with truck driving.

Jackson College and ABC Training and Testing of Horton offer commercial driver’s license (CDL) training in Jackson County. Students complete a comprehensive driver training program that includes classroom, lab, range, behind-the-wheel instruction and independent study. Classroom work is completed at Jackson Central Campus, and the driving school meets at the Jackson Crossing Mall. Students attend four weeks, Monday-Friday.

The job outlook for heavy equipment and tractor-trailer truck drivers is bright, projected to grow 10 percent to 2028, with Michigan outpacing the nation as a whole in demand for drivers. To become a driver, students must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam. Training prepares students to test for the Michigan class “A” commercial driver’s license (CDL) test, required for commercial heavy truck and tractortrailer drivers.

“There are job openings available,” said Janet Gamet, owner, ABC Training and Testing of Horton. “You’re not limited to over the road trucking, there are many avenues – construction haulers, garbage trucks, or school buses (with testing); there are options.”

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COMING EVENTS MARCH 7 Foghat in concert, 7 p.m.

MARCH 8-15 Mid-Semester Break

MARCH 22 Sister’s Easter Catechism, 2 p.m.

Truck drivers transport goods from one location to another. Some may be required to unload the truck or inspect cargo to be sure it is secured properly. They may record operational and production data, service and repair activities.

“It’s a great program that looks good on a resumé,” Gamet said. “Even if you’re not thinking about being a truck driver, having the CDL license can make you more marketable than the next guy.”

Financial assistance for those who qualify may be available from Michigan Works South East. To learn more, visit www.jccmi.edu/cce.

APRIL 11 Easter Egg Hunt, 10 a.m.

APRIL 15 Registration begins for fall semester, with classes beginning Aug. 31

APRIL 18 Le Cirque Esprit, 7 p.m.

APRIL 19 Jackson Community Concert Band, 3 p.m.

MAY 2 Commencement Ceremonies, 10 a.m. & 2 p.m.

MAY 9 Oak Ridge Boys, 7 p.m.

MAY 18 Spring semester begins.

Registration underway now.

Together we inspire and transform lives.

We Are Jackson College • March 2020 • 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.

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