Launch Magazine Summer 2021

Launch A Washtenaw Community College Publication | Summer 2021

Inside

From WCC Graduate to Award-Winning Producer page 4

Social Worker Credits WCC for Career Success page 6

Parents’ Perspective: Scholarships Help Siblings Pursue Their Goals page 14

10 | PROGRAM SPOTLIGHTS

Photo: Will Glover, Associate Producer, DPTV

What do you call someone who went to WCC?

Producer.

Social Worker.

Meet some of WCC's successful alumni inside.

LAUNCH SUMMER 2021

In This Issue 4

6

From WCC Graduate to AwardWinning Producer There’s probably no one better equipped to tell the story of what it takes to achieve a rewarding career than Washtenaw Community College alumnus Will Glover.

Social Worker Credits WCC for Career Success It was a winding road with some fits and starts that took Nicholas Ochal to the career in social work that he enjoys today.

Greetings: If you are like me, it’s encouraging and gratifying to write a letter that talks about summer. In this case, Washtenaw Community College’s Summer semester class offerings.

In this issue of Launch, you will find valuable information on classes the college will be offering in the Summer term--classes that can lead to a life changing experience for you--just as it did for two former students who took advantage of a WCC education to land meaningful and rewarding careers.

Will Glover realized a dream about one day going into film as a career by earning an associate degree in Digital Video Production.

I had the pleasure of meeting Will during an interview he produced for Detroit Public Television (DPTV). After earning his degree at WCC, he was hired by DPTV where he recently won an award from the Society of Professional Journalists, Detroit Chapter, for Excellence in Journalism for Community/Local News Reporting.

Congratulations, Will.

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10

14

2021 Programs

Program Spotlights 10..... Human Services 12..... Digital Video Production

Parents’ Perspective: Scholarships Help Siblings Pursue Their Goals Publisher . . . . . . . . . Rose B. Bellanca, Ed.D.

President, Washtenaw Community College

Executive Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lori Mouton

Chief Communications Officer Vice President, PR & Marketing

Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Colleen Villa Director of Marketing

Graphic Designer . . . . . . . Mandy McCarthy Web Designer . . . . . . . . . . . Sonya McDowell Writers . . . . . . . . . Rich Rezler, Brian Malone 2 | Launch Summer 2021

You’ll also meet Nicholas Ochal. Nicholas earned an Associate of Arts in Human Services from WCC in 2012. After that, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University and, later, a Master’s Degree in Social Work & Executive Management of Human Services from the University of Michigan.

Nicholas is now a clinical coordinator at Beginning Step, a substance abuse center in Westland.

We are proud of both of these former students and of the thousands of others who have started their career paths at WCC. With warm regard, and gratitude,

Rose B. Bellanca, Ed.D. President, Washtenaw Community College

RECONNECT AT WCC GET YOUR DEGREE TUITIONFREE.

Now is the time for Michigan residents over the age of 25 to attend college.

Apply today for this new state of Michigan scholarship and make your education dreams a reality!

Join us for information sessions on March 8, 9 and 10.

Learn More at wccnet.edu/reconnect

From WCC Graduate to Award-Winning Producer There’s probably no one better equipped to tell the story of what it takes to achieve a rewarding career than Washtenaw Community College alumnus Will Glover.

T

he 34-year-old Ypsilanti Township resident is an award-winning associate producer for DPTV (Detroit Public Television). But the journey to a full-time job in a profession he loves wasn’t easy.

After about two and half years at Eastern Michigan University, Glover’s education was put on hold after his father’s sudden death.

“I worked in kitchens for several years to start paying a larger-than-expected college debt,” Glover said.

“I was a little skeptical about going back to college,” Glover said. But a film course he had taken years before at EMU had sparked an interest he knew he needed to pursue. So, he enrolled at WCC. He credits Matt Zacharias, Digital Media Arts faculty instructor, for guiding him along the path to his Associate of Arts in Digital Video Production.

“I remember an assignment I worked on when I first went back to WCC,” Glover said. “I got it done but I knew it wasn’t very good. Matt took me aside and told me that we both knew it wasn’t good.

“That’s when he told me that he knew I had it in me to do better work.

Matt played a big part in getting me to where I am today.”

Other Digital Media Arts classes include: Graphic Design Technology; Photography Technology; 3-D Animation and Digital Strategist, among others.

After earning his WCC degree, Glover landed a job at DPTV, assisting line producers, main producers and executive producers with programs on the public TV station.

According to DPTV’s website, Glover, now full-time at the station, won a Society of Professional Journalists Detroit Chapter for Excellence in Journalism Award for Community/Local News reporting in 2019–2020.

The recognition was for his work in producing a segment for the DPTV show “One Detroit.”

Glover hasn’t forgotten his alma mater.

He says he enjoys the opportunity to be a judge for the annual WCC Film Festival.

It’s his way of giving back.

JD Scott Photography

EARN YOUR BACHELOR′S DEGREE START: WCC Associate of Arts, Digital Video Production FINISH: Eastern Michigan University Bachelor of Science, Technology Management

Matt played a big part in getting me to where I am today.”

Matt Zacharias, Digital Media Arts faculty instructor 4 | Launch Summer 2021

Learn more at wccnet.edu/articulation.

WHAT DO YOU CALL SOMEONE WHO WENT TO WCC?

EMPLOYED.

Students work on green screen technique in WCC's digital video production studio.

5

Social Worker Credits WCC for Career Success It was a winding road with some fits and starts that took Nicholas Ochal to the career in social work that he enjoys today.

WHAT DO YOU CALL SOMEONE WHO WENT TO WCC?

EMPLOYED. 6 | Launch Summer 2021

“

I applied to Washtenaw Community College and a four-year institution when I finished at Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor,” Ochal said. “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I ‘grew up,’ but I knew I had to get an education. I started at WCC because it was the less expensive option while I figured out what I wanted to study.”

It was a co-worker who suggested to Ochal that he might want to look into social work as a career.

“I Googled it and it sparked an inner drive that I didn’t have before,” Ochal said. “I re-enrolled at WCC after that year off with a new purpose and ended up graduating with high honors.

Figure it out, he did. The 31-year-old White Lake resident is currently the Clinical Coordinator at Beginning Step, Inc. in Westland, an outpatient substance use disorder treatment program. After earning an Associate of Arts in Human Services degree from WCC, he went on to gain a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University and a master’s from the University of Michigan, both in Social Work.

He is responsible for all of the clinical services, including group therapy and individual counseling, He oversees and guides the work of master-level counselors, making sure they are providing quality and ethical treatment to patients.

“My first semester at WCC didn’t go well,” Ochal recalled. “I stopped attending classes then took another year off to reevaluate why I wanted to go to school.

That’s what’s so important about finding, or creating, your purpose.”

Ochal is quick to credit WCC, its programs and faculty, for much of his success: “WCC is a fantastic college,” he said. “I’ll say nice things about it whenever I can.”

He’s especially grateful to WCC faculty members Kristy Norris (Psychology), Dr. Starr Burke (Behavioral Sciences) and Elisabeth Thoburn (Humanities) – all of whom still teach at the college – for guiding him along the way.

JD Scott Photography

WCC is a fantastic college. I’ll say nice things about it whenever I can.”

“I chose the field of social work because of its dedication to helping society’s most vulnerable people,” he said. “I always knew that when I chose a career, I would want to do something meaningful and make a positive difference in the world.”

EARN YOUR BACHELOR′S DEGREE START: WCC Associate of Arts, Human Services FINISH: Eastern Michigan University or Madonna University, Bachelor of Social Work Learn more at wccnet.edu/articulation.

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SAY HELLO TO A SMARTER SUMMER WITH WCC COURSES

Achieve your college goals.

Learn More!

Visit wccnet.edu/summer21 #1 Online Community College in Michigan Get a university-quality education at an affordable price Over 25 programs you can complete 100% online Sessions begin May 10

QUESTIONS? CONTACT THE STUDENT WELCOME CENTER

734-973-3543

wccnet.edu/studentconnection

Washtenaw Community College does not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other protected status in its programs and activities. The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies: Executive Vice President of Student & Academic Services, SC 247, 734-973-3536.

8 | Launch Summer 2021

go2wcc@wccnet.edu

Facility access inquiries: Associate V.P. of Facilities, Development & Operations, PO 112, 734-677-5322 If you have a disability and require accommodation to participate in this event, contact Learning Support Services at 734973-3342 to request accommodations at least 72 hours in advance. © 2021 Washtenaw Community College

WCC has programs you want!

With more than 130 different programs of study, it’s easy to get an associate degree and transfer to a four-year college, train for a career you can start right away, or earn a certificate to advance in your job.

Visit wccnet.edu/programs for the full list of programs and to learn more.

BROADCAST, COMMUNICATION, VISUAL, DIGITAL & FINE ARTS BROADCAST MEDIA ARTS Audio Production and Engineering Broadcast Media Arts Journalism Technical Communication

DIGITAL ARTS

3D Animation Animation for Film and Broadcast Animation for Game Art Client-side Web Developer Digital Strategist Digital Video Production Interface Designer Server-side Web Developer User Experience Designer Web Design and Development

FINE ARTS

Film Studies Fine Arts Global Studies Liberal Arts Transfer

VISUAL ARTS

Graphic Design Photographic Imaging Photographic Technology

BUSINESS BUSINESS

Accounting Accounting for Business Administrative Assistant Applied Data Science Business Administration—Transfer Business Enterprise Business Office Administration Computer Software Applications Core Business Skills Digital Business Marketing and Sales Entrepreneurship & Innovation

BUSINESS, CONT. Human Resources Management Management Occupational Studies Retail Operations or Management Supply Chain Operations or Management

GENERAL STUDIES General Studies— Transfer Pathway General Studies— Employment Pathway

HEALTH SCIENCES DENTAL

Dental Assisting

IMAGING

Computed Tomography (CT) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Mammography Radiography

NURSING

Nursing Assistant LPN to RN RN

OTHER PROGRAMS

Health Care Foundations Health Program Preparation Medical Assisting Medical Billing and Coding Physical Therapist Assistant Sterile Processing Surgical Technology

HUMAN SERVICES, PRE-EDUCATION & PUBLIC SAFETY HUMAN SERVICES Addiction Studies Human Services

WCC also offers an English as a Second Language (ESL) certificate for international students in preparation for a college degree in the U.S. Programs available as of publication date. Consult wccnet.edu/programs for the latest information.

PRE-EDUCATION

Child Development Early Childhood Education Elementary Education Secondary Education

PUBLIC SAFETY

Criminal Justice Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement Paralegal Studies/Pre-Law Police Academy

MANUFACTURING & AUTOMOTIVE AUTOMOTIVE

Auto Body Repair Automotive Cybersecurity Automotive Services Automotive Test Technician Custom Auto Body Fabrication and Chassis Design Motorcycle Service Technology Powertrain Development Technician Transportation Technologies

MANUFACTURING

Advanced Machine Tool Programming Engineering Technology— Manufacturing Fluid Power Industrial Electronics Technology Machine Tool Setup, Operation and Programming Mechatronics Welding and Fabrication

SCIENCE, COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH

COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY, CONT. Cybersecurity Foundations of Information Systems Information Systems: Programming in C++ Linux/UNIX Systems Programming in Java Web Database Programming Professional

ENGINEERING

Engineering and Design Technology Pre-Engineering Science Transfer

MATH AND SCIENCE

Environmental Science Exercise Science General Studies in Math and Natural Sciences Math and Science Biology Chemistry Mathematics

SKILLED TRADES & CONSTRUCTION Construction Construction Supervision/ Management HVACR Welding

APPRENTICESHIP & UNION TRADES

Apprenticeship Completion Construction Supervision Industrial Training Ironworkers Pre-Apprenticeship Journeyman Industrial Occupational Studies

COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY

C++ Programming Computer Networking Computer Software Applications Computer Systems Technology

To learn more about our Student Success Guarantee, visit wccnet.edu/guarantee.

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Program Spotlight: Human Services (AAHUST)

Be a Champion for Mental Wellness As a human services worker, you’ll help people cope with issues that keep them from being the best version of themselves. Working in a mental health clinic, school, hospital, addiction recovery center and other settings, you will counsel people, teaching them skills and techniques to improve their lives. You may even diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional health issues.

DID YOU KNOW?

WCC is one of the only community colleges in Michigan offering an Addiction Studies postassociate certificate. This certificate can be applied toward becoming a Certified Alcohol and Drug (CADC) counselor. Most courses are offered online so they can be completed remotely and while working in the field.

EARNING POTENTIAL Mental Health and Substance Abuse Worker NEW WORKERS

PER YEAR

Generally start around

Normal pay is

$33,092

$50,210 PER YEAR

$71k $61k $50k $40k $33k

Learn more at wccnet.edu/cpas.

MICHIGAN NUMBERS

10th*

Median salary source: wccnet.emsicc.com

10 | Launch Summer 2021

50th

Pay percentile

CURRENTLY EMPLOYED MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SOCIAL WORKERS

4,258

25th

JOB OPENINGS

472

75th

90th

Program Spotlight: Human Services (AAHUST)

HUMAN SERVICES (AAHUST) Program Description As society’s needs grow, so does the search for dedicated workers in the field of human services.

In the Associate of Arts in Human Services program you will learn to work with individuals and groups to help them cope with life’s struggles.

Looking to earn your bachelor’s degree? WCC’s program directly transfers to the Bachelor of Social Work program at Eastern Michigan University and Madonna University through special articulation agreements. Learn more at wccnet.edu/articulation.

For more information, visit wccnet.edu/aahust.

Jobs in Human Services JOB

MEDIAN SALARY

JOB GROWTH*

ENTRY-LEVEL DEGREE REQUIRED

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder & Mental Health Counselors

$46,240

25% (much faster than average)

AA + Transfer

Marriage and Family Therapists

$49,610

22% (much faster than average)

AA + Transfer

Social Workers

$50,470

13% (much faster than average)

AA + Transfer

Social and Community Service Managers

$67,150

17% (much faster than average)

AA + Transfer

Psychologists

$80,370

3% (as fast as average)

AA + Transfer + Master’s degree

*Job outlook through 2029, U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, bls.gov.

Salary and employment source: wccnet.emsicc.com

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Program Spotlight: Digital Video Production (AADVP)

May the Video Be with You Want to get into a high demand, highly creative field? Consider the fast-growing field of digital video production.

From TikTok creators to the film crew of Star Wars, video producers are needed for today’s world of everincreasing video consumption. Working in an office, television studio or on location, you’ll apply your screenwriting, cinematography, lighting and other skills to develop engaging stories to share with the world.

Interested in a bachelor’s degree? WCC’s Digital Video Production Associate of Arts degree transfers seamlessly to Eastern Michigan University’s Technology Management Bachelor of Science program. Learn more at wccnet.edu/articulation.

EARNING POTENTIAL Producer NEW WORKERS

PER YEAR

Generally start around

Normal pay is

$29,395

$56,641 PER YEAR

$114k $77k $57k $41k $29k

10th

25th

50th

MICHIGAN NUMBERS CURRENTLY EMPLOYED PRODUCERS

2,535

Median salary source: wccnet.emsicc.com

12 | Launch Summer 2021

JOB OPENINGS

270

75th

90th

Program Spotlight: Digital Video Production (AADVP)

DIGITAL VIDEO PRODUCTION (AADVP) Program Description The Associate of Arts in Digital Video Production program provides students with specialized training to develop proficiency in advanced and professional video production. Students will learn to develop video content covering all facets of pre-production, production and post-production. Courses include: cinematography, editing, green screen, documentary, commercial, screenwriting, lighting, production of fictional works and the creation of video graphics using state-of-the-art technology and software.

After completion of the degree, students will be prepared to follow a professional career path in production. This includes areas such as: entertainment, business, education, journalism and corporate communications.

For more information, visit wccnet.edu/aadvp.

Top Jobs in Film and Video JOB

MEDIAN SALARY

JOB GROWTH*

ENTRY-LEVEL DEGREE REQUIRED

Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians

$45,510

9% (much faster than average)

AA + Transfer

Film and Video Editors

$59,810

18% (much faster than average)

AA + Transfer

Producers and Directors

$74,420

10% (much faster than average)

AA + Transfer

Multimedia Artists and Animators

$75,270

4% (as fast as average)

AA + Transfer

*Job outlook through 2029, U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, bls.gov.

Salary and employment source: wccnet.emsicc.com

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Scholarships Help Siblings Pursue Their Goals Zoe, Christopher and Anna Garguilo

Parents’ Perspective

Free Money to Pay for College WCC has thousands of scholarships to help eligible students pay for college.

• WCC Foundation scholarships • High School Honors scholarships • Divisional scholarships • STEM Scholars program • Student Resource Center scholarships • WCC Children’s Center scholarships • Morse B. Barker Memorial scholarships • Learning Disability Association scholarships • Emeritus scholarships

Learn more at wccnet.edu/scholarships.

14 | Launch Summer 2021

Having three children – Anna, Christopher and Zoe – enroll at Washtenaw Community College simultaneously was an exciting time for the Gargiulo family. It was also a financial concern for their parents, Laura and Peter Gargiulo.

The abundance of scholarships available at WCC eased that concern.

with the President’s Honor Scholarship and the Procassini Honor Scholarship.*

The trio of 19-year-old Gargiulo children, three of the family’s four surviving quintuplets, came to WCC planning to transfer to four-year universities.

Anna is studying Secondary Education, Christopher is focused on Cybersecurity and Zoe is following a Math and Science transfer degree program.

Those scholarships provided more than a $3,000 financial reward, Laura Gargiulo said.

While starting their academic journeys at WCC was a financial decision in itself, Laura Gargiulo said she also encouraged her children to apply for “everything they were eligible for.” They each received multiple scholarships, which “makes the possibility of attending a four-year university after finishing at WCC a definite possibility.”

WCC offers many scholarships, some based on financial need, some on merit, and some combining both criteria. A full list is available at wccnet.edu/scholarships.

All three Gargiulo children earned an Excellence Scholarship from WCC, one of three types of scholarships available to graduating high school students along

Laura Gargiulo believes all families should encourage their children to apply for every scholarship available to them.

“I firmly believe that applying for and getting the Excellence Scholarship boosted my children’s self-confidence,” she said. “I knew they were worthy, but having the school acknowledge their hard work in high school helped them to see it, as well.”

- Laura Garguilo, mom “As I tell my children over and over, ‘You never know until you try and if you don’t try, you absolutely won’t succeed,’” she said. “The application process is a little work, and approaching teachers and employers for letters of recommendation might be difficult, but it is a worthwhile growing experience.”

*T he President's and Procassini Scholarships are open to students who attend a Washtenaw County public high school. The deadline to apply for these scholarships is March 15, 2021.

Register Now for Summer and Fall!

Summer Classes Begin May 10, 2021 Fall Classes Begin August 30, 2021

How To Get Started At WCC

Important Dates:

Apply to WCC. It’s free!

March 10

Summer and Fall Registration Begins for Continuing Students

wccnet.edu/apply

March 11

Summer and Fall Registration Begins for New Students

Applying is free and only takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Complete items on your personal checklist

We’ll call within three days of receiving your application to walk you through each item.

wccnet.edu/orientation

Meet with an academic advisor

WCC advisors can help you with determining your major, class selection and degree planning. Schedule your appointment today.

Call 734-677-5102 or contact the Student Welcome Team.

wccnet.edu/advising

Course Schedule

Search and register for classes using keywords such as a subject, class name, instructor name, class number, or Course Reference Number (CRN). Other tools help you find classes by subject, location, time of day, days of the week, and type of class.

May 10 Summer Semester Begins May 24 Summer Session II Begins May 31 Memorial Day; College Closed June 22 Summer Session III Begins July 4–5

Independence Day Observed; College Closed

August 2 Summer Semester Ends August 30 Fall Semester Begins September 22 Fall Session II Begins October 6 Fall Session III Begins October 23 Fall Session IV Begins

Student Welcome Team

Online classes are available on-demand or in a virtual classroom format. Mixed-mode classes are a combination of online instruction and on-campus lab time.

Need help? Call 734-973-3543 M–Th: 8 a.m.–7 p.m.

Fri: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sat: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

wccnet.edu/schedule

wccnet.edu/studentconnection

Pay for school

There are many ways to pay for school—financial aid, scholarships and payment plans. Visit wccnet.edu/pay for more details.

wccnet.edu/pay

Tips To Help You Register!

Log into wccnet.edu/mywcc, click on Student Services, then Registration. You will be able to: • Check your Course Prerequisites • See if there are any Holds on your account • Register for classes

wccnet.edu/mywcc

wccnet.edu WCC Board of Trustees Mr. William G. Milliken Jr., Board Chair Ms. Angela Davis, Vice Chair Mr. David DeVarti, Treasurer Ms. Ruth A. Hatcher, Secretary Ms. Christina M. H. Fleming, Trustee Dr. Richard J. Landau, Trustee Ms. Diana McKnight-Morton, Trustee Rose B. Bellanca, Ed.D., WCC President 15

4800 E. Huron River Drive Ann Arbor, MI 48105-4800

NONPROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID ANN ARBOR, MI PERMIT NO.28

What do you call someone who went to WCC?

Doctor.

Apply today at wccnet.edu.

Dr. Allison Fox, MD, WCC Graduate Opthalmology Resident, Indiana University School of Medicine

Copyright © 2021 Washtenaw Community College. All rights reserved. No part of the material printed may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage retrieval system without the permission of the publisher.

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