FUTURE PROOFING THE WORKFORCE
Preparing Students for the Jobs Michigan Needs
Letter from the President
Dear Friends,
For 60 years, Washtenaw Community College has been opening doors to education, opportunity and economic mobility. This edition of Launch celebrates that legacy while looking squarely toward the future.
At WCC, we believe education should do more than respond to today’s needs; it should prepare students for what comes next. That belief drives how we design our programs, invest in cutting-edge facilities and partner with local employers.
From health care, education and public safety to advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies, WCC is helping future-proof the workforce our community depends on.
The stories in this issue reflect that commitment.
You’ll meet alumni who were uncer about their career path and now lead with confidence. You’ll see how appren ticeships help students earn while they learn and build local careers. And you’ll learn how WCC supports veterans as they transition into civilian work.
As we mark six decades of impact, we remain focused on what matters most: access, relevance, and student success. Thank you for being part of the WCC story and the future we are building together.
With gratitude,
Rose B. Bellanca, Ed.D., President Washtenaw Community College
8
60 YEARS OF OPENING DOORS
Six decades of access, impact and possibility.
FUTURE
4 VETERANS PROFILES
PROOFING THE WORKFORCE Skills for today. Careers for tomorrow.
7 FAME
Where learning meets earning.
ALUMNI SUCCESS From classroom to curtain call.
15
10 WHAT DO YOU CALL SOMEONE... Building a leadership career in banking.
12
Serving those who've served our nation.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Christina Fleming, Chair; Angela Davis, Vice Chair; David DeVarti, Treasurer; Ruth A. Hatcher, Secretary; Diana McKnight-Morton; William G. Milliken Jr.; Eileen Peck
ENROLL NOW FOR SUMMER SEMESTER!
Visit wccnet.edu/enroll for the full list of programs and to learn more.
BROADCAST, COMMUNICATION, VISUAL, DIGITAL & FINE ARTS
BROADCAST & COMMUNICATION
Audio Production and Engineering
Broadcast Media Arts
Journalism
Technical Communication
DIGITAL ARTS
3D Animation
Animation for Film and Broadcast
Animation for Game Art
Digital Media Arts
Digital Video Production
VISUAL, FINE & PERFORMING ARTS
Arts Management
Fine and Performing Arts
Global Studies
Graphic Design
Photographic Technology
Photography
BUSINESS
BUSINESS
Accounting
Accounting for Business
Administrative Assistant
Business Administration—
Transfer Pathway
Business Enterprise
Business Office Administration
Computer Software Applications
Core Business Skills
Cultural Resource Management
Digital Business Marketing and Sales
Entrepreneurship
Esports Management
Human Resources
Management
Marketing
Marketing Essentials
Occupational Studies
Retail and Business Operations
Retail Management
Social Media Management
Sports & Entertainment
Management
Supply Chain
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
ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS
Cardiac Telemetry Technician
Health Administration
Health Care Foundations
Health Program Preparation
Medical Assisting
Physical Therapist Assistant
Sterile Processing
Surgical Technology
HUMAN SERVICES, PRE-EDUCATION & PUBLIC SAFETY
HUMAN SERVICES
Human Services
PRE-EDUCATION
Child Development
Early Childhood Education
Elementary Education Transfer
Introduction to Elementary Education
Education Paraprofessional
Secondary Education
PUBLIC SAFETY
Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement
Paralegal Studies/Pre-Law
Police Academy
LIBERAL ARTS TRANSFER
Liberal Arts Transfer
MANUFACTURING, TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGIES, SKILLED TRADES & CONSTRUCTION
TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGIES
Advanced Auto Body Repair
Auto Body Repair
Automotive Cybersecurity
Automotive Services Technician
Automotive Test Technician
Custom Auto Body Fabrication and Chassis Design
EV Safety & Fundamentals
EV Service Technician
Powertrain Development Technician
Transportation Technologies
MANUFACTURING
Advanced Manufacturing (CNC)
Automation Specialist
Industrial Electronics Technology
Engineering Technology
Mechatronics-Robotics and Automated Systems
Robotics Technician
Semiconductor & Battery Manufacturing
SKILLED TRADES & CONSTRUCTION
Construction Management
Construction Supervision
Construction Technology
HVAC
Welding & Fabrication
COMPUTERTECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, & MATH AND SCIENCE
COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY
Computer Networking
Computer Systems Technology
Cybersecurity & Operations
Principles of Cybersecurity
Programming in C++
Programming in Java
ENGINEERING
Engineering & Design Tech
Pre-Engineering Science-Transfer
MATH AND SCIENCE
Environmental Science
Exercise Science
General Studies in Math and
Natural Sciences
Math and Science
Biology/Pre-Medicine
Chemistry/Pre-Medicine Mathematics
Pre-Actuarial Science
Pre-Pharmacy
APPRENTICESHIP & UNION TRADES
Apprenticeship Completion
Construction Supervision
Industrial Training
Ironworkers Pre-Apprenticeship
Journeyman Industrial
100% available online
* Licensed Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse
To learn more about our Student Success Guarantee, visit wccnet.edu/guarantee
WCC’s
superpower is preparing students for
n a rapidly changing economy, Washtenaw Community College has become one of Southeast Michigan’s most important workforce training engines.
The college prepares professionals for careers that remain rooted in the community, such as health care, public safety and education, while also responding to growth in emerging industries like electric vehicles, semiconductors and cybersecurity.
WCC opens doors to opportunity for
Fthriving careers.
all – whether students just out of high school, working adults exploring a new path, or individuals navigating a layoff or career transition.
Its strength lies in an ecosystem of workforce labs, academic programs, and career-ready training designed to help students adapt as industries evolve.
The idea of a single, linear career is quickly fading. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans hold an average of about 12 jobs between ages 18 and 54.
That reality feels especially urgent in Southeast Michigan, where the future of work is being rewritten in real time.
Michigan’s unemployment rate remains among the highest in the country, at about 5%, even as overall job numbers inch upward and demand grows in specific sectors.
WCC is responding with targeted training and education to fuel the talent pipeline.
HEALTH CARE STARTS HERE
rom nursing to radiography to surgical techs and more, health care is one of the fastest job growth sectors, and WCC is stepping up to meet the needs.
Southeast Michigan is projected to see a 12.5% increase in health care jobs through 2032 – growth that translates directly into local opportunity.
WCC radiography student Roy Hart is poised to turn those numbers into reality. After graduating from Ann Arbor’s Huron High School, Hart began his studies at WCC in 2016. He briefly paused his education to care for his father, an
experience that inspired him to pursue a career in health care.
A first-generation college student, Hart chose WCC for its reputation, quality and hands-on training.
“WCC is literally putting me in a future-proof profession,” says Hart, who returned to WCC as a radiography student.
“My skills will make me in demand, and there’s so much room for growth.” He plans to cross-train in MRI and CT imaging and may eventually move into a leadership or administrative role.
WCC IS LITERALLY PUTTING ME IN A FUTURE-PROOF PROFESSION. MY SKILLS WILL MAKE ME IN-DEMAND.
WCC IS RESPONDING TO SHIFTS IN THE JOB MARKET WITH TARGETED TRAINING & SUPPORT.
140+ certificates & degree programs
WCC prepares students for in-demand fields like allied health, education, IT, skilled trades, business and public service –careers essential to Washtenaw County’s long-term vitality.
WCC’s Police Academy is a premier training ground for law enforcement officers throughout the region, with standards that exceed state requirements for instructional and skills-based training.
EV & Battery Lab is training technicians to service hybrid and electric vehicles, helping workers transition into roles created by the shift to electrification.
Health care programs include nursing, radiography, physical therapy assistant, surgical technology, dental assisting, a range of imaging technology certificates and others.
Semiconductor Lab (open by Fall 2026) prepares students for careers in chip manufacturing and advanced electronics that power modern vehicles, medical devices and clean energy systems.
APPRENTICESHIPS:
PPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS OFFER CLEAR ADVANTAGES: STUDENTS GAIN HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE, BUILD TARGETED SKILLS AND CREDENTIALS, AND EARN A PAYCHECK WHILE THEY LEARN. BUT THE BIGGEST BENEFIT IS OFTEN THE MOST PRACTICAL ONE – EMPLOYMENT.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, more than 90 percent of apprentices retain employment after completing their program, often with the same employer who invested in their training.
Industry partnerships like the one with Magna International, a global mobility technology company with operations in Southeast Michigan, continue to grow at WCC.
The Magna Apprenticeship is one of dozens of similar industry partnerships offering paid, hands-on training opportunities for students. WCC is Magna’s only college partner.
Since the program launched in 2019, multiple apprentices have completed the Magna program,
with several more expected to graduate this spring.
“We love working with WCC,” says Toni Jackson, Senior HR Generalist with Magna. “They have customized the classroom training to fit our needs, and they are very easy to work with and are always responsive and supportive of our students.”
The timing couldn’t be better for choosing a career in manufacturing, a field facing increased demand as Baby Boomers retire. National projections estimate as many as 3.8 million new manufacturing jobs will be needed by 2033.
Employment in robotics alone is expected to grow by roughly 10 percent through 2032 – much faster than the average for all occupations.
Andrew Matthews, 33, attended Washtenaw Community College for two years beginning in 2023 as part of the Magna program, earning both an Apprentice Certification and a Robot Technician Certification.
“The program very much helped my understanding of robotics and welding, which helped me perform exceptionally well as an apprentice,” says Matthews (pictured on page 7, lower right) .
WANT TO BE AN APPRENTICE?
Matthews completed his apprenticeship at Magna’s Cosma Body Assembly Michigan facility in New Hudson and now works full time as a Robotic Weld Technician.
Learn more by contacting the WCC Office of Apprenticeship at apprenticeship@wccnet.edu.
LEARNING THAT PAYS OFF
WHILE YOU LEARN
WCC’s Federation of Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) apprenticeship program combines hightech classroom instruction with real-world training for high-demand jobs.
Student apprentices earn an Associate in Applied Science in Mechatronics – Robotics & Automated Systems while completing 1,800+ hours of paid, hands-on training with employers such as Toyota, Moeller Aerospace, Kyocera and other partners.
About 80% of FAME graduates are hired into full-time roles with sponsoring companies.
WCC is home to Michigan’s only FAME chapter, making it a signature workforce pathway.
All FAME Photo credits: J.D. Scott
Andrew Matthews
PhotobyTerry Jacoby
Years of Opening
For 60 years, WCC has opened doors for learners at every stage of life — offering accessible, affordable pathways to new skills, new careers and new beginnings. While the
of
goods has risen significantly, WCC's tuition has kept pace with inflation over 60 years.
Opening Doors
140+
Educational programs today with 49 programs online.
Since 2017, students have saved more than $16 million through WCC's Open Educational Resources program, which offers free alternatives to expensive textbooks. $16.2M
$23M Annual economic impact of trade unions training on the WCC campus
Educational programs in 1966 22 Associate degrees earned since 1966
Trades professionals training at WCC over the past 35 years
74,530
Industry advisory board members guiding skills-based programs 247
Federal, state and industry grants since 2011 to advance Michigan’s mobility workforce
$8.5M
59,127
45,391
44,384 Number of all-time graduates
Certificates earned since 1966
BUILT FOR BUSINESS - AT WORK & AT HOME
For Kaitlin Lesser, her Washtenaw Community College education is on display every day — from the fields of her family farm to the operations floor of a local manufacturing business.
Lesser serves as Director of Administration at Alpha Metal Finishing in Dexter, where she oversees maintenance operations, administrative functions and safety and compliance efforts. The role demands a broad understanding of business operations, problem-solving and professionalism — skills she credits directly to her time at WCC.
Those same skills also support her work closer to home. Lesser plays an active role at Lesser Farms & Orchard, her husband’s family farm in Dexter. There, she applies marketing, sales and business planning strategies to help grow the farm’s beef, chicken and other homegrown product sales.
BACKSTAGE DREAMS TO CENTER STAGE
While many dream of performing under the lights, Lily LaMadline always imagined a role behind the scenes. Today, she brings live events to life as an administration and logistics representative for Live Nation at Fillmore Detroit and Saint Andrews Hall, overseeing financial reporting, hiring, onboarding and event logistics.
LaMadline discovered her path after attending her first concert at 18. In 2017, she enrolled in WCC’s Audio Production & Engineering
Certificate program, drawn to its career-focused approach.
CAREER OUTLOOK
Technicians in broadcast, sound and video earn a median wage of $56,000, and up to $90,000 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Now 29, Lesser attended WCC from 2014 to 2018, earning an Associate in Business, a Certificate of Core Business Skills, and completing the Michigan Transfer Agreement. WCC’s flexible scheduling allowed her to balance classes with fulltime work while gaining real-world experience and confidence.
Inside the classroom, she found instructors who emphasized professionalism and long-term learning — not just passing exams.
“They gave me a strong foundation in marketing and general business practices,” she says. “They really helped me learn how to retain the material.”
CAREER OUTLOOK
A business education can lead to administrative, management and marketing roles, with median wage range of $79,000–$104,000 for managers. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Photo credit: J.D. Scott
BUILT
FOR
VERSATILITY
- READY FOR ANYTHING
For Mathias Donat, no two workdays are alike. One moment he’s supporting families at an estate sale, the next repairing an old tractor, and later he may be on stage in a tuxedo, energizing a crowd of more than 1,000 at a black-tie benefit auction.
A lifelong Saline resident, Donat is an auction manager and auctioneer with Braun & Helmer Auction Service, handling everything from fleet vehicle sales and estate auctions to nonprofit events and school fundraisers.
Donat began working with Braun & Helmer in high school.
Washtenaw Community College’s flexible scheduling allowed him to continue working while earning associate degrees in Business and Liberal Arts, along with certificates in Motorcycle Technology. He later attended auctioneer’s school in Ohio.
BUILT FOR STEM, PREPARED TO TEACH
For Ali Alshaiba, Washtenaw Community College has been a gateway to higher education and renewed purpose. This non-traditional student found a clear path through WCC’s Engineering Transfer program and STEM Scholars.
As a tutor at WCC and mentor for a local high school robotics team, Alshaiba discovered a passion for helping students succeed. He is now double majoring in mathematical sciences and physics at the University of Michigan, with plans
to teach at the college level. He credits WCC’s rigorous coursework, strong transfer pathways and faculty mentorship for his success.
CAREER OUTLOOK
The median wage for possecondary math and physics teachers is $83,000, with a high of over $90,000. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
The mix proved powerful. Acting classes built confidence and stage presence, while hands-on training prepared him for the mechanical realities of auction work.
Though only about 10 percent of his job is spent on stage, the rest requires strategy, marketing, negotiation and empathy, skills Donat credits to WCC. An industry leader, he recently served as president of the Michigan Auctioneers Association and currently chairs its board.
CAREER OUTLOOK
Auctioneers and auction managers earn a median annual wage of about $87,000, with the range depending on niche, leadership role and event value. (PayScale, Glassdoor and industry associations)
FROM SERVICE TO SKILLED TRADES
or Army veteran Conner Wayne Kearns, Washtenaw Community College represents an intentional step forward after military service and a previous college experience.
A current WCC student, Kearns will graduate this spring with a certificate in welding, Auto Body Repair and Automotive Maintenance. He plans to open his own auto body collision-repair shop, combining his business background with the technical skills learned at WCC.
“I’ve made lifelong friends, met instructors who feel like family, and discovered a place where dreams and growth come together with fun and learning,” he says of WCC.
Kearns graduated from Dexter High School in 2013 and served in the U.S. Army Airborne Infantry from 2013 to 2017 with the elite 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team in Vicenza, Italy.
deployed across Europe and beyond, alongside NATO allies and U.S. forces. As a heavy machine gunner and team leader, he was responsible for weapons systems as well as the safety, readiness, and well-being of soldiers under his care.
After his service, Kearns earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from DePaul University before eventually enrolling at WCC — joining the over 7% of WCC students who already hold a bachelor's or higher degree.
“The military provided me with invaluable lessons in discipline, courage, and knowledge,” says Kearns, who lives in Ann Arbor.
During more than four years of service, he trained and
JOHN EGGENBERGER
U.S. Army, 1985–1993, Combat Medic WCC, 2025, Pre-Law & Criminal Justice University of Michigan, 2026, Transfer
“I’m forever grateful for the morals and principles instilled in me, and for the sacrifices of the veterans who paved the way. My service has deepened my love for this country and motivates me daily to be a better husband, father, and man.”
Q&A
Q. What is your career goal?
A. I want to help veterans. My kids ask me, “Dad, you’re retired, why aren’t you watching TV?” For me, it’s about continuing to serve. Many of the issues that lead veterans into legal trouble are connected to PTSD.
Veterans can access treatment through Veterans Treatment Court. I’ve never been in trouble with the law, but I’ve needed resources. I’ve struggled, and now I want to serve in a new way, by helping veterans navigate the legal system and find support.
Q. What are the benefits of WCC?
A. The Wadhams Veterans Center has been incredibly helpful. I didn’t think I had any education benefits left after being out of school for nearly 40 years, but they introduced me to the Chapter 31 Veteran Readiness & Employment program, which supports disabled veterans with education and even business development benefits.
The Writing Center has been a huge resource for class assignments and helping strengthen my résumé. Instructors and access to support have been outstanding.
SMART START
For families navigating what comes next after high school, Washtenaw Community College offers something invaluable — a strong start without compromise. The question often isn’t if college is the right next step, it’s how to make the smartest choice.
Cost, quality and outcomes matter more than ever.
According to a recent American Education survey, community colleges continue to earn higher levels of trust among families for their affordability, flexibility and outcomes. For students and parents, Washtenaw Community College stands out.
AFFORDABILITY
According to a recent national parent-student survey by Advance Education, total cost is the most important factor for families.
Why Washtenaw Community College Makes Sense After High School MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
WCC directly addresses that concern by offering the lowest tuition in Michigan: just $99 per credit for in-district students. Tuition for a full-time student is $2,970 per year compared to more than $14,528 at other 4-year public institutions.
QUALITY
At WCC, students learn in small classes taught by experienced instructors. That means more personalized attention, stronger academic support and direct access to faculty who are focused on teaching and student success.
TRANSFERABILITY
WCC has more than 70 articulation agreements with four-year universities and is the No. 1 community college transfer institution to the University of Michigan. Students can complete general education requirements at a lower cost, then transfer seamlessly to continue their studies.
JOB-READY
WCC is a leader in Career and Technical Education, offering more than 100 hands-on programs to prepare students for immediate entry into high-wage, high-demand fields such as health care, advanced manufacturing, information technology, public safety and skilled trades.
Parent & Family Orientations help you learn more about your student's transition to WCC.
6-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 10
6-8 p.m. Tuesday, August 4
WHAT PARENTS WANT TO KNOW
Q: What is campus life like?
A: Options to connect at WCC include clubs and organizations, club and intramural sports, the Health & Fitness Center, student media, discounted tickets to concerts and performances and destination group trips. Learn more at wccnet.edu/engage.
Q: Are there career resources?
A: WCC's Center for Career Success helps students explore career pathways, find jobs, internships and co-ops, connect with employers and build resumes and interview skills. Counseling and planning resources are available at wccnet.edu/careers.
Q: What can students study?
A: WCC offers over 140 programs in skilled trades, STEM, public service, health care and business, as well as creative and liberal arts, to prepare students for a wide range of high-demand, high-wage careers or transfer to a fouryear institution. Flexibility in scheduling allows for online, night and evening classes.
ABOUT WCC
Learn more about WCC at wccnet.edu!
DISCOVERY STARTS HERE
WWashtenaw Community College students don’t have to wait until they transfer to take part in high-level university research.
Through WCC’s strong partnership with the University of Michigan, students gain access to hands-on, faculty-mentored research experiences in cutting-edge fields — from engineering and data science to biomedical discovery.
U-M faculty members regularly sponsor WCC students in their labs. In Chemical Engineering, for example, externally funded research teams focused on energy, sustainability and machine learning have created paid summer internships specifically for WCC students.
This summer, two WCC students will be sponsored through an NSF grant in U-M labs to dive into machine learning research.
These competitive placements provide real-world lab experience, professional mentoring, transfer
WCC’s Study Abroad program allows students to explore academic interests while building skills that extend far beyond campus.
Iliana Lichtenstein, of Saline, joined anthropology instructor Christopher
pathways, and even opportunities for graduate-level study.
Another powerful pathway is the Community College Summer Fellowship Program (CCSFP) at U-M, a 10-week paid research fellowship for Michigan community college students.
Clint Lyons and Ruthie Timoficiuc participated in the program last summer. Lyons, a Pinckney native, who researched bone stem cells and has transferred to U-M’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, earned a Blue Ribbon at the fellowship symposium for his work.
“I’d recommend the program as you get very strong connections and experience in the field you want to go into,” Lyons says. “Research is a lot of fun, and you get paid for it.”
Timoficiuc of Ypsilanti, now studying mechanical engineering at U-M after graduating from WCC, said the experience pushed her beyond her comfort zone while giving her valuable industry insight.
UNEARTHING THE PAST
K. Barrett, Ph.D., on research trips to Spain (2025) and Italy (2023). Last summer, she was among 12 students analyzing skeletal remains excavated from a Roman necropolis. Now completing a bachelor’s degree in anthropology at Eastern
Michigan University, Lichtenstein will study this summer at the American University of Rome.
“For me, archaeology is about trying to figure out how the people who came before us lived," she says.
Check out the many exciting and high-level research opportunities at WCC: Life Sciences – wccnet.edu/research & Study Abroad – wccnet.edu/study-abroad
Like many high school graduates, Jasmine Thomas wasn’t sure what she wanted to do next — but she knew where to begin. For the Ypsilanti native,
Washtenaw Community College felt like the right place to start exploring her future. “I’m a local, and if you’re from
WCC in 2022, Thomas transferred her credits to the University of Phoenix, where she completed a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2024. She began an MBA program just two months later and will finish this Spring.
What Do You Call Someone Who
the area, WCC is the place to start,” says Thomas, a 2011 high school graduate. That decision paid off. Today, the Superior Township resident is a Regional Operations Manager at Comerica Bank, bringing more than a decade of customer service experience and nine years of leadership in the financial industry.
At Comerica, Thomas oversees daily operations for banking centers in Ann Arbor, Jackson, and surrounding communities
At tended WCC? ?
Thomas credits WCC’s advising and flexibility with helping her stay on track. “The counselors advised me on my credits and laid out my options," she says.
“I wouldn’t have graduated as soon as I did without their guidance.”
After earning her Associate of General Studies from
CAREER OUTLOOK
managing reporting, coaching teams, and ensuring strong risk and compliance practices. Her career path also includes leadership roles at DFCU Financial Credit Union and Fifth Third Bank, experiences that strengthened her ability to balance customer service with operational excellence.
Looking ahead, Thomas isn’t putting limits on her future. “My goal is to build stronger relationships within the banking industry,” she says. “And I think Chief Operations Officer would look good on me.”
A regional operations bank manager may earn $97,000 –$159,000, depending on various factors. (Source: Glassdoor) A General Studies degree lets students personalize education for career goals.
I wouldn't have graduated as soon as I did without WCC's guidance. Employed.
