Summer 2013 - Muskegon Community College

eflectionsMuskegon Community College Magazine Summer 2013eflectionsCalling All Alumni:MCC Publishing New DirectoryAlum Wins Seat asCircuit Court JudgeTake a Walk on the Wild Side:Instructor ImprovesKasey Hartz Nature TrailEarly College Program ProvidesHigh School StudentsFast-Track to College Degree

contentsMuskegon Community College Reflections Magazine | Summer 2013Features6 Alum Appointed Circuit Judge | Breaking Gender Barriers7 Coach Dan Burt Remembered | Scholarship provides legacy8 Helping Students Succeed | Early Intervention Key10 College in High School | Early College Program12 Leave Your Legacy at MCC | Make Education Your Priority12 TOPS Program | Preparing High School Students for College14 Find Your Classmates | Alumni Directory to be PublishedReflections Magazineis published by theMuskegon Community CollegeOffice of Community RelationsContact uscommunityrelations@muskegoncc.eduOffice of Community Relations221 S. Quarterline 400KKMuskegon MI 49442(231) 777-0571muskegoncc.eduMuskegon Community CollegeBoard of TrusteesDonald Crandall, M.D., ChairDiana Osborn, Vice-ChairDorothy Lester, TreasurerNancy Frye, SecretarySean MullallyAnn OakesRoy PortengaMuskegon Community CollegeStaff LeadershipDr. Dale K. Nesbary, PresidentDepartments3 Letters from Our Readers3 From the Editor5 From the Desk of the President8 Student Showcase9 Instructor Insight13 Scholarship Impact Report13 Mysteries from the Archives15 Donor Profile15 Foundation for MCC Report16 Alumni News18 Calendar of EventsOn the cover: 2013 Graduatescelebrating their success at theMay 2 Commencement ceremonyPhotos by Peter KoryznoTeresa Sturrus, Vice President forAcademic Affairs and FinanceDr. John Selmon, Vice Presidentfor Student Services andAdministrationTina Dee, Director of CommunityRelations/Foundation DirectorAaron Hilliard, AdministrativeDirector of Human ResourcesEduardo Bedoya, Director ofInstitutional Research and GrantsMarty McDermott,Director of AthleticsMichael Alstrom, ChiefInformation OfficerMuskegon Community College2 Summer 2013 | muskegoncc.edu

Letters from Our ReadersFrom the EditorSubject Matters?Path to SuccessI was at MCC from 1958-1960. Itook two years of French fromMr. Sheets. I was impressedwith how devoted he was to thelanguage, and that he had been toParis and loved the city. I wasready to fly from home, and heencouraged me to find a summerjob in another part of the country.I found a summer job at AcaciaNational Park. It was my firstchance to travel and live on myown. I loved the experience.What I remember especiallywhen I returned to school wasmeeting Mr. Sheets. He toldme that he could see that mysummer experience had changedme: I was more self- confident andfocused. I think his interest andobservations helped set me on theright path in life.Judy Benham WeinsteinProud and Involved AlumMuskegon Community Collegewas a big turning point in mylife. Coming out of high school,I was lost and had no idea whichdirection to go. As it turned out,my two years at MCC gave meinspiration, maturity, and a goodsense of myself to move forwardwith my future. I owe this to myinstructors, honestly. I was sofortunate to find leaders with apassion at MCC. In particular, JackRice, Judy Brooky, Rich Oman,and many others, helped my findmy path and gave of themselveswhile doing so. I think this is whata community college should be.There is a good reason why MCCis top-rated.Even though I am talking aboutmany years ago (eek, very many!)the quality of instructors and thestrengths and variety of programsstill makes MCC a great learninginstitution, both in knowledge, andin personal growth.I continue to involve myselfwith MCC because it, to me, itis still one of my great learningopportunities. I will always be aproud MCC alum and I thank all ofthose people who have and still doinspire me.Anette Buchholz, ‘80Cultivated Life-Long InterestI am following up on yourinvitation to comment oninfluential instructors duringmy stay at MCC. One personimmediately came to mind. Ihad Mr. James Moyes for twosemesters of Economics. Hisability to communicate thiscomplicated subject was criticalto my development as a businessmajor. If you let Mr Moyes knowyou were have difficulty graspingan economic concept, he would goout of his way to explain the issuein a different manner and in realworld terms. Certainly it helpedwith the small classes at MCC todevelop close communication withthe instructor.After my first semesterand earning an “A” grade, Iimmediately signed up for thesecond class. Mr Moyes continuedto expand my knowledge anddeveloped in me a sincere andlife long interest in economicsand American business. I usedthis base knowledge all duringcontinued on page 4This issue’s “Letters from OurReaders” features recollectionsfrom alumni about instructors whohad a lasting and positive impact.The influence is often made moreindelible by a love of the subjectmatter. Certain subject matter inthe hands of the right instructor cancause a switch to flip, and suddenlyyou are forever in love and turnedon by chemistry, economics, orlanguage.MCC’s current facility improvementplan illustrates the need for theCollege to expand our facilities forscience, the arts, and health/physicaleducation. How did your MCCclasses in these subjects impactyou? What lessons still remain withyou? Inquiring minds and readerswant to know! Please send us yournote about the study of science,arts, and health, what it means toyou and why these subjects matter.We appreciate your ongoinginterest in MCC and look forwardto hearing from you soon. •Tina Dee, MS, CFRMDirector of Community Relations(231) 777-0660tina.dee@muskegoncc.eduReflections Magazine 3

Letters from Our Readers -continued from page 2my undergraduate and graduatestudies and even today I findmyself reflected back on theeconomic principles taught to meby Mr. Moyes.Join Jayhawk for a day of funand help build thegeneral scholarship fundI’m not certain where Mr Moyesis today but I would welcome theopportunity to shake his handand thank him for providing thespringboard for my future successin business.Roy CowderyAppreciating Caring InstructorsIt may sound odd to some, butI still have a special place inmy heart for political scienceinstructor Kurt Troutman. Itdoesn’t matter that he and I havedifferent views on politics; Mr.Troutman is very respectable andis open to others’ views, as longas you can “back up” your views.I fondly remember when ourclass took a mid-class break andduring that time, Mr. Troutmanwent to the Registrar’s Office toobtain a handful of “drop slips”(for those who want to drop aclass). When we returned frommid-class break, Mr. Troutmanwas upset because some studentsin our class were not engaged withthe lecture and/or just did notcare about the class; it was just a“filler.” Mr. Troutman’s behaviorstruck me in a very positive way.When I transferred to a four-yearuniversity, most professors do notcare if a student drops the class oris not engaged in the class, sincethey “get paid either way.”Ryan McCabe, A.S.A., ‘08Foundation for Muskegon Community CollegeAnnual Jayhawk ScrambleGolf OutingFriday, June 14, 2013MCC’s University Park Golf CourseThank you to our 2013 SponsorsBrickley DeLong PC, Britton & Bossenbroek PLC, Bob and Pat Chambers,Evans Portenga, LLC, Gary Nelund State Farm, Hines Corporation,Holland Litho Printing Service, Hurst Mechanical, Innovative Corporate Training,Jackson-Merkey Contractors, Jerviss-Fethke Insurance Agency,Joel Barrett Merrill Lynch, Ladas & Hoopes Law Offices,MCC Counseling and Advising Department, MLive Media Group, Newkirk Electric,Nichols, Office Max, Tridonn Construction, Women’s Lifestyle NorthshoreAnnual8am-2MuskeUnivRegistration a(231) 777-0571 u muskegoncc.edu/chip4 Summer 2013 | muskegoncc.edu

From the Desk of the PresidentJayhawks: Stand Proud and Be CountedEach time an edition of Reflectionsis penned, it reminds me how muchof a leader Muskegon CommunityCollege continues to be in WestMichigan. For 87 years and counting,our outstanding faculty and staff havehelped countless students achievetheir dreams. Let me share with yousome examples of this:• Based in part from herexperiences as a student atMCC, Annette Smedley, J.D.,acquired the skills to help herbe elected as 14th CircuitCourt Judge• Honor student and Phi ThetaKappa officer Mikaela Taylorwas active in numerousMCC Overbrook Playersproductions, an active memberof the garden club, and wasrecently accepted into theenvironmental studies programat the University of Michigan• MCC’s Early College ofMuskegon County program,along with corollary programsin Newaygo and OttawaCounties, provides hundreds ofstudents with the opportunityto earn college degrees withinone year of graduating fromhigh schoolThese wonderful achievements andmore are chronicled in this edition ofReflections.Moreover, the College is workingwith Harris Connect to updatethe Muskegon Community CollegeAlumni Directory. Over the summer,well over 50,000 alums will becontacted to update their informationfor the directory and comprehensivedatabase. Your support andparticipation of this project will allowalumni to reconnect with old friends,expand professional networks, andenhance greatly the ability of theMCC community to share our story.I am very proud to serve you, thealums, students, faculty, staff andfriends of Muskegon CommunityCollege. The things that you allaccomplish allow me to “brag” everyday about the College. You helpbring meaning to the saying “once aJayhawk, always a Jayhawk.” •Dale K. Nesbary, Ph.D., PresidentMuskegon Community CollegeCongratulations, Class of 2013!Left: Diana Osborn, with her Distinguished Alumni Award,and former Vice President for Student Services Janie Brooks.Center: Steven Fiorenzo, retiring businessinstructor, leads procession with mace.Right: Graduates celebrate with families.Reflections Magazine 5

Alumni Profile: Annette Rose SmedleyMCC Alum Breaks Gender Barriers as Circuit Court JudgeBy Julie Weller,Alumni Relations ManagerAnnette Smedley, a 1995 graduateof Muskegon Community College,is the perfect example of what thepower of an education is capable of– combined with perseverance and alot of energy.Smedley, elected in November2012 as 14th Circuit Court Judge ofMuskegon, is the first female votedto that position and the epitome ofsuccess in the workplace and thehard work required to get there.Graciously, she credits MuskegonCommunity College with helping herattain her career goals.“The campaign trail was toughand long,” said Smedley, “but I hadwonderful help from some MCCstudents out of Mr. Troutman’s[political science] class, which bringsmy college career to full circle.I started at MCC and now havea wonderful job with the help ofMCC.” (see related story on page 7)When Smedley began at MCC, shewas married and had a child (sheand her husband Everett have beenmarried now over 32 years). Thenhe joined the U.S. Navy and theymoved to Virginia for eight yearsbefore returning to Michigan. Whenthe family moved back, Smedleyresumed classes at MCC, intent onfinishing her college education andalso getting a law degree.“Going to MCC for my first twoyears helped me to save time ontraveling because I now had threechildren and a full time job but waseven more determinedto get my degree,”said Smedley. “Myexperience at MCCwas amazing -- theprofessors were alwayswilling to work with me;the environment wasalways inviting whetherit was educational orentertainment. MCC hasa range of opportunitiesfor its students. I lookback fondly on my yearsthere.”Academically, she hasearned a degree inaccounting from KeyBusiness College, anAssociate’s in Artsdegree from MuskegonCommunity College, aBachelor’s in Political Science fromGrand Valley State University anda Juris Doctor from Thomas M.Cooley Law School.Smedly accomplished all that whileraising six children, working variousjobs, and commuting to Lansing onweekends to attend law school. It’ssomewhat exhausting just readingabout Smedley’s accomplishmentsand it begs the question of why andhow she set these lofty goals in thefirst place.“My reason for becoming anattorney was that I thought I wouldlove it and to my wonderful surpriseI love it more than I ever imagined,”said Smedley. “I decided to becomeJudge Smedley with husband Everett after theDecember 2012 swearing-in ceremonya judge when Judge Graves had toretire because of age, and there hadnot been an open seat in 30 years.I love being in the court room so Ithought this was a great opportunityto move up in my career and maybemake a difference in people’s lives.” •Photo credit: Diana L. Coleman, Muskegon County Legal News6 Summer 2013 | muskegoncc.edu

Judge, May WeHave a Sidebar?Wrestling Scholarship HonorsDedicated JayhawkMCC Students MixPolitics and ClassIn MCC’s Introduction toAmerican Government coursetaught by Kurt Troutman,students get hands-onexperience with hometownpolitics. Troutman invites localpolitical candidates to speak tohis class, plus he requires thestudents to work a minimumof 20 hours on the campaignof their choice. In Fall 2012,Annette Smedley’s campaign for14th Circuit Court Judge wasadopted by numerous studentsas their class project.“Over the course of hercampaign, she [Smedley] camein to talk with the studentsthree or four times,” saidTroutman. “She’s a wonderfulspeaker. The students allreally liked her. They went toher house to help with hercampaign.”According to Troutman, it mayhave been the involvement ofthe students which helped herwin. “The margin of her winwas small – without the hardwork of the students, she maynot have won that election.“She is the smartest personI’ve met in 30 years in thebusiness,” continued Troutman.“And after the campaignwas over, she was back inthe classroom thanking thestudents.” •The recently established Dan BurtMemorial Wrestling Scholarshipat MCC is a testament to thenamesake’s love of the sport andhis commitment to MuskegonCommunity College during hislifetime.A former Jayhawk wrestler andassistant coach, Dan died onJan. 15, 2012 after a courageousbattle against cancer. The initialfunds for the Dan Burt MemorialWrestling Scholarship were raisedthrough memorial donations fromDan’s family and friends and a golffundraiser.“Our goal is to continue to increasethe scholarship fund thoughcontinued donations and the annualDan Burt Memorial Golf Scramble,”said Ron Gaffner, who coached Burtat Spring Lake High School and MCCand later hired him as an assistantafter Burt finished his career atAdams State College in Alamosa,Colo.The Dan Burt Memorial GolfScramble is scheduled for Aug. 17,2013. For more information, visitwww.muskegoncc.edu/support.As a wrestler, Dan helped MCCcapture two MCCAA statechampionships from 1974-76. Hethen became a Jayhawk assistantwrestling coach and was part of thestaff that guided MCC to an NJCAAnational runner-up finish in 1980.“Wrestling has been at MuskegonCommunity College for over 40years, during which time we haveseen many individuals and teamssucceed at the national level,” saidGaffner. “This is the first wrestlingscholarship established in honorof a former Muskegon CommunityCollege wrestler or coach. Thescholarship will be used to helppay tuition at MCC for a graduatingwrestler from a high school inOttawa or Muskegon County.”Gaffner recalled Burt’s strengths asa competitor and coach.“Dan was not the most talented orskilled wrestler, but his dedication,determination and work ethic tobecome a successful wrestler stoodout and impressed me as a coach,”said Gaffner.“He was an outstanding teammate.Although he wrestled heavyweightin high school, he trained down tothe 190 lb. weight class in collegeto help the team. He was a teamleader by example. I knew thesame qualities he demonstratedas a wrestler would make him anexcellent assistant coach.” •The late Dan Burt’s love of MuskegonCommunity College’s wrestlingprogram inspired his family toestablish a fitting legacy in his nameto assist future student-athletes.Reflections Magazine 7

Student Showcase: Mikaela TaylorPlan to Protect Our Natural ResourcesMCC honor student Mikaela Taylorloves the Lake Michigan ecosystemfor more than its beauty. She plansto make a career out of protectingit. After MCC, she will pursueenvironmental studies this fall at theUniversity of Michigan.“I basically want to work on waterquality, aquifer depletion and watercontamination,” said Mikaela, whocame to MCC after attending SeattlePacific University in Washington.At Holt High School, she was involvedwith the Science Olympiad, schoolplays, and competed in soccer. Sheappreciates that MCC offered hersimilar extracurricular opportunities.An officer with Phi Theta Kappahonor society, Mikaela oversees ahealth awareness campaign for itsHallmark Project. She portrayedeight different characters in theMCC Overbrook Players’ recentproduction of The Laramie Project.She also helps with outreach effortsas an MCC Garden Club member.“I’ve taken both the environmentalscience class as well as Biology 104,which is more environmentallybased,” she said. “Those were reallygood courses and got you moreinvolved with the community.”Making a positive impact is importantto her. She shifted her career focusfrom chemical to environmentalengineering before honing in on theenvironmental studies aspect of it.Mikaela Taylor found the ideal collegein MCC for her varied interestsin community service, acting, andconcern for the environment.“We don’t necessarily need toengineer more things to findsolutions,” said Mikaela. “We justneed a better understanding whatthe earth has already given us andhow to use it. When we affect otherorganisms, it in turn affects us." •Early Intervention Program Promotes Successby Mike Alstrom, CIO, EllucianWhen it comes to using technologyto help students succeed, MuskegonCommunity College is ahead of thecurve. MCC implemented CourseSignals in 2012 as part of its EarlyAlert System to warn students ofimpending academic “trouble” andhelp increase student success.MCC is the first communitycollege to use Course Signals on acontinuous basis. Course Signalswas pioneered at Purdue University,where Dr. John Campbell developedthe predictive model it uses.The color-coded “signals” appear onthe student’s Blackboard page andin an e-mail to them, warning thosewho are at risk of under-performingin a course as early as two weeksinto the semester. Students receivea stoplight signal indicating the levelof their performance, and alsoreceive a message from instructorsthat give each group directions onwhat they can do to make changes.How does this make a difference?MCC compared student gradedistributions in classes withCourse Signals to previous courseswithout the program, with thesame instructor and instructionalmethod. Eleven out of 20 coursesachieved a positive shift in success.In courses with 20 or more studentswhere signals were sent within threeweeks, seven out of nine coursesshowed a positive shift in grades.And, where five or more signalswere sent, ALL of those classes hadhigher grades than previous courseswithout signals.What do students and instructorsthink? Participating students weresurveyed, and 75% found CourseSignals an effective way to receiveinformation. More than half saidthe message they received withtheir signal prompted them to usesupport services such as TutoringCenter or the Library.Dan Bialas, the Business DepartmentChair, has been using Course Signalsfor the last two semesters. “Weare trying to help the students besuccessful,” said Bialas. “If theycan be successful, then we can besuccessful. I think Course Signalsis a great tool to help improve thatsuccess rate.” •8 Summer 2013 | muskegoncc.edu

Instructor Insight: Theresa VanVeelenLove of Nature Benefits Students and CommunityBy Peter Koryzno,Communications ManagerIt’s all about respect – and MCCbiology instructor TheresaVanVeelen is committed to teachingstudents and community membersthe importance of preserving andrespecting nature.The MCC campus sports a 15-acre tract of land known as theKasey Hartz Natural Area, whichis bisected by Four Mile Creek andrecognized by The Michigan NaturalAreas Council as a natural areapreserve. The land was named afterMary Kathryn “Kasey” Hartz, anMCC instructor and avid naturalist,in 1974.VanVeelen, who “needed a breathof fresh air,” obtained a sabbaticalin 2012 from the College to studyother natural areas and nature trailsand offer suggestions for upgradingthe Hartz area. A large portionof her work included research onthe immense variety of plants andanimals living in three distinct typesof habitats along the nature trail.VanVeelen collected over 200 plantspecies, took over 300 photos,edited plant fact sheets producedby independent study studentsthroughout the years, and creatednew trail brochures for trail visitors.MCC’s graphics departmentand internship students aided indeveloping the final brochures.“The Kasey Hartz Natural Areais an outdoor laboratory,” saysVanVeelen. “Not only do we wantto preserve the ecology of the area,but we want visitors to appreciatethe complex relationships betweenplants and animals, and also enjoybeing outdoors to bird watch, hike,or photograph nature.”Theresa VanVeelen shows her love of botany with an orchid specimanon a recent trip to Belize. Below: Community members, students,and MCC employees enjoy the Kasey Hartz Nature Trail.The nature trail is a favoriteof elementary studentswho come to learn aboutecology and plant life, andhope to catch a glimpseof resident critters suchas squirrels, frogs, toads,chipmunks, red fox, andsnakes. Visitors can choosea self-guided option usingfact sheets and the trailguide or opt for a guidedtour. Reservations are required.Call (231) 777-0273 for moreinformation.Improvements are ongoing and thewish list includes additional signage,handicap accessibility for the entiretrail (first 400 feet available now),boardwalks and sidewalks, andremoval of invasive species andother problem plants, to name afew.“This is a beautiful area and we wantmore local residents to be aware ofit,” says VanVeelen. “Unfortunately,the costs of the upgrades aren’tnecessarily in our budget, and wedon’t always have the extra handswe need for the work.”If you have a love of the outdoorsand wish to help out, VanVeelencan be contacted in the Life Sciencedepartment at theresa.vanveelen@muskegoncc.edu. A wealth ofinformation on the nature trail,natural area, and plant species canbe found on the MCC website atwww.muskegoncc.edu/trail. •Reflections Magazine 9

MCC’s EarlyCollegeProgramsExpandingStudents start college classes whilein high school, graduate with a collegedegree sooner at little cost to student or familyBy Peter Koryzno, Communications ManagerFueled by the success of its initial Early Collegeof Muskegon County (ECMC) class, localschool officials have been recruiting the next 50sophomores to join the program later this summer.In 2012, the first 50 eleventh-grade students beganthe intensive five-year high school program. Withthe exception of two students who left the area,the ECMC contingent is well on its way to earningup to 62 college credits from Muskegon CommunityCollege (MCC) while they finish their high schooldiploma, said Muskegon Area Intermediate SchoolDistrict (MAISD) Superintendent Dave Sipka.“We are extremely pleased with the efforts ofthese ambitious students,” said Sipka. “They haveexceeded our expectations by maintaining about a‘B’ average during a year of transition and demandingcoursework. This is a huge jump-start for them asthey work toward earning enough credits for anassociate’s degree and diploma.”Each public school district within the Muskegon10 Summer 2013 | muskegoncc.edu

Area ISD service area is guaranteeda percentage of seats for qualifiedstudents based on the district’senrollment. Seats are also availablefor students from charter schools,non-public and home schools.The program is designedto serve studentswho are “at risk”of not enrollingin post-secondaryeducation. The entire costfor the college courses, books,and materials is paid through thestudent’s high school per-pupilstate funding. While an applicationand interview process are used toselect students, test scores andletters of recommendation are alsoconsidered as part of the applicationprocess.According to Early College DeanErin Patrick, students receive agreat deal of support from theMAISD, MCC, and local school staff.They are able to make use of MCC’slibrary, tutoring center, SpecialPopulations Office, CounselingCenter, Bookstore andBartels-Rode Gymnasium.“I could tell at bothmidterm and final examtimes that studentsbegan to second-guessthemselves and theiracademic abilities,” saidPatrick. “The great thingthat came out of thoseunsure moments wasthat students learned tosee things through, behumble, and ask for help.This resulted in a verysuccessful semester.”Patrick said counselors,principals, andsuperintendents at thelocal districts have played akey role in the monitoringand encouragement of each ECMCstudent.“They’ve been so easy to workwith, and are now in the process ofhelping to identify fifty new studentsfor next year,” added Patrick.MCC faculty and administratorshave also made the transition intocollege easy for the ECMC students.“If a student was having troublein a class, the MCC instructorsand administrators were there toprovide assistance during times ofthe day that were conducive to theECMC students’ unique schedules,which made it more comfortablefor students to approach themregularly,” noted Patrick.“In addition to preparing morehighly educated students to enterour workforce, we are openingdoors for those students who in thepast could only dream of college,”concluded Sipka. •Opposite and above: Erin Patrick withECMC students on MCC’s nature trailEarly CollegePrograms Addedin Ottawa andNewaygo CountiesStarting in Fall 2013, highschool students living inOttawa and NewaygoCounties will have thechance to participate in theEarly College programs.“The expansion is a naturalsince we have partneredwith Newaygo and Ottawacounties for many years,”said Trynette Lottie-Harps,dean of continuing educationand program outreachat MCC. “Early Collegeprograms have become morevisible within the last threeyears. The districts werevery interested in exploringthis new territory.“While the concept isthe same as Early Collegeof Muskegon County(ECMC) with the 13th yearcompletion and earning botha high school diploma and anassociate’s degree, studentswill not take their classes onthe MCC main campus.”Instead, classes will beoffered at various locationsin both Ottawa County andNewaygo County.Reflections Magazine 11

Leaving a Legacy at MCC, Easy as 1-2-3By Wayne Barrett, Vice President, Foundation for MCC Board of DirectorsIt can be very satisfying to leave alegacy. You demonstrate that youcare and want to be a part of thefuture even as you were a part ofthe illustrious past. It doesn’t haveto be difficult to make a gift thatcreates a wonderful legacy of caringand concern. Here are three easyways you can support the future ofMuskegon Community College.1. Give from your IRA or otherpension account. Simply nameMCC as a beneficiary of yourIRA, 401k or similar tax-deferredaccount and you will have assuredthat some of your assets willbenefit the college. One satisfyingadditional result from this strategyis that these assets permanentlyavoid taxation.2. Give unneeded life insurance.Many of us discover as we agethat the insurance we carry mayno longer be needed. Perhapsthe children are all grown or themortgage has been retired. Nowthose thousands of dollars inbenefits can be reallocated to othercurrent or future purposes. If youare certain you no longer needthe insurance, consider gifting thepolicy to MCC now and receive acurrent income tax deduction forthe cost or replacement value.3. Give and receive life income.With CD interest rates athistorically low rates, many of usare actively looking to increaseretirement income. One great wayto increase income may be througha life-income giving strategy suchas a charitable gift annuity orcharitable remainder trust. Each ofthese instruments provide incomefor life, often at substantially higherrates than bonds or CDs, and offera current charitable income taxdeduction for a gift the college willnot receive until your death. Lifeincomegiving may provide sometax-free income as well. Contactthe MCC Foundation office formore information about givingwhile retaining income from yourgifts.FMCC can help you decide whichplanned giving strategy makes themost sense for you. Contact ustoday and we can help you leave anMCC legacy. •John G. Thompson College and Community Fund is “TOPS”By Trynette Lottie Harps, Dean Of Continuing Education and Program OutreachThe T.O.P.S. Program was developedto provide a higher education learningexperience for non-traditional highschool students. T.O.P.S. standsfor Tackling Obstacles, PossessingSuccess and this is true for manystudents in Alternative Educationespecially when you add life tothe formula. Alternative andCommunity Education desired achallenge for their students whowere motivated and had displayedsuccess.Thanks to support from the John G.Thompson College and CommunityFund, Muskegon Community Collegewas able to accept the challenge anddevelop a program to meet thatspecific need.continued on page 19Orchard View Alternative Education students Ricky Reyes, ArielMelgoza and Martha Sanchez have participated this year in MCC’sTOPS Program taking courses to prepare them for college.12 Summer 2013 | muskegoncc.edu

Scholarship Recipient Sharon GiffordScholarship Recipient Ready to “Pay it Forward”Sharon Gifford, MuskegonCommunity CollegeNursing Program studentand married motherof two, is well awareof the effects of stress.Academically, her financialstress has been lessenedby receiving scholarshipmonies from the AmosNordman and MuskegonDistrict Nurses funds.Because of the extensivework required tocomplete her nursing degree, Giffordquit her job a year ago to focus onher studies, making the scholarshipsessential in many ways.“Of course, receiving scholarshipsis a great financial help for me andmy family, but italso motivatesme to want to dowell and succeed,”said Gifford. “Nothaving the financialstress of having topay for schoolingout of my ownpocket decreasesthe amount ofstress in my life. Itallows for me toface the stressorsof school with apositive attitude, and has opened myeyes to see how blessed I have beenin my life.”Gifford attended the DonorAppreciation luncheon on a snowyday in February to show hergratitude to the attendees. “I amvery thankful for those donors whoare making my dreams possible,” saidGifford. “Thanks for this opportunity,hopefully this will influence others toapply for scholarships as they are agreat blessing in life.”Gifford graduated as a registerednurse on May 2 at the MCCCommencement in the L. C. WalkerArena.“There are so many people outthere willing to help and all it takesis to apply,” said Gifford,. “Once thisjourney is done, I too hope that I canbe an influence for good and pay itforward to others as others havepaid it forward for me.” •Mysterious Treasures in the College ArchivesWe have instructor photos fromthe past we cannot identify! Ifyou recognize anyone in thesephotos, please contact PaulaMcClurg, the College archivist, atpaula.mcclurg@muskegoncc.eduReflections Magazine 13

Alumni News1950sAdde Lou (Schott) Garter(1958) – After studying at MCCfor two years, Adde earned a BSin 1961 and an MA in 1965 fromWestern Michigan University. Shecurrently runs an art studio at herhome in Muskegon.1960sJohn Miller (1966) – John studiedpsychology and history beforemoving on to Western MichiganUniversity, earning a BA, and theUniversity of Akron. He is nowPresident of Student Senate Men’sUnion and resides in St. Augustine,Florida.1970sRandy Pearson (1974) – Aftergraduating with an Associate inScience degree in 1974, Randyenrolled at Michigan StateUniversity, where he graduatedwith a BS in Microbiology in1976, and an MD from WayneState University in 1981. Aftercompleting a residency in FamilyMedicine at St. Lawrence Hospitalin Lansing he joined the facultyat MSU where he is currentlyemployed as a professor of postgraduateeducation. He lives inLansing with his wife and threedaughters.Andy Hass (1975) – Andyattended MCC, and latertransferred to Kalamazoo ValleyCommunity College to takecourses in solar and electricalengineering. He is currently a selfemployedIT professional.Allen Thomas (1977 & 2004)– Allen received his Associate’sdegree in Automotive Technologyand later attended MCC from1996 to 2004, earning a degreein automotive, and ComputerTechnology. From there he wentto Ferris State, earning his BS inComputer Information Systems,and MS in Information SecurityManagement. He is currently anAutomotive Technology insturctorat Muskegon Community College.Elizabeth Giammarco (1979)– After earning her Associate’s,Elizabeth went on to earn a BAin Psychology, an MS in mentalhealth counseling, and a PhD inPsychology. Favorite activitiesat MCC were Poetry Club anddramatics. She currently teachesfor a number of universities, andpublishes books for introductorycollege classes.1980sPaula (Tillman) Butler (1980)- After earning her Associate’s inCriminal Justice, Paula attendedGrand Valley State University andThomas Cooley Law School for herJ.D. She was admitted to practicelaw in Michigan in 1992 and iscurrently the Legal Advocate forthe Office of Muskegon CountyVeterans Affairs.Tina Garzelloni (1981) – AfterTina earned her Associate’s degree,she attended Michigan StateUniversity and graduated in 1983.She remembers meeting peoplefrom other schools and studyingin the library. She is currentlyemployed at the White LakeCommunity Library.Greg McCrea (1982) – Kevinstudied electronics at MCC andreceived an Associate’s degree.He later attended Arizona StateUniversity where he earned a BS inElectrical Engineering, and currentlyis employed at Boeing.Michelle DeWitt (1983) –Michelle earned her Associate’sin Business in 1983, and laterreceived her BA in Marketing atWestern Michigan University.She has published a book titled“Competitive IntelligenceCompetitive Advantage, ”, andis currently employed at GraniteTransformations.Rev. Dennis J. McMurray (1983)– A former MCC basketball player,he attended MCC for three years,earning an Associate’s in business,and later earned a BBA at GrandValley State University. He is nowSenior Pastor at RenaissanceChurch, married and has threechildren.Karen Johnson-Cole (1987) –After concluding studies at MCC,Karen attended Grand Valley StateUniversity where she earned a BSin Criminal Justice in 1993, and anMA in Education from WesternMichigan University in 2012. Shehad done adjunct work for BakerCollege for 14 years. The USAF andNational Guard veteran is currentlyemployed by Muskegon CountyHuman Services as Child HavenSupervisor.Shawn Freeman (1989) – Shawnis now employed at DassaultSystems after earning an Associate’sin Arts and Science.1990sKelly (Van’tHof) Curow (1994)– After receiving her Associate’s inCriminal Justice, Kelly earned a BAfrom GVSU in 1996, and an MSAfrom Central Michigan Universityin 2005. She is married and has twochildren, and is currently works forthe Department of Human Servicesin Muskegon.16 Summer 2013 | muskegoncc.edu

Mary K (Hagen) Callahan(1995) – After completing generalstudies at MCC, Mary married inOctober of 2011 and currentlyworks for the Saint Joseph Hospitalof Atlanta.Christine (Yeck) Fry (1996) –After earning an Associate’s Degreein Education, Christine earned aBachelor’s in Education, Englishand Psychology from SaginawValley State University. In 2004 sheearned a Master’s in EducationalLeadership. She is married, has twochildren, and remembers MCC’ssmall class sizes and the willingnessof instructors to help students. Sheis currently employed by SaginawTownship Community Schools.Lisa Hackney (1996) – Lisareceived an Associate of Arts,and Medical Transcription in1996. She is a 2012 Grand ValleyState University graduate with aBachelors of Science in LiberalStudies with a minor in HumanResources. She is currentlya Graduate Assistant at theMuskegon regional campus forGVSU.Dr. Ramon Hinojosa (1997)– Ramon completed his generalstudies at MCC, and went on toearn a BS from Grand Valley StateUniversity in 2000, an MA from theUniversity of Illinois at Chicago in2003, and complete his doctoratein 2007 at the University of Florida.He is married with two children,and currently works for theDepartment of Veterans Affairs asa Research Health Scientist.2000sMatt Wiedenhoeft (2003) –Once earning his Associate’s inAccounting, Matt founded andis the president of PALANOConsulting and Hockey TalentManagement. He is married and hasthree children.Shania (Brown) Beasley (2005)– After earning her Associateof Arts, Shania attended GrandValley State University and earnedher Master in Social Work.She currently works for theDepartment of Human Services inMuskegon.Steve Mason (2006) – Steveearned an Associate’s Degree inIndustrial Technology, and laterattended Ferris State University.He is presently working for SunChemical, Inc.2010sBrad Austin (2011) – Aftercompleting studies in biomedicalelectronic technologies, Brad isnow employed with SpectrumHealth in Grand Rapids.Amy Deater (2011) – This MCCalumni received her Associate’s inArts and Science, and will completeher degree in Science inBusiness Administration and LegalStudies at Ferris State University.She is currently employed atReaderlink.Coffey (Davis) Penn (2012) –Coffey returned to MCC in 2001to earn her Associate’s in SocialWork, and is currently employedwith Mercy Health Partners.Faculty/AdminNew HiresEduardo Bedoya, Director ofInstitutional Research & GrantsDebra Grube, Nursing InstructorMike Myers, Institutional Research &Grants CoordinatorJerry Wallace, Enrollment ServicesRepresentativePromotionsHeather Vanderzaden,to full-time Nursing InstructorRetirementsPhil Anderson, Faculty/AppliedTechnology Department (36 Years ofservice)Steve Fiorenzo, Faculty, Business (14Years of service)Elena Garcia, Faculty, ForeignLanguage (15 Years of service)Terri Hoffman, Testing Center (14Years of service)Mary Ottman, Testing Center (40Years of service)Sandy Ring, Student Life (27 Years ofservice)Let’s Stay in Touch!Please let us know if your addresshas changed, needs a correction,or if you’re receiving multiplecopies by calling us at (231)777-0461. And, we always lovehearing from our MCC alumni!Let us know what’s happening inyour lives. Maybe you’ve startinga new job or business? Got apromotion? Received an awardor honor? Just retired? Sharethe good news with us online atwww.muskegoncc.edu/alumni.Reflections Magazine 17

EventsAcademic/EnrollmentMCC Ottawa Open House3-7:30pm Tuesday, July 16Enrollment and registration information,register to win $500 scholarship!422 Fulton, Grand HavenFun in the Sun Open House10am-2pm Friday, August 9, 2013Enjoy live music and refreshments atour outdoor open house while learningabout MCC!Main CampusFall Classes BeginMonday, August 26Arts, Humanities, and More49th Annual MCC StudentArt and Design Exhibition9am to 4pm May 18 through Sept. 11Overbrook Art Gallery, Main CampusOasis in Space7pm Tuesdays and Thursdays throughJune 13, 2013Carr-Fles Planetarium, main campusFollow Jayhawk Athletics on Twitter@jayhawkathletic!Main EventsFoundation forMCC Jayhawk Scramble8am-2pm Friday, June 14Founder’s Day6-8:30pm Thursday, September 19Alumni EventsParties in the ParkAlumni Get-TogetherFriday, August 2, 2013ReunionFestSaturday, October 5, 2013Main Campus“TOPS”continued from page 12The John G. Thompson College andCommunity Fund is administeredby Suzi Norbeck Thompson andformer MCC President John “Jack”Thompson. The purpose of thefund is to support local programsthat “benefit the community in asignificant way through a collegecommunityventure.”The T.O.P.S. Program provides asupportive hands-on experienceto students who have visions ofattending college but not quitesure how to make it happen. Theobjectives for T.O.P.S. are to connectAlternative Education students toour campus, to prepare them forfuture career goals and to takethe students to the next level oftheir education. In order to fulfillthis mission, we developed threephases of the program. Each phasegradually transitioned students tomore empowering information and adeeper experience which we believewill provide a better understandingof what is expected.In Phase One, students attendthe College Bootcamp hosted byEnrollment Services. The purposeof this workshop is to eliminatepossible fears, stress and anxietynon-traditional students haveexperienced when entering a collegeenvironment. Students receive basicinformation about new studentorientation, Placement Testing,Career Assessments, FinancialAid and the Scholarship Process,Time Management, Study Skills,Instructor’s Expectation of Studentsand How to register for classes.Phase Two gives students theopportunity to take their firstcollege course, College SuccessSeminar (CSS) and earn 2 collegecredits. This class was designed todevelop and reinforce skills, abilitiesand behaviors that promote personaland academic success. Some of thetopics covered are Effective NoteTaking, Productive Study Skills,Reading and Remembering, CriticalThinking, Library Skills, BasicComputer Skills, and much more.Diversity & Inclusion Training is thethird and final phase for T.O.P.S.This training orientates studentsto understand and embrace peoplefrom different backgrounds andcultures. The T.O.P.S. studentsare familiar with their high schoolinstructors and staff longer and feelmore comfortable with them. Wewant them to be able to open uptheir perspective of others whileeducating them that they are a partof a much larger world. What theydo and what they say affects morethan just themselves or their families.They are contributors in our growingworld that is constantly changing.Finding themselves and acceptingothers that may be different is thebeginning to making a better world.We feel these three phases will bestprepare students for a successfuljourney. Students are recommendedby their school’s staff. Thosestudents participate in an interviewwith the T.O.P.S. Selection Panelconsisting of faculty and staff fromMCC, as well as staff from GrandValley State University and WesternMichigan University. The interviewsgive students a chance to share theireducational goals and commitmentto the program. •18 Summer 2013 | muskegoncc.edu

Are you traveling this summer?Take Jayhawk along, place him in your photographs, post onMCC’s Facebook profile, and be in the running for monthlyprizes! Details at muskegoncc.edu/travelwithjayhawk.GO JAYHAWKS!1. Cut2. Connect3. Take a photo4. Post on Facebook5. Be eligible for prizes!Reflections Magazine 19

221 South Quarterline, Muskegon, MI 49442Remembering Those Who ServedThe MCC campus community reverently honored those whoserved our nation with a 21-gun salute, the playing of Tapsand the military branch anthems, and emotional speeches byveterans, both young and old, on Veterans Day in November.20 Summer 2013 | muskegoncc.edu