News

Black Business Owners Stress Perseverance

Southwestern Michigan College’s series of Black History Month programs continued Feb. 22 with a panel of four Black business owners moderated by Dowagiac City Councilwoman Danielle Lucas.

SMC Graduate Experiences Super Bowl

Nicole Maroney, a 2020 Southwestern Michigan College sports management graduate from New Buffalo, found herself working behind the scenes at Super Bowl LV. The Trine University sport and recreation major spent 10 days in Florida in a program sponsored by Living Sport.

Black Poetry Gaining Attention

Southwestern Michigan College’s continuing Black History Month series Feb. 17 featured a two-poet Zoom panel, including Indiana’s 2018-19 poet laureate.

All-American Kevin Higdon Ran for 1978 SMC National Cross Country Champions

Kevin Higdon was one of four All-Americans on Southwestern Michigan College’s national-champion 1978 cross country team. It was the Roadrunners’ fourth National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) title in six years, after finishing in third place in 1976 and second place in 1977. The Roadrunners then followed with a fifth championship in 1981.

Vanessa Crisenbery Determined to Keep Moving Forward

“This is a great first step for SMC Cross Country,” Coach Juris Silenieks said. “The two student athletes will be a great building block for the future. I am confident that we are bringing on two fantastic young athletes who will set the tone for the culture we want at SMC.”

SMC Board of Trustees Adjusts Tuition, Discusses Graduation

The Southwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees adopted the tuition and fee schedule for the 2021-2022 fiscal year during its regular monthly meeting conducted Feb. 10 via Zoom. SMC continues to explore arranging graduates by school for three outdoor commencement ceremonies in Alumni Plaza in mid-May.

Samuel Reed-Loomis Dives into Cross Country

“This is a great first step for SMC Cross Country,” Coach Juris Silenieks said. “The two student athletes will be a great building block for the future. I am confident that we are bringing on two fantastic young athletes who will set the tone for the culture we want at SMC.”

SMC Open by Appointment Starting June 15

As Southwestern Michigan College gradually reopens physical spaces after the COVID-19 pandemic which closed them on March 23, campuses will be open for visitors by appointment only during limited hours starting Monday, June 15.

SMC Participating in Michigan Reconnect Free-Tuition Effort

Southwestern Michigan College will be participating in the Michigan Reconnect program announced by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer with Republican and Democratic legislators on Feb. 2 — the largest effort in state history to ensure that more than 4.1 million Michiganders 25 or older who lack a college degree have an opportunity to earn a tuition-free associate degree or skills certificate.

SMC Emphasizing Citizen Engagement

Civic engagement means community involvement as well as voting, so Southwestern Michigan College plans to add a service component to clubs. Student development is one of SMC’s core values.