MACOMB COUNTY

COUSINS FOCUS ON FAMILY FIRSTS

AND THEIR FUTURES

LOOKING BACK. MOVING FORWARD.A thriving community of hard-working people and valuable businesses, Macomb County has grown from 400,000 residents in 1960 to nearly 900,000 today.

Macomb County has been an integral part of OU’s growth and success since our founding more than 50 years ago and the university has always responded to its needs.

In the 1970s and ’80s, OU offered classes at various locations in the county. In 1991, however, our commitment to serving the educational needs of Macomb County residents strengthened when the university joined Macomb Community College as one of its first educational partners at the newly established University Center in Clinton Township.

Twenty-five years later, we enjoy that strong relationship and have the largest enrollment of the 11 partner schools. In 2011, OU expanded its Macomb County presence by establishing the Anton/Frankel Center in Mount Clemens.

OU’s mission in Macomb County remains constant — respond to the needs of our community by:

n enriching lives through expanded access to higher education

n nurturing our college-bound youth

n engaging with our alumni and local communities

n supporting economic development

Today, about one-third of OU’s student population comes from Macomb County and more than 20,000 alumni live here. We prepare our graduates to work in and contribute to an economy that is changing from a primarily manufacturing base to a new economy of multifaceted industries including advanced manufacturing, engineering, defense, health care and professional and technical services. According to the Michigan Department of Technology Management and Budget, job growth is expected for all occupations and industries by 2018.

In this year’s Oakland University Macomb County FOCUS, you will learn how OU touches lives and actively plays a leadership role to support and make a difference where we live and work. It’s what we do. It’s our responsibility. We are a stakeholder.

Let’s keep going.

Julie Dichtel OU Executive Director of Macomb County Outreach

Julie Dichtel

Message from the Executive Director

OU Executive Director of Macomb County Outreach | Julie Dichtel

Editor | Patti Johnson Georgevich

Art Director | Debra Lashbrook

Photographers | Vaughn Gurganian and Rick Smith

Project Manager | Nancy Potton

Writers | Jennifer Bonacorsi (CAS ’94), Joan Carleton, Patti Johnson Georgevich, Donna Mirabito, Alice Rhein

ON THE COVER2015 OU graduates Rolita, Reva and Evette Mansour are realizing their fathers’ dreams.

STAFF

ENGAGING IN OUR COMMUNITYShowing Golden Grizzly pride to support Macomb CountyOakland University demonstrates a strong commitment to Macomb County by continuing to participate and become involved with local events, initiatives and projects benefitting our communities.

OU supports a variety of activities in Macomb County, including the Let’s Move Festival of Races, Tara’s Walk and 5-K Run for Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention, the Macomb County Santa Parade and the Mount Clemens Independence Day fireworks.

Julie Dichtel, OU executive director of Macomb County Outreach, said, “Oakland University strives to be actively engaged in our local Macomb County communities. What makes our support so important is the participation of more than 500 OU students, staff, faculty and alumni who show their Grizzly pride by getting involved and staying connected to their university in the county where they live and work.”

OU student and Macomb County resident Ann Marie Carufel has marched in the Santa Parade for the past three years.

“It’s a truly fun event to join in,” she said. “And I love that my OU program is located in Macomb County.” Carufel said she expects to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in social work this year.

Showing Grizzly pride and community involvement is important to OU student Megan Van Hoet. The Macomb County resident is studying wellness, health promotion and injury prevention and expects to receive her bachelor’s degree in 2017.

“A group of friends and I volunteered at the Let’s Move Festival of Races last year,” Van Hoet said. “We had signs to cheer on the runners, helped show them where to go and passed out water and Gatorade.

“It was cold for the races but it was still fun. We were there with the Grizz and he kept up our morale. And it’s a plus the event relates to my major,” Van Hoet said.

Van Hoet also marched in the 2015 Santa Parade on behalf of OU and volunteered at the 2016 Let’s Move Festival of Races.

OU is proud to be in Macomb County. Visit oakland.edu/macomb/events to learn more and stay in touch.

Throughout the years, we have witnessed simultaneous effects of globalization, technology and population growth on Macomb County’s socioeconomic fabric. Globalization and technology have recast the nature of employment as the county’s

population has grown to nearly 900,000 residents.

Among Macomb County residents age 25 or older, 23.1 percent possess a bachelor’s degree. By comparison, 26.4 percent of Michigan’s and 30 percent of the nation’s populations have earned bachelor’s degrees, according to 2014 U.S. Census Bureau data.

These statistics serve to strengthen our commitment to deliver relevant courses and degree program options to those who live and work in Macomb County, including student populations such as first-time students, transfer students, working adults and graduate students.

OU’s expansion into Macomb County began in 1991 when the University began offering degree programs at the newly established Macomb University Center in Clinton Township. In 2011, OU further expanded its academic offerings in the county when it opened the doors to the Anton/Frankel Center in Mount Clemens. Today, close to 2,000 OU students enroll in courses in Macomb County each year.

Each semester, OU offers about 100 courses in Macomb County in both day and evening formats. These lead to fulfillment of OU general education and major

requirements, as well as a number of full undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

OU designs its curriculum around the skills and knowledge employers require. We deliver programs with strong employment demand and salary earnings, collaborating with business and industry in such growth areas as advanced automotive, life sciences and biotechnology, defense, technical, social services and alternative energy to continually enhance the curriculum.

The benefits of a college degree are numerous and multifaceted to the individual and the community: greater earnings, home ownership, voting and volunteering, to name just a few.

Building on our history in Macomb County, OU remains committed to translating these benefits to reality for the county’s residents.

James P. Lentini Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost

Message from Provost Lentini

Understanding a patient’s cultural background can be as important as knowing his or her medical history. As the U.S. population continues to diversify, cultural context and competence are key to an effective patient-provider relationship.

OU instructor and nurse educator Ellen Gajewski, SON ’09, views cultural diversity as something to see, hear, feel and discuss. Students in her health assessment class at the OU Anton/Frankel Center in Mount Clemens lead a cultural-assessment panel to explore cultural diversity and competency.

“Each time I conduct this diversity exercise, I also learn something new,” she said. “I’m touched by my students’ willingness to share their stories.” Panel discussions have included students from various countries and ethnic and religious backgrounds.

OU nursing student Kyunghee Heil, 52, earned a four-year degree from a university in South Korea. Heil, who said her language barrier has limited her opportunities in the United States, believes that participating in the student-led classroom panel was a wonderful way to reach others.

“We shared our hearts and how much we’ve been struggling to learn English to be as proficient as possible,” she said. “We shared our fears, weaknesses and sadness and how much we miss our countries.”

Gajewski said issues involving other cultures are relevant in today’s society and feels it is important to develop a safe classroom environment for discussion on the topic. “It’s an

integral step in developing cultural competence, promoting acceptance of our differences and encouraging the diversity conversation. A classroom can sometimes be an ‘impersonal’ environment. I want my students to be comfortable in who they are and who their classmates are so we celebrate and respect each other’s cultural beliefs and values. I also want them to thrive as health care professionals with their patients.”

For Gajewski’s students, sharing stories about their journeys and cultural rituals helps to break down stereotypes and prejudice. “We appreciate (Gajewski) for not only pouring her heart into teaching us, but also giving us this wonderful opportunity to share our hearts with our classmates,” Heil said.

IMPROVING PATIENT

CAREClassroom

diversity exercise aids

cultural context, competence.

Student-led panel discussion

Ellen Gajewski

Kyunghee Heil

Reva Mansour

“Graduating from college was

always a personal goal because my

parents never had the opportunity.”

As children in Iraq, brothers Fred and Jamal (Jim) Mansour knew they wanted more opportunities for themselves and their future families. In 1975, Jim immigrated to the U.S.; Fred followed in 1979.

Today, their three daughters are realizing their fathers’ dreams.

Jim’s daughters, Rolita and Reva, and Fred’s daughter, Evette, were all born in Macomb County — Reva in 1990 and Rolita and Evette in 1993. They attended Warren Mott High School and Sterling Heights High School, respectively.

Their parents always emphasized the importance of education. “We told them how beneficial a college degree would be to their futures,” Jim said. “We wanted them to be the first generation in our family to earn their degrees.”

The cousins grew up in a tight-knit family and were nearly inseparable, Rolita said. “We knew wherever we went to school, it had to be one close to home.”

Reva agreed, adding, “There was never a question of if we wanted to get our degrees — we just knew we wanted to achieve that experience together.”

The fathers “supported us every way they could and were a constant inspiration,” Evette said.

The cousins enrolled at Macomb Community College for their associate’s degrees and transferred to OU for their bachelor’s degrees, enrolling in 2013 (Rolita and Evette) and 2014 (Reva).

Rolita was impressed by OU’s reputation. “People we knew who were attending or had graduated had nothing but great things to say about the University,” she said. “We had also heard terrific things about OU’s bachelor’s degree program in human resource development.”

“The Mansour cousins came to OU ‘laser-focused’ on their human resource development requirements,” said Laurie Shano, a School of Education and Human Services academic adviser.

In December 2015, Rolita, Reva and Evette graduated with their bachelor’s degrees.

Today, each is a human resource development professional. Evette works at Project: Worldwide, an independent and global network of agencies in Auburn Hills. Rolita works at Whitlock Business Systems, a commercial printing, data management and graphic design company in Madison Heights. And Reva works at Epitec, a professional IT staffing and employment agency in Southfield.

Jim and Fred are proud of their daughters and nieces, who all graduated with honors.

“I think about their many late nights studying, sitting at the kitchen table and working on their school projects,” Jim said.

EVETTE, REVA AND ROLITA MANSOUR Focused on family firsts

and their futures.

“OU’s location at the University Center is close

to my home and made earning my bachelor’s

degree so convenient. I had the best of both

worlds when I was an OU student.”

Evette Mansour

Rolita Mansour

SERVING TRANSFER STUDENTS IN MACOMB COUNTY

In 1986, Macomb Community College undertook a feasibility study which showed Macomb County residents lagged behind those living in Oakland and Wayne counties in both bachelor’s degrees attained and annual salaries earned. The survey led to a 1988 millage establishing the Macomb University Center at Macomb Community College’s Center Campus in Clinton Township.

In 1991, OU joined as one of three partner schools to offer classes leading to a bachelor’s degree at the newly established University Center. Human resource development was the first bachelor’s degree that OU offered.

Today, OU enjoys a strong partnership with Macomb — the second-largest community college in Michigan and one of the largest in the U.S.

Transfer students are an important part of OU’s student body, Julie Dichtel, OU executive director of Macomb County Outreach, said. “About 41 percent began their journey as a transfer student, and more than 26 percent of those students started at Macomb.”

Dichtel added, “As a metropolitan university, many of our employed students spend a great deal of time commuting. Our locations at the University Center and the Anton/Frankel Center in Mount Clemens offer our students a convenient option to live, work and earn their bachelor’s degree in Macomb County.”

To better serve transfer students, academic advisers are available at the University Center. “OU’s academic advisers provide vital support to our students, guiding them along the way so they stay on track to a timely graduation,” Dichtel said.

“For nearly 25 years, this partnership has afforded us the opportunity to expand higher education access to those who live and work in Macomb County,” she continued. “Increasing bachelor’s degree attainment means our graduates are employable and enjoy long and rewarding careers.”

Donna Petras, Macomb’s dean of Student Relations, noted, “OU has been an outstanding partner with Macomb in developing collaborative opportunities for our students to complete their advanced degrees at the Macomb University Center. Our respective staffs work jointly to ensure transfer student success.”

“We couldn’t be more proud.”

Fred agreed. “I know the three of them will be successful in their careers because they never give up and are strong and intelligent women.”

What does the future hold? The trio’s unanimous reply: develop their careers and families. And perhaps one day pursue master’s degrees at OU.

One for all, all for one. Rolita, Reva and Evette are the degree musketeers.

“Laurie (Shano) was

knowledgeable and

helpful — from the

beginning through

transfer and until our

graduation. She made

the transition from

Macomb Community

College to OU very

smooth.”

Not sure what you want to do after high school or what career might be best for you? No worries. We’ve got camps for that! In health care professions, engineering and computer science, robotics and new for 2016: criminal justice.

Your best-ever summer-learning experience. Hands-on skill-building activities. Roll-up-your-sleeves team exercises. And action-packed field trips.

Visit oakland.edu/careercamps for 2016 dates and locations, photos and videos from previous camps and to join our mailing list.

YOUR CURIOSITY.

OURKNOW-HOW.

Oakland University in Macomb County

PASSION TO PURSUITMom encourages teen son’s love for computers and technology.

Today’s competitive job market has made higher education a necessity for a successful career. As part of its commitment to nurture our college-bound youth, OU conducts Summer Career Camps for high school teens so they can glimpse and prepare for their futures while still in high school.

Kellie Carnahan said that her son Randy has always been captivated by computers and technology. In April 2015, Randy came home from middle school with a Summer Career Camp flyer.

“Randy was ‘pumped’ and eager to attend the Engineering & Computer Science Camp and the Aerial Robotics Camp,” Kellie said. “I thought this would be a perfect opportunity for him to stay educationally active for a few weeks during the summer and, at the same time, explore his career passions.”

Kellie said the career camp experiences honed Randy’s true interest, narrowed his focus on a major and got him excited to attend college. “The cost of each camp was very affordable,” she added, “and the camp location in Mount Clemens was ideal.”

One day while Randy was at the Engineering & Computer Science Camp,

Kellie said he texted her to say it was “the best day of his life,” since he was having so much fun.

Randy said the career camps helped him understand the many engineering fields available. “I realized some of the college majors and possible careers I was considering really didn’t suit me,” he said. “I’d definitely recommend attending a career camp for any high school student who wants to be better prepared for college and decide on a future career.

“The counselors created an inviting atmosphere and got everyone engaged in the projects,” added Randy, now a freshman at Marine City High School.

Designed for motivated and ambitious teens, OU’s Summer Career Camps are a unique pre-college experience where campers explore potential college majors and possible careers in healthcare, engineering, computer science, robotics,

criminal justice, business, graphic design and more. Campers participate in hands-on skill-building activities and team exercises, action-packed field trips and dynamic discussions with OU faculty, alumni, students and industry professionals.

“In 2015, more than 156 high school students attended one of our Summer Career Camps in Macomb, Oakland and St. Clair counties,” said Meaghan Germana, OU coordinator of student support and success.

Visit oakland.edu/careercamps for detailed camp descriptions and dates, registration, photos and videos, camper testimonials and more.

When OU student Sarah Gilbert became engaged to Alan Klee two years ago, her mother, Wendy, was excited to help her daughter plan the joyous event.

Her fiance, Alan, was serving in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan at the time, so they chose Saturday, April 30, 2016 for the wedding. They never believed that date would interfere with Sarah’s graduation from OU.

After Alan was honorably discharged in 2015, the couple learned OU’s commencement was scheduled the same day. Moving the wedding wasn’t an option. The church and reception hall were booked.

“Sarah was very disappointed she wouldn’t be able to walk at graduation,” Wendy said. “She’s worked so hard to get her bachelor’s degree. I didn’t want to see her miss this milestone in her life.”

After seeing OU graduation pictures of one of Sarah’s bridesmaids, Wendy realized there might be another option. “It just hit me that with all her friends and family gathered for the wedding, what better time would there be to acknowledge this major accomplishment?”

Enter Lindsay Zeig, OU academic counselor and instructor in integrative studies — and ultimate wedding crasher. After Wendy contacted Zeig to inquire if something could be done for Sarah,

OU’s Provost’s Office agreed to allow Zeig — as student marshal in her regalia — to present the diploma to Sarah at her wedding reception at Cherry Creek Golf Club in Shelby Township.

“Sarah’s a very determined and motivated student who’s eager to learn,” said Zeig, Gilbert’s adviser for several years. Zeig was recently recognized as OU’s Outstanding Professional Academic Advising Award recipient.

Gilbert’s degree is in integrative studies with a communication minor. Through OU’s job fairs, she has had many interviews. At the time of publication, Sarah had accepted a position with

Service First Logistics, a shipping firm based in Auburn Hills.

For Wendy, keeping the diploma presentation a secret was the most difficult part of the planning. “This is more than I’d hoped for. I thank Lindsay so much for not only being a wonderful adviser but for helping make this happen for us.”

To maintain the diploma surprise, Wendy told only her husband and a few key people at the reception. After all, what’s a wedding without the DJ cueing up “Pomp and Circumstance”?

BOUQUET AND BACCALAUREATEJoyful wedding surprise alters student’s commencement absence.

Cloud computing, data breach, malwareMichigan launches first accessible cybersecurity training center.

In today’s technology-driven world, a company’s ability to safeguard its networking infrastructure and confidential business data against threats of unauthorized access and exploitation is a vital corporate strategy.

The Michigan Cyber Range (MCR), powered by Ann Arbor-based Merit Network, trains cybersecurity professionals to detect, thwart and mitigate cyberattacks. Proposed by Governor Rick Snyder in 2011 and made possible by grants from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Michigan State Police and Department of Homeland Security, Governor Snyder established the MCR at Merit Network on November 9, 2012.

On March 18, 2016, MCR’s first cybersecurity training center housed in a business incubator in Michigan was launched at the Velocity Collaboration Center in Sterling Heights. The Velocity Collaboration Center is home to the Macomb-Oakland University INCubator (Mac-OU INC). Federal, state and local legislators, OU officials and cyberindustry professionals celebrated the launch with a ribbon-cutting.

Within the cyberhub, cybersecurity education, training and testing to prevent data breaches are offered in a secure “virtual sandbox.” Courses from the National Institute of Standards and Technology National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE)

and exercises to simulate data hacks are available for more than 20 cybersecurity disciplines. Defense contractors, the auto industry and other businesses can also use special software to test the effectiveness of their software and networks. Open to the public, the five-day courses will begin in early summer 2016. Courses will move from fundamental through foundational, specialized and advanced, with a certification exam on the final day.

“MCR’s new hub serves as a strategic intersection where entrepreneurship, cybersecurity and higher education meet,” said Larry Herriman, interim executive director of the Mac-OU INC. “Cybersecurity awareness is on the rise. As the internet continues to evolve, the security of commerce becomes more significant,” he added. “This will continue to be a problem to address for anyone conducting business via the internet.”

Partners of the MCR’s new hub at the Velocity Collaboration Center are the Mac-OU INC, the Merit Network, the Michigan Defense Center of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development and the City of Sterling Heights. OU will be involved in planning additional hubs in the future.

MAC-OU INC

The Mac-OU INC — a business incubator developed in collaboration between OU, Macomb County and the City of Sterling Heights — supports economic development in Southeast Michigan by accelerating high-tech businesses, cultivating academic innovation and encouraging research and development.

For more information, visit oakland.edu/macombouinc.

(From left) Brigadier General Michael Stone; James Jackson, senior Congressional liaison for U.S. Senator Gary Peters; Betty Youngblood, Ph.D., OU vice president, Strategic Planning & Macomb Outreach; Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor; Pam Lewis, executive director, New Economy Initiative; Dr. Joe Adams, Merit vice president, Research &

Cyber Security; Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO Steve Arwood; and Larry Herriman, interim executive director, Macomb-Oakland University INCubator.

MAKING AN IMPACT IN MACOMB COUNTY

Supporting economic development in

Southeast Michigan by accelerating

high-tech businesses, cultivating

academic innovation and encouraging

research and development.

Providing OU students with relevant bachelor’s and master’s degree programs

in the fastest-growing and highest-paying careers.

Nurturing college-bound high school students at Summer Career Camps

offered in Macomb, Oakland and St. Clair counties since 2010.

Engaging with OU students, alums,

faculty and staff to support and

participate in activities, initiatives,

events and projects benefitting

communities in Macomb County.

OAKLAND UNIVERSITY IN MACOMB COUNTY

Anton/Frankel Center 20 South Main Street, Mount Clemens

Macomb University Center 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township

Macomb-OU INCubator | Velocity Collaboration Center 6633 Eighteen Mile Road, Sterling Heights

muc-11722_5-16(855) 222-6909 (toll-free) | oakland.edu/macomb | OUmacomb@oakland.edu