News

SMC Studying How to Address Housing Demand

At its regular meeting on Dec. 13, Southwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees reviewed a study evaluating options to provide additional housing capacity. The administration will bring a formal recommendation to the board in January. In his President’s Report, Dr. Joe Odenwald said housing is projected to remain close to full occupancy for Spring 2024.

Kyra DeLoach Wins Statewide Award

Southwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees Dec. 13 recognized Keith H. McKenzie Residence Hall Manager Kyra DeLoach for receiving a statewide award.

Carew's Career Advice: Persevere and Learn Piano

Growing up in Spartan Village on the Michigan State University campus in East Lansing, David Carew saw himself attending MSU, not Western Michigan University. As a youngster, he played in band before he sang in choir. Carew, 18-year Southwestern Michigan College Director of Choral Activities, preferred playing flute to baritone, so instrumental music didn’t stick.

‘Inspiring’ Fall Vocal Concert Combines Standard Choirs with Musical Theatre

“To Inspire...A Musical Collage” Nov. 11 in the theatre of the Dale A. Lyons Building on Southwestern Michigan College’s Dowagiac campus combined a traditional choir concert directed by Director of Choral Activities David Carew with musical-theatre show tunes helmed by Resident Theatre Director Marcus Jordan.

Cassopolis Tenor Saxophonist Bound for Carnegie Hall

Anyone who heard tenor saxophonist Seth Kalina solo with Southwestern Michigan College’s Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo at the Oct. 27 fall band concert knows he’s going places. But listeners might not realize he has a firm destination in mind — Carnegie Hall in February.

SMC Band Joins Rake a Difference Volunteer Brigade

Southwestern Michigan College contributed two teams of volunteers to a record-breaking day helping southwest Michigan seniors rake and bag leaves and clean gutters for United Way’s 13th annual “Rake a Difference” Nov. 9. Breaking last year’s records, 136 teams with 1,340 volunteers served 353 seniors with 7,370 volunteer hours valued at $234,366.

Trustees Hear Report on the ‘Three Critical A’s’

Southwestern Michigan College’s Board of Trustees, meeting at the Niles campus Nov. 8, heard Dr. Joe Odenwald’s President’s Report on the “three critical A’s” — academics, athletics and the arts.

112 High School Students Attend SMC Nursing Day

Southwestern Michigan College Nursing Day turned the normally pristine simulation lab into a crime scene Nov. 3. Intentionally making a mess around the robotic manikins was meant for instructional purposes — an engaging “I Spy” activity for 112 high schoolers from Dowagiac, Lakeshore, Cassopolis, Lawton, Berrien Springs, Eau Claire, Bridgman and Career Academy South Bend cataloging five things which went awry in each of four rooms.

Art, Music Intersect at ’Pictures’

Southwestern Michigan College’s fall band concert “Pictures” Oct. 27 featured the SMC Jazz Ensemble, the SMC Jazz Combo and the SMC Symphonic Band conducted by Director of Bands Mark Hollandsworth.

Summery sunshine for Jazz on the Lawn

“Jazz on the Lawn” is a way to preview and promote Southwestern Michigan College’s fall band concert. This year, the weather cooperated. Last October it spit snow.