News

SMC Achieves Third Straight Year of Enrollment Growth

Southwestern Michigan College achieved the anticipated enrollment “three-peat” this fall, President Dr. Joseph Odenwald reported to the Board of Trustees at their regular meeting on September 11. Enrollment shows a 2.8-percent increase in head count and 1.5-percent increase in contact hours, or 2,044 students compared to 1,989 last year at this time.

Al Churchill’s Journey from Manure to Music and Back

Al Churchill graduated from Southwestern Michigan College in 1978 as one of the first music majors to earn an associate degree. Since then, his professional career has unspooled in three distinct acts, saving the best for last — the one inspired by a required SMC science course.

Full Circle with a Twist

Coming out of Union High School in 2006 as Dowagiac’s All-Sports Award winner, Kim (Luthringer) Anderson was not ready to put her playing days behind her. Southwestern Michigan College, from which she earned 12 credits while still in high school and where she worked for six years preparing for her career, was on an extended hiatus from intercollegiate athletics.

SMC Poised for Enrollment Three-Peat

Southwestern Michigan College put in the work this summer to be poised for a three-peat this fall, President Dr. Joseph Odenwald reported to the Board of Trustees at their regular meeting on Aug. 21. Enrollment shows a 2-percent increase, 1,958 head count compared to 1,917 last year at this time. “We have another two weeks, and we’ll see what happens. This is registration week and our offices are open extended hours.”

SMC Summer Honor Rolls Released

Southwestern Michigan College named Jason Becht of Lawrence to President’s List for the Summer 2024 semester.

Dowagiac Union Schools Taps SMC Graduate As Band Director

Dowagiac’s new Band Director, Benjamin VanRoekel, 2019 Southwestern Michigan College graduate and tenor saxophonist from Paw Paw, capped his first band camp Aug. 10 previewing this fall’s halftime show. VanRoekel’s Chieftain Marching Band performed selections from John Williams-themed “A Night at the Movies.”

2021 Speaker Broadens Her Interest in Science

Since speaking at Southwestern Michigan College’s outdoor Outstanding Graduate Reception in May 2021, Jossalyn Rogalski was awarded “Distinguished Senior in Biology” last spring at Western Michigan University, from which she graduated in December debt-free. In January, Cass County’s 2016 spelling champion and Dowagiac’s 2020 salutatorian began a WMU master’s degree in geography to continue using her Medallion scholarship.

Choral Concert Closes with Furious Dancing

Stacey V. Gibbs of Detroit conducted the “Hope, Light and Love” concert July 19 culminating Southwestern Michigan College’s intensive three-day choral workshop. A six-song performance in the theatre of the Dale A. Lyons Building on SMC’s Dowagiac campus reflected two days of rehearsals with the prolific and highly sought-after composer, arranger and clinician.

Nine ETS Students Finish Police, Fire Training

Southwestern Michigan College Educational Talent Search (ETS), in partnership with the Dowagiac fire and police departments, July 22-26 offered simulated fire and police training. Public Safety Camp is meant to inform students about the important role fire and police departments play in community protection.

Living Proof That Every Vote Matters

As the youngest person elected to the Berrien County Board of Commissioners, Rayonte D. Bell learned at the outset of his young political life the value of every single vote. Bell was just 22 in his 2020 race with Republican Bruce Gorenflo after incumbent Bill Chickering retired. The contest ended in a 3,934-3,934 tie. On Nov. 16, the candidates pulled lots. Bell drew “not elected,” then sought a recount.