28-Year-Old Mom Running Cross Country for SMC

Like many 28-year-olds, Chelsea (Howard) Behnke has a fulltime job, a mortgage, a husband of four years and two young children. Then her resume veers in a different direction to cross-country runner, making her Southwestern Michigan College’s ultimate non-traditional athlete. “I call myself the geriatric runner,” she said.

SMC’s Futures Fair Explores Careers, Technology

Southwestern Michigan College’s career-exploration Futures Fair Sept. 25 was designed to help SMC students discover academic programs and career pathways. This year’s theme, “Choose Your Adventure,” encouraged students to take actionable steps toward advancing career goals.

More Than 350 Attend First Daytime SMC College Fair

Contrary to the multitude of undecideds among more than 350 high school students attending Southwestern Michigan College’s College Fair Sept. 23, Marcellus Community Schools senior Ben Aalfs is deep into researching his path to attaining his educational goals. Aalfs sees himself combining automotive technology with business and marketing to open his own garage.

Robert Campbell Passes at 88

Southwestern Michigan College is mourning the passing of Robert Campbell of Dowagiac. Mr. Campbell retired in 2001 after 28 years at SMC as Dean of Financial Aid.

SMC Launches New Tuition-bet36体育在线 Scholarship Program

Southwestern Michigan College’s new free tuition scholarship program, the Green Light Guarantee, reinforces SMC’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable education for all recent and future Michigan high school graduates pursuing a college degree.

SMC Honors Service of Eight Faculty Members

At their regular monthly meeting on September 11, Southwestern Michigan College trustees presented pins as they thanked eight faculty employees who were celebrating milestones ranging from five to 25 years of service to the college.

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.”