Launch A Washtenaw Community College Publication | Summer 2021
Inside
From WCC Graduate to Award-Winning Producer page 4
Social Worker Credits WCC for Career Success page 6
Parents’ Perspective: Scholarships Help Siblings Pursue Their Goals page 14
10 | PROGRAM SPOTLIGHTS
Photo: Will Glover, Associate Producer, DPTV
What do you call someone who went to WCC?
Producer. Social Worker. Meet some of WCC's successful alumni inside.
LAUNCH SUMMER 2021
In This Issue 4
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From WCC Graduate to AwardWinning Producer There’s probably no one better equipped to tell the story of what it takes to achieve a rewarding career than Washtenaw Community College alumnus Will Glover.
Social Worker Credits WCC for Career Success It was a winding road with some fits and starts that took Nicholas Ochal to the career in social work that he enjoys today.
Greetings: If you are like me, it’s encouraging and gratifying to write a letter that talks about summer. In this case, Washtenaw Community College’s Summer semester class offerings. In this issue of Launch, you will find valuable information on classes the college will be offering in the Summer term--classes that can lead to a life changing experience for you--just as it did for two former students who took advantage of a WCC education to land meaningful and rewarding careers. Will Glover realized a dream about one day going into film as a career by earning an associate degree in Digital Video Production. I had the pleasure of meeting Will during an interview he produced for Detroit Public Television (DPTV). After earning his degree at WCC, he was hired by DPTV where he recently won an award from the Society of Professional Journalists, Detroit Chapter, for Excellence in Journalism for Community/Local News Reporting. Congratulations, Will.
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2021 Programs
Program Spotlights 10..... Human Services 12..... Digital Video Production
Parents’ Perspective: Scholarships Help Siblings Pursue Their Goals Publisher . . . . . . . . . Rose B. Bellanca, Ed.D.
President, Washtenaw Community College
Executive Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lori Mouton
Chief Communications Officer Vice President, PR & Marketing
Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Colleen Villa Director of Marketing
Graphic Designer . . . . . . . Mandy McCarthy Web Designer . . . . . . . . . . . Sonya McDowell Writers . . . . . . . . . Rich Rezler, Brian Malone 2 | Launch Summer 2021
You’ll also meet Nicholas Ochal. Nicholas earned an Associate of Arts in Human Services from WCC in 2012. After that, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University and, later, a Master’s Degree in Social Work & Executive Management of Human Services from the University of Michigan. Nicholas is now a clinical coordinator at Beginning Step, a substance abuse center in Westland. We are proud of both of these former students and of the thousands of others who have started their career paths at WCC. With warm regard, and gratitude,
Rose B. Bellanca, Ed.D. President, Washtenaw Community College
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Learn More at wccnet.edu/reconnect
From WCC Graduate to Award-Winning Producer There’s probably no one better equipped to tell the story of what it takes to achieve a rewarding career than Washtenaw Community College alumnus Will Glover.
T
he 34-year-old Ypsilanti Township resident is an award-winning associate producer for DPTV (Detroit Public Television). But the journey to a full-time job in a profession he loves wasn’t easy. After about two and half years at Eastern Michigan University, Glover’s education was put on hold after his father’s sudden death. “I worked in kitchens for several years to start paying a larger-than-expected college debt,” Glover said. “I was a little skeptical about going back to college,” Glover said. But a film course he had taken years before at EMU had sparked an interest he knew he needed to pursue. So, he enrolled at WCC. He credits Matt Zacharias, Digital Media Arts faculty instructor, for guiding him along the path to his Associate of Arts in Digital Video Production. “I remember an assignment I worked on when I first went back to WCC,” Glover said. “I got it done but I knew it wasn’t very good. Matt took me aside and told me that we both knew it wasn’t good.
“That’s when he told me that he knew I had it in me to do better work. Matt played a big part in getting me to where I am today.” Other Digital Media Arts classes include: Graphic Design Technology; Photography Technology; 3-D Animation and Digital Strategist, among others. After earning his WCC degree, Glover landed a job at DPTV, assisting line producers, main producers and executive producers with programs on the public TV station. According to DPTV’s website, Glover, now full-time at the station, won a Society of Professional Journalists Detroit Chapter for Excellence in Journalism Award for Community/Local News reporting in 2019–2020. The recognition was for his work in producing a segment for the DPTV show “One Detroit.” Glover hasn’t forgotten his alma mater. He says he enjoys the opportunity to be a judge for the annual WCC Film Festival. It’s his way of giving back.
JD Scott Photography
EARN YOUR BACHELOR′S DEGREE START: WCC Associate of Arts, Digital Video Production FINISH: Eastern Michigan University Bachelor of Science, Technology Management
Matt played a big part in getting me to where I am today.” Matt Zacharias, Digital Media Arts faculty instructor 4 | Launch Summer 2021
Learn more at wccnet.edu/articulation.
WHAT DO YOU CALL SOMEONE WHO WENT TO WCC?
EMPLOYED.
Students work on green screen technique in WCC's digital video production studio. 5
Social Worker Credits WCC for Career Success It was a winding road with some fits and starts that took Nicholas Ochal to the career in social work that he enjoys today.
WHAT DO YOU CALL SOMEONE WHO WENT TO WCC?
EMPLOYED. 6 | Launch Summer 2021
“
I applied to Washtenaw Community College and a four-year institution when I finished at Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor,” Ochal said. “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I ‘grew up,’ but I knew I had to get an education. I started at WCC because it was the less expensive option while I figured out what I wanted to study.”
It was a co-worker who suggested to Ochal that he might want to look into social work as a career. “I Googled it and it sparked an inner drive that I didn’t have before,” Ochal said. “I re-enrolled at WCC after that year off with a new purpose and ended up graduating with high honors.
Figure it out, he did. The 31-year-old White Lake resident is currently the Clinical Coordinator at Beginning Step, Inc. in Westland, an outpatient substance use disorder treatment program. After earning an Associate of Arts in Human Services degree from WCC, he went on to gain a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University and a master’s from the University of Michigan, both in Social Work. He is responsible for all of the clinical services, including group therapy and individual counseling, He oversees and guides the work of master-level counselors, making sure they are providing quality and ethical treatment to patients. “My first semester at WCC didn’t go well,” Ochal recalled. “I stopped attending classes then took another year off to reevaluate why I wanted to go to school.
That’s what’s so important about finding, or creating, your purpose.” Ochal is quick to credit WCC, its programs and faculty, for much of his success: “WCC is a fantastic college,” he said. “I’ll say nice things about it whenever I can.” He’s especially grateful to WCC faculty members Kristy Norris (Psychology), Dr. Starr Burke (Behavioral Sciences) and Elisabeth Thoburn (Humanities) – all of whom still teach at the college – for guiding him along the way. JD Scott Photography
WCC is a fantastic college. I’ll say nice things about it whenever I can.”
“I chose the field of social work because of its dedication to helping society’s most vulnerable people,” he said. “I always knew that when I chose a career, I would want to do something meaningful and make a positive difference in the world.”
EARN YOUR BACHELOR′S DEGREE START: WCC Associate of Arts, Human Services FINISH: Eastern Michigan University or Madonna University, Bachelor of Social Work Learn more at wccnet.edu/articulation. 7
SAY HELLO TO A SMARTER SUMMER WITH WCC COURSES
Achieve your college goals.
Learn More!
Visit wccnet.edu/summer21 #1 Online Community College in Michigan Get a university-quality education at an affordable price Over 25 programs you can complete 100% online Sessions begin May 10
QUESTIONS? CONTACT THE STUDENT WELCOME CENTER
734-973-3543
wccnet.edu/studentconnection
Washtenaw Community College does not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other protected status in its programs and activities. The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies: Executive Vice President of Student & Academic Services, SC 247, 734-973-3536.
8 | Launch Summer 2021
go2wcc@wccnet.edu
Facility access inquiries: Associate V.P. of Facilities, Development & Operations, PO 112, 734-677-5322 If you have a disability and require accommodation to participate in this event, contact Learning Support Services at 734973-3342 to request accommodations at least 72 hours in advance. © 2021 Washtenaw Community College
WCC has programs you want! With more than 130 different programs of study, it’s easy to get an associate degree and transfer to a four-year college, train for a career you can start right away, or earn a certificate to advance in your job. Visit wccnet.edu/programs for the full list of programs and to learn more.
BROADCAST, COMMUNICATION, VISUAL, DIGITAL & FINE ARTS BROADCAST MEDIA ARTS Audio Production and Engineering Broadcast Media Arts Journalism Technical Communication
DIGITAL ARTS
3D Animation Animation for Film and Broadcast Animation for Game Art Client-side Web Developer Digital Strategist Digital Video Production Interface Designer Server-side Web Developer User Experience Designer Web Design and Development
FINE ARTS
Film Studies Fine Arts Global Studies Liberal Arts Transfer
VISUAL ARTS
Graphic Design Photographic Imaging Photographic Technology
BUSINESS BUSINESS
Accounting Accounting for Business Administrative Assistant Applied Data Science Business Administration—Transfer Business Enterprise Business Office Administration Computer Software Applications Core Business Skills Digital Business Marketing and Sales Entrepreneurship & Innovation
BUSINESS, CONT. Human Resources Management Management Occupational Studies Retail Operations or Management Supply Chain Operations or Management
GENERAL STUDIES General Studies— Transfer Pathway General Studies— Employment Pathway
HEALTH SCIENCES DENTAL
Dental Assisting
IMAGING
Computed Tomography (CT) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Mammography Radiography
NURSING
Nursing Assistant LPN to RN RN
OTHER PROGRAMS
Health Care Foundations Health Program Preparation Medical Assisting Medical Billing and Coding Physical Therapist Assistant Sterile Processing Surgical Technology
HUMAN SERVICES, PRE-EDUCATION & PUBLIC SAFETY HUMAN SERVICES Addiction Studies Human Services
WCC also offers an English as a Second Language (ESL) certificate for international students in preparation for a college degree in the U.S. Programs available as of publication date. Consult wccnet.edu/programs for the latest information.
PRE-EDUCATION
Child Development Early Childhood Education Elementary Education Secondary Education
PUBLIC SAFETY
Criminal Justice Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement Paralegal Studies/Pre-Law Police Academy
MANUFACTURING & AUTOMOTIVE AUTOMOTIVE
Auto Body Repair Automotive Cybersecurity Automotive Services Automotive Test Technician Custom Auto Body Fabrication and Chassis Design Motorcycle Service Technology Powertrain Development Technician Transportation Technologies
MANUFACTURING
Advanced Machine Tool Programming Engineering Technology— Manufacturing Fluid Power Industrial Electronics Technology Machine Tool Setup, Operation and Programming Mechatronics Welding and Fabrication
SCIENCE, COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH
COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY, CONT. Cybersecurity Foundations of Information Systems Information Systems: Programming in C++ Linux/UNIX Systems Programming in Java Web Database Programming Professional
ENGINEERING
Engineering and Design Technology Pre-Engineering Science Transfer
MATH AND SCIENCE
Environmental Science Exercise Science General Studies in Math and Natural Sciences Math and Science Biology Chemistry Mathematics
SKILLED TRADES & CONSTRUCTION Construction Construction Supervision/ Management HVACR Welding
APPRENTICESHIP & UNION TRADES
Apprenticeship Completion Construction Supervision Industrial Training Ironworkers Pre-Apprenticeship Journeyman Industrial Occupational Studies
COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY
C++ Programming Computer Networking Computer Software Applications Computer Systems Technology
To learn more about our Student Success Guarantee, visit wccnet.edu/guarantee. 9
Program Spotlight: Human Services (AAHUST)
Be a Champion for Mental Wellness As a human services worker, you’ll help people cope with issues that keep them from being the best version of themselves. Working in a mental health clinic, school, hospital, addiction recovery center and other settings, you will counsel people, teaching them skills and techniques to improve their lives. You may even diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional health issues.
DID YOU KNOW?
WCC is one of the only community colleges in Michigan offering an Addiction Studies postassociate certificate. This certificate can be applied toward becoming a Certified Alcohol and Drug (CADC) counselor. Most courses are offered online so they can be completed remotely and while working in the field.
EARNING POTENTIAL Mental Health and Substance Abuse Worker NEW WORKERS
PER YEAR
Generally start around
Normal pay is
$33,092
$50,210 PER YEAR
$71k $61k $50k $40k $33k
Learn more at wccnet.edu/cpas.
MICHIGAN NUMBERS
10th*
Median salary source: wccnet.emsicc.com
10 | Launch Summer 2021
50th
Pay percentile
CURRENTLY EMPLOYED MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SOCIAL WORKERS
4,258
25th
JOB OPENINGS
472
75th
90th
Program Spotlight: Human Services (AAHUST)
HUMAN SERVICES (AAHUST) Program Description As society’s needs grow, so does the search for dedicated workers in the field of human services. In the Associate of Arts in Human Services program you will learn to work with individuals and groups to help them cope with life’s struggles. Looking to earn your bachelor’s degree? WCC’s program directly transfers to the Bachelor of Social Work program at Eastern Michigan University and Madonna University through special articulation agreements. Learn more at wccnet.edu/articulation.
For more information, visit wccnet.edu/aahust. Jobs in Human Services JOB
MEDIAN SALARY
JOB GROWTH*
ENTRY-LEVEL DEGREE REQUIRED
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder & Mental Health Counselors
$46,240
25% (much faster than average)
AA + Transfer
Marriage and Family Therapists
$49,610
22% (much faster than average)
AA + Transfer
Social Workers
$50,470
13% (much faster than average)
AA + Transfer
Social and Community Service Managers
$67,150
17% (much faster than average)
AA + Transfer
Psychologists
$80,370
3% (as fast as average)
AA + Transfer + Master’s degree
*Job outlook through 2029, U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, bls.gov. Salary and employment source: wccnet.emsicc.com
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Program Spotlight: Digital Video Production (AADVP)
May the Video Be with You Want to get into a high demand, highly creative field? Consider the fast-growing field of digital video production. From TikTok creators to the film crew of Star Wars, video producers are needed for today’s world of everincreasing video consumption. Working in an office, television studio or on location, you’ll apply your screenwriting, cinematography, lighting and other skills to develop engaging stories to share with the world. Interested in a bachelor’s degree? WCC’s Digital Video Production Associate of Arts degree transfers seamlessly to Eastern Michigan University’s Technology Management Bachelor of Science program. Learn more at wccnet.edu/articulation.
EARNING POTENTIAL Producer NEW WORKERS
PER YEAR
Generally start around
Normal pay is
$29,395
$56,641 PER YEAR
$114k $77k $57k $41k $29k
10th
25th
50th
MICHIGAN NUMBERS CURRENTLY EMPLOYED PRODUCERS
2,535
Median salary source: wccnet.emsicc.com
12 | Launch Summer 2021
JOB OPENINGS
270
75th
90th
Program Spotlight: Digital Video Production (AADVP)
DIGITAL VIDEO PRODUCTION (AADVP) Program Description The Associate of Arts in Digital Video Production program provides students with specialized training to develop proficiency in advanced and professional video production. Students will learn to develop video content covering all facets of pre-production, production and post-production. Courses include: cinematography, editing, green screen, documentary, commercial, screenwriting, lighting, production of fictional works and the creation of video graphics using state-of-the-art technology and software. After completion of the degree, students will be prepared to follow a professional career path in production. This includes areas such as: entertainment, business, education, journalism and corporate communications.
For more information, visit wccnet.edu/aadvp. Top Jobs in Film and Video JOB
MEDIAN SALARY
JOB GROWTH*
ENTRY-LEVEL DEGREE REQUIRED
Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians
$45,510
9% (much faster than average)
AA + Transfer
Film and Video Editors
$59,810
18% (much faster than average)
AA + Transfer
Producers and Directors
$74,420
10% (much faster than average)
AA + Transfer
Multimedia Artists and Animators
$75,270
4% (as fast as average)
AA + Transfer
*Job outlook through 2029, U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, bls.gov. Salary and employment source: wccnet.emsicc.com
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Scholarships Help Siblings Pursue Their Goals Zoe, Christopher and Anna Garguilo
Parents’ Perspective
Free Money to Pay for College WCC has thousands of scholarships to help eligible students pay for college. • WCC Foundation scholarships • High School Honors scholarships • Divisional scholarships • STEM Scholars program • Student Resource Center scholarships • WCC Children’s Center scholarships • Morse B. Barker Memorial scholarships • Learning Disability Association scholarships • Emeritus scholarships
Learn more at wccnet.edu/scholarships. 14 | Launch Summer 2021
Having three children – Anna, Christopher and Zoe – enroll at Washtenaw Community College simultaneously was an exciting time for the Gargiulo family. It was also a financial concern for their parents, Laura and Peter Gargiulo. The abundance of scholarships available at WCC eased that concern.
with the President’s Honor Scholarship and the Procassini Honor Scholarship.*
The trio of 19-year-old Gargiulo children, three of the family’s four surviving quintuplets, came to WCC planning to transfer to four-year universities. Anna is studying Secondary Education, Christopher is focused on Cybersecurity and Zoe is following a Math and Science transfer degree program.
Those scholarships provided more than a $3,000 financial reward, Laura Gargiulo said.
While starting their academic journeys at WCC was a financial decision in itself, Laura Gargiulo said she also encouraged her children to apply for “everything they were eligible for.” They each received multiple scholarships, which “makes the possibility of attending a four-year university after finishing at WCC a definite possibility.” WCC offers many scholarships, some based on financial need, some on merit, and some combining both criteria. A full list is available at wccnet.edu/scholarships. All three Gargiulo children earned an Excellence Scholarship from WCC, one of three types of scholarships available to graduating high school students along
Laura Gargiulo believes all families should encourage their children to apply for every scholarship available to them.
“I firmly believe that applying for and getting the Excellence Scholarship boosted my children’s self-confidence,” she said. “I knew they were worthy, but having the school acknowledge their hard work in high school helped them to see it, as well.” - Laura Garguilo, mom “As I tell my children over and over, ‘You never know until you try and if you don’t try, you absolutely won’t succeed,’” she said. “The application process is a little work, and approaching teachers and employers for letters of recommendation might be difficult, but it is a worthwhile growing experience.”
*T he President's and Procassini Scholarships are open to students who attend a Washtenaw County public high school. The deadline to apply for these scholarships is March 15, 2021.
Register Now for Summer and Fall! Summer Classes Begin May 10, 2021 Fall Classes Begin August 30, 2021
How To Get Started At WCC
Important Dates:
Apply to WCC. It’s free!
March 10
Summer and Fall Registration Begins for Continuing Students
wccnet.edu/apply
March 11
Summer and Fall Registration Begins for New Students
Applying is free and only takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Complete items on your personal checklist
We’ll call within three days of receiving your application to walk you through each item.
wccnet.edu/orientation
Meet with an academic advisor
WCC advisors can help you with determining your major, class selection and degree planning. Schedule your appointment today. Call 734-677-5102 or contact the Student Welcome Team.
wccnet.edu/advising
Course Schedule
Search and register for classes using keywords such as a subject, class name, instructor name, class number, or Course Reference Number (CRN). Other tools help you find classes by subject, location, time of day, days of the week, and type of class.
May 10 Summer Semester Begins May 24 Summer Session II Begins May 31 Memorial Day; College Closed June 22 Summer Session III Begins July 4–5
Independence Day Observed; College Closed
August 2 Summer Semester Ends August 30 Fall Semester Begins September 22 Fall Session II Begins October 6 Fall Session III Begins October 23 Fall Session IV Begins
Student Welcome Team
Online classes are available on-demand or in a virtual classroom format. Mixed-mode classes are a combination of online instruction and on-campus lab time.
Need help? Call 734-973-3543 M–Th: 8 a.m.–7 p.m. Fri: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Sat: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
wccnet.edu/schedule
wccnet.edu/studentconnection
Pay for school
There are many ways to pay for school—financial aid, scholarships and payment plans. Visit wccnet.edu/pay for more details.
wccnet.edu/pay
Tips To Help You Register!
Log into wccnet.edu/mywcc, click on Student Services, then Registration. You will be able to: • Check your Course Prerequisites • See if there are any Holds on your account • Register for classes
wccnet.edu/mywcc
wccnet.edu WCC Board of Trustees Mr. William G. Milliken Jr., Board Chair Ms. Angela Davis, Vice Chair Mr. David DeVarti, Treasurer Ms. Ruth A. Hatcher, Secretary Ms. Christina M. H. Fleming, Trustee Dr. Richard J. Landau, Trustee Ms. Diana McKnight-Morton, Trustee Rose B. Bellanca, Ed.D., WCC President 15
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What do you call someone who went to WCC?
Doctor. Apply today at wccnet.edu. Dr. Allison Fox, MD, WCC Graduate Opthalmology Resident, Indiana University School of Medicine
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