News

SMC Board of Trustees Reviews ‘Metrics That Matter’

Southwestern Michigan College’s Board of Trustees heard President Dr. Joe Odenwald’s report on “metrics that matter” during Nov. 9’s meeting on the Niles campus. “Spring registration is well underway,” Odenwald said. “We registered 940 students the first week, including 610 in a single day. The goal is 1,620” by the time classes start Jan. 9, “so we’re about two thirds of the way there.”

Kara Murphy Passionate About Psychology

With Thanksgiving looming, Southwestern Michigan College Psychology Club President Kara Murphy knew what timely topic to build her Nov. 7 agenda around. Murphy, 19, of Niles, presented “Food for Thought,” projecting 29 slides and passing out question sheets to drive discussion on how gratitude and healthy relationships contribute to well-being. Every person present participated.

Tales from Adult Learners

There’s a buzz around the Dowagiac and Niles campuses of Southwestern Michigan College, and it’s not coming only from students choosing to enter college straight out of high school. Many of the individuals who are making an impact on their lives and the lives of their communities and families are those who are starting — or returning — to college not as 18-year-old students, but as “non-traditional” learners with a lot of life experience.

In-Person SMC STEM Camp Returns for First Time Since 2019

It looks like 69 STEM campers are stirring bowls of colorful yogurt. If it was yogurt, it would certainly stick to the roof of your mouth. But actually, It’s the new-and-improved way to make slime — with glue. Elmer’s markets an all-in-one activator that replaces baking soda and contact lens solution in the recipe. Southwestern Michigan College’s fourth STEM camp Aug. 15-17 for students entering grades 4-6 this fall attracted children from across Michiana.

Roadrunners Set to Open First Volleyball Season in 26 Years

The last time the SMC Roadrunners took to the court in an official game, incumbent President Bill Clinton was approaching re-election, Cuba had just beaten China to win women’s volleyball gold at the Games of the XXVI Olympiad in Atlanta, and a gallon of gasoline cost about $1.25. In other words, it’s been a while.

SMC Hosts 375 for Nursing and Criminal Justice Day

Stacey Laubach was the flight nurse on the Memorial MedFlight helicopter which landed behind Southwestern Michigan College’s Dale A. Lyons Building Nov. 11 in response to a mock crash for Nursing and Criminal Justice Day.

SMC Dedicates 1st Source Bank Fieldhouse

Southwestern Michigan College’s Aug. 17 1st Source Bank Fieldhouse dedication celebrates an ambitious new era.

Two SMC Students Earn All A’s Summer Semester

Southwestern Michigan College named two students, Julison DeSouza Medonca of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Noah Taulbee of Niles, to President’s List for the Summer 2022 semester.

SMC Roadrunner Featured on Dowagiac Ornament

Southwestern Michigan College’s reborn Ronnie Roadrunner mascot is featured on the Young Professionals of Greater Dowagiac’s 10th-anniversary ornament.

Ten Students Complete SMC ETS Public Safety/Fire Camp

Southwestern Michigan College Educational Talent Search’s Public Safety Camp Aug. 22-26, in partnership with Dowagiac fire and police departments, exposed 10 high school students to a variety of careers, capped by a Chicago Fire Department bus trip.