News

2017 Graduate A Nurse Who Works From Home

Even though she’s a nurse, BaiLee Pastol works primarily from home. Pastol, a spring 2017 Southwestern Michigan College graduate, graduated from Lawton High School in 2014.

SMC’s Magical History Tour Takes in Ohio, West Virginia and Virginia

This year’s Southwestern Michigan College extended learning experience exposed history students to Ohio, West Virginia and Virginia. Eve Astacio, Ashaun Buckner, Kaleigh Conroy, Allison Delaney, Shane Edwards, Sydney Franks, Juan Garcia, Mikaylah Gardner, Caston Kusarawana, Nik Mccllen, Eli O’Keefe, Gavin Smith and Nick Weston participated.

Ryan Peterson First SMC Criminal Justice Double Gold Medalist

Southwestern Michigan College’s Ryan Peterson repeated as a gold medal winner in the criminal justice contest at the SkillsUSA-Michigan Skills and Leadership Conference in Grand Rapids April 14-16.

SMC Recognizes Retirees, Employees

Jeanne Richmond’s 28 years with Southwestern Michigan College were celebrated April 28 at the Employment Retirement and Recognition Breakfast honoring 21 employees in Mathews Conference Center East.

SMC Jazz Ensemble, Select Voices Take Break From High School Tour to Benefit Beckwith Theatre

Southwestern Michigan College’s Roadrunners played their benefit concert for Beckwith Theatre May 6.

Former Dowagiac Mayor Burke Honors SMC with Bequest

Dr. James Burke, former long-term Dowagiac mayor who helped initiate a series of redevelopment projects to rebuild the city’s central business district, made a large bequest to benefit future Southwestern Michigan College students. Burke, who passed away Nov. 4, 2022, in Spring Hill, Fla., at the age of 95, made a generous gift of $100,000 to help fund SMC scholarships. Born and raised in Dowagiac, Burke graduated from Dowagiac Union High School in 1945 and the University of Notre Dame in 1949.

SMC Graduates 21-Member Nursing Class

Southwestern Michigan College April 29 welcomed 21 new nurses to America’s largest health care profession with almost 4.2 million registered nurses (RNs) nationwide. The federal government projects that more than 203,000 new positions will be created each year through 2031. The spring class received associate degrees in nursing (ADN) in a pinning ceremony in the theatre of the Dale A. Lyons Building on the Dowagiac campus.

‘Remember Your Crew,’ Ensign Reminds SMC Honor Graduates

Gage Ensign was reminded of standing in front of a throng at Parris Island, S.C., graduating from Marine Corps recruit training — boot camp. Beautiful sun. Palm trees. Perfect breeze. “Parris Island feels like a vacation until you’re a recruit,” Ensign told Southwestern Michigan College’s Outstanding Graduate Reception April 27 in the theatre of the Dale A. Lyons Building on the Dowagiac campus.

SMC’s 56th Commencement Graduates 317

Two women spoke on behalf of Southwestern Michigan College’s Class of 2023 April 29 at 56th Commencement ceremonies for 317 students in the theatre of the Dale A. Lyons Building on SMC’s Dowagiac campus. Kara Murphy of Niles addressed the School of Arts and Sciences Saturday morning, while Tatyanna Blaylock of Stevensville spoke to the Schools of Business, Advanced Technology and Nursing and Health Services Saturday afternoon.

Chicago Trip Memorable for SMC Psychology Students

Southwestern Michigan College psychology students attended the Midwestern Psychological Association’s (MPA) conference at Chicago’s Palmer House Hilton April 19-23.