A Macomb Community College alum who took advantage of the small class sizes and scheduling flexibility of his local college to help propel him toward a career distinguished by innovative software development will be part of a Nov. 4 panel discussion at Macomb on ways to accelerate Michigan’s economy.
Rich Sheridan, a graduate of Chippewa Valley High School in Clinton Township and co-founder of a firm that has been recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest-growing firms in the nation, will be joined by representatives of the New Economy Initiative for Southeast Michigan and the Kauffman Foundation, as part of a unique luncheon event, Accelerating Southeast Michigan’s Economy: Embracing Innovation and Entrepreneurship, at Macomb Community College.
The luncheon is the main fundraiser for a special scholarship fund at the college that is designed to help students who may not meet traditional financial aid guidelines and is being presented as part of the program series American Ingenuity: Embracing the Freedom to Dream at the Lorenzo Cultural Center.
Sharing their perspectives on the Detroit region’s transition to an innovative and entrepreneurial economy will be:
* Sheridan, co-founder and president of Menlo Innovations, an innovative software design and development company in Ann Arbor.
* Sam Singh, senior consultant to the New Economy Initiative for Southeast Michigan, a unique philanthropic initiative aimed at helping to restore the region to a position of leadership in the new global economy. A former “Spartan of the Year, as named by the student newspaper at Michigan State University, Singh has traveled to 48 countries, studying how nonprofit groups can help promote economic development.
* Pamela Hurtt, consultant with the Kauffman Foundation, which focuses on supporting entrepreneurship. An engineer by training, Hurtt’s experience includes work supporting entrepreneurial and diversification efforts for Michigan-based alternative energy companies
James Jacobs, president of Macomb Community College, who is widely known at both the local and national levels as an expert on workforce development and community college issues, will moderate the event
“This luncheon provides a forum to bring together our community to focus on opportunities for transforming our regional economy into one driven by knowledge and innovation,” Jacobs said. “In addition, each attendee is personally and productively impacting that future by directly supporting the education of those who will become the leaders of that new economy.”
Macomb’s Presidential Scholarship was created in 2009 by Jacobs as part of his inauguration as president. Jacobs has served as a professor and administrator at Macomb for more than 40 years. Since the scholarship was created, 29 students have been awarded scholarships totaling approximately $30,000 to support their studies at Macomb. The Presidential Scholarship was established to provide assistance to Macomb students who may not qualify for funding based on typical financial aid guidelines.
The Nov. 4 program will begin with lunch at 11:30 a.m. and will conclude by 1:30 p.m. Guests to the luncheon will be able to tour the exhibits of the American Ingenuity series before or after the luncheon.
Tickets for the luncheon are $50. Registration for the luncheon may be made by calling the college at 586.445.7204.
The American Ingenuity series began Sept. 25 and continues through Nov. 21 at the Lorenzo Cultural Center, located on Macomb’s Center Campus, M-59 and Garfield, in Clinton Township.
About the Lorenzo Cultural Center
The Lorenzo Cultural Center (LorenzoCulturalCenter.com) explores the influences and experiences that shape our community's heritage, examining topics from a variety of perspectives and creating interactive opportunities for learning, celebration and entertainment. Located on Macomb Community College's Center Campus, Hall and Garfield Roads in Clinton Township, the cultural center is adjacent to the Macomb Center for Performing Arts.
About Macomb Community College
Macomb Community College (macomb.edu) is one of the nation’s leading community colleges, providing learning experiences to more than 48,000 students annually. Macomb nationally ranks in the top two percent in the number of associate degrees awarded and as the largest grantor of associate degrees in Michigan. The college’s comprehensive educational programming includes pre-collegiate experiences, university transfer and career preparation programs, bachelor degree completion and graduate degree programs, workforce training, professional education and certification, and continuing education and enrichment opportunities.
Media contact:
Dan Heaton
586.445.7271
heatond@macomb.edu