The Macomb Community College Foundation recognized donors, whose generous contributions provide scholarships and program funds that support the college’s students and their success, at the Celebration of Donors and Scholarship Recipients Luncheon. Approximately 200 donors, student recipients and college employees came together to honor donor impact on April 29 at the Lorenzo Cultural Center on the college’s Center Campus in Clinton Township.

During last fiscal year, July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, 571 students received more than $620,000 in awards from the Macomb Community College Foundation to help fuel their success.

“Donors are not only making individual dreams come true by their generosity, donors are helping individuals position themselves for sustainable wage jobs in meaningful career pathways,” said Macomb Community College President James O. Sawyer IV, Ed.D, in his remarks at the event. “With the ability to support themselves and their families, they, in turn, are supporting our community’s economic vitality and resiliency.”

“I am here today because donors once invested in me – at a community college and beyond – when I needed it most -- and that access to education changed the trajectory of my life,” shared longtime donor Amy Robinson. She announced that she and her husband, Kevin Robinson, a U.S. Navy Veteran, are donating an additional $25,000 to the Robinson-Coleman Endowment Fund for Veterans & Military Services, which they established in 2017.

“Having experienced firsthand how powerful scholarships can be, I know their impact extends far beyond earning a degree. My husband, a proud Navy veteran, and I hope that supporting veterans through this fund is about honoring their service while ensuring financial barriers don’t stand in the way of their future.”

Alec Nehr, 23, of Roseville, a Macomb student hoping to be accepted into the nursing program and U.S. Army veteran, spoke of how donors have been integral to supporting his transition from three years on the front line as an infantryman into a new chapter at the college.

“Macomb’s donors provide the opportunity to be a student first and not worry about hardship. Donors build stronger communities and help others rise,” said Nehr.

The event also highlighted the foundation’s Loyalty Circle, comprised of 36 donors who have given for 25 consecutive years.

“This year’s donor and scholarship celebration is meaningful due to the college’s strong, continued support from donors, especially the 36 who have continuously given for a quarter of a century,” said Diane Banks, director, Macomb Community College Foundation. “We applaud all donors who contributed to a scholarship or program fund, as every little bit counts to create direct change in our community and support the next wave of students.”

New scholarships announced include:

• Lois Hansen-Hjelle Endowed Memorial Scholarship – Established by Hansen-Hjelle to support to students pursuing a degree in business.
• Captain Gary D. Micu Scholarship – Established by Micu for students pursuing Fire Fighting I & II certification.
• Dr. Raymond McCracken Memorial Endowed Scholarship for Dental Science – Established by the friends and family of Dr. Raymond McCracken to support students enrolled in the Dental Assistant or Dental Hygiene programs.
• Ronald J. Dichtel Scholarship – Established by Concord Tool and Manufacturing to carry on Ron’s legacy, supporting Macomb students who demonstrate a commitment to hard work, integrity and passion for their studies in skilled trades and advanced manufacturing.
• Tanya M. Balcom Business, Hospitality & Entrepreneurship Management Scholarship – Established by Balcom to support and empower the next generation of innovative leaders in business management, hospitality management and entrepreneurship. This scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate academic promise, leadership in the classroom and a passion for creating meaningful impact in their chosen field.
• Nuytten Memorial Dental Scholarship – Established by Mark Nuytten and Donna Domanke-Nuytten in memory of Mark’s father, Joris Nuytten, DDS; his mother, Delphine Nuytten, RDH; and his aunt, Alma Nuytten Heindryckx, RDH, to provide financial assistance to students interested in pursuing a career in the dental hygiene field.
• Henry Helps ASBE Foundation Scholarship –Established by Henry Sommerstorfer, Macomb alumnus, in honor of the ASBE Foundation and to encourage, support and reward students pursuing careers in the skilled trades, design and advanced technology at Macomb.

New program funds include:

• Michigan Fraternal Order of Police Pathway to Service Award –Established by Joe Adams, national trustee, Michigan Fraternal Order of Police, to provide financial assistance to criminal justice students accepted into the Macomb Police Academy.
• Devoted Dental Group Program Fund– Established by Dr. Nawras Najor to assist dental students at Macomb Community College in offsetting the cost of higher education, training and licensure.
• National Food Group Culinary Program Fund – Established by the National Food Group to empower the next generation of culinary professionals by offering meaningful support, resources and opportunities to help them thrive in their educational and professional journeys.
• M-TEC Gene Haas Foundation CNC Lab Program Fund – Established by the Gene Haas Foundation for renovation and remodeling of the CNC lab, lounge, as well as support to manufacturing educational projects and programs within.
• Nuytten Archive Program – Established by Mark Nuytten to support Macomb’s archives to further restore and preserve the history of Macomb.

For more information on the Macomb Community College Foundation, visit www.macomb.edu/Foundation.

About Macomb Community College

Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is about transforming lives and communities through the power of education, enrichment and economic development. Macomb grants the largest number of associate degrees in Michigan and is the largest community college in the state. The college provides programming for youth through seniors, including early college for high school students, university transfer and career preparation programs, workforce education, continuing education and certification, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities encompassing arts, culture and lifelong learning.

Media Contact: Rachel LePoudre, APR, lepoudrer417@macomb.edu, 586.445.7271