By Amanda Flaugher, Dean of Students
HSE Room at New SCTC Campus
The grand opening of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College’s (SCTC) new campus was celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house in the spring of 2024. SCTC, now located at 5805 E. Pickard St. in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, is a two-year public college that serves the tribal community by offering high school equivalency (HSE) programming and four associate degree programs including: Liberal Arts, Native American Studies, Business, and Science. Founded in 1998, the tribal council adopted a resolution establishing a tribally- controlled college and forming a governing Board of Regents. While the primary focus was to build a bridge between tribal members and higher education, the college was chartered as a public institution for all people in the community.
The occasion brought in a full house of community supporters and began with a prayer offered by SCTC’s Anishinaabemowin instructor, George Roy. Additionally, a blessing was given by tribal council chaplain, Alice Jo Ricketts, in which she shared, “My favorite part is when you walk in and see our teachings all around, on every floor (of the building). I want to encourage everyone – it’s in our Anishinaabemowin – to study (those teachings), and to speak them, and embrace them in everyday life.”
SCTC’s Walls Hold Anishinaabe Teachings
The new campus includes a dedicated space for SCTC’s HSE program which allows students to utilize a fully equipped computer lab and certified testing center on campus. Additionally, HSE students are welcome to join all activities on campus and participate in student success coaching which allows them to set their goals, define their “why,” and identify a success team that will help them along their path to success. Pictures of HSE graduates and stories of the success of past students are framed and proudly displayed on the walls of the college. Jordan Fallis, Chair of the SCTC Board of Regents, said he is “excited for the future; to see the young leaders that will come out of this college.”
At the grand opening, President Carla Sineway shared, “That process to find SCTC a home has strengthened us. Sometimes we think that the outcome is what we need to be focused on – but sometimes we forget that the journey is just as important, because the journey makes the outcome more valuable.” Student Senate President, Niibin Sprague, led the ribbon cutting ceremony with support from tribal council, SCTC representatives, and Board of Regent members. The event concluded and the college officially opened its doors to the public with the Blue House Singers performing an honor song to welcome the community.
