Getting Started
1983-1984
The concept of a state council for the promotion of cooperative education was born out of an early 1983 meeting of the National Commission for Cooperative Education’s Employer Advisory Council in Boston, Massachusetts. Reviewing the objectives of the National Commission, and in light of the possibility of a National Advertising Campaign, some strategies to expand cooperative education were explored.
It was recognized that increased support from both the employer and governmental sectors could best be amassed from efforts on a local level. Additionally, a stronger employer base locally could more effectively ensure the success of the proposed National Ad Campaign.
Michigan was chosen as the first state to establish a formal council for cooperative education. Initially, the organization was intended to be employer-driven in its quest for expansion of cooperative education and support was sought from the business community. Additionally, the Michigan model would serve as a prototype for other states to learn from as they too organized task forces to expand co-op within their boundaries.
The National Commission expended nearly $15,000 in start-up costs and the organizational work necessary to establish the Council was begun. Dr. Ralph Porter, Director of the National Commission, spearheaded the movement with the assistance of Dennis McGinnity, an executive-on-loan to the Commission from IBM Corporation. The Burroughs Corporation supplied the full-time services of Mr. James Chambers, a Michigan-based executive, past president of both the Cooperative Education Association and the Midwest Cooperative Education Association, for one year through the end of 1983.
The President of Oakland Community College, Dr. Robert Roeloffs, donated office space and secretarial help to house the director’s office of the Michigan Council for Cooperative Education.
The Michigan Council formally convened on November 11, 1983 at a meeting in Detroit, Michigan hosted by the Burroughs Corporation. Decision-makers from many of Michigan’s major corporations as well as influential leaders in state government and local educational institutions were in attendance. The Michigan Council for Cooperative Education was formally introduced at this time.
On December 16, 1983, an informational meeting occurred with Senator Lana Pollack in the State Capital attended by Frank Macher, Ford Motor Company executive, and James Chambers, Michigan Council Director. This meeting garnered significant legislative support for the project. Subsequent visits with the Governor’s Job Training Advisor and State Superintendent of Public institutions, among others, ensued. The consequences of this governmental outreach continue to be a positive force in the movement.
A meeting of the Steering Committee occurred at Wayne State University on December 22, 1983. The Council’s main objective: “To expand cooperative education throughout the state, gaining aggressive support of Michigan’s leadership from business and industry, the academic community, as well as state government,” was established at the time. At this meeting, Mr. Chambers’ tenure came to an end and Mr. Phillip Lavender, Manager of Corporate Sponsorship at GMI Engineering & Management Institute, assumed the directorship of the Michigan Council. Mr. Lavender, at the time President of the Midwest Cooperative Education Association, was able to take on this responsibility due to the generosity of his institution. Phil was granted release time by his president, Dr. William Cottingham, to devote initially one-half of his time to the project.
New Leadership and New Funding
1984-1985
On January 30, 1984, a proposal for funding was submitted to the C. S. Mott Foundation, a philanthropical organization based in Flint, Michigan. This proposal was supported by the National Commission and delivered by Ralph Porter. On May 25, 1984, a $49,450 grant was awarded for the period of July 1, 1984, to June 30, 1985 with the possibility of renewal at that time. The Mott Grant was extremely beneficial to the Michigan Council, supporting one-half of the Director’s salary, secretarial and office support. In addition to this financial assistance, GMI released Phil Lavender on a full-time basis effective February 1, 1985 to devote his full energy to the Michigan Council.
Four meetings of the Steering Committee occurred during the first half of 1984, hosted by Oakland Community College and Ford Motor Company. It was decided that a three-pronged approach would be developed to gain additional support from industry, education and government in keeping with the objectives of the Council. These efforts would culminate in a Fall Executive Luncheon which would take place on November 13, 1984, featuring Governor James Blanchard as the keynote speaker and Dr. Runkel, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, a representative from the National Council for Cooperative Education, and CEOs from American Natural Resources, Ford Motor Company, General Motor Corporation, and Burroughs Corporation speaking on behalf of the Michigan Council. Invited to this luncheon would be executives from Michigan area business and industry. All of the Council’s resources were amassed to work toward the successful completion of this program.
In mid-October, a last-minute conflict developed causing Governor Blanchard to withdraw from the luncheon and resulting in the cancellation of the Fall Executive Luncheon. This forced the Michigan Council to shift directions and re-evaluate its plans for a major public relations event.
On November 13, 1984, a general meeting of the Michigan Council membership took place at Macomb Community College. This meeting was significant because the group was presented with information about the National Advertising Campaign which would promise to play an important role in the Council’s future (see below). Also at this meeting, committees were formed and specific tasks assigned in light of tne cancellation of the Executive Luncheon concept.
Thanks to the support of dedicated people in the business, educational and governmental sectors, the Michigan Council for Cooperative Education has developed into a viable community working toward the strengthening expansion of cooperative education in the state of Michigan. Many on-going projects significantly assisted the Council in meeting its objectives. One such project was the marketing and distribution for the National Ad Council Campaign. Matt Trupiano, CEO Enterprises, Inc., and Phil Lavender, GMI Engineering & Management Institute, were key individuals in this effort.
In the Fall of 1984, the National Commission received word that cooperative education had been chosen by the Advertising Council as the recipient of a free national advertising campaign. The Michigan Council pledged its full support to this campaign and formed a committee to develop a marketing strategy and training plan to effectively convince the local media to air, print and display the resultant advertising. Preliminary meetings resulted in the analysis of the campaign marketing strategy by Eastern Michigan University marketing students.
In May 1985, the initial media campaign in Michigan began with a very successful breakfast meeting held in Flint. This meeting attracted television, radio and print media representatives who pledged their support for the National Advertising Campaign.
Nationally, the Ad Campaign has helped to increase co-op participation by 30-35% and increased awareness has also contributed to co-op involvements in Michigan.
Other Important Projects
1985-1989
The Michigan Council for Cooperative Education “Marketing” Brochure committee was chaired by William Cottingham, GMI Engineering & Management Institute. Committee members were Ralph Porter, National Commission, Phil Lavender, GM1 Engineering & Management Institute, and Jim Varty and Suzanne Joelson, Macomb Community College. A first class resource manual was developed for use as a marketing tool in recruiting co-op employers. Testimonials were received from Governor Blanchard and CEOs of major Michigan corporations. This project was funded by ANR Pipeline Company, Burroughs Corporation (now Unisys), Ford Motor Company and General Motors Corporation.
The committee to survey the secondary and post-secondary co-op programs in Michigan was chaired by Carl Woloszyk, Michigan Department of Education. Committee members were Jim Vick, Eastern Michigan University, Jim Varty, Macomb Community College, and Phil Lavender, GMI Engineering & Management Institute. They set out to determine the extent of co-op program offerings, number of students involved in co-op programs, total enrollments and employers involved. The data was utilized to determine the current levels of co-op involvement by schools, colleges, and employers, to develop a manual of co-op schools to supply to employers interested in co-op. A primary goal was to develop a comprehensive list of employers currently utilizing co-op throughout the state.
A Minority Conference/Minority Development Committee was formed with co-chairs Deltrinee Moore, University of Detroit, and Jameson Teamor, ANR Pipeline. The committee was developed to enhance employer and student awareness about cooperative education. The committee’s primary mission is to increase awareness, and to promote the benefits of cooperative education to minority students, and to support the business community’s affirmative action commitment through this evolving process.
The Minority Development Committee’s specific goals are to:
A specific program was established to foster a better awareness, understanding, appreciation and participation in cooperative education. The event was the first annual Minority Cooperative Education Awareness Program which was held in April, 1989, at Wayne State University. Many employers were present to explain how co-op worked at their particular facilities and the target audience attending was made up of guidance counselors, students and parents from Detroit Public Schools. Although participation was less than expected, many believed this initial conference was very successful.
Change in Leadership Structure and New By-laws
1989-1990
We determined that the Council could not sustain the expenses of even a part-time “executive director.” Matt Trupiano of CEO Enterprises, Inc., had assumed this role from the end of 1987 until June 1989. At this time the Council decided to become a volunteer group, to elect officers and determine its future course at the annual meeting. A new set of by-laws was developed and implemented.
he make-up of the original council was initially designed to be employer-driven. What resulted was a membership composed more equally of representatives from the co-op community in business, education, and state government. The membership is convinced that we will be successful in our mission to effectively promote cooperative education across the state in the years ahead.
A positive effect has already been realized in the working relationships established among Michigan colleges and the dialogue ensuing with the state Department of Education and local co-op directors in the name of cooperative education in our state. Through this liaison a comprehensive co-op employer base can be identified and tapped for the National Ad Campaign and other projects.
Numerous efforts were made by the MCCE executive board to provide a broader base of MCCE participation by more Michigan employers and educators. Representatives across the state were elected to serve one-year terms.
Continuing Efforts
1990-1991
The mission of promoting cooperative education across our state remains our primary focus. New MCCE brochures were developed and printed for use in our promotional efforts. The brochures were sent to cooperative education practitioners across the state and have been distributed at several professional conferences including the Michigan Manufacturer’s Association, Michigan Technology Council, and the Michigan Association of Counseling and Development Conferences. The Council was a cosponsor at the 1990 Annual Conference of the Midwest Cooperative Education Association. We provided a display table and distributed Council information.
t the request of the Council, Governor Engler issued a proclamation declaring February 1991 as Cooperative Education Month in Michigan. Copies of the proclamation were distributed to all members and to high school counselors throughout the state. The Council has obtained such proclamations for the past seven years.
The Council has funded a research project entitled, “Career Outcomes for Cooperative Education Participants,” The research was conducted by Phil Gardner and Garth Motschenbacher at Michigan State University.
The 1991 annual meeting location and agenda were planned and conducted in cooperation with Oakland University, the Midwest Training Center for Cooperative Education, and the Midwest Cooperative Education Association. The attendance was outstanding with good representation from employers and educators alike.
1991-1992
The 1992 annual meeting was held at Bay Valley Hotel and Resort and hosted by The Dow Chemical Company. In addition to keynote speakers, round-table discussions involving timely co-op topics were a key element of the program. This conference also introduced two new awards sponsored by the Council, the MCCE Student Essay Contest and the MCCE Don Hunt Service Award.
The annual meeting continues to be a valuable vehicle, bringing together all of our efforts of promoting cooperative education throughout Michigan.
Current goals include strengthening minority co-op development; strengthening regional participation, especially new employer involvement; and surveying MCCE members and others in the co-op community about the issue of contract hiring. Learning from the past and focusing on the future, the Michigan Council looks forward to the completion of projects now in progress and the increasing role of cooperative education in Michigan.
1992-1993
In November of 1992, fifty ideas for Council activities were generated in a Managing Total Quality nominal group technique exercise. After prioritizing and voting on those ideas, the following were selected for action:
By the end of the 1992/93 year, the Council had active committees working to meet those goals.
In addition, the Council conducted a survey of co-op schools about Contract Co-op, fulfulling one of the goals from 1991/92. The results were made available at the annual meeting. Another report distributed at the annual meeting was: “More Alike than Different: Early Work Experiences of Co-op and Non Co-op Engineers,” the results of research that the Council sponsored. Also, the Council sponsored Wayne State University’s co-op salary survey again this year.
To make external communities more aware of co-op and MCCE, the Council participated in the MACRO College Fair at the University of Detroit Mercy. Detroit Public Schools’ seniors had the opportunity to learn about college co-op and which college/universities offer co-op. New brochures were also created this year, updating the benefits of co-op to students, employers, and institutions.
The Council sponsored an Early Bird Breakfast Forum and made a presentation to the Mid-Michigan Chamber of Commerce. Following the model, next we co-sponsored the “Employer/Educator Cooperation” luncheon for the Flint/Genessee Co-op Consortium.
Two drive-in workshops were held this year. “Legal Issues: UnemploymentCompensation for Co-ops” was in November and “The Americans with Disabilities Act: The Effect on Student Programs and Recruiting” was in May.
As in years past, the Council distributed materials to members in October for Nation Coop Month. Also following tradition, the Council initiated making February Co-op Month in the state and Governor Engler proclaimed it as such. Copies of the executive declaration and tips on getting the maximum exposure and most benefit out of Co-op Month were sent to all MCCE members and key high school personnel throughout the state. MCCE participated in the MARCO College Fair, which was held at Wayne State University in October. Three thousand Detroit area high school students attended the event, where MCCE members distributed co-op information.
Three drive-in workshops were held this year: “Intercultural Communication,” “JobDevelopment in a Transitional Economy,” (co-sponsored with the Midwest TrainingCenter for Cooperative Education), and “Reforming Education Through Cooperation”(co-sponsored with Mid-Michigan Human Resource Association). A total of 93 peopleattended these workshops.
The student essay contest was renamed the “Carol Quant Student Essay Contest.” The first place winner this year was Arthur Martin from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, co-op student at Steelcase.
The Council assisted Michigan State University in funding the printing and distribution of More Alike than Different: Early Work Experiences of Co-op and Non Co-op Engineers, the research project that MCCE co-sponsored last year. Also, MCCE co-sponsored the Cooperative Education Student Employee Salary and Benefits Survey that was conducted by Wayne State University again this year.
Lastly, the Council co-sponsored Michigan’s first Workforce Readiness Conference with the Midwest Training Center. The conference was held the day before the MCCE Annual Meeting in Frankenmuth. The conference was attended by approximately 150 people and it included programs on the federal school-to-work initiative and diversity in education.
1994-1995
February was again declared Co-op Month in Michigan. Copies of Governor Engler’s proclamation were sent to MCCE members and high school co-op coordinators throughout the state.
Les Leone, Michigan State University, chaired a committee that conducted a survey of post-secondary co-op programs in the state. The final report was completed in Fall
1995.
Michigan Co-op At a Glance, the flyer which lists co-op programs offered at Michigan colleges and universities, was updated and distributed to MCCE members.
The MCCE Annual Meeting was held on June 7-8 at Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island. Eighty people attended. Keynote speakers were Gary Olson, Director of the State’s Senate Fiscal Agency; and Sandy McClurg, Director, Training Projects, Human Resource Development, Oakland University. Gary’s presentation was ‘The SenateFiscal Agency: It’s Role and Mission in the State Budget Process.” Sandy spoke on “The Ten Best Ways to Help Prepare People for Careers.”
During the annual meeting, The Don Hunt Service Award was presented to Dan Sveller, College Relations Manager, Ford Motor Company, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the co-op community.
Debra Gardner, first place winner (among 79 entries) of the “Carol Quandt Student Essay Contest,” read her paper at the annual meeting awards luncheon. Debra, a mechanical engineering major at GMI, co-oped at Delco Electronics.
1995-1996
The Council sponsored a break at the 1995 MCEA Conference in Dayton, Ohio.
MCCE volunteers staffed a booth at the MARCO College Fair, which was held at Wayne State University. Co-op literature was distributed to an audience comprised of approximately 3,000 Detroit high school students.
MCCE had an exhibit at the Michigan Small Business Day Conference. Representatives served on a panel discussion.
MCCE members participated in a panel discussion at the Governor’s School-to-Work Conference.
Governor John Engler again declared February as Co-op Month in Michigan. Copies of the proclamation were distributed to MCCE members and high school co-op coordinators through out the state.
A new membership structure was developed to encourage greater participation in the Council. MCCE By-Laws were revised in an effort to enhance the focus and direction of the organization.
Traverse City was selected as the site of the 1998 MCEA Conference, to be chaired by Dale Monson of Ferris State University.
The Campus Inn, located on the University of Michigan Campus in Ann Arbor, was the site of the MCCE Annual Meeting, June 5-6 1996. Eighty people were in attendance. Keynote speakers were: Cal Williams, Dean of Students, Washtenaw Community College; Phil Gardner, Collegiate Employment Research Institute, Michigan State University; and Karen Simpkins, Director of Eastern Michigan University’s Career Center.
The Carol Quandt Student Essay Contest winner was Samuel Swartz, a Civil and Environmental Engineering major at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Samuel, selected from 52 entries, is employed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Deltrinee Moore, University of Detroit Mercy, received the Don Hunt Service Award.
The first MCCE Employer of the Year award was presented to EDS. Kris Lehman accepted the award.
1996-1997
The Council sponsored a break at the 1996 MCEA Conference in Covington, Kentucky.
The MCCE web homepage was created and implemented.
Two drive-in workshops were held: “International Do’s and Taboo’s” on November 15 and “Behavioral-Based Interviewing” on April 25.
ebruary was again declared Co-op Month in Michigan by Governor Engler. Copies of the proclamation were sent to MCCE members and high school co-op coordinators throughout the state.
Two new MCCE tabletop display recruiting boards were developed for use at high school career days and other activities.
The Council contributed to the funding of a research project by Judy Dimmer entitled, “The Impact of Participation in a Cooperative Education Curriculum on Job Performance after Graduation.” Results will be presented at the annual meeting and offered for publication in the CEA Journal.
The MCCE Annual Meeting, “Exploring Co-op’s Natural Resources,” was held on June 11-12 at McGuire’s Resort in Cadillac, Michigan. Sixty people were in attendance.
Keynote speakers were David and Mary Ann Frew, a husband and wife team who have worked together as faculty members, cooperated on consulting projects for major businesses, co-authored several books and articles and served as co-op directors at Gannon University in Pennsylvania.
Anita O’Brien, a management major at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, was selected as the first-place winner of the 1997 Carol Quandt Student Essay Contest from a pool of 57 entries. A co-op at Masco Corporation in Taylor, Michigan, Anita presented her paper at the annual meeting awards luncheon.
Dr. James Varty, Dean of Academic and Student Development Services at Macomb Community College, was the recipient of the Don Hunt Service Award.
General Motors Corporation received the second annual MCCE Employer of the Year Award. Pat Bryant accepted the award on behalf of GM.
Michigan members began the planning of the 1998 MCEA Conference to be held in
Traverse City, September 27-30, 1998. The theme of the conference is “The Changing Colors of Co-op -- A Fall Conference on the Bay.”
1997-1998
Two Drive-in Workshops were held: “Assisting Students with Disabilities” a presentation by Marg Chmielewski, Michigan State University was held on November 6, 1997; and “Dealing with Sexual Harassment” by Diane Jordan, University of Michigan was held on May 6, 1998. Each conference had approximately 35 attendees.
The MCCE Annual meeting was held on June 18, 1998 at the Holiday Inn-South inLansing, Ml. This one day workshop entitled “Managing Diversity in the Workplace -Links to Cooperative Education.” This very interactive presentation was by JoannaStark from Michigan State University and Lansing Community College.
The Don Hunt Service Award was presented at the MCCE Annual Conference to Les Leone from Michigan State University.
The Third Annual Employer of the Year award was presented to Dow Chemical, the award was accepted by Kim Spyhalski.
The 1998 Carol Quandt Student Essay Contest yielded 87 entries from 16 schools and 62 employer organizations. The first place winner was Kevin Kemery, a student from Kettering University who co-oped at The Gerstenlager Company. Second and third place were awarded to Louis DiSanto, Michigan State University and Nalco Chemical Company and Amy Gentz, Purdue University and Dow Chemical Company, respectively.
The Council sponsored a break at the 1997 MCEA Annual Conference in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
1998-1999
Michigan was very pleased to host the MCEA Annual Conference, "The Changing Colors of Co-op - A Fall Conference on the Bay", September 27-30, 1999, in Traverse City, Michigan. Dale Monson was Conference Chair. Over 25 MCCE members played an active role in the conference planning activities. Keynote speakers included, Will Ruch, a partner with Hughes, Ruch & Murphy; Colleen Howe, President of Power Play International and Power Play publications, she is known as Mrs. Hockey; Bill Laimbeer, former all star center for the Detroit Pistons and President and COO of Laimbeer Packaging; and Don Vicek, author of “The Domino Effect” and past Vice President of Domino’s Pizza. Ford Motor Company was a major contributing sponsor of the conference efforts.
Michigan Council for Cooperative Education and Macomb Community College co-sponsored a workshop on November 16, 1998 at Macomb Community College. The interactive program allowed participants to identify best practices of cooperative education at their own organizations. A discussion of the future of cooperative education in the next millennium followed.
A holiday breakfast gathering was co-hosted by MCCE and Michigan College and University Placement Association in December. Approximately 65 co-op and placement practitioners attended the event at Oakland University.
Governor John Engler again declared February as Co-op Month in Michigan. Copies of the proclamation were distributed to MCCE members and high school coordinators throughout the state.
In an effort to promote co-op awareness, Michigan Council for Cooperative Education staffed a booth at "College Night 1999", held at Henry Ford Community College in April. Co-op literature was distributed to an audience comprised of sever hundred area high school students and their parents.
"Developing and Coordinating Quality Student Programs," was the title of a drive-in workshop that was sponsored by MCCE on April 16, 1999. A panel of employers discussed their co-op programs. Panelists included Sheri Parker, Dow Chemical Company; Mike Johnson, Plante and Moran; Patricia Triggs, Ford Motor Company; and Dominica Rojas, Dart Container Corporation. Les Leone, Michigan State University, moderated the session.
The 1999 Michigan Council for Cooperative Education Annual Meeting, "The Winner's Circle, Co-op: The Road to Success," was held on June 17-18, 1999, at the Atheneum Hotel and Conference Center, located in the heart of Detroit's Greektown.
Highlights included a panel discussion by directors from four Detroit Area business associations on economic development in Detroit; a presentation, "International Economics and Jobs", given by W. Van Bussman, Corporate Economist for DaimlerChrysler; and a session on business ethics for co-op professionals presented by Gerald Cavanagh, a faculty member from University of Detroit Mercy.
MCCE annual awards were presented at the luncheon. The First Place winner of the 1999 Carol Quandt Essay Contest was Andrew Caulk, a Civil Engineering major at Wayne State University, employed by the Michigan Department of Transportation. Second Place was awarded to Michelle Leigh Popoff, an International Studies/ Business and Spanish major at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, who is a co-op at Society of Manufacturing Engineers. Donna Kolodsick, a General Studies major from the University of Michigan-Dearborn who works at Angela Hospice, received the Third Place award.
Carol Quandt, who retired from the University of Michigan-Dearborn five years ago and now lives in California, was the recipient of the Don Hunt Service Award. Carol graciously accepted her award via videotape.
Michigan Department of Transportation received the MCCE Employer of the Year Award. Betty Eaton was present to accept the award.
Three editions of the Co-op Courier, the Michigan Council for Cooperative Education
Newsletter, were published and distributed to members during the year.
1999-2000
The Council sponsored a break for the “Nuts and Bolts” session as well as a general afternoon break at the 1999 MCEA Conference in Des Moines, Iowa.
Michigan Council for Cooperative Education members were busy promoting co-op awareness to high school students this past year by participating in college nights throughout the state. Co-op professionals volunteered their time to distribute Michigan Co-op At A Glance flyers and MCCE giveaways to prospective college students and speak to them and their parents about the many benefits of cooperative education.
February 2000 was declared Co-op Month in Michigan. Copies of Governor John Engler’s proclamation were sent to MCCE members and high school coordinators throughout the state.
“How’s Your Laugh Life—Putting Humor to Work” was the title of a drive-in workshop sponsored by Michigan Council for Cooperative Education in March. Sheila Feigelson, Ph.D., author of Energize Your Meetings with Laughter, presented co-op professionals with techniques on how to use humor in the workplace as a tool to enable learning, encourage creativity, solve problems, build morale, and reduce stress.
Michigan Council for Cooperative Education and Mi-ACCESS, Michigan Association of Collegiate Career Employment Services (formerly MCUPA, Michigan College and University Placement Association), sponsored a joint conference June 14-16 in Grand Rapids. Martin Yate, author of such best-selling career management books as Knock ‘Em Dead—the Ultimate Job Seeker’s Guide, Resumes That Knock ‘Em Dead, Beat the Odds, and Cover Letters That Knock ‘Em Dead, spoke on “Hiring the Best.”
MCCE annual awards were announced at the conference luncheon. The First Place winner of the 2000 Carol Quandt Student Essay Contest was Matthew Coffer, a Mechanical Engineering major at Kettering University, employed by General Motors Truck Group in Pontiac. Second Place was awarded to Todd Edmonds, an Electrical Engineering major at Michigan State University who worked at Dupont in Richmond, Virginia. Seth Woodward, a Mechanical Engineering major from Kettering University and a co-op at Mitsubishi Motors in Normal, Illinois, received the Third Place award.
Delphi Automotive was the recipient of the MCCE Employer of the Year Award, which was accepted by Sue Williams. The Don Hunt Service Award was presented to Diane Grimord of Wayne State University.
The first annual Michigan Co-op Challenge was held on August 11 on the campus of Kettering University in Flint. It was a fun-filled day of various contests (Basketball Hotshot, Golf Ball Run, Volleyball, Trivia Challenge, Team Skits). The purpose of the event was to provide a forum for co-op/intern students from throughout Michigan to meet, network, have fun, and promote the benefits of co-op/internship programs. The Wayne State University team received First Place honors and the privilege of displaying the traveling trophy for the year.
Fall 2000 was set as the launch date for the MCCE co-op job recruitment web site, an easy vehicle for schools and employers to connect for co-op jobs statewide through one simple job posting.
Three editions of the MCCE newsletter, Co-op Courier, were published and distributed to members during the year.
2000-2001
The Co-op Courier, Michigan Council’s newsletter received First Place in the Midwest Cooperative Education and Internship Association’s Awards of Excellence contest. It was announced in October, 2001, at the Lisle Illinois conference. Craig Gunn, the newsletter editor, submitted the entry and received the plaque. Three editions of the newsletter were published—both in print and electronically.
The Council worked on a new website www.coopjobs.org which, in addition to incorporating MCCE activities such as the annual meeting, has a job-posting component for employers. Rod Gibeau ,Alandis Baker, and Janis Chabica Conklin took a major leadership role in its creation.
Two drive-in workshops were presented. In December 2000, Patti Jones presented “Learning Outcomes –the Educational Value of Cooperative Education” based on the book which she co-authored. It was held in Okemos, Michigan. In May 2001 Rod Gibeau presented “The Unveiling of www.coopjobs.org” –a demonstration of the Council’s new website. This was delivered at Lansing Community College. The workshop chairs were Carol Wilson and Michelle Shields.
The theme of the Annual Meeting was “Co-op –It’s Crystal Clear.” The conference was held June 14 and 15 at Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsoville, Michigan. The co-chairs were Rita Young Bantam and Doug Bourassa. Highlights of the meeting were talks by Chuck Cote, Manny Contamanolis, and Bob Tillman. A golf outing and tour of Legacy Art Park preceded the conference and a welcome dinner was followed by a slide presentation of the art park.
MCCE annual awards were announced at the Annual Meeting luncheon.
Nancy Stupsker was given the Don Hunt Award.
Dupont was named Employer of the Year. Rod Gibeau accepted the award.
The Carol Quandt Student Essay Contest award winners were:
The second annual Co-op Challenge was held at Kettering University in Flint on August 10, 2001. It was a fun-filled day with eight teams of students participating in various competitions such as volleyball, basketball hotshot, put/pass/kick/ darts, frisbee toss, golf ball run, trivia challenge, problem solving, and team skits. Over 70 students participated in the event from Grand Valley State University, Henry Ford Community College, Ford Motor Company/Kettering University, Oakland University, University of Detroit Mercy, University of Michigan-Dearborn, University of Windsor, and Wayne State University. The University of Detroit Mercy received the Phillips Cup for first place honors. The purpose of the event was to provide a forum for students to meet, network, have fun, and promote the benefits of co-op and internship programs. The committee consisted of Chris Plouff, Lisa Phillips, Bernadette Friedrich, and Rick Korkizko.
February 2001 was declared Co-op Month in Michigan. Copies of the governor’s proclamation were sent to MCCE members and high school coordinators throughout the state.
A holiday luncheon was coordinated by Bob Thomas and held at Meadowbrook Hall at Oakland University.
Michigan Council members worked hard a promoting co-op awareness to high school students and their parents by participating in college nights throughout the state. These events were coordinated by Bob Penkala and Chris Plouff. Several small gifts such as rulers and erasers were given to the students. Diane Grimord worked on maintaining the supply of student gifts.
MCCE Bookmarks with resume tips and interviewing tips were developed by Kelly Counsellor and Joanna Kroll with input from the Executive Board. These will be distributed to students by MCCE members.
A holiday luncheon was co-sponsored with MI-ACCESS at Oakland University, Meadowbrook Hall in December.
2002-2003
The Council continued work on the MCCE website www.coopjobs.org which, in addition to incorporating MCCE activities such as the annual meeting, has a job-posting component for employers. Changes were made in the hosting and maintenance venues to provide more effective and efficient service and access.
February 2002 was declared Co-op Month in Michigan. Copies of the governor’s proclamation were sent to MCCE members and high school coordinators throughout the state.
The third annual Co-op Challenge was held at Kettering University in Flint on August 9, 2002. It was a fun-filled day with eight teams of students participating in various competitions such as volleyball, basketball hotshot, put/pass/kick/ darts, frisbee toss, golf ball run, trivia challenge, problem solving, and team skits. The purpose of the event was to provide a forum for students to meet, network, have fun, and promote the benefits of co-op and internship programs. The committee consisted of Chris Plouff, Lisa Phillips, and Rick Korkizko.
*Charlotte Whitney was given the Don Hunt Award.
*Siemens - Dematic - Rapistan Division was named Employer of the Year.
*The Carol Quandt Student Essay Contest award winner was Sara Smith, student at Central Michigan University and a co-op at Dow Chemical.
MCCE held two Drive In Workshops for the 2001-2002 year. The Workshops were held at the Comfort Inn in Okemos, Michigan. The first was held November 30,2001. The topic was "Overview of Co-op programs: Perspectives of MCCE members. Companies, Universities and Community Colleges." This a panel discussion with various members from schools and companies including: Bernadette Friedrich, MSU, Patti Jones, U of M Dearborn, Robert Penkala Macomb Community College, Lisa Phillips, Kettering University, Bety Eaton,
MDOT, Karen Person, EDS, Karin Hanson, Enterprise and Matt Sims from Metaldyne. The 2nd workshop was held March 22, 2002. Garth Motschenbacher and Brian Martin presented their Partners in Learning program from Kettering University.
MCCE hosted a Year-End Luncheon with co-sponsors MI-ACCES and Michigan
Collegiate Job Fair on December 12, 2001. It was very well-attended with over 80 people enjoying the Henry Ford Estate's grand atmosphere and good food, as well as music by Patty Masri-Fletcher, principal harpist for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
The 2002 Michigan Council for Cooperative Education Annual Meeting was held on June 6-7, 2002, at the Thomas Edison Inn in Port Huron. Arch Lustberg, of Arch Lustberg Communications, Inc., Washington, D.C., was the keynote speaker. He presented, “How To Sell Yourself: Winning Techniques for Selling Yourself…Your Ideas…Your Message.” Rita Bantom, University of Michigan—Ann Arbor; Patti Jones, University of Michigan—Dearborn; and Lisa Phillips, Kettering University; graciously volunteered to assist in the session by giving brief presentations to the audience that were videotaped by Craig Gunn, Michigan State University, and played back for Arch Lustberg to critique. This very interactive training program generated much discussion.
Other highlights of the annual meeting included “A Town Hall Meeting: Burning Issues in Co-op,” facilitated by Bernadette Friedrich, Michigan State University, and “A Kaleidoscope of Events,” in which Craig Gunn reviewed the highlights of the annual meeting in a photo-studded powerpoint presentation. For history buffs, a trolley tour of Port Huron and a walking tour of the Thomas Edison Depot Museum were offered.
MCCE annual awards were presented at the luncheon. The First Place winner of the 2002 Carol Quandt Essay Contest was Sara Smith. She read her winning essay to the audience, which included her parents.
Charlotte Whitney, formerly Director of Business Internships, University of Michigan—Dearborn, who took a position at University of Michigan—Ann Arbor, was the recipient of the Don Hunt Service Award. Lisa Phillips read a gracious acceptance note from Charlotte, who was unable to attend.
Seimens - Dematics(Rapistan Division)was named the MCCE Employer of the Year. Cliff Winn, Kettering University, later presented the award to the company in Grand Rapids.
2007 - 2008
The Michigan Council for Internships & Cooperative Education continued to work towards accomplishing the goals set out in the organizations Strategic Plan. Revisions were made to the Strategic Principles, Goals and Objectives insuring up-to-date information reflecting accomplishments since they were initially established in 2005-06. The priorities this year focuses on the following areas: Organizational Structure Improvement Continue to encourage volunteer participation and motivation Review and update committee structure Membership Recruitment & Retention Increase employer and educational institutions Increase student involvement Marketing & Promotion Improve the promotion of cooperative education and internships February was again declared Co-op Month in Michigan. Copies of Governor Ganholm’s proclamation were sent to MC-ICE members throughout the state. Michigan Internship & Co-op At A Glance, was converted to an on-line resource through the leadership of Tom Demmon from Grand Valley State University and a team of students (Beth Byl, Kyle Hanson, David Lange, Jon Boyce and Brett Emaus) who took on this task as a class project. The project also provided an opportunity to update the MC-ICE web pages for better alignment with user needs. The outcome was a cleaner look for the MC-ICE website as well as on on-line system of accessing internship/co-op practitioners and programs in the State of Michigan. The new name for this resource is the Intern/Co-op Finder and it can be found at www.mcice.org The MC-ICE Annual Meeting was held on June 5 at Western Michigan University. Seventy people attended. Conference Co-op Chairs were Tom Demmon from Grand Valley State University and Fred Sitkins from Western Michigan University. The conference was held at the WMU College of Engineering & Applied Science in Kalamazoo, MI. Keynote speakers were Allan Outlaw from Eaton Corporation and Michael Ziemelis from The Stryker Corporation both talking about the employer’s perspective as it relates to candidates fro positions in their organizations. A tour of the Soil & Materials Engineers, Inc. facility was offered to participants. George Erickcek from Upjohn Institute talked about the Michigan Economy. Dr. Paul Plotkowski and Dr. Tim Greene talked about Internship and Coop program collaboration between students, faculty and administrators. Dr. Jim Varty talked about the Michigan Co-op History Project and next steps for the future. During the Annual Meeting, The Don Hunt Service Award was presented to Lisa Phillips, Corporate Relations Manager, Kettering University, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the internship & co-op community as well as to Michigan Council and the State of Michigan. Amy Topoleski, first place winner of the “Carol Quandt Student Essay Contest,” read her paper at the annual meeting awards luncheon. Amy is a Communications major at the University of Michigan-Dearborn who interned at Valassis Communications. Domino’s Pizza was awarded the 2008 MC-ICE Employer of the Year for outstanding support of Michigan Council and the internship/co-op philosophy in the State of Michigan. Harbor Springs was selected as the 2009 Annual Meeting Site to be co-op sponsored with Michigan Association of Colleges and Employers (MI-ACE), June 4 & 5, 2009. Co-Chairs are Brian Partie, CMU for MC-ICE and Kristy McDonald from Northwestern College for MI-ACE. A workshop was planned for the 2008 MCEIA Conference in Detroit, MI, October 26-28, 2008 with the Detroit Regional Chamber to promote the development of Internship Programs by employers in the Midwest. “Internships 201: Hiring Interns and Co-op Students” will be presented by Patti Jones of the Detroit Regional Chamber Talent retention Initiative and will focus on why and how employer swill benefit for internship and co-op students/programs. The Council continued to build partnerships with Detroit Regional Chamber and Automation Alley in an effort to align college and university internship/co-op programs with sponsoring employers. The MC-ICE Board of Trustees (BOT) focused energies on supporting the MCEIA Conference 2008 Planning Committee for the Detroit conference, October 26-28, 2008. The Internship & Co-op Challenge was held at Kettering University in Flint on July 25, 2008. It was a fun-filled day with three teams of students participating in various competitions such as sand volleyball, put/pass/kick/ darts, wiffleball derby, trivia challenge, problem solving, putt-out and team skits. The purpose of the event was to provide a forum for students to meet, network, have fun, and promote the benefits of co-op and internship programs. Participants wore: “Let The Games Begin” T-Shirts and the theme of the skit was “going For the Gold at Your Internship/Co-op” all in line with the Summer 2008 Olympics. The winner was the Peter Basso & Associates team. This was a big win for team as it was their first appearance at the Challenge. The event planning committee consisted of David Thomas , ICPR and Lisa Phillips, Kettering University. MC-ICE co-sponsored the Michigan Collegiate Virtual Job Fair (MCVJF) again this year. Robert Penkala serves as the MC-ICE Liaison with the committee. The event was a success with 95 employers, 4434 students and 28 college sand universities participating. Michigan Council received $566 for co-sponsoring this event. The MC-ICE BOT Employer and Education Representative Roles were clearly defined, documented and placed on the MC-ICE website for future reference and recruitment of members. The MC-ICE organizational documents were reviewed by David Thomas and Julia Roach from ICPSR. They were converted to electronic storage files and organized on the MC-ICE WebPages for future reference in the “Archive” section.
Organizational Structure Improvement Continue to encourage volunteer participation and motivation Review and update committee structure Membership Recruitment & Retention Increase employer and educational institutions Increase student involvement Marketing & Promotion Improve the promotion of cooperative education and internships
February was again declared Co-op Month in Michigan. Copies of Governor Ganholm’s proclamation were sent to MC-ICE members throughout the state.
Michigan Internship & Co-op At A Glance, was converted to an on-line resource through the leadership of Tom Demmon from Grand Valley State University and a team of students (Beth Byl, Kyle Hanson, David Lange, Jon Boyce and Brett Emaus) who took on this task as a class project. The project also provided an opportunity to update the MC-ICE web pages for better alignment with user needs. The outcome was a cleaner look for the MC-ICE website as well as on on-line system of accessing internship/co-op practitioners and programs in the State of Michigan. The new name for this resource is the Intern/Co-op Finder and it can be found at www.mcice.org
The MC-ICE Annual Meeting was held on June 5 at Western Michigan University. Seventy people attended. Conference Co-op Chairs were Tom Demmon from Grand Valley State University and Fred Sitkins from Western Michigan University. The conference was held at the WMU College of Engineering & Applied Science in Kalamazoo, MI. Keynote speakers were Allan Outlaw from Eaton Corporation and Michael Ziemelis from The Stryker Corporation both talking about the employer’s perspective as it relates to candidates fro positions in their organizations. A tour of the Soil & Materials Engineers, Inc. facility was offered to participants. George Erickcek from Upjohn Institute talked about the Michigan Economy. Dr. Paul Plotkowski and Dr. Tim Greene talked about Internship and Coop program collaboration between students, faculty and administrators. Dr. Jim Varty talked about the Michigan Co-op History Project and next steps for the future.
During the Annual Meeting, The Don Hunt Service Award was presented to Lisa Phillips, Corporate Relations Manager, Kettering University, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the internship & co-op community as well as to Michigan Council and the State of Michigan. Amy Topoleski, first place winner of the “Carol Quandt Student Essay Contest,” read her paper at the annual meeting awards luncheon. Amy is a Communications major at the University of Michigan-Dearborn who interned at Valassis Communications. Domino’s Pizza was awarded the 2008 MC-ICE Employer of the Year for outstanding support of Michigan Council and the internship/co-op philosophy in the State of Michigan.
Harbor Springs was selected as the 2009 Annual Meeting Site to be co-op sponsored with Michigan Association of Colleges and Employers (MI-ACE), June 4 & 5, 2009. Co-Chairs are Brian Partie, CMU for MC-ICE and Kristy McDonald from Northwestern College for MI-ACE.
A workshop was planned for the 2008 MCEIA Conference in Detroit, MI, October 26-28, 2008 with the Detroit Regional Chamber to promote the development of Internship Programs by employers in the Midwest. “Internships 201: Hiring Interns and Co-op Students” will be presented by Patti Jones of the Detroit Regional Chamber Talent retention Initiative and will focus on why and how employer swill benefit for internship and co-op students/programs.
The Council continued to build partnerships with Detroit Regional Chamber and Automation Alley in an effort to align college and university internship/co-op programs with sponsoring employers.
The MC-ICE Board of Trustees (BOT) focused energies on supporting the MCEIA Conference 2008 Planning Committee for the Detroit conference, October 26-28, 2008.
The Internship & Co-op Challenge was held at Kettering University in Flint on July 25, 2008. It was a fun-filled day with three teams of students participating in various competitions such as sand volleyball, put/pass/kick/ darts, wiffleball derby, trivia challenge, problem solving, putt-out and team skits. The purpose of the event was to provide a forum for students to meet, network, have fun, and promote the benefits of co-op and internship programs. Participants wore: “Let The Games Begin” T-Shirts and the theme of the skit was “going For the Gold at Your Internship/Co-op” all in line with the Summer 2008 Olympics. The winner was the Peter Basso & Associates team. This was a big win for team as it was their first appearance at the Challenge. The event planning committee consisted of David Thomas , ICPR and Lisa Phillips, Kettering University.
MC-ICE co-sponsored the Michigan Collegiate Virtual Job Fair (MCVJF) again this year. Robert Penkala serves as the MC-ICE Liaison with the committee. The event was a success with 95 employers, 4434 students and 28 college sand universities participating. Michigan Council received $566 for co-sponsoring this event.
The MC-ICE BOT Employer and Education Representative Roles were clearly defined, documented and placed on the MC-ICE website for future reference and recruitment of members.
The MC-ICE organizational documents were reviewed by David Thomas and Julia Roach from ICPSR. They were converted to electronic storage files and organized on the MC-ICE WebPages for future reference in the “Archive” section.
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